The Basics: What is Energy Efficiency?
Energy Efficiency programs aim to drive the implementation of projects that minimize or reduce energy use. Undertaking energy efficiency improvements not only saves money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, it also helps us meet our growing energy needs.
The many benefits of energy efficiency include:
- Lower utility bills
- Reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, that contribute to climate change
- Reduced emissions of other harmful air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, that lead to unhealthy air
- New employment opportunities
- Insurance against natural gas price volatility
- Helps stabilize electricity prices
- Reduces the need to invest in new costly generation and transmission infrastructure to meet the rapidly growing energy demand
Types of Energy Efficiency Programs
In New Orleans:
Entergy New Orleans offers a portfolio of energy efficiency programs for residential, small commercial, and industrial holdings through its Energy Smart program.
Programs include:
Programs include:
- Demand-side Management
- Rebate programs
- Direct Install Programs
- Audit Programs
Learn more about these programs:
Demand-side management - Lower Your Energy Use, Save money
Demand side management (DSM) programs help you reduce your electricity usage during peak hours to keep electricity costs lower for all consumers. DSM has become an increasingly popular way of managing electricity costs as an exponentially growing demand for electricity has posed a set of unique challenges for utilities.
Over the past decade, utilities have leveraged tools such as smart-meters, consumer surveys, and advanced data analytics to better understand and identify solutions for managing demand. One example of a demand-side management program is a load allocation scheme that encourages users to shift their energy usage to periods with low demand by offering lower prices in off-peak hours.
Over the past decade, utilities have leveraged tools such as smart-meters, consumer surveys, and advanced data analytics to better understand and identify solutions for managing demand. One example of a demand-side management program is a load allocation scheme that encourages users to shift their energy usage to periods with low demand by offering lower prices in off-peak hours.
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Easy Cool, Entergy New Orleans flagship demand-side management program, provides financial incentives to residential customers who reduce their energy consumption during peak hours, improving reliability for all energy consumers. Participants receive a one-time $25 enrollment incentive and collect an additional $40 incentive each year they participate.
How does it work? Purchase and install a qualifying smart thermostat, and get up to a $100 incentive. Enroll your new or existing thermostat in EasyCool and receive a one-time $25 incentive for signing up. EasyCool smart thermostats automatically make small temperature adjustments to reduce your energy use during short periods of high electricity usage, also known as peak demand. Don't worry, you can always manually adjust your thermostat to your preferred temperature. |
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Rebate Programs - Get money back
Rebate programs help consumers invest in energy-efficient purchases and home improvements by financially supporting customers through tax credits, rebates (money-back on your purchases), and savings programs. These federal, state, and local incentives aim to help offset the up-front cost of energy-efficient improvements and renewable energy technologies in your home.
For instance, Entergy New Orleans' Energy Smart program provides residential customers with a free home energy assessment (in-person or virtually) with an expert who will recommend home improvements that can upgrade your home comfort and lower your utility bills. Plus, Energy Smart offers incentives that will reduce the up-front cost of installing energy-efficiency upgrades in your home. Depending on the improvements you choose, you could save up to 20 percent or more on your annual utility bill.
Rebates and incentives include:
For instance, Entergy New Orleans' Energy Smart program provides residential customers with a free home energy assessment (in-person or virtually) with an expert who will recommend home improvements that can upgrade your home comfort and lower your utility bills. Plus, Energy Smart offers incentives that will reduce the up-front cost of installing energy-efficiency upgrades in your home. Depending on the improvements you choose, you could save up to 20 percent or more on your annual utility bill.
Rebates and incentives include:
- $100 rebate on ENERGY STAR smart thermostats.
- $50 rebate on a new high-efficiency window air conditioner (A/C).
- $150 rebate for an AC Tune-Up. Entergy New Orleans customers are eligible for an A/C Tune-Up every two years.
- Replacing your central A/C unit? Get up to $500 back on an energy-efficient replacement.
- Your water heater is the second-largest energy user in your home. Get a $400 rebate on an ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Water Heater.
- Looking to get rid of an outdated refrigerator or freezer? Energy Smart will give you $50 to haul away your working fridge or freezer.
- $50 rebate on a new ENERGY STAR refrigerator.
Direct Install Programs - Upgrades
Direct Install Programs help individuals and businesses upgrade existing equipment and replace inefficient technology with more energy-efficient technologies - this isn’t just limited to appliances but can also be used to upgrade other aspects of your house, like the insulation.
All residential Entergy customer in Orleans Parish can take advantage of Energy Smart’s free installation program: Income-Qualified Weatherization. This program supports income-qualified residents by providing them with free duct sealing, air sealing, and attic insulation. Eligible households can sign up for an Energy Smart appointment: call 504-229-6868 or click here to see if you qualify.
Start off by requesting your FREE Energy Efficiency Kit that includes:
Small Business can also request FREE Energy Efficiency Kits. Contact Maleiya Porter-Jones by phone 504-576-4132 or email at mporte1@entergy.com.
All residential Entergy customer in Orleans Parish can take advantage of Energy Smart’s free installation program: Income-Qualified Weatherization. This program supports income-qualified residents by providing them with free duct sealing, air sealing, and attic insulation. Eligible households can sign up for an Energy Smart appointment: call 504-229-6868 or click here to see if you qualify.
Start off by requesting your FREE Energy Efficiency Kit that includes:
- 4 dimmable energy efficient lightbulbs, that last 15 times longer than traditional incandescents
- An energy efficient showerhead
- 1 kitchen and 1 bathroom aerator with reduced flow rates that won't sacrifice your water pressure but will save you money on your utility bill
Small Business can also request FREE Energy Efficiency Kits. Contact Maleiya Porter-Jones by phone 504-576-4132 or email at mporte1@entergy.com.