The Alliance filed its comments in response to Entergy New Orleans’ proposed revisions to customer protections under the City Code and Entergy’s own service regulations.
Entergy proposes to lower the heat index threshold at which it stops residential disconnections from 115 degrees to 105 degrees and to stop disconnections during declared weather emergencies.
The Alliance has advocated for a blanket prohibition on residential disconnections for a period of three years while Entergy works to improve its reliability. As an alternative we’ve also suggested seasonal prohibitions on disconnections during the summer and winter months. New Orleans is experiencing more days of extreme weather, including extreme heat and cold, and utility service is vital for daily living.
Additionally, Entergy proposes minimal revisions to its bill dispute process, but retains the burdensome requirement of receiving a written response from Entergy before a customer can proceed to file a formal complaint with the Council Utilities Regulatory Office. This requirement, with no set deadline for Entergy to send the required letter, places undue stress on residents who are at risk of late fees and having their power shut off if they do not pay Entergy’s inaccurate bills and should be eliminated entirely.
The Alliance supports Entergy’s elimination of reconnection fees for residential customers with smart meters and notice requirements for planned outages, but the Council must act with the necessary urgency that the situation demands and adopt policies adequate to address the utility affordability crisis in New Orleans and help residents keep the lights, and the heat, on.
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