Entergy offers fans to Baker residents in heat‑relief program; company highlights energy‑saving tips

Entergy representatives on June 24 told the Baker City Council that the utility has presented a grant to assist customers with cooling this summer, including distribution of fans to local residents and information about energy‑assistance programs.

"We are proud to assist our customers with beating the heat," said Desiree Harris, customer service manager for Entergy in East Baton Rouge Parish, during a short presentation. Harris told the council that Entergy will distribute fans to customers under the grant and offered basic energy‑saving advice: change air filters, set thermostats at a comfortable high point, use fans and close blinds and curtains. She also directed residents to Entergy’s website for program details and assistance options.

During the meeting Harris indicated that five fans were available to be given out that night and that Entergy also operates programs for low‑income and elderly customers, including levelized billing and other assistance options. Harris encouraged preparation for hurricane season and suggested residents check Entergy’s customer pages for program enrollment; the company’s public website is entergy.com.

Council members thanked Harris for Entergy’s community support and noted interest in future assistance such as air conditioners for vulnerable residents, an item raised informally during the discussion. The distribution described at the meeting was limited in scope (a small number of fans on hand that night); any larger program would require separate coordination and logistics.

What happened: Entergy presented a small community‑assistance grant and made a limited distribution of fans that evening; staff and council acknowledged the company’s outreach and urged residents to use Entergy assistance resources.

What didn’t happen: no new city funding or formal city partnership agreement was approved at the meeting; the presentation was informational and part of recognitions.