NEW ORLEANS — The United Way and Entergy are no longer accepting applications for the $150 bill credit to help combat high electric costs after over 17,000 people applied by 4 p.m. Wednesday, a United Way spokesperson said.
"Applications are closed as of 4 p.m. on 8/17 for Entergy bill payment assistance through United Way of Southeast Louisiana for residential customers in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes," the statement said. "We received over 17,100 applications in under eight hours since opening the program on 9 a.m. this morning. The significant response is projected to exhaust the funds provided by Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans for our seven-parish service area."
Entergy and the United Way had some problems with their online application process early Wednesday but said those issues were overcome. WWL-TV received several calls, emails and social media inquiries about the program.
Bills have soared due to high temperatures and the high cost of natural gas with customers talking about bills 2, 3 and 4 times as high as normal. Entergy and the United Way offered the $150 credit as a way to help people cope and though many said it wasn't nearly enough, many also applied.
United Way’s team is working on reviewing applications in the order received according to Entergy’s guidelines and will contact applicants for additional information or to update their status of connection or account. Applicants will receive a response within 10 business days. Please note, submission is not a guarantee of approval.
Visit Entergy-Louisiana.com/Bill-Help for more information on other bill assistance programs.