High Heat Means High Demand for Utility Assistance

After a mild start to summer, the high heat has arrived in August with a vengeance. And high temperatures in August mean high electricity bills in September.

But there is help to be found.

The Southern Good Faith Fund in Pine Bluff helps low income families finance homes, college educations and start businesses. But this time of year, it is utility assistance that is most in demand.

Entergy's Project Deserve program is administered by the SGFF. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are available to Entergy customers who are elderly, disabled or poor.

A family of two that makes less than $27,000 a year qualifies for assistance.

(Angela Duran, Southern Good Faith Fund) “The guidance right now is we can help people one time a year up to a maximum of $200.”

You can keep your electric bill more manageable by keeping your thermostat around 78 to 80 degrees, replacing air filters, use fans to circulate air in high-use rooms, weather strip doors and windows, and close blinds and drapes.

But if your bill is still too high and you qualify for help, call 1-800-ENTERGY and you can apply for assistance.

(Duran) “We're staffed up. We have organizations in 62 counties around the state of Arkansas that will be ready to take people's calls.”

Next to your air conditioner, your hot water heater is the biggest electricity drain during the summer.

Wash clothes in cold water if you can, and make sure you have full loads of laundry or dishes before you wash anything.

For more information on The Southern Good Faith Fund, click here.

 Archive: August 2007 | Section: Media, Public Policy, Southern Bancorp News, Southern Good Faith Fund, Video