BELLE TERRE, La. – Entergy Louisiana, LLC, and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, LLC, hosted representatives of Councils on Aging from across the state in a two-day program to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Project Care and Helping Hands - the company’s two initiatives designed to assist low income customers.

The program began on Wednesday, Feb. 27, with an Appreciation Dinner featuring comic Tom Bergeron and concluded Thursday, Feb. 28 with a training workshop.

Project Care and Helping Hands provide financial assistance to qualified low income, disabled and elderly customers who need help paying utility bills. Funds are raised through donations by Entergy employees and customers and are matched by company shareholders.  Money raised is distributed to Councils on Aging across the state who then screen applicants and disperse the funds. “When temperatures hit extreme highs or extreme lows, it can cause customer bills to rise,” said Sheila Butler, Customer Service Manager. “Project Care and Helping Hands give us a way to help those Louisiana residents who are most in need.”

Customers can receive assistance of $200 up to three times per year to help combat high bills. Entergy Louisiana customers are assisted by Helping Hands, while Project Care serves the needs of Entergy Gulf States Louisiana customers.

In the 25 years of the program, more than $7.5 million has been donated to help low income residents in Louisiana.

“ The residents of St. John the Baptist will forever be grateful to Entergy’s Helping Hands for the 25 years of service that have assisted the elderly and handicapped in paying their electric bills, provided heaters, air-conditioners, fans, and water heaters, to name a few.  St. John the Baptist Parish, we thank you, (to our many customers) that continue to give the dollar donations to Helping Hands through your Entergy bill.  We never would have made it without you. We tip our hats off to you,” says Cheryl Parquet of the St. John the Baptist Council on Aging office.

Entergy Louisiana customers who wish to donate to the low income assistance program in their area can either voluntarily add $1 or more to their monthly bills or donate directly to their local Council on Aging. Entergy employees often donate through payroll deductions. Entergy shareholders match all contributions up to $500,000.  Contributions are tax deductible.

Entergy Louisiana serves about one million Louisiana customers through the operating companies Entergy Louisiana, LLC and Entergy Gulf States Louisiana, LLC, which together form the largest electricity provider in the state. With operations in southern, central and northeastern Louisiana, the companies are part of Entergy Corporation’s electric system serving 2.6 million customers in Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas.

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Entergy Louisiana’s online address is entergy-louisiana.com