Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May wants to clear up some of what he calls “misconceptions” about high energy bills, and what the utility is doing to help. May says the cost of producing electricity has risen sharply as record-high inflation grips the country…:
“We’re seeing a sharp increase in gas rates, which we use to power many of our generating facilities. That’s coupled with record-setting temperatures leading to record usage from our customers,” May says.
He says those high costs are coupled with high customer usage in the summer heat. He says Entergy understands how burdensome it can be for some folks to afford their utility bill…:
“We’re stepping up to the plate to alleviate some of those burdens, including committing $10-million to bill-paying services – including the Power To Care Fund – so we can provide help to those customers who need assistance.”
May says electricity costs have risen sharply all over the U.S., and Entergy is not “gouging” its customers. Still, many customers are angry with storm assessments Entergy has added to their bills. He says they have little choice, if they hope to recoup their storm-related losses.
“Since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, insurance has not been available to electric utility companies. And so what we have to do is go out and make the repairs, borrow the money and then go to the Public Service Commission and present our bills.”
May says storm assessments for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 will come off customer bills starting today.
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