The Entergy Charitable Foundation has established the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund in an effort to help working families experiencing financial hardships as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
"The health and safety of our customers, employees, and communities is Entergy's top priority," said Leo Denault, chairman and CEO of Entergy Corp. "During this challenging time, we are helping lessen the impact of this crisis on the most vulnerable in our communities. I strongly encourage our business partners to join us in this effort."
As devastating and disruptive as this crisis is for everyone, those most heavily impacted are ALICE households (low-wage working families) and low-income elderly and disabled customers — roughly 40% to 50% of Entergy's customer base.
"We know from experience that working families and low-income elderly and disabled customers are hardest hit during times of crisis," said Patty Riddlebarger, vice president of Entergy's corporate social responsibility. "We are working quickly to make funds available to community partners that serve vulnerable households to lessen the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and ensure that families have the resources they need to get by during this time of uncertainty."
Entergy shareholders are committing US$700,000 to the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund to help qualifying customers with basic needs such as food and nutrition, rent and mortgage assistance, and other critical needs until financial situations become more stable. Grants from the fund will be provided to United Way organizations and other nonprofit partners across Entergy's service area that are providing services to impacted households.
Company shareholders will also match employee contributions to the COVID-19 relief efforts of local United Way organizations up to US$100,000 to maximize impact.
In addition to establishing the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, Entergy is taking the following additional steps to help customers during this crisis:
- Temporarily suspending customer disconnects while continuing to monitor the situation.
- Working with a network of community advocates to request a funding increase of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help alleviate financial hardships caused by COVID-19 on vulnerable households.
- Developing bill payment solutions and tools to help customers pay their accumulated balances once the disconnect moratorium is lifted.
Already in place to support vulnerable customers is Entergy's The Power to Care program, which provides emergency bill payment assistance to seniors and disabled individuals.
More information about Entergy's COVID-19 preparations and response can be found here.
