Entergy Offers 'SmartView' to Qualified Customers: Smart meter test program can help control energy usage

Customers of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. will soon receive tools to help reduce their energy usage while saving them money on their electric bills thanks to the work of the utility and the U.S. Department of Energy.Partially funded by a $5 million stimulus federal grant, the test program named SmartView is placing smart meters and other equipment in the homes of up to 7,400 customers in New Orleans – at no additional charge.

Beginning this summer, Entergy New Orleans will test smart meters, also known as Advanced Meter Infrastructure or AMI. The cutting-edge technology provides near real-time energy usage information in the convenience of the customer’s home.

“We encourage customers to take advantage of this unique opportunity that’s aimed at giving them more control over their energy usage and lowering home energy costs,” said Charles L. Rice Jr., president and chief executive officer of Entergy New Orleans, Inc. “It’s also an exciting opportunity for Entergy to test new options for energy management and to better understand the impact that smart grid technology has on our customers.”

Entergy New Orleans will partner with qualified customers and provide them with easy-to-use tools, training and information at no additional costs. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration is limited. Qualified participants must be Entergy New Orleans residential electric customers with active accounts since Jan. 1, 2010 and meet specific household income requirements.

For more information, call Entergy New Orleans toll free at 1-855-33-SMART (1-855-337-6278), visit the EntergyNew OrleansCustomerCareCenter at 3400 Canal St. in person or visit entergy-neworleans.com/smartview.