As the city shutdown has made it harder for many people to make enough money to cover their bills, the City Council has asked Entergy and other service providers, such as the Sewage and Water Board and Cox Communications, not to disconnect service during the crisis.
Now, in addition to agreeing to suspend disconnections, Entergy has set up a relief fund.
The COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund will extend relief for low-income families, customers with disabilities, and the elderly. Qualifying customers will receive help to cover the cost of food, rent, mortgage payments, and other necessities.
So far, the fund has received $700,000 from Entergy shareholders, and the shareholders have said that they will also match employee contributions to the relief efforts, up to $100,000.
The funds will be distributed to United Way and other local nonprofit organizations.
