Little Rock, Arkansas – Entergy Arkansas has temporarily suspended all customer disconnects as a stretch of extreme heat continues across the state, giving residents more time to manage their electricity bills while temperatures remain dangerously high.
Utility officials announced Thursday that the suspension will remain in place through Aug. 21. Regular disconnect activity is scheduled to resume Aug. 24, according to Entergy Arkansas.
The temporary policy comes as residents across Arkansas deal with intense summer heat and increased demand for air conditioning. Keeping homes cool can lead to higher electricity use, making the pause in disconnects especially important for customers who may already be struggling with rising energy costs.
Entergy officials stressed, however, that the suspension of disconnects should not be confused with a guarantee that electricity service will remain uninterrupted. Power outages can still happen because of severe weather, emergencies or other unexpected problems affecting the electrical system.
Customers looking for ways to manage their bills or reduce energy consumption can turn to Entergy’s Bill Toolkit. The online resource provides information about energy-efficiency assistance, available rebates and options for managing electricity bills.
The utility is also reminding residents to take precautions when spending time outside during the heat. People who are working outdoors, doing yard work or handling home improvement projects should drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned locations.
Officials recommended scheduling strenuous work during the coolest portions of the day whenever possible. They also urged residents to pay attention to their bodies and recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion.
Those symptoms can include weakness, fatigue, nausea, headaches and heavy sweating. Taking action early can help prevent heat exhaustion from becoming a much more serious condition.
Heat stroke, officials warned, can be life-threatening. Anyone who develops confusion, loses consciousness, experiences seizures or has hot, dry skin should be moved to a cool location and receive immediate medical attention.
The extreme temperatures are also putting additional pressure on household budgets as air conditioners run for longer periods. Entergy said cooling a home can represent a significant portion of summer electricity expenses, but residents can take several inexpensive steps to limit energy use.
One recommendation is to set the thermostat at the highest temperature that remains comfortable. Even a small adjustment can reduce the amount of work an air-conditioning system has to do.
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Air-conditioning filters should also be cleaned or replaced regularly. A dirty filter can make a system work harder to move air through a home. Fans can help circulate cool air as well, although Entergy recommends turning ceiling and portable fans off when rooms are empty.
Residents can further reduce the amount of heat entering their homes by closing blinds, shades and curtains during the hottest parts of the day. Sealing openings around doors, windows and ductwork can also help prevent cooled air from escaping.
For customers who want a closer look at their electricity use, Entergy is encouraging them to use the myAdvisor tools available through their myEntergy accounts. The tools allow customers to monitor consumption and look for additional ways to reduce energy use.
With the disconnect suspension in effect until Aug. 21, customers have a temporary reprieve as Arkansas works through the current period of extreme heat. Entergy’s guidance also emphasizes that staying safe during the heat and finding practical ways to control electricity use remain important as summer conditions continue.
