Empowering Energy Efficiency in Louisiana: The EECR Rider

If you’re a homeowner in Louisiana, you’ve likely noticed the Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Rider (EECR) on your Entergy bill. While it may seem like just another line item, this rider plays a crucial role in providing energy efficiency programs to Louisiana residents. But have you ever wondered how they are funded? The answer lies in the Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Rider (EECR).

Free Improvements Through Your Kind Contributions

Funding for these programs is provided through the Energy Efficiency Cost Recovery Tariff, and paid for by ratepayer contributions. The EECR rider is a charge on Entergy New Orleans and is included in Entergy Louisiana customers’ monthly utility bills. It funds energy efficiency programs like Energy Smart for Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Solutions for Entergy Louisiana. These initiatives are designed to help homeowners reduce energy usage through upgrades that address inefficiencies such as poor insulation, leaky ductwork, and outdated appliances.

For Entergy New Orleans customers, the EECR the Residential EECR Rate Class is applied as a percentage of base rate revenue before application of the monthly fuel adjustment of 9.27548%. The Entergy New Orleans, LLC EECR Rider Rate is updated annually.

For Entergy Louisiana customers, the Quick Start Energy Efficiency Cost Rate Rider (EECR-QS) shall be charged an amount equal to their monthly energy (kWh) usage multiplied by $0.00119 per kWh, not to exceed $75 per month for residential customers.

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These charges are approved by regulatory bodies—the New Orleans City Council oversees Energy Smart, while the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC) monitors Quick Start—to ensure funds are used effectively.

EECR Tarif Example: Your Monthly Contribution

You may have already paid thousands of dollars into the EECR Rider. Energy Smart’s EECR Rider Charge is 9.27548% of the Electric Base Rate Charge. As an example, with a $120.49 Entergy New Orleans Bill, your additional EECR Rider charge is $11.18.

How Does the EECR Rider Go To Work For You?

The EECR Rider charge is essential for funding energy efficiency initiatives that ultimately benefit homeowners by reducing energy consumption and lowering bills. By participating in these programs, residents can enjoy significant savings and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. Here’s how they work:

Entergy Solutions: A Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Program

Entergy Solutions, beginning with its initial launch of the Quick Start program pilot phase of energy efficiency efforts, is the flagship energy efficiency program for Entergy Louisiana customers, serving approximately 1.09 million electric customers across 58 parishes. Administered by APTIM since 2018, this program offers a wide range of incentives and services to reduce the upfront costs of energy-efficient upgrades for residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

Key Features:

Residential Programs:

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®: Free home energy assessments and rebates for upgrades like attic insulation, air sealing, duct sealing, and LED lighting.

Income-Qualified Weatherization: Free weatherization services for low-income households, including attic insulation, air sealing, ductwork improvements, and installation of energy-saving devices such as LED bulbs and low-flow showerheads.

Online Marketplace providing rebates for energy-efficient appliances, and instant discounts on ENERGY STAR-certified products.

Commercial and Industrial Programs:

Prescriptive incentives for equipment upgrades (e.g., lighting systems, HVAC units).

Custom incentives tailored to complex projects.

Support for new construction projects and agricultural solutions.

Energy Smart: Serving Entergy New Orleans Customers

For customers in Orleans Parish, Entergy operates the Energy Smart program, which is distinct from Entergy Solutions. Energy Smart provides similar offerings tailored to the unique needs of New Orleans residents. This program includes free energy audits, rebates for energy-efficient appliances, weatherization services for low-income households, and instant discounts on ENERGY STAR-certified products.

While both programs aim to reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills, Energy Smart is designed specifically for New Orleans customers under a separate regulatory framework.

More Than Just Monthly Savings

Although the focus of these initiatives is to help homeowners reduce energy usage through upgrades that address inefficiencies such as poor insulation, leaky ductwork, and outdated appliances, ultimately, homeowners will commonly receive many unexpected benefits because of these services.

Improved Indoor Comfort

Upgrading your home with energy efficiency improvements like ductwork sealing, air sealing, and enhanced insulation does more than just trim your energy bills—it transforms your home into a haven of comfort. By eliminating drafts, sealing leaks, and ensuring that your heating and cooling systems work more efficiently, these upgrades help maintain consistent temperatures from room to room, no matter the season. You’ll notice fewer hot or cold spots, reduced humidity, and a quieter indoor environment as outside noise is kept at bay. Ultimately, these improvements create a more stable, cozy, and enjoyable living space for you and your family, making your home feel just right all year round.

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality

Investing in energy efficiency improvements like ductwork sealing, air sealing, and upgraded insulation does more than just lower your energy bills—it also plays a crucial role in enhancing your home’s indoor air quality. By sealing leaks in your ductwork and building envelope, you help prevent outdoor pollutants, allergens, and humidity from entering your living spaces, while also keeping conditioned air where it belongs. Proper insulation and air sealing work together to reduce drafts and control moisture, creating a more consistent and comfortable indoor environment. These improvements can help minimize dust, pollen, and even mold, resulting in cleaner air and a healthier home for you and your family to enjoy every day.

Home Health & Safety

When homeowners invest in energy efficiency upgrades—like insulation, air sealing, and professional energy inspections—they’re not just saving money on monthly utility bills; they’re also making their homes healthier and safer. Energy assessments can include checks for carbon monoxide leaks and combustion appliance zone (CAZ) testing on gas appliances, helping to prevent dangerous indoor air quality issues. By addressing these hidden hazards alongside improving comfort and efficiency, energy upgrades deliver peace of mind—ensuring your home is not only more affordable to run, but also a safer, healthier place for your family.

There’s So Many Charges On My Entergy Bill

Debatable by many, however, the EECR rider isn’t just another charge on your utility bill—it’s an investment in your home’s future comfort, health, safety, and affordability. By funding essential upgrades like air sealing, ductwork repairs, and insulation improvements, this program empowers homeowners across Louisiana to take control of their energy use and lower their costs.

Entergy’s energy efficiency programs—whether Energy Smart, or Entergy Solutions—are vital tools for reducing energy use and lowering utility costs. By participating in these programs, customers can make meaningful strides toward sustainable living while enjoying financial savings—a win-win for individuals and the environment alike!

Remember. You are already paying for these energy efficiency programs. Thanks to your kind monthly contributions, thousands of homeowners every year are taking advantage of your generosity. Your neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family may have already received the benefits of these programs. Maybe it’s time to get some of your money back in the form of energy savings.

Why Choose Diversified Energy?

At Diversified Energy, we specialize in helping homeowners take full advantage of these programs funded by the EECR rider. Here’s why we’re the right partner for your energy efficiency needs:

Experience: Our teams have been with these programs from the beginning with the original launch of the New Orleans Energy Smart program in 2010. We have completed program-funded energy efficiency improvements for more Louisiana homeowners than any other contractor, with over thirty thousand clients from Louisiana and throughout the United States. We know the ins and outs.

Seamless Process: We handle everything from eligibility verification to project completion, ensuring a hassle-free experience for homeowners.

High-Quality Service: All work is performed by experienced professionals who adhere to strict quality standards and Industry Best Practices. We stand behind our work.

Customer-Centric Approach: We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, delivering results that improve your home’s efficiency and livability.

Whether you live in a modest home or a more affluent property, these programs offer significant benefits, and Diversified Energy is just a turn-key process away.

The EECR Benefits: While Supplies Last

If you’re tired of high utility bills or struggling with an uncomfortable home environment, now is the time to act. Programs funded by the EECR rider are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and demand is high! Don’t miss your chance to benefit from free or low-cost upgrades that can save you money month after month.
Contact Diversified Energy today to schedule your no-cost home energy assessment. Let us help you unlock the full potential of these programs so you can enjoy a more comfortable, efficient, and affordable home.