Your resources and questions answered
Learn more about Energy Smart’s program offerings by clicking on the appropriate category below.
General resources
Frequently asked questions
Why does Energy Smart provide funding for energy efficiency?
Energy Smart offers energy efficiency solutions to help New Orleans residents and businesses save energy and money. The comprehensive energy efficiency plan was developed by the New Orleans City Council and is administered by Entergy New Orleans, LLC.
Who can participate in Energy Smart program offerings?
Any resident or business that receives electrical service from Entergy New Orleans.
Residential resources
Frequently asked questions
Home assessments
Will all of my light bulbs be changed in my home?
LEDs can only be installed to replace incandescent bulbs. We cannot replace CFL, halogen or fluorescent bulbs.
Is the assessment free?
Yes, the assessment is free to Entergy New Orleans residents.
Am I still eligible to participate if I am renting?
Yes, landlord authorization is required in order to participate in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® and Income-Qualified Weatherization offerings. If your home contains two or more electric meters under one roof or you live in an apartment complex, you are eligible to participate in the multifamily offering.
Does it matter if my house is gas heated?
Gas-heated homes are eligible for the assessment and certain follow-up measures. Gas-heated homes are not currently eligible for insulation and air sealing. Energy-saving aerators and showerheads are only available for customers with electric water heaters.
How much can the energy-saving products save?
- LEDs use up to 90% less energy and can save an average of $80 in energy costs over their lifetime compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. A popular residential option, ENERGY STAR® light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, can be installed in bathrooms, permanent fixtures, ceiling fans, chandeliers and other high-usage areas.
- Faucet aerators use up to 55% less water than traditional 2.2-gallons-per-minute (gpm) faucets, which can reduce water and sewer costs, as well as the amount of energy used to heat the water.*
- Showerheads use up to 40% less water than traditional 2.5-gpm showerheads, which can reduce water and sewer costs, as well as the amount of energy used to heat the water.*
Do I have to pay for the recommended follow-up?
All recommended follow-ups measures are based on an incentive provided by Entergy New Orleans. Should the recommended work exceed the incentive amount, an out-of-pocket expense will be charged to the customer. The customer will be notified of the out-of-pocket expense amount by a trade ally assigned to the home prior to work being done on the home. Customers can refuse any recommendations at any time.
Are LED light bulbs safe for the environment?
Yes. Unlike CFLs, LEDs do not contain mercury and are not harmful to the environment if broken.
What is the life of an LED light bulb?
The average life of an LED bulb, based on three hours of usage per day, is about 22.8 years. Life is based on individual use per bulb.
If a fixture uses less water, will it take longer to complete tasks?
We only install engineered aerators designed to perform the same task using less water more efficiently.
Energy-saving aerators mix air and water to provide the correct surface area coverage for completing tasks. Chances are you will not even notice that the flow rate has changed.
How do I properly dispose of unbroken LEDs?
It is important that the LED remain intact to prevent injury from broken or crushed bulbs. For more details, including local recycling locations and contact information for recycling in your area, visit https://www.nola.gov/sanitation/recycling/drop-off/.
Will I notice a difference in water temperature?
The water temperature will not be affected by the energy-efficient fixtures. The temperature will still be controlled by your fixture.
How much money will I save on my monthly bill?
Monthly savings are based on individual usage of both water and electric services.
What safety precautions do I need to be aware of before my assessment?
If there are any unsecured pets or unattended minors upon our arrival, we will not be able to enter to perform the assessment or installation. During product installation, we ask that all small children be kept at a safe distance from the advisors. The advisors will provide further direction once on-site.
What happens after my assessment is completed?
An Energy Smart participating trade ally will contact you within two weeks upon completing your assessment. Trade allies will discuss recommended follow-up measures for your home.
Am I eligible to participate if I received free lighting at my door from Green Light New Orleans?
Yes, you can still receive a free assessment and additional energy-saving products.
How do energy-efficient aerators and showerheads use less energy?
Energy-efficient fixtures are designed to complete the same task while utilizing less water. Since your water is heated with electricity, using less hot water will additionally lower your electric bills.
Appliance rebate
How do I apply for an A/C replacement rebate?
Please email residentialapps@energysmartnola.com or call for more information. Your A/C unit or heat pump contractor will need to be a participating trade ally with Energy Smart and will need to supply certification for the unit.
How can I find out if my appliance is ENERGY STAR® certified?
Look for the ENERGY STAR® label directly on the appliance or in the product description. Find more details by visiting: https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/.
I do not actually live in New Orleans but have purchased an ENERGY STAR® appliance to be installed at a New Orleans home. Do I still qualify for the rebate?
The purchaser can live anywhere as long as the appliance is installed at an Entergy New Orleans residence.
Peak Time Rebate Pilot
What is the Peak Time Rebate Pilot?
Peak Time Rebate is a behavior-based program where customers are provided incentives for making changes to their typical energy usage behavior in response to a peak demand event. These changes must be impactful enough to see reduced energy usage during the 2– to 4–hour events.
When is the peak demand summer season?
Is the Peak Time Rebate Pilot a good fit for individuals who are already energy efficient?
Peak Time Rebate Pilot rewards individuals who make conscious changes to their energy usage during the peak demand events. The recommended actions for peak demand events, such as setting thermostats higher or refraining from use of large appliances that would typically be used, can reduce energy usage for all participants.
Will I get a $20 rebate just for enrolling in the Peak Time Rebate Pilot?
No, enrolling in the Peak Time Rebate Pilot means you agree to receive notifications of peak demand events and attempt to reduce your energy usage during event hours. Enrolling in the Peak Time Rebate Pilot does not guarantee the rebate payment. You must achieve energy savings during Peak Time events to receive the rebate payment.
What determines a peak demand event?
How many events will there be?
Is there a penalty for not engaging in every event?
Peak Time Rebate is a behavior-based program where customers are provided incentives for making changes to their typical energy usage behavior in response to a peak demand event. Participation is optional, and there is no penalty for skipping events. Participating in more events makes it more likely to earn a rebate.
How does the Peak Time Rebate Pilot promote energy efficiency?
The Peak Time Rebate Pilot works to offset energy usage during times that see the most energy demand on the electric grid, reducing the strain on the grid during times where it is at its peak.
How is the energy savings for events determined?
I participated in peak demand events in 2023 but did not receive an incentive or received a lower-than-expected incentive. How come?
The Peak Time Rebate Pilot looks at overall energy usage changes across all events in a peak demand season. These changes must be impactful and consistent enough to see an overall usage lower than your typical usage during the same hours of the day. Participating in more events and making more impactful energy efficiency decisions during these events are the best ways to increase the incentive you will receive.
Will I need to buy anything to participate in the program?
No. The Peak Time Rebate Pilot is completely free and actively aims to reward conscious energy efficiency decisions that reduce energy usage during Peak Time events.
How will I know if I earned a rebate after a Peak Time event?
Can I be enrolled in the Peak Time Rebate Pilot if my smart thermostat is enrolled in the Energy Smart EasyCool program?
There are currently no restrictions on being enrolled in both programs at the same time. However, customers enrolled in the EasyCool program will have a reduction in energy use associated with the automated thermostat setback during peak demand events. The EasyCool reduction is removed from the Peak Time Rebate Pilot savings total for an individual customer who is enrolled in both programs. Participating in the EasyCool demand response program does not guarantee an incentive for the Peak Time Rebate Pilot. You must make other energy–saving adjustments beyond your smart thermostat temperature settings to earn a Peak Time rebate payment.
How are energy savings determined in the Peak Time Rebate Pilot?
We take your average usage between the event hours for the 10 weekdays before the event day and compare it to your usage on the event day between the event hours. To determine eligibility for the Peak Time Rebate, we average your savings across all Peak Time events. If your average shows savings across all events, you will receive the standard rebate of $20. If you are in the top 15% of savers (highest average savings), you will receive the high–saver incentive of $50.
How do I earn the rebate?
Participating in more events makes it more likely to earn a rebate.
To earn a standard-saver rebate, you must show energy savings in at least half of the peak demand events. You have a higher likelihood of achieving a high-saver tier if you participate (reduce your electric use) in every Peak Time event.
If you don’t show savings averaged over all events, you will not qualify for a rebate.
If you show savings in less than 50% of events, you will still have the benefit of a lower bill for lower usage in the event month; however, you may not be eligible for a Peak Time rebate payment.
Who is a good fit for the Peak Time Rebate Pilot?
Who should not participate in the Peak Time Rebate Pilot?
If you have solar panels, you are not a good candidate for this pilot.
If your smart thermostat is already enrolled in the Energy Smart EasyCool program, you are not a good candidate for this pilot.
Business resources
Frequently asked questions
Why does Entergy New Orleans offer cash energy efficiency incentives?
Who can participate in the Energy Smart program for businesses?
Any business that receives electrical service from Entergy New Orleans, including:
- Small businesses.
- Colleges and universities.
- Hotels.
- Government agencies.
- Commercial real estate.
- Parking lots and garages.
- Large commercial and industrial facilities.
- Offices.
- Healthcare organizations.
- K-12 schools.
- Grocery and convenience stores.
- Warehouses.
Do you have any special offers for small businesses?
Small businesses are eligible for a free Small Business Energy Assessment, which includes energy-saving product installation and recommendations for additional upgrades.
How can my business receive Energy Smart cash incentives?
Follow these steps to get cash incentives for your business:
- Identify your energy efficiency project.
- Submit the required Energy Smart application package.
- Participate in a site visit and receive pre-approval from the Energy Smart program.
- Order and install pre-approved equipment.
- Submit completed documents after your equipment has been installed.
- Participate in a post-site visit and receive your incentive check.
How does my business apply for cash incentives?
An Energy Smart energy advisor can walk you through the application process. You can contact an energy advisor by emailing info@energysmartnola.com or calling 504-229-6868.
How is my company’s cash incentive calculated?
What is a trade ally?
Trade allies are approved and trained contractors that may recommend energy efficiency upgrades, complete Energy Smart application package and install efficient equipment.
How much money can my business get?
Businesses may receive up to $200,000 per project with a maximum of $600,000 per year.
What are the required documents in an Energy Smart application package?
- Completed Energy Smart workbook for lighting, non-lighting or new construction.
- One utility bill from Entergy New Orleans with the address of the project site.
- Detailed project proposal/quote.
- Proposed equipment specifications.
- Proposed equipment certifications (DLC, ENERGY STAR®, AHRI).
- W-9 for businesses applying for incentives.
- Photos of existing equipment.
Email application package documents to commercialapps@energysmartnola.com.
How do I determine what type of energy upgrades I want or need to make for my business?
- Request a call from an energy advisor by clicking here.
- Email us at info@energysmartnola.com.
- Call 504-229-6868.
Does my business have to get approval before starting a project?
- For a project that is estimated to exceed $5,000, pre-approval is required before purchasing and installing equipment.
- For a project estimated at less than $5,000, pre-approval is optional. Your business can purchase and install eligible equipment before submitting your application. Contact an energy advisor to verify that your equipment is eligible for Energy Smart incentives.
How will I know if my project will exceed $5K?
You can learn how much your project will cost by getting a quote for the work. If you’re not familiar with that process, please contact an energy advisor, who can help guide you.
When will my business receive the cash incentive?
Incentive checks are mailed three to six weeks after the completion documentation has been emailed to commercialapps@energysmartnola.com.
Client case studies
Loews New Orleans Hotel
McDonald's
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
Southern University at New Orleans
Lycée Français de la Nouvelle-Orléans
Client video testimonials
Café Reconcile
Rayne Methodist Church
LSU Health Science Center
Wakin' Bakin'
Business program resources
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own contractor?
Customers can choose their own contractor and do not have to use a trade ally to be admitted to the Energy Smart program.
What is a trade ally contractor?
Trade allies are approved and trained contractors that may recommend energy efficiency upgrades, complete Energy Smart application package and install efficient equipment.
Workforce development offerings
Career fairs
Energy Smart has organized in-person career fairs as well as a series of webinars which connect individuals interested in energy efficiency careers with companies seeking to develop the next generation of trade ally talent.
Advisory councils
Energy Smart has participated as a member of advisory councils for organizations such as the Louisiana Green Corps. It has also advised community colleges on ways to enhance educational programming related to skills essential to trade ally success.
Profiles of energy efficiency professionals
Energy Smart has created profile cards of trade allies and facility directors which it uses to help students and career seekers to get a better understanding of the types of careers which help buildings reduce energy use. The Energy Smart staff assisted Dillard University with its successful application of the Department of Energy’s Historically Black College and Universities Clean Energy Education Prize based on expanding these career profiles into a book.
Presentations to student groups
Energy Smart staff and trade allies have presented about career paths to university students, community college students, high school students and cohorts matriculating through programs with the Urban League of Louisiana, Louisiana Green Corps, New Orleans Career Center and other organizations.
Apprenticeship
Energy Smart staff ran a pilot program welcoming three adult students to learn about energy efficiency and renewable energy and to consider careers in these fields. The two-week program included job shadowing with trade allies, technical education on commercial equipment and sales training. Trainees completed a portfolio which they could use to display their knowledge and ability to learn to potential employers.
Job opening promotion
Energy Smart has helped to promote open positions within the trade ally network by recording interviews about those positions and sending links to those recorded interviews to our contacts within the workforce development network.
LSU Industrial Assessment Center
Energy Smart has partnered with the LSU Industrial Assessment Center. The Center’s engineering students conduct energy audits of buildings within Energy Smart territory, producing reports that include ways the buildings can benefit from the program incentives. Energy Smart staff provide overviews of job opportunities within the trade ally network to the students.
