Over the steady chatter of clients at the St. Charles Council on Aging’s “Beat the Heat” event, Entergy’s Kristin Batulis Masoner outlined tips that could help save energy.
It’s an important strategy for anyone dealing with this summer’s scorching temperatures and particularly so for the parish’s senior citizens living on a fixed income.
Masoner, Entergy’s senior customer service specialist, didn’t just talk energy savings, but also came bearing gifts.
She presented 92 box fans to help seniors at the parish’s three senior centers and the homebound to stay cool during one of the hottest summers on record. Seniors also got CFL light bulks, energy efficient kits and information on cutting the light bill, as well as preparing for hurricanes.
Council on Aging Executive Director April Keller said the “Beat the Heat” even was a first for them.
Masoner asked them if they were interested in apply for a “Beat the Heat” grant and was awarded $1,500. The funds were used to buy the fans and water served at last Wednesday’s event.
Keller said events like Beat the Heat are also important “to get seniors out and about meeting new people and getting to see old friends.”
State Rep. Greg Miller also attended the event and told the seniors how important their representation was to him.Keller welcomed Miller’s attendance, saying, “It is very important for public officials to visit our centers to let them know they are interested in what is important to them.”
She also thanked her staff, Masoner along with Lindy Grows and Harry Madere, “for doing such an awesome job.”Seniors also praised the event.
Senior Faye Dalon said she enjoyed the food and talking about energy.
“I used my fan,” said the Luling resident.
Geraldine Mitchell, 76, of New Sarpy said “it was getting together” and learning how to conserve energy that made the event a good one for her. Mitchell also was pleased with getting a fan that will help keep her cool.
“But it was nice, and they were very friendly toward us,” she said of the Council on Aging center. “When you reach a certain age, you like people wanting to know how well you’re doing and they were very attentive to us.”
Masoner said some of energy efficiency tips include:
– Set the thermostat to 78 degrees or the highest degree comfortable during the summer. Each degree cooler can add up to 3 percent to the bill. Conversely, set it at 68 degrees during the winter.
– Calk windows, replace weather stripping on doors and clean filters often.
– Wrap water heaters and set the temperature to 110 degrees.
– More Simple Steps to save energy can be found at Entergy.com
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