How to Enroll in Entergy New Orleans Green Power Purchase Program

As urban centers across the United States strive to meet ambitious climate goals, local utilities are stepping up with innovative programs that empower residents and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint. In New Orleans, Entergy New Orleans has launched the Green Power Purchase Program a forward-thinking initiative that allows participants to support renewable energy generation without installing solar panels or altering their existing infrastructure. This program offers a simple, affordable, and scalable way to contribute to a cleaner grid while aligning with personal or organizational sustainability values.

Unlike traditional electricity plans that rely heavily on fossil fuels, the Green Power Purchase Program enables customers to opt into a portion or all of their electricity usage being matched with renewable energy credits (RECs) sourced from wind, solar, and other clean energy projects. This means your monthly bill continues as normal, but your energy consumption is indirectly supported by new or existing renewable facilities, helping to displace coal and natural gas generation in the regional grid.

With Louisiana ranking among the top 10 states for greenhouse gas emissions per capita, and New Orleans facing increasing threats from climate-related flooding and extreme heat, transitioning to clean energy isnt just an environmental choice its a necessity for long-term resilience. The Entergy New Orleans Green Power Purchase Program is one of the most accessible pathways for households, small businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions to participate in this transition.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough of how to enroll in the program, along with best practices, essential tools, real-world success stories, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether youre a first-time participant or looking to expand your current commitment, this resource ensures you make an informed, impactful decision.

Step-by-Step Guide

Enrolling in the Entergy New Orleans Green Power Purchase Program is designed to be straightforward, requiring no equipment upgrades or contract changes. Below is a detailed, sequential process to guide you through each stage from initial research to final confirmation.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Before beginning enrollment, verify that you are a customer of Entergy New Orleans. The program is only available to those receiving electricity service through Entergy New Orleans distribution network, which covers the city of New Orleans and certain surrounding areas served by the utility. If you are unsure whether you are within the service territory, check your monthly bill the logo and service area will be clearly indicated.

Residential, commercial, industrial, and nonprofit customers are all eligible. There are no income restrictions, credit checks, or minimum usage requirements. Even customers on budget billing or prepaid plans can participate.

Step 2: Understand Program Options

The Green Power Purchase Program offers two participation tiers:

• Standard Option: Add 50% of your monthly electricity usage to be matched with renewable energy credits (RECs).
• Premium Option: Add 100% of your monthly usage to be matched with RECs.

RECs represent the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity generated from renewable sources. When you purchase RECs through this program, you are not receiving physical electrons from a wind farm or solar array instead, you are financially supporting the production of clean energy that enters the grid on your behalf. This mechanism ensures that for every unit of green power you buy, an equivalent amount of fossil-fuel-based generation is displaced.

Both options are priced per kilowatt-hour (kWh) at a small premium over standard rates. As of the latest update, the Standard Option adds approximately $0.005 per kWh, while the Premium Option adds $0.01 per kWh. These rates are subject to periodic review but are designed to remain affordable and transparent.

Step 3: Access the Enrollment Portal

To begin enrollment, visit the official Entergy New Orleans website and navigate to the Green Power Purchase Program section. This page is typically found under Energy Solutions or Sustainability Programs.

Alternatively, you can directly access the portal by entering the following URL in your browser: www.entergy-neworleans.com/greenpower. The site is optimized for desktop and mobile use, and all forms are secure and encrypted.

Once on the program page, click the Enroll Now button. You will be prompted to log in using your Entergy account credentials. If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your account number and zip code a process that takes less than two minutes.

Step 4: Select Your Participation Level

After logging in, youll be presented with a dashboard that displays your average monthly usage (in kWh) over the past 12 months. This helps you estimate the additional cost of participation.

Choose either the Standard (50%) or Premium (100%) option. A real-time calculator will show you the estimated monthly increase to your bill based on your usage history. For example, a residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month would pay an extra $5.00/month for the Standard Option or $10.00/month for the Premium Option.

There is no lock-in period. You may change your selection or opt out at any time with no penalty or fee.

Step 5: Review and Confirm

Before submitting, carefully review your selection. The portal will display a summary including:

• Your current average monthly usage
• Your selected participation level
• Estimated monthly cost increase
• Annual environmental impact (e.g., Equivalent to planting 12 trees per year)

Read the program terms and conditions. These include disclosures about REC sourcing, third-party verification, and the non-transferable nature of participation. Once youve reviewed everything, check the box to confirm your understanding and click Submit Enrollment.

Step 6: Receive Confirmation and Track Impact

Within 24 hours, you will receive a confirmation email with your enrollment details and a unique program ID. Your next bill will reflect the new green power charge as a separate line item labeled Green Power Premium.

Additionally, you will gain access to a personalized online dashboard where you can:

• View real-time estimates of your carbon emissions avoided
• See which renewable projects your RECs support (e.g., solar farms in Louisiana, wind turbines in West Texas)
• Download annual impact reports
• Compare your progress against citywide participation benchmarks

This dashboard updates monthly and is accessible via the same portal where you enrolled. Its a powerful tool for tracking your contribution to a cleaner energy future.

Step 7: Share Your Participation

Once enrolled, consider sharing your commitment with your community. Entergy New Orleans provides downloadable digital badges and social media templates you can use to highlight your participation. Many schools, churches, and small businesses display these badges on their websites or storefronts to demonstrate environmental leadership.

Community visibility not only reinforces your personal values but also encourages others to join creating a ripple effect that amplifies the programs impact.

Best Practices

Enrolling in the Green Power Purchase Program is only the first step. To maximize your contribution and ensure long-term success, follow these evidence-based best practices.

1. Align Enrollment with Your Energy Usage Patterns

Review your past 12 months of electricity consumption before selecting your participation level. If youve recently installed energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, or a programmable thermostat, your usage may have decreased. Choosing a participation level based on outdated data could result in overpaying.

Conversely, if youve added an electric vehicle, home office, or pool pump, your usage may have increased. Adjusting your enrollment to reflect current consumption ensures your green power contribution remains proportional and cost-effective.

2. Combine with Energy Efficiency Measures

Reducing your overall energy demand is the most effective way to lower your environmental impact. Pair your Green Power Purchase enrollment with energy-saving upgrades such as:

• Sealing air leaks and improving attic insulation
• Upgrading to ENERGY STAR certified appliances
• Installing smart power strips to eliminate phantom loads
• Using natural ventilation and shading during peak summer months

Entergy New Orleans offers free home energy audits for residential customers. Schedule one to identify low-cost, high-impact improvements. Every kilowatt-hour you save reduces the amount of green power you need to purchase, making your participation more efficient and economical.

3. Educate Your Household or Team

For families, workplace teams, or nonprofit staff, ensure everyone understands why youve enrolled. Create a simple one-page guide explaining how the program works and why it matters. Include visuals such as a chart showing CO2 emissions avoided to make the impact tangible.

When people understand the connection between their behavior and the programs outcomes, theyre more likely to support energy-saving habits such as turning off lights, unplugging devices, and using fans instead of AC when possible.

4. Monitor Your Bill and Adjust Annually

Electricity usage and rates can fluctuate seasonally and annually. Review your bill each month to ensure the green power charge is accurate. If your usage changes significantly for example, due to a new family member or a business expansion revisit your enrollment level during your next billing cycle.

Theres no penalty for adjusting your participation. Entergy New Orleans encourages customers to review their enrollment at least once per year to ensure alignment with current needs.

5. Leverage Community Engagement Opportunities

Entergy New Orleans hosts annual events such as Green Power Day, where participants can tour renewable energy sites, attend educational workshops, and connect with other program members. Join these events to deepen your understanding and expand your network.

Additionally, consider nominating your organization for the Green Power Champion award an annual recognition given to businesses and nonprofits that demonstrate outstanding commitment to renewable energy adoption.

6. Avoid Common Misconceptions

Many customers believe that enrolling in the Green Power Purchase Program means they receive 100% clean electricity directly to their home. This is a common misunderstanding. The grid is a shared system electrons from coal, gas, and renewables mix together. What youre purchasing is the environmental benefit, not the physical current.

Another misconception is that the program is only for environmentally conscious individuals. In reality, its a practical tool for any customer who wants to support economic development in renewable energy, reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets, and contribute to public health by lowering air pollution.

Tools and Resources

To make your participation in the Entergy New Orleans Green Power Purchase Program as effective and informed as possible, leverage the following official and third-party tools and resources.

Official Entergy New Orleans Tools

• Green Power Enrollment Portal: www.entergy-neworleans.com/greenpower The primary platform for enrollment, management, and impact tracking.
• My Entergy Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android, this app allows you to view your bill, track usage, and manage your green power enrollment on the go.
• Energy Usage Dashboard: Accessible via your online account, this tool provides hourly, daily, and monthly usage graphs to help you identify patterns and opportunities for conservation.
• Annual Impact Report: Published each January, this report details total renewable energy purchased by program participants, carbon emissions avoided, and project locations supported.

Third-Party Tools for Enhanced Impact

• Carbon Footprint Calculator (EPA): www.epa.gov/carbon-footprint-calculator Use this tool to estimate your household or business emissions and compare them to the reduction achieved through your green power enrollment.
• Energy Star Portfolio Manager: www.energystar.gov/portfolio-manager Ideal for commercial and nonprofit users, this free tool helps track energy performance and benchmark against similar buildings.
• Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Registry (Green-e): www.green-e.org Verify that Entergy New Orleans RECs are certified by Green-e Energy, the leading independent certification program for renewable energy in North America.
• Local Energy Efficiency Programs (NOLA Energy Wise): www.nolaenergywise.com Offers rebates for insulation, HVAC upgrades, and solar-ready home assessments complementary to your green power participation.

Educational Resources

• Entergy New Orleans Sustainability Webinar Series: Free monthly webinars covering topics such as How RECs Work, The Future of New Orleans Grid, and Climate Resilience for Homeowners. Register via the utilitys website.
• Louisiana Clean Fuels: www.lacleanfuels.org Provides educational materials on renewable energy policy, incentives, and community initiatives across the state.
• U.S. Department of Energys Energy Saver Guide: www.energy.gov/energysaver Comprehensive, science-backed advice on reducing energy use in homes and businesses.

Print and Digital Materials

Entergy New Orleans provides downloadable resources for participants, including:

• Infographic: How Your Green Power Purchase Makes a Difference
• Fact Sheet: Renewable Energy Credits Explained
• Sample Social Media Posts (for businesses and nonprofits)
• Classroom Curriculum (for schools and educators)

All materials are available in both English and Spanish. Contact the program team via the website to request copies or bulk downloads.

Real Examples

Real-world stories illustrate the tangible impact of the Green Power Purchase Program. Below are three detailed examples from different customer segments residential, small business, and nonprofit showcasing how participation has driven change.

Example 1: The Martinez Family Residential Participation

The Martinez family, living in the Bywater neighborhood, enrolled in the Premium Option in January 2023. They had recently installed energy-efficient windows and a smart thermostat but still used approximately 1,200 kWh per month.

By choosing 100% green power, they added $12.00 to their monthly bill. Over the course of one year, their participation supported 14,400 kWh of renewable energy generation equivalent to avoiding 10.2 metric tons of CO2 emissions, or the carbon sequestered by 165 mature trees.

They also used the programs dashboard to share their progress with their children, turning it into a monthly eco-challenge. The family now tracks their usage together and celebrates days when they use less than average. Their participation inspired three neighbors to enroll, creating a small but growing local network of green energy supporters.

Example 2: Caf du Monde Franchise Small Business Adoption

A local franchise of Caf du Monde, located in the French Quarter, enrolled in the Standard Option (50%) in 2022 after participating in a city-sponsored sustainability workshop. With monthly usage of 8,500 kWh, the business added $42.50 to its utility bill.

The caf leadership viewed this as a brand-enhancing move. They began displaying a Powered by Green Energy decal on their storefront and menu. Customers frequently asked about the initiative, leading to increased foot traffic and positive reviews on social media.

Additionally, the franchise owner used the annual impact report in their business plan when applying for a small business grant focused on environmental innovation. The grant was awarded, allowing them to install solar-powered outdoor lighting a project that further reduced their grid dependence.

Example 3: New Orleans Community Food Bank Nonprofit Leadership

The New Orleans Community Food Bank, which serves over 10,000 families monthly, enrolled in the Premium Option in 2021. With high energy demands from refrigeration, freezers, and lighting in their 40,000-square-foot facility, their monthly usage averaged 25,000 kWh.

By committing to 100% green power, they added $250 to their monthly bill a cost offset by a corporate sponsorship from a local renewable energy firm. The food banks participation became a centerpiece of their annual report and was highlighted in a statewide campaign on Sustainable Nonprofits.

They also partnered with a local university to host student interns who analyzed their energy use and recommended further efficiency upgrades. The result? A 15% reduction in overall energy consumption within two years, making their green power investment even more impactful.

FAQs

Can I enroll if I rent my home or office?

Yes. Tenants can enroll in the Green Power Purchase Program regardless of ownership status. You do not need landlord permission. The program is tied to your Entergy account, not the property title. If you pay your own electricity bill, you are eligible.

Will my electricity service be interrupted when I enroll?

No. Enrollment has no effect on your power supply. You will continue to receive electricity through the same grid infrastructure. The green power component is an additive financial commitment that supports renewable generation not a physical switch.

Are the renewable energy credits verified?

Yes. All RECs purchased through this program are certified by Green-e Energy, an independent third-party organization that ensures transparency, accuracy, and environmental integrity. You can verify each RECs origin and validity on the Green-e website using your program ID.

Can I cancel at any time?

Yes. There are no contracts, penalties, or minimum terms. You can change your participation level or opt out entirely through your online account at any time. Changes take effect on your next billing cycle.

Is this program available to businesses outside New Orleans city limits?

No. The program is exclusive to Entergy New Orleans customers. If you are served by another Entergy subsidiary such as Entergy Louisiana or Entergy Arkansas you are not eligible. However, those utilities may offer similar programs; check their respective websites.

Do I get a tax credit for participating?

Participation in the Green Power Purchase Program does not qualify for federal or state tax credits. However, the additional cost may be deductible as a business expense for commercial participants. Consult a tax professional for guidance.

What happens if I move?

If you move within the Entergy New Orleans service area, your enrollment automatically transfers to your new address. If you move outside the service area, your participation ends. You can re-enroll at your new location if the utility offers a similar program.

How does this program compare to installing solar panels?

Installing solar panels is a long-term investment that requires upfront costs, roof suitability, and maintenance. The Green Power Purchase Program requires no installation, no maintenance, and no upfront payment. Its ideal for renters, those with shaded roofs, or anyone seeking an immediate, low-barrier way to support renewables. The two options are complementary you can enroll in the program even if you have solar panels.

Can I choose which renewable project my RECs support?

Currently, RECs are sourced from a diversified portfolio of wind, solar, and biomass projects across the Southern U.S. Participants cannot select a specific project. However, the annual impact report identifies the types and locations of projects supported, and Entergy is exploring options for more targeted participation in future phases.

Why is there a price premium?

The premium covers the cost of purchasing RECs from renewable generators, administrative expenses, program marketing, and verification fees. It also helps fund future renewable energy development in Louisiana. The price is set well below market rates for comparable programs nationwide, making it one of the most affordable green power options available.

Conclusion

The Entergy New Orleans Green Power Purchase Program is more than a utility offering its a community-driven movement toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future. By enrolling, you are not just paying a small additional fee; you are actively participating in the transition away from fossil fuels and toward a grid powered by wind, sun, and innovation.

This guide has walked you through every step of enrollment, from eligibility to impact tracking, and provided tools, best practices, and real stories to help you make the most of your participation. Whether youre a homeowner, a small business owner, or a nonprofit leader, your decision to join matters. Each enrollment adds momentum to a growing network of individuals and organizations committed to sustainability.

As New Orleans continues to face the dual challenges of climate change and economic equity, programs like this one bridge the gap between individual action and systemic change. You dont need to wait for policy shifts or technological breakthroughs to make a difference. You can act today with a few clicks on your screen to ensure that the electricity powering your home, your business, or your community comes from a cleaner source.

Enroll now. Track your impact. Share your story. Together, we can power New Orleans with the energy of tomorrow today.