PINEVILLE, La., - With summer heat on the horizon, Cleco is collecting fans to help the elderly and offering tips to help customers manage their electric bills.

"Air conditioning is important during Louisiana's hot summer months," said Anthony Bunting, vice president of customer services and energy delivery. "But keeping cool can be critical for the elderly because getting too hot can be more than uncomfortable - it can be deadly."

Cleco employees are preparing fundraisers and working with local businesses to generate funds and fans for Cleco's tenth annual fan drive. The fan drive begins April 5 and continues until May 27. Donated fans will be sent to local councils on aging in Cleco's service territory for distribution.

"Using a fan can keep temperatures safe and lower energy usage," Bunting explained. "Using less energy means lower energy costs for our customers."

Cleco encourages the community to help an elderly person this summer by dropping off a fan at any Cleco customer service office. Senior citizens in need of fans should contact their local council on aging. Participating organizations include the Eunice Food Bank, the Rapides Senior Center and the following parish Councils on Aging: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, DeSoto, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany and Vernon.