PINEVILLE, La. – The hot summer months bring the possibility of high temperatures and increased electric bills. Cleco is kicking off its annual fan drive to help customers learn ways to better manage their bills through energy conservation and remain comfortable during the hot summer months.

“Each year, our employees look forward to the fan drive and the opportunity to help those in need,” said Shirley Turner, general manager of customer service. “Many of our elderly customers are on fixed incomes and have health issues that make them more susceptible to the heat. Fans are an affordable way to help customers stay comfortable, conserve energy and control costs during the summer.”

Cleco employees are now holding fundraisers and accepting fans for the company’s annual event. Those interested in supporting the fan drive, can donate a boxed fan by bringing it to any Cleco customer service office beginning now until the end of May. Cleco partners with local councils on aging to help distribute the fans to elderly individuals who are in need.

“Some of our customers do not have air conditioning or the means to run their units all summer,” said Turner. “The fan drive is a way for Cleco to give back to the communities we serve and an opportunity for us to remind customers about energy conservation. For instance, using a fan can make the air feel 10 degrees cooler. It also takes a lot less energy to run a fan as opposed to running a window or traditional unit.”

Cleco reminds its customers to control their thermostats and recommends a setting of 78 degrees for hot weather energy efficiency. “You can save 3 to 5 percent on the cooling portion of your electric bill for each degree raised above 78 degrees,” said Turner. “If you are leaving your home for more than a few hours, raise the thermostat 4 degrees higher than its normal setting. Do not drastically lower the thermostat upon returning home.”

Senior citizens located in the Cleco service territory should contact their local council on aging to request a fan. The participating organizations are below:

• Acadia Council on Aging

• Allen Council on Aging

• Avoyelles Council on Aging

• Beauregard Council on Aging

• Calcasieu Council on Aging

• DeSoto Council on Aging

• Evangeline Council on Aging

• Grant Council on Aging

• Iberia Council on Aging

• Natchitoches Council on Aging

• Rapides Council on Aging

• Rapides Senior Citizens Center

• Red River Council on Aging

• Sabine Council on Aging

• St. Landry Council on Aging

• St. Martin Council on Aging

• St. Mary Council on Aging

• St. Tammany Council on Aging

• Vernon Council on Aging

• Washington Council on Aging

Cleco customers can click here to learn more about the energy efficiency program and financial incentives or by calling 1-833-373-6842.