While the relief is welcome, it comes amid a firestorm of criticism following Delta’s takeover of Entergy’s natural gas operations last summer.
Delta Utilities is rolling out a new program for residents struggling to keep up with surging energy costs, but for some locals, the move feels like “too little, too late.”
The utility provider announced this week that eligible households can receive a one-time credit of up to $250 applied directly to their natural gas bills every 12 months. The program, managed in partnership with United Way, uses “ALICE” (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data to determine eligibility based on income and family size.
While the relief is welcome, it comes amid a firestorm of criticism following Delta’s takeover of Entergy’s natural gas operations last summer.
‘Money grab’ or a cold winter?
Across Southeast Louisiana, the story is the same: sticker shock. In Uptown New Orleans, resident Michelle Stieffel saw her bill jump from a summer low of $25 to nearly $60 this winter.
“It honestly feels like erroneous billing and not necessarily a weather change,” Stieffel said. “It feels like a money grab.”
The sentiment is shared in Mid-City, where Gordon Turkalj reported a massive spike from $20 in July to $160 in January—despite being away from home for weeks this winter. Turkalj noted that his bills are now outpacing what he previously spent on Entergy bills when gas and electricity were combined.
“From talking with my neighbors and what I’ve seen posted online, there’s quite a few people in this same scenario,” Turkalj said.
Delta defends data
Delta Utilities maintains that base rates have not changed since the transition. Instead, the company points to a 41% drop in temperature this winter, which they say triggered a 145% surge in gas usage across their service area.
Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis acknowledged a failure in communication at a recent town hall in Baton Rouge regarding the seasonal nature of gas billing.
“What I think we failed to do… is explain exactly what you will see on a gas bill,” Lewis said. “In gas utilities, you use a little bit less in the summer months [and] a little bit more in the winter months.”
Aid vs. long-term solutions
At a recent town hall in Baton Rouge, residents like Patty Merrick, president of the Concord Estates HOA, demanded more than just explanations. “No one has given out any funds to reduce these bills; now this is what needs to be done,” Merrick urged.
Delta claims the new assistance program has been in development since July and is not a reactionary measure to the recent outcry.
However, customers like Stieffel remain skeptical of the “band-aid” approach.
“It would just be better on the backend to just make the bill a normal amount and not have to apply for a temporary $250 credit,” Stieffel said.
How to apply
According to a 2023 report, nearly half of all households in southeast Louisiana may qualify for the assistance based on ALICE thresholds.
“DU Cares reflects our fundamental belief that no family should have to choose between keeping the heat on and meeting other basic needs,” said Tim Poché, CEO of Delta Utilities. “Natural gas is essential for daily living—from cooking meals to staying warm. Through this program, we’re not just helping customers manage a bill; we’re investing in the stability of families throughout our service area. Our partnership with United Way ensures that help is accessible, equitable, and delivered with the compassion every family deserves.”
Eligibility requirements: