PINEVILLE, La., – Cleco kicks off its annual fan drive just in time for the hot summer months. For the past 14 years, Cleco has donated fans to local councils on aging to help the elderly stay comfortable and save money on their electric bills during the summer.

“The weather is warming up, and Cleco is reminding everyone now is the time to start thinking about ways to help manage your electric bill,” said Shirley Turner, general manager of customer experience. “Controlling your energy use does not have to be an inconvenience. Fans make the air feel 10 degrees cooler, allowing customers to set their thermostats at 78 degrees to achieve maximum energy efficiency.”

Each year, Cleco takes the fans they collect to councils on aging in its service territory to distribute to those in need. Cleco employees participate in fundraisers to help collect fans, and local businesses, such as Schnack’s Fine Jewelry, have made contributions. The fan drive lasts until the end of May.

“So many times, the elderly are faced with limited funds, making it difficult to cover all of their expenses,” said Turner. “The fan drive allows us the opportunity to help out and to help educate customers on the best ways to manage their energy use.”

Heating and air conditioning account for half of a home’s energy use and supplementing with a fan is an energy efficient way to beat the heat and control an energy bill. Closing blinds to block the sun, using heat-generating appliances, like dryers, late in the evening and cooking outside are a few other suggestions to keep homes cooler.

Those wishing to donate a new fan to the drive can drop it off at any Cleco customer service office. An elderly person should contact their local council on aging to receive a fan.

The participating organizations are:
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
Iberia Council on Aging
Natchitoches Council on Aging
Rapides Council on Aging
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