PINEVILLE, La. – Summer is right around the  corner and soon, air conditioners will begin to work overtime.  To help beat the heat and save money, Cleco is partnering with councils on aging and other agencies to donate fans to the  elderly across Louisiana.  

Shirley Turner, Cleco’s general manager of customer  experience, said fans can make a big difference during hot, summer months and significantly  cut energy bills.
“We recommend setting the thermostat at 78 degrees to keep  electric bills manageable along with using a fan which makes the air feel 10  degrees cooler,” said Turner.  “Doing these things will keep the temperature comfortable while saving money.”  According to Turner, air conditioners are typically the  largest energy users in a home.  

“Customers on a fixed income can benefit the most from  adjusting their thermostats,” Turner said. “Using less energy can help them lower their electric bill, leaving them  with money for other essentials.”  

Other energy saving tips include keeping curtains and blinds  closed during the day and using heat generating appliances, such as clothes  dryers or the oven, in the evening when temperatures are cooler and the air  conditioning is not working as hard.

Fans and funds to purchase fans will be collected from  employees, customers and the community at Cleco Customer Service Offices  beginning Monday, April 25 through Friday, May 6.  Fans will be delivered in June, just in time  for the peak months of the summer.  

“This is the 16th year for the Cleco Fan Drive,” said Jennifer  Cahill, associate communications representative.  “Our goal is to donate over 600 fans to the  21 participating agencies across the state.”