Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A partnership between Entergy Texas and Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County is providing weatherization to more than 200 homes in Port Arthur.

The program kicked off Wednesday as representatives of the organizations and city officials gathered at Barbara Jacket Park to announce their partnership to help make homes more energy efficient and sustainable during extreme weather events.

“The goal of this community partnership is to help reduce utility costs for homeowners — particularly the elderly, disabled and, especially, households with repeatedly high utility bills,”’ according to information from Entergy.

Karen Do, Entergy public affairs representative, said Entergy is here to stay and reinvest in the community.

“We hear the words of our community. They’re saying that there is a need, and that’s when this collaboration came up,” Do said.

Improvements may include ceiling insulation, sealing ducts, sealing leaks around doors and windows, and installing ENERGY STAR equipment like LED bulbs or advanced power strips. These measures reduce heating/cooling costs and improve resident safety, according to information from Entergy.

Entergy Texas is utilizing two residential energy efficiency programs: the Residential Standard Offer program and the CoolSaver program.

The first program has a contractor come to a home and provide energy efficiency work through improving ceiling insulation, sealing a duct system or providing LED bulbs and advanced power strips.

The CoolSaver program provides a tune-up to the AC system so it runs smoother and more efficiently.

Deshaun Armstrong with Entergy said they encourage residents to take advantage of the programs and make a positive impact throughout he community.

Port Arthur City Manager Ron Burton said one of the first projects he took part in when he arrived was with Habitat for Humanity as assistant director of planning.

He thanked the participating organizations for working to improve the quality of life for people in the city.

Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that everyone should have a durable and safe place to live, according to information from the organization.

Habitat for Humanity believes decent shelter in decent communities should be a matter of conscience and call to action.

Entergy and Habitat will complete home weatherization projects throughout the month of June.

Residents may learn if they are eligible and pre-qualify by contacting Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County at 409-832-5853.