While the state continues to grapple with the health and economic impacts from COVID-19, Entergy Mississippi has implemented an enhanced customer assistance plan. It includes offering flexible options to extend time to pay with payment arrangements and waiving late fees.

As part of this plan, any customer experiencing financial hardship can take up to twelve months to pay a current bill and/or unpaid balances.

“We know this is an extraordinary time for customers who must navigate new challenges in paying rent, buying food and caring for their families,” said Lea Turnipseed, Entergy Mississippi vice president of customer service. “That’s why we developed these options–to help people make it through and get back on their feet.”

The company will work with customers to provide relief options tailored to their needs. For customers’ convenience, new self-service options are available on Entergy’s website to select whatever payment arrangement works best for them. Visit entergy.com/billhelp or select ‘deferred payment’ on the Entergy mobile app. Customers can also call 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) and follow the automated response system’s billing and payment menu.

Entergy is also guiding customers to federal, local and state financial help. Access this information at entergy.com/covid-19/msresources/.

Mississippians should beware of the national utility scam where bad actors impersonate utility companies and call customers demanding immediate payment. The con artist tells the customer their payment is past due and they will disconnect them if payment is not made. The scammer then directs the person to transfer funds electronically, sometimes through “MoneyPak,” “Green Dot” or another third- party card or transfer system. The scammers also use spoofing technology to make it appear on Caller ID that the call is from Entergy.

Entergy never calls customers demanding payment. To keep from falling victim, never give your personal information to strangers. If a call sounds suspicious, hang up and call 1-800-ENTERGY. Do not call the number on your Caller ID.

While you can pay your bill by phone or credit card, it is only through BillMatrix, a third-party vendor Entergy uses for this purpose, and you would have to start the call.