Entergy Texas Inc. is once again partnering with local nonprofit agencies to help people stay cool during summer in Southeast Texas.

This year Entergy is donating 1,300 fans to customers in need with the 17^th Annual Beat the Heat Fan Program.

Earlier this week 120 brand new box fans were delivered to the Salvation Army among other area nonprofits.

“We are blessed to be able to partner with Entergy and help people in our community,” Salvation Army Capt. Martha Hidgon said as she stood next to three pallets of box fans. “We can’t do all of this on our own. It takes partnerships to make it happen.”

Wess Walker, Salvation Army-Port Arthur social services coordinator, said she is also thankful for the donation that will help people stay cool in the heat.

The fans at the Salvation Army are for the senior population in Mid and South Jefferson County and those who are disabled.

Distribution will begin at 10 a.m. Monday at the Salvation Army; 3145 25^th St. Clients must bring a photo ID, proof of residence and proof of disability, if applicable.

This year, a total of 1,300 box fans will be distributed to almost 30 locations throughout the company’s service territory.

“With temperatures getting hotter every day, these fans are a way for Entergy Texas to help our customers cool themselves in the summer heat,” Vernon Pierce, vice president of customer service, said in a press release. “Since heating and air conditioning make up more than half of your monthly energy bill, using fans can help you to run your air conditioner less and make a big impact on your bill at the same time.

“Fans use very little electricity and circulate the air, which helps you feel several degrees cooler,” Pierce continued. “However, fans cool people, not rooms, so remember to turn them off when you leave the room.”

Since the program’s inception, the total of fans distributed to qualified customers is more than 19,300 fans.

Deliveries throughout Southeast Texas will take place over the next two weeks: Dayton, 50 fans; Beaumont, 180 fans; Orange, 120 fans; Vidor, 30 fans; Winnie, 60 fans; Port Arthur, 180 fans; Sour Lake, 25 fans; and Silsbee, 75 fans.

Besides fans, there are a number of other ways to save energy and keep your costs lower without sacrificing comfort are: Getting your air conditioner inspected. Inspectors can make sure your system is leak-free and operating as efficiently as possible. Don’t forget about air filters; some units require monthly cleaning or replacing. Setting your thermostat at 78 degrees or the highest comfortable temperature. Every degree lower than 78 can raise your bill as much as 3 percent. So if you crank down the A/C to a cooler 72 degrees, you’ve already increased your bill by 18 percent. Installing a programmable thermostat. As energy usage rises, costs also rise. If you spend most of your day outside of the house, set your thermostat to automatically shut off or raise the A/C setting when you’re away.

Other tips include: closing blinds, shades and curtains to keep the sun out and the cool air in. In addition, close air conditioning vents in rooms that are not in use and sealing cracks and holes around doors, windows and duct work. Weather stripping and caulk will help keep the cold air inside the house and the hot air outdoors.