NATCHEZ &8212; Entergy Mississippi is offering free window-unit air conditioners and box fans this summer to low-income families as part of their annual &8220;Beat the Heat&8221; program.

Stephen Caruthers of Entergy said it is a chance for Entergy to give the less fortunate in Franklin, Jefferson and Adams counties some relief during the long hot summer months.

&8220;We&8217;re not going to save the world, but if you start with a handful of people you can help a little bit,&8221; Caruthers said.

In Mississippi, Entergy will distribute 100 air conditioners and 250 box fans. Adams, Franklin and Jefferson counties will receive eight air conditioner units and 18 fans.

&8220;In 2005 we went from just donating the box fans to 110-volt window units,&8221; Caruthers said. &8220;This is the first year we will give out both.&8221;

AJFC will handle applications and distribution of the units

Entergy also offers other cost-saving programs to low-to-mid-income customers including: &8220;Budget Billing&8221; and &8220;Pick-A-Date.&8221;

Caruthers said Entergy customers having trouble with their bill can come to him or other representative and get on a budget plan for affordable payments.

&8220;If a working customer doesn&8217;t receive a paycheck on our regular billing date, we can also work with him or her to schedule a day to pay their bill that is more convenient for them,&8221; Caruthers said.

Families or individuals who want to apply in &8220;Beat the Heat&8221; should contact AJFC at 601-442-8681 and Entergy customers who need help with high-energy costs should call Entergy at 1-800-368-3749.