Entergy Job Cuts

Entergy Corporation`s president says the company will probably trim an additional three-hundred jobs through early retirement packages and will not be forced into layoffs. So far, Entergy has cut its payroll by seven-hundred jobs, mostly in its nuclear power division, through a voluntary early retirement package. Wayne Leonard says that package is now being offered companywide. Leonard, during an appearance in Baton Rouge yesterday, says Entergy will reach the three-hundred figure easily without being forced to make layoffs. In addition, Leonard says he doesn`t anticipate natural gas prices having a significant effecton heating bills this winter. He says heating bills should remain in check this winter with reports of adequate natural gas supplies. Last winter, a natural gas shortage was blamed for higher gas prices, which translated into higher utility bills. And, he says demand for natural gas should be lower this winter because some of the biggest users aren`t there any more.