Alexa® Functionality Now Available for FirstEnergy Utility Customers

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) has introduced a new service allowing customers to access their electric bill information via Amazon's Alexa and compatible devices. This feature enables quick retrieval of key account details such as billing notifications, due dates, and payment confirmations at no additional cost. Customers must link their FirstEnergy utility account to their Amazon account for usage. The initiative aims to enhance customer convenience and real-time access to data. Future updates will expand functionalities, including usage comparisons and payment capabilities.

Positive

• Introduction of Alexa integration offers customers convenient access to electric bill information.
• Provides real-time data on billing notifications, due dates, and payment confirmations.
• No additional costs for customers using the service.

Negative

• Currently, the service does not support reporting or checking the status of power outages.

AKRON, Ohio, May 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Customers of FirstEnergy's (NYSE: FE) utilities can now get updates on their electric bill through Amazon's® Alexa® and Alexa-compatible devices including Echo® and Fire TV®.

This new functionality can help customers retrieve important details about their electric account and their electric bill, delivering answers within seconds of being prompted. Information available via voice assistance includes billing notifications, due dates, payment confirmations and monthly and yearly billing comparisons. There are no costs or fees for using Alexa to access utility bill information.

"This technology provides another touchpoint for customers and is centered on convenience, real-time data and ease of use," said Sam Belcher, senior vice president and president of FirstEnergy Utilities. "We are excited to offer this functionality to the growing number of customers who have come to rely on voice-activated assistants for quick access to information."

To use this new functionality, customers with an Alexa or compatible device will need to sign up for an online account with their FirstEnergy utility. Linking an Amazon account to a FirstEnergy utility account can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Once linked, customers can ask numerous questions for information about their electric bills, including:

• "Alexa, how much is my electric bill?"
• "Alexa, when is my FirstEnergy bill due?
• "Alexa, compare my FirstEnergy bill to last month."
• "Alexa, did I pay the FirstEnergy bill?"
• "Alexa, what's the balance of my electric bill?"
• "Alexa, what is my electric bill status?"

Additional functionalities will be added over time with the input of customers who use the service and will include kilowatt hour (kWh) usage comparisons and bill payment. This service does not yet include the ability to report or check the status of a power outage.

For more information about FirstEnergy's Alexa functionality or to sign up for the service, visit firstenergycorp.com/alexa. 

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alexa-functionality-now-available-for-firstenergy-utility-customers-301291126.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the new Alexa functionality offered by FirstEnergy?

FirstEnergy's new Alexa functionality allows customers to access their electric bill information and account details through voice commands.

When was the Alexa functionality for FirstEnergy customers announced?

The Alexa functionality for FirstEnergy customers was announced on May 13, 2021.

How can FirstEnergy customers use the Alexa service?

Customers need to link their FirstEnergy utility account to their Amazon account to use the Alexa service.

Is there any cost associated with using the Alexa functionality for FirstEnergy utility customers?

There are no additional costs or fees for using Alexa to access utility bill information.

What types of questions can customers ask Alexa regarding their FirstEnergy bill?

Customers can ask about their bill amount, due dates, payment confirmations, and compare monthly or yearly billing.