FirstEnergy's West Virginia Utilities Encourage Customers to Arrange Payment Plans and Apply for Bill Assistance Programs

Rhea-AI Summary

On October 20, 2021, FirstEnergy's subsidiaries, Mon Power and Potomac Edison, urged West Virginia residential customers facing financial difficulties to enroll in payment plans or seek bill assistance. President Jim Meyers highlighted increased financial hardships due to the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of assistance programs. Key programs include the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, Emergency Assistance, and the Dollar Energy Fund. Mon Power serves about 395,000 customers across 34 counties, while Potomac Edison serves approximately 151,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle.

Positive

• Encouragement for customers to seek assistance highlights commitment to community support.
• Multiple assistance programs available to aid customers in financial distress.

Negative

• Resumption of shut-offs for nonpayment may lead to increased customer hardship.

FAIRMONT, W.Va., Oct. 20, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- West Virginia residential customers of Mon Power and Potomac Edison, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), who are having difficulty making ends meet are encouraged to contact their utility now to enroll in payment plans or to receive referrals for bill assistance programs. Establishing an affordable payment arrangement or obtaining assistance can help keep balances manageable now that shut-offs for nonpayment have resumed.

"The pandemic has greatly increased financial hardships among our West Virginia customers," said Jim Meyers, president of West Virginia operations for FirstEnergy. "Customers who have lost income during this crisis and who are behind on their utility bills may be eligible for assistance that was unavailable to them before."

Programs customers may be eligible to participate in include:

• The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP): Helps residential customers maintain electric service through cash grants for home heating bills and emergencies, including past-due bills and termination notices. To apply, obtain an application from your local Deparment of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office, Community Action Agency or senior center, call 1-877-716-1212 or visit www.wvpath.org.

• Emergency Assistance (EA) Program: The program is administered by WV DHHR and helps customers avoid termination of service for nonpayment by providing a payment directly to the utility company. To apply, call 1-877-716-1212 or visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx. 

• The Dollar Energy Fund (DEF): Helps customers avoid termination of service for nonpayment by providing a payment directly to the utility company. To find an agency and apply, visit www.hardshiptools.org/AgencyFinder.aspx.   

• 2-1-1 Helpline: This nationwide resource and information helpline identifies locally available programs that may assist customers with utility bills or other needs. For more information dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898211 or visit the 2-1-1 website.

• The WV Housing Development Fund provides payment assistance to help renters with utility bills, current or past-due rent and more through the Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program (MRAP). To apply for rental assistance or learn more about the upcoming WV Homeowners Rescue Program, visit www.wvhdf.com.

For a complete list of assistance programs for which customers may be eligible, including installment payment plans and budget billing, please visit www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist, or call customer service:

Mon Power	1-800-686-0022
Potomac Edison	1-800-686-0011

Mon Power serves about 395,000 customers in 34 West Virginia counties. Follow Mon Power at www.mon-power.com, on Twitter @MonPowerWV, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MonPowerWV. 

Potomac Edison serves about 151,000 customers in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Follow Potomac Edison at www.potomacedison.com, on Twitter @PotomacEdison, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PotomacEdison.

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. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter: @FirstEnergyCorp.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What assistance programs are available for FirstEnergy customers in West Virginia?

Customers can access programs like Low Income Energy Assistance Program, Emergency Assistance, and Dollar Energy Fund to help manage utility bills.

How can customers arrange payment plans with FirstEnergy subsidiaries in West Virginia?

Customers are encouraged to contact Mon Power or Potomac Edison directly to discuss payment plan options.

What did FirstEnergy highlight about customer hardships during the pandemic?

FirstEnergy noted significant financial difficulties among customers due to the pandemic, prompting appeals for assistance.

What is the contact information for Mon Power and Potomac Edison customer service?

Mon Power can be reached at 1-800-686-0022 and Potomac Edison at 1-800-686-0011.

When did FirstEnergy issue the press release regarding customer assistance in West Virginia?

The press release was issued on October 20, 2021.