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

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) encourages its West Virginia residential customers facing financial difficulties to enroll in various bill assistance programs. Programs include the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), Emergency Assistance Program, and Dollar Energy Fund, all aimed at preventing service termination for nonpayment. James Myers, president of West Virginia Operations, highlights the importance of reaching out to the utility for options during winter. Mon Power serves around 395,000 customers, while Potomac Edison serves about 151,000 in the area. More information can be accessed through local DHR offices or the FirstEnergy website.

Positive

• Various customer support programs are available for those financially struggling, potentially improving customer satisfaction.
• The initiative to promote payment plans and assistance programs could enhance customer retention and reduce service terminations.

Negative

• Continued financial challenges among customers may indicate broader economic issues, raising concerns about future revenue.

Programs can help alleviate growing balances for customers having financial difficulty

FAIRMONT, W.Va., Jan. 17, 2023 /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.

"Many of our customers continue to face financial challenges due to ongoing economic uncertainty," said James Myers, president of West Virginia Operations for FirstEnergy. "With winter in full swing, I encourage customers who have fallen behind on their bills to contact us as soon as possible so that a member of our team can review their options with them."

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 Department of Health & Human Resources (DHHR) office, Community Action Agency or senior center, call 1-877-716-1212 or visit www.wvpath.org. The program typically opens in February and remains open until funds are exhausted.
• 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 a local DHR office. Locate a DHR office near you.
• 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, 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 Homeowners Rescue: This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners for qualified mortgage or housing-related expenses to avoid delinquency, default, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement. Visit www.wvhdf.com or call 1-844-542-0035 to request a paper application.
• The WV 20% Utility Discount Program: The Special Reduced Residential Service Rate Program (20% Utility Discount Program) provides a 20% discount on electric, gas and water for eligible participants. To be eligible, participants must be either:
• Recipients of SNAP assistance or be at least 60 years of age.
• Recipients of SSI and be 18 years old or older.
• Recipients of WV WORKS.

For more information, call 1-877-716-1212 or visit a local DHR office. Locate a DHR office near you.

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 does FirstEnergy offer in West Virginia?

FirstEnergy offers several assistance programs, including the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), Emergency Assistance Program, and Dollar Energy Fund.

How can customers contact FirstEnergy for bill assistance?

Customers can contact FirstEnergy at 1-877-716-1212 or visit local Department of Health and Human Resources offices.

How many customers does Mon Power serve?

Mon Power serves approximately 395,000 customers in West Virginia.

What is the purpose of the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)?

The LIEAP helps residential customers maintain electric service through cash grants for home heating bills and emergencies.

What can customers do if they are facing financial difficulties with their utility bills?

Customers can enroll in payment plans or apply for bill assistance programs offered by FirstEnergy.