New Jersey Customers Encouraged to Apply for Payment Assistance Programs During Utility Assistance Awareness Week

Rhea-AI Summary

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is promoting Utility Assistance Awareness Week, from June 10-14, in collaboration with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. JCP&L is encouraging residential customers facing financial difficulties to enroll in various payment assistance programs designed to help manage utility bills.

These programs include the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program, Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program, NJ SHARES, Lifeline Utility Assistance, and the 2-1-1 Helpline. Customers can visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist or call 1-800-662-3115 for more information and assistance.

JCP&L serves 1.1 million customers across multiple New Jersey counties. FirstEnergy emphasizes its commitment to safety, reliability, and operational excellence, serving customers in various states through its extensive transmission network.

Positive

• JCP&L is actively promoting financial assistance programs to help customers manage utility bills during Utility Assistance Awareness Week.
• Collaboration with New Jersey Board of Public Utilities enhances credibility and reach.
• Multiple assistance programs available, such as USF, LIHEAP, PAGE, NJ SHARES, and Lifeline, potentially reducing financial strain for eligible customers.
• JCP&L offers personalized payment arrangements and a helpful search tool for assistance program eligibility.
• FirstEnergy's extensive network serves many regions, indicating a broad operational reach which can benefit from economies of scale.

Negative

• The PR does not provide specific figures on how many customers have benefited from these programs in the past, making it difficult to assess effectiveness.
• No mention of any new financial results, revenue, or growth metrics for FirstEnergy, leaving investors without updated financial information.
• Potential for increased administrative costs associated with managing and promoting multiple assistance programs.
• Lack of detail on how these programs will impact FirstEnergy's financial performance and future earnings.

JCP&L offers a variety of assistance programs and payment plans to help eligible customers

HOLMDEL, N.J., June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), is teaming with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to promote Utility Assistance Awareness Week, which runs from June 10-14.

Residential customers of JCP&L 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.

Jim Fakult, President, JCP&L: "We understand customers may be facing financial hardship due to any number of factors that can place a major strain on household budgets. Electricity is a vital service to even the most basic standards of living, and our teams are here to help our customers understand and apply for assistance programs they qualify for to relieve some of that worry."

Programs customers may be eligible to participate in include:

• The Universal Service Fund (USF) Program: Income-eligible customers may receive a monthly bill credit and may also be eligible for utility debt forgiveness. To learn more about eligibility requirements or to apply, call 1-866-240-1347 or visit the DCAid screening tool.
• The Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This program may help low-income customers meet home heating and medically necessary cooling costs. To learn more about eligibility or to apply, call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-800-510-3102 or visit the DCAid screening tool.
• The Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program: The PAGE program assists income-qualified households who are in a temporary financial crisis and need electric and/or gas payment assistance. To learn more about eligibility or to apply, call 1-866-657-4273 or visit njshares.org.
• NJ SHARES: NJ SHARES is a non-profit organization that provides assistance to income-eligible New Jersey households in paying their utility bills. To learn more about eligibility or to apply, call 1-866-657-4273 or visit njshares.org.
• Lifeline Utility Assistance: Lifeline is a program that offers a $225 annual benefit to those who meet the PAAD eligibility requirements or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). To learn more about eligibility or to apply, call 1-800-792-9745 or visit the Lifeline website.
• 2-1-1 Helpline: To find additional resources and programs in your area, dial 211, text your ZIP code to 898211 or visit the 2-1-1 website.
• Customers who have outstanding balances but do not qualify for the above programs may be eligible for installment payment plans or budget billing.

Residential customers are encouraged to visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist and use a helpful search tool to see which assistance programs could be available based on their location, household size and income. JCP&L can also offer a variety of payment arrangements for customers who qualify. Customers may also call 1-800-662-3115 to speak with a member of JCP&L's Customer Care team.

JCP&L serves 1.1 million New Jersey customers in the counties of Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren.  Follow JCP&L on X, formerly known as Twitter, @JCP_L, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JCPandL or online at www.jcp-l.com.

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 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 X: @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Utility Assistance Awareness Week promoted by JCP&L?

Utility Assistance Awareness Week aims to encourage JCP&L customers facing financial difficulties to enroll in various payment assistance programs.

What assistance programs are available for JCP&L customers?

Programs include the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program, Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric (PAGE) Program, NJ SHARES, and Lifeline Utility Assistance.

When is Utility Assistance Awareness Week?

Utility Assistance Awareness Week runs from June 10-14.

How can JCP&L customers apply for payment assistance programs?

Customers can visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist or call 1-800-662-3115 for information and assistance.

Who can benefit from the Universal Service Fund (USF) Program?

Income-eligible customers may receive a monthly bill credit and may also be eligible for utility debt forgiveness under the USF Program.

What does the Lifeline Utility Assistance program offer?

The Lifeline Utility Assistance program offers a $225 annual benefit to those meeting PAAD eligibility requirements or receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Which counties do JCP&L serve in New Jersey?

JCP&L serves customers in Burlington, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.