New Utility Assistance Program for Renters Now Available in Pennsylvania

Rhea-AI Summary

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has been introduced to support low-income renters facing challenges due to the pandemic in Pennsylvania, specifically for customers of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE). Signed into law on February 5, 2021, the program will run until December 31, 2021, or until funds are depleted. ERAP funds can cover rental and utility costs. Additional assistance programs are also available for customers of Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power, and West Penn Power, including LIHEAP and the Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program.

Positive

• ERAP supports low-income renters affected by the pandemic, enhancing FirstEnergy's community outreach.
• The program may help maintain electric service for eligible customers, reducing potential customer disconnections.

Negative

• The financial impact of COVID-19 might lead to increased default rates among renters, potentially affecting future utility revenues.

GREENSBURG, Pa., March 30, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which assists income-eligible renters who are having trouble making ends meet, is now available to customers of FirstEnergy Corp.'s (NYSE: FE) Pennsylvania utilities.

Signed into law February 5, 2021, ERAP is designed to assist Pennsylvania renters and families at risk of homelessness due to financial hardships caused by the pandemic. Funds from the program can be used for rental or utility costs or arrearages and other related housing expenses. The Department of Human Services expects the ERAP program to run through December 31, 2021, or until funds are exhausted.

Tenants can apply, or landlords can apply on their behalf, online at www.compass.state.pa.us. If your county is not using COMPASS, you will be referred to your local ERAP agency.

"We understand many customers are in a difficult financial situation because of the pandemic," said Michelle Henry, vice president of customer service at FirstEnergy. "Customers who have lost income during this crisis may be eligible for assistance that was unavailable to them before, but some of those programs might not be available later, when overdue balances must be addressed."

Additional assistance programs for qualifying Metropolitan Edison (Met-Ed), Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), West Penn Power and Pennsylvania Power (Penn Power) customers are available. These programs can help customers maintain their electric service and help keep overdue balances manageable. Programs include:

• LIHEAP is a federally funded grant program administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through its network of local county assistance offices. Eligible customers may receive crisis grants of up to $800 to help with past-due electric bills and/or receive heating assistance to help reduce winter heating bills. Applications will be accepted until April 9 or until funds are exhausted. To apply, call LIHEAP at  877-395-8930 or visit www.compass.state.pa.us.
• The Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program (PCAP) helps residential customers maintain electric service and/or eliminate their past-due balance. PCAP participants are automatically enrolled in the Equal Payment Plan (EPP) – a budget plan that allows customers to make consistent monthly payments. Customers receive monthly credits to reduce the EPP amount and/or forgiveness credits which help eliminate the past due balance at initial enrollment. While payment is not required to re-enroll if you are a previous PCAP recipient, Dollar Energy Fund, the program administrator, can estimate the amount that would be due at re-enrollment. For enrollment information, call 888-282-6816, or to apply online, visit dollarenergy.org/myapp.
• Dollar Energy Fund is an emergency hardship fund designed to help residential customers restore or maintain electric service. Eligible customers may receive up to $500 while funds are available. Program funding is provided by FirstEnergy customers, company employees, FirstEnergy shareholders and other sources. The distribution of funds is administered by the Dollar Energy Fund. For information, call 888-282-6816 or visit www.dollarenergy.org.
• 211 is a nationwide resource and information helpline that will identify programs, such as the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, in your area that may assist you or someone you know with utility bills or other needs. For more information call 211, visit www.211.org or text your ZIP code to 898211.

Income eligible customers also can reduce their electric bills by making their homes more energy efficient by participating in the WARM Program. This program is available to homeowners and renters with landlord approval. WARM Program participants:

• Receive an in-home energy evaluation
• Work with a trained energy educator to create an energy-savings plan
• Have the opportunity to receive energy-saving light bulbs; caulking and weather-stripping installed in their home; electric water heater inspections; and refrigerator/freezer testing and possible replacement.

The specific improvements that a customer is eligible to receive will be determined during the home energy evaluation. While no payment is required for these installations or services, there are household income requirements and electricity use requirements. For more information, customers can call Dollar Energy Fund at 888-282-6816, or apply online at www.energysavepa.com.

Pennsylvania residential customers also can manage their electric bills through the Equal Payment Plan (EPP). With EPP, customers can make consistent monthly payments to avoid seasonal highs and lows in their electric bills.

To apply or learn more about other company programs, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist or call 800-545-7741.

For more information and frequently asked questions about FirstEnergy's response to the coronavirus emergency, visit https://firstenergycorp.com/help/safety/coronavirus.html.

Met-Ed serves about 560,000 customers within 3,300 square miles of eastern and southeastern Pennsylvania. Follow Met-Ed on Twitter @Met Ed and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MetEdElectric.

Penelec serves nearly 600,000 customers within 17,600 square miles of northern and central Pennsylvania. Follow Penelec on Twitter @Penelec and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PenelecElectric.

Penn Power serves approximately 163,000 customers within 1,100 square miles of western Pennsylvania. Follow Penn Power on Twitter @Penn Power, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennPower.

West Penn Power serves approximately 720,000 customers within 10,400 square miles of central and southwestern Pennsylvania. Follow West Penn Power on Twitter @W_Penn_Power and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/WestPennPower.

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 24,500 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Visit FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What is the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) introduced by FirstEnergy Corp.?

ERAP is a program designed to assist eligible renters in Pennsylvania who are struggling due to financial hardships caused by the pandemic.

How long will the Emergency Rental Assistance Program be available?

The program is expected to run until December 31, 2021, or until all funds are exhausted.

What kind of expenses does the ERAP cover for FirstEnergy customers?

ERAP funds can be used for rental and utility costs, as well as related housing expenses.

What additional assistance programs are available to FirstEnergy customers?

Additional programs include LIHEAP and the Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program, aimed at helping customers maintain electric service.

How can tenants apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program through FirstEnergy?

Tenants or landlords can apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us.