Potomac Edison Encourages Customers to Arrange Payment Plans and Apply for Bill Assistance Programs

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary Potomac Edison is urging residential customers facing financial challenges to enroll in payment plans and bill assistance programs. Linda Moss, president of Maryland Operations for FirstEnergy, noted the ongoing economic uncertainty affecting many customers. Eligible programs include the Electric Universal Service Program, Utility Service Protection Program, and Maryland Energy Assistance Program. Customers can also access the 2-1-1 Helpline for local resources. Potomac Edison serves approximately 275,000 customers across Maryland and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, emphasizing its commitment to customer support during tough economic times.

Positive

• Offering multiple financial assistance programs to help customers in need.
• Encouraging customers to proactively manage their utility bills through payment plans.

Negative

• Continued financial challenges for customers due to ongoing economic uncertainty.

Programs can help alleviate growing balances for customers having financial difficulty

WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Jan. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Residential customers of Potomac Edison, a subsidiary 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 Linda Moss, president of Maryland 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 Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP): Eligible customers can receive financial assistance to help pay their electric bill and may also receive arrearage forgiveness. To apply, visit mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us or call the Maryland Department of Human Services at 800-332-6347.
• The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP): This program protects families with incomes less than 175% of federal poverty guidelines from utility shut-offs during the heating season. To apply, visit mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us or call the Maryland Department of Human Services at 800-332-6347.
• The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): This program provides assistance with home heating bills. Customers must live at the address served and earn less than 175% of federal poverty guidelines. To apply, visit mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us or call the Maryland Department of Human Services at 800-332-6347.
• 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.

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 at 800-686-0011.

Potomac Edison serves about 275,000 customers in all or parts of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties and 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 (NYSE: FE) offer for struggling customers?

FirstEnergy offers several programs including the Electric Universal Service Program, Utility Service Protection Program, and the Maryland Energy Assistance Program.

How can customers contact Potomac Edison for financial assistance?

Customers can call 800-686-0011 or visit www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist for assistance with payment plans and financial support.

How many customers does Potomac Edison serve?

Potomac Edison serves approximately 275,000 customers in Maryland and the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia.

What is the purpose of the 2-1-1 Helpline mentioned by FirstEnergy?

The 2-1-1 Helpline connects customers with locally available programs to assist with utility bills and other needs.

What economic challenges are affecting FirstEnergy's customers?

Customers are facing financial difficulties due to ongoing economic uncertainty, leading to the need for assistance programs.