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

Rhea-AI Summary

On October 20, 2021, Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE), urged residential customers facing financial difficulties to contact the utility for payment plans or bill assistance options. As shut-offs for nonpayment have resumed, customers are encouraged to explore available assistance programs, including the Electric Universal Service Program and Maryland Energy Assistance Program. Potomac Edison serves approximately 275,000 customers in Maryland and 151,000 in West Virginia. For further assistance, customers can visit the company's website or call customer service.

Positive

• Encouragement of financial assistance programs can enhance customer loyalty.
• Potentially decreases customer nonpayment rates by providing support.

Negative

• Resumption of shut-offs for nonpayment may lead to customer dissatisfaction.
• Financial strain on customers due to ongoing pandemic-related challenges could impact revenue.

WILLIAMSPORT, Md., Oct. 20, 2021 /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. Establishing an affordable payment arrangement or obtaining assistance can help keep balances manageable now that shut-offs for nonpayment have resumed.

"We understand the pandemic has made things difficult for many of our customers," said James Sears, president of Maryland 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 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 in Maryland 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 are available for Potomac Edison customers facing payment issues?

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

How many customers does Potomac Edison serve in Maryland?

Potomac Edison serves approximately 275,000 customers in Maryland.

What should customers do if they are struggling to pay their Potomac Edison bills?

Customers are encouraged to contact Potomac Edison to enroll in payment plans or receive referrals to bill assistance programs.

When did Potomac Edison announce the resumption of shut-offs for nonpayment?

The resumption of shut-offs for nonpayment was mentioned in the press release dated October 20, 2021.

How can customers contact Potomac Edison for assistance?

Customers can call Potomac Edison customer service at 800-686-0011 or visit their website for assistance.