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FirstEnergy Customers Can Get Help with Summer Electric Bills

The sweltering heat of summer in Ohio often brings financial strain, especially when it comes to electric bills necessary for air conditioning. In response to these challenges, Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison, all part of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), are urging customers to make use of existing programs designed to assist them during these trying months.

The HEAP Summer Crisis Program

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) offers a Summer Crisis Program where eligible residential customers can receive up to $500 to assist with various cooling-related expenses. This program runs until September 30 and is pivotal in helping customers tackle their electric bills or undertake necessary repairs. Here are some key benefits:

• - Electric Bill Assistance: Directly reduce financial burdens related to electric bills.
• - Air Conditioning Repairs: Receive help for repairing central air conditioning systems to ensure homes stay cool.
• - Cooling Unit Purchase: Financial support for the purchase of new air conditioning units or fans.

Torrence Hinton, President of FirstEnergy Ohio, stated, "We understand how difficult energy bills can be during these hot summer months. Our team is prepared to connect customers to valuable resources that can make a significant positive impact on their well-being."

Additional Year-Round Assistance Programs

Beyond the summer crisis program, FirstEnergy offers various year-round assistance options to support Ohio residents:

• - Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): A program allowing customers to remit a fixed percentage of their income towards their monthly electric bills, ensuring bills remain manageable.
• - Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Provides cash grants aimed at covering home heating expenses and emergencies, expanding support beyond the summer months.
• - Project REACH: This initiative specifically assists Ohio Edison residential customers who find themselves facing financial hardship.
• - Community Outreach Opportunity Program (CO-OP): Tailored for customers of The Illuminating Company who require short-term assistance.
• - Ohio Fuel Fund: Offers cash grants for electricity bills specifically to The Illuminating Company’s residential clientele
• - Neighbors Helping Neighbors: An initiative dedicated to assisting Toledo Edison customers experiencing financial difficulties.

These assistance programs underscore FirstEnergy's commitment to community support. The goal is clear: to ensure residents have access to resources that enable them to feel safe and comfortable at home, even during Ohio's hottest months.

Conclusion

Ohio Edison serves over a million customers across 34 counties while The Illuminating Company caters to over 750,000 clients across several counties including Cuyahoga and Geauga. Toledo Edison helps nearly 315,000 residents in northwest Ohio. Prospective beneficiaries can learn more about the various assistance options available to them by visiting firstenergycorp.com/billassist. It's essential that residents stay informed about the available support options, particularly as summer progresses.

Stay connected and informed by following these companies on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook for updates and additional support information.