In a heartfelt message to customers, FirstEnergy employees are speaking out about personal experiences that fuel their passion to help customers who may find themselves seeking financial assistance for the first time. The video, "We're Customers Just Like You" features four FirstEnergy Customer Service and Human Services employees who want customers to know they are dedicated to helping them get through challenging times.
"Many of our customers are unaware of the various utility bill assistance programs available to them, which often prevents them from taking advantage of income-based financial assistance for which they are eligible," said
Assistance to qualifying Potomac Edison customers is available through the following programs:
The Community Energy Fund :A needs-based program aiding qualifying residential customers who need emergency help paying their electric bill, while funds are available. The company matches donations from customers 50 cents on each dollar, up to the program limits. The distribution of funds is administered by local administering agencies in Potomac Edison's service territory, including:Allegany County Department of Social Services at 301-784-7000Religious Coalition of Emergency Human Need at 301-631-2670- Human Service Program of
Carroll County, Inc. at 410-857-2999 Garrett County Community Action Committee, Inc. at 301-334-9431
The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP): A federally funded program administered by theDepartment of Human Services and theOffice of Home Energy Programs . MEAP provides financial assistance with home heating bills. Payments are made to the utility on the customer's behalf.- The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP):A state-funded program administered by the
Department of Human Services and theOffice of Home Energy Programs that helps income-eligible electric customers pay their monthly electric bills and/or past-due bills. - The Utility Service Protection Program (USPP):A federally sponsored program administered by the
Department of Human Services and theOffice of Home Energy Programs . This program is designed to protect income-eligible families from utility turn-offs during the heating season.
To apply for MEAP, EUSP or USPP, visit mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us, call the
Potomac Edison residential customers also can manage their electric bills through the Average Payment Plan (APP). With APP, customers can make consistent monthly payments to avoid seasonal highs and lows in their electric bills.
In addition to payment options, Potomac Edison offers a Medical Certification program. Disconnection of electric service resulting from overdue bills can be delayed up to 30 days if it is determined that the loss of electric service would be especially dangerous to the health of a permanent member of a customer's household. An appropriate health care professional must complete and sign a Medical Certification Form for the eligible customer.
Potomac Edison also offers a program called Third Party Notification where a relative, friend, clergy or social service agency can be notified along with the customer if electric service is about to be disconnected. The third party is not obligated to pay the overdue bills but can help make payment arrangements for the customer who might have difficulty paying their bill.
For more information about any of these programs, including how to qualify, visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist and click on "Search Assistance Programs." Potomac Edison's Customer Service team is also available to answer questions at 800-686-0011, Monday through Friday from
Potomac Edison serves about 257,000 customers in seven
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
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