Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a FirstEnergy Corp. electric company, announced on Mar. 20 that it is encouraging customers to explore available assistance programs to help manage energy bills following the end of the New Jersey Winter Termination Program.
The announcement comes as seasonal temperature changes can lead to increased energy use and higher bills for many households. Doug Mokoid, President of FirstEnergy New Jersey, said, “When temperatures swing to extremes like they did this winter, many customers use more energy to heat or cool their homes, which can lead to higher electric bills. No one should feel stressed about staying comfortable and safe at home. If you’re concerned about paying your electric bill, please reach out – our dedicated team is here to help you find options and get back on track.”
Among the highlighted resources is the Universal Service Fund (USF), which provides monthly bill credits and may eliminate past-due balances through its Fresh Start Program for eligible households. To qualify for USF, applicants must have a gross income at or below 60% of the state median income level and meet specific criteria regarding annual electricity expenses. JCP&L will also host an in-person assistance event on April 22 at the Charles A. Smith Community Center in Forked River from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., where attendees can receive help applying for USF and learn about other support options.
Additional payment assistance programs include the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), SHARES, Payment Assistance for Gas & Electric (PAGE), Lifeline benefits for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals, Comfort Partners Programs offering no-cost home improvements, and access to information via the 2-1-1 helpline.
FirstEnergy focuses on corporate responsibility through environmental and community initiatives according to its official website. The company manages approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines and over 269,000 miles of distribution lines as detailed by FirstEnergy, serving more than six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York according to its official website.
FirstEnergy has been recognized as a compliance leader with awards for environmental efforts and military-friendly practices according to its official website. The company aims to function as a progressive utility emphasizing integrity and reliability with a diverse workforce focused on improving customer experiences and community strength according to its official website.
Looking ahead, JCP&L encourages customers who need short-term or ongoing support with their energy bills to visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist or attend upcoming events for further assistance.
