May 15, 2025

What do you say when a friend, family member or neighbor asks a question about a specific topic pertaining to FirstEnergy? Here is some information you may want to share if you’re asked about how to combat higher energy bills during the hot summer months.

Summer is coming, and higher temperatures often lead to increased energy usage as we all try to stay cool in our homes. Here are some programs and tips to help customers manage their energy use and costs.

Budget Billing

Budget billing – known as the Equal Payment Plan (EPP) in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey or the Average Payment Plan (APP) in Maryland and West Virginia – spreads out costs evenly over 12 months to help even out seasonal highs and lows to make their bill more manageable. They can explore budget billing by logging in to their online account at firstenergycorp.com.

Analyze Usage Tool

Our free Analyze Usage tool can help determine how customers are using electricity throughout their home. By answering a few simple questions about household energy use, they will receive personalized tips to reduce consumption. They can also track usage to better understand how and when they use energy the most. Customers must have a registered online account to access.

Tips for Managing Energy Use

As summer temperatures approach, there are simple steps that can be taken to help improve energy efficiency and keep their home comfortable year-round:

• Weatherstripping doors and windows can prevent temperature-controlled air from escaping and help take the strain off their cooling system.
• Keeping their HVAC system well-maintained ensures optimal efficiency and extends the life of the equipment.
• Turning off lights when not in use and using a timer for outdoor lighting.
• Rotating ceiling fans counterclockwise during warmer months creates a wind chill effect that can make a space feel cooler.

Visit firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy for more tips and resources.

Bill Assistance and Payment Plans

There are many reasons why someone you know may need help with home energy costs. FirstEnergy offers a variety of programs to help. Customers can visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist to see if they qualify for an assistance program or payment arrangement.

Whether it’s finding ways to use less energy, anticipating monthly costs or exploring assistance programs, there are options to help customers stay in control of their electricity usage and costs.