FirstEnergy Ohio Customers Can Get Assistance with Electric Bills

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) urges Ohio customers of Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison to explore bill assistance programs available now through March and into the winter season.

Rhea-AI Summary

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) urges Ohio customers of Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison to explore bill assistance programs available now through March and into the winter season.

Programs include PIPP Plus, HEAP and Emergency HEAP grants, locally run aid (OPAE, Project Reach, CO-OP, Neighbors Helping Neighbors), a 24/7 2-1-1 helpline, and a special reconnect option available until April 15.

Argus Mar 24 session

+0.80% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – FE

On Mar 24, the day this news came out, FE closed 0.80% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Mar 24 session.

Key Figures

Special reconnect payment: $175 2-1-1 availability: 24 hours, 365 days Ohio Edison customers: More than 1 million +5 more

Special reconnect payment

$175

Per heating season to restore or maintain service

2-1-1 availability

24 hours, 365 days

2-1-1 Helpline operating schedule

Ohio Edison customers

More than 1 million

Ohio Edison customer base across 34 Ohio counties

Ohio Edison counties

34 counties

Ohio Edison Ohio service territory

Illuminating Company customers

More than 750,000

Customer count in specific Ohio counties

Toledo Edison customers

Nearly 315,000

Northwest Ohio customer base

FirstEnergy customers

6 million

Total customers served across six U.S. states

Transmission lines

Approximately 24,000 miles

FirstEnergy transmission subsidiaries’ network length

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 20

5 events

1. Mar 20

   Customer assistance outreach

   24h Move

   -2.3%

   JCP&L highlighted multiple energy bill assistance programs and an in-person event.

2. Mar 17

   Storm restoration update

   24h Move

   -1.1%

   Reported restoring power to over 97% of 1.1M customers after windstorms.

3. Mar 16

   Storm response progress

   24h Move

   +1.4%

   Detailed restoration progress, infrastructure repairs and readiness for additional severe weather.

4. Mar 12

   Severe weather prep

   24h Move

   +0.7%

   Warned of high winds, activated incident command and mobilized restoration resources.

5. Mar 2

   Transmission projects award

   24h Move

   -0.3%

   PJM selected FirstEnergy Transmission for major reliability projects with large capex plans.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

percentage of income payment plan plus (pipp plus), home energy assistance program (heap), ohio partners for affordable energy (opae), project reach, +2 more

6 terms

percentage of income payment plan plus (pipp plus) financial

"Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): Allows customers to pay a percentage..."

A Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) is a government-run utility assistance program that lets eligible low-income customers pay a fixed share of their household income toward energy bills instead of standard meter-based charges, often including help with past-due balances or bill credits. Investors watch it because it affects utilities’ cash flow, bad-debt levels and regulatory risk—similar to a landlord agreeing to reduced, income-based rent that stabilizes payments but can change how much revenue the owner actually collects.

home energy assistance program (heap) financial

"Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Provides cash grants to help customers pay..."

A home energy assistance program (HEAP) is a government-funded safety net that helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills, often through direct bill payments, one-time grants, or crisis aid. For investors, HEAP matters because it affects utility cash flow, energy demand patterns, and consumers’ ability to pay other bills—similar to a cushion that keeps household spending more stable during extreme weather, which can influence revenue, credit risk, and regulatory scrutiny in energy and financial sectors.

ohio partners for affordable energy (opae) financial

"Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy (OPAE): Provides financial assistance to income-eligible..."

Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy (OPAE) is a nonprofit consumer advocacy group that represents residential and low-income utility customers in regulatory proceedings and energy-policy discussions in Ohio. It matters to investors because OPAE can shape outcomes like electricity and gas rates, utility cost recovery, or program requirements—much like a community watchdog whose pressure can change a utility’s revenue, expenses, or public reputation and therefore affect investor returns.

project reach financial

"Project Reach: For Ohio Edison residential customers facing a recent financial hardship..."

Project reach is an estimate of how many people, customers or market segments a product, announcement or marketing effort is expected to touch. For investors it signals the potential size of the opportunity and how quickly awareness or sales might grow—like estimating how many homes a flyer will land in before deciding whether to print more or change the message.

community outreach opportunity program (co-op) financial

"Community Outreach Opportunity Program (CO-OP): For residential customers of The Illuminating..."

A community outreach opportunity program (co-op) is a company-run initiative that partners with local groups to provide services such as job training, volunteer work, donations, or educational efforts. Think of it as a business investing time and resources into its neighborhood to build trust and goodwill; for investors this matters because strong community ties can protect a company’s reputation, ease regulatory relations, attract customers or talent, and reduce the risk of costly conflicts or disruptions.

neighbors helping neighbors financial

"Neighbors Helping Neighbors: For Toledo Edison residential customers who are experiencing..."

A neighborhood- or community-focused program where residents, employees, or a company coordinate practical help—like sharing supplies, offering volunteer services, or supporting recovery after a disruption—based on mutual aid rather than formal charity structures. Investors watch these efforts because they build local goodwill, reduce reputational risk, and can signal strong customer and employee loyalty; think of it as a company or community’s social “insurance policy” that protects long-term value.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Assistance programs can help customers keep energy costs manageable

AKRON, Ohio, March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- When temperatures drop, home heating systems have to work harder – especially during long stretches of frigid weather. That extra energy use can cause electric bills to climb. To help manage seasonal costs, Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison – FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) electric companies – are encouraging customers to explore the bill assistance programs and options available to them. 

Torrence L. Hinton, President, FirstEnergy Ohio: "Winter energy bills can be challenging for a lot of Ohio families, and we want our customers to know they don't have to navigate it alone. Meaningful help is available, and our team is ready to connect you with programs and resources that can make a real difference and provide peace of mind."

The following assistance programs are available to eligible customers:

• Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus): Allows customers to pay a percentage of their household income toward their monthly electric bill and may help eliminate a past-due balance.  
   
• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Provides cash grants to help customers pay winter heating bills. Emergency HEAP helps customers avoid service disconnection.

• Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy (OPAE): Provides financial assistance to income-eligible customers to help pay their electric bills. OPAE's program opens in March and remains open until funds are exhausted.
   
• Project Reach: For Ohio Edison residential customers facing a recent financial hardship and who need assistance maintaining or restoring service.
   
• Community Outreach Opportunity Program (CO-OP): For residential customers of The Illuminating Company who need temporary support maintaining or restoring service.
   
• Neighbors Helping Neighbors: For Toledo Edison residential customers who are experiencing financial challenges and need help maintaining or restoring service.
   
• 2-1-1 Helpline: Information helpline that helps identify locally available programs that may assist customers with utility bills or other needs. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Special Reconnect Option for Customers Facing Disconnection

Residential customers who have had service disconnected or are at risk of disconnection can pay $175 once per heating season to restore or maintain service. If service has been disconnected, a reconnection fee may also be required. The program may also be used to establish electric service. There are no income requirements for the program, which is available until April 15. Contact your electric company for more information.

We're Here to Help

Whether you need temporary help or ongoing support, FirstEnergy's Ohio electric companies are here to help you stay safe and comfortable at home. Visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist to learn more about assistance and payment programs.

Ohio Edison serves more than 1 million customers across 34 Ohio counties. Follow Ohio Edison on X @OhioEdison and on Facebook at facebook.com/OhioEdison.

The Illuminating Company serves more than 750,000 customers across Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties. Follow The Illuminating Company on X @IlluminatingCo and on Facebook at facebook.com/IlluminatingCo.

Toledo Edison serves nearly 315,000 customers in northwest Ohio. Follow Toledo Edison on X @ToledoEdison or on Facebook at facebook.com/ToledoEdison.

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving six million 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 X: @FirstEnergyCorp.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/firstenergy-ohio-customers-can-get-assistance-with-electric-bills-302723516.html

SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

How can Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company or Toledo Edison customers apply for bill assistance with FE on March 24, 2026?

Apply by contacting your electric company or visiting FirstEnergy's bill assistance page for program details. According to FirstEnergy, customers should visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist or call their utility to learn eligibility, required documents, and application steps.

What is the PIPP Plus program and who qualifies for it under FE Ohio utilities?

PIPP Plus lets eligible customers pay a set percentage of household income toward monthly electric bills. According to FirstEnergy, PIPP Plus may also help eliminate past-due balances and is available to income-qualified residential customers.

What is the special reconnect option deadline and cost for FE Ohio customers facing disconnection?

Customers can pay a one-time $175 once per heating season to restore or maintain service; availability ends April 15. According to FirstEnergy, reconnection fees may also apply and the program has no income requirements.

How does the 2-1-1 helpline assist Ohio customers of FE utilities with utility bills?

The 2-1-1 helpline connects callers to local programs and resources 24/7, 365 days a year. According to FirstEnergy, 2-1-1 helps identify financial assistance options for utility bills and other urgent needs in customers' communities.

When does OPAE assistance open for eligible customers served by FE Ohio utilities in 2026?

OPAE's financial assistance program opens in March and remains available until funds are exhausted. According to FirstEnergy, income-eligible customers should apply promptly because funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

What options do Ohio Edison, Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison customers have if they face recent financial hardship?

Customers may qualify for Project Reach, CO-OP, or Neighbors Helping Neighbors for temporary support to maintain or restore service. According to FirstEnergy, each program targets residential customers facing recent hardship and has its own eligibility rules.