Winter restrictions for utility shutoffs expire this Friday, April 15.

FirstEnergy is urging residential customers experiencing financial hardship to contact their utility as soon as possible to establish an affordable payment arrangement or obtain assistance before shutoffs for nonpayment resume without winter restrictions.

"We realize many of our customers have difficulty paying their full electric bill due to unforeseen circumstances, like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic," said First Energy Communications Rep. Lauren Siburkis. "The last thing we want to do is apply a late fee or issue a service disconnection notice to a customer when it can be avoided by contacting our customer service team to see what help is available."

Siburkis said many First Energy 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.

Programs in which FirstEnergy’s Ohio customers may be eligible to participate include:

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP): Allows customers to pay a set percentage of their income toward their electric bill, regardless of the balance. Customers who pay on time and in full each month can have their outstanding balance eliminated in 24 months. To be eligible, customers must have a household gross yearly income at or below 150% of federal poverty guidelines and must meet other criteria. To apply, call 1-800-282-0880 or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Provides eligible customers with cash grants for home heating bills and emergencies through HEAP, which is available year-round, and Emergency HEAP Winter Crisis Program, which is available through March 31, 2022. Customers must have gross income below 175% of federal poverty guidelines. Call the Ohio Development Service Agency at 1-800-282-0880 or visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov for more information.

2-1-1 Helpline: This nationwide resource and information helpline identifies locally available programs that may assist customers with utility bills or other needs. For more information, dial 211, text your ZIP code to 898211 or visit the 211 website.

Customer assistance programs are also available like:

The Ohio Edison Project Reach: An emergency hardship fund designed to help residential customers restore or maintain electric service. The program funding is provided by Ohio Edison customers and employees, and the distribution of funds is administered by Salvation Army offices located throughout Ohio Edison’s service area. To find an agency, please visit www.firstenergycorp.com/ReachAgencies

To apply or learn more about other utility bill assistance programs, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist and click on “Search Assistance Programs.”

Residents are also encouraged to contact their utility’s customer service team at 1-800-633-4766 (Ohio Edison) Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.