Get Help With...Billing & Payments


Protection From Abuse order (PFA)

The following applies only to Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed), Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec), and Pennsylvania Power Company (Penn Power) customers.

Important to Know

If you currently have a valid Protection From Abuse order (PFA), you have the following protections, regardless of your income:

  • Met-Ed, Penelec, and Penn Power cannot shut off your gas or electric service during the winter without Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) permission.
  • Depending on your income, a special payment arrangement may be available.
  • Service may not be terminated on a Friday.
  • You may not be held responsible for a bill in someone else's name.
  • You may not be required to pay a security deposit. If you are required to pay a security deposit, you may be able to pay it over three payments.
  • You will receive additional notice prior to termination.

What is a PFA?

A PFA is an order from the court that protects you and your children from your abuser. It is a civil order that you can request on your own behalf against a family or household member who is abusing you. Under the law, abuse is considered:

  • Bodily injury or rape. Criminal charges do not need to be filed.
  • Reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
  • False imprisonment, including being kept or held for a short period of time or being grabbed by the arms and not allowed to move or leave.
  • Child abuse.
  • Stalking, including being followed or watched at home or at work, and/or being sent unwanted letters, gifts, email or telephone calls.

Domestic Violence Programs

Your local domestic violence hotline is available 24 hours a day, and all services are free and confidential. For more information, look in the blue pages of your local phone book, or call 1-800-799-SAFE for contact information.

Note: In order to receive these protections from Met-Ed, Penelec, or Penn Power, you will be required to provide that company with a copy of your PFA Order. However, Met-Ed, Penelec, and Penn Power will not share this information with any third party.

This notice was prepared by interested parties in a collaborative effort at Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Docket No. M-00041802F0003, and Met-Ed, Penelec, and Penn Power have been requested to post this notice on their Web site. This document is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as legal advice.

(10/11/07)

Still need help?
Contact us with your questions.