Program Availability
We continue to find ways to assist customers during the coronavirus pandemic and its aftereffects. Plans are being made to resume field operations, including service disconnections. Please click your state below to see more state specific information.
Selecting your state will provide specific service disconnections dates, outside assistance agencies available in your area, field collection activities, and payment arrangements.
Ohio Pennsylvania New Jersey Maryland West Virginia New York
Ohio Information
Service disconnection and collection activities have resumed for Ohio customers, on October 5, 2020. If the termination date on your disconnection notice is on or after October 5, 2020, your service may be terminated for non-payment. All normal collections practices have resumed including payment plan options, requirements for reconnections, and late payment charges.
Payment Arrangements
Customers who are having difficulty paying their bills and are at risk for disconnection should call us immediately to arrange a payment plan and request information on potential assistance programs to avoid termination.
Contact us Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Ohio Edison – 800-686-3421
- The Illuminating Company – 800-686-9901
- Toledo Edison – 800-995-0095
Assistance Programs
For information about assistance programs for which residential customers may be eligible, please visit Assistance Programs.
Field Personnel
Field personnel in the community performing collection activities will be following proper safety measures and taking necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
Pennsylvania Information
Service disconnection and collection activities resumed for Pennsylvania customers on November 9, 2020. If the termination date on your disconnection notice is on or after November 9, 2020, your service may be terminated for non-payment. All normal collections practices have resumed including payment plan options and requirements for reconnections. These notices can be used as proof of situation by agencies who provide financial support to assist with bills.
Payment Arrangements & Assistance Programs
If you are having difficulty paying your residential bill, you may be eligible for outside assistance programs and payment arrangements based on your household income level. If your household income level is 300% of federal poverty income guidelines or below, you may qualify to have your service disconnection suspended until at least March 31, 2021. Click here for more information on available protection.
To avoid termination, call us to arrange a payment plan and visit Assistance Programs to search for the agencies that may be able to provide help paying your bill.
Field Personnel
Field personnel in the community performing collection activities will be following proper safety measures and taking necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
New Jersey Information
In New Jersey, we will comply with any state orders to postpone disconnection activities as long as necessary.
Residential
Service terminations for residential customers will resume no sooner than March 16, 2021. Disconnection notices can be used as proof of situation by agencies who provide financial support to assist with bills.
Nonresidential
Service terminations for nonresidential customers resumed on October 15, 2020.
Payment Arrangements
Customers who are having difficulty paying their bills should call us to arrange a payment plan and request information on potential assistance programs to avoid termination. Customers are urged to contact us while enhanced payment arrangements are still available.
Assistance Programs
For information about assistance programs for which residential customers may be eligible, please visit Assistance Programs.
Field Personnel
Field personnel in the community performing collection activities will be following proper safety measures and take necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
Maryland Information
Nonresidential
Service disconnection and collection activities resumed for Maryland nonresidential customers on October 1, 2020.
Residential
Service disconnection and collection activities resumed for Maryland residential customers on November 15, 2020. If the termination date on your disconnection notice is on or after November 15, 2020, your service may be terminated for non-payment.
Customers who are having difficulty paying their bills and are at risk for disconnection should call us immediately to arrange a payment plan and request information on potential assistance programs to avoid termination. Contact us at 800-736-3401, Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Assistance Programs
For information about assistance programs for which residential customers may be eligible, please visit Assistance Programs.
Field Personnel
Field personnel in the community performing collection activities will be following proper safety measures and taking necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
West Virginia Information
Nonresidential
Service disconnections resumed on September 15, 2020.
Residential
Service disconnection and collection activities resumed for residential customers on November 4, 2020. If the termination date on your disconnection notice is on or after November 4, 2020, your service may be terminated for non-payment. All normal collections practices have resumed including payment plan options, requirements for reconnections, and late payment charges.
Payment Arrangements
Customers who are having difficulty paying their bills and are at risk for disconnection should call us immediately to arrange a payment plan and request information on potential assistance programs to avoid termination.
Contact us Monday – Friday, from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Mon Power – 800-736-3407
- Potomac Edison – 800-736-3401
Assistance Programs
For information about assistance programs for which residential customers may be eligible, please visit Assistance Programs.
Field Personnel
Field personnel in the community performing collection activities will be following proper safety measures and taking necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
New York Information
Residential
Penelec will be restarting service terminations on February 26, 2021. However, by law in New York, upon residential customer notification, we will suspend terminations through March 31, 2021 for those experiencing a change in financial circumstances, due to the COVID-19 state of emergency.
Customers who are having difficulty paying their bills should call us to arrange or restructure a payment plan and request information on potential assistance programs. Customers are urged to contact us while enhanced payment arrangements are available with no requirement of a down payment, late fees, or penalties.
For information about assistance programs residential customers may be eligible for, please visit Assistance Programs.
Nonresidential
We will be restarting service terminations on February 26, 2021. If the termination date on your disconnection notice is on or after February 26, 2021, your service may be terminated for non-payment. We will comply with any state orders to postpone these activities as long as necessary. Field personnel in the community performing collection activities will be following proper safety measures and take necessary precautions against the spread of COVID-19.
Customers who are having difficulty paying their bills should call us to arrange a payment plan and request information on potential assistance programs to avoid termination. Customers are urged to contact us while enhanced payment arrangements are still available. Arrangements made prior to February 26, 2021 will not interfere with any future payment options customers may choose.
After disconnection activities have resumed, all normal collections practices will also resume including payment plan options and requirements for reconnections.
Number Of People In Household
The number of people in your household includes anyone living in the home on a full-time basis. This would include adults and children who are not renters. The following people are NOT considered household members:
- Persons who are maintaining their living arrangements temporarily for a reason such as a visit, vacation or education.
- Those in the military, away at college, in a nursing home or a rehabilitation facility, or incarcerated in a correctional facility.
(Exception: If the household has access to a family member’s military income, it does count towards the household income and the individual is counted as a member of the household.)
Yearly Household Income Before Taxes
Maximum yearly household income before taxes includes:
- All sources of income including salaries, wages, child support, SSI, SS and SS Disability, Public Assistance, Workers Compensation, unemployment, pensions, etc.
- Any money earned by a spouse, parent, or any other person 18 years old or over, permanently residing in the home.
- The income of those students who live at home while attending school. However, do not count their income if the student is away at college or other post-secondary education institution.
- Military income, if the household has access to a family member’s military income.
Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program (PCAP)
PCAP, administered by Dollar Energy Fund, helps residential customers maintain electric service and eliminate their past-due balance by offering a reduced bill that is based on a percentage of income and debt forgiveness.
Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, hours have been temporarily changed to Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm. Online applications may be submitted 24/7 at dollarenergy.org/myapp*.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact:
- Dollar Energy Fund 1-888-282-6816
- Dollar Energy MyApp Portal*
More Information: PCAP Application Information
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a federally funded grant program administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through its network of local county assistance offices. LIHEAP Cash provides a cash payment directly to the utility, which is applied toward bill reduction if certain guidelines are met. Applications for the program are accepted through the PA Compass online tool.
Program Availability: Typically opens November 1 and remains open through early April or until funds are exhausted.
Contact: LIHEAP Hotline 1-866-857-7095
More Information: http://www.compass.state.pa.us
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Crisis (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a federally funded grant program administered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through its network of local county assistance offices. LIHEAP Crisis provides a grant to help customers avoid having their electric service terminated because of over-due bills. This grant also can be used to restore service that was shut off during the winter months. Applicants must apply in-person at their local assistance office and provide a copy of their shut off notice or proof of termination.
Program Availability: Typically opens November 1 and remains open through early April or until funds are exhausted.
Contact: LIHEAP Hotline 1-866-857-7095
More Information: Local County Assistance Office
Dollar Energy Fund
The Dollar Energy Fund is an emergency hardship fund designed to help residential customers who have suffered a recent financial hardship and need temporary help paying their electric bill.
Program Availability: Opens October 1 and remains open until funds are exhausted
Contact: 1-800-683-7036
More Information: https://www.dollarenergy.org/need-help/application-process/
WARM Program - Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)
The WARM Program can help customers lower their electric bill and keep their home more comfortable all year round. No payment is required for these services.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: 1-800-207-9276
More Information: WARM Application
Ohio Partners for Affordable Energy (OPAE) Fuel Fund
The OPAE Fuel Fund provides financial assistance to eligible low- to moderate-income customers to help pay their electric bills. Customers must apply for the HEAP or HEAP Crisis program, if available. To be eligible, customers may apply at their local HEAP provider.
Program Availability: Opens March 1 and remains open until funds are exhausted
Contact: HEAP at 1(800) 282-0880
More Information: https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_heapsummer_prov.htm
Community Outreach Opportunity Program (CO-OP) - Cleveland Salvation Army
CO-OP, administered by the Cleveland Salvation Army, is an emergency hardship fund designed to help residential customers who have suffered a recent financial hardship and need temporary help paying their electric bills.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Cleveland Salvation Army at (216) 861-8185
Project REACH
Project REACH, administered by the Salvation Army, is an emergency hardship fund designed to help residential customers who have suffered a recent financial hardship and need temporary help paying their electric bill.
Program Availability: Open year-round
More Information: http://www.firstenergycorp.com/ReachAgencies
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Neighbors Helping Neighbors administered by the Toledo Salvation Army, is an emergency hardship fund designed to help residential customers who have suffered a recent financial hardship and need temporary help paying their electric bill.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Toledo Salvation Army Information (419) 241-3549
Appointments: Toledo Salvation Army Appointments (419) 241-2294
(Appointment line opens at 8:30 am MONDAYS ONLY until appointments are exhausted.)
Ohio Fuel Fund Grant Program
The Ohio Fuel Fund Grant Program, administered by the CHN Housing Partners and the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland, is designed to assist residential customers with the payment of their electric bill to maintain their service, or to assist in establishing new service for applicants who have an unpaid bill from a previous residence.
Program Availability: Open year-round or until funds are exhausted
Contacts: CHN Housing Partners 216-912-2211 or 216-518-4014, or Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland 216-263-6266 or 216-518-4014
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP is a federally funded grant program administered by the Ohio Department Service Agency (ODSA) through a network of energy assistance providers. HEAP provides customers help with paying winter heating bills, and occasionally summer cooling bills.
Program deadlines have been extended.
- Regular HEAP has been extended to June 1, 2020
Contact: Ohio Development Service Agency 1-800-282-0880
More Information: https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_energyassist.htm
Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Emergency HEAP provides an emergency payment (once per heating season) for qualified low-income customers. The payment must be used to avoid a shutoff or restore electric service. Applicants must apply in-person at their local HEAP agency.
Summer Crisis is opening July 1st and will run through September 30th.
The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides a one-time benefit to eligible Ohioans with cooling assistance during the summer months. Applications must be submitted in person. Please visit www.energyhelp.ohio.gov for program information and documentation requirements. Households must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Age 60 and Over
- A Documented Medical Condition
- A Disconnection, Termination or Transfer of Services or a COVID-19 Diagnosis
Contact: Ohio Development Service Agency 1-800-282-0880
More Information: https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_heapsummer_prov.htm
Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)
The Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) provides eligible Ohioans with assistance to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their energy costs.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Ohio Development Service Agency 1-800-282-0880
More Information: https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_hwap.htm
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Program Deadline Extended for HEAP
Regular, Emergency and Cooling Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) benefit components will be extended through August 31, 2020 or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first. For more information: http://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/#overview*
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded grant program that helps low-income customers pay the cost of heating their homes.
Program Availability: Typically open November 1 through early April or until funds have been exhausted
Contact: Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance Hotline 1-800-342-3009
More Information: https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-heating-and-cooling-assistance-heap
Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The HEAP Emergency Benefit assists low-income New Yorkers who are facing a heat or heat-related energy emergency and do not have resources available to resolve the emergency. Applicants must contact the local district for assistance.
Program Availability: Typically open January 2 through early April or until funds have been exhausted
Contact: Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance Hotline 1-800-342-3009
More Information: Local District Finder
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
HEAP is a federally funded grant program administered by the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services through a network of local community-based organizations. HEAP provides customers help with paying winter heating bills, and occasionally summer cooling bills.
Program Availability: Typically open October 1 - July 31
Contact: Contact NJ211 by dialing 2-1-1
More Information:
Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
The HEAP Emergency Program provides a grant to help avoid the shut-off of electric service as a result of over-due bills. This grant also can be used to restore service that has already been shut-off during the winter months. Applicants must provide a copy of their shut-off notice or proof of termination.
Program Availability: Typically open March 15 - July 31
Contact: HEAP Hotline 1-800-510-3102
More Information: Agency Finder
New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (New Jersey SHARES)
New Jersey SHARES is a non-profit corporation organized to help individuals and families who have no other means of assistance, by providing temporary help paying their energy bills.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: NJ Shares Energy Assistance Hotline 1-866-657-4273
More Information: Agency Finder
Payment Assistance for Gas & Electric (PAGE)
UPDATED - Eligibility Requirements
PAGE is an annual assistance program designed to help low- to moderate-income households across the state of New Jersey. PAGE benefits homeowners and renters who are New Jersey residents that have an electric and/or gas account that is any of the following :
- Currently past due
- Received a disconnection notice
- Disconnected
Minimum account balance must be $100. Grant can be applied to a security deposit. Customers with zero or low income are encouraged to apply for the Universal Service Fund (USF) or Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in addition to the PAGE grant.
Program Availability: Open year-round
To Apply:
- Contact Affordable Housing Alliance at 732-982-8710
- NJPowerOn Website*
More Information:
Comfort Partners
The Comfort Partners Program is a free energy conservation and education program for low-income customers of JCP&L. The program helps customers save energy and money by reducing their electric bills.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Clear Results 1-800-915-8309
More Information: Comfort Partners Program Application
Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
MEAP is a federally funded program, administered by the Department of Human Resources and the Office of Home Energy Programs, that helps low-income customers pay their fuel bills. If an Energy Assistance application has been completed in the current program year and the MEAP application box has been checked, the MEAP application process has been completed and no further action is required to be considered for this program.
Program Availability: Applications taken year-round for all programs; however, benefit start dates vary per program
Contact: Office of Home Energy Programs 1-800-332-6347
More Information: http://dhr.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/how-do-you-apply/
Dollar Energy Fund
The Dollar Energy Fund is an emergency hardship fund designed to help residential customers who have suffered a recent financial hardship and need temporary help paying their electric bill.
Program Availability: Opens October 1 and remains open until funds are exhausted
Contact: 1-800-683-7036
More Information: Application Process
Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
EUSP is a state-funded program, administered by the Department of Human Resources and the Office of Home Energy Programs, that helps low-income electric customers pay their electric bills. Help may be available whether customers have active electric service, terminated service or owe outstanding bills and are applying for new service. If an Energy Assistance application has been completed in the current program year and the EUSP application box has been checked, the EUSP application process has been completed and no further action is required to be considered for this program.
Program Availability: Applications are taken year-round for all programs; however, benefit start dates vary per program.
Contact: Office of Home Energy Programs 1-800-332-6347
More Information: http://dhr.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/how-do-you-apply/
EmPOWER Low income Energy Efficiency Programs
The EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP), administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), helps low-income households with installation of energy conservation materials in their homes. No payment is required for these services. These improvements may reduce a household’s energy use, lower monthly utility bills, make occupants more comfortable and may improve the air quality and overall health of the family.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Housing & Building Energy Programs 1-855-583-8976
More Information: EmPOWER-Pre-Application
Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
USPP is a federally sponsored program, administered by the Department of Human Resources and the Office of Home Energy Programs, that provides customers certain protections during the heating season. If an Energy Assistance application has been completed in the current program year and the USPP application box has been checked, the USPP application process has been completed and no further action is required to be considered for this program.
Program Availability: Applications are taken year-round for all programs; however, benefit start dates vary per program.
Contact: Office of Home Energy Programs 1-800-332-6347
More Information: http://dhr.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/how-do-you-apply/
WV Emergency Assistance (EA)
Emergency Assistance, administered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), helps eligible customers avoid termination of service. Applicants must present a disconnect notice at the county DHHR office.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: WV Department of Health & Human Resources 304-558-0684
More Information: Agency Finder
WV Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
The LIEAP program, administered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), assists low-income customer whose primary heating source is electric or gas.
Program Availability: Typically opens in February and remains open until funds are exhausted
Contact: WV Department of Health & Human Resources 304-356-4619
More Information: LIEAP Application
WV Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program (E-LIEAP)
The DHHR accepts applications and awards E-LIEAP to customers who have received a termination notice after applying and qualifying for LIEAP. Applicants must provide a copy of their shut-off notice or proof of termination.
Program Availability: Typically opens in February and remains open until funds are exhausted
Contact: WV Department of Health & Human Resources 304-356-4619
More Information: Agency Finder
Universal Service Fund Program (USF)
USF, administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, provides low-income customers a payment plan to help lower the monthly cost for electric service. Participants pay a maximum percentage of their total household income for electric and natural gas.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Contact NJ211 by dialing 2-1-1
More Information:
Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus)
The Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus), administered by the Ohio Development Service Agency, gives customers the option of an extended payment arrangement based on a percentage of a customer's household income.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Ohio Development Service Agency 1-800-282-0880
More Information: http://www.energyhelp.ohio.gov
Community Energy Fund (CEF)
CEF is a need-based program that assists qualifying residential customers who need emergency help paying their electric bill.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contacts: Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs – 301-631-2670, Allegany Co. Department of Social Services – 301-784-7000, Washington Co. Community Action Council – 301-797-4161, Human Services Programs of Carroll County – 410-857-2999, Garrett Co. Community Action Committee – 301-334-9431
Lifeline
Lifeline provides funding for utility bills (electric and natural gas) for qualifying disabled persons and senior citizens. Customers must apply annually to receive the benefit. The Lifeline benefit pertains only to the customer's primary residence and must be in the customer's or the spouse's name. To qualify for Lifeline, your income must be less than $27,951 (single) or less than $34,268 (married).
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Lifeline hotline 1-800-792-9745
More Information: Lifeline Detail
Ohio 211
211 is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need such as housing, utility assistance, employment and more.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Dial 211 from your phone
More Information: https://www.211oh.org/
Pennsylvania 211
211 is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need such as housing, utility assistance, employment and more.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Dial 211 from your phone
More Information: https://www.uwp.org/programs/2-1-1/
West Virginia 211
211 is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need such as housing, utility assistance, employment and more.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Dial 211 from your phone
More Information: http://www.wv211.org/
Maryland 211
211 is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need such as housing, utility assistance, employment and more.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Dial 211 from your phone
More Information: https://211md.org/
New York 211
211 is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need such as housing, utility assistance, employment and more.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Dial 211 from your phone
More Information: http://www.ny211.org/
New Jersey 211
211 is a free and confidential service that helps people find the local resources they need such as housing, utility assistance, employment and more.
Program Availability: Open year-round
Contact: Dial 211 from your phone
More Information: http://www.nj211.org/*
Important Information
Customers with a household income level of 300% or below federal poverty income guidelines are considered protected customers and are eligible for special payment assistance. Protected customers may not be subject to service disconnection until March 31, 2021, as long as they contact us to provide household income information, enter into a payment arrangement, and apply for all eligible assistance programs. Disconnection activity will proceed for those customers who do not take action.
To determine your Federal Poverty Level (FPL), please see the chart below. You will need to know the number of people and the annual/monthly income within your household. If you are eligible to be protected and/or need payment assistance, contact us to provide the required information.
| PA COVID Annual Income | PA COVID Monthly Income | |
|---|---|---|
| Household Size | 300% of FPL | 300% of FPL |
| 1 | $38,280 |
$3,190 |
| 2 | $51,720 |
$4,310 |
| 3 | $65,160 |
$5,430 |
| 4 | $78,600 |
$6,550 |
| 5 | $92,040 |
$7,670 |
| 6 | $105,480 |
$8,790 |
| 7 | $118,920 |
$9,910 |
| 8 | $132,360 |
$11,030 |
| Each Additional | $13,440 |
$1,120 |