FirstEnergy is a regional electric utility that serves parts of six states
FirstEnergy is an electric utility company that operates in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland, and New Jersey. It does not generate or sell electricity directly to consumers — instead, it owns and maintains the power lines, poles, and equipment that deliver electricity to your home or business. Your local utility company (which may be a FirstEnergy subsidiary like Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, or Penelec) reads your meter, sends your bill, and handles customer service.
FirstEnergy subsidiaries serve roughly 2.7 million customers across their service areas. If you receive a bill with a FirstEnergy company name on it, that company owns the distribution network in your region. The price you pay per kilowatt-hour is set by your state's Public Utilities Commission, not by FirstEnergy alone — it reflects the cost of maintaining lines, paying employees, and a regulated profit margin.
Understanding which FirstEnergy subsidiary serves you matters because each operates under different state rules. A payment plan available in Ohio may not exist in Pennsylvania. Customer service phone numbers and bill payment websites also differ by subsidiary. Your bill should list which company it is; if not, you can search FirstEnergy's website by your zip code.
Key Takeaways
- FirstEnergy owns the power lines and equipment that deliver electricity to your home, but does not set the price per kilowatt-hour — your state's Public Utilities Commission does.
- FirstEnergy operates through subsidiary companies in six states, and each subsidiary has its own customer service number, payment website, and information programs.
- If you fall behind on a FirstEnergy bill, contact your local subsidiary directly before the account is disconnected — most offer payment plans and hardship programs.
- Low-income households may be may be able to access for bill information through state programs or utility-run initiatives, which vary by state and subsidiary.
- You can dispute a bill or report a billing error by contacting your subsidiary's customer service or filing a complaint with your state's Public Utilities Commission.
How to find your FirstEnergy subsidiary and contact information
FirstEnergy operates under several subsidiary names depending on your location. In Ohio, the main subsidiaries are Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison. In Pennsylvania, FirstEnergy operates as Penelec, Penn Power, and West Penn Power. In West Virginia, it is Monongahela Power and Potomac Edison. In Kentucky, it is Kentucky Power. In Maryland, it is Potomac Edison. In New Jersey, it is Jersey Central Power & Light.
To find which subsidiary serves you, go to FirstEnergy's main website and use the "Find Your Company" tool by entering your zip code. This will direct you to your local subsidiary's website and customer service phone number. Each subsidiary maintains its own billing system, payment portal, and customer information programs. Calling the wrong subsidiary will delay your request, so confirm the correct one before you contact them.
Once you identify your subsidiary, save its customer service number and bookmark its website. Most subsidiaries allow you to view your bill online, set up automatic payments, and report outages through their portal. If you do not have internet access, you can call customer service to pay by phone or request a paper bill.
Understanding your FirstEnergy bill and what each charge means
A FirstEnergy bill typically breaks down into several parts: the supply charge (the cost of the electricity itself), the delivery charge (the cost to maintain the lines and poles that bring it to you), taxes, and any riders or adjustments. The supply charge may be fixed or variable depending on your rate plan. The delivery charge is usually the larger portion and covers FirstEnergy's costs to operate and maintain the distribution network.
Your bill also shows your meter reading, the number of kilowatt-hours you used, and the dates the reading covers. If you have a smart meter, FirstEnergy can read it remotely. If you have an older meter, a FirstEnergy employee may visit your home to read it in person. You can request a meter reading by phone if you believe your bill is wrong.
Some bills include riders — temporary charges or credits that adjust your rate. These may relate to infrastructure upgrades, environmental compliance, or storm recovery. Riders are approved by your state's Public Utilities Commission and appear as separate line items on your bill. If you do not understand a charge, call your subsidiary's customer service and ask them to explain it line by line.
What to do if you cannot pay your FirstEnergy bill
If you receive a disconnect notice or fall behind on payments, contact your FirstEnergy subsidiary when ready. Do not wait until the last day — most utilities require several days' notice before they can disconnect service, and calling early gives you more options. Have your account number and a recent bill ready when you call.
Most FirstEnergy subsidiaries offer payment plans that spread your past-due balance over several months. The length of the plan depends on how much you owe and your income. Some subsidiaries require a small down payment to set up a plan, while others do not. Ask your customer service representative what payment plans are available and whether you must make a payment when ready to avoid disconnection.
If you cannot afford a payment plan, ask about hardship programs. These programs may reduce your bill, defer payment, or connect you with bill information. may be able to access usually depends on your household income and whether you receive public benefits. Each FirstEnergy subsidiary runs its own hardship program, so the rules vary by state and company.
Bill information programs for low-income households
If your household income is below a certain threshold (usually 150 to 200 percent of the federal poverty line, though this varies by state), you may be may be able to access for bill information through your state's energy information program. These programs are funded by the federal government and administered by state agencies. They pay a portion of your heating or cooling bill, not your entire bill.
To find your state's program, search for "Low Income Home Energy information Program" or "LIHEAP" plus your state name. You can also call 211 (a national referral service) and ask for energy information in your area. You will need to provide proof of income, a recent utility bill, and proof of residency. Processing times vary, but most programs take two to four weeks to make a decision.
Some FirstEnergy subsidiaries also run their own information programs separate from state LIHEAP. These may include bill discounts, crisis information, or weatherization services. Ask your subsidiary's customer service whether it offers any company-run programs and what the income limits are. You may be may be able to access for both state and utility programs.
How to dispute a bill or report a billing error
If you believe your FirstEnergy bill is wrong, contact your subsidiary's customer service within 30 days of receiving the bill. Explain what you think is incorrect and provide specific details — for example, "My usage jumped from 400 to 800 kilowatt-hours in one month with no change in my habits." Ask the representative to investigate and send you a written response.
FirstEnergy must investigate billing disputes within a set timeframe (usually 30 to 45 days, depending on your state). During the investigation, you do not have to pay the disputed amount, but you must pay the undisputed portion of your bill to avoid disconnection. If FirstEnergy finds an error, it will issue a credit. If it finds no error, it will explain why and tell you how to appeal.
If you disagree with FirstEnergy's response, you can file a complaint with your state's Public Utilities Commission. Most states have an online complaint form on the PUC website. The PUC will investigate for free and can order FirstEnergy to correct the error or issue a refund. Filing with the PUC does not cost you anything and does not require a lawyer.
Preventing disconnection and understanding your rights
FirstEnergy must follow specific procedures before disconnecting your service. In most states, the utility must send you a disconnect notice at least 10 to 14 days before the disconnection date. The notice must include the amount owed, the reason for disconnection, and your right to request a payment plan or hardship review. Read the notice carefully and note the important date.
If you receive a disconnect notice, you have the right to request a hearing or review before disconnection occurs. This is called a "due process" right and exists in every state. Contact your subsidiary's customer service and ask how to request a hearing. You do not need a lawyer — you can explain your situation yourself. A hearing can delay disconnection long enough for you to arrange payment or information.
Some states also have "cold weather" or "warm weather" protections that prevent disconnection during certain months. In winter, many states prohibit disconnection if the temperature is below freezing or if someone in the household is elderly, disabled, or a young child. Ask your subsidiary whether your state has seasonal protections and when they explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay my FirstEnergy bill online?
Log into your subsidiary's website using your account number and create a login if you do not have one. Most subsidiaries allow you to pay by bank account, debit card, or credit card. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month. If you do not have internet access, call your subsidiary's customer service to pay by phone.
What should I do if my power goes out?
Check whether the outage is widespread by visiting your subsidiary's website or calling its outage hotline — the number is usually on your bill. If the outage is only at your home, check your circuit breaker and any outside switches. If you cannot find the problem, call your subsidiary's customer service to report it. Do not attempt to repair power lines yourself.
Can FirstEnergy disconnect my service in winter?
Most FirstEnergy subsidiaries follow state rules that limit winter disconnections. In many states, disconnection is prohibited if the temperature is below freezing or if a household member is elderly, disabled, or under age five. However, rules vary by state. Contact your subsidiary or your state's Public Utilities Commission to learn whether your state has winter protections.
What if I think FirstEnergy is overcharging me?
Request a meter test by calling your subsidiary's customer service. FirstEnergy will test your meter for free to see whether it is reading accurately. If the meter is faulty, FirstEnergy must correct your bill. If the meter is accurate, you can still dispute specific charges by asking for an itemized explanation of each line on your bill.
How do I explore for a payment plan if I owe money?
Call your FirstEnergy subsidiary's customer service and tell them you want to set up a payment plan. Have your account number and the amount you owe ready. The representative will tell you what payment plans are available, how long they last, and whether a down payment is required. Payment plans are usually interest-free and do not require a credit check.