First Energy: MetEd, Penelec, & Penn Power’s Universal Service Programs

First Energy: MetEd, Penelec, & Penn Power’s Universal Service Programs

General Information:

Where To Call?

You may directly ask about and apply for Met-Ed and Penelec’s Low-Income Programs by calling 1-800-962-4848. For Penn Power call 1-800-774-1674.

What Are The Names Of Met-Ed, Penelec, and Penn Power’s Programs?

How Can These Programs Benefit Me?

  • PCAP lowers your monthly bill based on the amount of your household income, your heat type and the amount of your electric bills.
  • The WARM Program may help reduce household electric use resulting in lower bills.
  • CARES connects you to local social service agencies that can help you.
  • Dollar Energy Fund may provide a grant to stop shut-off or to reconnect service.

The PCAP Program

What are the actual benefits I can get in PCAP?

Reduced monthly payments:

  • As a PCAP customer, you will receive a monthly credit on your ongoing electric usage. Your new PCAP bill will be based on your income level and heat type, rather than your actual electric usage. This may lead to significant savings on your bill.

Freezing past debt:

  • If you were not enrolled in the PCAP program in the past, then when you enroll, your past debt will be frozen. This means that as long as you make your PCAP payments on time and in full, Met-Ed, Penelec, and Penn Power will not make collections on the past due amount and no fees will be applied against the debt.
  • If you are removed from the PCAP program for failing to pay your PCAP bill in full and on time, then Met-Ed, Penelec, and Penn Power may begin collection on this amount.

Forgiving past debt:

  • For each month that you make your full PCAP payment, 1/36 of your pre-program debt will be forgiven.

  • How do I know if I am eligible for PCAP?

    • You are eligible for PCAP if you have a household income at or below 150% of the Federal poverty income guidelines (click here to view a table with the Federal poverty income guidelines).
    • Your electric bills consume too much of your income.
    • You have an active account.
    • You reside in the household if your name is on the account.
    • You must also agree to participate in LIHEAP and WARM Program services if you are eligible for those programs.

    What are my responsibilities to get into and stay in PCAP?

    • You must contact Met-Ed, Penelec, or Penn Power to apply for PCAP.
    • You must fill out an application and verify your income.
    • You must pay your PCAP bill on time and in full each month.

    Can I be removed from PCAP?

    • If your household income increases above the eligibility guidelines, or you do not provide the requested annual income information, or you do not comply with program guidelines, then you may be removed or suspended from the program.
    • If you don’t make your PCAP payment in full and on time each month, you risk having your service terminated and losing PCAP benefits.

    Can I get back into PCAP if I am removed or suspended from the program?

    • Yes. To get back into PCAP, you must pay all of the PCAP bills you missed.

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    The WARM Program


    What is the Warm Program?

    • First Energy’s WARM Program helps households with high electric use levels conserve energy and reduce monthly energy bills.

    How can I qualify for the WARM Program?

    • You must have an electric account in your name and have lived there for at least 6 months.
    • You qualify if you have a household income at or below 150% of the Federal poverty income guidelines OR if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal poverty income guidelines and you have special needs. (Click here to view Federal poverty income guidelines table.)
    • Renters or homeowners may qualify.
    • You must also have an average electric usage of 600 kWh per month.

    What are the actual benefits of the WARM Program?

    • By participating in the WARM Program, you may reduce the amount of energy you use each month. This will most likely result in lower monthly bills.
    • By participating in the WARM Program, you will receive a free home energy usage review, education to help you learn how to reduce your energy use, and the possible installation of energy conservation measures (i.e., the replacement of old appliances with new energy-efficient ones, etc.).

    What are my responsibilities as a WARM Program participant?

    • To receive services, you must agree to submit verification of your household income as part of the application process.
    • As a participant, you must agree to allow a utility employee (or subcontractor) to inspect your residence and perform an energy audit.

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    The CARES Program

    The CARES program helps customers unable to pay their electric bills due to a temporary hardship. The CARES program connects customers with resources located in their own community. These community resources then help the customer manage his/her problems.

    How do I qualify for CARES?

    • Any customer who is experiencing a recent hardship can qualify. Examples include serious illness or injury, the death of a wage earner, handicap, or sudden loss of employment.
    • Any customer 60 years of age or older requiring special assistance may qualify.

    What are the benefits to me of participating in CARES?

    • Participants in CARES can receive free referrals to assistance agencies in the local community, such as a nonprofit organization or social service agency.
    • Participants in CARES can receive referrals to other Met-Ed, Penelec, and Penn Power Universal Services programs.

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    Dollar Energy Fund – Hardship Fund Program

    The Dollar Energy Fund program provides customers with cash assistance to help pay down their outstanding balances. This program is operated by Dollar Energy Fund, a nonprofit partner of Met-Ed, Penelec, and Penn Power.

    What are the benefits of applying for a Dollar Energy Fund grant?

    • If you qualify, you may receive up to $500 toward the payment of your past due utility debt.

    When can I request a grant from Dollar Energy Fund?

    • From October to February, only customers whose service is off can apply for a grant.
    • From March through September, any customer may apply for a grant.

    How do I qualify for a Dollar Energy Fund grant?

    • If you qualify to receive a LIHEAP grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, then you must apply for one before you can apply for a Dollar Energy Fund grant.
    • You must participate in PCAP, if eligible.
    • You must reside in the household and have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal poverty income guidelines. (Click here to view Federal poverty income guidelines table.)
    • You must have paid at least $150 toward your bill over the past 90 days ($100 if you are 62 years of age or older).
    • You must have more than $100 as a past due balance ($0 balance for those over age 62).

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