Control Your Energy Use and Budget This Summer

We know that managing your energy costs is important to you. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with the information and tools you need while continuing to deliver the safe, reliable power you deserve.

With summer approaching, higher temperatures often lead to increased energy usage as we all try to stay cool in our homes. Check out these programs and tips that can help you manage your energy use and costs.

1. Sign Up for Budget Billing

Budget billing – known as the Equal Payment Plan (EPP) in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York  and New Jersey or the Average Payment Plan (APP) in Maryland and West Virginia – spreads out your costs evenly over 12 months to help even out seasonal highs and lows and make your bill more manageable during colder or hotter months when you may use more energy. You can enroll in budget billing and calculate your monthly bill amount in your online account at firstenergycorp.com.

2. Use Our Analyze Usage Tool

Our free Analyze Usage tool can help you determine how you’re using electricity throughout your home and ways to manage your usage. By answering a few simple questions about your household energy use, you'll receive personalized tips to reduce consumption. You can also track your usage to better understand how and when you use energy the most. You will need to register for an online account to access the Analyze Usage tool.

3. Manage Your Energy Use

There are also simple steps you can take to help improve energy efficiency throughout your home, including during warmer months when energy use often increases as your HVAC system works harder. Here are ways to keep your home comfortable and improve electricity use year-round:

• Weatherstrip doors and windows to prevent temperature-controlled air from escaping your home. This will also help take the strain off your cooling and heating systems.
• Keep your HVAC system well-maintained. Clean filters, vents and coils ensure optimal efficiency and extend the life of your equipment
• Turn off lights when you aren’t using them and use a timer for outdoor lighting.
• During warmer months, rotate ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a wind chill effect that can make your space feel cooler.

Visit firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy for more energy-saving tips and resources.

4. Explore Bill Assistance and Payment Plans

There are many reasons you or someone you know may need help with home energy costs. We understand and can offer a variety of programs to help you get back on track. Visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist to see if you qualify for an assistance program or payment arrangement.

Whether it’s finding ways to use less energy, better anticipating your monthly costs or exploring assistance programs, there are options to help you stay in control of your electricity usage and costs. Explore more ways to help manage your energy costs all year long.