Take Control of Your Winter Electric Bill
January brought sub-zero temperatures to our region, which can lead to higher energy usage and, ultimately, higher bills as we all try to stay warm in our homes. We understand that higher electric bills can cause concern, and we have a variety of tips and tools to help you manage energy use and costs during periods of high demand.
Understanding Bill Impacts
When reviewing your monthly bill, it’s important to consider any significant changes inside and outside your home that could impact your energy use and costs. Some of the reasons your energy usage might increase during cold weather include:
Heating: Frigid temperatures mean heating systems work harder and longer to keep you comfortable.
Shorter Days: Less daylight leads to increased use of lighting and indoor activities, which adds to overall energy consumption.
Appliance Use: Increased use of space heaters, electric blankets and other household appliances during winter months can contribute to higher bills.
Lifestyle Changes: During cold weather, families spend more time indoors. Working from home and hosting family gatherings during the holidays can also increase energy use.
Depending on your state, there may be other factors impacting your energy costs. View a checklist of items that could increase your electric bill.
Programs and Tools to Manage Your Bill
If you’re looking for ways to manage higher winter energy costs, we have a variety of programs and resources that can help you even out your payments or better understand how you’re using energy throughout your home.
Budget Billing
A budget billing plan may make it easier for you to anticipate your monthly energy costs and give you more control over your energy budget. Known as the Equal Payment Plan (EPP) in New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania and the Average Payment Plan (APP) in Maryland and West Virginia, budget billing is designed to make your monthly payments more consistent throughout the year, helping to level out seasonal highs and lows
Log into your online account at firstenergycorp.com/login to see if you’re eligible for a budget plan and calculate your monthly amount.
If you do not have an online account, you can register at firstenergycorp.com/register_for_onlineaccount to access all of the benefits and tools available.
Analyze Usage Tool
If you’re signed up for My Account, you can access a free tool that offers customized insights to help you save energy and manage costs. By using the Analyze Usage tool, you can get personalized tips based on simple questions about your household, get tailored strategies to reduce energy consumption. You can also track your usage to better understand how and when you use energy the most.
Bill Assistance Programs and Payment Plans
If you are facing financial difficulty and find yourself having trouble paying your electric bills, you may be eligible to enroll in a bill assistance program or a payment arrangement.
Visit firstenergycorp.com/billassist to learn about assistance programs available in your area or to see if you qualify for a payment arrangement. You may be eligible to enroll in an installment plan or request a “promise to pay” extension on your due date directly in your online account.
Tips for Managing Energy Use
There are simple steps you can take to help improve energy efficiency throughout your home and save on your monthly bill, including during periods of extreme cold when energy use often increases as your HVAC system works harder.
Follow these tips to keep your home comfortable and improve electricity use this winter:
Weatherstrip doors and windows to prevent temperature-controlled air from escaping your home. This will 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.
Change furnace filters a minimum of every three months. Dirty and clogged filters can make your HVAC system work harder.
Locate your thermostat on an inside wall and away from windows and doors. Cold drafts or excess heat can cause the thermostat to keep the system running unnecessarily.
Turn off lights when you aren’t using them and use a timer for outdoor lighting.
Keep registers for supply or return air free of obstructions like curtains or furniture.
Close curtains and blinds to retain warm air.
Close the fireplace damper when it is not in use to keep warm air in and cold air out.
Reverse the motor on your ceiling fan and operate it at a low speed in the clockwise direction. This forces warm air near the ceiling down, making your space feel warmer.
Dress for the weather. Wearing an extra layer or wrapping up in a blanket while you're relaxing can help you feel more comfortable without turning up the thermostat.
Keep the overhead door of an attached garage closed to block cold winds from infiltrating the connecting door between the house and garage.
For more information on how you can manage your electric account and how to help control your seasonal electricity usage, visit firstenergycorp.com/help.