(WTAJ) — First Energy Pennsylvania is encouraging customers to take advantage of bill assistance programs.

Customers that use Penelec, Penn Power, Met-Ed and West Penn Power that are having difficulty making ends meet can contact their utility now to enroll in payment plans or to receive referrals for bill assistance programs.

“Many of our customers continue to face financial challenges brought on by the pandemic and ongoing economic uncertainty,” Scott Wyman, president of Pennsylvania Operations for FirstEnergy, said. “With winter in full swing, I encourage customers who have fallen behind on their bills to contact us as soon as possible so that a member of our team can review their options with them.”

Below is a list of programs customers may be eligible for:

• The Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program (PCAP): Helps residential customers maintain electric service through debt forgiveness and percentage of income payment plans. This program is administered through the Dollar Energy Fund. To apply, call 1-800-282-6816 or visit their website.
• The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This program is administered by PA Department of Human Services and can provide payment directly to the utility company to help with heating bills or to help maintain or restore service. The program opened November 1, 2022. To apply, call 1-866-857-7095 or visit their website.
• The Dollar Energy Fund (DEF): This is an emergency hardship fund designed to help customers who have suffered a recent financial hardship. It can provide payment directly to the utility company to help maintain or restore service. The fund began accepting applications on October 1, 2022. To apply, visit their website or call 1-800-683-7036.
• 2-1-1 Helpline: This nationwide resource and information helpline identifies locally available programs that may assist customers with utility bills or other needs. For more information dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898211 or visit the 2-1-1 website.
• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP): This program provides assistance to households that have experienced financial hardship and may be at risk for homelessness due to or during the pandemic. ERAP provides tenant households assistance with rental and utility costs including arrearages and other related housing expenses. Visit their website for more information.
• Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF): This program provides financial assistance to Pennsylvania homeowners who are facing financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides financial assistance to homeowners for qualified mortgage and housing-related expenses to address delinquency and avoid default, foreclosure or displacement. Visit their website for more information.

For a complete list of assistance programs, visit FirstEnergy’s website or call customer service at the following numbers: