FirstEnergy Coverage Area, Rebates, and Outage Tools

About FirstEnergy

Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States. The company was formed in 1997 through the merger of Ohio Edison and Centerior Energy, and has since expanded through acquisitions of GPU, Inc. and Allegheny Energy. The company operates through ten regional electric distribution subsidiaries, including Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, Toledo Edison, Penn Power, Penelec, Met-Ed, and Jersey Central Power & Light, among others.

FirstEnergy operates as a transmission and distribution utility for the vast majority of its territory. This means they own the poles, wires, and meters that deliver electricity to your home, but in most states (thanks to deregulation), they do not necessarily generate the electricity you use. Instead, they deliver power purchased from the competitive market or supplied by a Retail Electric Provider (REP) of your choice.

FirstEnergy’s Coverage Areas

FirstEnergy serves a sprawling 65,000-square-mile area. Because they operate under different local names depending on where you live, you might not see “FirstEnergy” on the side of the truck, you’ll see one of their ten regulated distribution companies.

Here is the complete breakdown of their service territory by state and operating company:

• Ohio Edison serves central and northeastern Ohio, including cities such as Akron, Youngstown, Mansfield, and Canton.
• The Illuminating Company covers northeastern Ohio, primarily the Greater Cleveland area, including Cleveland, Mentor, and Euclid.
• Toledo Edison provides service to northwestern Ohio, including Toledo, Bowling Green, and Sandusky.
• Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) covers a significant portion of New Jersey, including communities like Morristown, Lakewood, Freehold, and Toms River.
• Met-Ed and Penelec serve various regions in Pennsylvania, including cities such as Reading, York, Erie, and Altoona.
• Potomac Edison serves portions of Maryland and eastern West Virginia, including areas like Frederick and Hagerstown, MD; Martinsburg and Charles Town, WV.
• Penn Power operates primarily in western Pennsylvania, notably around New Castle and Mercer.

With this widespread coverage, FirstEnergy ensures that residents and businesses across these regions enjoy reliable electric service tailored to their unique needs.

FirstEnergy Energy Sources

FirstEnergy’s energy mix depends heavily on where you live due to the difference between regulated and deregulated markets.

• In Deregulated States (OH, PA, NJ, MD): FirstEnergy is strictly a delivery company. They do not own the power plants that supply your energy. The electricity flowing into your home comes from the regional grid (PJM Interconnection), which is a mix of natural gas, nuclear, coal, and renewables. You have the power to choose a specific generation source by shopping for a supplier (see below).
• In Regulated West Virginia: Mon Power and Potomac Edison are “vertically integrated,” meaning they still own power plants and generate the electricity they sell to you. Their generation portfolio primarily consists of coal-fired power plants (such as Fort Martin and Harrison) and limited hydroelectric facilities.

FirstEnergy’s electricity generation portfolio is diverse, encompassing coal, nuclear, natural gas, oil, hydroelectric, and pumped-storage hydroelectric power plants. Notably, the company has ownership stakes in significant facilities like the Bath County Pumped Storage Station in Virginia, which boasts a capacity of 3,003 MW, and the Seneca Pumped Storage Generating Station in Pennsylvania, with a capacity of 435 MW.

Current Generation Portfolio

• Coal: FirstEnergy operates significant coal-fired power stations, notably the Harrison Power Station (1,984 MW) and Fort Martin Power Station (1,098 MW) in West Virginia . These facilities are equipped with scrubbers to reduce emissions.
• Nuclear: The company owns and operates three nuclear power plants: Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse, and Perry, contributing to its low-emission energy sources.
• Hydro and Pumped Storage: FirstEnergy holds a 16% ownership stake in the Bath County Pumped Storage Station in Virginia, which has a capacity of 3,003 MW . Additionally, the company previously owned the Seneca Pumped Storage Generating Station in Pennsylvania.
• Solar: FirstEnergy has initiated solar projects in West Virginia, including the Fort Martin solar site, which can produce up to 18.9 MW. The company aims to own at least 50 MW of solar generation in the state by 2025.
• Wind: While FirstEnergy does not own wind farms, it purchases wind-generated electricity through power purchase agreements, such as from the Allegheny Ridge Wind Farm in Pennsylvania.

Sustainability Goals: Despite its fossil-fuel history in West Virginia, FirstEnergy has pledged to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050, with an interim goal of a 30% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030. They are actively retiring older coal units and investing billions in “Energizing the Future”, a program designed to modernize the transmission grid to better handle renewable energy integration.

Choosing a Retail Electric Provider (REP)

In deregulated energy markets, consumers have the option to select their Retail Electric Provider (REP), allowing for greater flexibility and potential cost savings.

Why Choose a REP?

• Cost Savings: Competitive pricing can lead to lower monthly bills.
• Customized Plans: Options for fixed-rate, variable-rate, or green energy plans.
• Enhanced Customer Service: Some REPs offer superior customer support and additional perks.

Top REP Options in FirstEnergy’s Service Areas

In FirstEnergy’s deregulated territories (OH, PA, NJ, MD), you can choose who supplies your electricity. If you do not choose, you default to the utility’s “Price to Compare,” which can fluctuate.

Energy Harbor: Formerly a subsidiary of FirstEnergy (known as FirstEnergy Solutions), they are now an independent company owned by Vistra. They are massive in the region and specialize in carbon-free nuclear energy plans, making them a top choice for reliable, emission-free power.

Constellation: As one of the largest retail energy providers in the nation, Constellation is known for stability and variety. They offer excellent fixed-rate plans (locking in your price for 12–36 months) and often bundle services with smart home technology.

Direct Energy: A household name offering flexible plans, including “Free Weekends” or “Live Brighter” plans. They are popular for their customer perks, such as rewards programs and maintenance protection plans for your HVAC system.

NRG Home: NRG is a powerhouse that offers distinct choices. If you want 100% renewable energy (solar/wind), their subsidiary Green Mountain Energy is often the go-to standard in the FirstEnergy footprint.

AEP Energy: Although AEP is a rival utility company, their retail arm sells power in FirstEnergy territories. They are widely trusted for straightforward, no-nonsense fixed rates without hidden fees, appealing to budget-conscious shoppers.

*Note: Availability of these providers may vary based on your specific location within FirstEnergy’s service area.

Things to Consider when choosing a REP

• Contract Terms: Understand the length and conditions of the agreement.
• Early Termination Fees: Be aware of any penalties for ending the contract prematurely.
• Renewable Energy Content: If sustainability is a priority, check the percentage of renewable energy in the plan.
• Customer Reviews: Research customer experiences and satisfaction ratings.

How to Search for Outages

FirstEnergy provides an online outage map where customers can view current outages in their area. This interactive tool allows users to see the number of affected customers, estimated restoration times, and the cause of the outage if known.

To access the outage map:

1. Visit FirstEnergy’s Outage Center.
2. Enter your location or select your service area.
3. View real-time updates and information.

How to Report an Outage

If you experience a power outage, FirstEnergy offers several methods to report it:

• Text Message: The fastest method. Text OUT to 544487 (LIGHTS). You can also text STAT to the same number to get an update on your repair.
• Phone: Call the dedicated outage line at 888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877). The automated system recognizes your number and logs the ticket instantly.
• Online/App: Log into your account on the website or mobile app and click “Report Outage.”

Having your account number or service address ready will expedite the reporting process.

FirstEnergy Mobile App

FirstEnergy offers a unified mobile app (available on iOS and Android) that changes its branding based on which utility you log in with (e.g., it may look like the “Ohio Edison” app once you sign in).

Key Features:

• Biometric Login: Use FaceID or fingerprint for quick access.
• Outage Reporting: Report an outage and view the restoration map directly in the app.
• Bill Management: View your bill PDF, pay via bank account or card, and manage eBill enrollment.
• Usage Tracking: View your daily and monthly energy usage history to identify spikes in consumption.

FirstEnergy Rebates, Discounts, and Incentives

FirstEnergy offers robust incentives to help customers lower their bills, though programs vary by state due to different local laws (like Act 129 in PA).

• Appliance Rebates: Customers in PA, NJ, and OH can often receive rebates ranging from $25 to $500 for purchasing ENERGY STAR® certified appliances like dehumidifiers, refrigerators, and pool pumps.
• Appliance Recycling: In many territories, if you have an old, working refrigerator or freezer, FirstEnergy will pick it up for free and pay you (usually around $50) to recycle it responsibly.
• EV Driven Program: For electric vehicle owners (specifically in NJ and MD), FirstEnergy offers incentives for installing smart chargers and bill credits for charging during off-peak hours (nights and weekends).
• Home Energy Audits: They offer discounted or free in-home energy audits where a professional will inspect your insulation and HVAC, often leaving you with free LED bulbs and smart power strips.

For detailed information and eligibility requirements, visit the FirstEnergy Rebates and Savings page.

If you are moving into a home serviced by FirstEnergy, remember, FirstEnergy must be your delivery utility (you cannot change this), but you can shop for the electricity supply rate. Check your bill carefully, if the “Price to Compare” on your bill is higher than current market rates, switching to one of the retailers mentioned above could save you money immediately.

FAQs About FirstEnergy