FirstEnergy Coverage Area, Rebates, and Outage Tools

About FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy Corp., headquartered in Akron, Ohio, is a prominent electric utility company serving approximately 6 million customers across the Midwest and Eastern United States. Established in 1997 through the merger of Ohio Edison and Centerior Energy, FirstEnergy has expanded its reach over the years and is now listed on the S&P 500. 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’s Coverage Areas

FirstEnergy’s extensive service territory spans six states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. Each of FirstEnergy’s subsidiary utilities serves distinct regions, connecting both urban and rural communities. Here’s a closer look at some of the regions and notable cities they cover:

• 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 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.

Transition and Future Plans

FirstEnergy has set goals to expand its renewable energy portfolio, particularly in solar generation. However, the company has recently adjusted its coal phase-out timeline, citing increased power demand and reliability concerns. The two West Virginia coal plants are now expected to operate until 2035 and 2040, respectively .

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

While FirstEnergy itself is a utility provider, customers in its service areas can choose from various REPs. Here’s a comparison of some top options:

Provider	Plan Types	Green Energy Options	Customer Support	Notable Features
Direct Energy	Fixed, Variable	Yes	24/7 Support	Online account management
Constellation	Fixed, Variable	Yes	24/7 Support	Loyalty rewards program
Green Mountain Energy	Fixed	100% Renewable	Standard Support	Focus on sustainability
Energy Harbor	Fixed	Limited	Standard Support	Competitive fixed-rate plans

*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:

• Online: Log in to your account on the FirstEnergy website and navigate to the outage reporting section.
• Phone: Call FirstEnergy’s customer service line specific to your utility company (e.g., Ohio Edison, JCP&L).
• Mobile App: Use the FirstEnergy app to report outages and receive updates.

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

FirstEnergy Mobile App

The FirstEnergy app is a convenient tool for managing your electric service on the go. Key features include:

• Outage Reporting: Quickly report outages and receive real-time updates.
• Billing and Payments: View your bill, make payments, and enroll in payment plans.
• Usage Monitoring: Track your electricity usage to manage consumption.
• Notifications: Receive alerts for outages, billing reminders, and other important information.

The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.

FirstEnergy Rebates, Discounts, and Incentives

FirstEnergy offers various programs to help customers save energy and reduce costs:

• Energy Efficiency Rebates: Incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems.
• Home Energy Audits: Assessments to identify energy-saving opportunities in your home.
• Demand Response Programs: Rewards for reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods.
• Assistance Programs: Support for low-income customers to manage their energy bills.

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

Choosing an energy provider is a significant decision that can impact your monthly expenses and environmental footprint. FirstEnergy’s extensive infrastructure and commitment to customer service make it a reliable choice for many. However, exploring Retail Electric Providers can offer additional benefits tailored to your specific needs and values.

FAQs About FirstEnergy