July 8, 2023

What do you say when a friend, family member or neighbor asks a question about a specific topic pertaining to FirstEnergy? Take for instance the higher electric prices this summer. Here’s some information you can share if you’re asked about June 1 price increases. 

• It’s important to remember that per state codes of conduct regulations, employees cannot recommend an electric generation supplier to customers, including friends, family and neighbors.

• For customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland, you may be able to save money by choosing a competitive energy supplier that offers a better price than the utility for generation.

• Your electric bill is divided into two parts:
  • FirstEnergy’s charge for delivering electricity to your home or business.
  • A separate charge for the electricity you use – your generation charge. This is the portion of your bill that you can decrease by shopping for a supplier with a lower generation price.

• If you do not to shop for an electric supplier, your FirstEnergy electric company is required to buy electric generation for you through a competitive auction process. This is reflected in the “Messages” section of your bill as your Price to Compare (PTC).

• You may be able to pay less each month by selecting a competitive energy supplier that offers a rate lower than your PTC.

• When evaluating competitive energy supplier options, customers should consider price, plan structure (fixed or variable rate), contract terms and conditions, and any taxes, charges and fees that may apply.

• Customers who choose to shop will not see any interruption in their electric service, and we will continue to deliver electricity to their homes or businesses and respond to power outages as normal.

Customers can visit firstenergycorp.com/customerchoice to learn more about the shopping process, including what to consider when shopping for a competitive energy supplier.

To search for a licensed competitive energy supplier by state:

• Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
• Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
• Maryland Public Service Commission
• New Jersey Board of Public Utilities

For customers struggling to pay their bill, FirstEnergy offers payment options and helpful assistance programs.

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