September 18, 2024

What do you say when a friend, family member or neighbor asks a question about a specific topic pertaining to FirstEnergy? Here is some information you may want to share if you’re asked how customers who rely on life-support equipment can stay safe during an extended power outage.

FirstEnergy remains dedicated to providing essential services to our customers. One way we do this is through our Critical Care Program, designed to support customers who rely on electrically powered medical equipment. This program ensures that these individuals are notified when an extended power outage is expected so that they can take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Here’s how to explain the program and process:

• Customers relying on medical or life-support equipment are encouraged to get in touch with us to enroll in our Critical Care Program.
• We will send the customer a form that must be completed and signed by a licensed medical professional with prescriptive authority every year to verify that the household has life-sustaining equipment.
• All critical care customers are notified through an outbound calling campaign prior to an anticipated outage event that is expected to affect their electric service for more than 24 hours.
• Please note that customers requiring electrically operated life-support equipment might need to obtain backup power sources, such as generators or batteries, or arrange for an alternate location. (We do not provide backup generators or batteries.)

Customers can get more information by speaking with a Customer Care Representative at their FirstEnergy electric company.