FirstEnergy increases flexibilty for Met-Ed and JCP&L customers affected by Superstorm Sandy

Revisions are in place until March 15.

Metropolitan Edison and Jersey Central Power & Light Co. are making installment plans more flexible for customers who need help paying electric bills in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

The revisions are being implemented by Ohio-based parent company FirstEnergy Corp., though details vary for Pennsylvania and New Jersey customers.

"Whether it be lengthening the payback period or reducing the payment amount, our goal is to tailor the payment plan options to better assist customers in the hardest-hit areas," Ronald Green, FirstEnergy vice president of customer service, said in a statement.

For customers of JCP&L in Warren and Hunterdon counties:

• Customers can make an initial payment of up to 25 percent of the outstanding balance and can arrange a budget installment plan to pay off remaining balance over 12 months.
• If a customer is not able to fulfill the first or second payment plans because of continued financial hardship, another installment plan could be established requiring payment of up to 25 percent of the balance. Also, a six-month installment plan can be implemented instead of the current three-month plan.

For customers of Met-Ed, including Northampton and Lehigh counties, and other Pennsylvania affiliates:

• Customers with income levels above current state requirements will be able to receive two payment plans instead of one as currently allowed.
• If a customer is not able to fulfill the first or second payment plans due to continued financial hardship, another installment plan could be established.
• Payback periods would remain unchanged, varying from six to 36 months depending on income level.

For New Jersey customers who might need additional days to pay their bill, a “promise to pay” extension of up to 10 days beyond the due date printed on their bill can be granted by calling customer service at 800-662-3115. In Pennsylvania, the customer service number is 800-545-7741.

Some customers who lost electric because of the storm are receiving estimated bills. Customers with questions about their bills are encouraged to call customer service.

Customers can also submit a meter reading online at firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/help/billingpayments/about_your_bill.html.