Struggling to pay your monthly electric bill can be an incredibly stressful and challenging situation However, if you live in Texas and are a customer of First Choice Power, you may qualify for their Bill Pay Assistance Fund. This program provides eligible customers with a one-time credit of up to $200 towards their electric bill In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain exactly what the Bill Pay Assistance Fund is, who qualifies, how to apply, and additional bill pay assistance programs offered by First Choice Power and its parent company, FirstEnergy.
What is the First Choice Power Bill Pay Assistance Fund?
The Bill Pay Assistance Fund is a financial aid program administered by First Choice Power to help their Texas customers who are facing financial hardship It provides a one-time bill credit of up to $200 to be applied towards the customer’s account balance The funds come from voluntary donations by First Choice Power employees and customers.
This assistance is available for both residential and commercial customers located in First Choice Power’s Texas service area. Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria related to income, account status, and assistance received in the prior 12 months. The funds are limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis to those who qualify.
Who Qualifies for the Bill Pay Assistance Fund?
Those who want to get the one-time $200 bill credit from the Bill Pay Assistance Fund must meet the following requirements:
- Must have an active residential or commercial account with First Choice Power
- Must have a past due balance of $50 or greater
- Household income is at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
- Have not received any type of bill payment assistance from First Choice Power within the past 12 months
Applicants will need to provide documentation to verify identity, income, and account status when applying.
How Do I Apply for Bill Pay Assistance?
Applying for the First Choice Power Bill Pay Assistance Fund is easy and can be done in just a few minutes online.
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The Bill Pay Assistance Fund page can be found on the First Choice Power website under “Ways to Get Help.”
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Click the link to access the online application
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Provide information about your First Choice Power account, household size and income, and attach required documentation.
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Read over the terms and conditions and submit the application.
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Wait for a response on your application status via email, typically within 5-7 business days.
Be sure to provide accurate information and submit all required documentation like a photo ID, income verification, and current account statement to avoid delays in processing. If you prefer to apply by phone, you can call First Choice Power customer service at 1-866-469-2464 for assistance completing the application.
Are There Other Ways to Get Bill Payment Assistance from First Choice Power?
In addition to the Bill Pay Assistance Fund, First Choice Power offers a few other programs to help customers manage electric bills and avoid disconnection. These include:
Average Billing Plan – Pay a monthly average amount based on usage to avoid seasonal spikes.
Deferred Payment Plan – Temporarily delay payment on a past due balance and pay over time.
LIHEAP – Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program can help pay a portion of your bill.
Payment Arrangements – Setup a customized payment plan that works for your financial situation.
Pick Your Due Date – Choose a bill due date that aligns with your pay schedule.
If you don’t qualify for the one-time $200 bill credit, exploring one of these other bill pay assistance options through First Choice Power is wise. Contact their customer service team for help identifying the best solution.
FirstEnergy Bill Pay Assistance Programs
Since First Choice Power is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, if you are unable to get assistance directly through First Choice Power, they may refer you to programs offered by the parent company FirstEnergy.
FirstEnergy has established several assistance funds across the multiple states they serve, primarily Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and West Virginia. Some of these funds include:
- Dollar Energy Fund – Provides grants to pay utility bills
- Emergency Furnace Repair – Provides free furnace repairs
- The Good Neighbor Fund – Helps customers restore disconnected service
- Operation Round Up – Rounds up bills to donate to assistance programs
Eligibility, application processes, and website links to apply for these FirstEnergy assistance programs can be found at www.firstenergy.com/billassist.
Don’t Delay – Get Help Paying Your Bill Today
Unpaid electric bills and looming disconnection notices can negatively impact your quality of life. But assistance is available through First Choice Power’s Bill Pay Assistance Fund and other bill payment programs. If you meet the eligibility requirements, apply for the one-time $200 bill credit or explore alternative payment arrangements to get your finances back on track. With the right help, you can successfully manage your electric bill.
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Get Assistance With Your Electric Bill
How do I pay my first choice energy bill?
Access First Choice Energy bill pay through the My Account page. Pay by phone by calling 1-866-469-2464. For other First Choice Power payment options, click here. Access Pulse Power bill pay through the My Account page. Pay by phone by calling 833-785-7797. For other Pulse Power payment options, click here.
Does FirstEnergy offer pcap?
Customers of FirstEnergy with a total household income of 150% or below the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines must inquire about FirstEnergy’s PCAP program before applying for a grant. Are you eligible for PCAP?
How do I pay my energy bill?
Just Energy customers can access bill pay through the My Account page. For other Just Energy payment options, click here. Direct Energy customers can access bill pay through the My Account page. Pay by phone by calling 1-888-305-3828. For other Direct Energy payment options, click here.
How do I pay my energy bill in Texas?
For more information about Texas bill pay options, see the information from top energy providers below. Access online bill pay through the My Account page. Pay by phone by calling 1-800-818-6132. For other TXU payment options, click here. Access online bill pay through the My Account page.