FirstEnergy Corp's (NYSE: FE) Ohio subsidiaries Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison are now offering, at no cost to customers, appliance recycling and rebate programs as well as initiatives to commercial and industrial customers to help save energy and reduce their electric bills. The programs, provided under the companies' current Electric Security Plan IV until May 2024, also aim to promote sustainable practices and provide valuable incentives for participants.
"We are committed to giving our customers the tools and choices to help better manage their electric use through these programs, which come at no cost to them," said Michelle Henry, senior vice president of customer experience FirstEnergy. "These programs also promote our goal to reduce our carbon footprint by encouraging the public to use energy more wisely and make more informed decisions when it comes to their consumption."
The appliance recycling program will provide an opportunity for residential customers to earn $75 when they recycle an old, working refrigerator or freezer. Customers can earn an additional $35 by recycling an old, working dehumidifier, room air conditioner or mini refrigerator alongside their refrigerator or freezer. The smaller units must be recycled together with a refrigerator or freezer. Enhanced rebates will be provided for limited-income customers.
Additionally, the appliance rebate program will offer residential customers rebates on the purchase of ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances. Rebate amounts include $50 for a clothes washer, $100 for an electric clothes dryer, $100 for refrigerators, $50 for freezers, $500 for a heat pump water heater, $50 for a room air conditioner, $50 for an air purifier and $25 for a dehumidifier. Enhanced rebates will also be available for limited-income customers, making it easier for all customers to make energy-efficient choices.
"In addition to providing long-term energy savings, these programs will allow customers to reduce their energy bills while offering environmental benefits," said Nicole Williams, manager of FirstEnergy's residential energy efficiency programs. "Appliances over 10 years old generally use twice the amount of energy of newer ENERGY STAR® models, resulting in savings of over $100 a year in energy costs for customers."
FirstEnergy's Ohio electric companies are also extending energy efficiency initiatives to commercial and industrial customers through the commercial lighting program. This program, which is open to existing facilities and new construction projects, aims to encourage the installation of high-efficiency lights and lighting controls at reduced costs.
In addition to these programs, FirstEnergy reminds customers of an existing energy efficiency initiative, Community Connections, which is available for customers at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. Community Connections offers various benefits to income-eligible customers, including in-home energy use evaluation and energy-saving home improvements such as sealing air leaks in attic walls or foundations, appliance testing and possible replacement, electric water heater inspection and more.
For more information about these energy efficiency programs and to enroll, please visit www.energysaveOhio.com
Ohio Edison serves more than one million customers across 34 Ohio counties. Follow Ohio Edison on Twitter @OhioEdison, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OhioEdison, and online at www.ohioedison.com.
The Illuminating Company serves approximately 755,000 customers across Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties. Connect with The Illuminating Company at www.illuminatingcompany.com, on Twitter @IlluminatingCo and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IlluminatingCo.
Toledo Edison serves more than 315,000 customers in northwest Ohio. Follow Toledo Edison on Twitter @ToledoEdison, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ToledoEdison, and online at www.toledoedison.com.
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at www.firstenergycorp.com and on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp.
