NEW JERSEY — As an extended period of extreme heat settles over New Jersey this week, FirstEnergy is encouraging customers to take steps to stay safe while managing their energy use and utility bills.
The utility company recommends using ceiling or box fans to supplement air conditioning, setting thermostats as high as comfort allows, closing blinds and curtains during the day, and turning off lights, fans and window air conditioning units in unoccupied rooms.
Other energy-saving suggestions include closing vents and doors to unused rooms, running dishwashers, washing machines and ovens during the early morning or late evening, grilling outdoors instead of cooking inside, unplugging electronics and chargers when not in use, replacing HVAC filters regularly, and sealing air leaks around doors and windows.
FirstEnergy also reminded customers that assistance programs and payment options, including budget billing, are available for those who need help managing their electric bills. Information on energy-saving programs is available at firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy, while bill assistance resources can be found at firstenergycorp.com/billassist.
With temperatures expected to remain dangerously high, the company is urging residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, seek air-conditioned locations such as community cooling centers, check on older adults and others with health conditions, and never leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
Residents also are encouraged to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and seek medical attention if needed.
If power outages occur, customers can report them by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877), texting OUT to LIGHTS (544487), or visiting firstenergycorp.com/outages. Customers can also sign up for outage alerts by texting REG to 544487 and receive status updates by texting STAT to the same number.
