As reported by 21 News, Ohio Edison customers may notice a new fee when paying their monthly electric bills. While credit card users are accustomed to surcharges, a recent policy change, effective in January, now applies a 50-cent fee to one-time payments made from checking or savings accounts. This change follows Ohio Edison’s switch to a new third-party payment processor, ACI Speedpay, part of Western Union.
Previously, customers who paid with bank routing numbers but weren’t on an autopay plan avoided service fees. However, under the new system, the surcharge applies to all one-time payments, regardless of the payment method, unless customers are enrolled in specific automatic payment programs. Residential customers using AutoPay (either via credit card or bank account) and commercial customers on AutoPay bank plans will continue to be exempt from fees.
A FirstEnergy spokesperson explained that outsourcing payment processing helps the company maintain compliance and expand payment options. Ohio Edison now offers additional methods for bill payments, including PayPal and Venmo.
The new fee has been met with widespread frustration from Bedford customers, with many expressing disappointment and anger over the added charge. Some feel the change unfairly penalizes those who make multiple payments throughout the month, while others see it as another unnecessary cost burdening consumers.
Ohio Edison serves over one million customers across northeast and north-central Ohio. Customers with concerns about the new fee or payment options can contact Ohio Edison’s customer service at 1-800-633-4766 or reach out via email.
