FIRSTENERGY CORP
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Feb 27, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Feb 27, 2025
FE$46.43-1.4%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026
What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-02-13.
0001031296-24-000008
Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-02-27.
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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
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A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (232)
Current report
•Variations in weather, such as mild seasonal weather variations and severe weather conditions (including events caused, or exacerbated, by climate change, such as wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, droughts, high wind events and extreme heat events) and other natural disasters, which may result in increased storm restoration expenses and negatively affect future operating results.
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•The potential liabilities and increased costs arising from regulatory actions or outcomes in response to severe weather conditions and other natural disasters.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
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Company Overview
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Segment Overview
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During the first quarter of 2024, FirstEnergy’s segment reporting structure was modified to increase transparency for leadership and investors, simplify the presentation to corresponding legal entities, and align FirstEnergy’s earnings, cash flows and balance sheets at the business unit level. FirstEnergy’s reportable segments are as follows:
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The Integrated segment includes the distribution and transmission operations under JCP&L, MP and PE, as well as MP’s regulated generation operations, representing $9.6 billion in rate base as of December 31, 2024. The Integrated segment distributes electricity to approximately 2 million customers in New Jersey, West Virginia and Maryland across its distribution footprint; provides transmission infrastructure in New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia to transmit electricity and operates 3,604 MWs of regulated net maximum generation capacity located primarily in West Virginia and Virginia. The segment will also include MP and PE’s 50 MWs of solar generation at five sites in West Virginia once complete. The first two solar generation sites were completed and placed in service in January and September 2024, representing 24 MWs of net maximum generating capacity. The remaining three sites, once completed, are expected to provide 26 MWs of additional net maximum generation capacity.
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FirstEnergy believes that this segment reporting serves to provide:
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PA Consolidation
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On January 1, 2024, FirstEnergy consolidated the Pennsylvania Companies into FE PA, rendering FE PA a new, single operating entity and the successor-in-interest to all assets and liabilities of the Pennsylvania Companies. As of January 1, 2024, FE PA is FE’s only regulated distribution power company in Pennsylvania encompassing the operations previously conducted individually by the Pennsylvania Companies. FirstEnergy continues to evaluate the legal, financial, operational and branding benefits of consolidating the Ohio Companies into a single Ohio power company.
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Also on January 1, 2024, WP transferred certain of its Pennsylvania-based transmission assets to KATCo, and PN and ME contributed their respective Class B equity interests of MAIT to FE, which were ultimately contributed to FET in exchange for a special purpose membership interest in FET. So long as FE holds the FET special purpose membership interests, it will receive 100% of any Class B distributions made by MAIT.
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FET Equity Interest Sale
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Asset Retirement Obligations
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On May 8, 2024, the EPA finalized changes to the CCR regulations addressing inactive surface impoundments at inactive electric utilities, known as legacy CCR surface impoundments, and in November 2024 and January 2025, the EPA made several technical corrections to the rule. The rule extends 2015 CCR rule requirements for groundwater monitoring and protection procedures, operational and reporting procedures, as well as closure requirements for impoundments and landfills that were not originally included for coverage by the 2015 CCR rule. In anticipation of such expenditures, FirstEnergy performed a preliminary assessment of former CCR disposal sites and calculated an initial estimate applying historical experience in remediating comparable sites. As a result, FirstEnergy recorded a $139 million increase to its ARO during 2024, of which $113 million is included in “Other operating expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income and was not capitalized as an asset retirement cost since the associated plants do not have future cash flows.
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On November 30, 2020, AE Supply submitted a closure deadline extension request to the EPA seeking to extend the cease accepting waste date for the McElroy's Run CCR impoundment facility to October 2024, which request was withdrawn by AE Supply on July 9, 2024, prior to the completion of the technical review by the EPA. As of May 31, 2024, AE Supply ceased accepting waste at the McElroy’s Run CCR impoundment facility from Pleasants Power Station. As of December 31, 2024, AE Supply continues to operate the dry landfill adjacent to McElroy’s Run as a disposal facility for Pleasants Power Station. During the second quarter of 2024, as a result of the evaluation of closure options for McElroy’s Run and the adjacent landfill, AE Supply reviewed its ARO and future expected costs to remediate, resulting in an increase to the ARO liability and corresponding increase to “Other operating expense” of $87 million at Corporate/Other for segment reporting. On February 3, 2025, AE Supply executed an environmental liability transfer agreement with a subsidiary of IDA Power, LLC, whereby AE Supply will transfer the McElroy’s Run CCR impoundment facility and adjacent dry landfill and related remediation obligations. The agreement requires AE Supply to establish a $160 million escrow account that AE Supply will fund over five years. The escrow funding obligation will be secured by a surety bond, which will be guaranteed by FE. The transaction is expected to close before the end of the first quarter of 2025 and the derecognition of the ARO is not expected to have a material impact to FirstEnergy’s financial statements, however, no assurances of the closing of the transfer will be satisfied, including transfer of all required environmental permits. See Note 10, “Asset Retirement Obligations,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Our Strategy
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Powered by its employees and guided by its experienced leadership team and engaged FE Board, FirstEnergy is accelerating its transformation into a premier electric company. The FE Board and FirstEnergy’s executive management team are aligned behind a business model grounded in investing, operating, recovering costs and financing our regulated electric company operations. This business model aims to create a “virtuous cycle” that, in turn, serves to improve reliability and the customer experience, grow rate base, engage employees, improve returns and maintain a strong balance sheet. Along with an unwavering commitment to ethics and integrity, performance excellence and continuous improvement, FirstEnergy anticipates that strong execution of this model will help achieve its strategic objectives and deliver value to its investors.
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With a diversified asset mix, improved balance sheet and a strong affordability position, FirstEnergy is well positioned to significantly enhance the customer experience and provide value to its investors.
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Invest
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FirstEnergy invests in its regulated operations to improve reliability and the customer experience, and in its people to attract, retain and develop talented, diverse and engaged employees to carry out its strategy. This includes the following:
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•A robust plan for customer-focused growth, Energize365 is the centerpiece of FirstEnergy’s regulated distribution and transmission capital investment strategy that aims to strengthen the grid and enable the energy transition. Through the Energize365 program, FirstEnergy invested $4.5 billion in 2024, approximately 20% higher than 2023, and expects to spend approximately $28 billion in system-wide capital investments from 2025 through 2029. FirstEnergy expects that these investments will comprise the Distribution segment (26%), the Integrated segment (39%), and the Stand-Alone Transmission segment (34%), focusing on the following:
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•On July 26, 2024, FE, VEPCO and Transource Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of AEP, entered into a joint proposal agreement in connection with PJM’s 2024 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan Open Window 1 process. Pursuant to such joint proposal agreement, FET, VEPCO and Transource Energy, LLC jointly proposed certain regional electric transmission projects for PJM's consideration during the Open Window process. On November 25, 2024, FET, Dominion High Voltage MidAtlantic, Inc., as affiliate of VEPCO, and Transource Energy, LLC, formed Valley Link, which is the holding company responsible for managing and executing any projects awarded by PJM, and entered into a limited liability agreement. On February 26, 2025, PJM selected certain of the joint proposed projects, which included approximately $3 billion in investments for Valley Link to both build new and upgrade existing transmission infrastructure.
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•A refreshed and revitalized leadership team. During 2024, FirstEnergy appointed five executives to oversee the Maryland/West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Transmission operations. Additionally, FirstEnergy also announced the hiring of five vice presidents that will be responsible for developing and implementing the financial strategy and oversee relationships with regulators for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and Transmission.
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Operate
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FirstEnergy will continue to engage its skilled, trained, talented and diverse team of employees to effectively implement its investment plans, seek opportunities for continuous improvement as it delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to our customers, and deliver value to its investors. It aims to do so through the following:
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•Enhancing the focus on the customer. FirstEnergy has shifted more decision-making and accountability for our operations closer to our customers, regulators and employees doing the work. FirstEnergy’s new operating structure is organized as follows: Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia/Maryland and FirstEnergy’s Standalone Transmission properties. This structure fosters better execution at the business unit level.
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•Embracing a continuous improvement mindset. FirstEnergy is focused on operational excellence through strong execution of our capital investments to enhance the customer experience and support the energy transition, managing costs and keeping customer bills affordable and reducing regulatory lag.
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Recover
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FirstEnergy is establishing a track record of strong execution. Operating effectively leads to strong, predictable results and enhances credibility with our stakeholders. In turn, FirstEnergy builds supportive relationships with regulators, customers and intervenors in an effort to drive positive rate outcomes that support recovery of its investments.
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•On November 9, 2023, JCP&L filed a petition for approval of its EnergizeNJ with the NJBPU that would, among other things, support grid modernization, system resiliency and substation modernization in technologies designed to provide enhanced customer benefits. On February 14, 2024, the NJBPU approved the stipulated settlement between JCP&L and various parties, resolving JCP&L’s request for a distribution base rate increase. On February 27, 2024, as part of the stipulated settlement, JCP&L amended its pending EnergizeNJ petition following receipt of NJBPU approval of the base rate case settlement, to remove the high-priority circuits that are to be addressed in the first phase of its reliability improvement plan and to include the second phase of its reliability improvement plan that is expected to further address certain high-priority circuits that require additional upgrades. EnergizeNJ, if approved as amended, will result in the investment of approximately $930.5 million of total estimated costs over five years. JCP&L and various parties are engaged in settlement discussions with respect to the pending EnergizeNJ petition.
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30, 2024, the NJBPU approved the parties’ stipulation of settlement, wherein the parties agreed to a budget of approximately $817 million for EE&C Plan II, including $784 million of investments that will earn a return on equity of 9.6%, with an equity ratio of 52%, and will be recovered over 10 years.
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•On January 31, 2025, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO for ESP VI, which would begin concurrently with the effective date of any new base distribution rates resulting from the Ohio Companies’ pending base rate case and continue through May 31, 2028. ESP VI proposes to continue existing riders to support continued maintenance of the distribution system, and to reestablish riders to recover vegetation management and storm restoration expenses. ESP VI also includes provisions supporting affordability and enhancing the customer experience. The PUCO has scheduled a technical conference for March 12, 2025.
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•On April 12, 2024, the Ohio Companies and certain of the parties filed a stipulation that modified the Ohio Companies’ application for phase two of its grid modernization plan, which was approved by the PUCO on December 18, 2024. The stipulation provides for the deployment of approximately 1.4 million smart meters to the balance of the Ohio Companies’ customers. Phase two of the distribution grid modernization plan, as modified by the stipulation would be completed over a four-year budget period with estimated capital investments of approximately $421 million. On December 18, 2024, the PUCO approved the stipulation and implementation has since begun.
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•On April 2, 2024, FE PA filed a base rate case with the PPUC seeking a net increase in base distribution revenues of approximately $502 million with a return on equity of 11.3% and capital structure of 46.2% debt and 53.8% equity, and which reflects a roll-in of several current riders such as DSIC, Tax Act, and smart meter. Additionally, FE PA requested an enhanced ten year vegetation management program and recovery of certain incurred costs, including the impact of major storms, COVID-19, a program to convert streetlights to LEDs, and others. On September 13, 2024, FE PA and the active parties to the proceeding filed a joint settlement agreement requesting that the administrative law judges approve FE PA’s requested distribution base rate case increase subject to the terms and conditions of the settlement, which includes, among other things, an annual net revenue increase of $225 million. Other key components of the settlement agreement include recovery of costs incurred for storms and COVID-19, additional cost recovery of ongoing storm costs, inspection and maintenance of overhead lines and transformers, and rate case expenses, as well as an enhanced vegetation management program. On October 15, 2024, the administrative law judges issued a decision recommending that the PPUC approve, without modification, the September 13, 2024 settlement agreement. On November 21, 2024, the PPUC unanimously approved the settlement agreement without modification and the rates became effective on January 1, 2025.
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•On July 22, 2024, FE PA filed its application with the PPUC seeking approval for the next phase of its LTIIP program, which is expected to result in approximately $1.6 billion in investments, with approximately $1.4 billion of such investments going in service during the five-year period beginning January 1, 2025 and ending December 31, 2029. FE PA’s application was approved by the PPUC on December 19, 2024, and implementation began in January 2025.
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Finance
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We believe that FirstEnergy represents a compelling investment. With sound capital allocation targeting reliability, resiliency, the energy transition and customer experience, and supported by constructive regulatory outcomes, FirstEnergy expects to finance the business at a lower cost of capital, allowing it to begin the virtuous cycle all over again at “Invest.”
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FirstEnergy aims to do this through a strengthened financial position. Since 2021, FirstEnergy has raised $7 billion in equity capital and issued $1.5 billion in convertible notes in May 2023 to significantly improve its balance sheet. The strength of FirstEnergy’s balance sheet supports its plan to fund Energize365 investments through organic internal cash flows and the issuance of debt rather than incremental equity. FirstEnergy has optimized its financing plan to retain flexibility in an uncertain interest rate environment. FirstEnergy has also taken steps to reduce potential volatility risk associated with its pension plan. In January 2025, FirstEnergy executed an additional pension lift-out transaction associated with over $652 million in pension obligations relating to its former competitive generation employees. This lift-out transaction, combined with the lift-out completed in 2023, removed approximately $1.4 billion in total pension plan assets and obligations associated with approximately 3,900 former competitive generation employees.
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FIRSTENERGY'S CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
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2024 Compared with 2023
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•Weather conditions, such as temperature variations and severe weather conditions, or other natural disasters affecting future operating results and associated regulatory actions or outcomes in response to such conditions.
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FIRSTENERGY’S BUSINESS
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On January 1, 2024, FirstEnergy consolidated the Pennsylvania Companies into FE PA, including OE subsidiary, Penn, making FE PA a new, single operating entity. In addition to merging each of the Pennsylvania Companies with and into FE PA, with FE PA surviving such mergers as the successor-in-interest to all assets and liabilities of the Pennsylvania Companies, (i) WP transferred certain of its Pennsylvania-based transmission assets to KATCo, and (ii) PN and ME contributed their respective Class B equity interests of MAIT to FE. FE PA, as of January 1, 2024, is FE’s only regulated distribution utility in Pennsylvania encompassing the operations previously conducted individually by the Pennsylvania Companies and serves an area with a population of approximately 4.5 million. FE PA operates under the rate districts of the former Pennsylvania Companies. FirstEnergy is also evaluating the legal, financial, operational and branding benefits of consolidating the Ohio Companies into a single Ohio utility company.
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The service areas and number of customers served by FirstEnergy's regulated distribution utilities as of December 31, 2023, are summarized below:
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As described above, Brookfield holds 19.9% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of FET and has entered into an agreement to purchase from FE, an incremental 30% equity interest in FET, such that Brookfield’s interest in FET will increase from 19.9% to 49.9%, while FE will retain the remaining 50.1%. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including PPUC approval, and is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2024. Upon closing, FET will continue to be consolidated in FirstEnergy’s financial statements.
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In 2024, FirstEnergy changed its reportable segments to include the following:
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•Distribution Segment, which will consist of the Ohio Companies and FE PA;
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•Integrated Segment, which will consist of MP, PE and JCP&L; and
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•Stand-Alone Transmission Segment, which will consist of FE's ownership in FET and KATCo.
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On January 1, 2024, WP transferred certain of its Pennsylvania-based transmission assets to KATCo. Corporate/Other will continue to reflect corporate support and other support costs not charged or attributable to the Utilities or Transmission Companies, including FE's retained Pension and OPEB assets and liabilities of former subsidiaries, interest expense on FE's holding company debt and other investments or businesses that do not constitute an operating segment, including FEV's investment of 33-1/3% equity ownership in Global Holding.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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FirstEnergy is a forward-thinking electric utility centered on integrity, powered by a diverse team of employees, committed to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment better and our communities stronger.
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FirstEnergy's core values encompass what matters most to the company. They guide the decisions we make and the actions we take. FirstEnergy's core values should inspire our actions today and shine a light on who we aspire to be in the future.
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FirstEnergy Core Values:
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•Integrity: We always act ethically with honesty, humility and accountability.
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•Safety: We keep ourselves and others safe.
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•Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We embrace differences, ensure every employee is treated fairly and create a culture where everyone feels they belong.
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•Performance Excellence: We pursue excellence and seek opportunities for growth, innovation and continuous improvement.
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•Stewardship: We positively impact our customers, communities and other stakeholders, and strive to protect the environment.
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Employees are encouraged and expected to have conversations with their leaders and peers about the core values and FirstEnergy's commitment to building a culture centered on integrity.
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At FirstEnergy, we are dedicated to staying true to our mission and core values. We understand the impact our company can make in the world around us, which means pursuing initiatives and goals that align with our foundational principles, support our EESG and strategic priorities and positively impact our stakeholders.
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To solidify our role as an industry leader, we have developed a long-term strategy with priorities that are centered on our mission statement. These priorities reflect a strong foundation with a customer-centered focus that emphasizes modern experiences, new growth and affordable energy bills, and enables the energy transition to a clean, resilient and secure electric grid.
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We are proud of the steps we have already taken to demonstrate our commitment to our strategy and look forward to improving our performance and executing on these strategic priorities.
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On June 1, 2023, Brian X. Tierney joined the FE Board and began serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of FirstEnergy. Mr. Tierney previously served as Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Operations and Asset Management at Blackstone Infrastructure Partners. Prior to joining Blackstone Infrastructure Partners in July 2021, Mr. Tierney spent 23 years with AEP. John W. Somerhalder II ceased serving as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer on May 31, 2023, and continues to serve as the Chair of the FE Board.
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We are focused on making the necessary investments in our core regulated businesses, our employees and in our systems to enhance the customer experience. To execute that vision, we are shifting decision-making and accountability closer to where the work is being done to serve customers. We are making progress to fill several key executive positions in an organization that will be structured to allow greater execution at the business unit level, including the following:
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•On November 30, 2023, Toby L. Thomas joined FirstEnergy as the Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Thomas previously served as Senior Vice President, Energy Delivery at AEP, where he was responsible for transmission engineering, construction, operations, maintenance and compliance, and creating efficiencies by bringing together transmission and distribution-related engineering and standards. Mr. Thomas spent 22 years at AEP.
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•On December 18, 2023, A. Wade Smith joined FirstEnergy as President, FirstEnergy Utilities. Mr. Smith previously served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Puget Sound Energy, Inc. Prior to joining Puget Sound Energy, Inc., Mr. Smith held a variety of roles and has more than 30 years of industry experience.
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Additionally, five business unit executives will lead our state operations and our stand-alone transmission companies. In our new organization, the business unit executives will have financial responsibility and will be accountable for regulatory direction and outcomes, as well as operational performance.
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Beginning in 2024, FirstEnergy changed its reportable segments to align with its updated organizational structure, and will include: Distribution Segment, which will consist of the Ohio Companies and FE PA; Integrated Segment, which will consist of MP, PE and JCP&L and provides distribution, transmission, and for MP, generation, services to their customers; and Stand-Alone Transmission Segment, which will consist of FE's ownership in FET and KATCo. Corporate/Other will continue to reflect corporate support and other support costs not charged to the Distribution, Integrated or Transmission segments, including FE's retained Pension and OPEB assets and liabilities of former subsidiaries, interest expense on FE's holding company debt and other investments or businesses that do not constitute an operating segment, including FEV's investment of 33-1/3% equity ownership in Global Holding. This will simplify its segment reporting to provide more transparency and align with its new organizational structure that allows for financial and operational decision-making in how we manage our business. This provides:
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In 2023, FirstEnergy made investments of $3.7 billion, which was $300 million above our original plan. As a fully regulated electric utility, FirstEnergy is focused on stable and predictable earnings and cash flow through investments that deliver enhanced customer service and reliability. Energize365 is the centerpiece of FirstEnergy’s regulated distribution and transmission capital investment strategy that aims to utilize all investments to support our EESG and strategic priorities including clean energy, improving grid reliability and resiliency and supports a carbon neutral future. Through the Energize365 program, FirstEnergy expects approximately $26 billion in system-wide capital investments from 2024 through 2028, which is comprised of 29% Distribution, 39% Integrated and 32% Stand-Alone Transmission and are focused on the following:
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◦Transmission:
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•On May 31, 2023, MP and PE filed a base rate case in West Virginia requesting a $207 million increase in revenue, which supports reliability investments, grid resiliency, an enhanced customer experience and provides assistance to low-income customers. Key proposals to the filing include: a distribution rate base of $3.2 billion, ROE of 10.85%, and a capital structure of debt/equity of 51%/49%. On January 23, 2024, MP, PE and various parties filed with a joint settlement agreement with the WVPSC, which recommends a base rate increase of $105 million. Among other things, the settlement additionally includes a new low-income customer advocacy program, storm restoration work and service reliability investments. An order is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2024 with new rates to be effective upon the issuance of such order;
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•On October 18, 2023, the MDPSC issued an order approving an annual increase in base distribution rates of $28 million, effective October 19, 2023, with respect to the base rate case that PE filed on March 22, 2023. The MDPSC denied PE’s request to establish a pension/OPEB regulatory asset, rejected the continuation of PE’s EDIS, and allowed recovery of most COVID-19 deferred costs. The MDPSC also ordered an independent audit of certain allocations from FESC to PE and denied recovery of approximately $12 million in rate base associated with certain corporate support costs recorded to capital accounts resulting from the FERC Audit. On January 3, 2024, the MDPSC issued an order granting PE’s request for reconsideration and increased PE’s allowed distribution rates by another $0.7 million;
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•FE PA plans to file a base rate case by April 2024 and request approval for the continuation of its LTIIP program by the end of the third quarter of 2024;
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On January 1, 2024, FirstEnergy consolidated the Pennsylvania Companies into FE PA, including OE subsidiary, Penn, making FE PA a new, single operating entity. In addition to merging each of the Pennsylvania Companies with and into FE PA, with FE PA surviving such mergers as the successor-in-interest to all assets and liabilities of the Pennsylvania Companies, (i) WP transferred certain of its Pennsylvania-based transmission assets to KATCo, and (ii) PN and ME contributed their respective Class B equity interests of MAIT to FE. FE PA, as of January 1, 2024, is FE’s only regulated distribution utility in Pennsylvania encompassing the operations previously conducted individually by the Pennsylvania Companies and serves an area with a population of approximately 4.5 million. FE PA operates under the rate districts of the former Pennsylvania Companies. FirstEnergy is also evaluating the legal, financial, operational and branding benefits of consolidating the Ohio Companies into a single Ohio utility company.
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FirstEnergy is focused on continuous improvement, including the strategic reduction of operating expenditures and continued reinvestment in a more diverse capital program in support of our long-term strategy. We have begun implementing our facility optimization plans, which focus on both cost savings and alignment with our flexible working arrangements, and will result in our exiting the General Office in Akron, Ohio, and other corporate facilities in Brecksville, Ohio, Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Morristown, New Jersey beginning in 2024. In December 2023, FirstEnergy purchased the General Office building with the intention to sell in the future. It is currently expected that the exit of the General Office and sale will occur in 2025. Our corporate headquarters will remain in Akron, moving to our West Akron Campus, and we continue to explore real estate options and relocation opportunities for the other corporate facilities. As FirstEnergy continues to transform the business and implement initiatives to reduce costs, including the facility optimization plan, the impact of such actions may result in future impairments or other charges that may be significant. The result of our combined efforts will help build a stronger, more sustainable company for the near and long term.
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On May 9, 2023, FirstEnergy announced a voluntary retirement program for eligible non-bargaining employees, known as the PEER. More than 65% of eligible employees, totaling approximately 450 employees, accepted the PEER, which included lump sum compensation equivalent to severance benefits, healthcare continuation costs and a temporary pension enhancement. Most PEER participating employees departed in 2023. The temporary pension enhancement and healthcare continuation costs are classified as special termination costs within net periodic benefit costs (credits). In addition to the PEER, FirstEnergy notified and involuntarily separated approximately 90 employees on May 9, 2023. Management expects the cost savings resulting from these initiatives to support FirstEnergy’s growth plans.
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Climate Strategy
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Our commitment to climate is a significant component of our company’s overarching strategy, especially our desire to enable the transition to a clean energy future. Executing our Climate Strategy and advancing the transition to clean energy requires addressing, among other things: emerging federal and state decarbonization goals; physical risks of climate change; industry trends and technology advancements; and customer expectations for cleaner energy, increased usage control, and more sustainable alternatives in transportation, manufacturing and industrial processes. Through our investment plan, we aim to enhance the resiliency, reliability and security of the electric system and support the integration of renewables, electric vehicles, grid modernization improvements and other emerging technologies.
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As part of our Climate Strategy, we pledged in 2020 to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This GHG goal addresses company-wide emissions within our direct operational control, also known as Scope 1 emissions, across our transmission, distribution and regulated generation operations. At that time, we also set an interim target to reduce our GHG emissions by 30% from the 2019 baseline by 2030. After careful consideration and evaluation, we have made the determination to remove our interim target and remain focused on our 2050 goal.
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Forward-Looking Statements: This Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements include declarations regarding management's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms “anticipate,” “potential,” “expect,” "forecast," "target," "will," "intend," “believe,” "project," “estimate," "plan" and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which may include the following (see Glossary of Terms for definitions of capitalized terms):
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Forward-Looking Statements: This Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements include declarations regarding management's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms “anticipate,” “potential,” “expect,” "forecast," "target," "will," "intend," “believe,” "project," “estimate," "plan" and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which may include the following (see Glossary of Terms for definitions of capitalized terms):
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•The potential liabilities, increased costs and unanticipated developments resulting from government investigations and agreements, including those associated with compliance with or failure to comply with the DPA.
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•The potential liabilities, increased costs and unanticipated developments resulting from government investigations and agreements, including those associated with compliance with or failure to comply with the DPA, and settlements with the OAG's office and SEC.
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•The risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation and similar proceedings, particularly regarding HB 6 related matters, including risks associated with obtaining dismissal of the derivative shareholder lawsuits.
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•The risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation and similar proceedings, particularly regarding HB 6 related matters.
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•Changes in national and regional economic conditions, including recession, rising interest rates, inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, higher energy costs, and workforce impacts, affecting us and/or our customers and those vendors with which we do business.
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•Changes in national and regional economic conditions, including recession, volatile interest rates, inflationary pressure, supply chain disruptions, higher fuel costs, and workforce impacts, affecting us and/or our customers and those vendors with which we do business.
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•Legislative and regulatory developments, including, but not limited to, matters related to rates, compliance and enforcement activity, cyber security, and climate change.
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•Legislative and regulatory developments, and executive orders, including, but not limited to, matters related to rates, energy regulatory policies, compliance and enforcement activity, cyber security, climate change, and diversity, equity and inclusion.
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•The ability to meet our goals relating to EESG opportunities, improvements, and efficiencies, including our GHG reduction goals.
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•The ability to meet our goals relating to climate-related and environmental, social and governance matters, opportunities, improvements, and efficiencies, including our GHG reduction goals.
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•The ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits through establishing a culture of continuous improvement and our other strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, overcoming current uncertainties and challenges associated with the ongoing government investigations, executing Energize365, our transmission and distribution investment plan, executing on our rate filing strategy, controlling costs, improving our credit metrics, growing earnings, strengthening our balance sheet, and satisfying the conditions necessary to close the FET Minority Equity Interest Sale.
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•The ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits through establishing a culture of continuous improvement and our other strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, executing Energize365, our transmission and distribution investment plan, executing on our rate filing strategy, controlling costs, improving credit metrics, maintaining investment grade ratings, strengthening our balance sheet and growing earnings.
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•Mitigating exposure for remedial activities associated with retired and formerly owned electric generation assets.
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•Mitigating exposure for remedial activities associated with retired and formerly owned electric generation assets, including those sites impacted by the legacy CCR rules that were finalized during 2024.
Previous wording
•Changes to environmental laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, those related to climate change.
Current wording
•Changes to environmental laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, rules finalized by the EPA and SEC, including those currently stayed, related to climate change, and potential changes to such laws and regulations as a result of the new U.S. presidential administration.
Previous wording
•The ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with our financial plans, the cost of such capital and overall condition of the capital and credit markets affecting us, including the increasing number of financial institutions evaluating the impact of climate change on their investment decisions.
Current wording
•The ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with our financial plans, the cost of such capital and overall condition of the capital and credit markets affecting us, including the increasing number of financial institutions evaluating the impact of climate change on their investment decisions, and the loss of our status as a well-known seasoned issuer.
Previous wording
•Changes in assumptions regarding factors such as economic conditions within our territories, the reliability of our transmission and distribution system, or the availability of capital or other resources supporting identified transmission and distribution investment opportunities.
Current wording
•Changes in assumptions regarding factors such as economic conditions within our territories, the reliability of our transmission and distribution system, generation resource planning, or the availability of capital or other resources supporting identified transmission and distribution investment opportunities.
Previous wording
•Any changes in tax laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, the IRA of 2022, or adverse tax audit results or rulings.
Current wording
•Any changes in tax laws or regulations, including, but not limited to, the IRA of 2022, or adverse tax audit results or rulings and potential changes to such laws and regulations as a result of the new U.S. presidential administration.
Previous wording
FE and its subsidiaries are principally involved in the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity through its reportable segments Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission.
Current wording
FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence and is principally involved in the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity through its reportable segments: Distribution, Integrated and Stand-Alone Transmission. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving over six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. FirstEnergy’s transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions and two regional transmission operation centers. As of December 31, 2024, AGC and MP control 3,604 MWs of net maximum generation capacity.
Previous wording
The Regulated Distribution segment distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s utility operating companies, serving approximately six million customers within 65,000 square miles of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and New York, and purchases power for its POLR, SOS, SSO and default service requirements in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. This segment also controls 3,580 MWs of regulated electric generation capacity located primarily in West Virginia and Virginia. The segment's results reflect the costs of securing and delivering electric generation from transmission facilities to customers, including the deferral and amortization of certain related costs.
Current wording
The Distribution segment, which consists of the Ohio Companies and FE PA, representing $11 billion in rate base as of December 31, 2024, distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s electric operating companies in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Distribution segment serves approximately 4.3 million customers in Ohio and Pennsylvania across its distribution footprint and purchases power for its provider of last resort, SOS, standard service offer and default service requirements. The segment’s results reflect the costs of securing and delivering electric generation to customers, including the deferral and amortization of certain costs.
Previous wording
The Regulated Transmission segment provides transmission infrastructure owned and operated by the Transmission Companies and certain of FirstEnergy's utilities (JCP&L, MP, PE and WP) to transmit electricity from generation sources to distribution facilities. The segment's revenues are derived from primarily forward-looking formula rates, pursuant to which the revenue requirement is updated annually based on a projected rate base and projected costs, which is subject to an annual true-up based on actual rate base and costs. The segment's results also reflect the net transmission expenses related to the delivery of electricity on FirstEnergy's transmission facilities.
Current wording
The Stand-Alone Transmission segment, which consists of FE's ownership in FET and KATCo, representing $5.3 billion in rate base as of December 31, 2024, includes transmission infrastructure owned and operated by the Transmission Companies and used to transmit electricity. The segment’s revenues are primarily derived from forward-looking formula rates, pursuant to which the revenue requirement is updated annually based on a projected rate base and projected costs, which is subject to an annual true-up based on actual rate base and costs. The segment’s results also reflect the net transmission expenses related to the delivery of electricity on FirstEnergy’s transmission facilities. KATCo, which was a subsidiary of FET, became a wholly owned subsidiary of FE prior to the closing of the FET P&SA I and remains in the Stand-Alone Transmission segment. On January 1, 2024, WP transferred certain of its Pennsylvania-based transmission assets to KATCo and prior year results in the Stand-Alone Transmission segment reflect the earnings and results of those WP transmission assets.
Previous wording
Corporate/Other reflects corporate support and other costs not charged or attributable to the Utilities or Transmission Companies, including FE's retained Pension and OPEB assets and liabilities of former subsidiaries, interest expense on FE’s holding company debt and other investments or businesses that do not constitute an operating segment, including FEV's investment of 33-1/3% equity ownership in Global Holding. Additionally, reconciling adjustments for the elimination of inter-segment transactions are included in Corporate/Other. As of December 31, 2023, 67 MWs of electric generating capacity, representing AE Supply's OVEC capacity entitlement, was also included in Corporate/Other for segment reporting. As of December 31, 2023, Corporate/Other had approximately $7.1 billion of external FE holding company debt.
Current wording
Corporate/Other reflects corporate support and other costs not charged or attributable to the Electric Companies or Transmission Companies, including FE’s retained pension and OPEB assets and liabilities of former subsidiaries, interest expense on FE’s holding company debt and other investments or businesses that do not constitute an operating segment, including FEV’s investment of 33-1/3% equity ownership in Global Holding. Also included in Corporate/Other for segment reporting is 67 MWs of net maximum generation capacity, representing AE Supply’s OVEC capacity entitlement. As of December 31, 2024, Corporate/Other had approximately $6.1 billion of external FE holding company debt.
Previous wording
•Alignment with our cash flow, credit metrics, balance sheet and earnings;
Current wording
•Alignment with our cash flow, credit metrics, balance sheet and earnings to the companies comprising each segment;
Previous wording
•Simplification of our segment reporting so entire entity resides within a segment; and
Current wording
•Simplification of our segment reporting so that each entire entity resides within a segment; and
Previous wording
On February 2, 2023, FE, along with FET, entered into the FET P&SA II with Brookfield and the Brookfield Guarantors, pursuant to which FE agreed to sell to Brookfield at the closing, and Brookfield agreed to purchase from FE, an incremental 30% equity interest in FET for a purchase price of $3.5 billion. The majority of the purchase price is expected to be paid in cash upon closing, and the remainder will be payable by the issuance of a promissory note, which is expected to be repaid by the end of 2024. As a result of the consummation of the transaction, Brookfield’s interest in FET will increase from 19.9% to 49.9%, while FE will retain the remaining 50.1% ownership interests of FET. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the PPUC. In addition, pursuant to the FET P&SA II, FirstEnergy made the necessary filings with the applicable regulatory authorities for the PA Consolidation. The FET Minority Equity Interest Sale is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2024. Upon closing, FET will continue to be consolidated in FirstEnergy’s financial statements.
Current wording
On February 2, 2023, FE, along with FET, entered into the FET P&SA II with Brookfield and the Brookfield Guarantors, pursuant to which FE agreed to sell to Brookfield at the closing, and Brookfield agreed to purchase from FE, an incremental 30% equity interest in FET for a purchase price of $3.5 billion. The FET Equity Interest Sale closed on March 25, 2024 and FET continues to be consolidated in FirstEnergy’s financial statements. The purchase price was paid in part by the issuance of two promissory notes at closing having an aggregate principal amount of $1.2 billion with: (i) one promissory note having an aggregate principal amount of $750 million, at an interest rate of 5.75% per annum, with a maturity date of September 25, 2025 and (ii) one promissory note having an aggregate principal amount of $450 million, at an interest rate of 7.75% per annum, with a maturity date of December 31, 2024. The remaining $2.3 billion of the purchase price was paid in cash at closing. On July 17, 2024, Brookfield paid FE approximately $1.2 billion in full satisfaction of the promissory notes. Interest income associated with the promissory notes was $24 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 and is reported within “Miscellaneous income, net” on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income. As a result of the consummation of the transaction, Brookfield’s interest in FET increased from 19.9% to 49.9%, while FE retained the remaining 50.1% ownership interests of FET.
Previous wording
•Energy Transition: Distribution and Transmission investments made to support improvements in grid reliability and resiliency and support interconnection of renewable sources.
Current wording
•Distribution and Transmission investments to support improvements in grid reliability and resiliency and support the energy transition, including through:
Previous wording
◦Grid Modernization: Programs to drive system resiliency through automation technology and communication, including Ohio's Grid Mod I and II, Pennsylvania's LTIIP, New Jersey's EnergizeNJ, and implementing advanced metering infrastructure
Current wording
◦Programs to drive system resiliency through automation technology and communication, including phases one and two of the Ohio Companies’ distribution grid modernization plans, Pennsylvania's LTIIP, New Jersey's EnergizeNJ, and implementing advanced metering infrastructure;
Previous wording
▪Operational Flexibility Projects that build capacity and support evolving grid such as interconnection of New Jersey offshore wind and data center load
Current wording
◦Operational flexibility projects that are expected to build capacity and support the evolving grid such as interconnection of New Jersey offshore wind and data center load;
Previous wording
▪Enhance system performance by implementing new designs and technologies to reduce load at risk
Current wording
◦Enhancing system performance by implementing new designs and technologies to reduce load at risk; and
Previous wording
▪Upgrade system conditions that enhance reliability
Current wording
◦Upgrading system conditions that enhance reliability.
Previous wording
◦Clean Energy: Including West Virginia solar generation, energy efficiency, electric vehicle infrastructure and energy storage
Current wording
•West Virginia solar generation projects, energy efficiency initiatives, electric vehicle infrastructure and energy storage projects.
Previous wording
•Infrastructure Renewal: Base distribution projects to address aging infrastructure
Current wording
•Base distribution projects to address aging infrastructure.
Previous wording
•Fossil Generation: Projects to maintain operations of fossil plants and remain compliant with environmental regulations through the end of their useful life
Current wording
•Generation maintenance projects that maintain operations of fossil fuel plants and remain compliant with environmental regulations through the end of their useful life.
Previous wording
FirstEnergy believes there is a continued long-term pipeline of investment opportunities for its existing distribution and transmission infrastructure beyond those identified through 2028, which are expected to strengthen grid and cyber security and make the transmission system more reliable, robust, secure and resistant to extreme weather events, with improved operational flexibility.
Current wording
•FirstEnergy believes there is a continued long-term pipeline of investment opportunities for its existing distribution and transmission infrastructure beyond those opportunities identified through 2029, which are expected to strengthen grid and cyber security and make the transmission system more reliable, robust, secure and resistant to extreme weather events, with improved operational flexibility.
Previous wording
FirstEnergy has an active regulatory calendar to support its regulated growth strategy and address the critical investments that support reliability and a smarter and cleaner electric grid, including:
Current wording
In order to achieve important regulatory milestones, FirstEnergy has an active regulatory calendar to support its regulated growth strategy and address the critical investments that support reliability and a smarter electric grid. This includes the following:
Previous wording
•On March 16, 2023, JCP&L filed a base rate case in New Jersey, requesting a $185 million increase in base distribution revenues, which supports investments to strengthen the energy grid, enhance the customer experience and provide assistance to low-income as well as senior citizen customers. JCP&L subsequently updated its base rate case on August 7, 2023, which, among other things, increased its proposed annual net increase in base rate distribution revenues to approximately $192 million. Key proposals to the filing include: a distribution rate base of $3.1 billion, ROE of 10.4%, and a capital structure of debt/equity of 48%/52%. On February 1, 2024, JCP&L, joined by various parties, filed a stipulated settlement with the NJBPU resolving JCP&L’s request for a distribution base rate increase. The settlement provides for an $85 million annual base distribution revenues increase for JCP&L, which, if approved by the NJBPU, is expected to be effective for customers on June 1, 2024;
Current wording
•On March 16, 2023, JCP&L filed a base rate case in New Jersey, requesting a $185 million increase in base distribution revenues to support investments to strengthen the energy grid, enhance the customer experience and provide assistance to low-income and senior citizen customers. On February 1, 2024, JCP&L, joined by various parties, filed a stipulated settlement with the NJBPU resolving JCP&L’s request for a distribution base rate increase. The settlement, which was approved by the NJBPU on February 14, 2024, provides for an $85 million annual base distribution revenue increase for JCP&L, which became effective for customers on June 1, 2024.
Previous wording
•On April 5, 2023, the Ohio Companies sought approval from the PUCO for its ESP V. The proposed plan would maintain an eight-year term beginning June 1, 2024, and seeks to continue riders recovering costs associated with distribution infrastructure investments and approved grid modernization investments. ESP V additionally proposes new riders that would support reliability, and includes provisions supporting affordability and enhancing the customer experience;
Current wording
•On April 5, 2023, the Ohio Companies sought approval from the PUCO for their ESP V. The proposed plan would maintain an eight-year term beginning June 1, 2024, and continue riders recovering costs associated with distribution infrastructure investments and approved grid modernization investments. ESP V additionally proposed new riders that would support reliability, and included provisions supporting affordability and enhancing the customer experience. On May 15, 2024, the PUCO issued an order approving ESP V with modifications, which are described below in “Outlook - State Regulation - Ohio”. On June 14, 2024, the Ohio Companies filed an Application for Rehearing, which was denied by operation of law as the PUCO did not rule on the applications for rehearing within 30 days of filing. Due to the risks and uncertainty resulting from the Ohio Companies’ application for rehearing being denied by operation of law, on October 29, 2024, the Ohio Companies filed a notice of their intent to withdraw ESP V and proposed the terms under which they would resume operating under ESP IV, which was approved by the PUCO on December 18, 2024. On January 22, 2025, the PUCO approved the Ohio Companies’ ESP IV compliance tariffs with an effective date of February 1, 2025, at which point the Ohio Companies resumed operating under ESP IV with modifications, as described below in “Outlook - State Regulation - Ohio”.
Previous wording
•The Ohio Companies plan to file a base rate case in the second quarter of 2024.
Current wording
•On May 31, 2024, the Ohio Companies filed their application for an increase in base distribution rates, based on a 2024 calendar year test period. The Ohio Companies requested a net increase in base distribution revenues of approximately $94 million with a return on equity of 10.8% and capital structures of 44% debt and 56% equity for CEI, 46% debt and 54% equity for OE, and 45% debt and 55% equity for TE, which reflects a roll-in of current riders such as DCR and AMI. The net increase represented a 1.5% average residential monthly bill increase. Key components of the base rate case filing include a proposal to change pension and OPEB recovery to the delayed recognition method and to implement a mechanism to establish a regulatory asset (or liability) to recover (or refund) net differences between the amount of pension and OPEB expense requested in the proceeding and the actual amount each year using this method. Additionally, the Ohio Companies requested recovery of certain incurred costs, including the impact of major storms, a program to convert streetlights to LEDs, and others. On June 14, 2024, the Ohio Companies filed supporting testimony and on July 31, 2024, filed an update with an adjusted net increase of base distribution revenues of approximately $190 million and to incorporate matters in the rate case as directed by the PUCO’s ESP V order. On December 18, 2024, the PUCO issued an order approving the Ohio Companies’ withdrawal of ESP V. On January 22, 2025, the PUCO approved the Ohio Companies’ revised ESP IV tariffs, effective February 1, 2025, at which time the Ohio Companies resumed operating under ESP IV. On January 27, 2025, the Ohio Companies notified the PUCO of their intention to update their application for an increase in base distribution rates to remove ESP V related provisions from the base rate case. The PUCO staff hired a third party auditor to assist in the review of the Ohio Companies’ base rate case filing and on February 21, 2025, PUCO staff and the third party auditor each filed their reports. The auditor’s report recommended adjustments which would result in a net increase of the Ohio Companies’ base distribution revenues of approximately $8 million with a return on equity of 9.63% and capital structures of 48.8% debt and 51.2% equity for each of the Ohio Companies. PUCO staff’s report takes limited positions on the auditor’s finding and recommendations and makes additional findings. The Ohio Companies plan to respond and file supplemental testimony by March 24, 2025.
Previous wording
•On January 13, 2023, MP and PE filed a request with the WVPSC seeking approval of new depreciation rates for existing and future capital assets. On August 22, 2023, the parties filed a unanimous settlement of the case recommending a $33 million annual increase in depreciation expense, effective April 1, 2024. An order is expected in the first quarter of 2024 concurrent with approval of MP and PE’s base rate case described below;
Current wording
•On January 13, 2023, MP and PE filed a request with the WVPSC seeking approval of new depreciation rates for existing and future capital assets. On August 22, 2023, the parties filed a unanimous settlement of the case recommending a $33 million annual increase in depreciation expense, effective April 1, 2024, but deferred issues related to a change in the net energy metering credit. An order was issued on March 26, 2024 approving the settlement without modification.
Previous wording
In September 2023, the FE Board declared a $0.02 per share increase to the quarterly common dividend payable December 1, 2023, to $0.41 per share, which represents a 5% increase compared to the quarterly payments of $0.39 per share paid by FE since March 2020. Modest dividend growth enables enhanced shareholder returns, while still allowing for continued substantial regulated investments. Dividend payments are subject to declaration by the FE Board and future dividend decisions determined by the FE Board may be impacted by earnings growth, cash flows, credit metrics, risks and uncertainties of the government investigations and other business conditions.
Current wording
FirstEnergy also expects to continue returning value to shareholders. In March 2024, the FE Board declared a $0.015 per share increase to the quarterly common stock dividend payable June 1, 2024, to $0.425 per share, which represents an approximate 6% increase compared to dividends declared in 2023. Modest dividend growth is expected to enable enhanced shareholder returns, while still allowing for continued substantial regulated investments. Dividend payments are subject to declaration by the FE Board, and future dividend decisions determined by the FE Board may be impacted by earnings growth, credit metrics and other business conditions.
Previous wording
On July 21, 2021, FE entered into a three-year DPA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that, subject to court proceedings, resolves the U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation into FirstEnergy relating to FirstEnergy’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6 related to the federal criminal allegations made in July 2020, against former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. Among other things under the DPA, FE paid a $230 million monetary penalty in 2021 and agreed to the filing of a criminal information charging FE with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. The $230 million payment will neither be recovered in rates or charged to FirstEnergy customers nor will FirstEnergy seek any tax deduction related to such payment. The criminal information will be dismissed after FirstEnergy fully complies with its obligations under the DPA, which is expected in July 2024.
Current wording
On July 21, 2021, FE entered into a three-year DPA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that, subject to court proceedings, resolves the U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation into FirstEnergy relating to FirstEnergy’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6 related to the federal criminal allegations made in July 2020, against former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. Among other things under the DPA, FE paid a $230 million monetary penalty in 2021 and agreed to the filing of a criminal information charging FE with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. The $230 million payment will neither be recovered in rates or charged to FirstEnergy customers, nor will FirstEnergy seek any tax deduction related to such payment. As of July 22, 2024, FirstEnergy had successfully completed the obligations required within the three-year term of the DPA. Under the DPA, FirstEnergy has an obligation to continue (i) publishing quarterly a list of all payments to 501(c)(4) entities and all payments to entities known by FirstEnergy operating for the benefit of a public official, either directly or indirectly; (ii) not making any statements that contradict the DPA; (iii) notifying the U.S. Attorney’s Office of any changes in FirstEnergy’s corporate form; and (iv) cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office until the conclusion of any related investigation, criminal prosecution, and civil proceeding brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including the January 17, 2025, indictment against two former FirstEnergy senior officers, as described below in “Outlook -- Other Legal Proceedings - United States v. Larry Householder, et al.”. Within 30 days of those matters concluding, and FirstEnergy’s successful completion of its remaining obligations, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will dismiss the criminal information.
Previous wording
The OAG, certain FE shareholders and FE customers filed several lawsuits against FirstEnergy and certain current and former directors, officers and other employees, each relating to the allegations against the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. On February 9, 2022, FE, acting through the SLC, agreed to a settlement term sheet to resolve multiple shareholder derivative lawsuits that were filed in the S.D. Ohio, the N.D. Ohio, and the Ohio Court of Common Pleas, Summit County. On March 11, 2022, the parties executed a stipulation and agreement of settlement, and filed a motion the same day requesting preliminary settlement approval in the S.D. Ohio, which was granted on May 9, 2022. On August 23, 2022, the S.D. Ohio granted final approval of the settlement. On September 20, 2022, a purported FE stockholder filed a motion for reconsideration of the S.D. Ohio’s final settlement approval. The parties filed oppositions to that motion on October 11, 2022, and the S.D. Ohio denied that motion on May 22, 2023. On June 15, 2023, the purported FE stockholder filed an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The N.D. Ohio issued a stay of the case pending the appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. If the S.D. Ohio’s final settlement approval is affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the settlement agreement is expected to fully resolve these shareholder derivative lawsuits.
Current wording
On February 9, 2022, FE, acting through the SLC, agreed to a settlement term sheet to resolve multiple shareholder derivative lawsuits that were filed in the S.D. Ohio, the N.D. Ohio, and the Ohio Court of Common Pleas, Summit County, each relating to the allegations against the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. On March 11, 2022, the parties executed a stipulation and agreement of settlement, and filed a motion the same day requesting preliminary settlement approval in the S.D. Ohio, which was granted on May 9, 2022. On August 23, 2022, the S.D. Ohio granted final approval of the settlement, which was subsequently appealed. On February 16, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed the district court’s final settlement approval. All appeal options were exhausted on May 16, 2024, and the judgment and settlement became final, resolving the derivative lawsuits. On May 17, 2024, the N.D. Ohio granted the parties’ motion to dismiss based upon the approval of the settlement by the S.D. Ohio. The state court action was also dismissed on September 2, 2022.
Previous wording
The settlement includes a series of corporate governance enhancements and a payment to FE of $180 million, to be paid by insurance after the judgment has become final, less approximately $36 million in court-ordered attorney’s fees awarded to plaintiffs.
Current wording
The above settlement included a series of corporate governance enhancements and a payment to FE of $180 million, less approximately $36 million in court-ordered attorney’s fees awarded to plaintiffs, and a $7 million net return on deposited funds, which was received in the second quarter of 2024. The judgment and settlement are final and, therefore, the derivative lawsuits are now fully resolved.
Previous wording
On August 10, 2020, the SEC, through its Division of Enforcement, issued an order directing an investigation of possible securities laws violations by FE, and on September 1, 2020, issued subpoenas to FE and certain FE officers. On April 28, 2021, July 11, 2022, and May 25, 2023, the SEC issued additional subpoenas to FE, with which FE has complied. While no contingency has been reflected in its consolidated financial statements, FE believes that it is probable that it will incur a loss in connection with the resolution of the SEC investigation. Given the ongoing nature and complexity of the review, inquiries and investigations, FE cannot yet reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss that may arise from the resolution of the SEC investigation.
Current wording
On August 10, 2020, the SEC, through its Division of Enforcement, issued an order directing an investigation of possible securities laws violations by FE, and on September 1, 2020, issued subpoenas to FE and certain FE officers relating to the conduct described in the DPA. On April 28, 2021, July 11, 2022, and May 25, 2023, the SEC issued additional subpoenas to FE, with which FE has complied. FirstEnergy cooperated fully with the SEC investigation, and on September 12, 2024, the SEC issued a settlement order that concluded and resolved the investigation in its entirety. Under the terms of the settlement, FE agreed to pay a civil penalty of $100 million and to cease and desist from committing or causing any violations and any future violations of specified provisions of the federal securities laws and rules promulgated thereunder, which was recognized as a loss contingency of $100 million in the second quarter of 2024 at Corporate/Other for segment reporting and paid on September 25, 2024.
Previous wording
On June 29, 2023, the OOCIC served FE a subpoena, seeking information relating to the conduct described in the DPA. FirstEnergy was not aware of the OOCIC’s investigation prior to receiving the subpoena and understands that the OOCIC’s investigation is also focused on the conduct described in the DPA. FirstEnergy is cooperating with the OOCIC in its investigation. On February 12, 2024, and in connection with the OOCIC’s ongoing investigation, an indictment by a grand jury of Summit County, Ohio was unsealed against the former chairman of the PUCO, Samuel Randazzo, and two former FirstEnergy senior officers, Charles E. Jones, and Michael J. Dowling, charging each of them with several felony counts, including bribery, telecommunications fraud, money laundering and aggravated theft, related to payments described in the DPA. No contingency has been reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements, as a loss is neither probable, nor is a loss or range of loss reasonably estimable.
Current wording
On June 29, 2023, the OOCIC served FE a subpoena, seeking information relating to the conduct described in the DPA. FirstEnergy was not aware of the OOCIC’s investigation prior to receiving the subpoena and understood that the OOCIC’s investigation was also focused on the conduct described in the DPA, other than with respect to the March 25, 2024, felony indictment of Mr. Householder brought in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. FirstEnergy is cooperating with the OOCIC in its investigation. On February 12, 2024, and in connection with the OOCIC’s ongoing investigation, an indictment by a grand jury of Summit County, Ohio was unsealed against the now-deceased, former chairman of the PUCO, and two former FirstEnergy senior officers, charging each of them with several felony counts, including bribery, telecommunications fraud, money laundering and aggravated theft, related to payments described in the DPA. On August 12, 2024, FirstEnergy entered into a settlement with the OAG's Office, and the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office to resolve both the OOCIC investigation and State of Ohio ex rel. Dave Yost, Ohio Attorney General v. FirstEnergy Corp., et al. and City of Cincinnati and City of Columbus v. FirstEnergy Corp., noted below. The settlement includes, among other things, a non-prosecution agreement and a payment of $19.5 million, which was recorded as a loss contingency in the second quarter of 2024 in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income at Corporate/Other for segment reporting and was paid on August 16, 2024.
Previous wording
Despite the many disruptions FirstEnergy has faced, and continues to currently face, the leadership team remains committed and focused on executing its strategy and running the business. See “Outlook - Other Legal Proceedings” below for additional details on the government investigations, the DPA, and subsequent litigation surrounding the investigation of HB 6. See also “Outlook - State Regulation - Ohio” below for details on the PUCO proceeding reviewing political and charitable spending and legislative activity in response to the investigation of HB 6. The outcome of the government investigations, PUCO proceedings, legislative activity, and any of these lawsuits is uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Current wording
Despite the many disruptions FirstEnergy has faced, and continues to currently face, the leadership team remains committed and focused on executing its strategy and running the business. See “Outlook - Other Legal Proceedings” below for additional details on the government investigations, the DPA, and ongoing litigation surrounding the investigation of HB 6. See also “Outlook - State Regulation - Ohio” below for details on the PUCO proceeding reviewing political and charitable spending and legislative activity in response to the investigation of HB 6. The outcome of the government investigations, PUCO proceedings, legislative activity, and any of these lawsuits is uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Showing the first 40 of 177 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.
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Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•On December 1, 2023, JCP&L filed a petition with the NJBPU requesting approval of its EE&C Plan II, which covers the January 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027 period and had a proposed budget of approximately $964 million. On October
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•On January 23, 2024, MP, PE and various parties filed a joint settlement agreement with the WVPSC, which recommended a base rate increase of $105 million, inclusive of the $33 million increase in depreciation expense, but deferred issues related to a change in the net energy metering credit. Additionally, the settlement included a new low-income customer advocacy program, a pilot program for service reliability investments and recovery of costs related to storm restoration, retired generation assets and COVID-19. The settlement did not include the request to establish a regulatory asset (or liability) for recovery (or refund) associated with pension and OPEB expense, however, it did not preclude MP and PE from pursuing that in a future separate proceeding. An agreement on the net energy metering credit was subsequently submitted to the WVPSC and was materially approved as part of the base rate case order for rates effective March 27, 2024.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Residential and commercial distribution deliveries were impacted by higher customer usage as a result of the weather. Cooling degree days in 2024 were 37% above 2023 and 15% above normal. Heating degree days in 2024 were 1% below 2023 and 15% below normal.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•The absence of an income tax charge of $752 million in 2022, representing the deferred tax liability associated with the deferred tax gain on the 19.9% FET equity interest sale to Brookfield, and a 2023 tax benefit of $65 million, net of a reserve for uncertain tax positions, from the reduction of state income taxes and partial release of a valuation allowance for the expected utilization of state NOL carryforwards based on an assessment of regulated business operations and a change in the composition of a state tax return filing group, partially offset by a $58 million tax charge in 2023 associated with a true-up adjustment associated with the deferred tax gain on the 19.9% FET equity interest sale that closed in May 2022;
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Higher revenues from regulated investment programs, higher weather-adjusted customer usage and demand, the absence of a reserve for customer refunds associated with the FERC Audit, as further discussed below, and a true-up adjustment for the recovery of certain transmission formula rate operating costs during 2023;
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Lower customer usage as a result of the weather;
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Distribution services by customer class are summarized in the following table:
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
The financial results discussed below in Segment Results of Operations include revenues and expenses from transactions among FirstEnergy’s business segments. A reconciliation of segment financial results is provided in Note 16, “Segment Information,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Wholesale generation revenues decreased $62 million in 2024, as compared to 2023, primarily due to lower capacity revenues and lower market prices, partially offset by higher sales volumes. The difference between current wholesale generation revenues and certain energy costs incurred is deferred for future recovery or refund, with no material impact to earnings.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•$12 million due to higher energy efficiency related deferrals.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Financial results from Corporate/Other resulted in a $312 million increase in losses attributable to FE from continuing operations for 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to:
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Summary of Segment Results of Operations — 2023 Compared with 2022
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Financial results for FirstEnergy’s business segments for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, were as follows:
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Integrated segment’s earnings attributable to FE from continuing operations increased $35 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, primarily due to lower other operating expenses, higher revenues from regulated investment programs and higher weather-adjusted customer usage and demand, partially offset by lower customer usage as a result of the weather, lower net pension and OPEB credits, and higher interest expense and costs from the PEER.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Lower expenses of $60 million, primarily due to the absence of the reclassification of certain transmission capital assets to operating expenses as a result of the FERC Audit.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•Lump sum compensation and severance benefits of $18 million associated with the PEER program and involuntary separations in 2023;
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•$16 million related to net increases in other deferrals.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Other expense increased $61 million in 2023, as compared to 2022, primarily due to lower net pension and OPEB non-service credits, a $7 million change in pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment charges, and higher net interest expense associated with new long-term issuances and higher short-term borrowings.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Corporate/Other — 2023 Compared with 2022
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
•$8 million (after-tax) for a charge associated with an update to the McElroy’s Run ARO; and
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Additionally, in January 2025, FirstEnergy executed a lift-out transaction with MetLife, that transferred approximately $640 million of plan assets and $652 million of plan obligations, associated with approximately 2,000 former competitive generation employees, who will assume future and full responsibility to fund and administer their benefit payments. Similar to the lift-out in 2023, there was no change to the pension benefits for any participant as a result of the transfer and the transaction was funded by pension plan assets. FirstEnergy believes that this lift-out transaction, in addition to the lift-out in 2023, further de-risked potential volatility with the pension plan assets and liabilities, and will continue to evaluate other lift-outs in the future based on market and other conditions.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (7)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
•On November 9, 2023, JCP&L also filed with the NJBPU a petition for approval of the second phase of its EnergizeNJ program that would, among other things, support grid modernization, system resiliency and substation modernization in technologies designed to provide enhanced customer benefits. JCP&L anticipates filing amendments to the EnergizeNJ program after receipt of approval from the NJBPU of the base rate case stipulation that was filed on February 2, 2024;
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
On May 4, 2023, FE issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2026 Convertible Notes, with a fixed interest rate of 4.00% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on May 1 and November 1 of each year, beginning on November 1, 2023. The 2026 Convertible Notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of FE, and will mature on May 1, 2026, unless required to be converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms. However, FE may not elect to redeem the 2026 Convertible Notes prior to the maturity date. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity - Convertible Notes" below for more details.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
Determination of the useful life of the regulated coal-fired generating facilities could result in changes in depreciation, and/or continued collection of net plant in rates after retirement, securitization, sale, impairment or regulatory disallowances. If MP is unable to recover these costs, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s and/or MP’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
On February 2, 2023, FE, along with FET, entered into the FET P&SA II with Brookfield and the Brookfield Guarantors, pursuant to which FE agreed to sell to Brookfield at the closing, and Brookfield agreed to purchase from FE, an incremental 30% equity interest in FET for a purchase price of $3.5 billion. The majority of the purchase price is expected to be paid in cash upon closing, and the remainder will be payable by the issuance of a promissory note, which is expected to be repaid by the end of 2024. As a result of the consummation of the transaction, Brookfield’s interest in FET will increase from 19.9% to 49.9%, while FE will retain the remaining 50.1% ownership interests of FET. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the PPUC. In addition, pursuant to the FET P&SA II, FirstEnergy made the necessary filings with the applicable regulatory authorities for the PA Consolidation. The FET Minority Equity Interest Sale is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2024. Upon closing, FET will continue to be consolidated in FirstEnergy’s financial statements.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
On May 15, 2023, the Ohio Companies filed their application for determination of the existence of SEET under ESP IV for calendar year 2022, which demonstrated that each of the individual Ohio Companies did not have significantly excessive earnings. This matter remains pending before the PUCO.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
ATSI ROE – Ohio Consumers Counsel v. ATSI, et al.
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
On March 11, 2022, the parties executed a stipulation and agreement of settlement, and filed a motion the same day requesting preliminary settlement approval in the S.D. Ohio, which the S.D. Ohio granted on May 9, 2022. Subsequently, following a hearing on August 4, 2022, the S.D. Ohio granted final approval of the settlement on August 23, 2022.