UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022

OR

     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________________ to ___________________
fe-20220331_g1.jpg
CommissionRegistrant; State of Incorporation;I.R.S. Employer
File NumberAddress; and Telephone NumberIdentification No.
 
333-21011FIRSTENERGY CORPCORP.34-1843785
 (AnOhioCorporation) 
   76 South Main Street 
 AkronOH44308 
 Telephone(800)736-3402 
   
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of Each ClassTrading SymbolName of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.10 par valueFENew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
 
 No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
 
 No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer
Accelerated Filer
Non-accelerated Filer
Smaller Reporting Company
Emerging Growth Company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standard provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
 OUTSTANDING
CLASSAS OF JUNE 30, 2021MARCH 31, 2022
Common Stock, $0.10 par value544,193,637570,932,260
FirstEnergy Website and Other Social Media Sites and Applications

FirstEnergy’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports, and all other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are made available free of charge on or through the “Investors” page of FirstEnergy’s website at www.firstenergycorp.com. These documents are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.

These SEC filings are posted on the website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Additionally, FirstEnergy routinely posts additional important information, including press releases, investor presentations, investor factbook, and notices of upcoming events under the “Investors” section of FirstEnergy’s website and recognizes FirstEnergy’s website as a channel of distribution to reach public investors and as a means of disclosing material non-public information for complying with disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Investors may be notified of postings to the website by signing up for email alerts and Rich Site Summary feeds on the “Investors” page of FirstEnergy’s website. FirstEnergy also uses Twitter® and Facebook® as additional channels of distribution to reach public investors and as a supplemental means of disclosing material non-public information for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD. Information contained on FirstEnergy’s website, Twitter® handle or Facebook® page, and any corresponding applications of those sites, shall not be deemed incorporated into, or to be part of, this report.



Forward-Looking Statements: This Form 10-Q 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’smanagement's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms “anticipate,” “potential,” “expect,” “forecast,” “target,” “will,” “intend,”"forecast," "target," "will," "intend," “believe,” “project,”"project," “estimate,” “plan,”" "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):

The potential liabilities, increased costs and unanticipated developments resulting from governmentalgovernment investigations and agreements, including those associated with compliance with or failure to comply with the DPA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the S.D. Ohio.
The results of the internal investigation and evaluation of our controls framework and remediation of our material weakness in internal control over financial reporting.DPA.
The risks and uncertainties associated with government investigations and audits regarding HB 6 and related matters, including potential adverse impacts on federal or state regulatory matters, including, but not limited to, matters relating to rates.
The potential of non-compliance with debt covenants in our credit facilities due to matters associated with the government investigations regarding HB 6 and related matters.
The risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation, and similar proceedings.proceedings, particularly regarding HB 6 related matters, including risks associated with obtaining court approval of the definitive settlement agreement in the derivative shareholder lawsuits.
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.
Legislative and regulatory developments, including, but not limited to, matters related to rates, compliance and enforcement activity.activity, cybersecurity, and climate change.
The ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from our FE Forward initiative and our other strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, maintaining financial flexibility, overcoming current uncertainties and challenges associated with the ongoing government investigations, executing our transmission and distribution investment plans, greenhouse gas reduction goals, controlling costs, improving our credit metrics, growing earnings, strengthening our balance sheet, and growing earnings.satisfying the conditions necessary to close the sale of the minority interest in FET.
Economic and weather conditions affecting future operating results, such as a recession, significant weather eventsThe risks associated with cyber-attacks and other natural disasters,disruptions to our, or our vendors’, information technology system, which may compromise our operations, and associated regulatory eventsdata security breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or actions in response to such conditions.personally identifiable information.
Mitigating exposure for remedial activities associated with retired and formerly owned electric generation assets.
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.
The extent and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related impacts to our business, operations and financial condition resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19 including, but not limited to, disruption of businesses in our territories, supply chain disruptions, additional costs, workforce impacts and governmental and regulatory responses to the pandemic.
The effectiveness of our pandemic, such as moratoriums on utility disconnections and business continuity plans, the precautionary measures we are taking on behalf of our customers, contractors and employees, our customers’ ability to make their utility payment and the potential for supply-chain disruptions.workforce vaccination mandates.
Actions that may be taken by credit rating agencies that could negatively affect either our access to or terms of financing or our financial condition and liquidity.
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.
Changes in customers’ demand for power, including, but not limited to, economic conditions, the impact of climate change, or energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates.
Changes in national and regional economic conditions, including recession and inflationary pressure, affecting us and/or our major industrialcustomers and commercial customers or othersthose vendors with which we do business.
The risks associatedpotential of non-compliance with cyber-attacks and other disruptions todebt covenants in our information technology system, which may compromise our operations, and data security breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or personally identifiable information.credit facilities.
The ability to comply with applicable reliability standards and energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates.
Changes to environmental laws and regulations, including, but not limited to, those related to climate change.
Changing market conditions affecting the measurement of certain liabilities and the value of assets held in our pension trusts, and other trust funds, or causing us to make contributions sooner, or in amounts that are larger, than currently anticipated.
Labor disruptions by our unionized workforce.
Changes to significant accounting policies.
Any changes in tax laws or regulations, or adverse tax audit results or rulings.
The risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our SEC filings.

Dividends declared from time to time on our common stock during any period may in the aggregate vary from prior periods due to circumstances considered by ourthe FE Board of Directors at the time of the actual declarations. A security rating is not a recommendation to buy or hold securities and is subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating agency. Each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating.




These forward-looking statements are also qualified by, and should be read together with, the risk factors included in FirstEnergy’s filings with the SEC, including, but not limited to, the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. The foregoing review of factors also should not be construed



as exhaustive. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor assess the impact of any such factor on FirstEnergy’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. FirstEnergy expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise, except as required by law, any forward-looking statements contained herein or in the information incorporated by reference as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.





TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Page
Part I. Financial Information 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
 
i


GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify FirstEnergy Corp. and its current and former subsidiaries:
AE SupplyAllegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC, an unregulated generation subsidiary
AGCAllegheny Generating Company, a generation subsidiary of MP
ATSIAmerican Transmission Systems, Incorporated, a subsidiary of FET, which owns and operates transmission facilities
CEIThe Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
FEFirstEnergy Corp., a public utility holding company
FE Revolving FacilityFE and the Utilities’ five-year syndicated revolving credit facility, as amended
FENOCEnergy Harbor Nuclear Corp. (formerly known as FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company), a subsidiary of EH, which operates NG’s nuclear generating facilities
FESEnergy Harbor LLC. (formerly known as FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.), a subsidiary of EH, which provides energy-related products and services
FES DebtorsFES, FENOC, FG, NG, FE Aircraft Leasing Corp., Norton Energy Storage LLC, and FGMUC
FESCFirstEnergy Service Company, which provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FETFirstEnergy Transmission, LLC, the parent company of ATSI, KATCo, MAIT and TrAIL, and has a joint venture in PATH
FET Revolving FacilityFET and certain of its subsidiaries’ five-year syndicated revolving credit facility, as amended
FEVFirstEnergy Ventures Corp., which invests in certain unregulated enterprises and business ventures
FGEnergy Harbor Generation LLC (formerly known as FirstEnergy Generation, LLC), a subsidiary of EH, which owns and operates fossil generating facilities
FGMUCFirstEnergy Generation Mansfield Unit 1 Corp., a subsidiary of FG
FirstEnergyFirstEnergy Corp., together with its consolidated subsidiaries
Global HoldingGlobal Mining Holding Company, LLC, a joint venture between FEV, WMB Marketing Ventures, LLC and Pinesdale LLC
Global RailGlobal Rail Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Holding that owns coal transportation operations near Roundup, Montana
GPUGPU, Inc., former parent of JCP&L, ME and PN, that merged with FE on November 7, 2001
GPUNGPU Nuclear, Inc., a subsidiary of FE, which operatesformerly operated TMI-2
JCP&LJersey Central Power & Light Company, a New Jersey electric utility operating subsidiary
KATCoKeystone Appalachian Transmission Company, a subsidiary of FET
MAITMid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC, a subsidiary of FET, which owns and operates transmission facilities
MEMetropolitan Edison Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
MPMonongahela Power Company, a West Virginia electric utility operating subsidiary
NGEnergy Harbor Nuclear Generation LLC (formerly known as FirstEnergy Nuclear Generation, LLC), a subsidiary of EH, which owns nuclear generating facilities
OEOhio Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
Ohio CompaniesCEI, OE and TE
PATHPotomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC, a joint venture between FE and a subsidiary of AEP
PATH-AlleghenyPATH Allegheny Transmission Company, LLC
PATH-WVPATH West Virginia Transmission Company, LLC
PEThe Potomac Edison Company, a Maryland and West Virginia electric utility operating subsidiary
PennPennsylvania Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary of OE
Pennsylvania CompaniesME, PN, Penn and WP
PNPennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
Signal PeakSignal Peak Energy, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Global Holding that owns mining operations near Roundup, Montana
TEThe Toledo Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
TrAILTrans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company, a subsidiary of FET, which owns and operates transmission facilities
Transmission CompaniesATSI, MAIT and TrAIL
UtilitiesOE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, ME, PN, MP, PE, and WP
WPWest Penn Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary








ii



The following abbreviations and acronyms aremay be used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
2021 Credit FacilitiesCollectively, the six separate senior unsecured five-year syndicated revolving credit facilities entered into by FE, FET, the Utilities, and the Transmission Companies, on October 18, 2021D.C. CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
ACEAffordable Clean EnergyEPADMRUnited States Environmental Protection AgencyDistribution Modernization Rider
ADITAccumulated Deferred Income TaxesEPSDOEEarnings per ShareUnited States Department of Energy
AEPAmerican Electric Power Company, Inc.ERODPADeferred Prosecution Agreement entered into on July 21, 2021 between FE and S.D. Ohio
AEPSCAmerican Electric Reliability OrganizationPower Service CorporationDPLDayton Power & Light
AFSAvailable-for-saleESP IVDSICElectric Security Plan IVDistribution System Improvement Charge
AFUDCAllowance for Funds Used During ConstructionFacebook®DSPFacebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.Default Service Plan
AMIAdvance Metering InfrastructureFASBDTAFinancial Accounting Standards BoardDeferred Tax Asset
AMTAlternative Minimum TaxEDCElectric Distribution Company
AOCIAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)FERCEE&CFederal Energy Regulatory CommissionEfficiency and Conservation
AROAsset Retirement ObligationFES BankruptcyEEIFES Debtors’ voluntary petitions for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy CourtEdison Electric Institute
ARPAlternative Revenue ProgramFitchEGSFitch Ratings ServiceElectric Generation Supplier
ASCAccounting Standard CodificationFPAEGUFederal Power ActElectric Generation Units
ASUAccounting Standards UpdateFTREHFinancial Transmission RightEnergy Harbor Corp.
Bankruptcy CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Ohio in AkronGAAPEmPOWER MarylandAccounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of AmericaEmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act
BGSBasic Generation ServiceGHGENECGreenhouse GasesExpanded Net Energy Cost
BrookfieldNorth American Transmission Company II LLC, a controlled investment vehicle entity of Brookfield Infrastructure PartnersEPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
Brookfield GuarantorsBrookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners L.P., Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners (NUS) L.P., and Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners (ER) SCSpEPSEarnings per Share
CAAClean Air ActHB 6EROHouse Bill 6, as passed by Ohio's 133rd General AssemblyElectric Reliability Organization
CCRCoal Combustion ResidualsHB 128ESGHouse Bill 128, as passed by Ohio's 134th General AssemblyEnvironmental, Social, Corporate Governance
CERCLAComprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980LIBORESP IVLondon Inter-Bank Offered RateElectric Security Plan IV
CFIUSCommittee on Foreign Investments in the United StatesExchange ActSecurities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
CFRCode of Federal RegulationsLOCFacebook®LetterFacebook is a registered trademark of CreditFacebook, Inc.
CO2
Carbon DioxideLTIIPsFASBLong-Term Infrastructure Improvement PlansFinancial Accounting Standards Board
Code of Business ConductThe FirstEnergy Code of Business Conduct and Ethics as approved by the FE Board on July 20, 2021MDPSCFCAMaryland Public Service CommissionFinancial Conduct Authority
COVID-19Coronavirus diseaseMGPFE BoardManufactured Gas PlantsFE Board of Directors
CPPEPA’sEPA's Clean Power PlanMISOFE Revolving FacilityMidcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.FE and the Utilities’ former five-year syndicated revolving credit facility, as amended, and replaced by the 2021 Credit Facilities on October 18, 2021
CSAPRCross-State Air Pollution RuleMoody’sFERCMoody’s Investors Service, Inc.Federal Energy Regulatory Committee
CSRConservation Support RiderMWFES BankruptcyMegawattFES Debtors' voluntary petitions for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court
CTAConsolidated Tax AdjustmentMWHFET BoardMegawatt-hourThe Board of Directors of FET
CWAClean Water ActNAAQSFET LLC AgreementNational Ambient Air Quality Standards
D.C. CircuitUnited States CourtThird Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of Appeals for the District of Columbia CircuitNDTNuclear Decommissioning TrustFET
DCRDelivery Capital RecoveryNERCFET P&SANorth American Electric Reliability Corporation
DMRDistribution Modernization RiderNJ Rate CounselNew Jersey Division of Rate Counsel
DOEUnited States Department of EnergyNJBPUNew Jersey Board of Public Utilities
DPADeferred ProsecutionPurchase and Sale AgreementNOxNitrogen Oxide
DSICDistribution System Improvement ChargeNPDESNational Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System
DSPDefault Service PlanNRCNuclear Regulatory Commission
EDCElectric Distribution CompanyNUGNon-Utility Generation
EDISElectric Distribution Investment SurchargeNYPSCNew York State Public Service Commission
EE&CEnergy Efficiency entered into on November 6, 2021, by and ConservationOAGOhio Attorney General
EEIEdison Electric InstituteOCAOffice of Consumer Advocate
EGSElectric Generation SupplierOCCOhio Consumers’ Counsel
EGUElectric Generation UnitsODSAOhio Development Service Agency
EHEnergy Harbor Corp.OPEBOther Post-Employment Benefits
EmPOWER MarylandEmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency ActOPICOther Paid-in Capital
ENECExpanded Net Energy CostOVECOhio Valley Electric Corporation
between FE, FET, Brookfield and Brookfield Guarantors
iii


FET Revolving FacilityFET and certain of its subsidiaries’ former five-year syndicated revolving credit facility, as amended, and replaced by the 2021 Credit Facilities on October 18, 2021NSRNew Source Review
FitchFitch Ratings ServiceNYPSCNew York State Public Service Commission
FMBFirst Mortgage BondNUGNon-Utility Generation
FPAFederal Power ActOAGOhio Attorney General
FTRFinancial Transmission RightOCAOffice of Consumer Advocate
GAAPAccounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of AmericaOCCOhio Consumers' Counsel
GHGGreenhouse GasesODSAOhio Development Service Agency
HB 6House Bill 6, as passed by Ohio's 133rd General AssemblyOhio StipulationStipulation and Recommendation, dated November 1, 2021, entered into by and among
the Ohio Companies, the OCC, PUCO Staff, and
several other signatories
HB 128House Bill 128, as passed by Ohio's 134th General AssemblyOPEBOther Post-Employment Benefits
IBAICE Benchmark Administration LimitedOPEIUOffice and Professional Employees International Union
IBEWInternational Brotherhood of Electrical WorkersOPICOther Paid-in Capital
ICP 2007FirstEnergy Corp. 2007 Incentive Compensation PlanOSHAOccupational Safety and Health Administration
ICP 2015FirstEnergy Corp. 2015 Incentive Compensation PlanOVECOhio Valley Electric Corporation
ICP 2020FirstEnergy Corp. 2020 Incentive Compensation PlanPA DEPPennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
IRSInternal Revenue ServicePCRBPollution Control Revenue Bond
ISOIndependent System OperatorPIRPhase-In Recovery Rider
ITCInvestment Tax CreditPJMPJM Interconnection, LLC
kVKilovoltPJM TariffPJM Open Access Transmission Tariff
KWHKilowatt-hourPOLRProvider of Last Resort
LEDLight Emitting DiodePPAPurchase Power Agreement
LIBORLondon Inter-Bank Offered RatePPBParts per Billion
LOCLetter of CreditPPUCPennsylvania Public Utility Commission
LSELoad Serving EntityPUCOPublic Utilities Commission of Ohio
LTIIPsLong-Term Infrastructure Improvement PlansPURPAPublic Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
MDPSCMaryland Public Service CommissionRCRAResource Conservation and Recovery Act
MGPManufactured Gas PlantsRECRenewable Energy Credit
MISOMidcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.Regulation FDRegulation Fair Disclosure promulgated by the SEC
Moody’sMoody’s Investors Service, Inc.RFC
ReliabilityFirst Corporation
MWMegawattRFPRequest for Proposal
MWHMegawatt-hourRGGIRegional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
NAAQSNational Ambient Air Quality StandardsROEReturn on Equity
NAVNet Asset ValueRSSRich Site Summary
N.D. OhioNorthern District of OhioRTEPRegional Transmission Expansion Plan
NDTNuclear Decommissioning TrustRTORegional Transmission Organization
NERCNorth American Electric Reliability CorporationSBCSocietal Benefits Charge
NJBPUNew Jersey Board of Public UtilitiesSCOHSupreme Court of Ohio
NJ Rate CounselNew Jersey Division of Rate CounselS.D. OhioSouthern District of Ohio
PJMNOLPJM Interconnection, LLCSBCSocietal Benefits Charge
PJM TariffPJM Open Access Transmission TariffSCOHSupreme Court of Ohio
POLRProvider of Last ResortNet Operating LossSECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission
PPANOxPurchase Power AgreementNitrogen OxideSEETSignificantly Excessive Earnings Test
PPBNPDESParts per BillionNational Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
SF6
Sulfur hexafluoride
NRCNuclear Regulatory CommissionSIPState Implementation Plan(s) Under the Clean Air Act
iv


PPUCPennsylvania Public Utility Commission
SOSO22Sulfur Dioxide
PUCOTwitter®Public Utilities CommissionTwitter is a registered trademark of OhioSOSStandard Offer ServiceTwitter, Inc.
PURPASLCPublic Utility Regulatory Policies ActSpecial Litigation Committee of 1978SRECSolar Renewable Energy Credit
RCRAResource Conservation and Recovery ActSSOStandard Service Offer
Regulation FDRegulation Fair Disclosure promulgated by the SECFE BoardTax ActTax Cuts and Jobs Act adopted December 22, 2017
RFCSOFR
ReliabilitySecured Overnight Financing RateFirst Corporation
TMI-1Three Mile Island Unit 1
RFPSOSRequest for ProposalStandard Offer ServiceTMI-2UWUAThree Mile Island Unit 2Utility Workers Union of America
RGGISRECRegional Greenhouse Gas InitiativeSolar Renewable Energy CreditTwitter®Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.
ROEReturn on EquityVIEVariable Interest Entity
RTORegional Transmission OrganizationVSCCVEPCOVirginia State Corporation CommissionElectric and Power Company
S&PStandard & Poor’s Ratings ServiceVIEVariable Interest Entity
SSOStandard Service OfferVSCCVirginia State Corporation Commission
TMI-2Three Mile Island Unit 2WVPSCPublic Service Commission of West Virginia
TO
Transmission Owner
ivv


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM I.         Financial Statements

FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions, except per share amounts)(In millions, except per share amounts)2021202020212020(In millions, except per share amounts)20222021
REVENUES:REVENUES:REVENUES:
Distribution services and retail generationDistribution services and retail generation$2,096 $2,030 $4,332 $4,154 Distribution services and retail generation$2,397 $2,236 
TransmissionTransmission411 380 812 777 Transmission451 401 
OtherOther115 112 204 300 Other141 89 
Total revenues(1)
Total revenues(1)
2,622 2,522 5,348 5,231 
Total revenues(1)
2,989 2,726 
OPERATING EXPENSES:OPERATING EXPENSES:OPERATING EXPENSES:
FuelFuel112 77 230 175 Fuel140 118 
Purchased powerPurchased power614 613 1,332 1,307 Purchased power875 718 
Other operating expensesOther operating expenses718 730 1,470 1,479 Other operating expenses820 752 
Provision for depreciationProvision for depreciation323 321 646 638 Provision for depreciation340 323 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net49 13 141 65 
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, netAmortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net(37)92 
General taxesGeneral taxes264 253 537 520 General taxes292 273 
DPA penalty (Note 9)230 230 
Gain on sale of Yards Creek (Note 8)(109)
Gain on sale of Yards Creek (Note 9)Gain on sale of Yards Creek (Note 9)— (109)
Total operating expensesTotal operating expenses2,310 2,007 4,477 4,184 Total operating expenses2,430 2,167 
OPERATING INCOMEOPERATING INCOME312 515 871 1,047 OPERATING INCOME559 559 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Miscellaneous income, netMiscellaneous income, net108 103 243 203 Miscellaneous income, net106 135 
Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment (Note 5)(423)
Interest expenseInterest expense(287)(263)(572)(526)Interest expense(313)(285)
Capitalized financing costsCapitalized financing costs21 18 34 36 Capitalized financing costs19 13 
Total other expenseTotal other expense(158)(142)(295)(710)Total other expense(188)(137)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXESINCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES154 373 576 337 INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES371 422 
INCOME TAXESINCOME TAXES96 66 183 INCOME TAXES83 87 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS58 307 393 331 
Discontinued operations (Note 3)(2)
52 
NET INCOMENET INCOME$58 $309 $393 $383 NET INCOME$288 $335 
EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK (Note 4):
Basic - Continuing Operations$0.11 $0.57 $0.72 $0.61 
Basic - Discontinued Operations0.10 
Basic - Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders$0.11 $0.57 $0.72 $0.71 
EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK (Note 3):EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK (Note 3):
Diluted - Continuing Operations$0.11 $0.57 $0.72 $0.61 
Diluted - Discontinued Operations0.10 
Diluted - Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders$0.11 $0.57 $0.72 $0.71 
Basic - Earnings Per Share of Common StockBasic - Earnings Per Share of Common Stock$0.51 $0.62 
Diluted - Earnings Per Share of Common StockDiluted - Earnings Per Share of Common Stock$0.50 $0.62 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
BasicBasic544 542 544 541 Basic570 543 
DilutedDiluted545 543 545 543 Diluted571 544 
(1) Includes excise and gross receipts tax collections of $85$103 million and $84$95 million during the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, respectively, and $180 million and $176 million during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

(2) Net of income tax expense (benefits) of $1 million and $(35) million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

1


FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)

For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Six Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)(In millions)2021202020212020(In millions)20222021
NET INCOMENET INCOME$58 $309 $393 $383 NET INCOME$288 $335 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:  OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:  
Pension and OPEB prior service costsPension and OPEB prior service costs(4)(4)(7)(27)Pension and OPEB prior service costs(2)(3)
Amortized losses on derivative hedges
Other comprehensive lossOther comprehensive loss(3)(3)(6)(26)Other comprehensive loss(2)(3)
Income tax benefits on other comprehensive lossIncome tax benefits on other comprehensive loss(1)(1)(2)(6)Income tax benefits on other comprehensive loss(1)(1)
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxOther comprehensive loss, net of tax(2)(2)(4)(20)Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(1)(2)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOMECOMPREHENSIVE INCOME$56 $307 $389 $363 COMPREHENSIVE INCOME$287 $333 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


2


FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except share amounts)(In millions, except share amounts)June 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
(In millions, except share amounts)March 31,
2022
December 31,
2021
ASSETSASSETS  ASSETS  
CURRENT ASSETS:CURRENT ASSETS:  CURRENT ASSETS:  
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$1,254 $1,734 Cash and cash equivalents$283 $1,462 
Restricted cashRestricted cash58 67 Restricted cash27 49 
Receivables-Receivables- Receivables- 
CustomersCustomers1,243 1,367 Customers1,258 1,192 
Less — Allowance for uncollectible customer receivablesLess — Allowance for uncollectible customer receivables157 164 Less — Allowance for uncollectible customer receivables132 159 
1,086 1,203 1,126 1,033 
Other, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $10 in 2021 and $26 in 2020232 236 
Other, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $10 in 2022 and 2021Other, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $10 in 2022 and 2021246 246 
Materials and supplies, at average costMaterials and supplies, at average cost274 317 Materials and supplies, at average cost273 260 
Prepaid taxes and otherPrepaid taxes and other292 157 Prepaid taxes and other295 187 
3,196 3,714  2,250 3,237 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:  
In serviceIn service44,683 43,654 In service46,349 46,002 
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciationLess — Accumulated provision for depreciation12,328 11,938 Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation12,834 12,672 
32,355 31,716  33,515 33,330 
Construction work in progressConstruction work in progress1,662 1,578 Construction work in progress1,481 1,414 
34,017 33,294  34,996 34,744 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET - HELD FOR SALE (NOTE 8)45 
INVESTMENTS AND OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS:INVESTMENTS AND OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS:  INVESTMENTS AND OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS:  
GoodwillGoodwill5,618 5,618 Goodwill5,618 5,618 
Investments (Note 7)622 605 
Investments (Note 6)Investments (Note 6)646 655 
Regulatory assetsRegulatory assets97 82 Regulatory assets70 71 
OtherOther813 1,106 Other1,037 1,107 
7,150 7,411  7,371 7,451 
$44,363 $44,464 $44,617 $45,432 
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATIONLIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION  LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION  
CURRENT LIABILITIES:CURRENT LIABILITIES:  CURRENT LIABILITIES:  
Currently payable long-term debtCurrently payable long-term debt$733 $146 Currently payable long-term debt$1,055 $1,606 
Short-term borrowingsShort-term borrowings500 2,200 Short-term borrowings350 — 
Accounts payableAccounts payable1,184 827 Accounts payable1,090 943 
Accrued interestAccrued interest293 282 Accrued interest289 283 
Accrued taxesAccrued taxes528 640 Accrued taxes650 647 
Accrued compensation and benefitsAccrued compensation and benefits296 349 Accrued compensation and benefits276 313 
Dividends PayableDividends Payable223 222 
OtherOther337 560 Other427 402 
3,871 5,004  4,360 4,416 
CAPITALIZATION:CAPITALIZATION:  CAPITALIZATION:  
Stockholders’ equity-Stockholders’ equity-  Stockholders’ equity-  
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 700,000,000 shares - 544,193,637 and 543,117,533 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively54 54 
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 700,000,000 shares - 570,932,260 and 570,261,104 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectivelyCommon stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 700,000,000 shares - 570,932,260 and 570,261,104 shares outstanding as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively57 57 
Other paid-in capitalOther paid-in capital9,880 10,076 Other paid-in capital10,031 10,238 
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(9)(5)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(16)(15)
Accumulated deficitAccumulated deficit(2,495)(2,888)Accumulated deficit(1,317)(1,605)
Total stockholders’ equityTotal stockholders’ equity7,430 7,237 Total stockholders’ equity8,755 8,675 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligationsLong-term debt and other long-term obligations23,025 22,131 Long-term debt and other long-term obligations21,754 22,248 
30,455 29,368  30,509 30,923 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:  NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:  
Accumulated deferred income taxesAccumulated deferred income taxes3,316 3,095 Accumulated deferred income taxes3,544 3,437 
Retirement benefitsRetirement benefits3,201 3,345 Retirement benefits2,620 2,669 
Regulatory liabilitiesRegulatory liabilities2,023 1,826 Regulatory liabilities2,025 2,124 
OtherOther1,497 1,826 Other1,559 1,863 
10,037 10,092  9,748 10,093 
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)00
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 8)00
$44,363 $44,464 $44,617 $45,432 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

3


FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
Common StockOPICAOCIAccumulated DeficitTotal Stockholders’ EquityCommon StockOPICAOCIAccumulated DeficitTotal Stockholders’ Equity
(In millions)(In millions)SharesAmount(In millions)SharesAmount
Balance, January 1, 2021543 $54 $10,076 $(5)$(2,888)$7,237 
Balance, January 1, 2022Balance, January 1, 2022570 $57 $10,238 $(15)$(1,605)$8,675 
Net incomeNet income335 335 Net income288 288 
Other comprehensive loss, net of taxOther comprehensive loss, net of tax(2)(2)Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(1)(1)
Share-based benefit plans
Stock Investment Plan and share-based benefit plansStock Investment Plan and share-based benefit plans20 20 
Cash dividends declared on common stock
($0.39 per share in March)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
($0.39 per share in March)
(212)(212)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
($0.39 per share in March)
(223)(223)
Balance, March 31, 2021544 $54 $9,866 $(7)$(2,553)$7,360 
Net income58 58 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(2)(2)
Share-based benefit plans14 14 
Balance, June 30, 2021544 $54 $9,880 $(9)$(2,495)$7,430 
OtherOther(4)(4)
Balance, March 31, 2022Balance, March 31, 2022571 $57 $10,031 $(16)$(1,317)$8,755 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
Common StockOPICAOCIAccumulated DeficitTotal Stockholders’ Equity
(In millions)SharesAmount
Balance, January 1, 2020541 $54 $10,868 $20 $(3,967)$6,975 
Net income74 74 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(18)(18)
Stock Investment Plan and share-based benefit plans(6)(6)
Cash dividends declared on common stock
($0.39 per share in March)
(211)(211)
Balance, March 31, 2020542 $54 $10,651 $$(3,893)$6,814 
Net income309 309 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(2)(2)
Stock Investment Plan and share-based benefit plans22 22 
Balance, June 30, 2020542 $54 $10,673 $$(3,584)$7,143 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Common StockOPICAOCIAccumulated DeficitTotal Stockholders’ Equity
(In millions)SharesAmount
Balance, January 1, 2021543 $54 $10,076 $(5)0$(2,888)$7,237 
Net income335 335 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax(2)(2)
Share-based benefit plans
Cash dividends declared on common stock
($0.39 per share in March)
(212)(212)
Balance, March 31, 2021544 $54 $9,866 $(7)$(2,553)$7,360 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


4


FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
For the Six Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(In millions)(In millions)20212020(In millions)20222021
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net incomeNet income$393 $383 Net income$288 $335 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization831 602 Depreciation and amortization359 454 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, netDeferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net176 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net77 82 
Retirement benefits, net of paymentsRetirement benefits, net of payments(209)(144)Retirement benefits, net of payments(96)(105)
Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment423 
Settlement agreement and tax sharing payments to the FES Debtors(978)
Transmission revenue collections, net81 10 
Gain on sale of Yards CreekGain on sale of Yards Creek(109)Gain on sale of Yards Creek— (109)
Gain on disposal, net of tax (Note 3)(52)
Changes in current assets and liabilities-Changes in current assets and liabilities-Changes in current assets and liabilities-
ReceivablesReceivables121 75 Receivables(93)161 
Materials and suppliesMaterials and supplies43 (18)Materials and supplies(13)14 
Prepaid taxes and other current assetsPrepaid taxes and other current assets(114)(125)Prepaid taxes and other current assets(105)(121)
Accounts payableAccounts payable127 (83)Accounts payable147 43 
DPA penalty230 
Accrued taxesAccrued taxes(112)83 Accrued taxes(133)(127)
Accrued interestAccrued interest11 20 Accrued interest
Accrued compensation and benefitsAccrued compensation and benefits(98)(28)Accrued compensation and benefits(106)(129)
Other current liabilitiesOther current liabilities(27)(6)Other current liabilities10 (7)
OtherOther(15)Other14 35 
Net cash provided from operating activitiesNet cash provided from operating activities1,347 150 Net cash provided from operating activities355 533 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
New financing-New financing-New financing-
Long-term debtLong-term debt1,500 3,175 Long-term debt— 500 
Short-term borrowings, netShort-term borrowings, net350 — 
Redemptions and repayments-Redemptions and repayments-Redemptions and repayments-
Long-term debtLong-term debt(33)(1,082)Long-term debt(1,046)(29)
Short-term borrowings, netShort-term borrowings, net(1,700)(885)Short-term borrowings, net— (750)
Make-whole premiums paid on debt redemptionsMake-whole premiums paid on debt redemptions(38)— 
Common stock dividend paymentsCommon stock dividend payments(424)(422)Common stock dividend payments(222)(212)
OtherOther(5)(44)Other(8)(18)
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities(662)742 
Net cash used for financing activitiesNet cash used for financing activities(964)(509)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Property additionsProperty additions(1,226)(1,292)Property additions(520)(604)
Proceeds from sale of Yards CreekProceeds from sale of Yards Creek155 Proceeds from sale of Yards Creek— 155 
Sales of investment securities held in trustsSales of investment securities held in trusts13 39 Sales of investment securities held in trusts
Purchases of investment securities held in trustsPurchases of investment securities held in trusts(19)(53)Purchases of investment securities held in trusts(9)(7)
Asset removal costsAsset removal costs(111)(102)Asset removal costs(49)(47)
OtherOther14 Other(20)(1)
Net cash used for investing activitiesNet cash used for investing activities(1,174)(1,406)Net cash used for investing activities(592)(499)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cashNet change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(489)(514)Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash(1,201)(475)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of periodCash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period1,801 679 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period1,511 1,801 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of periodCash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$1,312 $165 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$310 $1,326 


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

5


FIRSTENERGY CORP.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
Note
Number
Note
Number
Page
Number
Note
Number
Page
Number
66
77
88
99
10

6


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Unless otherwise indicated, defined terms and abbreviations used herein have the meanings set forth in the accompanying Glossary of Terms.

FE was incorporated under Ohio law in 1996. FE’s principal business is the holding, directly or indirectly, of all of the outstanding equity of its principal subsidiaries: OE, CEI, TE, Penn (a wholly owned subsidiary of OE), JCP&L, ME, PN, FESC, MP, AGC (a wholly owned subsidiary of MP), PE, WP, and FET and its principal subsidiaries (ATSI, MAIT and TrAIL). In addition, FE holds all of the outstanding equity of other direct subsidiaries including: AE Supply, FirstEnergy Properties, Inc., FEV, FirstEnergy License Holding Company, GPUN, Allegheny Ventures, Inc., and Suvon, LLC, doing business as both FirstEnergy Home and FirstEnergy Advisors.

FE and its subsidiaries are principally involved in the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity. FirstEnergy’s 10 utility operating companies comprise one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, based on serving over 6 million customers in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. FirstEnergy’s transmission operations include approximately 24,000 miles of lines and 2 regional transmission operation centers. AGC and MP control 3,580 MWs of total capacity.
PN, as lessee of the property of its subsidiary, the Waverly Electric Light & Power Company, serves approximately 4,000 customers in the Waverly, New York vicinity. On February 10, 2021, PN entered into an agreement to transfer its customers and the related assets in Waverly, New York to Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative; the completion of such transfer is subject to several closing conditions including regulatory approval.approval, which are ongoing.
These interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements and notes prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.2021.

FE and its subsidiaries follow GAAP and comply with the related regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, FERC, and, as applicable, the PUCO, the PPUC, the MDPSC, the NYPSC, the WVPSC, the VSCC and the NJBPU. The accompanying interim financial statements are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make periodic estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The reported results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for any future period. FE and its subsidiaries have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.

FE and its subsidiaries consolidate all majority-owned subsidiaries over which they exercise control and, when applicable, entities for which they have a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation as appropriate and permitted pursuant to GAAP. FE and its subsidiaries consolidate a VIE when it is determined that it is the primary beneficiary. Investments in affiliates over which FE and its subsidiaries have the ability to exercise significant influence, but do not have a controlling financial interest, follow the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the interest in the entity is reported as an investment in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and the percentage of FE’s ownership share of the entity’s earnings is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Capitalized Financing Costs

For each of the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, capitalized financing costs on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income include $14$13 million and $12$7 million, respectively, of allowance for equity funds used during construction and $7 million and $6 million respectively, of capitalized interest. For each of the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, capitalized financing costs on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income include $21 million and $23 million, respectively, of allowance for equity funds used during construction and $13 million and $13 million, respectively, of capitalized interest.interest in both periods.

COVID-19

FirstEnergy is continuously evaluating the COVID-19 global COVID-19 pandemic and taking steps to mitigate known risks. FirstEnergy is actively monitoring the continued impact COVID-19 is having on its customers’ receivable balances, which include increasing arrears balances since the pandemic has begun. FirstEnergy has incurred, and it is expected to incur for the foreseeable future, COVID-19 pandemic related expenses. COVID-19 related expenses consist of additional costs that FirstEnergy is incurring to protect its employees, contractors and customers, and to support social distancing requirements. These costs include, but are not limited to, new or added benefits provided to employees, the purchase of additional personal protection equipment and

7


disinfecting supplies, additional facility cleaning services, initiated programs and communications to customers on utility response, and increased technology expenses to support remote working, where possible. The full impact on FirstEnergy’s business from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the governmental and regulatory responses, is unknown at this time and difficult to predict. FirstEnergy provides a critical and essential service to its customers and the health and safety of its employees contractors and customers is its first priority. FirstEnergy is continuously monitoringcontinues to provide flexibility for approximately 7,000 of its supply chain12,400 employees to work from home. Pandemic safety and is working closelycleaning protocols were implemented for those workers who have continued to report to a FirstEnergy work location during the pandemic, ensuring FirstEnergy employees can report directly to job sites and work with essential vendorsthe same small group of employees every day. FirstEnergy continues to understandassess its work from home policies to allow for a flexible workplace to continue for its employees after the continued impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on its business; however, FirstEnergy does not currently expect disruptions in its ability to deliver service to customers or any material impact on its capital spending plan.pandemic.


7


FirstEnergy continues to effectively manage operations during the pandemic in order to provide critical service to customerscustomers. FirstEnergy has experienced supply chain challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lead times have increased across numerous material categories, with some as much as doubling from previous times. Some key suppliers have struggled with labor shortages and believes it is well positionedraw material availability, which along with increasing inflationary pressure, have increased the costs of certain materials, equipment and contractors. FirstEnergy has taken steps to manage through the economic slowdown. FirstEnergy Distributionmitigate these risks and Transmission revenues benefit from geographic and economic diversity across a five-statedoes not currently expect service territory, which also allows for flexibility withdisruptions or any material impact on its capital investments and measures to maintain sufficient liquidity over the next twelve months.spending plan. However, the situation remains fluid and future impacts to FirstEnergy that are presently unknown or unanticipated may occur. Furthermore, the likelihood of an impact to FirstEnergy, and the severity of any impact that does occur, could increase the longer the global pandemic persists.

Customer Receivables

Receivables from customers include distribution services and retail generation sales to residential, commercial and industrial customers of the Utilities. The allowance for uncollectible customer receivables is based on historical loss information comprised of a rolling 36-month average net write-off percentage of revenues, in conjunction with a qualitative assessment of elements that impact the collectability of receivables to determine if allowances for uncollectible accounts should be further adjusted in accordance with the accounting guidance for credit losses.

FirstEnergy reviews its allowance for uncollectible customer receivables utilizing a quantitative and qualitative assessment. Management contemplates available current information such as changes in economic factors, regulatory matters, industry trends, customer credit factors, amount of receivable balances that are past-due, payment options and programs available to customers, and the methods that the Utilities are able to utilize to ensure payment. This analysis includes consideration of the outbreak of COVID-19 and the impact on customer receivable balances outstanding and write-offs since the pandemic began.
Beginning March 13, 2020, FirstEnergy temporarily suspended customer disconnections for nonpayment and ceased collection activities as a result of During the ongoing pandemic and in accordance with state regulatory requirements. The temporary suspension of disconnections for nonpayment and ceasing of collection activities extended into the fourthfirst quarter of 2020 but resumed for most customers before2022, various regulatory actions including extensions on moratoriums, certain restrictions on disconnections, and extended installment plan offerings continue to impact the endlevel of 2020. Customers are subject to each state's applicable regulations on winter moratoriums for residential customers, which begin as early as November 1, 2020, and were in effect until April 15, 2021. During 2021, FirstEnergy reviewed its allowance for uncollectible customer receivables based on this qualitative assessment and has experienced a reduction in customer accounts that are past due by greater than 30 days since the end of 2020. Additionally, customer accountsbalances in certain states. However, certain states have resumed normal collections activity and arrears continue to decrease in 2021; however customer accounts being moved to the final stage of the collection processlevels have begun to increase. Furthermore, other factors were also considered in the quarterly analysis, such as certain state funding being made available to assist with past due utility bills and vaccine distribution.declined towards pre-pandemic levels. As a result of this analysis, FirstEnergy did not recognize any incrementalrecognized a $25 million decrease to its allowance for uncollectible expensecustomer receivables during the first quarter of 2022, of which $15 million was applied to existing deferred regulatory assets. Additionally, as a result of these pandemic-related moratoriums and certain customer installment or extended payment plans offered, the allowance for uncollectible accounts on receivables in 2022 continue to be elevated due to the six months ended June 30, 2021.extension of when certain write-offs would have otherwise occurred.

Receivables from customers also include PJM receivables resulting from transmission and wholesale sales. FirstEnergy’s credituncollectible risk on PJM receivables is reducedminimal due to the nature of PJM’s settlement process whereby members of PJM legally agree to share the cost of defaults and as a result there is no allowance for doubtful accounts.

Activity in the allowance for uncollectible accounts on customer receivables for the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and for the year ended December 31, 20202021 are as follows:
(In millions)
Balance, January 1, 20202021$46164 
Charged to income (1)
17454 
Charged to other accounts (2)
4642 
Write-offs(102)(101)
Balance, December 31, 20202021$164159 
Charged to income(3)
11 (5)
Charged to other accounts (2)
2339 
Write-offs(41)(61)
Balance, June 30, 2021March 31, 2022$157132 
(1) $10312 million of which was deferred for future recovery in the twelve months ended December 31, 2020.2021.
(2) Represents recoveries and reinstatements of accounts written off for uncollectible accounts.
(3) $(11) million of which was deferred for future refund to customers in the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Sale of Minority Interest in FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC

On November 6, 2021, FirstEnergy, along with FET, entered into the FET P&SA, with Brookfield and Brookfield Guarantors, pursuant to which FET agreed to issue and sell to Brookfield at the closing, and Brookfield agreed to purchase from FET, certain newly issued membership interests of FET, such that Brookfield will own 19.9% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of FET, for a purchase price of $2.375 billion. KATCo, which is currently a subsidiary of FET, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of FE prior to the closing of the transaction and will remain in the Regulated Transmission segment. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the FERC and review by the CFIUS. On January 5, 2022, the parties to this transaction submitted an application to FERC requesting approval of the transaction no later than April 30, 2022. On April 14, 2022, CFIUS notified FET and Brookfield that it has determined that there were no unresolved national security issues and its review of the transaction was concluded. On April 21, 2022, FERC approved the matter. The transaction is now expected to close at the end of May 2022.

8


Short-Term Borrowings/ Revolving Credit Facilities

FE andPursuant to the Utilities andterms of the FET P&SA, in connection with the closing, Brookfield, FET and FirstEnergy Corp will enter into the FET LLC Agreement. The FET LLC Agreement, among other things, provides for the governance, exit, capital and distribution, and other arrangements for FET from and following the closing. Under the FET LLC Agreement, Brookfield will be entitled to appoint a number of directors to the FET Board, in approximate proportion to Brookfield’s ownership percentage in FET (rounded to the next whole number). Upon the closing, the FET Board will consist of 5 directors, 1 appointed by Brookfield and 4 appointed by FE. The FET LLC Agreement contains certain investor protections, including, among other things, requiring Brookfield's approval for FET and its subsidiaries to take certain major actions. Under the terms of the FET LLC Agreement, for so long as Brookfield holds a 9.9% interest in FET, Brookfield’s consent is required for FET or any of its subsidiaries participateto incur indebtedness (other than the refinancing of existing indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms reflecting then-current credit market conditions) that would reasonably be expected to result in 2 separate five-year syndicated revolving credit facilities providing for aggregate commitments of $3.5 billion, which are available until December 6, 2022. Under the FE Revolving Facility, an aggregate amount of $2.5 billion is available to be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed, subject to separate borrowing sublimits for each borrower including FE and its regulated distribution subsidiaries. UnderFET’s consolidated Debt-to-Capital Ratio (as defined in the FET Revolving Facility, an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion is available to be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed under a syndicated credit facility, subject to separate borrowing sublimits for each borrower including FE's transmission subsidiaries. On July 21, 2021, FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries entered into amendmentsLLC Agreement) equaling or exceeding (i) prior to the FE Revolving Facility and the FET Revolving Facility, respectively. The amendments provide for modifications and/or waivers of (i) certain representations and warranties, (ii) certain affirmative and negative covenants, contained therein, and (iii) any resulting event of default, which, in each case, resulted either from FE entering into the DPA or as a consequencefifth anniversary of the factseffective date, 65%, and circumstances described in the DPA, thus allowing FirstEnergy to be in compliance with the revolving credit facilities and maintain access to the liquidity provided thereunder.(ii) thereafter, 70%.
New Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Pronouncements

ASU 2019-12, "Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes" (Issued in December 2019): ASU 2019-12enhances and simplifies various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance, including the elimination of certain exceptions related to the approach for intra-period tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The new guidance also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill. FirstEnergy adopted the guidance as of January 1, 2021, with no material impact to the financial statements.

Recently Issued Pronouncements - FirstEnergy has assessed new authoritative accounting guidance issued by the FASB that has not yet been adopted and none are currently expected to have a material impact to the financial statements.

2. REVENUE

FirstEnergy accounts for revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” Revenue from leases, financial instruments, other contractual rights or obligations and other revenues that are not from contracts with customers are outside the scope of the standard and accounted for under other existing GAAP.

FirstEnergy has elected to exclude sales taxes and other similar taxes collected on behalf of third parties from revenue as prescribed in the standard. As a result, tax collections and remittances are excluded from recognition in the income statement and instead recorded through the balance sheet. Excise and gross receipts taxes that are assessed on FirstEnergy are not subject to the election and are included in revenue. FirstEnergy has elected the optional invoice practical expedient for most of its revenues and utilizes the optional short-term contract exemption for transmission revenues due to the annual establishment of revenue requirements, which eliminates the need to provide certain revenue disclosures regarding unsatisfied performance obligations.

FirstEnergy’s revenues are primarily derived from electric service provided by the Utilities and Transmission Companies.

The following represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021:
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
Revenues by Type of ServiceRegulated DistributionRegulated Transmission
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
Total
(In millions)
Distribution services$1,348 $— $(28)$1,320 
Retail generation1,094 — (17)1,077 
Wholesale sales90 — 96 
Transmission— 451 — 451 
Other26 — — 26 
Total revenues from contracts with customers$2,558 $451 $(39)$2,970 
Other revenue unrelated to contracts with customers31 (14)19 
Total revenues$2,589 $453 $(53)$2,989 
(1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues.

9



The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, by type of service from each reportable segment:
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues by Type of ServiceRegulated DistributionRegulated Transmission
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
Total
(In millions)
Distribution services$1,304 $$(26)$1,278 
Retail generation831 (13)818 
Wholesale sales74 77 
Transmission411 411 
Other26 26 
Total revenues from contracts with customers$2,235 $411 $(36)$2,610 
ARP
Other non-customer revenue23 (19)12 
Total revenues$2,258 $419 $(55)$2,622 
(1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues.

For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues by Type of ServiceRegulated DistributionRegulated Transmission
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
Total
(In millions)
Distribution services$1,241 $$(22)$1,219 
Retail generation826 (15)811 
Wholesale sales50 52 
Transmission380 380 
Other31 31 
Total revenues from contracts with customers$2,148 $380 $(35)$2,493 
ARP (2)
15 15 
Other non-customer revenue25 (15)14 
Total revenues$2,188 $384 $(50)$2,522 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
Revenues by Type of ServiceRegulated DistributionRegulated Transmission
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
Total
(In millions)
Distribution services$1,339 $— $(26)$1,313 
Retail generation935 — (12)923 
Wholesale sales69 — 73 
Transmission— 401 — 401 
Other33 — — 33 
Total revenues from contracts with customers$2,376 $401 $(34)$2,743 
ARP (2)
(27)— — (27)
Other revenue unrelated to contracts with customers21 (15)10 
Total revenues$2,370 $405 $(49)$2,726 
(1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues.
(2)ARP revenue for Reflects amount the three months ended June 30, 2020, is primarily relatedOhio Companies refunded to the reconciliation of Ohiocustomers that was previously collected under decoupling rates that became effective on February 1, 2020.mechanisms, with interest. See Note 8,7, “Regulatory Matters,” for further discussion on Ohio decoupling rates.

Other non-customer revenue unrelated to contracts with customers includes revenue from late payment charges of $9$10 million and $6$9 million for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, respectively. Other non-customer revenue unrelated to contracts with customers also includes revenue from derivatives of $2 million and $6$9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.March 31, 2022.



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For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
Revenues by Type of ServiceRegulated DistributionRegulated Transmission
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
Total
(In millions)
Distribution services$2,643 $$(52)$2,591 
Retail generation1,766 (25)1,741 
Wholesale sales143 150 
Transmission812 812 
Other59 59 
Total revenues from contracts with customers$4,611 $812 $(70)$5,353 
ARP (2)
(27)(27)
Other non-customer revenue44 12 (34)22 
Total revenues$4,628 $824 $(104)$5,348 
(1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues.
(2) Reflects amount the Ohio Companies will collectively refund to customers that was previously collected under decoupling mechanisms, with interest. See Note 8, “Regulatory Matters,” for further discussion on Ohio decoupling rates.

For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
Revenues by Type of ServiceRegulated DistributionRegulated Transmission
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
Total
(In millions)
Distribution services$2,497 $$(43)$2,454 
Retail generation1,730 (30)1,700 
Wholesale sales121 124 
Transmission777 777 
Other67 67 
Total revenues from contracts with customers$4,415 $777 $(70)$5,122 
ARP (2)
83 83 
Other non-customer revenue48 (30)26 
Total revenues$4,546 $785 $(100)$5,231 
(1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues.
(2) ARP revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2020, is primarily related to the reconciliation of Ohio decoupling rates that became effective on February 1, 2020. See Note 8, “Regulatory Matters,” for further discussion on Ohio decoupling rates.

Other non-customer revenue includes revenue from late payment charges of $18 million and $16 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Other non-customer revenue also includes revenue from derivatives of $2 million and $6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Regulated Distribution

The Regulated Distribution segment distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s 10 utility operating companies and also controls 3,580 MWs of regulated electric generation capacity located primarily in West Virginia and Virginia. Each of the Utilities earns revenue from state-regulated rate tariffs under which it provides distribution services to residential, commercial and industrial customers in its service territory. The Utilities are obligated under the regulated construct to deliver power to customers reliably, as it is needed, which creates an implied monthly contract with the end-use customer. See Note 8,7, “Regulatory Matters,” for additional information on rate recovery mechanisms. Distribution and electric revenues are recognized over time as electricity is distributed and delivered to the customer and the customers consume the electricity immediately as delivery occurs.

Retail generation sales relate to POLR, SOS, SSO and default service requirements in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland, as well as generation sales in West Virginia that are regulated by the WVPSC. Certain of the Utilities have default service obligations to provide power to non-shopping customers who have elected to continue to receive service under regulated retail tariffs. The volume of these sales varies depending on the level of shopping that occurs. Supply plans vary by state and by service territory. Default service for the Ohio Companies, Pennsylvania Companies, JCP&L and PE’s Maryland jurisdiction are provided through a competitive procurement process approved by each state’s respective commission. Retail generation revenues are recognized over time as electricity is delivered and consumed immediately by the customer.

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The following table represents a disaggregation of the Regulated Distribution segment revenue from contracts with distribution service and retail generation customers for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, by class:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Six Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenues by Customer ClassRevenues by Customer Class2021202020212020Revenues by Customer Class20222021
(In millions)(In millions)
ResidentialResidential$1,287 $1,280 $2,744 $2,599 Residential$1,542 $1,457 
CommercialCommercial562 507 1,103 1,051 Commercial597 541 
IndustrialIndustrial268 259 526 536 Industrial283 258 
OtherOther18 21 36 41 Other20 18 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$2,135 $2,067 $4,409 $4,227 Total Revenues$2,442 $2,274 

Wholesale sales primarily consist of generation and capacity sales into the PJM market from FirstEnergy’s regulated electric generation capacity and NUGs. Certain of the Utilities may also purchase power in the PJM markets to supply power to their customers. Generally, these power sales from generation and purchases to serve load are netted hourly and reported as either revenues or purchased power on the Consolidated Statements of Income based on whether the entity was a net seller or buyer

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each hour. Capacity revenues are recognized ratably over the PJM planning year at prices cleared in the annual PJM Reliability Pricing Model Base Residual Auction and Incremental Auctions. Capacity purchases and sales through PJM capacity auctions are reported within revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Certain capacity income (bonuses) and charges (penalties) related to the availability of units that have cleared in the auctions are unknown and not recorded in revenue until, and unless, they occur.

The Utilities’ distribution customers are metered on a cycle basis. An estimate of unbilled revenues is calculated to recognize electric service provided from the last meter reading through the end of the month. This estimate includes many factors, among which are historical customer usage, load profiles, estimated weather impacts, customer shopping activity and prices in effect for each class of customer. In each accounting period, the Utilities accrue the estimated unbilled amount as revenue and reverse the related prior period estimate. Customer payments vary by state but are generally due within 30 days.

ASC 606 excludes industry-specific accounting guidance for recognizing revenue from ARPs as these programs represent contracts between the utility and its regulators, as opposed to customers. Therefore, revenues from these programs are not within the scope of ASC 606 and regulated utilities are permitted to continue to recognize such revenues in accordance with existing practice but are presented separately from revenue arising from contracts with customers. FirstEnergy had ARPs in Ohio primarily for decoupling revenue in 2020, and has reflected refunds of decoupling revenue owed to customers as reductions to ARPs in 2021. Please see Note 8,7, “Regulatory Matters,” for further discussion on decoupling revenues in Ohio.

Regulated Transmission

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 primarily derived from forward-looking formula rates at the Transmission Companies and JCP&L, as well as stated transmission rates at, MP, PE and WP. MP, PE and WP filed with FERC on October 29, 2020, to convert their existing stated transmission rates to forward-looking formula rates. These transmission rate filings were accepted by FERC on December 31, 2020, effective January 1, 2021, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement procedures, and were consolidated with a related formula rate filing submitted by KATCo into a single proceeding. See Note 8,7, “Regulatory Matters,” for additional information.

Both the forward-lookingForward-looking formula and stated rates recover costs that the regulatory agencies determine are permitted to be recovered and provide a return on transmission capital investment. Under forward-looking formula rates, 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 costs. Revenue requirements under stated rates are calculated annually by multiplying the highest one-hour peak load in each respective transmission zone by the approved, stated rate in that zone. Revenues and cash receipts for the stand-ready obligation of providing transmission service are recognized ratably over time.


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The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with regulated transmission customers for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, by transmission owner:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Six Months Ended June 30,
Transmission Owner2021202020212020
(In millions)
ATSI$193 $192 $398 $394 
TrAIL57 57 117 121 
MAIT80 58 147 117 
JCP&L46 39 85 77 
MP, PE and WP35 34 65 68 
Total Revenues$411 $380 $812 $777 
3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

    FES and FENOC Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing
On March 31, 2018, the FES Debtors announced that, in order to facilitate an orderly financial restructuring, they filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court. On February 27, 2020, the FES Debtors effectuated their plan, emerged from bankruptcy and FirstEnergy tendered the bankruptcy court approved settlement payments totaling $853 million and a $125 million tax sharing payment to the FES Debtors.

By eliminating a significant portion of its competitive generation fleet with the deconsolidation of the FES Debtors, FirstEnergy has concluded the FES Debtors meet the criteria for discontinued operations, as this represents a significant event in management’s strategic review to exit commodity-exposed generation and transition to a fully regulated company.

Summarized Results of Discontinued Operations

Summarized results of discontinued operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, were as follows:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Six Months Ended June 30,
(In millions)2021202020212020
Revenues$$$$
Fuel(6)
Other operating expenses(6)
Other income
Income from discontinued operations, before tax
Income tax expense
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
Settlement consideration(1)
Accelerated net pension and OPEB prior service credits18 
Gain on disposal of FES and FENOC, before tax17 
Income taxes (benefits), including worthless stock deduction0(35)
Gain on disposal of FES and FENOC, net of tax52 
Income from discontinued operations$$$$52 

FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows combines cash flows from discontinued operations with cash flows from continuing operations within each cash flow category. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, cash flows from operating activities includes income from discontinued operations of $52 million.

Income Taxes

For U.S. federal income taxes, the FES Debtors were included in FirstEnergy’s consolidated tax return until emergence from bankruptcy on February 27, 2020. As a result of the FES Debtors’ deconsolidation, FirstEnergy recognized a worthless stock deduction for the remaining tax basis in the FES Debtors of approximately $4.9 billion, net of unrecognized tax benefits of

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$316 million. Tax-effected, the worthless stock deduction is approximately $1.1 billion, net of valuation allowances recorded against the state tax benefit ($19 million) and the aforementioned unrecognized tax benefits ($68 million).

Additionally, the Tax Act amended Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limiting interest expense deductions for corporations but with exemption for certain regulated utilities. Based on interpretation of subsequently issued proposed regulations, and based on the FES Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy in 2020, FirstEnergy expects all interest expense for 2020 and future years to be fully deductible. See Note 6, “Income Taxes” for further information.
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Transmission Owner20222021
(In millions)
ATSI217 $206 
TrAIL63 59 
MAIT79 67 
JCP&L60 36 
MP, PE and WP32 33 
Total Revenues$451 $401 

4.3. EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

Basic EPS available to common stockholders is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the relevant period as the denominator. The denominator for diluted EPS of common stock reflects the weighted average of common shares outstanding plus the potential additional common shares that could result if dilutive securities and other agreements to issue common stock were exercised.

Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from share-based awardsawards. The dilutive effect of outstanding share-based awards was computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes any proceeds that could be obtained upon the exercise of the award would be used to purchase common stock at the average market price for the period.


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The following table reconciles basic and diluted EPS of common stock:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Six Months Ended June 30,
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted EPS of Common Stock2021202020212020
(In millions, except per share amounts)
EPS of Common Stock
Income from continuing operations$58 $307 $393 $331 
Discontinued operations, net of tax52 
Income available to common stockholders$58 $309 $393 $383 
Share count information:
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding544 542 544 541 
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and awards
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding545 543 545 543 
Income available to common stockholders, per common share:
Income from continuing operations, basic$0.11 $0.57 $0.72 $0.61 
Discontinued operations, basic0.10 
Income available to common stockholders, basic$0.11 $0.57 $0.72 $0.71 
Income from continuing operations, diluted$0.11 $0.57 $0.72 $0.61 
Discontinued operations, diluted0.10 
Income available to common stockholders, diluted$0.11 $0.57 $0.72 $0.71 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted EPS20222021
(In millions, except per share amounts)
Net Income$288 $335 
Share count information:
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding570 543 
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and awards
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding571 544 
EPS of Common Stock:
Basic EPS of common stock$0.51 $0.62 
Diluted EPS of common stock$0.50 $0.62 

For the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021, and June 30, 2020, 0no shares from stock options and awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted shares outstanding.

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outstanding, as their inclusion would have been antidilutive.


5.4. PENSION AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The components of the consolidated net periodic costs (credits) for pension and OPEB were as follows:
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits)Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits)PensionOPEBComponents of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits)PensionOPEB
For the Three Months Ended June 30,2021202020212020
For the Three Months Ended March 31,For the Three Months Ended March 31,2022202120222021
(In millions) (In millions)
Service costsService costs$48 $48 $$Service costs$46 $49 $$
Interest costsInterest costs57 70 Interest costs68 56 
Expected return on plan assetsExpected return on plan assets(163)(155)(7)(8)Expected return on plan assets(164)(163)(10)(10)
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)(1)
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)(1)
(5)(5)
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)(1)
(3)(4)
Net periodic credits, including amounts capitalizedNet periodic credits, including amounts capitalized$(57)$(36)$(9)$(8)Net periodic credits, including amounts capitalized$(49)$(57)$(9)$(10)
Net periodic credits, recognized in earningsNet periodic credits, recognized in earnings$(85)$(62)$(10)$(8)Net periodic credits, recognized in earnings$(69)$(78)$(9)$(10)
(1) The income tax benefits associated with pension and OPEB prior service costs amortized out of AOCI were $1 million both for the three months ended June 30, 2021as of March 31, 2022 and 2020, respectively.2021.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits)PensionOPEB
For the Six Months Ended June 30,2021202020212020
 (In millions)
Service costs$97 $100 $$
Interest costs113 145 
Expected return on plan assets(326)(308)(17)(16)
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)(1) (2)
11 (9)(38)
One-time termination benefit (3)
Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment386 37 
Net periodic costs (credits), including amounts capitalized$(114)$342 $(19)$(7)
Net periodic costs (credits), recognized in earnings$(163)$296 $(20)$(7)
(1) 2020 includes the acceleration of $18 million in net credits as a result of the FES Debtors’ emergence during the first quarter of 2020 and is a component of discontinued operations in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
(2) The income tax benefits associated with pension and OPEB prior service costs amortized out of AOCI were $2 million and $6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(3) Costs represent additional benefits provided to FES and FENOC employees under the approved settlement agreement and are a component of discontinued operations in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

FirstEnergy recognizes a pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment for the change in fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever a plan is determined to qualify for remeasurement. Under the approved bankruptcy settlement agreement discussed above, upon emergence, FES and FENOC employees ceased earning years of service under the FirstEnergy pension and OPEB plans. The emergence on February 27, 2020, triggered a remeasurement of the affected pension and OPEB plans and as a result, FirstEnergy recognized a non-cash, pre-tax pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment of approximately $423 million in the first quarter of 2020.
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which among other things, extended shortfall amortization periods and modification of the interest rate stabilization rules for single-employer plans thereby impacting funding requirements. As a result, under current assumptions, including an expected annual return on assets of 7.50%, FirstEnergy does not currently expect to have a required contribution to the pension plan.plan based on various assumptions, including annual expected rate of returns for assets of 7.5%. However, FirstEnergy may elect to contribute to the pension plan voluntarily.
Service costs, net of capitalization, are reported within Other operating expenses on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Non-service costs, other than the pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment, which is separately shown, are reported within Miscellaneous income, net, within Other Income (Expense) on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
6.5. INCOME TAXES
FirstEnergy’s interim effective tax rates reflect the estimated annual effective tax rates for 20212022 and 2020.2021. These tax rates are affected by estimated annual permanent items, such as AFUDC equity and other flow-through items, as well as discrete items that may occur in any given period but are not consistent from period to period.

FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate on continuing operations for the three months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, was 22.4% and 2020, was 62.3% and 17.7%20.6%, respectively. The change in effective tax rate was primarily due to a valuation allowance against certain municipal deferred tax assets.

In February 2022, the non-deductibilityIRS completed its examination of FirstEnergy’s 2020 federal income tax return and issued a Full Acceptance Letter with no adjustment to FirstEnergy’s taxable income. There was no material change to FirstEnergy’s reserve for uncertain tax positions for the DPA monetary penaltyfirst three months ended March 31, 2022, and it remains reasonably possible that

1512


approximately $31 million of unrecognized tax expense of $9 million recordedbenefits may be resolved in the second quarter of 2021 related to the remeasurement of West Virginia deferred income taxes resulting from a state tax law change (as discussed further below), as well as the absence of a $10 million benefit from accelerated amortization of certain investment tax credits recorded in the second quarter of 2020.

FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate on continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, was 31.8% and 1.8%, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the items in the second quarter discussed above, as well as the absence of a $52 million reduction in valuation allowances in the first quarter of 2020 from the recognition of deferred gains on prior intercompany generation asset transfers triggered by the FES Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy and deconsolidation from FirstEnergy’s consolidated federal income tax group. See Note 3, “Discontinued Operations,” for other tax matters relating to the FES Bankruptcy that were recognized in discontinued operations in 2020.

On April 9, 2021, West Virginia enacted legislation changing the state’s corporate income tax apportionment rules, including adopting a single sales factor formula and market-based sourcing for sales of services and intangibles, effective for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2022. Enactment of this law triggered a remeasurement of state deferred income taxes for entities included in FirstEnergy’s West Virginia combined unitary return, resulting in a net impact of approximately $9 million in additional tax expense in the second quarter of 2021.

During the three months ended June 30, 2021, FirstEnergy recorded a $7 million decrease to the reserve for uncertain tax positions due to the remeasurement of certain positions for the change in West Virginia deferred taxes, which had no impact on earnings because the positions are recorded against state net operating losses with full valuation allowances. During the six months ended June 30, 2021, FirstEnergy recorded a net $4 million increase in its reserve for uncertain tax positions for benefits related to certain federal tax credits, which were partially offset by the remeasurement for West Virginia deferred taxes discussed further above. As of June 30, 2021, it is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months FirstEnergy could recordas a net decreaseresult of approximately $55 million to its reserve for uncertain tax positions due to the expiration ofsettlements with taxing authorities or the statute of limitations or resolution with taxing authorities,expiring, of which approximately $53$24 million would impactultimately affect FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate.

During January 2021, the IRS issued additional regulations on interest expense deductibility under Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code. However, they are not expected to have a significant tax impact to FirstEnergy.

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. While the Act is primarily an economic stimulus package, it also, among other changes, expanded the scope of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code that limits deductions on certain executive officer compensation. FirstEnergy does not currently expect these changes to have a material impact.

7.6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

RECURRING FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Authoritative accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 measurements and the lowest priority to Level 3 measurements. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy and a description of the valuation techniques are as follows:
Level 1-Quoted prices for identical instruments in active market.
Level 2-Quoted prices for similar instruments in active market.
-Quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active.
-Model-derived valuations for which all significant inputs are observable market data.
Models are primarily industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including quoted forward prices for commodities, time value, volatility factors and current market and contractual prices for the underlying instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures.
Level 3-Valuation inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
FirstEnergy produces a long-term power and capacity price forecast annually with periodic updates as market conditions change. When underlying prices are not observable, prices from the long-term price forecast are used to measure fair value.

FTRs are financial instruments that entitle the holder to a stream of revenues (or charges) based on the hourly day-ahead congestion price differences across transmission paths. FTRs are acquired by FirstEnergy in the annual, monthly and long-term PJM auctions and are initially recorded using the auction clearing price less cost. After initial recognition, FTRs’ carrying values are periodically adjusted to fair value using a mark-to-model methodology, which approximates market. The primary inputs into the model, which are generally less observable than objective sources, are the most recent PJM auction clearing prices and the FTRs’ remaining hours. The model calculates the fair value by multiplying the most recent auction clearing price by the remaining

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FTR hours less the prorated FTR cost. Significant increases or decreases in inputs in isolation may have resulted in a higher or lower fair value measurement.

NUG contracts represent PPAs with third-party non-utility generators that are transacted to satisfy certain obligations under PURPA. NUG contract carrying values are recorded at fair value and adjusted periodically using a mark-to-model methodology, which approximates market. The primary unobservable inputs into the model are regional power prices and generation MWH. Pricing for the NUG contracts is a combination of market prices for the current year and next two years based on observable data and internal models using historical trends and market data for the remaining years under contract. The internal models use forecasted energy purchase prices as an input when prices are not defined by the contract. Forecasted market prices are based on Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. quotes and management assumptions. Generation MWH reflects data provided by contractual arrangements and historical trends. The model calculates the fair value by multiplying the prices by the generation MWH. Significant increases or decreases in inputs in isolation may have resulted in a higher or lower fair value measurement.

FirstEnergy primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements using the best information available. Accordingly, FirstEnergy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. There were no changes in valuation methodologies used as of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, from those used as of December 31, 2020.2021. The determination of the fair value measures takes into consideration various factors, including but not limited to, nonperformance risk, counterparty credit risk and the impact of credit enhancements (such as cash deposits, LOCs and priority interests). The impact of these forms of risk was not significant to the fair value measurements.


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The following tables set forth the recurring assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy:
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020March 31, 2022December 31, 2021
Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total
AssetsAssets(In millions)Assets(In millions)
Derivative assets FTRs(1)
Derivative assets FTRs(1)
$$$$$$$$
Derivative assets FTRs(1)
$— $— $$$— $— $$
Equity securitiesEquity securitiesEquity securities— — — — 
U.S. state debt securitiesU.S. state debt securities269 269 276 276 U.S. state debt securities— 258 — 258 — 273 — 273 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(2)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(2)
1,312 1,312 1,801 1,801 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash(2)
310 — — 310 1,511 — — 1,511 
Other(3)
Other(3)
45 45 41 41 
Other(3)
— 45 — 45 — 42 — 42 
Total assetsTotal assets$1,314 $314 $$1,633 $1,803 $317 $$2,123 Total assets$312 $303 $$616 $1,513 $315 $$1,837 
LiabilitiesLiabilitiesLiabilities
Derivative liabilities FTRs(1)
Derivative liabilities FTRs(1)
$$$(2)$(2)$$$$
Derivative liabilities FTRs(1)
$— $— $— $— $— $— $(1)$(1)
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities$$$(2)$(2)$$$$Total liabilities$— $— $— $— $— $— $(1)$(1)
Net assets (liabilities)(4)
Net assets (liabilities)(4)
$1,314 $314 $$1,631 $1,803 $317 $$2,123 
Net assets (liabilities)(4)
$312 $303 $$616 $1,513 $315 $$1,836 
(1)Contracts are subject to regulatory accounting treatment and changes in market values do not impact earnings.
(2)Restricted cash of $27 million and $49 million as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 respectively, primarily relates to cash collected from JCP&L, MP, PE and the Ohio Companies’ customers that is specifically used to service debt of their respective securitization or funding companies.
(3)Primarily consists of short-term investments.
(4)Excludes $1 million as of December 31, 2020, of net receivables, payables, taxes and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.

Level 3 Quantitative Information

The following table provides quantitative information for FTRs contracts that are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the period ended June 30, 2021:March 31, 2022:
Fair Value, Net (In millions)Valuation
Technique
Significant InputRangeWeighted AverageUnits
FTRs$ModelRTO auction clearing prices$(0.10)to$1.90 $0.90Dollars/MWH
Fair Value, Net (In millions)Valuation
Technique
Significant InputRangeWeighted AverageUnits
FTRs$ModelRTO auction clearing prices$0.20 to$4.00 $0.90Dollars/MWH

INVESTMENTS

All temporary cash investments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less are reported as cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include equity securities, AFS debt securities and other investments. FirstEnergy has no debt securities held for trading purposes.


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Generally, unrealized gains and losses on equity securities are recognized in income whereas unrealized gains and losses on AFS debt securities are recognized in AOCI. However, the spent nuclear fuel disposal trusts and NDTs of JCP&L, ME and PN are subject to regulatory accounting with all gains and losses on equity and AFS debt securities offset against regulatory assets. On October 15, 2019, JCP&L, ME, PN and GPUN executed an asset purchase and sale agreement with TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of EnergySolutions, LLC, concerning the transfer and dismantlement of TMI-2. With the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the transaction was consummated, including the transfer of external trusts for the decommissioning and environmental remediation of TMI-2, on December 18, 2020. Please see Note 9, "Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies," for further information.

Spent Nuclear Fuel Disposal Trusts

JCP&L holds debt securities within the spent nuclear fuel disposal trust, which are classified as AFS securities, recognized at fair market value. The trust is intended for funding spent nuclear fuel disposal fees to the DOE associated with the previously owned Oyster Creek and TMI-1 nuclear power plants.

The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, unrealized gains, unrealized losses and fair values of investments held in spent nuclear fuel disposal trusts as of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2020:2021:
June 30, 2021(1)
December 31, 2020(2)
Cost BasisUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesFair ValueCost BasisUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesFair Value
(In millions)
Debt securities$272 $$(7)$269 $275 $$(6)$276 
March 31, 2022(1)
December 31, 2021(2)
Cost BasisUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesFair ValueCost BasisUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesFair Value
(In millions)
Debt securities$279 $— $(21)$258 $280 $$(9)$273 
(1) Excludes short-term cash investments of $15$13 million.
    (2) Excludes short-term cash investments of $9$11 million.


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Proceeds from the sale of investments in AFS debt securities, realized gains and losses on those sales and interest and dividend income for the three and six months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, were as follows:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Six Months Ended June 30,
2021
2020(1)
2021
2020(1)
(In millions)
Sale proceeds$$26 $13 $39 
Realized gains
Realized losses(1)(2)(1)(7)
Interest and dividend income14 
(1) Includes amounts associated with NDTs that were previously held by JCP&L, ME, and PN. See above for additional information.
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
20222021
(In millions)
Sale proceeds$$
Realized gains— — 
Realized losses(1)— 
Interest and dividend income

Other Investments

Other investments include employee benefit trusts, which are primarily invested in corporate-owned life insurance policies and equity method investments. Other investments were $338$375 million and $322$371 million as of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2020,2021, respectively, and are excluded from the amounts reported above.

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as short-term financial instruments under GAAP and are reported as Short-term borrowings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost. Since these borrowings are short-term in nature, FirstEnergy believes that their costs approximate their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt, which excludes finance lease obligations and net unamortized debt issuance costs, unamortized fair value adjustments, premiums and discounts as of June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020:2021:
June 30, 2021December 31, 2020
(In millions)
Carrying value (1)
$23,844 $22,377 
Fair value$26,802 $25,465 

March 31, 2022December 31, 2021
(In millions)
Carrying value$22,900 $23,946 
Fair value$23,754 $27,043 

The fair values of long-term debt and other long-term obligations reflect the present value of the cash outflows relating to those securities based on the current call price, the yield to maturity or the yield to call, as deemed appropriate at the end of each

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respective period. The yields assumed were based on securities with similar characteristics offered by corporations with credit ratings similar to those of FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy classified short-term borrowings, long-term debt and other long-term obligations as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2020.2021.

During the six months ended June 30,In December 2021, the following long-term debtnotice of redemption was issued:provided for all remaining $850 million of FE’s 4.25% Notes, Series B, due 2023, which was completed on January 20, 2022, with a make-whole premium of approximately $38 million.
CompanyInterest RateMaturityAmountUse of proceeds
FET2.866%2028$500 millionRepay short-term borrowings under the FET Revolving Facility.
MP3.55%2027$200 millionFund MP’s ongoing capital expenditures, for working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes.
TE2.65%2028$150 millionRepay short-term borrowings, fund TE’s ongoing capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes.
MAIT4.10%2028$150 millionRepay borrowings outstanding under FirstEnergy’s regulated company money pool, fund MAIT’s ongoing capital expenditures, to fund working capital and for other general corporate purposes.
JCP&L2.75%2032$500 millionRepay $450 million of short-term debt under the FE Revolving Facility, storm recovery and restoration costs and expenses, to fund JCP&L’s ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements and for other general corporate purposes.

On January 27, 2022, CEI instructed its indenture trustee to provide notice of redemption for all remaining $150 million of CEI’s 2.77% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2034, for redemption which occurred on March 14, 2022.

Also on January 27, 2022, TE instructed its indenture trustee to provide notice of partial redemption for $25 million of TE’s 2.65% Senior Secured Notes, due 2028, for partial redemption which occurred on February 11, 2022.
8.7. REGULATORY MATTERS

STATE REGULATION

Each of the Utilities' retail rates, conditions of service, issuance of securities and other matters are subject to regulation in the states in which it operates - in Maryland by the MDPSC, in New Jersey by the NJBPU, in Ohio by the PUCO, in Pennsylvania by the PPUC, in West Virginia by the WVPSC and in New York by the NYPSC. The transmission operations of PE in Virginia, ATSI in Ohio, and the Transmission Companies in Pennsylvania are subject to certain regulations of the VSCC, PUCO and PPUC, respectively. In addition, under Ohio law, municipalities may regulate rates of a public utility, subject to appeal to the PUCO if not acceptable to the utility. Further, if any of the FirstEnergy affiliates were to engage in the construction of significant new transmission facilities, depending on the state, they may be required to obtain state regulatory authorization to site, construct and operate the new transmission facility.

MARYLAND

PE operates under MDPSC approved base rates that were effective as of March 23, 2019. PE also provides SOS pursuant to a combination of settlement agreements, MDPSC orders and regulations, and statutory provisions. SOS supply is competitively

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procured in the form of rolling contracts of varying lengths through periodic auctions that are overseen by the MDPSC and a third-party monitor. Although settlements with respect to SOS supply for PE customers have expired, service continues in the same manner until changed by order of the MDPSC. PE recovers its costs plus a return for providing SOS. PE expects to file a new base rate case in early 2023, consistent with the MDPSC’s order issued on March 22, 2019.

The EmPOWER Maryland program requires each electric utility to file a plan to reduce electric consumption and demand 0.2% per year, up to the ultimate goal of 2% annual savings, for the duration of the 2018-2020 and 2021-2023 EmPOWER Maryland program cycles to the extent the MDPSC determines that cost-effective programs and services are available. PE's approved 2018-20202021-2023 EmPOWER Maryland plan continues and expands upon prior years' programs and adds new programs, for a projected total costinvestment of $116approximately $148 million over the three-year period. PE recovers program costsinvestments with a return through an annually reconciled surcharge, with most costs subject to recovery over a five-year amortization.period with a return on the unamortized balance. Maryland law only allows for the utility to recover lost distribution revenue attributable to energy efficiency or demand reduction programs through a base rate case proceeding, and to date, such recovery has not been sought or obtained by PE. On September 1, 2020, PE filed its proposed plan for the 2021-2023 EmPOWER Maryland program cycle. The new plan largely continues PE’s existing programs and is estimated to cost approximately $148 million over the three-year period. The MDPSC approved the plan on December 18, 2020.

On March 22, 2019, MDPSC issued an order approving PE’s 2018 base rate case filing, which among other things, approved an annual rate increase of $6.2 million, approved three of the four EDIS programs for four years to fund enhanced service reliability programs, directed PE to file a new depreciation study within 18 months, and ordered the filing of a new base rate case in four years to correspond to the ending of the approved EDIS programs. On September 22, 2020, PE filed its depreciation study reflecting a slight increase in expense and is seeking the difference to be deferred for future recovery in PE’s next base rate case. On January 29, 2021, the Maryland Office of People's Counsel filed testimony recommending an annual reduction in depreciation expense of $10.8 million, and the staff of the MDPSC filed testimony recommending an annual reduction of $9.6 million. On May 26, 2021, the judge issued a Proposed Order which would reduce PE’s base rates by $2.1 million. PE filed an appeal of the Proposed Order to the MDPSC on June 25, 2021. On July 15, 2021, the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel and staff submitted reply memoranda arguing that the PE appeal be denied and the Proposed Order be affirmed.

Maryland’s Governor issued an order on March 16, 2020, forbidding utilities from terminating residential service or charging late fees for non-payment for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 9, 2020, the MDPSC issued an order allowing utilities

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to track and create a regulatory asset for future recovery of all prudently incurred incremental costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, including incremental uncollectible expense, incurred from the date of the Governor’s order (or earlier if the utility could show that the expenses related to suspension of service terminations). In July 2020, the MDPSC subsequently issued orders allowing Maryland electric and gas utilities to resume residential service terminations for non-payment on November 15, 2020, subject to various restrictions, and clarifying that utilities could resume charging late fees on October 1, 2020. On June 16, 2021, the MDPSC assigned $4 million to PE of COVID-19 relief that was allocated by the Maryland General Assembly to retire residential customer utility arrearages.

NEW JERSEY

JCP&L operates under NJBPU approved rates that were effective for customers as of JanuaryNovember 1, 2017.2021. JCP&L provides BGS for retail customers who do not choose a third-party EGS and for customers of third-party EGSs that fail to provide the contracted service. All New Jersey EDCs participate in this competitive BGS procurement process and recover BGS costs directly from customers as a charge separate from base rates.

JCP&L has instituted energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs in accordance with the New Jersey Clean Energy Act as approved by the NJBPU in April 2021. The NJBPU approved plans include recovery of lost revenues resulting from the programs and a three-year plan including total program costs of $203 million, of which $158 million of investment is recovered over a ten-year amortization period with a return as well as operations and maintenance expenses and financing costs of $45 million recovered on an annual basis.

In December 2017, the NJBPU issued proposed rules to modify its current CTA policy in base rate cases to: (i) calculate savings using a five-year look back from the beginning of the test year; (ii) allocate savings with 75% retained by the company and 25% allocated to ratepayers;customers; and (iii) exclude transmission assets of electric distribution companies in the savings calculation, which were published in the NJ Register in the first quarter of 2018. JCP&L filed comments supporting the proposed rulemaking.calculation. On January 17, 2019, the NJBPU approved the proposed CTA rules with no changes. On May 17, 2019, the NJ Rate Counsel filed an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey and on June 7, 2021, the courtSuperior Court issued an Orderorder reversing the NJBPU’s CTA rules and remanded the case back to the NJBPU. Specifically, the court’sCourt’s ruling requires 100% of the CTA savings to be credited to customers in lieu of the NJBPU’s current policy requiring 25%. The court’s rulingOn December 6, 2021, the NJBPU issued proposed amended rules modifying its current CTA policy in base rate cases consistent with the Superior Court’s June 7, 2021 order. Comments were filed on March 3, 2022. Once the proposed rules are final, they will be applied on a prospective basis.basis in a future base rate case, however, it is not expected to have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s results or financial condition.

On February 18, 2020, JCP&L submitted a filing with the NJBPU requesting a distribution base rate increase. On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU approved a stipulated settlement between JCP&L and various parties, providingresolving JCP&L’s request for among other things,distribution base rate increase. The settlement provided for a $94 million annual base distribution revenues increase for JCP&L based on an ROE of 9.6%, which will becomebecame effective for customers on November 1, 2021. Until the rates become effective, and starting on January 1, 2021,The settlement additionally provided that JCP&L would be subject to a management audit. The management audit began to amortize an existing regulatory liability totaling approximately $86 million to offset the base rate increase that otherwise would have occurred in this period. The parties also agreed that the actual net gain from the sale of JCP&L’s interest in the Yards Creek pumped-storage hydro generation facility in New Jersey (210 MWs), as further discussed below, be applied to reduce JCP&L’s existing regulatory asset for previously deferred storm costs. Lastly, the parties agreed that approximately $95 million of Reliability Plus capital investment for projects through December 31, 2020, is included in rate base effective December 31, 2020, with a final prudence review of only those capital investment projects from July 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, to occur in January 2021. During the first quarter of 2021, JCP&L submitted its review of storm costs, filed a written report for its Reliability Plus projects placed in service from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, and submitted the vegetation management report, all required under the stipulation of settlement. On March 24, 2021, JCP&L, NJ Rate Counsel and the NJBPU Staff submitted a stipulation of settlement to the NJBPU, which was approved on April 7, 2021, providing that the Reliability Plus projects placed into service from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 were reasonable and prudent.
On April 6, 2020, JCP&L signed an asset purchase agreement with Yards Creek Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of LS Power to sell its 50% interest in the Yards Creek pumped-storage hydro generation facility. Subject to terms and conditions of the agreement, the base purchase price is $155 million. As of December 31, 2020, assets held for sale on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets associated with the transaction consist of property, plant and equipment of $45 million, which is included in the regulated distribution segment. On July 31, 2020, FERC approved the transfer of JCP&L’s interest in the hydroelectric operating license. On October 8, 2020, FERC issued an order authorizing the transfer of JCP&L’s ownership interest in the hydroelectric facilities. On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU approved the sale of Yards Creek. With the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the transaction was consummated on March 5,May 2021 and resulted in a $109 million gain within the regulated distribution segment. As further discussed above, the gain from the transaction was applied against and reduced JCP&L’s existing regulatory asset for previously deferred storm costs and, as a result, was offset by expense in the “Amortization of regulatory assets, net”, line on the Consolidated Statements of Income, resulting in no earnings impact to FirstEnergy or JCP&L.is currently ongoing.


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On August 27, 2020, JCP&L filed an AMI Program with the NJBPU, which proposesproposed the deployment of approximately 1.2 million advanced meters over a three-year period beginning on January 1, 2023, at a total cost of approximately $418 million, including the pre-deployment phase. The then proposed 3-year deployment iswas part of the 20-year AMI Program that is expectedwas projected to cost a total of approximately $732 million and proposesproposed a cost recovery mechanism through a separate AMI tariff rider. On February 26,September 14, 2021, JCP&L filedsubmitted a letter requesting a suspensionsupplemental filing, which reflected increases in the AMI Program’s costs. Under the revised AMI Program, during the first six years of the procedural schedule to allow for settlement discussions, which was granted on March 5, 2021.

On June 10, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order establishing a framework for the filingAMI Program from 2022 through 2027, JCP&L estimates costs of utility-run energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs in accordance with the New Jersey Clean Energy Act. Under the established framework, JCP&L will recover its program investments over a ten-year amortization period and its$494 million, consisting of capital expenditures of approximately $390 million, incremental operations and maintenance expenses on an annual basis, be eligible to receive lost revenues on energy savings that resulted from its programsof approximately $73 million and be eligible for incentives or subject to penalties based on its annual program performance, beginning in the fifth yearcost of its program offerings.removal of $31 million. On September 25, 2020,February 8, 2022, JCP&L filed its energy efficiency and peak demand reduction program. JCP&L’s program consists of 11 energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs and subprograms to be run from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024. The program also seeks approval of cost recovery totaling approximately $230 million as well as lost revenues associated with the energy savings resulting from the programs. On April 23, 2021, JCP&L filed a Stipulation of Settlement with the NJBPU for approval of a three-year plan including $203 million in total cost, as well as recovery of lost revenues resulting from the programs. On April 27, 2021,stipulation entered into with the NJBPU issued an Order approvingstaff, NJ Rate Counsel and others, that, pending NJBPU approval, would affirm the terms of the revised AMI Program. The Stipulation, of Settlement.which was approved by NJBPU order on February 23, 2022, also provides that the revised AMI Program-related capital costs, the legacy meter stranded costs, and the operations and maintenance expense will be deferred and placed in regulatory assets, with such amounts sought to be recovered in the JCP&L’s subsequent base rate cases.

On July 2, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order allowing New Jersey utilities to track and create a regulatory asset for future recovery of all prudently incurred incremental costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic beginning March 9, 2020 through September 30, 2021, orand continuing until the New Jersey Governor issues an order stating that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer in effect. New Jersey utilities can request recovery of such regulatory asset in a stand-alone COVID-19 regulatory asset filing or future base rate case. On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order expanding the scope of the proceeding to examine all pandemic issues, including recovery of the COVID-19 regulatory assets, by way of a generic proceeding. Through various Executive Ordersexecutive orders issued

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by the New Jersey Governor, Murphy, the moratorium period iswas extended to December 31, 2021. On December 21, 2021, the moratorium on residential disconnections for certain entities providing utility service was extended until March 15, 2022. The moratorium on residential disconnections was not extended for investor-owned electric utilities such as JCP&L, but does require that investor-owned electric public utilities offer qualifying residential customers deferred payment arrangements meeting certain minimum criteria prior to disconnecting service.Additionally, while the moratorium on residential disconnections for certain entities providing electric service was not extended after March 15, 2022, new legislation was enacted on March 25, 2022, prohibiting utilities from disconnecting electric service to customers that have applied for utility bill assistance before June 15, 2022 until such time as the state agency administering the assistance program makes a decision on the application and further requiring that all utilities offer a deferred payment arrangement meeting certain minimum criteria after the state agency’s decision on the application has been made.

The recent credit rating actions taken on October 28, 2020, by S&P and Fitch triggered a requirement from variousPursuant to an NJBPU orders that JCP&L file a mitigation plan, which was filed on November 5, 2020, to demonstrate that JCP&L has sufficient liquidity to meet its BGS obligations. On December 11, 2020, the NJBPU held a public hearing on the mitigation plan. Written comments on JCP&L’s mitigation plan were submitted on January 8, 2021.

On September 23, 2020, the NJBPU issued an Orderorder requiring all New Jersey electric distribution companies to file electric vehicle programs.programs, JCP&L filed its electric vehicle program on March 1, 2021, which consists2021. JCP&L’s proposed electric vehicle program consisted of six sub-programs, including a consumer education and outreach initiative that would begin on January 1, 2022, and continue over a four-year period. The total proposed budget for the electric vehicle program is approximately $50 million, including investments of which $16 million is capital expenditures and $34 million is for operations and maintenance expenses.expenses of $34 million. JCP&L is proposing to recover the electric vehicle program costs via a non-bypassable rate clause applicable to all distribution customer rate classes, which would becomebecame effective on January 1, 2022. On May 26, 2021, a procedural schedule was set to include evidentiary hearings the week of October 18, 2021. On July 16, 2021, the procedural schedule was extended by thirty days as requested by JCP&L to continue settlement discussions.

On October 28, 2020,August 19, 2021, the presiding commissioner issued an order modifying the procedural schedule by extending the procedural schedule by ninety days as requested by JCP&L to continue settlement discussions. On November 12, 2021, JCP&L filed a letter with the presiding commissioner requesting a suspension of the procedural schedule in order to allow the parties to continue settlement discussion. On November 23, 2021, the presiding commissioner entered an order suspending the procedural schedule. JCP&L expects an order from the NJBPU approved a settlement in JCP&L’s distribution rate, and voted that JCP&L will be subject to an upcoming management audit. The management audit began atby the end of May 2021 and is currently ongoing.the second quarter of 2022.

OHIO

The Ohio Companies operate under PUCO approved base distribution rates approved by the PUCOthat became effective in 2009. The Ohio Companies currently operate under ESP IV, effective June 1, 2016 and continuing through May 31, 2024, that continues the supply of power to non-shopping customers at a market-based price set through an auction process. ESP IV also continues the Rider DCR, which supports continued investment related to the distribution system for the benefit of customers, with increased revenue caps of $20 million per year from June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2022; and $15 million per year from June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2024. In addition, ESP IV includes: (1) continuation of a base distribution rate freeze through May 31, 2024; (2) a goal across FirstEnergy to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% below 2005 levels by 2045; and (3) contributions, totaling $51 million to: (a) fund energy conservation programs, economic development and job retention in the Ohio Companies’ service territories; (b) establish a fuel-fund in each of the Ohio Companies’ service territories to assist low-income customers; and (c) establish a Customer Advisory Council to ensure preservation and growth of the competitive market in Ohio.

ESP IV further provided for the Ohio Companies to collect DMR revenues, but the SCOH reversed the PUCO’s decision to include DMR in ESP IV and subsequently the PUCO entered an order directing the Ohio Companies to cease further collection through the DMR and credit back to customers a refund of the DMR funds collected since July 2, 2019. On July 15, 2019, the OCC filed an appeal with the SCOH, challenging the PUCO’s exclusion of DMR revenues from the determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV for OE for calendar year 2017, and claiming a $42 million refund is due to OE customers. On December 1, 2020, the SCOH reversed the PUCO’s exclusion of the DMR revenues from the determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV for OE for calendar year 2017, and remanded the case to the PUCO with instructions to conduct new proceedings which include the DMR revenues in the analysis, determine

21


the threshold against which the earned return is measured, and make other necessary determinations. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings but has not deemed a liability probable as of June 30, 2021.

On July 23, 2019, Ohio enacted HB 6, which included provisions supporting nuclear energy, as well as a decoupling mechanism for Ohio electric utilities and ending current energy efficiency program mandates. Under HB 6 the energy efficiency program mandates would end on December 31, 2020, provided that statewide energy efficiency mandates are achieved as determined by the PUCO. On February 24, 2021, the PUCO found that statewide energy efficiency mandates had been achieved, and ordered that Ohio electric utilities’ energy efficiency and peak demand reduction cost recovery riders terminate.

On March 31, 2021, Governor DeWine signed HB 128, which, among other things, repealed parts of HB 6, the legislation that established support for nuclear energy supply in Ohio, provided for a decoupling mechanism for Ohio electric utilities, and provided for the ending of current energy efficiency program mandates. HB 128 was effective June 30, 2021. As FirstEnergy would not have financially benefited from the mechanism to provide support to nuclear energy in Ohio, there is no expected additional impact to FirstEnergy due to the repeal of that provision in HB 128.

As further discussed below, in connection with a partial settlement with the OAG and other parties, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO on February 1, 2021, to set the respective decoupling riders (CSR) to zero. On February 2, 2021, the PUCO approved the application. While the partial settlement with the OAG focused specifically on decoupling, the Ohio Companies will of their own accord not seek to recover lost distribution revenue. FirstEnergy is committed to pursuing an open dialogue with stakeholders in an appropriate manner with respect to the numerous regulatory proceedings currently underway as further discussed herein. As a result of the partial settlement, and the decision to not seek lost distribution revenue, FirstEnergy recognized a $108 million pre-tax charge ($84 million after-tax) in the fourth quarter of 2020, and $77 million (pre-tax) of which is associated with forgoing collection of lost distribution revenue. On March 31, 2021, FirstEnergy announced that the Ohio Companies will proactively refund to customers amounts previously collected under decoupling, with interest, which total approximately $27 million. On April 22, 2021, in anticipation of the effective date of HB 128 and in accordance with HB 128’s provisions regarding the prompt refund of decoupling funds, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO to modify CSR to return such amount over twelve months commencing June 1, 2021. On June 17, 2021, the Ohio Companies agreed to modify their proposal to return such amount in a single lump sum to customers, beginning on July 1, 2021, or promptly upon obtaining PUCO approval. On July 7, 2021, the PUCO issued an order approving the Ohio Companies’ modified application and directed that all funds collected through CSR be refunded to customers over a single billing cycle beginning August 1, 2021.

On July 17, 2019, the PUCO approved, with no material modifications, a settlement agreement that provides for the implementation of the Ohio Companies’ first phase of grid modernization plans, including the investment of $516 million over three years to modernize the Ohio Companies’ electric distribution system, and for all tax savings associated with the Tax Act to flow back to customers. The settlement had broad support, including PUCO staff, the OCC, representatives of industrial and commercial customers, a low-income advocate, environmental advocates, hospitals, competitive generation suppliers and other parties.

In March 2020, the PUCO issued entries directing utilities to review their service disconnection and restoration policies and suspend, for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, otherwise applicable requirements that may impose a service continuity hardship or service restoration hardship on customers. The Ohio Companies are utilizing their existing approved cost recovery mechanisms where applicable to address the financial impacts of these directives. On July 31, 2020, the Ohio Companies filed with the PUCO their transition plan and requests for waivers to allow for the safe resumption of normal business operations, including service disconnections for non-payment. On September 23, 2020, the PUCO approved the Ohio Companies’ transition plan, including approval of the resumption of service disconnections for non-payment, which the Ohio Companies began on October 5, 2020.

On July 29, 2020, the PUCO consolidated the Ohio Companies’ applications for determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings, or SEET, under ESP IV for calendar years 2018 and 2019, which had been previously filed on July 15, 2019, and May 15, 2020, respectively, and set a procedural schedule with evidentiary hearings. On September 4, 2020, the PUCO opened its quadrennial review of ESP IV, consolidated it with the Ohio Companies’ 2018 and 2019 SEET Applications, and set a procedural schedule for the consolidated matters. On October 29, 2020, the PUCO issued an entry extending the deadline for the Ohio Companies to file quadrennial review of ESP IV testimony and supplemental SEET testimony to March 1, 2021, with the evidentiary hearings to commence no sooner than May 3, 2021. On January 12, 2021, the PUCO consolidated these matters with the determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV for calendar year 2017, which the SCOH had remanded to the PUCO. On March 1, 2021, the Ohio Companies filed testimony in the quadrennial review and supplemental testimony in the SEET cases for calendar years 2017 through 2019. The calculations included in the quadrennial review for 2020 through 2024 demonstrate that the prospective effect of ESP IV is not substantially likely to provide the Ohio Companies with significantly excessive earnings during the balance of ESP IV. In addition, the Ohio Companies’ quadrennial review testimony demonstrated that ESP IV continues to be more favorable in the aggregate and during the remaining term of ESP IV as compared to the expected results of a market rate offer. Further, the revised calculations included in the Ohio Companies’ supplemental SEET testimony for calendar years 2017 through 2019 demonstrated that the Ohio Companies did not have significantly excessive earnings, on an individual company basis or on a consolidated basis. On March 31, 2021, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 128, which repeals legislation passed in 2019 that permitted the Ohio Companies to file their SEET results on a consolidated basis instead of on an individual company basis. HB 128 was effective June 30, 2021. Further, the

22


OCC and another party filed testimony on April 5, 2021, recommending refunds for one or more of the Ohio Companies for calendar years 2017 through 2019. On April 20, 2021, the Ohio Companies filed supplemental testimony in the quadrennial review providing prospective SEET values on an individual company basis, which demonstrate that the Ohio Companies are not projected to have significantly excessive earnings, on an individual company basis, during the balance of ESP IV. On May 28, 2021, the attorney examiner issued a procedural schedule setting hearings for August 30, 2021. No contingency has been reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters as a loss is neither probable, nor is a loss or range of a loss reasonably estimable.

On May 17, 2021, the Ohio Companies filed their application for the determination of significantly excessive earnings for calendar year 2020. The calculations included in the application demonstrated that the Ohio Companies, on an individual company basis, did not have significantly excessive earnings.

In connection with the audit of the Ohio Companies’ Rider DCR for 2017, the PUCO issued an order on June 16, 2021, directing the Ohio Companies to prospectively discontinue capitalizing certain vegetation management costs and reduce the 2017 Rider DCR revenue requirement by $3.7 million associated with these costs.

On September 8, 2020, the OCC filed motions in the Ohio Companies’ corporate separation audit and DMR audit dockets, requesting the PUCO to open an investigation and management audit, hire an independent auditor, and require FirstEnergy to show it did not improperly use money collected from consumers or violate any utility regulatory laws, rules or orders in its activities regarding HB 6. On December 30, 2020, in response to the OCC's motion, the PUCO reopened the DMR audit docket, and directed PUCO staff to solicit a third-party auditor and conduct a full review of the DMR to ensure funds collected from ratepayerscustomers through the DMR were only used for the purposes established in ESP IV. On June 2, 2021, the PUCO selected an auditor and athe auditor filed the final audit report ison January 14, 2022, which made certain findings and recommendations. The report found that spending of DMR revenues was not required to be filed by October 29, 2021.tracked, and that DMR revenues, like all rider revenues, are placed into the regulated money pool as a matter of routine, where the funds lose their identity. Therefore, the report could not suggest that DMR funds were used definitively for direct or indirect support for grid modernization. The report also concluded that there was no documented evidence that ties revenues from the DMR to lobbying for the passage of HB 6, but also could not rule out with certainty uses of DMR funds to support the passage of HB 6. The report further recommended that the regulated companies' money pool be audited more frequently and the Ohio Companies adopt formal dividend policies.

On September 15, 2020, the PUCO opened a new proceeding to review the political and charitable spending by the Ohio Companies in support of HB 6 and the subsequent referendum effort, and directing the Ohio Companies to show cause, demonstrating that the costs of any political or charitable spending in support of HB 6, or the subsequent referendum effort, were not included, directly or indirectly, in any rates or charges paid by ratepayers.customers. The Ohio Companies initially filed a response on September 30, 2020, stating that the costs of any political andor charitable spending in support of HB 6, or the subsequent referendum effort, were not included, directly or indirectly, in any rates or charges paid for by its customers. Several parties requestedcustomers, but on August 6, 2021, filed a supplemental response explaining that, in light of the facts set forth in the DPA and the findings of the Rider DCR audit report further discussed below, political or charitable spending in support of HB 6, or the subsequent referendum effort, affected pole attachment rates paid by approximately $15 thousand. On October 26, 2021, the OCC filed a motion requesting the PUCO broaden the scope of the review ofto order an independent external audit to investigate FE’s political and charitable spending. Discoveryspending related to HB 6, and to appoint an independent review panel to retain and oversee the auditor. In November and December 2021, parties filed comments and reply comments regarding the Ohio Companies’ original and supplemental responses to the PUCO’s September 15, 2020, show cause directive. On March 9, 2022, the PUCO directed its staff to seek the services of a third-party auditor to determine whether the show cause

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demonstration submitted by the Ohio Companies is ongoing.sufficient to ensure that the cost of any political or charitable spending in support of HB 6 or the subsequent referendum effort was not included, directly or indirectly, in any rates or charges paid by ratepayers.

In connection with an ongoing audit of the Ohio Companies’ policies and procedures relating to the code of conduct rules between affiliates, on November 4, 2020, the PUCO initiated an additional corporate separation audit as a result of the FirstEnergy leadership transition announcement made on October 29, 2020, as further discussed below. The additional audit is to ensure compliance by the Ohio Companies and their affiliates with corporate separation laws and the Ohio Companies’ corporate separation plan. The additional audit is for the period from November 2016 through October 2020, with a2020. The final audit report to bewas filed by August 6,on September 13, 2021. On January 27, 2021, the PUCO selected an auditor,The audit report makes no findings of major non-compliance with Ohio corporate separation requirements, minor non-compliance with eight requirements, and the auditor’s investigation is ongoing.

On November 24, 2020, the Environmental Lawfindings of compliance with 23 requirements. Parties filed comments and Policy Center filed motions to vacate the PUCO’s orders in proceedings related to the Ohio Companies’ settlement that provides for the implementation of the first phase of grid modernization plans and for all tax savings associated with the Tax Act to flow back to customers, the Ohio Companies’ energy efficiency portfolio plans for the period from 2013 through 2016, and the Ohio Companies’ application for a two-year extension of the DMR,reply comments on the grounds that the former Chairman of theaudit report, and a PUCO should have recused himself in these matters. On December 30, 2020, the PUCO denied the motions, and reinstated the requirement under ESP IV that the Ohio Companies fileattorney examiner has issued a base distribution rate case by May 31, 2024, the end of ESP IV, which the Ohio Companies had indicated they would not oppose.procedural schedule setting an evidentiary hearing on August 22, 2022.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, motions were filed with the PUCO requesting that the PUCO amend the Ohio Companies’ riders for collecting the OVEC related charges required by HB 6, which the Ohio Companies are further required to remit to other Ohio electric distribution utilities or to the State Treasurer, to provide for refunds in the event such provisions of HB 6 are repealed. The Ohio Companies contested the motions, which are pending before the PUCO.

On December 7, 2020,November 1, 2021, the Citizens’ Utility Board of Ohio filed a complaintCompanies, together with the OCC, PUCO againstStaff, and several other signatories, entered into an Ohio Stipulation with the intent of resolving the ongoing energy efficiency rider audits, various SEET proceedings, including the Ohio Companies. The complaint allegesCompanies’ 2017 SEET proceeding, and the Ohio Companies’ quadrennial ESP review, each of which was pending before the PUCO. Specifically, the Ohio Stipulation provides that the Ohio Companies’ new charges resulting from HB 6,current ESP IV passes the required statutory test for their prospective SEET review as part of the Quadrennial Review of ESP IV, and any increased rates resulting from proceedings over whichexcept for limited circumstances, the former PUCO Chairman presided, are unjustsignatory parties have agreed not to challenge the Ohio Companies’ SEET return on equity calculation methodology for their 2021-2024 SEET proceedings. The Ohio Stipulation additionally affirms that: (i) the Ohio Companies’ ESP IV shall continue through its previously authorized term of May 31, 2024; and unreasonable, and that(ii) the Ohio Companies violated Ohio corporate separation laws by failing to operate separately from unregulated affiliates. The complaint requests, among other things, that any rates authorized by HB 6 or authorized by the PUCO in a proceeding over which the former Chairman presided be made refundable; that the Ohio Companies be required towill file a new distributiontheir next base rate case at the earliest possible date;in May 2024, and thatfurther, no signatory party will seek to adjust the Ohio Companies’ corporate separation plans be modified to introduce institutional controls.base distribution rates before that time, except in limited circumstances. The Ohio Companies further agreed to refund $96 million to customers in connection with the 2017-2019 SEET cases, and to provide $210 million in future rate reductions for all customers, including $80 million in 2022, $60 million in 2023, $45 million in 2024, and $25 million in 2025. The PUCO approved the 2017-2019 SEET refunds and 2022 rate reductions December 1, 2021, and refunds began in January 2022. Future rate reductions are contestingrecognized as a reduction to regulated distribution segment’s revenue in the complaint.Consolidated Statements of Income as they are provided to the Ohio Companies’ customers.

In connection with an ongoing annual audit of the Ohio Companies’ Rider DCR for 2020, and as a result of disclosures in FirstEnergy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (filed on February 18, 2021), the PUCO expanded the scope of the audit on March 10, 2021, to include a review of certain transactions that were either improperly classified, misallocated, or

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lacked supporting documentation, and to determine whether funds collected from ratepayerscustomers were used to pay the vendors, and if so, whether or not the funds associated with those payments should be returned to ratepayerscustomers through Rider DCR or through an alternative proceeding. AOn August 3, 2021, the auditor filed its final report on this phase of the audit, and the parties submitted comments and reply comments on this audit report isin October 2021. Additionally, on September 29, 2021, the PUCO expanded the scope of the audit in this proceeding to bedetermine if the costs of the naming rights for FirstEnergy Stadium have been recovered from the Ohio Companies’ customers. On November 19, 2021, the auditor filed its final report, in which the auditor concluded that the FirstEnergy Stadium naming rights expenses were not recovered from Ohio customers. On December 15, 2021, the PUCO further expanded the scope of the audit to include an investigation into an apparent nondisclosure of a side agreement in the Ohio Companies’ ESP IV settlement proceedings, but stayed its expansion of the audit until otherwise ordered by August 3, 2021.the PUCO.

See Note 9,8, "Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies" below for additional details on the government investigations and subsequent litigation surrounding the investigation of HB 6.

PENNSYLVANIA

The Pennsylvania Companies operate under rates approved by the PPUC, effective as of January 27, 2017. These rates were adjusted forOn November 18, 2021, the net impactPPUC issued orders to each of the Tax Act, effective March 15, 2018. The net impact of the Tax Act for the period January 1, 2018 through March 14, 2018 was separately tracked and its treatment will be addressed in a future rate proceeding. The Pennsylvania Companies directing they operate under DSPs for the June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2023 delivery period, which DSPs provide for the competitive procurement of generation supply for customers who do not choosereceive service from an alternative EGS or for customers of alternative EGSs that fail to provide the contracted service.EGS. Under the 2019-2023 DSPs, supply will be provided by wholesale suppliers through a mix of 3, 12 and 24-month energy contracts, as well as two RFPs for 2-year SREC contracts for ME, PN and Penn. On December 14, 2021, the Pennsylvania Companies filed proposed DSPs for provision of generation for the June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2027 delivery period, to be sourced through competitive procurements for customers who do not receive service from an alternative EGS. An evidentiary hearing was held on April 13, 2022, and the parties filed a partial settlement with the PPUC resolving most of the issues in the proceeding on April 20, 2022. The remaining issues in the proceeding, which are limited to the treatment of customer-generated energy and renewable energy credit production will be resolved through briefing. Under the

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2023-2027 DSPs, supply is proposed to be provided through a mix of 12 and 24-month energy contracts, as well as long-term solar PPAs.

In March 2018, the PPUC approved adjusted customer rates of the Pennsylvania Companies to reflect the net impact of the Tax Act. As a result, the Pennsylvania Companies established riders that, beginning July 1, 2018, refunded to customers tax savings attributable to the Tax Act as compared to the amounts established in their most recent base rate proceedings on a current and going forward basis. The amounts recorded as savings for the total period of January 1 through June 30, 2018, were tracked and were to be addressed for treatment in a future proceeding. On May 17, 2021, the Pennsylvania Companies filed petitions with the PPUC proposing to refund the net savings for the January through June 2018 period to customers beginning January 1, 2022. On November 18, 2021, the PPUC approved the Pennsylvania Companies' proposed refunds, but also revised a previous methodology for calculating the net tax savings, which resulted in additional tax savings attributable to the Tax Act to be refunded to customers and directed the Pennsylvania Companies to file new petitions to propose the timing and methodology to provide these additional refunds to customers. The Pennsylvania Companies recalculated the net impact for 2018 through 2021 under the revised PPUC methodology in comparison to amounts already refunded to customers under the existing riders, which resulted in an additional $61 million in savings, with interest, to be provided to customers. As a result, FirstEnergy recognized a pre-tax charge of $61 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 associated with the additional refund and based on the November 2021 PPUC order and methodology. The Pennsylvania Companies filed petitions to propose the timing and methodology of the refund of these amounts on February 17, 2022. If approved, the Pennsylvania Companies would refund these amounts beginning July 1, 2022, and continuing through the end of the year.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Act 129 of 2008 and PPUC orders, Pennsylvania EDCs implement energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs. The Pennsylvania Companies’ Phase III EE&C plans for the June 2016 through May 2021 period, which were approved in March 2016, with expected costs up to $390 million, are designed to achieve the targets established in the PPUC’s Phase III Final Implementation Order with full recovery through the reconcilable EE&C riders. On June 18, 2020, the PPUC entered a Final Implementation Order for a Phase IV EE&C Plan, operating from June 2021 through May 2026. The Final Implementation Order set demand reduction targets, relative to 2007 to 2008 peak demands, at 2.9% MW for ME, 3.3% MW for PN, 2.0% MW for Penn, and 2.5% MW for WP; and energy consumption reduction targets, as a percentage of the Pennsylvania Companies’ historic 2009 to 2010 reference load at 3.1% MWH for ME, 3.0% MWH for PN, 2.7% MWH for Penn, and 2.4% MWH for WP. The Pennsylvania Companies’ Phase IV plans were filed November 30, 2020. A settlement has been reached in this matter, and a joint petition seeking approval of that settlementapproved by the parties was filedPPUC without modification on February 16, 2021. On March 25, 2021, the PPUC issued an order approving the settlement without modification.2021.

Pennsylvania EDCs are permitted to seek PPUC approval of an LTIIP for infrastructure improvements and costs related to highway relocation projects, after which a DSIC may be approved to recover LTIIP costs. On January 16, 2020, the PPUC approved the Pennsylvania Companies’ LTIIPs for the five-year period beginning January 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2024 for a total capital investment of approximately $572 million for certain infrastructure improvement initiatives. On June 25, 2021, the Pennsylvania OCA filed a complaint against Penn’s quarterly DSIC rate, disputing the recoverability of the Companies’ automated distribution management system investment under the DSIC mechanism. Penn responded on July 19, 2021.On January 26, 2022, the parties filed a joint petition for settlement that resolves all issues in this matter pending PPUC approval.

Following the Pennsylvania Companies’ 2016 base rate proceedings, the PPUC ruled in a separate proceeding related to the DSIC mechanisms that the Pennsylvania Companies were not required to reflect federal and state income tax deductions related to DSIC-eligible property in DSIC rates, whichrates. The decision was appealed by the Pennsylvania OCA to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and in July 2021 the court upheld the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. The Commonwealth Court reversedCourt’s reversal of the PPUC’s decision and remanded the matter back to require the Pennsylvania CompaniesPPUC for determination as to revise their tariffs andhow DSIC calculations to includeshall account for ADIT and state income taxes. On April 7, 2020,The matter awaits further action by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an order granting Petitions for Allowance of Appeal by both the PPUC and the Pennsylvania Companies of the Commonwealth Court’s Opinion and Order. Briefs and Reply Briefs of the parties were filed, and oral argument before the Supreme Court was held on October 21, 2020. AnPPUC. The adverse ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is not expected to result in a material impact to FirstEnergy.

The PPUC issued an order on March 13, 2020, forbidding utilities from terminating service for non-payment for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 13, 2020, the PPUC issued a Secretarial letter directing utilities to track all prudently incurred incremental costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to create a regulatory asset for future recovery of incremental uncollectibles incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and termination moratorium. On October 13, 2020, the PPUC entered an order lifting the service termination moratorium effective November 9, 2020, subject to certain additional notification, payment procedures and exceptions, and permits the Pennsylvania Companies to create a regulatory asset for all incremental expenses associated with their compliance with the order. On March 19, 2021, the PPUC entered an order lifting the moratorium in total effective March 31, 2021, subject to certain additional guidelines regarding the duration of payment arrangements and reporting obligations.

WEST VIRGINIA

MP and PE provide electric service to all customers through traditional cost-based, regulated utility ratemaking and operate under WVPSC approved rates approved by the WVPSCthat became effective in February 2015. MP and PE recover net power supply costs, including fuel costs, purchased power costs and related expenses, net of related market sales revenue through the ENEC. MP’s and PE’s ENEC rate is updated annually.


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On March 13, 2020, the WVPSC urged all utilities to suspend utility service terminations except where necessary as a matter of safety or where requested by the customer. On May 15, 2020, the WVPSC issued an order to authorize MP and PE to record a deferral of additional, extraordinary costs directly related to complying with the various COVID-19 government shut-down orders and operational precautions, including impacts on uncollectible expense and cash flow related to temporary discontinuance of service terminations for non-payment and any credits to minimum demand charges associated with business customers adversely impacted by shut-downs or temporary closures related to the pandemic. MP and PE resumed disconnection activity for commercial and industrial customers on September 15, 2020, and for residential customers on November 4, 2020.

On August 28, 2020, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC their annual ENEC case requesting a decrease in ENEC rates of $55 million beginning January 1, 2021, representing a 4% decrease in rates compared to those in effect on August 28, 2020. The decrease in the ENEC rates is net of recovering approximately $10.5 million in previously deferred, incremental uncollectible and other related costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The WVPSC approved a unanimous settlement by the parties on December 16, 2020 with rates effective January 1, 2021.

Also, on August 28, 2020, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC for recovery of costs associated with modernization and improvement program for their coal-fired boilers. The proposed annual revenue increase for these environmental compliance projects is $5 million beginning January 1, 2021. The WVPSC approved a unanimous settlement by the parties on December 16, 2020 approving the recovery of those costs.

On December 30, 2020, MP and PE filed an integrated resource plan with the WVPSC. The plan projects a small capacity deficit but an energy surplus in MP’s and PE’s supply resources when compared with current WV load demand and projects the capacity deficit growing over the next 15 years. The plan does not recommend additional supply-side resources with a possible exception for small utility-scale solar resources and recommends that the capacity deficit be met through the PJM capacity market. MP currently expects to seek approval in 2021 to construct solar generation sources of up to 50 MWs. On July 13, 2021, the WVPSC accepted MP’s and PE’s integrated resource plan and closed the case.

On December 30, 2020, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC a determination of the rate impact of the Tax Act with respect to ADIT. The filing proposesproposed an annual revenue reduction of $2.6 million, annually, effective January 1, 2022, with reconciliation and any resulting adjustments incorporated into the annual ENEC proceedings. On August 12, 2021, a unanimous settlement was reached with all the parties agreeing to a $7.7 million rate reduction beginning January 1, 2022, with a true-up in the ENEC proceeding each year. On November 30, 2021, the WVPSC approved the settlement on all terms, except for the proposed effective date of the rate reduction, which was held in abeyance until further notice.

On August 27, 2021, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC their annual ENEC case requesting an increase in ENEC rates of $19.6 million beginning January 1, 2022, which represented a 1.5% increase to the rates currently in effect. WVPSC issued an order on December 29, 2021, granting the requested $19.6 million increase in ENEC rates. Among other things, the order requires MP and PE to refund to its large industrial customers their respective portion of the $7.7 million rate reduction discussed above and also requires MP and PE to negotiate a PPA for its capacity shortfall and a reasonable reserve margin if certain conditions are met. By order dated March 2, 2022, the WVPSC reopened the case to determine whether rates should be increased to recover growing ENEC under-recoveries. MP and PE proposed a $94 million rate increase to address the growing under-recoveries and a hearing was held on March 24, 2022. Any interim rate increase approved by WVPSC would be expected to begin May 1, 2022.

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On December 3, 2021 and on December 27, 2021, the WVPSC approved settlements granting MP and PE a $16 million increase in rates effective January 1, 2022, and permitting the continuation of the vegetation management program and surcharge for another two years. WVPSC additionally ordered MP and PE to perform equipment inspections within a reasonable time after vegetation management occurs on a circuit.

On November 22, 2021, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC their plan to construct 50 MWs of solar generation at five sites in West Virginia. The plan includes a tariff to offer solar power to West Virginia customers and cost recovery for MP and PE from other customers through a surcharge for any solar investment not fully subscribed by their customers. A hearing was held on March 16 and 17, 2022, and an order is expected in the second quarter of 2022. The solar generation project, if approved, is expected to cost approximately $110 million and begin being in-serviced by the end of 2023 with all construction completed at the other sites no later than the end of 2025.

On December 17, 2021, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC for approval of environmental compliance projects at the Ft. Martin and Harrison Power Stations to comply with the EPA’s ELG and operate these plants beyond 2028. The request includes a surcharge to recover the expected $142 million capital investment and $3 million in annual operation and maintenance expense. A hearing has been set for in August 18, 2021.2022, with a ruling from the WVPSC expected in the fall of 2022. If approved, construction would be expected to be completed by the end of 2025. See Note 8, “Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies - Environmental Matters - Clean Water Act" below, for additional details on the EPA's ELG.

FERC REGULATORY MATTERS

Under the FPA, FERC regulates rates for interstate wholesale sales, transmission of electric power, accounting and other matters, including construction and operation of hydroelectric projects. With respect to their wholesale services and rates, the Utilities, AE Supply and the Transmission Companies are subject to regulation by FERC. FERC regulations require JCP&L, MP, PE, WP and the Transmission Companies to provide open access transmission service at FERC-approved rates, terms and conditions. Transmission facilities of JCP&L, MP, PE, WP and the Transmission Companies are subject to functional control by PJM and transmission service using their transmission facilities is provided by PJM under the PJM Tariff.

FERC regulates the sale of power for resale in interstate commerce in part by granting authority to public utilities to sell wholesale power at market-based rates upon showing that the seller cannot exert market power in generation or transmission or erect barriers to entry into markets. The Utilities and AE Supply each have been authorized by FERC to sell wholesale power in interstate commerce at market-based rates and have a market-based rate tariff on file with FERC, although in the case of the Utilities major wholesale purchases remain subject to review and regulation by the relevant state commissions.

Federally enforceable mandatory reliability standards apply to the bulk electric system and impose certain operating, record-keeping and reporting requirements on the Utilities, AE Supply, and the Transmission Companies. NERC is the ERO designated by FERC to establish and enforce these reliability standards, although NERC has delegated day-to-day implementation and enforcement of these reliability standards to six regional entities, including RFC. All of the facilities that FirstEnergy operates are located within the RFC region. FirstEnergy actively participates in the NERC and RFC stakeholder processes, and otherwise monitors and manages its companies in response to the ongoing development, implementation and enforcement of the reliability standards implemented and enforced by RFC.

FirstEnergy believes that it is in material compliance with all currently effective and enforceable reliability standards. Nevertheless, in the course of operating its extensive electric utility systems and facilities, FirstEnergy occasionally learns of isolated facts or circumstances that could be interpreted as excursions from the reliability standards. If and when such occurrences are found, FirstEnergy develops information about the occurrence and develops a remedial response to the specific circumstances, including in appropriate cases “self-reporting” an occurrence to RFC. Moreover, it is clear that NERC, RFC and FERC will continue to refine existing reliability standards as well as to develop and adopt new reliability standards. Any inability on FirstEnergy’s part to comply with the reliability standards for its bulk electric system could result in the imposition of financial penalties, or obligations to upgrade or build transmission facilities, that could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

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FERC Audit

FERC’s Division of Audits and Accounting initiated a nonpublic audit of FESC in February 2019. Among other matters, the audit is evaluating FirstEnergy’s compliance with certain accounting and reporting requirements under various FERC regulations. On February 4, 2022, FERC filed the final audit report for the period of January 1, 2015 through September 30, 2021, which included several findings and recommendations. FirstEnergy has accepted the findings and recommendations of the final audit report. The audit report included a finding and related recommendation that FirstEnergy may have used an inappropriate methodology for allocation of certain costs to regulatory capital accounts under certain FERC regulations and reporting. As such, FirstEnergy is currently performing an analysis of these costs and how it impacted certain wholesale transmission customer rates. FirstEnergy is unable to predict or estimate the final outcome of this analysis and audit, however, it could result in refunds, with interest, to certain wholesale transmission customers and/or write-offs of previously capitalized costs if they are determined to be nonrecoverable.

ATSI Transmission Formula Rate

On May 1, 2020, ATSI filed amendments to its formula rate to recover regulatory assets for certain costs that ATSI incurred as a result of its 2011 move from MISO to PJM, certain costs allocated to ATSI by FERC for transmission projects that were constructed by other MISO transmission owners, and certain costs for transmission-related vegetation management programs. A portion of these costs would have been charged to the Ohio Companies. Additionally, ATSI proposed certain income tax-related adjustments and certain tariff changes addressing the revenue credit components of the formula rate template. In its filing, ATSI requested recovery of approximately $85 million related to ATSI’s costs to move to PJM, and the MISO transmission project costs that are allocated to ATSI through December 31, 2020; and recovery of future costs associated with the MISO transmission projects. Per prior FERC orders, ATSI included a “cost-benefit study” to support recovery of ATSI’s costs to move to PJM, and the MISO transmission project costs that are allocated to ATSI. Certain intervenors filed protests of the formula rate amendments on May 29, 2020, ATSI filed a reply on June 15, 2020, and certain intervenors filed responses to ATSI’s reply on June 25, and 29, 2020. On June 30, 2020, FERC issued an initial order accepting the tariff amendments subject to refund suspending the effective date for five months to be effective December 1, 2020, and setting the matter for hearing and settlement proceedings. ATSI is engaged in settlement negotiations withand the other parties to this proceeding.the FERC proceeding subsequently were able to reach settlement, and on October 14, 2021, filed the settlement with FERC. As a result of the filed settlement, FirstEnergy recognized a $21 million pre-tax charge during the third quarter of 2021, which reflects the difference between amounts originally recorded as regulatory assets and amounts which will ultimately be recovered as a result of the pending settlement. From a segment perspective, during the third quarter of 2021, the Regulated Transmission segment recorded a pre-tax charge of $48 million and the Regulated Distribution segment recognized a $27 million reduction to a reserve previously recorded in 2010. In addition, the settlement provides for partial recovery of future incurred costs allocated to ATSI by MISO for the above-referenced transmission projects that were constructed by other MISO transmission owners, which is not expected to have a material impact on FirstEnergy or ATSI. The uncontested settlement was approved by FERC on March 24, 2022 without modification.

FERC Actions on Tax Act

On March 15, 2018, FERC initiated proceedings on the question of how to address possible changes to ADIT and bonus depreciation as a result of the Tax Act. Such possible changes could impact FERC-jurisdictional rates, including transmission rates. On November 21, 2019, FERC issued a final rule (Order No. 864). Order No. 864 requires utilities with transmission formula rates to update their formula rate templates to include mechanisms to: (i) deduct any excess ADIT from or add any deficient ADIT to their rate base; (ii) raise or lower their income tax allowances by any amortized excess or deficient ADIT; and (iii) incorporate a new permanent worksheet into their rates that will annually track information related to excess or deficient ADIT. Per FERC directives, ATSI submitted its compliance filing on May 1, 2020. MAIT submitted its compliance filing on June 1, 2020. Certain intervenors filed protests of the compliance filings,On November 18, 2021, FERC issued an order that: (i) accepted ATSI proposed tariff amendments to which ATSI and MAIT responded. On October 28, 2020, FERC staff requested additional information about ATSI’s proposedits rate base adjustment mechanism, effective January 27, 2020; (ii) directed ATSI to make a further compliance filing by January 17, 2022; and (iii) set the amount of ATSI’s recorded ADIT balances as of December 31, 2017, for hearing and settlement procedures. ATSI submitted the requested information on November 25, 2020.compliance filing, and is participating in settlement negotiations. On May 4,December 3, 2021, FERC staff requested additional information aboutissued an order that (i) accepted MAIT’s proposed tariff amendments to its rate base adjustment mechanism, effective January 27, 2020; (ii) directed MAIT to make a further compliance filing by February 1, 2022; and (iii) set the amount of MAIT’s recorded ADIT balances as of December 31, 2017 for hearing and settlement procedures. MAIT submitted the requested information on June 3, 2021. On June 24, 2021, an intervenor protested the supplemental information that MAIT submitted, to which MAIT responded.compliance filing, and is participating in settlement negotiations. On May 15, 2020, TrAIL submitted its compliance filing and on June 1, 2020, PATH submitted its required compliance filing. On May 4, 2021, FERC staff requested additional information about PATH’s proposed rate base adjustment mechanism, and PATH submitted the requested information on June 3, 2021. On July 12, 2021, FERC staff requested additional information about TrAIL’s proposed rate base adjustment mechanism;mechanism. TrAIL filed its response on August 6, 2021. On March 31, 2022, FERC issued an order, ruling that TrAIL’s compliance filing partially complied with the due date for TrAIL’s response is August 11, 2021. Theserequirements of Order No. 864 and directing TrAIL to submit a further compliance filings each remainfiling on or before May 31, 2022 to address certain additional items that according to FERC further will enhance transparency. The PATH compliance filing remains pending before FERC. MP, WP and PE (as holders of a “stated” transmission rate)rate when Order No. 864 issued) are addressing these requirements in the transmission formula rates amendments that were filed on October 29, 2020, and which have been accepted by FERC effective January 1, 2021, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement procedures. JCP&L addressed these requirements as part of itsMP, WP and PE are engaged in settlement negotiations with other parties to this proceeding.

ATSI ROE – Ohio Consumers Counsel v. ATSI, et al.

On February 24, 2022, the OCC filed a complaint with FERC against ATSI, AEP’s Ohio affiliates and AEPSC, and Duke Energy Ohio, LLC asserting that FERC should reduce the ROE utilized in the utilities’ transmission formula rate case, whichrates by eliminating the 50 basis point adder associated with RTO membership, effective February 24, 2022. The OCC contends that this result is required

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because Ohio law mandates that transmission owning utilities join an RTO and that the 50 basis point adder is applicable only where RTO membership is voluntary. ATSI disagrees with OCC’s characterization and set forth its reasons for such disagreement in a combined motion to dismiss and answer that was resolved by a settlement approved byfiled with FERC on April 15, 2021, addressed further below.March 31, 2022. On that same date, AEP and Duke filed separate motions to dismiss and answers to the OCC complaint, and several other parties filed comments. ATSI is currently evaluating whether to file an additional answer to respond to certain of the comments.

Transmission ROE Methodology

On MayMarch 20, 2021, in a case not involving FirstEnergy, FERC issued Opinion No. 575 in which it reiterated the nationwide ROE methodology set forth in 2020 in Opinion No. 569-A. Under this methodology, FERC employs three financial models – discounted cash flow, capital-asset pricing, and risk premium – to calculate a composite zone of reasonableness. As it has done in other recent ROE cases, FERC rejected the use of the expected earnings methodology in calculating the authorized ROE. A request for clarification or, alternatively, rehearing of Opinion No. 575 was filed on June 21, 2021, and remains pending before FERC. FERC’s Opinion Nos. 569-A and 569-B, upon which Opinion No. 575 is based, have been appealed to the D.C. Circuit. FirstEnergy is not participating in the appeal. Any changes to FERC’s transmission rate ROE and incentive policies for the Utilities would be applied on a prospective basis.

In March 2020, FERC initiated a rulemaking proceeding on the transmission rate incentives provisions of Section 219 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act. FirstEnergy submitted comments through EEI and as part of a consortium of PJM Transmission Owners. In a supplemental rulemaking proceeding that was initiated on April 15, 2021, FERC requested comments on, among other things, whether to require utilities that have been members of an RTO for three years or more and that have been collecting an “RTO membership” ROE incentive adder to file tariff updates that would terminate collection of the incentive adder. Initial comments on the proposed rule were filed on June 25, 2021, and reply comments are duewere filed on July 26, 2021. The rulemaking remains pending before FERC. FirstEnergy is a member of PJM and its transmission subsidiaries could be affected by the supplemental proposed rule. FirstEnergy is participatingparticipated in comments on the supplemental rulemaking that are to bewere submitted by a group of PJM transmission owners and by various industry trade groups. If there were to be any changes to FirstEnergy transmission incentive ROE, such changes will be applied on a prospective basis.


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JCP&L Transmission Formula Rate

On October 30, 2019, JCP&L filed tariff amendments with FERC to convert JCP&L’s existing stated transmission rate to a forward-looking formula transmission rate. JCP&L requested that the tariff amendments become effective January 1, 2020. On December 19, 2019, FERC issued its initial order in the case, allowing JCP&L to transition to a forward-looking formula rate as of January 1, 2020 as requested, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement proceedings. JCP&L and the parties to the FERC proceeding subsequently were able to reach settlement, and on February 2, 2021, JCP&L filed an offer of settlement with FERC. On April 15, 2021, FERC approved the settlement agreement as filed, with no changes, effective January 1, 2021. JCP&L submitted a compliance filing on May 14, 2021 to implement aspects of the settlement, which is pending before FERC.

Allegheny Power Zone Transmission Formula Rate Filings

On October 29, 2020, MP, PE and WP filed tariff amendments with FERC to convert their existing stated transmission rate toimplement a forward-looking formula transmission rate, to be effective January 1, 2021. In addition, on October 30, 2020, KATCo filed a proposed new tariff to establish a forward-looking formula rate and requested that the new rate become effective January 1, 2021. In its filing, KATCo explained that while it currently owns no transmission assets, it may build new transmission facilities in the Allegheny zone, and that it may seek required state and federal authorizations to acquire transmission assets from PE and WP by January 1, 2022. These transmission rate filings were accepted for filing by FERC on December 31, 2020, effective January 1, 2021, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement procedures and were consolidated into a single proceeding. MP, PE and WP, and KATCo are engaged in settlement negotiations with the other parties to the formula rate proceedings. KATCo will be included in the Regulated Transmission reportable segment.
9.8. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES

GUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCES

FirstEnergy has various financial and performance guarantees and indemnifications, which are issued in the normal course of business. These contracts include performance guarantees, stand-by letters of credit, debt guarantees, surety bonds and indemnifications. FirstEnergy enters into these arrangements to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties by enhancing the value of the transaction to the third party.

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, outstanding guarantees and other assurances aggregated approximately $1.2$1.1 billion, consisting of parental guarantees on behalf of its consolidated subsidiaries ($0.6 billion), other guarantees ($0.1 billion)602 million) and other assurances ($0.5 billion)468 million).

COLLATERAL AND CONTINGENT-RELATED FEATURES

In the normal course of business, FE and its subsidiaries may enter into physical or financially settled contracts for the sale and purchase of electric capacity, energy, fuel and emission allowances. Certain agreements contain provisions that require FE or its subsidiaries to post collateral. This collateral may be posted in the form of cash or credit support with thresholds contingent upon FE’s or its subsidiaries’ credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. The collateral and credit support requirements vary by contract and by counterparty.

As of June 30, 2021, $33March 31, 2022, $52 million of collateral has been posted by FE or its subsidiaries of which, $32 million was posted as a result of the credit rating downgradesand is included in the fourth quarter of 2020.Prepaid taxes and other current assets on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.


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These credit-risk-related contingent features stipulate that if the subsidiary were to be downgraded or lose its investment grade credit rating (based on its senior unsecured debt rating), it would be required to provide additional collateral. The following table discloses the potential additional credit rating contingent contractual collateral obligations as of June 30, 2021:March 31, 2022:
Potential Collateral ObligationsPotential Collateral ObligationsUtilities and FETFETotalPotential Collateral ObligationsUtilities and Transmission CompaniesFETotal
(In millions) (In millions)
Contractual Obligations for Additional CollateralContractual Obligations for Additional CollateralContractual Obligations for Additional Collateral
Upon Further DowngradeUpon Further Downgrade$37 $$37 Upon Further Downgrade$43 $— $43 
Surety Bonds (Collateralized Amount) (1)
Surety Bonds (Collateralized Amount) (1)
56 258 314 
Surety Bonds (Collateralized Amount) (1)
57 258 315 
Total Exposure from Contractual ObligationsTotal Exposure from Contractual Obligations$93 $258 $351 Total Exposure from Contractual Obligations$100 $258 $358 
(1)Surety Bonds are not tied to a credit rating. Surety Bonds’ impact assumes maximum contractual obligations, which is ordinarily 100% of the face amount of the surety bond except with the respect to $39 million of surety bond obligations for which the collateral obligation is capped at 60% of the face amount, and typical obligations require 30 days to cure.


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OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

FE is a guarantor under a $120 million syndicated senior secured term loan facility due November 12, 2024, under which Global Holding’s outstanding principal balance was $108 million as of June 30, 2021. Signal Peak, Global Rail, Global Mining Group, LLC and Global Coal Sales Group, LLC, each being a direct or indirect subsidiary of Global Holding, and FE continue to provide their joint and several guaranties of the obligations of Global Holding under the facility.

In connection with the facility, 69.99% of Global Holding’s direct and indirect membership interests in Signal Peak, Global Rail and their affiliates along with FEV’s and WMB Marketing Ventures, LLC’s respective 33-1/3% membership interests in Global Holding, are pledged to the lenders under the current facility as collateral.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Various federal, state and local authorities regulate FirstEnergy with regard to air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal, and other environmental matters. While FirstEnergy’s environmental policies and procedures are designed to achieve compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, such laws and regulations are subject to periodic review and potential revision by the implementing agencies. FirstEnergy cannot predict the timing or ultimate outcome of any of these reviews or how any future actions taken as a result thereof may materially impact its business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Clean Air Act

FirstEnergy complies with SO2 and NOx emission reduction requirements under the CAA and SIP(s) by burning lower-sulfur fuel, utilizing combustion controls and post-combustion controls and/or using emission allowances.

CSAPR requires reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (2015 and 2017), ultimately capping SO2 emissions in affected states to 2.4 million tons annually and NOx emissions to 1.2 million tons annually. CSAPR allows trading of NOx and SO2 emission allowances between power plants located in the same state and interstate trading of NOx and SO2 emission allowances with some restrictions. On July 28, 2015, the D.C. Circuit ordered the EPA to reconsider the CSAPR caps on NOx and SO2 emissions from power plants in 13 states, including West Virginia. This followed the 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling generally upholding the EPA’s regulatory approach under CSAPR but questioning whether the EPA required upwind states to reduce emissions by more than their contribution to air pollution in downwind states. The EPA issued a CSAPR Update on September 7, 2016, reducing summertime NOx emissions from power plants in 22 states in the eastern U.S., including West Virginia, beginning in 2017. Various states and other stakeholders appealed the CSAPR Update to the D.C. Circuit in November and December 2016. On September 13, 2019, the D.C. Circuit remanded the CSAPR Update to the EPA citing that the rule did not eliminate upwind states’ significant contributions to downwind states’ air quality attainment requirements within applicable attainment deadlines.

Also during this time, in March 2018, the State of New York filed a CAA Section 126 petition with the EPA alleging that NOx emissions from nine states (including West Virginia) significantly contribute to New York’s inability to attain the ozone NAAQS. The petition sought suitable emission rate limits for large stationary sources that are allegedly affecting New York’s air quality within the three years allowed by CAA Section 126. On September 20, 2019, the EPA denied New York’s CAA Section 126 petition. On October 29, 2019, the State of New York appealed the denial of its petition to the D.C. Circuit. On July 14, 2020, the D.C. Circuit reversed and remanded the New York petition to the EPA for further consideration. On March 15, 2021, the EPA issued a revised CSAPR Update that addresses, among other things, the remands of the prior CSAPR Update and the New York Section 126 Petition.petition. In December 2021, MP purchased NOx emissions allowances to comply with 2021 ozone season requirements. On April 6, 2022, the EPA published proposed rules seeking to impose further significant reductions in EGU NOx emissions in 25 states, including West Virginia. The EPA held a virtual public hearing regarding the proposed rules on April 21, 2022, with comments due June 6, 2022. Depending on the outcome of any appeals and how the EPA and the states ultimately implement the revised CSAPR Update, the future cost of compliance may materially impact FirstEnergy's operations, cash flows and financial condition.

In February 2019, the EPA announced its final decision to retain without changes the NAAQS for SO2, specifically retaining the 2010 primary (health-based) 1-hour standard of 75 PPB. As of March 31, 2020, FirstEnergy has no power plants operating in areas designated as non-attainment by the EPA.

Climate Change

There are several initiatives to reduce GHG emissions at the state, federal and international level. Certain northeastern states are participating in the RGGI and western states led by California, have implemented programs, primarily cap and trade mechanisms, to control emissions of certain GHGs. Additional policies reducing GHG emissions, such as demand reduction programs, renewable portfolio standards and renewable subsidies have been implemented across the nation.

In September 2016, the U.S. joined in adopting the agreement reached on December 12, 2015, at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meetings in Paris to reduce GHG.GHGs. The Paris Agreement’s non-binding obligations to limit global

23


warming to below two degrees Celsius became effective on November 4, 2016. On June 1, 2017, the Trump Administration announced that the U.S. would cease all participation in the Paris Agreement. On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order re-adopting the agreement on behalf of the U.S. In November 2020, FirstEnergy published its Climate Story which includes its climate position and strategy, as well as a new comprehensive and ambitious GHG emission goal. FirstEnergy

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pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and set an interim goal for a 30% reduction in GHGGHGs within FirstEnergy’s direct operational control by 2030, based on 2019 levels. Future resource plans to achieve carbon reductions, including any determination of retirement dates of the regulated coal-fired generation, will be developed by working collaboratively with regulators in West Virginia. Determination of the useful life of the regulated coal-fired generation 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. Furthermore, FirstEnergy cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although potential legislative or regulatory programs restricting CO2CO2 emissions, or litigation alleging damages from GHG emissions, could require material capital and other expenditures or result in changes to its operations.

In December 2009, the EPA released its final “Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for GHGGHGs under the Clean Air Act,” concluding that concentrations of several key GHGs constitute an "endangerment" and may be regulated as "air pollutants" under the CAA and mandated measurement and reporting of GHG emissions from certain sources, including electric generating plants. Subsequently, the EPA released its final CPP regulations in August 2015 to reduce CO2CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired EGUs and finalized separate regulations imposing CO2CO2 emission limits for new, modified, and reconstructed fossil fuel-fired EGUs. Numerous states and private parties filed appeals and motions to stay the CPP with the D.C. Circuit in October 2015. On February 9, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the rule during the pendency of the challenges to the D.C. Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. On March 28, 2017, an executive order, entitled “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth,” instructed the EPA to review the CPP and related rules addressing GHG emissions and suspend, revise or rescind the rules if appropriate. On June 19, 2019, the EPA repealed the CPP and replaced it with the ACE rule that established guidelines for states to develop standards of performance to address GHG emissions from existing coal-fired power plants.generation. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated and remanded the ACE rule declaring that the EPA was “arbitrary and capricious” in its rule making and, as such, the ACE rule is no longer in effect and all actions thus far taken by states to implement the federally mandated rule are now null and void. The D.C. Circuit decision was appealed by several states, including West Virginia, as well as other interested parties. On February 28, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the matter is subject to legal challenge. Depending on the outcomes of further appealsthe appeal and how any final rules are ultimately implemented, the future cost of compliance may be material.

Clean Water Act

Various water quality regulations, the majority of which are the result of the federal CWA and its amendments, apply to FirstEnergy’s facilities. In addition, the states in which FirstEnergy operates have water quality standards applicable to FirstEnergy’s operations.

On September 30, 2015, the EPA finalized new, more stringent effluent limits for the Steam Electric Power Generating category (40 CFR Part 423) for arsenic, mercury, selenium and nitrogen for wastewater from wet scrubber systems and zero discharge of pollutants in ash transport water. The treatment obligations were to phase-in as permits are renewed on a five-year cycle from 2018 to 2023. However, on April 13, 2017, the EPA granted a Petition for Reconsideration and on September 18, 2017, the EPA postponed certain compliance deadlines for two years. On August 31, 2020, the EPA issued a final rule revising the effluent limits for discharges from wet scrubber systems, retaining the zero-discharge standard for ash transport water, (with some limited discharge allowances), and extending the deadline for compliance to December 31, 2025 for both. In addition, the EPA allows for less stringent limits for sub-categories of generating units based on capacity utilization, flow volume from the scrubber system, and unit retirement date. The EPA is reconsidering the ELG rule with a publicly announced target of issuing a proposed revised rule in the Fall of 2022 and a final rule by the Spring of 2023. In the interim, the rule issued on August 31, 2020, remains in effect. Depending on the outcome of appeals and how final rules are ultimately implemented, and the compliance options MP elects to take with the new rules, the compliance with these standards, which could includerequire additional capital expenditures or changes in operations at the Ft. Martin and Harrison power stations may be substantial and changesfrom what was filed with the WVPSC in December 2021 that seeks approval of environmental compliance projects to MP’s operations at those power stations may also result.comply with the EPA’s ELG.

On September 29, 2016, FirstEnergy receivedAfter the completion of a request fromnegotiated settlement, a complaint was filed by the EPA for information pursuant to CWA Section 308(a) for information concerning boron exceedances of effluent limitations establishedand PA DEP on January 10, 2022 in the NPDES PermitFederal District Court for the former Mitchell Power Station’s Mingo landfill, owned by WP. On November 1, 2016,Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging, among other things, that WP provided an initial response that contained information related to a similar boron issue at the former Springdale Power Station’s landfill, also owned by WP. The EPA requested additional information regarding the Springdale landfill and on November 15, 2016, WP provided a comprehensive response for both facilities and has fully complied with the Section 308(a) information request. On March 3, 2017, WP proposed to the PA DEP a re-route of its wastewater discharge to eliminate potential boron exceedances at the Springdale landfill and on January 29, 2018, WP submitted an NPDES permit renewal application to PA DEP proposing to re-route its wastewater discharge to eliminate potential boron exceedances at the Mingo landfill. On February 20, 2018, the Department of Justice issued a letter and tolling agreement to WP on behalf of the EPA alleging violations ofviolated the CWA at the Springdale and Mingo landfills and seeking to enter settlement negotiations in lieu of filing a complaint. To settle allegedconnection with past boron exceedances at both facilities,WP’s Springdale and Mingo landfills. On January 11, 2022, WP has agreed toentered into a consent decree with the EPA and PA DEP resolving the matters addressed in the complaint, which, among other things, required a civil penalty of $610 thousand. The District Court entered the Consent Decree as final on March 17, 2022 and WP subsequently paid the penalty amount of $610,000 to be paid over two years. It is expected that the parties will sign a Consent Decree memorializing the pipeline construction milestones and the civil penalty payments in the third quarter of 2021.as required therein.

Regulation of Waste Disposal

Federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated as a result of the RCRA, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act. Certain CCRs, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA’s evaluation of the need for future regulation.

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In April 2015, the EPA finalized regulations for the disposal of CCRs (non-hazardous), establishing national standards for landfill design, structural integrity design and assessment criteria for surface impoundments, groundwater monitoring and protection procedures and other operational and reporting procedures to assure the safe disposal of CCRs from electric generating plants. On September 13, 2017, the EPA announced that it would reconsider certain provisions of the final regulations. On July 17, 2018, the EPA Administrator signed a final rule extending the deadline for certain CCR facilities to cease disposal and commence

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closure activities, as well as, establishing less stringent groundwater monitoring and protection requirements. On August 21, 2018, the D.C. Circuit remanded sections of the CCR Rule to the EPA to provide for additional safeguards for unlined CCR impoundments that are more protective of human health and the environment. On December 2, 2019, the EPA published a proposed rule accelerating the date that certain CCR impoundments must cease accepting waste and initiate closure to August 31, 2020. The proposed rule allowed for an extension of the closure deadline based on meeting proscribed site-specific criteria. On July 29, 2020, the EPA published a final rule again revising the date that certain CCR impoundments must cease accepting waste and initiate closure to April 11, 2021. The final rule also allows for an extension of the closure deadline based on meeting proscribed site-specific criteria. On November 30, 2020, AE Supply submitted a closure deadline extension request to the EPA seeking to extend the closure date of McElroy's Run CCR impoundment facility until 2024.2024, which request is pending technical review by the EPA. AE Supply continues to operate McElroy’s Run as a disposal facility for EH’sFG’s Pleasants Power Station.

FE or its subsidiaries have been named as potentially responsible parties at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the CERCLA. Allegations of disposal of hazardous substances at historical sites and the liability involved are often unsubstantiated and subject to dispute; however, federal law provides that all potentially responsible parties for a particular site may be liable on a joint and several basis. Environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30,March 31, 2021, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, FirstEnergy’s proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other unaffiliated entities to pay. Total liabilities of approximately $101110 million have been accrued through June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, of which, approximately $67$70 million are for environmental remediation of former MGP and gas holder facilities in New Jersey, which are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. FE or its subsidiaries could be found potentially responsible for additional amounts or additional sites, but the loss or range of losses cannot be determined or reasonably estimated at this time.


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OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

United States v. Larry Householder, et al.

On July 21, 2020, a complaint and supporting affidavit containing federal criminal allegations were unsealed against the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. Also, on July 21, 2020, and in connection with the investigation, FirstEnergy received subpoenas for records from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the S.D. Ohio. FirstEnergy was not aware of the criminal allegations, affidavit or subpoenas before July 21, 2020.

On July 21, 2021, FE entered into a three-year DPA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that, subject to court proceedings, resolves this matter. Under the DPA, FE has agreed to the filing of a criminal information charging FE with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. The DPA requires that FirstEnergy, among other obligations: (i) continue to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in all matters relating to the conduct described in the DPA and other conduct under investigation by the U.S. government; (ii) pay a criminal monetary penalty totaling $230 million within sixty days, which shall consist of (x) $115 million paid by FE to the United States Treasury and (y) $115 million paid by FE to the ODSA to fund certain assistance programs, as determined by the ODSA, for the benefit of low-income Ohio electric utility customers; (iii) publish a list of all payments made in 2021 to either 501(c)(4) entities or to entities known by FirstEnergy to be operating for the benefit of a public official, either directly or indirectly, and update the same on a quarterly basis during the term of the DPA; (iv) issue a public statement, as dictated in the DPA, regarding FE’s use of 501(c)(4) entities; and (v) continue to implement and review its compliance and ethics program, internal controls, policies and procedures designed, implemented and enforced to prevent and detect violations of the U.S. laws throughout its operations, and to take certain related remedial measures. 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 entire amount of the monetary penalty was recognized as expense in the second quarter of 2021, and paid in the third quarter of 2021. Under the terms of the DPA, the criminal information will be dismissed after FirstEnergy fully complies with its obligations under the DPA.

Legal Proceedings Relating to United States v. Larry Householder, et al.

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, the SEC issued an additional subpoena to FE. 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.

In addition to the subpoenas referenced above under “—United States v. Larry Householder, et. al.” and the SEC investigation, certain FE stockholders and FirstEnergy customers filed several lawsuits against FirstEnergy and certain current and former directors, officers and other employees, and the complaints in each of these suits is related to allegations in the complaint and supporting affidavit relating to HB 6 and the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. The plaintiffs in each of the below cases seek, among other things, to recover an unspecified amount of damages (unless otherwise noted). NoUnless otherwise indicated, no contingency has been reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements with respect to these lawsuits as a loss is neither probable, nor is a loss or range of a loss reasonably estimable.

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Owens v.In re FirstEnergy Corp. et al. and Frand v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al.Securities Litigation (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio); on July 28, 2020 and August 21, 2020, purported stockholders of FE filed putative class action lawsuits alleging violations of the federal securities laws. Those actions have been consolidated and a lead plaintiff, the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association, has been appointed by the court. A consolidated complaint was filed on February 26, 2021. The consolidated complaint alleges, on behalf of a proposed class of persons who purchased FE securities between February 21, 2017 and July 21, 2020, that FE and certain current or former FE officers violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by issuing misrepresentations or omissions concerning FE’s business and results of operations. The consolidated complaint also alleges that FE, certain current or former FE officers and directors, and a group of underwriters violated Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 as a result of alleged misrepresentations or omissions in connection with offerings of senior notes by FE in February and June 2020. FE believes that it is probable that it will incur a loss in connection with the resolution of this lawsuit. Given the ongoing nature and complexity of such litigation, FE cannot yet reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss.
GendrichMFS Series Trust I, et al. v. Anderson,FirstEnergy Corp., et al. and SloanBrighthouse Funds II – MFS Value Portfolio, et al. v. Anderson,FirstEnergy Corp., et al. (Common Pleas(Federal District Court, Summit County, OH);S.D. Ohio) on July 26, 2020December 17, 2021 and July 31, 2020, respectively,February 21, 2022, purported stockholders of FE filed shareholder derivative action lawsuitscomplaints against certain FE, directors and officers, alleging, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duty. These actions have been consolidated.
Miller v. Anderson, et al. (Federal District Court, N.D. Ohio); Bloom, et al. v. Anderson, et al.; Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis v. Jones, et al.; Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W. v. Anderson et al.; Massachusetts Laborers Pension Fund v. Anderson et al.; The City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement v. Anderson et al.; Atherton v. Dowling et al; Behar v. Anderson, et al. (U.S. District Court, S.D. Ohio, all actions have been consolidated); beginning on August 7, 2020, purported stockholders of FE filed shareholder derivative actions alleging the board and officers breached their fiduciary duties and committed violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The cases in the S.D. Ohio have been consolidated and co-lead plaintiffs have been appointed by the court. On May 11, 2021, the court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss in the consolidated

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derivative proceedings in the S.D. Ohio. As previously disclosed, on June 29, 2021, the Board established a Special Litigation Committee, effective July 1, 2021. The Special Litigation Committee has been delegated full authority by the Board to take all actions as the Special Litigation Committee deems advisable, appropriate, and in the best interests of FirstEnergy and its shareholders with respect to pending shareholder derivative litigation and demands. On July 20, 2021, the Special Litigation Committee filed motions to stay proceedings in each of the shareholder derivative actions pending in the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio and in Summit County, Ohio, while the Special Litigation Committee investigates the matters asserted in the lawsuits.
Smith v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al., Buldas v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al., and Hudock and Cameo Countertops, Inc. v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio); on July 27, 2020, July 31, 2020, and August 5, 2020, respectively, purported customers of FirstEnergy filed putative class action lawsuits against FE and FESC, as well as certain current and former officers, and certain current and former officers of EH. The complaints allege that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act by issuing alleged misrepresentations or omissions regarding FE’s business and its results of operations, and seek the same relief as the In re FirstEnergy officers, alleging civil Racketeer InfluencedCorp. Securities Litigation described above. FE believes that it is probable that it will incur losses in connection with the resolution of these lawsuits. Given the ongoing nature and Corrupt Organizations Act violations and related state law claims. These actions have been consolidated, and the court denied FirstEnergy’s motions to dismiss and stay discovery on February 10 and 11, 2021, respectively. The defendants submitted answers to the complaint on March 10, 2021. Discovery is proceeding.complexity of such litigation, FE cannot yet reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss.
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. (Common Pleas Court, Franklin County, OH)OH, all actions have been consolidated); on September 23, 2020 and October 27, 2020, the OAG and the cities of Cincinnati and Columbus, respectively, filed complaints against several parties including FE (the OAG also named FES as a defendant), each alleging civil violations of the Ohio Corrupt Activity Act in connection with the passage of HB 6. On January 13, 2021, the OAG filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against FirstEnergy seeking to enjoin FirstEnergy from collecting the Ohio Companies' decoupling rider. On January 31, 2021, FE reached a partial settlement with the OAG and the cities of Cincinnati and Columbus with respect to the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction request and related issues. In connection with the partial settlement, the Ohio Companies filed an application on February 1, 2021, with the PUCO to set their respective decoupling riders (CSR) to zero. On February 2, 2021, the PUCO approved the application of the Ohio Companies setting the rider to zero and no additional customer bills will include new decoupling rider charges after February 8, 2021. The cities of Dayton and Toledo have also been added as plaintiffs to the action. These actions have been consolidated. The cases are stayed pending final resolution of the United States v. Larry Householder, et alal. criminal proceeding described above.above, although on August 13, 2021, new defendants were added to the complaint, including two former officers of FirstEnergy. On November 9, 2021, the OAG filed a motion to lift the agreed-upon stay, which FE opposed on November 19, 2021; the motion remains pending. On December 2, 2021, the cities and FE entered a stipulated dismissal with prejudice of the cities’ suit.
Smith v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al., Buldas v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al., and Hudock and Cameo Countertops, Inc. v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio, all actions have been consolidated); on July 27, 2020, July 31, 2020, and August 5, 2020, respectively, purported customers of FE filed putative class action lawsuits against FE and FESC, as well as certain current and former FE officers, alleging civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act violations and related state law claims. FE agreed to a settlement to resolve these claims on April 11, 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2021, FirstEnergy recognized a pre-tax reserve of $37.5 million in the aggregate with respect to these lawsuits and the Emmons lawsuit below.
Emmons v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. (Common Pleas Court, Cuyahoga County, OH); on August 4, 2020, a purported customer of FirstEnergy filed a putative class action lawsuit against FE, FESC, OE, TE and CEI,the Ohio Companies, along with FES, alleging several causes of action, including negligence and/or gross negligence, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and unfair or deceptive consumer acts or practices. FE agreed to a settlement to resolve these claims on April 11, 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2021, FirstEnergy recognized a pre-tax reserve of $37.5 million in the aggregate with respect to this lawsuit and the lawsuits above consolidated with Smith in the S.D. Ohio alleging, among other things, civil violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

On October 1,February 9, 2022, FE, acting through the SLC, agreed to a settlement term sheet to resolve the following shareholder derivative lawsuits relating to HB 6 and the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder that were filed in the S.D. Ohio, the N.D. Ohio, and the Ohio Court of Common Pleas, Summit County:

Gendrich v. Anderson, et al. and Sloan v. Anderson, et al. (Common Pleas Court, Summit County, OH, all actions have been consolidated); on July 26, 2020 plaintiffsand July 31, 2020, respectively, purported stockholders of FE filed shareholder derivative action lawsuits against certain FE directors and officers, alleging, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duty.
Miller v. Anderson, et al. (Federal District Court, N.D. Ohio); Bloom, et al. v. Anderson, et al.; Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis v. Jones, et al.; Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W. v. Anderson et al.; Massachusetts Laborers Pension Fund v. Anderson et al.; The City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement v. Anderson et al.; Atherton v. Dowling et al.; Behar v. Anderson, et al. (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio, all actions

26


have been consolidated); beginning on August 7, 2020, purported stockholders of FE filed shareholder derivative actions alleging the FE Board and officers breached their fiduciary duties and committed violations of Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

On March 11, 2022, the parties executed a stipulation and agreement of settlement, and filed a First Amended Complaint, adding asmotion the same day requesting preliminary settlement approval in the S.D. Ohio. The settlement agreement, if approved, will fully resolve the shareholder derivative lawsuits above and stipulates a plaintiff a purported customerseries of FirstEnergy and alleging a civil violationcorporate governance enhancements, that has resulted or is expected to result in the following:

Six members of the Ohio Corrupt Activity ActFE Board, Messrs. Michael J. Anderson, Donald T. Misheff, Thomas N. Mitchell, Christopher D. Pappas and civil conspiracy againstLuis A. Reyes, and Ms. Julia L. Johnson are not standing for re-election at FE’s 2022 annual shareholder meeting;
A special FE FESC and FES. On May 4, 2021, the court granted the defendants’ motionBoard committee of at least three recently appointed independent directors will be formed to dismiss plaintiffs’ breach of contract claims and denied the remainderinitiate a review process of the motionscurrent senior executive team, to dismiss. begin within 30 days of the 2022 annual shareholder meeting;
The defendants submitted answersFE Board will oversee FE’s lobbying and political activities, including periodically reviewing and approving political and lobbying action plans prepared by management;
An FE Board committee of recently appointed independent directors will oversee the implementation and third-party audits of the FE Board-approved action plans with respect to the complaint on June 1, 2021. Discovery is proceeding.political and lobbying activities;
FE will implement enhanced disclosure to shareholders of political and lobbying activities, including enhanced disclosure in its annual proxy statement; and
FE will further align financial incentives of senior executives to proactive compliance with legal and ethical obligations.

The settlement also includes a payment to FirstEnergy of $180 million, to be paid by insurance after court approval, less any court-ordered attorney’s fees awarded to plaintiffs.

In letters dated January 26, and February 22, 2021, staff of FERC's Division of Investigations notified FirstEnergy that the Division is conducting an investigation of FirstEnergy’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6, and staff directed FirstEnergy to preserve and maintain all documents and information related to the same as such have been developed as part of an ongoing non-public audit being conducted by FERC's Division of Audits and Accounting. While no contingency has been reflected in itsthe consolidated financial statements, FirstEnergy believes that it is probable that it will incur a loss in connection with the resolution of the FERC investigation. Given the ongoing nature and complexity of the review, inquiries and investigations, FirstEnergy cannot yet reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss that may arise from the resolution of the FERC investigation.

The outcome of any of these lawsuits, governmental investigations and audit areis uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on FE’s or its subsidiaries’ reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.

Internal Investigation Relating to United States v. Larry Householder, et al.

As previously disclosed, a committee of independent members of the Board of Directors has been directing an internal investigation related to ongoing government investigations. In connection with FirstEnergy’s internal investigation, such committee determined on October 29, 2020, to terminate FirstEnergy’s Chief Executive Officer, Charles E. Jones, together with two other executives: Dennis M. Chack, Senior Vice President of Product Development, Marketing, and Branding; and Michael J. Dowling, Senior Vice President of External Affairs. Each of these terminated executives violated certain FirstEnergy policies and its code of conduct. These executives were terminated as of October 29, 2020. Such former members of senior management did not maintain and promote a control environment with an appropriate tone of compliance in certain areas of FirstEnergy’s business, nor sufficiently promote, monitor or enforce adherence to certain FirstEnergy policies and its code of conduct. Furthermore, certain former members of senior management did not reasonably ensure that relevant information was communicated within our organization and not withheld from our independent directors, our Audit Committee, and our independent auditor. Among the matters considered with respect to the determination by the committee of independent members of the Board of Directors that certain former members of senior management violated certain FirstEnergy policies and its code of conduct related to a payment of approximately $4 million made in early 2019 in connection with the termination of a purported consulting agreement, as amended, which had been in place since 2013. The counterparty to such agreement was an entity associated with an individual who subsequently was appointed to a full-time role as an Ohio government official directly involved

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in regulating the Ohio Companies, including with respect to distribution rates. Additionally, on November 8, 2020, the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, and the Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Ethics Officer, were separated from FirstEnergy due to inaction and conduct that the Board determined was influenced by the improper tone at the top. Subsequently, effective May 26, 2021, the Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs, and Acting Vice President, External Affairs was separated from FirstEnergy related to her inaction regarding an amendment in 2015 of the purported consulting agreement discussed above.

Additionally, on February 17, 2021, the Board appointed Mr. John W. Somerhalder II to the positions of Vice Chairperson of the Board and Executive Director of FE, each effective as of March 1, 2021. Mr. Donald T. Misheff will continue to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Mr. Somerhalder will help lead efforts to enhance FirstEnergy’s reputation. On March 7, 2021, the Board appointed Mr. Steven E. Strah to the position of Chief Executive Officer of FirstEnergy, effective as of March 8, 2021. On March 7, 2021, at the recommendation of the FirstEnergy Corporate Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee, the Board also elected Mr. Strah as a Director of FirstEnergy, effective as of March 8, 2021.

Also, in connection with the internal investigation, FirstEnergy identified certain transactions, which, in some instances, extended back ten years of more, including vendor service, that were either improperly classified, misallocated to certain of the Utilities and Transmission Companies, or lacked proper supporting documentation. These transactions resulted in amounts collected from customers that were immaterial to FirstEnergy. The Utilities and Transmission Companies are working with the appropriate regulatory agencies to address these amounts.

The internal investigation has revealed no new material issues since FirstEnergy’s Form 10-K was filed on February 18, 2021. The focus of the internal investigation has transitioned from a proactive investigation to continued cooperation with the ongoing government investigations.

Nuclear Plant Matters

On October 15, 2019, JCP&L, ME, PN and GPUN executed an asset purchase and sale agreement with TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of EnergySolutions, LLC, concerning the transfer and dismantlement of TMI-2. This transfer of TMI-2 to TMI-2 Solutions, LLC will include the: (i) transfer of the ownership and operating NRC licenses for TMI-2; (ii) transfer of the external trusts for the decommissioning and environmental remediation of TMI-2; and (iii) assumption by TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, of certain liabilities, including all responsibility for the TMI-2 site, full decommissioning of TMI-2 and ongoing management of core debris material not previously transferred to the DOE. On August 10, 2020, JCP&L, ME, PN, GPUN, TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, and the PA DEP reached a settlement agreement regarding the decommissioning of TMI-2. On December 2, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order approving the transfer and sale under the conditions requested by NJ Rate Counsel and agreed to by JCP&L. Those conditions will restrict JCP&L from seeking recovery from its ratepayers for any future liabilities JCP&L could incur with respect to TMI-2. Also, on December 2, 2020, the NRC issued its order approving the license transfer as requested. With the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the transaction was consummated on December 18, 2020.

Other Legal Matters

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to FirstEnergy’s normal business operations pending against FE or its subsidiaries. The loss or range of loss in these matters is not expected to be material to FE or its subsidiaries. The other potentially material items not otherwise discussed above are described under Note 8,7, “Regulatory Matters.”

FirstEnergy accrues legal liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably estimate the amount of such costs. In cases where FirstEnergy determines that it is not probable, but reasonably possible that it has a material obligation, it discloses such obligations and the possible loss or range of loss if such estimate can be made. If it were ultimately determined that FE or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on any of the matters referenced above, it could have a material adverse effect on FE’s or its subsidiaries’ financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

10.9. SEGMENT INFORMATION

FE and its subsidiaries are principally involved in the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity through its reportable segments, Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission.

The Regulated Distribution segment distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s 10 utility operating companies, serving approximately 6000000 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. Included within the segment is $45 million of assets classified as held for sale as of December 31,

On April 6, 2020, associated with theJCP&L signed an asset purchase agreement with Yards Creek; see Note 8, “Regulatory Matters,” for additional information.Creek Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of LS Power to sell its 50% interest in the Yards Creek pumped-storage hydro generation facility. With the receipt of all required regulatory approvals,

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the transaction was consummated on March 5, 2021 and resulted in a $109 million gain within the regulated distribution segment in the first quarter of 2021. The gain from the transaction was applied against and reduced JCP&L’s existing regulatory asset for previously deferred storm costs and, as a result, was offset by expense in the “Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net”, line on the Consolidated Statements of Income, resulting in no earnings impact to FirstEnergy or JCP&L.

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 primarily derived from forward-looking formula rates at the Transmission Companies and JCP&L as well as stated transmission rates at MP, PE and WP; although as explained in Note 8, “Regulatory Matters,” effective January 1, 2021, subject to refund, MP’s, PE’s and WP’s existing stated rates became forward-looking formula rates. JCP&L previously had stated transmission rates; however, effective January 1, 2020, JCP&L implemented forward-looking formula rates, which were approved by FERC on April 15, 2021. Both forward-looking formula and stated rates recover costs that FERC determines are permitted to be recovered and provide a return on transmission capital investment. Under forward-looking formula rates, 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 costs. Revenue requirements under stated rates are calculated annually by multiplying the highest one-hour peak load in each respective transmission zone by the approved, stated rate in that zone.base and costs. The segment’s results also reflect the net transmission expenses related to the delivery of electricity on FirstEnergy’s transmission facilities. On November 6, 2021, FirstEnergy, along with FET, entered into the FET P&SA, with Brookfield and Brookfield Guarantors pursuant to which FET agreed to issue and sell to Brookfield at the closing, and Brookfield agreed to purchase from FET, certain newly issued membership interests of FET, such that Brookfield will own 19.9% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of FET, for a purchase price of $2.375 billion. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the FERC and review by the CFIUS. CFIUS completed its review on April 14, 2022 and FERC approved the transaction on April 21, 2022. The transaction is expected to close at the end of May 2022. KATCo, which is currently a subsidiary of FET, will become a wholly owned subsidiary of FE prior to the closing of the transaction and will remain in the Regulated Transmission segment.
Corporate/Other reflects corporate support and other costs not charged or attributable to FE’s subsidiaries,the Utilities or Transmission Companies, including FE’s retained Pension and OPEB assets and liabilities of the FES Debtors, interest expense on FE’s holding company debt and other investments or businesses that do not constitute an operating segment. Reconciling adjustments for the elimination of inter-segment transactions are shown separately in the following table of Segment Financial Information. As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, 67 MWs of electric generating capacity, representing AE Supply’s OVEC capacity entitlement, wasis included in continuing operations of Corporate/Other. As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, Corporate/Other had approximately $7.9$7.4 billion of FE holding company debt.





















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Financial information for each of FirstEnergy’s reportablebusiness segments and reconciliations to consolidated amounts is presented in the tables below:below. FirstEnergy evaluates segment performance based on Net income (loss).
Segment Financial Information
For the Three Months EndedRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/ OtherReconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
(In millions)
March 31, 2022
External revenues$2,532 $451 $$— $2,989 
Internal revenues57 — (59)— 
Total revenues$2,589 $453 $$(59)$2,989 
Depreciation235 86 17 340 
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net(38)— — (37)
Miscellaneous income (expense), net85 17 (2)106 
Interest expense129 59 127 (2)313 
Income taxes (benefits)69 41 (27)— 83 
Net income (loss)265 125 (102)— 288 
Property additions$317 $197 $$— $520 
March 31, 2021
External revenues$2,321 $401 $$— $2,726 
Internal revenues49 — (53)— 
Total revenues$2,370 $405 $$(53)$2,726 
Depreciation226 81 15 323 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net87 — — 92 
Miscellaneous income (expense), net107 11 22 (5)135 
Interest expense128 61 101 (5)285 
Income taxes (benefits)82 33 (28)— 87 
Net income (loss)313 109 (87)— 335 
Property additions$321 $273 $10 $— $604 
As of March 31, 2022
Total assets$30,883 $13,070 $664 $— $44,617 
Total goodwill$5,004 $614 $— $— $5,618 
As of December 31, 2021
Total assets$30,812 $13,237 $1,383 $— $45,432 
Total goodwill$5,004 $614 $— $— $5,618 

























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For the Three Months EndedRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/ OtherReconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
(In millions)
June 30, 2021
External revenues$2,208 $411 $$$2,622 
Internal revenues50 (58)
Total revenues$2,258 $419 $$(58)$2,622 
Depreciation229 77 16 323 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net43 49 
DPA penalty230 230 
Miscellaneous income (expense), net88 11 14 (5)108 
Interest expense131 63 98 (5)287 
Income taxes (benefits)71 37 (12)96 
Income (loss) from continuing operations274 116 (332)58 
Property additions$346 $257 $19 $$622 
June 30, 2020
External revenues$2,140 $380 $$$2,522 
Internal revenues48 (52)
Total revenues$2,188 $384 $$(52)$2,522 
Depreciation226 78 17 321 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net10 13 
Miscellaneous income (expense), net90 (2)103 
Interest expense123 55 87 (2)263 
Income taxes (benefits)67 34 (35)66 
Income (loss) from continuing operations251 114 (58)307 
Property additions$386 $270 $20 $$676 
For the Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021
External revenues$4,529 $812 $$$5,348 
Internal revenues99 12 (111)
Total revenues$4,628 $824 $$(111)$5,348 
Depreciation455 158 31 646 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net130 11 141 
DPA penalty230 230 
Miscellaneous income (expense), net195 22 36 (10)243 
Interest expense259 124 199 (10)572 
Income taxes (benefits)153 70 (40)183 
Income (loss) from continuing operations587 225 (419)393 
Property additions$667 $530 $29 $$1,226 
June 30, 2020
External revenues$4,451 $777 $$$5,231 
Internal revenues95 (103)
Total revenues$4,546 $785 $$(103)$5,231 
Depreciation449 154 33 638 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net59 65 
Miscellaneous income (expense), net165 14 32 (8)203 
Interest expense250 107 177 (8)526 
Income taxes (benefits)35 68 (97)
Income (loss) from continuing operations387 231 (287)331 
Property additions$724 $539 $29 $$1,292 
As of June 30, 2021
Total assets$30,943 $12,779 $641 $$44,363 
Total goodwill$5,004 $614 $$$5,618 
As of December 31, 2020
Total assets$30,855 $12,592 $1,017 $$44,464 
Total goodwill$5,004 $614 $$$5,618 


ITEM 2.        Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

FIRSTENERGY CORP.

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FIRSTENERGY’S BUSINESS

FE and its subsidiaries are principally involved in the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity through its reportable segments, Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission.

The Regulated Distribution segment distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s ten 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.
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 primarily derived from forward-looking formula rates at the Transmission Companies and JCP&L as well as stated transmission rates at MP, PE and WP; although as explained in Note 8, “Regulatory Matters,” effective January 1, 2021, subject to refund, MP’s, PE’s and WP’s existing stated rates became forward-looking formula rates. JCP&L previously had stated transmission rates; however, effective January 1, 2020, JCP&L implemented forward-looking formula rates, which were approved by FERC on April 15, 2021. Both forward-looking formula and stated rates recover costs that FERC determines are permitted to be recovered and provide a return on transmission capital investment. Under forward-looking formula rates, 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 costs. Revenue requirements under stated rates are calculated annually by multiplying the highest one-hour peak load in each respective transmission zone by the approved, stated rate in that zone.base and costs. The segment’s results also reflect the net transmission expenses related to the delivery of electricity on FirstEnergy’s transmission facilities. On November 6, 2021, FirstEnergy, along with FET, entered into the FET P&SA, with Brookfield and Brookfield Guarantors pursuant to which FET agreed to issue and sell to Brookfield at the closing, and Brookfield agreed to purchase from FET, certain newly issued membership interests of FET, such that Brookfield will own 19.9% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of FET, for a purchase price of $2.375 billion. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the FERC and review by the CFIUS. CFIUS completed its review on April 14, 2022 and FERC approved the transaction on April 21, 2022. The transaction is expected to close at the end of May 2022.
Corporate/Other reflects corporate support and other costs not charged or attributable to FE’s subsidiaries,the Utilities or Transmission Companies, including FE’s retained Pension and OPEB assets and liabilities of the FES Debtors, interest expense on FE’s holding company debt and other investments or businesses that do not constitute an operating segment. Additionally, reconciling adjustments for the elimination of inter-segment transactions are included in Corporate/Other. As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, 67 MWs of electric generating capacity, representing AE Supply’s OVEC capacity entitlement, was included in continuing operations of Corporate/Other. As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, Corporate/Other had approximately $7.9$7.4 billion of FE holding company debt.


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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.

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.

FirstEnergy Core Values:

Integrity: We always act ethically with honesty, humility and accountability.

Safety: We keep ourselves and others safe.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: We embrace differences, ensure every employee is treated fairly and create a culture where everyone feels they belong.

Performance Excellence: We pursue excellence and seek opportunities for growth, innovation and continuous improvement.

Stewardship: We positively impact our customers, communities and other stakeholders, and strive to protect the environment.

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.

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 ESG and strategic priorities, and positively impact our stakeholders.

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 an unrelenting customer focus that emphasizes modern experiences, new growth and affordable energy bills, and is leading and enabling the energy transition to a clean, resilient and secure electric grid.

We are proud of the steps we’ve already taken to demonstrate our commitment to our strategy and look forward to improving our performance and executing on these strategic priorities.

FirstEnergy's Business

As a fully regulated electric utility, FirstEnergy is focused on stable and predictable earnings and cash flow from its Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission business unitsbusinesses that deliver enhanced customer service and reliability.

FirstEnergy's Regulated Distribution business is comprised of a geographically and regulatory diverse collection of electric utilities delivering customer-focused sustainable growth. This business operates in a territory of 65,000 square miles, across the Midwest & Mid-Atlantic regions, one of the largest contiguous territories in the United States, and allows the Utilities to be uniquely positioned for growth through investments that strengthen the grid and enable the clean energy transition, with approximately $9 billion in investment plans (or 53% of the total FirstEnergy investment plan) from 2021 to 2025. Through its investment plan, Regulated Distribution has improved reliability and added operating flexibility to the distribution infrastructure, which provide benefits to the customers and communities those Utilities serve.

In addition to our investments to rebuild critical infrastructure and improve reliability, current and future distribution investment opportunities that supports FE's dividend.support our ESG and strategic priorities include:
Advanced Metering Infrastructure – install smart meters and related infrastructure;
Grid Modernization Investments that support distribution automation and voltage and var optimization;
Installation of electric vehicle charging stations;
Connected LED Streetlights – strategic goal to convert 100% of streetlights owned by the Utilities to smart LEDs by 2030;
Alternative Generation that lowers our carbon footprint;
Information Systems – enhance our core information infrastructure of our distribution systems; and
Supporting economic development to attract new business.

FirstEnergy's Regulated Transmission business is a premier, high quality transmission business, with over 24,000 miles of transmission lines in operation and one of the largest transmission systems in PJM. The Transmission Companies and certain of FirstEnergy's utilities (JCP&L, MP, PE and WP) are focused on "Energizing the Future" with investments that support clean

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energy, improve grid reliability and resiliency and support a carbon neutral future. "Energizing the Future" is the centerpiece of FirstEnergy’s regulated investment strategy with all investments recovered under FERC-regulated forward-looking formula rates, and approximately $8 billion in investment plans (or 45% of the total FirstEnergy investment plan) from 2021 to 2025. FirstEnergy believes there are incremental investment opportunities for its existing transmission infrastructure of over $20 billion beyond those identified through 2025, 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.

In addition to our Energizing the Future investments, current and future transmission investment opportunities that support our ESG and strategic priorities include:
Transmission Asset Health Center: real-time monitoring to reduce outages and lower expenses;
Integrating digital technology to enhance equipment monitoring and lower costs;
Exploring real-time technologies: emerging technologies to enhance data collection; and
Making smart investments to modernize the grid to integrate future renewables.

On JulyNovember 6, 2021, FirstEnergy, along with FET, entered into the FET P&SA with Brookfield and the Brookfield Guarantors, pursuant to which FET agreed to issue and sell to Brookfield at the closing, and Brookfield agreed to purchase from FET, certain newly issued membership interests of FET, such that Brookfield will own 19.9% of the issued and outstanding membership interests of FET, for a purchase price of $2.375 billion. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the FERC and review by the CFIUS. CFIUS completed its review on April 14, 2022 and FERC approved the transaction on April 21, 2020,2022. The transaction is expected to close at the end of May 2022.

On December 13, 2021, FE privately issued to BIP Securities II-B L.P., an affiliate of Blackstone Infrastructure Partners L.P., 25,588,535 shares of FE’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share, at a complaintprice of $39.08 per share, representing an investment of $1.0 billion. In addition, FE nominated Sean T. Klimczak, the Blackstone Infrastructure Partners-selected representative, to stand for election to the FE Board at the 2022 annual shareholders’ meeting. On April 21, 2022, FERC approved the Blackstone representative’s ability to participate as a voting member of the FE Board.

On October 18, 2021, FE, FET, the Utilities, and supporting affidavit containing federal criminal allegations were unsealed against the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry HouseholderTransmission Companies entered into six separate senior unsecured five-year syndicated revolving credit facilities. These new credit facilities provide substantial liquidity to support the Regulated Distribution and other individualsRegulated Transmission businesses, and entities allegedly affiliatedeach of the operating companies within the businesses. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity" below for additional details.

Together, these transactions enhance FirstEnergy's credit profile, provide funding for the strategic investments discussed above, and address all of FirstEnergy's equity plans, with Mr. Householder. Also,the exception of annual issuances of up to $100 million under regular dividend reinvestment plans and employee benefit stock investment plans, through at least 2025.

FE Forward

FirstEnergy is also working to transform how it conducts business and serves its customers, to achieve value potential in a sustainable way and help FirstEnergy achieve its strategic priorities. In February 2021, FirstEnergy announced a new initiative to build upon FirstEnergy’s strong operations and business fundamentals and deliver immediate value and resilience, with substantial working capital improvements and capital efficiencies ramping up through 2024. Called "FE Forward," the initiative plays a critical first step in FirstEnergy’s transformation journey as it looks to enhance the organization, focus on July 21, 2020,performance excellence, and refocus the investment strategy through a range of opportunities.

By 2024, FE Forward is projected to generate approximately $380 million in annualized capital expenditure efficiencies, as well as, approximately $250 million in working capital improvements by 2023. This program includes an estimated $150 million of costs to achieve through 2023, which are expected to be self-funded through these efficiencies. FirstEnergy plans to redeploy the capital expenditure efficiencies in a more diverse capital program that over the long-term, continues to support our strategy as discussed above and using 2022 as baseline, operating expenses are projected to naturally decline 1% annually allowing for strategic flexibility and customer affordability. FE Forward is not a downsizing effort and there will not be any involuntary employee reductions in connection with this program. FirstEnergy expects that FE Forward will be a significant catalyst to augment its growth potential by taking a more strategic approach to operating expenditures and reinvesting in a more diverse capital program that over the investigation,long-term continues to support a smarter and cleaner electric grid, and maintain affordable customer bills. Specifically, FirstEnergy received subpoenas for records fromcurrently expects to redeploy these capital efficiencies into several projects, including, grid modernization, energy efficiency programs, smart meter and electric vehicle charging, and solar generation investments. As part of these efforts, FirstEnergy will evaluate the U.S. Attorney’s Officeappropriate cadence to initiate rates cases on a state-by-state basis to best support FirstEnergy’s customer-focused strategic priorities.


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For the Years Ended December 31,
FE Forward Expected Capital Expenditure Efficiencies and Working Capital Improvements2021
Actual
2022
Forecast
2023
Forecast
2024
Forecast
2025
Forecast
Total
(In millions)
Gross Capital Expenditure Efficiencies$210 $280 $380 $380 $380 $1,630 
Cost to Achieve (+/- 10%)(40)(80)(30)— — (150)
Net Capital Expenditure Efficiencies$170 $200 $350 $380 $380 $1,480 
Working Capital Improvements130 120 — — — 250 
Total Cash Flow Improvements$300 $320 $350 $380 $380 $1,730 

ClimateStory

Our long-term strategy reiterates and supports our position that climate change is among the most important issues of our time and our commitment to doing our part to ensure a bright and sustainable future for the S.D. Ohio.communities we serve. As part of our Climate Strategy, we’re focused on enabling our customers to thrive in a reduced carbon future. This includes transmission and distribution investments discussed above, investments in solar generation and supporting clean energy options, our efforts towards electrifying the economy, and driving energy efficiency.

Additionally, we plan to reduce our company-wide GHG emissions within our direct operational control (Scope 1) by 30% by 2030 (from our 2019 baseline), as we work toward carbon neutrality by 2050. Key steps in reducing our emissions and improving the efficiency of our operations include:

Replacing Aging Equipment: We are responsibly replacing aging equipment on our transmission system that contains SF6, a greenhouse gas commonly used in electric utility equipment;
Electrifying our Vehicle Fleet: We are targeting 30% electrification of our light-duty and aerial truck fleet by 2030 and 100% electrification by 2050. To reach our electrification goal, we’ve committed to 100% electric or hybrid vehicle purchases for our light-duty and aerial truck fleet moving forward, beginning with the first hybrid electric vehicle additions to the fleet in 2021;
Using Generation Efficiencies and Flexibility: We are utilizing operational flexibilities, such as heat rate improvements through equipment upgrades, operational monitoring systems, and auxiliary power reductions at our generation facilities that will enable us to reach our interim 2030 goal of a 30% GHG reduction from 2019 levels, while continuing to provide customers with safe and reliable electricity; and
Transitioning Away from Coal Generation: We expect to thoughtfully transition away from our regulated coal generation fleet no later than 2050, and in 2021, FirstEnergy was not awaresought approval to construct a solar generation source of at least 50 MWs in West Virginia. Also in 2021, FirstEnergy filed plans with the WVPSC to comply with EPA ELG rules that would keep MP’s generation plants responsibly operating beyond 2028, however, FirstEnergy intends to begin a broad stakeholder dialogue regarding planned operational end dates of 2035 and 2040 for Ft. Martin and Harrison, respectively, which further supports our Climate Strategy.

Future resource plans to achieve carbon reductions, including potential changes in operations or any determination of retirement dates of the criminal allegations, affidavit regulated coal-fired generating facilities, will be developed by working collaboratively with regulators in West Virginia. Determination of the useful life of the regulated coal-fired generating facilities could result in changes in depreciation, and/or subpoenas before July 21, 2020.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.

HB 6 and Related Investigations

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 which, amongrelated 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, requiresthe DPA required FE to pay a monetary penalty of $230 million, withinwhich FE paid in the next sixty days.third quarter of 2021. Under the DPA, FE has 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. Under the terms of the DPA, theThe criminal information will be dismissed after FirstEnergy fully complies with its obligations under the DPA.

In addition to the subpoenas referenced above, theThe OAG, certain FE shareholders and FirstEnergyFE 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,

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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. The settlement agreement, if approved, will fully resolve these shareholder derivative lawsuits and includes a series of corporate governance enhancements, that has resulted or is expected to result in the following:

Six members of the FE Board, Messrs. Michael J. Anderson, Donald T. Misheff, Thomas N. Mitchell, Christopher D. Pappas and Luis A. Reyes, and Ms. Julia L. Johnson, are not standing for re-election at FE’s 2022 annual shareholder meeting;
A special FE Board committee of at least three recently appointed independent directors will be formed to initiate a review process of the current senior executive team, to begin within 30 days of the 2022 annual shareholder meeting;
The FE Board will oversee FE’s lobbying and political activities, including periodically reviewing and approving political and lobbying action plans prepared by management;
An FE Board committee of recently appointed independent directors will oversee the implementation and third-party audits of the FE Board-approved action plans with respect to political and lobbying activities;
FE will implement enhanced disclosure to shareholders of political and lobbying activities, including enhanced disclosure in its annual proxy statement; and
FE will further align financial incentives of senior executives to proactive compliance with legal and ethical obligations.

The settlement also includes a payment to FirstEnergy of $180 million, to be paid by insurance after court approval, less any court-ordered attorney’s fees awarded to plaintiffs.

In addition, 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. Subsequently, on April 28, 2021, the SEC issued an additional subpoena to FE. Further, in a letterletters dated January 26, and February 22, 2021, staff of FERC's Division of Investigations notified FirstEnergy that the Divisionit is conducting an investigation ofinvestigating FirstEnergy’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6.

A committee of independent membersFirstEnergy has taken numerous steps to address challenges posed by the HB 6 investigations and improve its compliance culture, including the ongoing refreshment of the FE Board, the hiring of Directors was put in placekey senior executives committed to direct an internal investigation related tosupporting transparency and integrity, and strengthening and enhancing FirstEnergy’s compliance culture through several initiatives. Although the ongoing government investigations. In addition, the Board formed a sub-committeeoutcome of the Audit Committee to, together with the Board, assess FirstEnergy’s compliance program and implement potential changes, as appropriate. FirstEnergy has taken the following steps to address current challenges and improve its compliance culture:

Certain members of senior management, including the former Chief Executive Officer, were terminated for violating certain FirstEnergy policies and code of conduct.

Immediately following these terminations, the independent members of its Board appointed Mr. Steven E. Strah to the position of Acting Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Christopher D. Pappas, a current member of the Board, to the temporary position of Executive Director. In March 2021, Mr. Strah was elected to the position of Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Board.

FirstEnergy’s Chief Legal Officer and Chief Ethics Officer were separated from FirstEnergy due to inaction and conduct that the Board determined was influenced by the improper tone at the top.

The Board appointed Mr. John W. Somerhalder II to the positions of Vice Chairperson of the Board and Executive Director, replacing Mr. Pappas, who will continue to serve on the Board as an independent director. The Board also appointed Mr. Hyun Park to the position of Senior Vice President & Chief Legal Counsel and Mr. Antonio Fernández, to the position of Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer. These executives help play a critical role in enhancing FirstEnergy’s culture of compliance, ethics, integrity and accountability.

In March 2021, in connection with an agreement with Icahn Capital, the Board appointed Andrew Teno and Jesse Lynn as Directors to the Board, increasing the size from 12 directors to 14. However, until such time as all final regulatory approvals are obtained, neither Mr. Teno nor Mr. Lynn will have the right to vote at any meeting of the Board or any committee thereof. In May 2021, Melvin D. Williams was elected to the Board, filling a vacant seat. In June 2021, the Board appointed Lisa Winston Hicks and Paul Kaleta as directors to the Board, further increasing the size from 14 directors to 16.

FirstEnergy is making significant changes in its approach to political and legislative engagement and advocacy, through stopping all contributions to 501(c)(4) organizations, the pause of other political disbursements, including from the FirstEnergy Political Action Committee, limiting participation in the political process, suspending or terminating various political consulting relationships, and adding additional oversight and significantly more robust disclosure around political spending to provide increased transparency.

The Board met with FirstEnergy’s top 140 leaders to discuss expectations regarding compliance and ethics.

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Performed training on up-the-ladder reporting for the Legal Department.

Enhanced new employee and third-party on-boarding processes to include expectations of FirstEnergy’s code of business conduct.
In May 2021, FirstEnergy separated its Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs, and Acting Vice President, External Affairs due to this individual’s inaction with respect to a previously disclosed purported consulting agreement.
On June 29, 2021, the Board established a Special Litigation Committee of the Board, effective July 1, 2021. The Special Litigation Committee has been delegated full authority by the Board to take all actions as the Special Litigation Committee deems advisable, appropriate, and in the best interests of FirstEnergy and its shareholders with respect to pending shareholder derivative litigation and demands. Each of Ms. Hicks and Messrs. Kaleta, Lynn and Williams were appointed to serve on the Special Litigation Committee.

On July 20, 2021, the Board of FirstEnergy approved and adopted a new Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which:
Promotes and emphasizes the Company’s commitment to compliance and ethics,
establishes a “speak up” culture in which stakeholders are encouraged to report actual or suspected Code of Business Conduct violations without fear of retaliation,
Conforms to applicable compliance standards, and
Improves readability

On July 20, 2021, the Board approved FE entering into a 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 which, among other things requires FE to pay a monetary penalty of $230 million within the next sixty days.

Also, in connection with the internal investigation, FirstEnergy identified certain transactions, which, in some instances, extended back ten years or more, including vendor service, that were either improperly classified, misallocated to certain of the Utilitiesinvestigations and Transmission Companies, or lacked proper supporting documentation. These transactions resulted in amounts collected from customers that were immaterial to FirstEnergy. The Utilities and Transmission Companies are working with the appropriatestate regulatory agencies to address these amounts.

audits remain unknown, FirstEnergy has also taken several proactive steps to reduce regulatory uncertainty affecting the Ohio Companies:

On January 31, 2021, FirstEnergy reached a partial settlement with the OAG and other parties regarding decoupling. While the partial settlement with the OAG focused specifically on decoupling, the Ohio Companies will of their own accord, not seek to recover lost distribution revenue from residential and commercial customers.

On March 31, 2021, FirstEnergy announced that the Ohio Companies will proactively refund to customers amounts previously collected under the decoupling mechanism authorized under Ohio law, which totals approximately $27 million, with interest. On July 7, 2021, the PUCO approved the Ohio Companies’ proposal to return the amount to customers in August 2021.

Also on March 31, 2021, Governor DeWine signed HB 128, which, among other things, repealed parts of HB 6, the legislation that established support for nuclear energy supply in Ohio, provided for a decoupling mechanism for electric utilities, and provided for the ending of current energy efficiency program mandates.

FirstEnergy is committed to pursuing an open dialogue in an appropriate manner with the several regulatory proceedings currently underway, including a state management audit, and multi-year SEET and ESP quadrennial review, among other matters. FirstEnergy believes a holistic, transparent discussion with the PUCO staff, and interested stakeholders in the regulatory process, is an important step towards removing uncertainties about regulatory concerns in Ohio and critical to re-establishing trust in FirstEnergy and restoring its reputation.Companies.

Despite the many disruptions FirstEnergy is currently facing, 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 FE’s or its subsidiaries’FirstEnergy’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. As discussed below, FirstEnergy has made reductions to its Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission capital investment plans and is considering reductions to operating expenses, as well as changes to its planned equity issuances, to allow for flexibility to address the outcomes of the ongoing government investigations and related lawsuits and regulatory actions.


38


FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries participate in two separate five-year syndicated revolving credit facilities providing for aggregate commitments of $3.5 billion, which are available until December 6, 2022. Under the FE Revolving Facility, an aggregate amount of $2.5 billion is available to be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed, subject to separate borrowing sublimits for each borrower including FE and its regulated distribution subsidiaries. Under the FET Revolving Facility, an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion is available to be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed under a syndicated credit facility, subject to separate borrowing sublimits for each borrower including FE's transmission subsidiaries. On July 21, 2021, FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries entered into amendments to the FE Revolving Facility and the FET Revolving Facility, respectively. The amendments provide for modifications and/or waivers of (i) certain representations and warranties, (ii) certain affirmative and negative covenants, contained therein, and (iii) any resulting event of default, which, in each case, resulted either from FE entering into the DPA or as a consequence of the facts and circumstances described in the DPA, thus allowing FirstEnergy to be in compliance with the revolving credit facilities and maintain access to the liquidity provided thereunder.

FirstEnergy is also working to improve how it conducts business and serve its customers. In February 2021, FirstEnergy announced a new initiative to build upon FirstEnergy’s strong operations and business fundamentals and deliver immediate value and resilience, with substantial operating and capital efficiencies ramping up through 2024. Called "FE Forward," the initiative will play a critical first step in FirstEnergy’s transformation journey as it looks to optimize processes and procedures through range of opportunities, including:

Optimizing operations by expanding capabilities in areas such as strategic sourcing, inventory optimization and commercial contract terms, and by standardizing best-in-class work management policies across FirstEnergy;

accelerating FirstEnergy’s digital transformation by revamping customers’ online experience, automating sourcing data collection and management, and deploying advanced analytics in asset health decisions as well as vegetation management programs; and

productivity improvements through system integration that puts advanced technology tools, such as mobile dashboards and remote access to asset management information, in the hands of frontline employees.

During the initial phase of FE Forward, FirstEnergy reviewed existing policies and practices, as well as the structure and processes around how decisions are made. In the second phase of FE Forward completed in May 2021, FirstEnergy reviewed further improvement opportunities and developed detailed, executable plans focusing on who, when, how and at what cost opportunities can be realized. In June 2021, phase three began and is focused on executing and implementing these findings and opportunities. By 2024, FE Forward is projected to generate approximately $300 million in annualized capital expenditure efficiencies while continuing to hold operating expenses flat by absorbing approximately $100 million in projected increases. In addition, FirstEnergy expects to generate approximately $250 million in working capital improvements by 2022. This program includes an estimated $150 million of costs to achieve through 2023, which are expected to be self-funded through these efficiencies. FE Forward is not a downsizing effort and there will not be any involuntary employee reductions in connection with this program. FirstEnergy expects that FE Forward will be a significant catalyst to augment its growth potential by taking a more strategic approach to operating expenditures and reinvesting in a more diverse capital program that over the long-term continues to support a smarter and cleaner electric grid. As part of these efforts, FirstEnergy will evaluate the appropriate cadence to initiate rates cases on a state-by-state basis to best support FirstEnergy’s customer-focused strategic priorities.
For the Years Ended December 31,
FE Forward Expected Capital Efficiencies and Working Capital Improvements202120222023
(In millions)
Gross Capital Expenditure Efficiencies$180 $210 $300 
Cost to Achieve (+/- 10%)(40)(60)(50)
Net Capital Expenditure Efficiencies$140 $150 $250 
Working Capital Improvements100 150 — 
Total Free Cash Flow Improvements$240 $300 $250 

With an operating territory of 65,000 square miles, the scale and diversity of the ten Utilities that comprise the Regulated Distribution business uniquely position this business for growth through opportunities for additional investment, with plans to invest up to $6.6 billion in capital from 2020 to 2023. Over the past several years, Regulated Distribution has experienced rate base growth through investments that have improved reliability and added operating flexibility to the distribution infrastructure, which provide benefits to the customers and communities those Utilities serve. Additionally, this business is exploring other opportunities for growth, including investments in electric system improvement and modernization projects to increase reliability and improve service to customers, as well as exploring opportunities in customer engagement that focus on the electrification of customers’ homes and businesses by providing a full range of products and services.

With approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines in operation, the Regulated Transmission business is the centerpiece of FirstEnergy’s regulated investment strategy with 100% of its capital investments recovered under forward-looking formula rates

39


at the Transmission Companies effective January 1, 2021. Regulated Transmission has also experienced significant growth as part of its Energizing the Future transmission plan with plans to invest up to $5.15 billion in capital from 2020 to 2023.

FirstEnergy believes there are incremental investment opportunities for its existing transmission infrastructure of over $20 billion beyond those identified through 2023, 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.

While FirstEnergy continues to have customer-focused investment opportunities across its distribution and transmission businesses of up to $3 billion annually, it has discontinued providing a long-term earnings compound annual growth rate until there is further clarity regarding Ohio regulatory matters and the ongoing government investigations.

FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries participate in two separate five-year syndicated revolving credit facilities providing for aggregate commitments of $3.5 billion, which are available until December 6, 2022. On November 17, 2020, FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries entered into amendments to the FE Revolving Facility and the FET Revolving Facility, respectively. The amendment to the FE Revolving Facility, among other things, reduces the sublimit applicable to FE to $1.5 billion, and the amendments increased certain tiers of pricing applicable to borrowings under the credit facilities.

On November 23, 2020, FE and JCP&L, ME, Penn, TE and WP, borrowed $950 million in the aggregate under the FE Revolving Facility, and FET and ATSI, borrowed $1 billion in the aggregate under the FET Revolving Facility. FE, FET and certain of their respective subsidiaries increased their borrowings under the Revolving Facilities as a proactive measure to increase their respective cash positions and preserve financial flexibility.

On March 19, 2021, FET issued $500 million of 2.866% senior unsecured notes due 2028. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay short-term borrowings under the FET Revolving Facility.

FE repaid $250 million and $50 million in short-term borrowings under the FE Revolving Facility on March 23, 2021 and June 30, 2021, respectively.

On April 9, 2021, MP issued an additional $200 million of its 3.55% first mortgage bonds due 2027 at an effective interest rate of approximately 2.06%. Proceeds from the issuance were used to fund MP’s ongoing capital expenditures, for working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes.

On May 6, 2021, TE issued $150 million of 2.65% senior secured notes due 2028. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay short-term borrowings, fund TE’s ongoing capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes.

On May 24, 2021, MAIT issued an additional $150 million of its 4.10% senior notes due 2028 at an effective interest rate of approximately 2.55%. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay borrowings outstanding under FirstEnergy’s regulated company money pool, to fund MAIT’s ongoing capital expenditures, to fund working capital and for other general corporate purposes.

On June 10, 2021, JCP&L issued $500 million of 2.75% senior notes due 2032. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay $450 million of short-term debt under the FE Revolving Facility, storm recovery and restoration costs and expenses, to fund JCP&L’s ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements and for other general corporate purposes.

On June 30, 2021, FET repaid $350 million under the FET Revolving Facility, bringing the outstanding principal balance under the FET Revolving Facility to $150 million with $850 million of remaining availability.

Penn repaid $50 million in short-term borrowings under the FE Revolving Facility on June 30, 2021.

FirstEnergy does not currently anticipate the need to issue additional equity through 2021 and expects to issue, subject to, among other things, market conditions, pricing terms and business operations, up to $600 million of equity annually in 2022 and 2023, including up to $100 million in equity for its regular stock investment and employee benefit plans. FirstEnergy is also exploring various alternatives to raise equity capital in a manner that could be more value-enhancing to all stakeholders. FirstEnergy’s expectations regarding the amount and timing of any potential equity issuances are subject to, among other matters, the ongoing government investigations and related lawsuits and regulatory actions.

FirstEnergy has established new goals for key areas of its business that support the mission to be 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.

In November 2020, FirstEnergy published its Climate Story which includes its climate position and strategy, as well as a new comprehensive and ambitious GHG emission goal. FirstEnergy pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and set an interim goal for a 30% reduction in GHG within FirstEnergy’s direct operational control by 2030, based on 2019 levels. In addition, FirstEnergy has also set a fleet electrification goal in which beginning in 2021, FirstEnergy plans for 100% of new purchases for

40


its light duty and aerial truck fleet to be electric or hybrid vehicles, creating a path to 30% fleet electrification by 2030. Also, later in 2021, FirstEnergy will seek approval to construct a solar generation source of at least 50 MWs in West Virginia. Future resource plans to achieve carbon reductions, including any determination of retirement dates of the regulated coal-fired generating facilities, will be developed by working collaboratively with regulators in West Virginia. 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.

In January 2021, the updated “Strategic Plan – Powered by our Core Values & Behaviors” was published. This comprehensive update provides a vision of FirstEnergy’s path forward in an evolving electric industry. It also articulates significant new goals that will help achieve our long-term strategic commitments in a transparent, sustainable and responsible manner. The Strategic Plan includes specific targets related to:

Enhancing a culture of compliance through transparency and accountability;

Enabling a smarter, more resilient electric system;

Embracing innovation across the organization;

Meeting the challenges of climate change;

Developing a diverse and inclusive workforce, including 2025 goals to increase the number of employees and leaders from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups by 30% each and targeting 20% of supply chain spend to be with diverse suppliers;

Building collaborative relationships, marked by trust and respect, with all stakeholders;

Strengthening FirstEnergy’s safety-first culture; and

Delivering strong and predictable financial results.

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Six Months Ended June 30,
20212020Change20212020Change
Revenues$2,622 $2,522 $100 %$5,348 $5,231 $117 %
Operating expenses2,310 2,007 303 15 %4,477 4,184 293 %
Operating income312 515 (203)(39)%871 1,047 (176)(17)%
Other expenses, net(158)(142)(16)(11)%(295)(710)415 58 %
Income before income taxes154 373 (219)(59)%576 337 239 71 %
Income taxes96 66 30 45 %183 177 NM
Income from continuing operations58 307 (249)(81)%393 331 62 19 %
Discontinued operations, net of tax— (2)NM— 52 (52)NM
Net income$58 $309 $(251)(81)%$393 $383 $10 %
*NM= not meaningful
(In millions)For the Three Months Ended March 31,
20222021Change
Revenues$2,989 $2,726 $263 10 %
Operating expenses2,430 2,167 263 12 %
Operating income559 559 — — %
Other expenses, net(188)(137)(51)(37)%
Income before income taxes371 422 (51)(12)%
Income taxes83 87 (4)(5)%
Net income$288 $335 $(47)(14)%

The financial results discussed below include revenues and expenses from transactions among FirstEnergy’s business segments. A reconciliation of segment financial results is provided in Note 10,9, “Segment Information,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.



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Summary of Results of Operations — Second Quarter 2021First Three Months of 2022 Compared with Second Quarter 2020First Three Months of 2021

Financial results for FirstEnergy’s business segments in the second quarterfirst three months of 20212022 and 20202021 were as follows:
Second Quarter 2021 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
First Three Months 2022 Financial ResultsFirst Three Months 2022 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
(In millions) (In millions)
Revenues:Revenues:   Revenues:   
ElectricElectric$2,209 $411 $(36)$2,584 Electric$2,532 $451 $(39)$2,944 
OtherOther49 (19)38 Other57 (14)45 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues2,258 419 (55)2,622 Total Revenues2,589 453 (53)2,989 
Operating Expenses:Operating Expenses:    Operating Expenses:    
FuelFuel112 — — 112 Fuel140 — — 140 
Purchased powerPurchased power609 — 614 Purchased power870 — 875 
Other operating expensesOther operating expenses696 79 (57)718 Other operating expenses798 90 (68)820 
Provision for depreciationProvision for depreciation229 77 17 323 Provision for depreciation235 86 19 340 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net43 — 49 
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, netAmortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net(38)— (37)
General taxesGeneral taxes192 62 10 264 General taxes215 66 11 292 
DPA penalty— — 230 230 
Total Operating ExpensesTotal Operating Expenses1,881 224 205 2,310 Total Operating Expenses2,220 243 (33)2,430 
Operating Income (Loss)Operating Income (Loss)377 195 (260)312 Operating Income (Loss)369 210 (20)559 
Other Income (Expense):Other Income (Expense):    Other Income (Expense):    
Miscellaneous income, netMiscellaneous income, net88 11 108 Miscellaneous income, net85 15 106 
Interest expenseInterest expense(131)(63)(93)(287)Interest expense(129)(59)(125)(313)
Capitalized financing costsCapitalized financing costs11 10 — 21 Capitalized financing costs19 
Total Other ExpenseTotal Other Expense(32)(42)(84)(158)Total Other Expense(35)(44)(109)(188)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)345 153 (344)154 Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)334 166 (129)371 
Income taxes (benefits)Income taxes (benefits)71 37 (12)96 Income taxes (benefits)69 41 (27)83 
Net Income (Loss)Net Income (Loss)$274 $116 $(332)$58 Net Income (Loss)$265 $125 $(102)$288 

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Second Quarter 2020 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
First Three Months 2021 Financial ResultsFirst Three Months 2021 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
(In millions) (In millions)
Revenues:Revenues:   Revenues:   
ElectricElectric$2,132 $380 $(35)$2,477 Electric$2,316 $401 $(34)$2,683 
OtherOther56 (15)45 Other54 (15)43 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues2,188 384 (50)2,522 Total Revenues2,370 405 (49)2,726 
Operating Expenses:Operating Expenses:    Operating Expenses:    
FuelFuel77 — — 77 Fuel118 — — 118 
Purchased powerPurchased power610 — 613 Purchased power714 — 718 
Other operating expensesOther operating expenses733 62 (65)730 Other operating expenses728 67 (43)752 
Provision for depreciationProvision for depreciation226 78 17 321 Provision for depreciation226 81 16 323 
Amortization of regulatory assets, netAmortization of regulatory assets, net10 — 13 Amortization of regulatory assets, net87 — 92 
General taxesGeneral taxes189 56 253 General taxes201 62 10 273 
Gain on sale of Yards CreekGain on sale of Yards Creek(109)— — (109)
Total Operating ExpensesTotal Operating Expenses1,845 199 (37)2,007 Total Operating Expenses1,965 215 (13)2,167 
Operating Income (Loss)Operating Income (Loss)343 185 (13)515 Operating Income (Loss)405 190 (36)559 
Other Income (Expense):Other Income (Expense):    Other Income (Expense):    
Miscellaneous income, netMiscellaneous income, net90 103 Miscellaneous income, net107 11 17 135 
Interest expenseInterest expense(123)(55)(85)(263)Interest expense(128)(61)(96)(285)
Capitalized financing costsCapitalized financing costs10 — 18 Capitalized financing costs11 — 13 
Total Other ExpenseTotal Other Expense(25)(37)(80)(142)Total Other Expense(10)(48)(79)(137)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)318 148 (93)373 Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)395 142 (115)422 
Income taxes (benefits)Income taxes (benefits)67 34 (35)66 Income taxes (benefits)82 33 (28)87 
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations251 114 (58)307 
Discontinued operations, net of tax— — 
Net Income (Loss)Net Income (Loss)$251 $114 $(56)$309 Net Income (Loss)$313 $109 $(87)$335 

4438


Changes Between Second Quarter 2021 and Second Quarter 2020 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
Changes Between First Three Months 2022 and First Three Months 2021 Financial ResultsChanges Between First Three Months 2022 and First Three Months 2021 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
(In millions) (In millions)
Revenues:Revenues:   Revenues:   
ElectricElectric$77 $31 $(1)$107 Electric$216 $50 $(5)$261 
OtherOther(7)(4)(7)Other(2)
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues70 35 (5)100 Total Revenues219 48 (4)263 
Operating Expenses:Operating Expenses:    Operating Expenses:    
FuelFuel35 — — 35 Fuel22 — — 22 
Purchased powerPurchased power(1)— Purchased power156 — 157 
Other operating expensesOther operating expenses(37)17 (12)Other operating expenses70 23 (25)68 
Provision for depreciationProvision for depreciation(1)— Provision for depreciation17 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net33 — 36 
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, netAmortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net(125)(4)— (129)
General taxesGeneral taxes11 General taxes14 19 
DPA penalty— — 230 230 
Gain on sale of Yards CreekGain on sale of Yards Creek109 — — 109 
Total Operating ExpensesTotal Operating Expenses36 25 242 303 Total Operating Expenses255 28 (20)263 
Operating Income (Loss)Operating Income (Loss)34 10 (247)(203)Operating Income (Loss)(36)20 16 — 
Other Income (Expense):Other Income (Expense):    Other Income (Expense):    
Miscellaneous income, netMiscellaneous income, net(2)Miscellaneous income, net(22)(5)(2)(29)
Interest expenseInterest expense(8)(8)(8)(24)Interest expense(1)(29)(28)
Capitalized financing costsCapitalized financing costs— — Capitalized financing costs(2)
Total Other ExpenseTotal Other Expense(7)(5)(4)(16)Total Other Expense(25)(30)(51)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)27 (251)(219)Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)(61)24 (14)(51)
Income taxes (benefits)Income taxes (benefits)23 30 Income taxes (benefits)(13)(4)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations23 (274)(249)
Discontinued operations, net of tax— — (2)(2)
Net Income (Loss)Net Income (Loss)$23 $$(276)$(251)Net Income (Loss)$(48)$16 $(15)$(47)

4539


Regulated Distribution — Second Quarter 2021First Three Months of 2022 Compared with Second Quarter 2020     First Three Months of 2021

Regulated Distribution’s net income increaseddecreased $2348 million in the second quarterfirst three months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily resulting from higher weather-related demand, earnings benefits from investment-related ridersother operating expenses, customer rate credits associated with the PUCO-approved Ohio Stipulation, and the implementation of the base distribution rate case in New Jersey, and lowerhigher pension and other operatingOPEB expenses, partially offset by higher weather-related demand, as well as the absence of lost distributiona $27 million refund for previously collected decoupling revenues lower weather-adjusted residential demand and higher interest expense from increased borrowings under the FE Revolving Facility.in Ohio, with interest.

Revenues —

The $70$219 million increase in total revenues resulted from the following sources:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenues by Type of ServiceRevenues by Type of Service20212020Increase (Decrease)Revenues by Type of Service20222021Increase
(In millions)(In millions)
Distribution(1)
$1,304 $1,256 $48 
Distribution services(1)
Distribution services(1)
$1,348 $1,312 $36 
Generation sales:Generation sales:Generation sales:
RetailRetail831 826 Retail1,094 935 159 
WholesaleWholesale74 50 24 Wholesale90 69 21 
Total generation salesTotal generation sales905 876 29 Total generation sales1,184 1,004 180 
OtherOther49 56 (7)Other57 54 
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$2,258 $2,188 $70 Total Revenues$2,589 $2,370 $219 
(1) Includes $15$(27) million of ARP revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2020.March 31, 2021. Amounts reflect the Ohio Companies refund to customers that was previously collected under decoupling mechanisms, with interest. See “Outlook,” below for further discussion on Ohio decoupling rates.

Distribution services revenues increased $48$36 million in the second quarter of 2021,first three months 2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily resulting from higher recovery of transmission expenses, higher weather-related demands, higher rates associated with ridersusage and customer demand, and the absence of a $27 million refund for previously collected decoupling revenues in Ohio, and Pennsylvania, including the recovery of capital investment programs and transmission expenses, and increased weather-adjusted commercial and industrial sales, partially offset by customer rate credits associated with the absence of lost distribution revenues inPUCO-approved Ohio the elimination of energy efficiency mandates and energy efficiency programs in Ohio, the expiration of a NUG contract, and lower weather-adjusted residential sales. The change in distribution revenues by sales class are primarily due to the cancellation of state mandated COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Stipulation.

Distribution services by customer class are summarized in the following table:

For the Three Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands)ActualWeather-Adjusted
(In thousands)(In thousands)ActualWeather-Adjusted
Electric Distribution MWH DeliveriesElectric Distribution MWH Deliveries20212020Increase (Decrease)20212020Increase (Decrease)Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries20222021Increase20222021Increase (Decrease)
ResidentialResidential12,347 12,764 (3.3)%11,861 12,669 (6.4)%Residential15,213 14,890 2.2 %15,170 15,397 (1.5)%
Commercial(1)
Commercial(1)
8,590 7,825 9.8 %8,466 7,823 8.2 %
Commercial(1)
9,291 8,631 7.6 %9,265 8,853 4.7 %
IndustrialIndustrial13,384 12,009 11.4 %13,384 12,007 11.5 %Industrial13,583 13,257 2.5 %13,583 13,258 2.5 %
Total Electric Distribution MWH DeliveriesTotal Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries34,321 32,598 5.3 %33,711 32,499 3.7 %Total Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries38,087 36,778 3.6 %38,018 37,508 1.4 %
(1) Includes street lighting.


Distribution deliveries to residential, commercial and industrial customers reflect the cancellation of the state mandated COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Residential and commercial distribution deliveries were also impacted by higher weather-related customer usage. CoolingHeating degree days were 21%4% above 20202021 and 24% above1% below normal. Increases in industrial deliveries were primarily seen infrom the manufacturingsteel and educationalother manufacturing sectors.

Compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, weather-adjusted residential distribution deliveries in the first quarter of 2022 were relatively unchanged, while commercial and industrial deliveries were down by approximately 4.1% and 2.7%, respectively, and reflects a continued trend over the last several quarters of customer usage returning back to pre-pandemic levels.

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The following table summarizes the price and volume factors contributing to the $29$180 million increase in generation revenues for the second quarterfirst three months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020:2021:
Source of Change in Generation RevenuesIncrease (Decrease)
 (In millions)
Retail: 
Change in sales volumes$2262 
Change in prices(17)97 
 5159 
Wholesale:
Change in sales volumes24 (15)
Change in prices15 
Capacity revenue21 
21 
Change in Generation Revenues$29180 

The increase in retail generation sales volumes was primarily due to higher weather-related usage partially offset by increased shopping.and decreased customer shopping in New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Total generation provided by alternative suppliers as a percentage of total MWH deliveries in the second quarterfirst three months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020, increased2021, decreased to 65%44% from 64%46% in New Jersey, 84% from 85% in Ohio, and to 59% from 61% in Pennsylvania. The decreaseincrease in retail generation prices primarily resulted from lowerhigher non-shopping generation auction rates.rates in Pennsylvania. Retail generation sales, excluding those in West Virginia, have no material impact to earnings.

Wholesale generation revenues increased $24$21 million in the second quarterfirst three months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,in 2021, primarily due to increased sales volumes.an increase in spot market energy prices and higher capacity revenues, partially offset by lower volumes due to lower generation output. The difference between current wholesale generation revenues and certain energy costs incurred are deferred for future recovery or refund, with no material impact to earnings.

Other revenues decreased $7 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to lower pole attachment revenue.
Operating Expenses —

Total operating expenses increased $36 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to the following:

Fuel expense increased $35 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to higher unit costs and increased generation output. Due to the ENEC, fuel expense has no material impact on current period earnings.

Purchased power costs decreased $1 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to lower unit costs and the expiration of a NUG contract, partially offset by increased capacity expenses and increased volumes as described above.

Source of Change in Purchased PowerIncrease (Decrease)
(In millions)
Purchases
Change due to unit costs$(41)
Change due to volumes18 
(23)
Capacity expense22 
Change in Purchased Power Costs$(1)




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Other operating expenses decreased $37 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to the following:

Lower uncollectible expense of $57 million, of which $32 million was deferred for future recovery.
Lower storm restoration costs of $22 million, which were mostly deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
Lower COVID-19 related expenses of $20 million, of which $2 million was deferred for future recovery.
Lower pension and OPEB service costs of $2 million.
Higher network transmission expenses of $39 million, which were mostly deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
Higher other operating and maintenance expenses of $25 million primarily associated with increased corporate support and employee benefit costs, partially offset by fewer planned outages at the regulated generation facilities.
Higher energy efficiency costs of $4 million, offset by lower West Virginia vegetation management spend of $4 million. These costs are deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.

Depreciation expense increased $3 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to a higher asset base, partially offset by a reduction in accretion expense as a result of the TMI-2 transfer, which has no impact to earnings.

Amortization of regulatory assets, net increased $33 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to lower deferrals of uncollectible, storm restoration, transmission and COVID-19 related costs, partially offset by the amortization of a regulatory liability as part of the New Jersey base rate case implementation in 2021, higher energy efficiency and generation related deferrals, the expiration of a NUG contract, and lower Pennsylvania smart meter amortization.

General taxes increased $3 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to higher property taxes and sales-related taxes, partially offset by lower payroll taxes.

Other Expenses —

Other expenseincreased $7 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to higher interest expense from increased borrowings under the FE Revolving Facility to increase cash position and preserve financial flexibility, partially offset by lower pension non-service costs.
Income Taxes —

Regulated Distribution’s effective tax rate was 20.6% and 21.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Regulated Transmission — Second Quarter 2021 Compared with Second Quarter 2020

Regulated Transmission’s net income increased $2 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to a higher rate base at MAIT and ATSI, partially offset by higher interest expense associated with new debt issuances at FET and increased borrowings under the FET Revolving Facility.

Revenues —

Total revenues increased $35 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to recovery of incremental operating expenses and a higher rate base at MAIT and ATSI.


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The following table shows revenues by transmission asset owner:
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
Revenues by Transmission Asset Owner20212020Increase
(In millions)
ATSI$198 $193 $
TrAIL59 59 — 
MAIT81 59 22 
JCP&L46 39 
MP, PE and WP35 34 
Total Revenues$419 $384 $35 

Operating Expenses —

Total operating expenses increased $25 million in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to higher operation and maintenance costs, and increased property taxes due to a higher asset base. The majority of operating expenses are recovered through formula rates, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.

Other Expense —

Other expenses increased $5 million due to higher interest expense associated with new debt issuances at FET and increased borrowings under the FET Revolving Facility.

Income Taxes —

Regulated Transmission’s effective tax rate was 24.2% and 23.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Corporate / Other — Second Quarter 2021 Compared with Second Quarter 2020

Financial results at Corporate/Other resulted in a $276 million increase in net loss in the second quarter of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily due to the $230 million DPA monetary penalty, higher other operating expenses from legal expenses related to the ongoing government investigations, higher interest expense due to increased long-term debt, and lower tax benefits from the remeasurement of West Virginia deferred income taxes resulting from a state tax law change passed in 2021, and the absence of tax benefits from accelerated amortization of certain investment tax credits recognized in the second quarter of 2020.

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Summary of Results of Operations — First Six Months of 2021 Compared with First Six Months of 2020

Financial results for FirstEnergy’s business segments in the first six months of 2021 and 2020 were as follows:
First Six Months 2021 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
 (In millions)
Revenues:   
Electric$4,525 $812 $(70)$5,267 
Other103 12 (34)81 
Total Revenues4,628 824 (104)5,348 
Operating Expenses:    
Fuel230 — — 230 
Purchased power1,323 — 1,332 
Other operating expenses1,424 146 (100)1,470 
Provision for depreciation455 158 33 646 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net130 11 — 141 
General taxes393 124 20 537 
DPA penalty— — 230 230 
Gain on sale of Yards Creek(109)— — (109)
Total Operating Expenses3,846 439 192 4,477 
Operating Income (Loss)782 385 (296)871 
Other Income (Expense):    
Miscellaneous income, net195 22 26 243 
Interest expense(259)(124)(189)(572)
Capitalized financing costs22 12 — 34 
Total Other Expense(42)(90)(163)(295)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)740 295 (459)576 
Income taxes (benefits)153 70 (40)183 
Net Income (Loss)$587 $225 $(419)$393 

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First Six Months 2020 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
 (In millions)
Revenues:   
Electric$4,431 $777 $(70)$5,138 
Other115 (30)93 
Total Revenues4,546 785 (100)5,231 
Operating Expenses:    
Fuel175 — — 175 
Purchased power1,300 — 1,307 
Other operating expenses1,432 115 (68)1,479 
Provision for depreciation449 154 35 638 
Amortization of regulatory assets, net59 — 65 
General taxes384 118 18 520 
Total Operating Expenses3,799 393 (8)4,184 
Operating Income (Loss)747 392 (92)1,047 
Other Income (Expense):    
Miscellaneous income, net165 14 24 203 
Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment(257)(19)(147)(423)
Interest expense(250)(107)(169)(526)
Capitalized financing costs17 19 — 36 
Total Other Expense(325)(93)(292)(710)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)422 299 (384)337 
Income taxes (benefits)35 68 (97)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations387 231 (287)331 
Discontinued operations, net of tax— — 52 52 
Net Income (Loss)$387 $231 $(235)$383 

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Changes Between First Six Months 2021 and First Six Months 2020 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated
 (In millions)
Revenues:   
Electric$94 $35 $— $129 
Other(12)(4)(12)
Total Revenues82 39 (4)117 
Operating Expenses:    
Fuel55 — — 55 
Purchased power23 — 25 
Other operating expenses(8)31 (32)(9)
Provision for depreciation(2)
Amortization of regulatory assets, net71 — 76 
General taxes17 
DPA penalty— — 230 230 
Gain on sale of Yards Creek(109)— — (109)
Total Operating Expenses47 46 200 293 
Operating Income (Loss)35 (7)(204)(176)
Other Income (Expense):    
Miscellaneous income, net30 40 
Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment257 19 147 423 
Interest expense(9)(17)(20)(46)
Capitalized financing costs(7)— (2)
Total Other Expense283 129 415 
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits)318 (4)(75)239 
Income taxes (benefits)118 57 177 
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations200 (6)(132)62 
Discontinued operations, net of tax— — (52)(52)
Net Income (Loss)$200 $(6)$(184)$10 

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Regulated Distribution — First Six Months of 2021 Compared with First Six Months of 2020

Regulated Distribution’s net income increased $200 million in the first six months of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily resulting from the absence of the pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment in 2020, higher weather-related demands, earnings benefits from investment-related riders and the implementation of the base distribution rate case in New Jersey, and lower pension and OPEB expenses, partially offset by the absence of Ohio decoupling and lost distribution revenues, higher interest and the absence of deferred gain tax benefits recognized in 2020 that were triggered by the FES Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy.

Revenues —

The $82 million increase in total revenues resulted from the following sources:
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
Revenues by Type of Service20212020Increase (Decrease)
(In millions)
Distribution services(1)
$2,616 $2,580 $36 
Generation sales:
Retail1,766 1,730 36 
Wholesale143 121 22 
Total generation sales1,909 1,851 58 
Other103 115 (12)
Total Revenues$4,628 $4,546 $82 
(1) Includes $(27) million and $83 million of ARP revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The $27 million reduction in ARP revenues in the six months ended June 30, 2021, reflects the Ohio Companies decision to collectively refund to customers amounts previously collected under decoupling, with interest. See “Outlook,” below for further discussion on Ohio decoupling rates.

Distribution services revenues increased $36 million in the first six months 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, primarily resulting from higher rates associated with riders in Ohio and Pennsylvania including the recovery of capital investment programs and transmission expenses and higher weather-related usage, partially offset by the absence of decoupling and lost distribution revenues, the elimination of energy efficiency mandates and energy efficiency programs in Ohio, and the expiration of a NUG contract. Distribution services by customer class are summarized in the following table:

For the Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands)ActualWeather-Adjusted and Leap Year-Adjusted
Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries20212020Increase (Decrease)20212020Increase (Decrease)
Residential27,237 25,968 4.9 %27,258 27,568 (1.1)%
Commercial(1)
17,221 16,727 3.0 %17,318 17,222 0.6 %
Industrial26,641 25,558 4.2 %26,641 25,506 4.4 %
Total Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries71,099 68,253 4.2 %71,217 70,296 1.3 %
(1) Includes street lighting.

Distribution deliveries to residential, commercial and industrial customers reflects the cancellation of the state mandated COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. Residential and commercial deliveries were also impacted by higher weather-related customer usage. Cooling degree days were 21% above 2020 and 24% above normal and heating degree days were 6% above 2020 and 4% below normal. Increases in industrial deliveries were primarily seen in the manufacturing and educational sectors.

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The following table summarizes the price and volume factors contributing to the $58 million increase in generation revenues for the first six months of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020:
Source of Change in Generation RevenuesIncrease (Decrease)
(In millions)
Retail:
Change in sales volumes$133 
Change in prices(97)
36 
Wholesale:
Change in sales volumes13 
Change in prices21 
Capacity revenue(12)
22 
Change in Generation Revenues$58 

The increase in retail generation sales volumes was primarily due to higher weather-related usage and decreased customer shopping in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Total generation provided by alternative suppliers as a percentage of total MWH deliveries in the first six months of 2021, as compared to the same period of 2020, decreased to 47% from 49% in New Jersey and to 63% from 65% in Pennsylvania. The decrease in retail generation prices primarily resulted from lower non-shopping generation auction rates.

Wholesale generation revenues increased $22 million in the first six months of 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to increased sales volumes and an increase in spot market energy prices, partially offset by lower capacity revenues. The difference between current wholesale generation revenues and certain energy costs incurred are deferred for future recovery or refund, with no material impact to earnings.

Other revenues decreased $12 million in the first six months of 2021, as compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to lower pole attachment revenue.

Operating Expenses —

Total operating expenses increased $47$255 million, primarily due to the following:

Fuel costs increased $55$22 million during the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to higher unit costs, and increasedpartially offset by lower generation output. Due to the ENEC, fuel expense has no material impact on current earnings.

Purchased power costs increased $23$156 million during the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to higher market prices, increased volumes as described above and increased capacity expenses, partially offset by lower unit costs and the expiration of a NUG contract.expenses.
Source of Change in Purchased PowerIncrease (Decrease)
 (In millions)
Purchases:
Change due to unit costs$(82)83 
Change due to volumes8246 
 129 
Capacity2327 
Change in Purchased Power Costs$23156 

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Other operating expenses decreased $8increased $70 million in the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to:

Lower uncollectible expense of $77 million, of which $39 million was deferred for future recovery.
Lower West Virginia vegetation management spend and energy efficiency program costs of $25 million, which are deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on earnings.
Lower COVID-19 related expenses of $12 million, of which $1 million was deferred for future recovery.
Higher employee benefit costs of approximately $11 million.
Higher network transmission expenses of $69$29 million. These costs are deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
Higher pension and OPEB serviceexpenses of $20 million resulting from lower capitalization of vegetation management costs.
Higher expenses of $13 million resulting from lower capitalization of corporate support costs.
Higher employee benefit costs of $4approximately $7 million.
Higher storm expenses of $6 million, of which $2 million was deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
Higher West Virginia vegetation management, energy efficiency and other state mandated program costs of $3 million, which are deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on earnings.
Higher other operating and maintenance expenses of $22$2 million, primarily associated with increased labor and corporate support costs, partially offset by fewer planned outages at thehigher regulated generation facilities and lower contractorplanned outage spend.
Lower uncollectible expenses of $10 million, of which $5 million was deferred for future recovery.

Depreciation expense increased $6$9 million in the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to a higher asset base, partially offset by a reduction in accretion expense as a result of the TMI-2 transfer, which has no impact to earnings.base.

Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net increased $71decreased $125 million in the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to:
$109 million decrease due to the absence of the reduction of the New Jersey deferred storm cost regulatory asset as a result of the Yards Creek sale,
lower uncollectible and COVID-19$32 million related deferrals and a decreaseto net decreases in deferral of accretion expense as a result of the TMI-2 transfer,other amortizations, partially offset by the amortization
$16 million of a regulatory liability as part of the New Jersey base rate case implementation in 2021, higherlower generation and transmission deferrals and lower Pennsylvania smart meter amortization.related deferrals.

General taxes increased $9$14 million in the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to higher Ohio property taxes and sales-related taxes, partially offset by lower payrollPennsylvania gross receipt taxes.

GainThe absence of the gain on sale of the Yards Creek Generating Facility of $109 million which was netted against the New Jersey storm deferral, as described above, resulting in no impact to earnings.

Other Expense —

Other expense decreased $283increased $25 million in the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to a $257 millionhigher pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment in 2020 and higher net miscellaneous income resulting from lower pension non-service costs partially offset by higher interest expense from increased borrowings under the FE Revolving Facility to increase cash position and preserve financial flexibility.lower asset performance on company-owned life insurance plans.

Income Taxes —

Regulated Distribution’s effective tax rate was 20.7% and 8.3%20.8% for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, respectively. The change in the effective tax rate was primarily due to the recognition of $52 million in deferred gains relating to prior intercompany transfers of generation assets that were triggered by the deconsolidation of the FES Debtors from FirstEnergy’s consolidated federal income tax group as a result of their emergence from bankruptcy in the first quarter of 2020.     

Regulated Transmission — First SixThree Months of 20212022 Compared with First SixThree Months of 20202021

Regulated Transmission’s net income decreased $6increased $16 million in the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily resulting from higher interest expense associated with new debt issuances at FET and increased borrowings under the FET Revolving Facility, partially offset by the impact of adue to higher rate base at ATSIMAIT and MAIT.JCPL, and higher capitalized financing costs.

Revenues —

Total revenues increased $39$48 million, primarily due to the recovery of incremental operating expenses and a higher rate base at ATSI and MAIT, partially offset by a lower rate base at TrAIL.base.


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The following table shows revenues by transmission asset owner:
For the Six Months Ended June 30,For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Revenues by Transmission Asset OwnerRevenues by Transmission Asset Owner20212020 Increase (Decrease)Revenues by Transmission Asset Owner20222021 Increase (Decrease)
(In millions)(In millions)
ATSIATSI$404 $396 $ATSI$217 $207 $10 
TrAILTrAIL121 125 (4)TrAIL65 61 
MAITMAIT149 119 30 MAIT79 68 11 
JCP&LJCP&L85 77 JCP&L60 36 24 
MP, PE and WPMP, PE and WP65 68 (3)MP, PE and WP32 33 (1)
Total RevenuesTotal Revenues$824 $785 $39 Total Revenues$453 $405 $48 

Operating Expenses —

Total operating expenses increased $46$28 million in the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to higher operation and maintenance costs, priority pole maintenance costs and increased property taxes and depreciation due to a higher asset base. The majoritybase, partially offset by lower amortization of regulatory assets. Nearly all operating expenses are recovered through formula rates, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.

Other Expense —

Total other expense decreased $3$4 million in the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to a $19 million pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment in the first quarter of 2020, partially offset by higher interest expense associated with new debt issuances at FET and increased borrowings under the FET Revolving Facility.capitalized financing costs.

Income Taxes —

Regulated Transmission’s effective tax rate was 23.7%24.7% and 22.7%23.2% for the sixthree months ended June 30,March 31, 2022 and 2021, and 2020, respectively.

Corporate / Other — First SixThree Months of 20212022 Compared with First SixThree Months of 20202021

Financial results at Corporate/Other resulted in a $184$15 million increase in net loss in the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, as compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to the $230 million DPA monetary penalty, higher interest expense due to increased long-term debt, lower tax benefitsfrom a make-whole premium resulting from the remeasurementredemption of West Virginia$850 million of FE’s notes, see “Capital Resources and Liquidity” below, and a valuation reserve against certain municipal deferred income taxes resulting from a state tax law change passedassets in 2021 and the absencefirst quarter of tax benefits from accelerated amortization of certain investment tax credits recognized in 2020, and the absence of a gain from discontinued operations, net of tax,2022, partially offset by the absence of a pensionhigher investment earnings and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment in 2020.lower investigation and other related costs.

For the six months ended June 30, 2020, FirstEnergy recorded a gain from discontinued operations, net of tax, of $52 million. The gain primarily related to settlement expense of $1 million, accelerated net pension and OPEB prior service credits of $18 million and income tax benefits (including the estimated worthless stock deduction and adjustments from the tax sharing agreement with the FES Debtors) of $35 million.

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REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Regulatory assets represent incurred costs that have been deferred because of their probable future recovery from customers through regulated rates. Regulatory liabilities represent amounts that are expected to be credited to customers through future regulated rates or amounts collected from customers for costs not yet incurred. FirstEnergy, the Utilities and the Transmission Companies net their regulatory assets and liabilities based on federal and state jurisdictions.

Management assesses the probability of recovery of regulatory assets, and settlement of regulatory liabilities, at each balance sheet date and whenever new events occur. Factors that may affect probability includerelate to changes in the regulatory environment, issuance of a regulatory commission order or passage of new legislation. Management applies judgment in evaluating the evidence availableUpon material changes to assess the probability of recovery ofthese factors, where applicable, FirstEnergy will record new regulatory assets from customers, including, but not limited to evaluating evidence related to precedent for similar items at FirstEnergy and information on comparable companies within similar jurisdictions, as well as assessing progress of communications between FirstEnergyliabilities and regulators. Certain of thesewill assess whether it is probable that currently recorded regulatory assets totaling approximately $117 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, are recorded based on prior precedentliabilities will be recovered or anticipated recovery based on rate making premises without a specific order, of which, $78 million and $79 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, are being sought for recoverysettled in a formula rate amendment filing at ATSI that is pending before FERC. See Note 8, "Regulatory Matters" for additional information.future rates.

The following table provides information about the composition of net regulatory assets and liabilities as of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2020,2021, and the changes during the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021:March 31, 2022:
Net Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) by SourceNet Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) by SourceJune 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
ChangeNet Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) by SourceMarch 31,
2022
December 31,
2021
Change
(In millions) (In millions)
Customer payables for future income taxesCustomer payables for future income taxes$(2,312)$(2,369)$57 Customer payables for future income taxes$(2,303)$(2,345)$42 
Spent nuclear fuel disposal costsSpent nuclear fuel disposal costs(100)(102)Spent nuclear fuel disposal costs(87)(101)14 
Asset removal costsAsset removal costs(683)(721)38 Asset removal costs(650)(646)(4)
Deferred transmission costsDeferred transmission costs218 319 (101)Deferred transmission costs(30)(3)(27)
Deferred generation costsDeferred generation costs43 17 26 Deferred generation costs163 118 45 
Deferred distribution costsDeferred distribution costs45 79 (34)Deferred distribution costs75 49 26 
Contract valuations27 41 (14)
Storm-related costsStorm-related costs641 748 (107)Storm-related costs673 660 13 
Uncollectible and COVID-19 related costsUncollectible and COVID-19 related costs64 97 (33)Uncollectible and COVID-19 related costs55 56 (1)
Energy efficiency program costsEnergy efficiency program costs50 42 Energy efficiency program costs47 47 — 
New Jersey societal benefit costsNew Jersey societal benefit costs108 112 (4)New Jersey societal benefit costs106 109 (3)
Regulatory transition costsRegulatory transition costs(32)(20)(12)Regulatory transition costs(18)(18)— 
Vegetation managementVegetation management17 22 (5)Vegetation management39 33 
OtherOther(12)(9)(3)Other(25)(12)(13)
Net Regulatory Liabilities included on the Consolidated Balance SheetsNet Regulatory Liabilities included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets$(1,926)$(1,744)$(182)Net Regulatory Liabilities included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets$(1,955)$(2,053)$98 

The following is a description of the regulatory assets and liabilities described above:

Customer payables for future income taxes - Reflects amounts to be recovered or refunded through future rates to pay income taxes that become payable when rate revenue is provided to recover items such as AFUDC-equity and depreciation of property, plant and equipment for which deferred income taxes were not recognized for ratemaking purposes, including amounts attributable to tax rate changes such as tax reform.the Tax Act. These amounts are being amortized over the period in which the related deferred tax assets reverse, which is generally over the expected life of the underlying asset.

Spent nuclear fuel disposal costs - Reflects amounts collected from customers, and the investment income, losses and changes in fair value of the trusts for spent nuclear fuel disposal costs related to the former nuclear generating facilities, Oyster Creek and TMI-1.

Asset removal costs - Primarily represents the rates charged to customers that include a provision for the cost of future activities to remove assets, including obligations for which an ARO has been recognized, that are expected to be incurred at the time of retirement.

Deferred transmission costs - Primarily representsReflects differences between revenues earned based on actual costs for the formula-rate Transmission Companies and the amounts billed. Amountsbilled, which amounts are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability and recovered or refunded, respectively, in subsequent periods. Also included is the recovery of non-market based costs or fees charged to certain of the Utilities by various regulatory bodies including FERC and RTOs, which can include PJM charges and credits for service including, but not limited to, procuring transmission services and transmission enhancement.

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Deferred generation costs - Primarily relates to regulatory assets associated with the securitized recovery of certain electric customer heating discounts, fuel and purchased power regulatory assets at the Ohio Companies (amortized through 2034) as well as the ENEC at MP and PE. MP and PE recover net power supply costs, including fuel costs, purchased power costs and related expenses, net of related market sales revenue through the ENEC. The ENEC rate is updated annually.

Deferred distribution costs - Primarily relates to the Ohio Companies’ deferral of certain expenses resulting from distribution and reliability related expenditures, including interest (amortized through 2036), as well as the Ohio Companies’ 2020 deferrals related and remaining refunds owed to the decoupling mechanism which are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability and recovered or refunded, respectively, in subsequent periods.

Contract valuations - Includes the amortization of purchase accounting adjustments at PE which were recorded in connectioncustomers associated with the Allegheny Energy, Inc. merger representing the fair value of NUG purchased power contracts (amortized over the life of the contracts through 2030).PUCO-approved Ohio Stipulation.

Storm-related costs - Relates to the deferral of storm costs, net of recovery, which vary by jurisdiction. Approximately $152$190 million and $167$148 million are currently being recovered through rates as of June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, respectively.

Uncollectible and COVID-19 related costs - Includes the deferral of prudently incurred incremental costs arising from COVID-19, including uncollectible expenses under new and existing riders prior to the pandemic.

Energy efficiency program costs - Relates to the recovery of costs in excess of revenues associated with energy efficiency programs including New Jersey energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, the Pennsylvania Companies’ EE&C programs, the Ohio Companies’ Demand Side Management and Energy Efficiency Rider, and PE’s EmPOWER Maryland Surcharge. Investments in certain of these energy efficiency programs earn a long-term return.

New Jersey societal benefit costs - Primarily relates to regulatory assets associated with manufactured gas plantMGP remediation, energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, universal service and lifeline funds, and consumer education in New Jersey.

Regulatory transition costs - Includes the recovery of PN above-market NUG costs; JCP&L costs incurred during the transition to a competitive retail market and under-recovery during the period from August 1, 1999 through July 31, 2003; and JCP&L costs associated with BGS, capacity and ancillary services, net of revenues from the sale of the committed supply in the wholesale market.

Vegetation management - Relates to regulatory assets in New Jersey and West Virginia associated with the recovery of certain distribution vegetation management costs.costs as well as MAIT vegetation management costs (amortized through 2024).

The following table provides information about the composition of net regulatory assets that do not earn a current return as of June 30, 2021March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2020,2021, of which approximately $180$332 million and $195$228 million, respectively, are currently being recovered through rates over varying periods, through 2068, depending on the nature of the deferral and the jurisdiction.

Regulatory Assets by Source Not Earning a Current ReturnRegulatory Assets by Source Not Earning a Current ReturnJune 30,
2021
December 31,
2020
ChangeRegulatory Assets by Source Not Earning a Current ReturnMarch 31,
2022
December 31,
2021
Change
(In millions)(In millions)
Deferred transmission costsDeferred transmission costs$14 $17 $(3)Deferred transmission costs$$13 $(4)
Deferred generation costsDeferred generation costsDeferred generation costs112 50 62 
Storm-related costsStorm-related costs539 654 (115)Storm-related costs569 549 20 
COVID-19 related costsCOVID-19 related costs65 66 (1)COVID-19 related costs63 65 (2)
Regulatory transition costsRegulatory transition costs14 16 (2)Regulatory transition costs12 13 (1)
Vegetation managementVegetation management17 22 (5)Vegetation management28 31 (3)
OtherOther10 Other14 11 
Regulatory Assets Not Earning a Current ReturnRegulatory Assets Not Earning a Current Return$665 $789 $(124)Regulatory Assets Not Earning a Current Return$807 $732 $75 

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CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

FirstEnergy’s business is capital intensive, requiring significant resources to fund operating expenses, construction and other investment expenditures, scheduled debt maturities and interest payments, dividend payments, and potential contributions to its pension plan.

FirstEnergy does not currently anticipate the need to issue additional equity through 2021 and expects to issue, subject to, among other things, market conditions, pricing terms and business operations, up to $600 million of equity annually in 2022 and 2023, including up to $100 million in equity for its regular stock investment and employee benefit plans. FirstEnergy is also exploring various alternatives to raise equity capital in a manner that could be more value-enhancing to all stakeholders. FirstEnergy’s expectations regarding the amount and timing of any potential equity issuances are subject to, among other matters, the ongoing government investigations and related lawsuits and regulatory actions.

FE and its distribution and transmission subsidiaries expect their existing sources of liquidity to remain sufficient to meet their respective anticipated obligations. In addition to internal sources to fund liquidity and capital requirements for 20212022 and beyond, FE and its distribution and transmission subsidiaries expect to rely on external sources of funds. Short-term cash requirements not met by cash provided from operations are generally satisfied through short-term borrowings. Long-term cash needs may be met through the issuance of long-term debt by FE and certain of its distribution and transmission subsidiaries to, among other things, fund capital expenditures and other capital-like investments, and refinance short-term and maturing long-term debt, subject to market conditions and other factors.

With an operating territory of 65,000 square miles, the scale and diversity of the ten Utilities that comprise the Regulated Distribution business uniquely position this business for growth through opportunities for additional investment, with plans to invest up to $6.6 billion in capital from 2020 to 2023. Over the past several years, Regulated Distribution has experienced rate base growth through investments that have improved reliability and added operating flexibility to the distribution infrastructure, which provide benefits to the customers and communities those Utilities serve. Additionally, this business is exploring other opportunities for growth, including investments in electric system improvement and modernization projects to increase reliability and improve service to customers, as well as exploring opportunities in customer engagement that focus on the electrification of customers’ homes and businesses by providing a full range of products and services.

FirstEnergy believes there are incremental investment opportunities for its existing transmission infrastructure of over $20 billion beyond those identified through 2023, 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.

In alignment with FirstEnergy’s strategy to invest in its Regulated TransmissionDistribution and Regulated DistributionTransmission segments as a fully regulated company, FirstEnergy is focused on maintaining balance sheet strength and flexibility. Specifically, at the regulated businesses, regulatory authority has been obtained for various regulated distribution and transmission subsidiaries to issue and/or refinance debt.

Any financing plans by FE or any of its consolidated subsidiaries, including the issuance of equity and debt, and the refinancing of short-term and maturing long-term debt are subject to market conditions and other factors. No assurance can be given that any such issuances, financing or refinancing, as the case may be, will be completed as anticipated or at all. Any delay in the completion of financing plans could require FE or any of its consolidated subsidiaries to utilize short-term borrowing capacity, which could impact available liquidity. In addition, FE and its consolidated subsidiaries expect to continually evaluate any planned financings, which may result in changes from time to time.

On March 31, 2018,November 6, 2021, FirstEnergy, along with FET, entered into the FES Debtors announcedFET P&SA with Brookfield and the Brookfield Guarantors, pursuant to which FET agreed to issue and sell to Brookfield at the closing, and Brookfield agreed to purchase from FET, certain newly issued membership interests of FET, such that in order to facilitate an orderly financial restructuring, they filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11Brookfield will own 19.9% of the United States Bankruptcy Codeissued and outstanding membership interests of FET, for a purchase price of $2.375 billion. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from the FERC and review by the CFIUS. CFIUS completed its review on April 14, 2022 and FERC approved the transaction on April 21, 2022. The transaction is expected to close at the end of May 2022.

On December 13, 2021, FE privately issued to BIP Securities II-B L.P., an affiliate of Blackstone Infrastructure Partners L.P., 25,588,535 shares of FE’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share, at a price of $39.08 per share, representing an investment of $1.0 billion. In addition, FE nominated Sean T. Klimczak, the Blackstone Infrastructure Partners-selected representative, to stand for election to the FE Board at the 2022 annual shareholders’ meeting. On April 21, 2022, FERC approved the Blackstone representative’s ability to participate as a voting member of the FE Board.

On October 18, 2021, FE, FET, the Utilities, and the Transmission Companies entered into six separate senior unsecured five-year syndicated revolving credit facilities. These new credit facilities provide substantial liquidity to support the Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission businesses, and each of the operating companies within the businesses. See “Capital Resources and Liquidity" below for additional details.

Together, these transactions enhance FirstEnergy's credit profile, provide funding for the strategic investments discussed above, and address all of FirstEnergy's equity plans, with the Bankruptcy Court. On February 27, 2020, the FES Debtors effectuated their plan, emerged from bankruptcyexception of annual issuances of up to $100 million under regular dividend reinvestment plans and FirstEnergy tendered the bankruptcy court approved settlement payments totaling $853 million and a $125 million tax sharing payment to the FES Debtors.employee benefit stock investment plans, through at least 2025.

FirstEnergy is continuously evaluating the COVID-19 global COVID-19 pandemic and taking steps to mitigate known risks. FirstEnergy is actively monitoring the continued impact COVID-19 is having on its customers’ receivable balances, which include increasing arrears balances since the pandemic has begun. FirstEnergy has incurred, and it is expected to incur for the foreseeable future, COVID-19 pandemic related expenses. COVID-19 related expenses consist of additional costs that FirstEnergy is incurring to protect its employees, contractors and customers, and to support social distancing requirements. These costs include, but are not limited to, new or added benefits provided to employees, the purchase of additional personal protection equipment and disinfecting supplies, additional facility cleaning services, initiated programs and communications to customers on utility response, and increased technology expenses to support remote working, where possible. The full impact on FirstEnergy’s business from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the governmental and regulatory responses, is unknown at this time and difficult to predict. FirstEnergy provides a critical and essential service to its customers and the health and safety of its employees contractors and customers is its first priority. FirstEnergy is continuously monitoringcontinues to provide flexibility for approximately 7,000 of its supply chain12,400 employees to work from home. Pandemic safety and is working closelycleaning protocols were implemented for those workers who have continued to report to a FirstEnergy work location during the pandemic, ensuring FirstEnergy employees can report directly to job sites and work with essential vendorsthe same small group of employees every day. FirstEnergy continues to understandassess its work from home policies to allow for a flexible workplace to continue for its employees after the continued impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on its business; however, FirstEnergy does not currently expect disruptions in its ability to deliver service to customers or any material impact on its capital spending plan.pandemic.


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FirstEnergy continues to effectively manage operations during the pandemic in order to provide critical service to customerscustomers. FirstEnergy has experienced supply chain challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lead times have increased across numerous material categories, with some as much as doubling from previous times. Some key suppliers have struggled with labor shortages and believes it is well positionedraw material availability, which along with increasing inflationary pressure, have increased the costs of certain materials, equipment and contractors. FirstEnergy has taken steps to manage through the economic slowdown. FirstEnergy Distributionmitigate these risks and Transmission revenues benefit from geographic and economic diversity across a five-statedoes not currently expect service territory, which also allows for flexibility withdisruptions or any material impact on its capital investments and measures to maintain sufficient liquidity over the next twelve months.spending plan. However, the situation remains fluid and future impacts to FirstEnergy that are presently unknown or unanticipated may occur. Furthermore, the likelihood of an impact to FirstEnergy, and the severity of any impact that does occur, could increase the longer the global pandemic persists.

On July 21, 2020, a complaint and supporting affidavit containing federal criminal allegations were unsealed against the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. Also, on July 21, 2020, and in connection with the investigation, FirstEnergy received subpoenas for records from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the S.D. Ohio. FirstEnergy was not aware of the criminal allegations, affidavit or subpoenas before July 21, 2020.

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, which, among other things requires FE to pay a monetary penalty of $230 million within the next sixty days. Under the DPA, FE has 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. Under the terms of the DPA, the criminal information will be dismissed after FirstEnergy fully complies with its obligations under the DPA.

In addition to the subpoenas referenced above, the OAG, certain FE shareholders and FirstEnergy 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. In addition, 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. Subsequently, on April 28, 2021, the SEC issued an additional subpoena to FE. Further, in a letter dated February 22, 2021, staff of FERC's Division of Investigations notified FirstEnergy that the Division is conducting an investigation of FirstEnergy’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6.

Despite the many disruptions FirstEnergy is currently facing, 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 FE’s or its subsidiaries’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. As discussed below, FirstEnergy has made reductions to its Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission capital investment plans and is considering reductions to operating expenses, as well as changes to its planned equity issuances, to allow for flexibility to address the outcomes of the ongoing government investigations and related lawsuits and regulatory actions.

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, FirstEnergy’s net deficit in working capital (current assets less current liabilities) was primarily due to accounts payable, short-term borrowings, current portions of long-term debt, short-term borrowings and accrued interest, taxes, and compensation and
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benefits. FirstEnergy believes its cash from operations and available liquidity will be sufficient to meet its current working capital needs.

Short-Term Borrowings / Revolving Credit Facilities

On October 18, 2021, FE, andFET, the Utilities, and FET and certain of its subsidiaries participate in twothe Transmission Companies entered into the 2021 Credit Facilities, which were six separate senior unsecured five-year syndicated revolving credit facilities providingwith JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., Mizuho Bank, Ltd. and PNC Bank, National Association that replace the FE Revolving Facility and the FET Revolving Facility, and provide for aggregate commitments of $3.5 billion, which$4.5 billion. The 2021 Credit Facilities are available until December 6, 2022. October 18, 2026, as follows:

FE and FET, $1.0 billion revolving credit facility;
Ohio Companies, $800 million revolving credit facility;
Pennsylvania Companies, $950 million revolving credit facility;
JCP&L, $500 million revolving credit facility;
MP and PE, $400 million revolving credit facility; and
Transmission Companies, $850 million credit facility.

Under the FE Revolving Facility,2021 Credit Facilities, an aggregate amount of $2.5$4.5 billion is available to be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed, subject to separate borrowing sublimits for each borrower including FEborrower’s respective sublimit under the respective facilities. These new credit facilities provide substantial liquidity to support the Regulated Distribution and its regulated distribution subsidiaries. Under the FET Revolving Facility, an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion is available to be borrowed, repaidRegulated Transmission businesses, and reborrowed under a syndicated credit facility, subject to separate borrowing sublimits for each borrower including FE's transmission subsidiaries. On July 21, 2021, FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries entered into amendments to the FE Revolving Facility and the FET Revolving Facility, respectively. The amendments provide for modifications and/or waivers of (i) certain representations and warranties, (ii) certain affirmative and negative covenants, contained therein, and (iii) any resulting event of default, which, in each case, resulted either from FE entering into the DPA or as a consequence of the facts and circumstances described inoperating companies within the DPA, thus allowing FirstEnergy to be in compliance with the revolving credit facilities and maintain access to the liquidity provided thereunder.businesses.

Borrowings under the credit facilities2021 Credit Facilities may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including intercompany loans and advances by a borrower to any of its subsidiaries.purposes. Generally, borrowings under each of the credit facilities are available to each borrower separately and mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing or the commitment termination date, as the same may be extended. Each of the credit facilities contains2021 Credit Facilities contain financial covenants requiring each borrower, with the exception of FE, to maintain a consolidated debt-to-total-capitalization ratio (as defined under each of the credit facilities)2021 Credit Facilities) of no more than 65%, and 75% for FET, measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. FE is required under its 2021 Credit Facility to maintain a consolidated interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.50 times, measured at the end of each fiscal quarter for the last four fiscal quarters beginning with the quarter ending December 31, 2021.


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FirstEnergy’s revolving credit facilities2021 Credit Facilities bear interest at fluctuating interest rates, primarily based on LIBOR. LIBOR tends to fluctuate based on general interest rates, rates set by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks, the supply of and demand for credit in the London interbank market and general economic conditions. FirstEnergy has not hedged its interest rate exposure with respect to its floating rate debt. Accordingly, FirstEnergy’s interest expense for any particular period will fluctuate based on LIBOR and other variable interest rates. On July 27, 2017, the Financial Conduct AuthorityFCA (the authority that regulates LIBOR), or FCA, announced that it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. Subsequently, on March 5, 2021, ICE Benchmark Administration LimitedIBA (the entity that calculates and publishes LIBOR), or IBA, and FCA made public statements regarding the future cessation of LIBOR. IBA permanently ceased publication for 1-week and 2-month LIBOR settings and all settings for non-USD LIBOR on December 31, 2021. According to the FCA, IBA will permanently cease to publish each of theovernight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month LIBOR settings on either December 31, 2021 or June 30, 2023. IBA did not identify any successor administrator in its announcement. The announced final publication date for 1-week and 2-month LIBOR settings and all settings for non-USD LIBOR is December 31, 2021. The announced final publication date for overnight, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 12-month LIBOR settings is June 30, 2023. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after such end dates, and there is considerable uncertainty regarding the publication or representativeness of LIBOR beyond such end dates. The U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, is seeking to replace U.S. dollar LIBOR with a newly created index, (the secured overnight financing rate or SOFR),SOFR, calculated based on repurchase agreements backed by treasury securities. FirstEnergy’s 2021 Credit Facilities provide a mechanism to automatically transition to a SOFR-based benchmark when all United States dollar LIBOR settings are no longer provided or are no longer representative. In addition, FirstEnergy’s 2021 Credit Facilities provide an option for the applicable borrower and lender to jointly elect to transition early to a SOFR-based benchmark, or in certain circumstances, an alternative benchmark replacement. It is not possible to predict the effect of these changes, other reforms or the establishment of alternative reference rates in the United Kingdom, the United States or elsewhere. To the extent these interest rates increase, interest expense will increase. If sources of capital for us are reduced, capital costs could increase materially. Restricted access to capital markets and/or increased borrowing costs could have an adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity.

On November 17, 2020, FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries entered into amendments to the FE Revolving Facility and the FET Revolving Facility, respectively. The amendments provide for modifications and/or waivers of: (i) certain representations and warranties and (ii) certain affirmative and negative covenants, contained therein, which allowed FirstEnergy to regain compliance with such provisions. In addition, among other things, the amendment to the FE Revolving Facility reduces the sublimit applicable to FE to $1.5 billion, and the amendments increased certain tiers of pricing applicable to borrowings under the credit facilities.

On November 23, 2020, JCP&L, ME, Penn, TE and WP, borrowed $950 million in the aggregate under the FE Revolving Facility, bringing the outstanding principal balance under the FE Revolving Facility to $1.2 billion, with $1.3 billion of remaining availability under the FE Revolving Facility. On November 23, 2020, FET and ATSI, borrowed $1 billion in the aggregate under the FET Revolving Facility, bringing the outstanding principal balance under the FET Revolving Facility to $1 billion, with no remaining availability under the FET Revolving Facility. FE, FET and certain of their respective subsidiaries increased their borrowings under the Revolving Facilities as a proactive measure to increase their respective cash positions and preserve financial flexibility.

The following table summarizes the borrowings and repayments under the FE and FET Revolving Credit Facilities since December 31, 2020:
FE Revolving FacilityFET Revolving Facility
(in millions)FETEWPMEPennJCP&LTotalFETATSITotal
Borrowings as of December 31, 2020$350 $100 $150 $100 $50 $450 $1,200 $850 $150 $1,000 
Repayments:
March 23, 2021(250)— — — — — (250)(500)— (500)
June 10, 2021(50)— — — — (450)(500)— — — 
June 30, 2021(50)— — — (50)— (100)(350)— (350)
Total Repayments(350)— — — (50)(450)(850)(850)— (850)
Borrowings as of June 30, 2021$— $100 $150 $100 $— $— $350 $— $150 $150 


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FirstEnergy had $500$350 million and $2.2 billion of outstanding short-term borrowings as of June 30, 2021March 31, 2022, and no short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2020, respectively.2021. FirstEnergy’s available liquidity from external sources as of July 21, 2021,April 18, 2022, was as follows:
Borrower(s)TypeMaturityCommitmentAvailable Liquidity
   (In millions)
FirstEnergy(1)
RevolvingDecember 2022$2,500 $2,496 
FET(2)
RevolvingDecember 20221,000 1,000 
  Subtotal$3,500 $3,496 
 Cash and cash equivalents— 460 
  Total$3,500 $3,956 

(1)FE and the Utilities. Available liquidity includes impact of $4 million of LOCs issued under various terms.
(2)Includes FET and the Transmission Companies.
Revolving Credit FacilityMaturityCommitmentAvailable Liquidity
  (In millions)
FE and FETOctober 2026$1,000 $647 
Ohio CompaniesOctober 2026800 800 
Pennsylvania CompaniesOctober 2026950 950 
JCP&LOctober 2026500 499 
MP and PEOctober 2026400 400 
Transmission CompaniesOctober 2026850 850 
Subtotal$4,500 $4,146 
Cash and cash equivalents— 383 
Total$4,500 $4,529 

The following table summarizes the borrowing sublimits for each borrower under the facilities, the limitations on short-term indebtedness applicable to each borrower under current regulatory approvals and applicable statutory and/or charter limitations as of June 30, 2021:March 31, 2022:
BorrowerFirstEnergy Revolving Facility
Sublimit
FET Revolving Facility
Sublimit
Regulatory and
Other Short-Term Debt Limitations
 (In millions) 
FE$1,500 $— $— (1)
FET— 1,000 — (1)
OE500 — 500 (2)
CEI500 — 500 (2)
TE300 — 300 (2)
JCP&L500 — 500 (2)
ME500 — 500 (2)
PN300 — 300 (2)
WP200 — 200 (2)
MP500 — 500 (2)
PE150 — 150 (2)
ATSI— 500 500 (2)
Penn100 — 100 (2)
TrAIL— 400 400 (2)
MAIT— 400 400 (2)
(1)No limitations.
(2)Includes amounts which may be borrowed under the regulated companies’ money pool.
Individual BorrowerRegulatory and
Other Short-Term Debt Limitations
 (In millions) 
FE and FETN/A
OE, CEI, JCP&L, ME, MP, and ATSI$500 (1)
TE and PN300 (1)
WP200 (1)
PE150 (1)
Penn100 (1)
TrAIL and MAIT400 (1)
(1) Includes amounts which may be borrowed under the regulated companies’ money pool.

Subject to each borrower’s sublimit, $250 million of the FE Revolving Facility and $100 million of the FET Revolving Facility, isamounts noted below are available for the issuance of LOCs (subject to borrowings drawn under the 2021 Credit Facilities) expiring up to one year from the date of issuance. The stated amount of outstanding LOCs will count against total commitments available under each of the 2021 Credit Facilities and against the applicable borrower’s borrowing sublimit. As of March 31, 2022, FirstEnergy had $4 million in outstanding LOCs.

Revolving Credit FacilityLOC Availability
(In millions)
FE and FET$100 
Ohio Companies150 
Pennsylvania Companies200 
JCP&L100 
MP and PE100 
Transmission Companies200 

The 2021 Credit Facilities do not contain provisions that restrict the ability to borrow or accelerate payment of outstanding advances in the event of any change in credit ratings of the borrowers. Pricing is defined in “pricing grids,” whereby the cost of funds borrowed under the 2021 Credit Facilities isare related to the credit ratings of the company borrowing the funds. Additionally, borrowings under each of the 2021 Credit Facilities are subject to the usual and customary provisions for acceleration upon the occurrence of events of default, including a cross-default for other indebtedness in excess of $100 million.

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, the borrowers were in compliance with the applicable interest coverage and debt-to-total-capitalization ratio covenants in each case as defined under the respective2021 Credit Facilities.


6248


FirstEnergy Money Pools

FirstEnergy’s utility operating subsidiary companies also have the ability to borrow from each other and FE to meet their short-term working capital requirements. Similar but separate arrangements exist among FirstEnergy’s unregulated companies with AE Supply, FE, FET, FEV and certain other unregulated subsidiaries. FESC administers these money pools and tracks surplus funds of FE and the respective regulated and unregulated subsidiaries, as the case may be, as well as proceeds available from bank borrowings. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal amount of the loan, together with accrued interest, within 364 days of borrowing the funds. The rate of interest is the same for each company receiving a loan from their respective pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings inthrough the secondfirst quarter of 20212022 was 1.75%0.37% per annum for the regulated companies’ money pool and 1.06%0.52% per annum for the unregulated companies’ money pool.

Long-Term Debt Capacity

FE’s and its subsidiaries’ access to capital markets and costs of financing are influenced by the credit ratings of their securities. The following table displays FE’s and its subsidiaries’ credit ratings as of July 19, 2021:April 18, 2022:
Corporate Credit RatingSenior SecuredSenior Unsecured
Outlook/WatchCreditWatch (1)
IssuerS&PMoody’sFitchS&PMoody’sFitchS&PMoody’sFitchS&PMoody’sFitch
FEBBBBB-Ba1BB+BBBB+Ba1BB+CW-NSNPNP
AGCBBBB+Baa2BBB-CW-NSSNP
ATSIBBBBBA3BBB-BB+BBBA3BBBCW-NSSNP
CEIBBBBBBaa2BBB-BBBA-A3BBB+BB+BBBBaa2BBBCW-NSNNP
FETBBBBB-Baa2BB+BBBB+Baa2BB+CW-NSNSNP
JCP&LBBBBBA3BBB-BB+BBBA3BBBCW-NSSNP
MEBBBBBA3BBB-BB+BBBA3BBBCW-NSSNP
MAITBBBBBA3BBB-BB+BBBA3BBBCW-NSSNP
MPBBBBBBaa2BBB-BBBA-A3BBB+BB+BBBBaa2CW-NSSNP
OEBBBBBA3BBB-BBBA-A1BBB+BB+BBBA3BBBCW-NSNSNP
PNBBBBBBaa1BBB-BB+BBBBaa1BBBCW-NSSNP
PennBBBBBA3BBB-BBBA-A1BBB+CW-NSSNP
PEBBBBBBaa2BBB-BBBA-A3BBB+CW-NSSNP
TEBBBBBBaa1BBB-BBBA-A2BBB+CW-NSNNP
TrAILBBBBBA3BBB-BB+BBBA3BBBCW-NSSNP
WPBBBBBA3BBB-BBBA-A1BBB+CW-NSSNP
(1) S = Stable, P = Positive, N = Negative CW-N = CreditWatch with Negative implications

The applicable undrawn and drawn margin on the FE and FET credit facilities2021 Credit Facilities are subject to ratings based pricing grids. The applicable fee paid on the undrawn commitments under the FE and FET credit facilities2021 Credit Facilities are based on FE and FET’seach borrower’s senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt ratings as determined by S&P and Moody’s. The fee paid on actual borrowings are determined based on each borrower’s senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt ratings as determined by S&P and Moody’s.

The interest rate payable on approximately $3.85$3.0 billion in FE’s senior unsecured notes are subject to adjustments from time to time if the ratings on the notes from any one or more of S&P, Moody’s and Fitch decreases to a rating set forth in the applicable governing documents. Generally a one-notch downgrade by the applicable rating agency may result in a 25 bpsbasis points coupon rate increase beginning at BB, Ba1, and BB+ for S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, respectively, to the extent such rating is applicable to the series of outstanding senior unsecured notes, during the next interest period, subject to an aggregate cap of 2% from issuance interest rate.

Debt capacity is subject to the consolidated debt-to-total-capitalization limitsinterest coverage ratio in the credit facilities previously discussed.2021 Credit Facilities. As of June 30, 2021, FE and its subsidiariesMarch 31, 2022, FirstEnergy could issue additional debtincur approximately $790 million of approximately $5.3 billion,incremental interest expense or incur a $2.9$2.0 billion reduction to equity,the consolidated interest coverage earnings numerator, as defined under the covenant, and FE would remain within the limitations of the financial covenants requiredcovenant requirements by the FE Revolving Facility.2021 Credit Facilities.

Cash Requirements and Commitments

FirstEnergy has certain obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts. For an in-depth discussion of FirstEnergy’s cash requirements and commitments, see “Capital Resources and Liquidity - Cash Requirements and Commitments " in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" within FirstEnergy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021 (filed on February 16, 2022).
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Changes in Cash Position

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, FirstEnergy had approximately $1.3$283 million of cash and cash equivalents and $27 million of restricted cash compared to approximately $1.5 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $58 million of restricted cash compared to approximately $1.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents and $67$49 million of restricted cash as of December 31, 2020,2021, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


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Cash Flows From Operating Activities

FirstEnergy's most significant sources of cash are derived from electric service provided by its distribution and transmission operating subsidiaries. Beyond the cash settlement and tax sharing payments to the FES Debtors in the first quarter of 2020, theThe most significant use of cash from operating activities is buying electricity to serve non-shopping customers and paying fuel suppliers, employees, tax authorities, lenders and others for a wide range of materials and services.

FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows combines cash flows from discontinued operations with cash flows from continuing operations within each cash flow category. For the six months ended June 30, 2020, cash flows from operating activities includes income from discontinued operations of $52 million.

In the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, cash provided from operating activities was approximately $1.3 billion$355 million compared to $150$533 million in the same period of 2020.2021. The increasedecrease in cash provided from operating activities is primarily due to rate refunds and rate credits provided to Ohio customers during the first quarter of 2022 under the PUCO-approved Ohio Stipulation, higher operating expenses from lower capitalization of certain vegetation management and corporate support costs, and the absence of a $978 million cash settlement and tax sharing payment made toaccounts receivable working capital improvements in the FES Debtors upon their emergence in February 2020, increased sales, impactfirst quarter of 2021, when collection activity improved since the start of the distribution riderpandemic. These decreases in cash flow from operating activities are partially offset by cash flow generated from capital investments made since the first quarter of 2021 and transmission investment recovery, and increased collectionsimprovements in accounts payable working capital from the implementation of customer account receivable balances.FE Forward initiatives.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

In the first sixthree months of 2021,2022, cash provided from (used for)used for financing activities was $(662)$964 million compared to $742$509 million during the same period of 2020.2021. The following table summarizes new debt financing redemptions, repayments, short-term borrowingsactivities for the first three months of 2022 and dividends:2021:
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
Securities Issued or Redeemed / Repaid20212020
 (In millions)
New Issues  
Unsecured notes$1,150 $3,000 
Senior secured notes150 — 
FMBs200 175 
$1,500 $3,175 
Redemptions / Repayments  
Term loan$— $(750)
Unsecured notes— (250)
FMBs— (50)
Senior secured notes(33)(32)
 $(33)$(1,082)
Short-term borrowings redemptions, net$(1,700)$(885)
Common stock dividend payments$(424)$(422)

For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Securities Issued or Redeemed / Repaid20222021
 (In millions)
New issues - Unsecured notes$— $500 
Redemptions / Repayments:  
Unsecured notes(1,000)— 
FMBs(25)— 
Senior secured notes(21)(29)
 $(1,046)$(29)
Make-whole premiums paid on debt redemptions$(38)$— 
Short-term borrowings/(redemptions), net$350 $(750)
Common stock dividend payments$(222)$(212)

In December 2021, notice of redemption was provided for all remaining $850 million of FE’s 4.25% Notes, Series B, due 2023, which was completed on January 20, 2022, and with a make-whole premium of approximately $38 million.

On March 19, 2021, FET issued $500January 27, 2022, CEI instructed its indenture trustee to provide notice of redemption for all remaining $150 million of 2.866% senior unsecured notesCEI’s 2.77% Senior Notes, Series A, due 2028. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay short-term borrowings under the FET Revolving Facility.2034, for redemption which occurred on March 14, 2022.

On April 9, 2021, MP issued an additional $200Also on January 27, 2022, TE instructed its indenture trustee to provide notice of partial redemption for $25 million of its 3.55% first mortgage bonds due 2027 at an effective interest rate of approximately 2.06%. Proceeds from the issuance were used to fund MP’s ongoing capital expenditures, for working capital needs and for other general corporate purposes.

On May 6, 2021, TE issued $150 million ofTE’s 2.65% senior secured notes due 2028. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay short-term borrowings, fund TE’s ongoing capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes.

On May 24, 2021, MAIT issued an additional $150 million of its 4.10% senior notesSenior Secured Notes, due 2028, at an effective interest rate of approximately 2.55%. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay borrowings outstanding under FirstEnergy’s regulated company money pool, to fund MAIT’s ongoing capital expenditures, to fund working capital and for other general corporate purposes.partial redemption which occurred on February 11, 2022.


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On June 10, 2021, JCP&L issued $500 million of 2.75% senior notes due 2032. Proceeds from the issuance were used to repay $450 million of short-term debt under the FE Revolving Facility, storm recovery and restoration costs and expenses, to fund JCP&L’s ongoing capital expenditures, working capital requirements and for other general corporate purposes.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Cash used for investing activities in the first sixthree months of 20212022 principally represented cash used for property additions. The following table summarizes investing activities for the first sixthree months of 20212022 and 2020:2021:
For the Six Months Ended June 30,IncreaseFor the Three Months Ended March 31,Increase
Cash Used for Investing ActivitiesCash Used for Investing Activities20212020(Decrease)Cash Used for Investing Activities20222021(Decrease)
(In millions)(In millions)
Property Additions:Property Additions:Property Additions:
Regulated DistributionRegulated Distribution$667 $724 $(57)Regulated Distribution$317 $321 $(4)
Regulated TransmissionRegulated Transmission530 539 (9)Regulated Transmission197 273 (76)
Corporate / OtherCorporate / Other29 29 — Corporate / Other10 (4)
Proceeds from sale of Yards CreekProceeds from sale of Yards Creek(155)— (155)Proceeds from sale of Yards Creek— (155)155 
Investments14 (8)
Asset removal costsAsset removal costs111 102 Asset removal costs49 47 
OtherOther(14)(2)(12)Other23 20 
$1,174 $1,406 $(232)$592 $499 $93 

Cash used for investing activities for the secondfirst quarter of 2021 decreased $2322022 increased $93 million, compared to the same period of 2020,2021, primarily due to the absence of proceeds from the sale of Yards Creek andreceived in the first quarter of 2021, partially offset by lower capital expenditures.property additions.

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GUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCES
FirstEnergy has various financial and performance guarantees and indemnifications, which are issued in the normal course of business. These contracts include performance guarantees, stand-by letters of credit, debt guarantees, surety bonds and indemnifications. FirstEnergy enters into these arrangements to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties by enhancing the value of the transaction to the third party. The maximum potential amount of future payments FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries could be required to make under these guarantees as of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, was approximately $1.2$1.1 billion, as summarized below:
Guarantees and Other AssurancesMaximum Exposure
 (In millions)
FE’s Guarantees on Behalf of its Consolidated Subsidiaries
Deferred compensation arrangements$492520 
Vehicle leases75 
AE Supply asset sales(1)
15 
Other
589602 
FE’s Guarantees on Other Assurances
Surety Bonds329330 
Global holding facility108 
Deferred compensation arrangements132134 
LOCs and other114 
580468 
Total Guarantees and Other Assurances$1,1691,070 
(1)As a condition to closing AE Supply’s transfer of Pleasants Power Station and as contemplated under the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, FE has provided two guarantees for certain retained liabilities of AE Supply, the first totaling up to $15 million for certain environmental liabilities associated with Pleasants Power Station, and the second being limited solely to environmental liabilities for the McElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility, for which an ARO of $47 million is reflected on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet, and which is not reflected on the table above.

Collateral and Contingent-Related Features

In the normal course of business, FE and its subsidiaries may enter into physical or financially settled contracts for the sale and purchase of electric capacity, energy, fuel and emission allowances. Certain agreements contain provisions that require FE or its subsidiaries to post collateral. This collateral may be posted in the form of cash or credit support with thresholds contingent upon FE’s or its subsidiaries’ credit rating from each of the major credit rating agencies. The collateral and credit support requirements vary by contract and by counterparty.

As ofJune 30, 2021, $33 March 31, 2022, $52 million of collateral has been posted by FE or its subsidiaries of which, $32 million was posted as a result of the credit rating downgradesand is included in the fourth quarter of 2020.Prepaid taxes and other current assets on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

These credit-risk-related contingent features stipulate that if the subsidiary were to be downgraded or lose its investment grade credit rating (based on its senior unsecured debt rating), it would be required to provide additional collateral. The following table discloses the potential additional credit rating contingent contractual collateral obligations as of June 30, 2021:March 31, 2022:
Potential Collateral ObligationsUtilities and FETFETotal
(In millions)
Contractual Obligations for Additional Collateral
Upon further downgrade$37 $— $37 
Surety Bonds (collateralized amount)(1)
56 258 314 
Total Exposure from Contractual Obligations$93 $258 $351 

Potential Collateral ObligationsUtilities and Transmission CompaniesFETotal
(In millions)
Contractual Obligations for Additional Collateral
Upon further downgrade$43 $— $43 
Surety Bonds (collateralized amount)(1)
57 258 315 
Total Exposure from Contractual Obligations$100 $258 $358 
(1)Surety bonds are not tied to a credit rating. Surety Bonds’ impact assumes maximum contractual obligations, which is ordinarily 100% of the face amount of the surety bond except with the respect to $39 million of surety bond obligations for which the collateral obligation is capped at 60% of the face amount, and typical obligations require 30 days to cure.

Other Commitments and Contingencies

FE is a guarantor under a $120 million syndicated senior secured term loan facility due November 12, 2024, under which Global Holding’s outstanding principal balance was $108 million as of June 30, 2021. Signal Peak, Global Rail, Global Mining Group,

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LLC and Global Coal Sales Group, LLC, each being a direct or indirect subsidiary of Global Holding, and FE continue to provide their joint and several guaranties of the obligations of Global Holding under the facility.

In connection with the facility, 69.99% of Global Holding’s direct and indirect membership interests in Signal Peak, Global Rail and their affiliates along with FEV’s and WMB Marketing Ventures, LLC’s respective 33-1/3% membership interests in Global Holding, are pledged to the lenders under the current facility as collateral.

MARKET RISK INFORMATION

FirstEnergy uses various market risk sensitive instruments, including derivative contracts, primarily to manage the risk of price and interest rate fluctuations. FirstEnergy’s Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general oversight for risk management activities throughout FirstEnergy.

Commodity Price Risk

FirstEnergy has limited exposure to financial risks resulting from fluctuating commodity prices, such as prices for electricity, coal and energy transmission. FirstEnergy’s Risk Management and Risk Policy Committees are responsible for promoting the
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effective design and implementation of sound risk management programs and oversees compliance with corporate risk management policies and established risk management practice.

The valuation of derivative contracts is based on observable market information. As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, FirstEnergy has a net asset of $3$1 million in non-hedge derivative contracts that are related to FTRs at certain of the Utilities. FTRs are subject to regulatory accounting and do not impact earnings.

Equity Price Risk

As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, the FirstEnergy pension plan assets were allocated approximately as follows: 34%35% in equity securities, 33%25% in fixed income securities, 8%12% in absolute return strategies, 9%alternatives, 10% in real estate, 7%11% in private debt/equity, 2%5% in derivatives and 7%2% in cash and short-term securities. As further discussed below, dueDue to the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, under current assumptions, including an expected annual return on assets of 7.50%7.5%, FirstEnergy does not currently expect to have a required contribution to the pension plan. However, a decline in the value of pension plan assets could result in additional funding requirements. Additionally,requirements and FirstEnergy may elect to contribute to the pension plan voluntarily. As of June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, FirstEnergy’s OPEB plan assets were allocated approximately as follows: 52%50% in equity securities, 45%47% in fixed income securities and 3% in cash and short-term securities. Investment markets experienced elevated market volatility during 2020 as a result of the U.S. general election and the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to reduce the effect of market volatility on the plan’s funded status and to preserve capital gains experienced during 2020, approximately $1.4 billion of return-seeking assets were sold (including approximately $800 million of equity securities) during the third quarter of 2020. As previously disclosed, the FirstEnergy pension plan assets were expected to be reinvested in return-seeking investments during 2021 to more consistently align the pension trust portfolios to FirstEnergy’s target asset allocations. In the first half of 2021, the return-seeking investments were increased by approximately 15%, and as a result, as of June 30, 2021, the FirstEnergy pension plan return-seeking assets are now consistently aligned to the target asset allocation. See Note 5,4, “Pension and Other Post-Employment Benefits,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on FirstEnergy’s pension and OPEB plans.

In the sixthree months ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, FirstEnergy’s pension and OPEB plan assets have gainedlost approximately 3.3%5.8% and 8.1%4.8%, respectively, as compared to an annual expected return on plan assets of 7.5%.

Interest Rate Risk

FirstEnergy recognizes net actuarial gains or losses for its pension and OPEB plans in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever a plan is determined to qualify for a remeasurement. A primary factor contributing to these actuarial gains and losses are changes in the discount rates used to value pension and OPEB obligations as of the measurement date and the difference between expected and actual returns on the plans’ assets. FirstEnergy utilizes a spot rate approach in the estimation of the components of benefit cost by applying specific spot rates along the full yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows. As of March 31, 2022, the spot rate was 3.75% and 3.65% for pension and OPEB obligations, respectively, as compared to 3.02% and 2.84% as of December 31, 2021, respectively. At this time, FirstEnergy is unable to determine or project the mark-to-market adjustment that may be recorded as of December 31, 2021.2022.
CREDIT RISK

Credit risk is the risk that FirstEnergy would incur a loss as a result of nonperformance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. FirstEnergy maintains credit policies and procedures with respect to counterparty credit (including requirement that counterparties maintain specified credit ratings) and require other assurances in the form of credit support or collateral in certain circumstance in order to limit counterparty credit risk. In addition, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, FirstEnergy has increased reviews of counterparties, customers and industries that have been negatively impacted, which could affect meeting contractual obligations with FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy has concentrations of suppliers and customers among electric utilities, financial institutions and energy marketing and trading companies. These concentrations may impact FirstEnergy’s overall exposure to credit risk, positively or negatively, as counterparties may be similarly affected by changes in economic, regulatory or

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other conditions. In the event an energy supplier of the Ohio Companies, Pennsylvania Companies, JCP&L or PE defaults on its obligation, the affected company would be required to seek replacement power in the market. In general, subject to regulatory review or other processes, it is expected that appropriate incremental costs incurred by these entities would be recoverable from customers through applicable rate mechanisms, thereby mitigating the financial risk for these entities. FirstEnergy’s credit policies to manage credit risk include the use of an established credit approval process, daily credit mitigation provisions, such as margin, prepayment or collateral requirements, and surveys to determine negative impacts to essential vendors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. FE and its subsidiaries may request additional credit assurance, in certain circumstances, in the event that the counterparties’ credit ratings fall below investment grade, their tangible net worth falls below specified percentages or their exposures exceed an established credit limit.
OUTLOOK

AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021

On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. While the Act is primarily an economic stimulus package, it also, among other changes, expanded the scope of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code that limits deductions on certain executive officer compensation. FirstEnergy does not currently expect these changes to have a material impact.

STATE REGULATION

Each of the Utilities' retail rates, conditions of service, issuance of securities and other matters are subject to regulation in the states in which it operates - in Maryland by the MDPSC, in New Jersey by the NJBPU, in Ohio by the PUCO, in Pennsylvania by the PPUC, in West Virginia by the WVPSC and in New York by the NYPSC. The transmission operations of PE in Virginia, ATSI in Ohio, and the Transmission Companies in Pennsylvania are subject to certain regulations of the VSCC, PUCO and PPUC, respectively. In addition, under Ohio law, municipalities may regulate rates of a public utility, subject to appeal to the PUCO if not acceptable to the utility. Further, if any of the FirstEnergy affiliates were to engage in the construction of significant new transmission facilities, depending on the state, they may be required to obtain state regulatory authorization to site, construct and operate the new transmission facility.
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MARYLAND

PE operates under MDPSC approved base rates that were effective as of March 23, 2019. PE also provides SOS pursuant to a combination of settlement agreements, MDPSC orders and regulations, and statutory provisions. SOS supply is competitively procured in the form of rolling contracts of varying lengths through periodic auctions that are overseen by the MDPSC and a third-party monitor. Although settlements with respect to SOS supply for PE customers have expired, service continues in the same manner until changed by order of the MDPSC. PE recovers its costs plus a return for providing SOS. PE expects to file a new base rate case in early 2023, consistent with the MDPSC’s order issued on March 22, 2019.

The EmPOWER Maryland program requires each electric utility to file a plan to reduce electric consumption and demand 0.2% per year, up to the ultimate goal of 2% annual savings, for the duration of the 2018-2020 and 2021-2023 EmPOWER Maryland program cycles to the extent the MDPSC determines that cost-effective programs and services are available. PE's approved 2018-20202021-2023 EmPOWER Maryland plan continues and expands upon prior years' programs and adds new programs, for a projected total costinvestment of $116approximately $148 million over the three-year period. PE recovers program costsinvestments with a return through an annually reconciled surcharge, with most costs subject to recovery over a five-year amortization.period with a return on the unamortized balance. Maryland law only allows for the utility to recover lost distribution revenue attributable to energy efficiency or demand reduction programs through a base rate case proceeding, and to date, such recovery has not been sought or obtained by PE. On September 1, 2020, PE filed its proposed plan for the 2021-2023 EmPOWER Maryland program cycle. The new plan largely continues PE’s existing programs and is estimated to cost approximately $148 million over the three-year period. The MDPSC approved the plan on December 18, 2020.

On March 22, 2019, MDPSC issued an order approving PE’s 2018 base rate case filing, which among other things, approved an annual rate increase of $6.2 million, approved three of the four EDIS programs for four years to fund enhanced service reliability programs, directed PE to file a new depreciation study within 18 months, and ordered the filing of a new base rate case in four years to correspond to the ending of the approved EDIS programs. On September 22, 2020, PE filed its depreciation study reflecting a slight increase in expense and is seeking the difference to be deferred for future recovery in PE’s next base rate case. On January 29, 2021, the Maryland Office of People's Counsel filed testimony recommending an annual reduction in depreciation expense of $10.8 million, and the staff of the MDPSC filed testimony recommending an annual reduction of $9.6 million. On May 26, 2021, the judge issued a Proposed Order which would reduce PE’s base rates by $2.1 million. PE filed an appeal of the Proposed Order to the MDPSC on June 25, 2021. On July 15, 2021, the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel and staff submitted reply memoranda arguing that the PE appeal be denied and the Proposed Order be affirmed.

Maryland’s Governor issued an order on March 16, 2020, forbidding utilities from terminating residential service or charging late fees for non-payment for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. On April 9, 2020, the MDPSC issued an order allowing utilities to track and create a regulatory asset for future recovery of all prudently incurred incremental costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, including incremental uncollectible expense, incurred from the date of the Governor’s order (or earlier if the utility could show that the expenses related to suspension of service terminations). In July 2020, the MDPSC subsequently issued

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orders allowing Maryland electric and gas utilities to resume residential service terminations for non-payment on November 15, 2020, subject to various restrictions, and clarifying that utilities could resume charging late fees on October 1, 2020. On June 16, 2021, the MDPSC assigned $4 million to PE of COVID-19 relief that was allocated by the Maryland General Assembly to retire residential customer utility arrearages.

NEW JERSEY

JCP&L operates under NJBPU approved rates that were effective for customers as of JanuaryNovember 1, 2017.2021. JCP&L provides BGS for retail customers who do not choose a third-party EGS and for customers of third-party EGSs that fail to provide the contracted service. All New Jersey EDCs participate in this competitive BGS procurement process and recover BGS costs directly from customers as a charge separate from base rates.

JCP&L has instituted energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs in accordance with the New Jersey Clean Energy Act as approved by the NJBPU in April 2021. The NJBPU approved plans include recovery of lost revenues resulting from the programs and a three-year plan including total program costs of $203 million, of which $158 million of investment is recovered over a ten-year amortization period with a return as well as operations and maintenance expenses and financing costs of $45 million recovered on an annual basis.

In December 2017, the NJBPU issued proposed rules to modify its current CTA policy in base rate cases to: (i) calculate savings using a five-year look back from the beginning of the test year; (ii) allocate savings with 75% retained by the company and 25% allocated to ratepayers;customers; and (iii) exclude transmission assets of electric distribution companies in the savings calculation, which were published in the NJ Register in the first quarter of 2018. JCP&L filed comments supporting the proposed rulemaking.calculation. On January 17, 2019, the NJBPU approved the proposed CTA rules with no changes. On May 17, 2019, the NJ Rate Counsel filed an appeal with the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey and on June 7, 2021, the courtSuperior Court issued an Orderorder reversing the NJBPU’s CTA rules and remanded the case back to the NJBPU. Specifically, the court’sCourt’s ruling requires 100% of the CTA savings to be credited to customers in lieu of the NJBPU’s current policy requiring 25%. The court’s rulingOn December 6, 2021, the NJBPU issued proposed amended rules modifying its current CTA policy in base rate cases consistent with the Superior Court’s June 7, 2021 order. Comments were filed on March 3, 2022. Once the proposed rules are final, they will be applied on a prospective basis.basis in a future base rate case, however, it is not expected to have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s results or financial condition.

On February 18, 2020, JCP&L submitted a filing with the NJBPU requesting a distribution base rate increase. On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU approved a stipulated settlement between JCP&L and various parties, providingresolving JCP&L’s request for among other things,distribution base rate increase. The settlement provided for a $94 million annual base distribution revenues increase for JCP&L based on an ROE of 9.6%, which will becomebecame effective for customers on November 1, 2021. Until the rates become effective, and starting on January 1, 2021,The settlement additionally provided that JCP&L would be subject to a management audit. The management audit began to amortize an existing regulatory liability totaling approximately $86 million to offset the base rate increase that otherwise would have occurred in this period. The parties also agreed that the actual net gain from the sale of JCP&L’s interest in the Yards Creek pumped-storage hydro generation facility in New Jersey (210 MWs), as further discussed below, be applied to reduce JCP&L’s existing regulatory asset for previously deferred storm costs. Lastly, the parties agreed that approximately $95 million of Reliability Plus capital investment for projects through December 31, 2020, is included in rate base effective December 31, 2020, with a final prudence review of only those capital investment projects from July 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, to occur in January 2021. During the first quarter of 2021, JCP&L submitted its review of storm costs, filed a written report for its Reliability Plus projects placed in service from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, and submitted the vegetation management report, all required under the stipulation of settlement. On March 24, 2021, JCP&L, NJ Rate Counsel and the NJBPU Staff submitted a stipulation of settlement to the NJBPU, which was approved on April 7, 2021, providing that the Reliability Plus projects placed into service from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 were reasonable and prudent.

On April 6, 2020, JCP&L signed an asset purchase agreement with Yards Creek Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of LS Power to sell its 50% interest in the Yards Creek pumped-storage hydro generation facility. Subject to terms and conditions of the agreement, the base purchase price is $155 million. As of December 31, 2020, assets held for sale on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets associated with the transaction consist of property, plant and equipment of $45 million, which is included in the regulated distribution segment. On July 31, 2020, FERC approved the transfer of JCP&L’s interest in the hydroelectric operating license. On October 8, 2020, FERC issued an order authorizing the transfer of JCP&L’s ownership interest in the hydroelectric facilities. On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU approved the sale of Yards Creek. With the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the transaction was consummated on March 5,May 2021 and resulted in a $109 million gain within the regulated distribution segment. As further discussed above, the gain from the transaction was applied against and reduced JCP&L’s existing regulatory asset for previously deferred storm costs and, as a result, was offset by expense in the “Amortization of regulatory assets, net”, line on the Consolidated Statements of Income, resulting in no earnings impact to FirstEnergy or JCP&L.is currently ongoing.

On August 27, 2020, JCP&L filed an AMI Program with the NJBPU, which proposesproposed the deployment of approximately 1.2 million advanced meters over a three-year period beginning on January 1, 2023, at a total cost of approximately $418 million, including the pre-deployment phase. The then proposed 3-year deployment iswas part of the 20-year AMI Program that is expectedwas projected to cost a total of approximately $732 million and proposesproposed a cost recovery mechanism through a separate AMI tariff rider. On February 26,September 14, 2021, JCP&L filedsubmitted a letter requesting a suspensionsupplemental filing, which reflected increases in the AMI Program’s costs. Under the revised AMI Program, during the first six years of the procedural schedule to allow for settlement discussions, which was granted on March 5, 2021.

On June 10, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order establishing a framework for the filingAMI Program from 2022 through 2027, JCP&L estimates costs of utility-run energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs in accordance with the New Jersey Clean Energy Act. Under the established framework, JCP&L will recover its program investments over a ten-year amortization period and its$494 million, consisting of capital expenditures of approximately $390 million, incremental operations and maintenance expenses of approximately $73 million and cost of removal of $31 million. On February 8, 2022, JCP&L filed with the NJBPU a stipulation entered into with the NJBPU staff, NJ Rate Counsel and others, that, pending NJBPU approval, would affirm the terms of the revised AMI Program. The Stipulation, which was approved by NJBPU order on an annual basis,February 23, 2022, also provides that the revised AMI Program-related capital costs, the legacy meter stranded costs, and the operations and maintenance expense will be eligibledeferred and placed in regulatory assets, with such amounts sought to receive lost revenues on energy savings that resulted from its programs and be eligible for incentives or subject to penalties based on its annual program performance, beginningrecovered in the fifth year of its program offerings. On September 25, 2020, JCP&L filed its energy efficiency and peak demand reduction program. JCP&L’s program consists of 11 energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs and subprograms to be run from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024. The program also seeks approval of cost recovery totaling approximately $230 million as well as lost revenues associated with thesubsequent base rate cases.

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energy savings resulting from the programs. On April 23, 2021, JCP&L filed a Stipulation of Settlement with the NJBPU for approval of a three-year plan including $203 million in total cost, as well as recovery of lost revenues resulting from the programs. On April 27, 2021, the NJBPU issued an Order approving the Stipulation of Settlement.

On July 2, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order allowing New Jersey utilities to track and create a regulatory asset for future recovery of all prudently incurred incremental costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic beginning March 9, 2020 through September 30, 2021, orand continuing until the New Jersey Governor issues an order stating that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer in effect. New Jersey utilities can request recovery of such regulatory asset in a stand-alone COVID-19 regulatory asset filing or future base rate case. On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order expanding the scope of the proceeding to examine all pandemic issues, including recovery of the COVID-19 regulatory assets, by way of a generic proceeding. Through various Executive Ordersexecutive orders issued by the New Jersey Governor, Murphy, the moratorium period iswas extended to December 31, 2021. On December 21, 2021, the moratorium on residential disconnections for certain entities providing utility service was extended until March 15, 2022. The moratorium on residential disconnections was not extended for investor-owned electric utilities such as JCP&L, but does require that investor-owned electric public utilities offer qualifying residential customers deferred payment arrangements meeting certain minimum criteria prior to disconnecting service.Additionally, while the moratorium on residential disconnections for certain entities providing electric service was not extended after March 15, 2022, new legislation was enacted on March 25, 2022, prohibiting utilities from disconnecting electric service to customers that have applied for utility bill assistance before June 15, 2022 until such time as the state agency administering the assistance program makes a decision on the application and further requiring that all utilities offer a deferred payment arrangement meeting certain minimum criteria after the state agency’s decision on the application has been made.

The recent credit rating actions taken on October 28, 2020, by S&P and Fitch triggered a requirement from variousPursuant to an NJBPU orders that JCP&L file a mitigation plan, which was filed on November 5, 2020, to demonstrate that JCP&L has sufficient liquidity to meet its BGS obligations. On December 11, 2020, the NJBPU held a public hearing on the mitigation plan. Written comments on JCP&L’s mitigation plan were submitted on January 8, 2021.

On September 23, 2020, the NJBPU issued an Orderorder requiring all New Jersey electric distribution companies to file electric vehicle programs.programs, JCP&L filed its electric vehicle program on March 1, 2021, which consists2021. JCP&L’s proposed electric vehicle program consisted of six sub-programs, including a consumer education and outreach initiative that would begin on January 1, 2022, and continue over a four-year period. The total proposed budget for the electric vehicle program is approximately $50 million, including investments of which $16 million is capital expenditures and $34 million is for operations and maintenance expenses.expenses of $34 million. JCP&L is proposing to recover the electric vehicle program costs via a non-bypassable rate clause applicable to all distribution customer rate classes, which would becomebecame effective on January 1, 2022. On May 26, 2021, a procedural schedule was set to include evidentiary hearings the week of October 18, 2021. On July 16, 2021, the procedural schedule was extended by thirty days as requested by JCP&L to continue settlement discussions.

On October 28, 2020,August 19, 2021, the presiding commissioner issued an order modifying the procedural schedule by extending the procedural schedule by ninety days as requested by JCP&L to continue settlement discussions. On November 12, 2021, JCP&L filed a letter with the presiding commissioner requesting a suspension of the procedural schedule in order to allow the parties to continue settlement discussion. On November 23, 2021, the presiding commissioner entered an order suspending the procedural schedule. JCP&L expects an order from the NJBPU approved a settlement in JCP&L’s distribution rate, and voted that JCP&L will be subject to an upcoming management audit. The management audit began atby the end of May 2021 and is currently ongoing.the second quarter of 2022.

OHIO

The Ohio Companies operate under PUCO approved base distribution rates approved by the PUCOthat became effective in 2009. The Ohio Companies currently operate under ESP IV, effective June 1, 2016 and continuing through May 31, 2024, that continues the supply of power to non-shopping customers at a market-based price set through an auction process. ESP IV also continues the Rider DCR, which supports continued investment related to the distribution system for the benefit of customers, with increased revenue caps of $20 million per year from June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2022; and $15 million per year from June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2024. In addition, ESP IV includes: (1) continuation of a base distribution rate freeze through May 31, 2024; (2) a goal across FirstEnergy to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% below 2005 levels by 2045; and (3) contributions, totaling $51 million to: (a) fund energy conservation programs, economic development and job retention in the Ohio Companies’ service territories; (b) establish a fuel-fund in each of the Ohio Companies’ service territories to assist low-income customers; and (c) establish a Customer Advisory Council to ensure preservation and growth of the competitive market in Ohio.

ESP IV further provided for the Ohio Companies to collect DMR revenues, but the SCOH reversed the PUCO’s decision to include DMR in ESP IV and subsequently the PUCO entered an order directing the Ohio Companies to cease further collection through the DMR and credit back to customers a refund of the DMR funds collected since July 2, 2019. On July 15, 2019, the OCC filed an appeal with the SCOH, challenging the PUCO’s exclusion of DMR revenues from the determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV for OE for calendar year 2017, and claiming a $42 million refund is due to OE customers. On December 1, 2020, the SCOH reversed the PUCO’s exclusion of the DMR revenues from the determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV for OE for calendar year 2017, and remanded the case to the PUCO with instructions to conduct new proceedings which include the DMR revenues in the analysis, determine the threshold against which the earned return is measured, and make other necessary determinations. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings but has not deemed a liability probable as of June 30, 2021.

On July 23, 2019, Ohio enacted HB 6, which included provisions supporting nuclear energy, as well as a decoupling mechanism for Ohio electric utilities and ending current energy efficiency program mandates. Under HB 6 the energy efficiency program mandates would end on December 31, 2020, provided that statewide energy efficiency mandates are achieved as determined by the PUCO. On February 24, 2021, the PUCO found that statewide energy efficiency mandates had been achieved, and ordered that Ohio electric utilities’ energy efficiency and peak demand reduction cost recovery riders terminate.

On March 31, 2021, Governor DeWine signed HB 128, which, among other things, repealed parts of HB 6, the legislation that established support for nuclear energy supply in Ohio, provided for a decoupling mechanism for Ohio electric utilities, and provided for the ending of current energy efficiency program mandates. HB 128 was effective June 30, 2021. As FirstEnergy would not have financially benefited from the mechanism to provide support to nuclear energy in Ohio, there is no expected additional impact to FirstEnergy due to the repeal of that provision in HB 128.


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As further discussed below, in connection with a partial settlement with the OAG and other parties, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO on February 1, 2021, to set the respective decoupling riders (CSR) to zero. On February 2, 2021, the PUCO approved the application. While the partial settlement with the OAG focused specifically on decoupling, the Ohio Companies will of their own accord not seek to recover lost distribution revenue. FirstEnergy is committed to pursuing an open dialogue with stakeholders in an appropriate manner with respect to the numerous regulatory proceedings currently underway as further discussed herein. As a result of the partial settlement, and the decision to not seek lost distribution revenue, FirstEnergy recognized a $108 million pre-tax charge ($84 million after-tax) in the fourth quarter of 2020, and $77 million (pre-tax) of which is associated with forgoing collection of lost distribution revenue. On March 31, 2021, FirstEnergy announced that the Ohio Companies will proactively refund to customers amounts previously collected under decoupling, with interest, which total approximately $27 million. On April 22, 2021, in anticipation of the effective date of HB 128 and in accordance with HB 128’s provisions regarding the prompt refund of decoupling funds, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO to modify CSR to return such amount over twelve months commencing June 1, 2021. On June 17, 2021, the Ohio Companies agreed to modify their proposal to return such amount in a single lump sum to customers, beginning on July 1, 2021, or promptly upon obtaining PUCO approval. On July 7, 2021, the PUCO issued an order approving the Ohio Companies’ modified application and directed that all funds collected through CSR be refunded to customers over a single billing cycle beginning August 1, 2021.

On July 17, 2019, the PUCO approved, with no material modifications, a settlement agreement that provides for the implementation of the Ohio Companies’ first phase of grid modernization plans, including the investment of $516 million over three years to modernize the Ohio Companies’ electric distribution system, and for all tax savings associated with the Tax Act to flow back to customers. The settlement had broad support, including PUCO staff, the OCC, representatives of industrial and commercial customers, a low-income advocate, environmental advocates, hospitals, competitive generation suppliers and other parties.

In March 2020, the PUCO issued entries directing utilities to review their service disconnection and restoration policies and suspend, for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, otherwise applicable requirements that may impose a service continuity hardship or service restoration hardship on customers. The Ohio Companies are utilizing their existing approved cost recovery mechanisms where applicable to address the financial impacts of these directives. On July 31, 2020, the Ohio Companies filed with the PUCO their transition plan and requests for waivers to allow for the safe resumption of normal business operations, including service disconnections for non-payment. On September 23, 2020, the PUCO approved the Ohio Companies’ transition plan, including approval of the resumption of service disconnections for non-payment, which the Ohio Companies began on October 5, 2020.

On July 29, 2020, the PUCO consolidated the Ohio Companies’ applications for determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings, or SEET, under ESP IV for calendar years 2018 and 2019, which had been previously filed on July 15, 2019, and May 15, 2020, respectively, and set a procedural schedule with evidentiary hearings. On September 4, 2020, the PUCO opened its quadrennial review of ESP IV, consolidated it with the Ohio Companies’ 2018 and 2019 SEET Applications, and set a procedural schedule for the consolidated matters. On October 29, 2020, the PUCO issued an entry extending the deadline for the Ohio Companies to file quadrennial review of ESP IV testimony and supplemental SEET testimony to March 1, 2021, with the evidentiary hearings to commence no sooner than May 3, 2021. On January 12, 2021, the PUCO consolidated these matters with the determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV for calendar year 2017, which the SCOH had remanded to the PUCO. On March 1, 2021, the Ohio Companies filed testimony in the quadrennial review and supplemental testimony in the SEET cases for calendar years 2017 through 2019. The calculations included in the quadrennial review for 2020 through 2024 demonstrate that the prospective effect of ESP IV is not substantially likely to provide the Ohio Companies with significantly excessive earnings during the balance of ESP IV. In addition, the Ohio Companies’ quadrennial review testimony demonstrated that ESP IV continues to be more favorable in the aggregate and during the remaining term of ESP IV as compared to the expected results of a market rate offer. Further, the revised calculations included in the Ohio Companies’ supplemental SEET testimony for calendar years 2017 through 2019 demonstrated that the Ohio Companies did not have significantly excessive earnings, on an individual company basis or on a consolidated basis. On March 31, 2021, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 128, which repeals legislation passed in 2019 that permitted the Ohio Companies to file their SEET results on a consolidated basis instead of on an individual company basis. HB 128 was effective June 30, 2021. Further, the OCC and another party filed testimony on April 5, 2021, recommending refunds for one or more of the Ohio Companies for calendar years 2017 through 2019. On April 20, 2021, the Ohio Companies filed supplemental testimony in the quadrennial review providing prospective SEET values on an individual company basis, which demonstrate that the Ohio Companies are not projected to have significantly excessive earnings, on an individual company basis, during the balance of ESP IV. On May 28, 2021, the attorney examiner issued a procedural schedule setting hearings for August 30, 2021. No contingency has been reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters as a loss is neither probable, nor is a loss or range of a loss reasonably estimable.

On May 17, 2021, the Ohio Companies filed their application for the determination of significantly excessive earnings for calendar year 2020. The calculations included in the application demonstrated that the Ohio Companies, on an individual company basis, did not have significantly excessive earnings.

In connection with the audit of the Ohio Companies’ Rider DCR for 2017, the PUCO issued an order on June 16, 2021, directing the Ohio Companies to prospectively discontinue capitalizing certain vegetation management costs and reduce the 2017 Rider DCR revenue requirement by $3.7 million associated with these costs.

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On September 8, 2020, the OCC filed motions in the Ohio Companies’ corporate separation audit and DMR audit dockets, requesting the PUCO to open an investigation and management audit, hire an independent auditor, and require FirstEnergy to show it did not improperly use money collected from consumers or violate any utility regulatory laws, rules or orders in its activities regarding HB 6. On December 30, 2020, in response to the OCC's motion, the PUCO reopened the DMR audit docket, and directed PUCO staff to solicit a third-party auditor and conduct a full review of the DMR to ensure funds collected from ratepayerscustomers through the DMR were only used for the purposes established in ESP IV. On June 2, 2021, the PUCO selected an auditor and athe auditor filed the final audit report ison January 14, 2022, which made certain findings and recommendations. The report found that spending of DMR revenues was not required to be filed by October 29, 2021.tracked, and that DMR revenues, like all rider revenues, are placed into the regulated money pool as a matter of routine, where the funds lose their identity. Therefore, the report could not suggest that DMR funds were used definitively for direct or indirect support for grid modernization. The report also concluded that there was no documented evidence that ties revenues from the DMR to lobbying for the passage of HB 6, but also could not rule out with certainty uses of DMR funds to support the passage of HB 6. The report further recommended that the regulated companies' money pool be audited more frequently and the Ohio Companies adopt formal dividend policies.

On September 15, 2020, the PUCO opened a new proceeding to review the political and charitable spending by the Ohio Companies in support of HB 6 and the subsequent referendum effort, and directing the Ohio Companies to show cause, demonstrating that the costs of any political or charitable spending in support of HB 6, or the subsequent referendum effort, were not included, directly or indirectly, in any rates or charges paid by ratepayers.customers. The Ohio Companies initially filed a response on September 30, 2020, stating that the costs of any political andor charitable spending in support of HB 6, or the subsequent referendum effort, were not included, directly or indirectly, in any rates or charges paid for by its customers. Several parties requestedcustomers, but on August 6, 2021, filed a supplemental response explaining that, in light of the facts set forth in the DPA and the findings of the Rider DCR audit report further discussed below,
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political or charitable spending in support of HB 6, or the subsequent referendum effort, affected pole attachment rates paid by approximately $15 thousand. On October 26, 2021, the OCC filed a motion requesting the PUCO broaden the scope of the review ofto order an independent external audit to investigate FE’s political and charitable spending. Discoveryspending related to HB 6, and to appoint an independent review panel to retain and oversee the auditor. In November and December 2021, parties filed comments and reply comments regarding the Ohio Companies’ original and supplemental responses to the PUCO’s September 15, 2020, show cause directive. On March 9, 2022, the PUCO directed its staff to seek the services of a third-party auditor to determine whether the show cause demonstration submitted by the Ohio Companies is ongoing.sufficient to ensure that the cost of any political or charitable spending in support of HB 6 or the subsequent referendum effort was not included, directly or indirectly, in any rates or charges paid by ratepayers.

In connection with an ongoing audit of the Ohio Companies’ policies and procedures relating to the code of conduct rules between affiliates, on November 4, 2020, the PUCO initiated an additional corporate separation audit as a result of the FirstEnergy leadership transition announcement made on October 29, 2020, as further discussed below. The additional audit is to ensure compliance by the Ohio Companies and their affiliates with corporate separation laws and the Ohio Companies’ corporate separation plan. The additional audit is for the period from November 2016 through October 2020, with a2020. The final audit report to bewas filed by August 6,on September 13, 2021. On January 27, 2021, the PUCO selected an auditor,The audit report makes no findings of major non-compliance with Ohio corporate separation requirements, minor non-compliance with eight requirements, and the auditor’s investigation is ongoing.

On November 24, 2020, the Environmental Lawfindings of compliance with 23 requirements. Parties filed comments and Policy Center filed motions to vacate the PUCO’s orders in proceedings related to the Ohio Companies’ settlement that provides for the implementation of the first phase of grid modernization plans and for all tax savings associated with the Tax Act to flow back to customers, the Ohio Companies’ energy efficiency portfolio plans for the period from 2013 through 2016, and the Ohio Companies’ application for a two-year extension of the DMR,reply comments on the grounds that the former Chairman of theaudit report, and a PUCO should have recused himself in these matters. On December 30, 2020, the PUCO denied the motions, and reinstated the requirement under ESP IV that the Ohio Companies fileattorney examiner has issued a base distribution rate case by May 31, 2024, the end of ESP IV, which the Ohio Companies had indicated they would not oppose.procedural schedule setting an evidentiary hearing on August 22, 2022.

In the fourth quarter of 2020, motions were filed with the PUCO requesting that the PUCO amend the Ohio Companies’ riders for collecting the OVEC related charges required by HB 6, which the Ohio Companies are further required to remit to other Ohio electric distribution utilities or to the State Treasurer, to provide for refunds in the event such provisions of HB 6 are repealed. The Ohio Companies contested the motions, which are pending before the PUCO.

On December 7, 2020,November 1, 2021, the Citizens’ Utility Board of Ohio filed a complaintCompanies, together with the OCC, PUCO againstStaff, and several other signatories, entered into an Ohio Stipulation with the intent of resolving the ongoing energy efficiency rider audits, various SEET proceedings, including the Ohio Companies. The complaint allegesCompanies’ 2017 SEET proceeding, and the Ohio Companies’ quadrennial ESP review, each of which was pending before the PUCO. Specifically, the Ohio Stipulation provides that the Ohio Companies’ new charges resulting from HB 6,current ESP IV passes the required statutory test for their prospective SEET review as part of the Quadrennial Review of ESP IV, and any increased rates resulting from proceedings over whichexcept for limited circumstances, the former PUCO Chairman presided, are unjustsignatory parties have agreed not to challenge the Ohio Companies’ SEET return on equity calculation methodology for their 2021-2024 SEET proceedings. The Ohio Stipulation additionally affirms that: (i) the Ohio Companies’ ESP IV shall continue through its previously authorized term of May 31, 2024; and unreasonable, and that(ii) the Ohio Companies violated Ohio corporate separation laws by failing to operate separately from unregulated affiliates. The complaint requests, among other things, that any rates authorized by HB 6 or authorized by the PUCO in a proceeding over which the former Chairman presided be made refundable; that the Ohio Companies be required towill file a new distributiontheir next base rate case at the earliest possible date;in May 2024, and thatfurther, no signatory party will seek to adjust the Ohio Companies’ corporate separation plans be modified to introduce institutional controls.base distribution rates before that time, except in limited circumstances. The Ohio Companies further agreed to refund $96 million to customers in connection with the 2017-2019 SEET cases, and to provide $210 million in future rate reductions for all customers, including $80 million in 2022, $60 million in 2023, $45 million in 2024, and $25 million in 2025. The PUCO approved the 2017-2019 SEET refunds and 2022 rate reductions December 1, 2021, and refunds began in January 2022. Future rate reductions are contestingrecognized as a reduction to regulated distribution segment’s revenue in the complaint.Consolidated Statements of Income as they are provided to the Ohio Companies’ customers.

In connection with an ongoing annual audit of the Ohio Companies’ Rider DCR for 2020, and as a result of disclosures in FirstEnergy’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 (filed on February 18, 2021), the PUCO expanded the scope of the audit on March 10, 2021, to include a review of certain transactions that were either improperly classified, misallocated, or lacked supporting documentation, and to determine whether funds collected from ratepayerscustomers were used to pay the vendors, and if so, whether or not the funds associated with those payments should be returned to ratepayerscustomers through Rider DCR or through an alternative proceeding. AOn August 3, 2021, the auditor filed its final report on this phase of the audit, and the parties submitted comments and reply comments on this audit report isin October 2021. Additionally, on September 29, 2021, the PUCO expanded the scope of the audit in this proceeding to bedetermine if the costs of the naming rights for FirstEnergy Stadium have been recovered from the Ohio Companies’ customers. On November 19, 2021, the auditor filed its final report, in which the auditor concluded that the FirstEnergy Stadium naming rights expenses were not recovered from Ohio customers. On December 15, 2021, the PUCO further expanded the scope of the audit to include an investigation into an apparent nondisclosure of a side agreement in the Ohio Companies’ ESP IV settlement proceedings, but stayed its expansion of the audit until otherwise ordered by August 3, 2021.the PUCO.

See “Outlook - Other Legal Proceedings” below for additional details on the government investigationinvestigations and subsequent litigation surrounding the investigation of HB 6.


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PENNSYLVANIA

The Pennsylvania Companies operate under rates approved by the PPUC, effective as of January 27, 2017. These rates were adjusted forOn November 18, 2021, the net impactPPUC issued orders to each of the Tax Act, effective March 15, 2018. The net impact of the Tax Act for the period January 1, 2018 through March 14, 2018 was separately tracked and its treatment will be addressed in a future rate proceeding. The Pennsylvania Companies directing they operate under DSPs for the June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2023 delivery period, which DSPs provide for the competitive procurement of generation supply for customers who do not choosereceive service from an alternative EGS or for customers of alternative EGSs that fail to provide the contracted service.EGS. Under the 2019-2023 DSPs, supply will be provided by wholesale suppliers through a mix of 3, 12 and 24-month energy contracts, as well as two RFPs for 2-year SREC contracts for ME, PN and Penn. On
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December 14, 2021, the Pennsylvania Companies filed proposed DSPs for provision of generation for the June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2027 delivery period, to be sourced through competitive procurements for customers who do not receive service from an alternative EGS. An evidentiary hearing was held on April 13, 2022, and the parties filed a partial settlement with the PPUC resolving most of the issues in the proceeding on April 20, 2022. The remaining issues in the proceeding, which are limited to the treatment of customer-generated energy and renewable energy credit production will be resolved through briefing. Under the 2023-2027 DSPs, supply is proposed to be provided through a mix of 12 and 24-month energy contracts, as well as long-term solar PPAs.

In March 2018, the PPUC approved adjusted customer rates of the Pennsylvania Companies to reflect the net impact of the Tax Act. As a result, the Pennsylvania Companies established riders that, beginning July 1, 2018, refunded to customers tax savings attributable to the Tax Act as compared to the amounts established in their most recent base rate proceedings on a current and going forward basis. The amounts recorded as savings for the total period of January 1 through June 30, 2018, were tracked and were to be addressed for treatment in a future proceeding. On May 17, 2021, the Pennsylvania Companies filed petitions with the PPUC proposing to refund the net savings for the January through June 2018 period to customers beginning January 1, 2022. On November 18, 2021, the PPUC approved the Pennsylvania Companies' proposed refunds, but also revised a previous methodology for calculating the net tax savings, which resulted in additional tax savings attributable to the Tax Act to be refunded to customers and directed the Pennsylvania Companies to file new petitions to propose the timing and methodology to provide these additional refunds to customers. The Pennsylvania Companies recalculated the net impact for 2018 through 2021 under the revised PPUC methodology in comparison to amounts already refunded to customers under the existing riders, which resulted in an additional $61 million in savings, with interest, to be provided to customers. As a result, FirstEnergy recognized a pre-tax charge of $61 million in the fourth quarter of 2021 associated with the additional refund and based on the November 2021 PPUC order and methodology. The Pennsylvania Companies filed petitions to propose the timing and methodology of the refund of these amounts on February 17, 2022. If approved, the Pennsylvania Companies would refund these amounts beginning July 1, 2022, and continuing through the end of the year.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania Act 129 of 2008 and PPUC orders, Pennsylvania EDCs implement energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs. The Pennsylvania Companies’ Phase III EE&C plans for the June 2016 through May 2021 period, which were approved in March 2016, with expected costs up to $390 million, are designed to achieve the targets established in the PPUC’s Phase III Final Implementation Order with full recovery through the reconcilable EE&C riders. On June 18, 2020, the PPUC entered a Final Implementation Order for a Phase IV EE&C Plan, operating from June 2021 through May 2026. The Final Implementation Order set demand reduction targets, relative to 2007 to 2008 peak demands, at 2.9% MW for ME, 3.3% MW for PN, 2.0% MW for Penn, and 2.5% MW for WP; and energy consumption reduction targets, as a percentage of the Pennsylvania Companies’ historic 2009 to 2010 reference load at 3.1% MWH for ME, 3.0% MWH for PN, 2.7% MWH for Penn, and 2.4% MWH for WP. The Pennsylvania Companies’ Phase IV plans were filed November 30, 2020. A settlement has been reached in this matter, and a joint petition seeking approval of that settlementapproved by the parties was filedPPUC without modification on February 16, 2021. On March 25, 2021, the PPUC issued an order approving the settlement without modification.2021.

Pennsylvania EDCs are permitted to seek PPUC approval of an LTIIP for infrastructure improvements and costs related to highway relocation projects, after which a DSIC may be approved to recover LTIIP costs. On January 16, 2020, the PPUC approved the Pennsylvania Companies’ LTIIPs for the five-year period beginning January 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2024 for a total capital investment of approximately $572 million for certain infrastructure improvement initiatives. On June 25, 2021, the Pennsylvania OCA filed a complaint against Penn’s quarterly DSIC rate, disputing the recoverability of the Companies’ automated distribution management system investment under the DSIC mechanism. Penn responded on July 19, 2021.On January 26, 2022, the parties filed a joint petition for settlement that resolves all issues in this matter pending PPUC approval.

Following the Pennsylvania Companies’ 2016 base rate proceedings, the PPUC ruled in a separate proceeding related to the DSIC mechanisms that the Pennsylvania Companies were not required to reflect federal and state income tax deductions related to DSIC-eligible property in DSIC rates, whichrates. The decision was appealed by the Pennsylvania OCA to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and in July 2021 the court upheld the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. The Commonwealth Court reversedCourt’s reversal of the PPUC’s decision and remanded the matter back to require the Pennsylvania CompaniesPPUC for determination as to revise their tariffs andhow DSIC calculations to includeshall account for ADIT and state income taxes. On April 7, 2020,The matter awaits further action by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued an order granting Petitions for Allowance of Appeal by both the PPUC and the Pennsylvania Companies of the Commonwealth Court’s Opinion and Order. Briefs and Reply Briefs of the parties were filed, and oral argument before the Supreme Court was held on October 21, 2020. AnPPUC. The adverse ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is not expected to result in a material impact to FirstEnergy.

The PPUC issued an order on March 13, 2020, forbidding utilities from terminating service for non-payment for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. On May 13, 2020, the PPUC issued a Secretarial letter directing utilities to track all prudently incurred incremental costs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and to create a regulatory asset for future recovery of incremental uncollectibles incurred as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and termination moratorium. On October 13, 2020, the PPUC entered an order lifting the service termination moratorium effective November 9, 2020, subject to certain additional notification, payment procedures and exceptions, and permits the Pennsylvania Companies to create a regulatory asset for all incremental expenses associated with their compliance with the order. On March 19, 2021, the PPUC entered an order lifting the moratorium in total effective March 31, 2021, subject to certain additional guidelines regarding the duration of payment arrangements and reporting obligations.

WEST VIRGINIA

MP and PE provide electric service to all customers through traditional cost-based, regulated utility ratemaking and operate under WVPSC approved rates approved by the WVPSCthat became effective in February 2015. MP and PE recover net power supply costs, including fuel costs, purchased power costs and related expenses, net of related market sales revenue through the ENEC. MP’s and PE’s ENEC rate is updated annually.

On March 13, 2020, the WVPSC urged all utilities to suspend utility service terminations except where necessary as a matter of safety or where requested by the customer. On May 15, 2020, the WVPSC issued an order to authorize MP and PE to record a deferral of additional, extraordinary costs directly related to complying with the various COVID-19 government shut-down orders and operational precautions, including impacts on uncollectible expense and cash flow related to temporary discontinuance of service terminations for non-payment and any credits to minimum demand charges associated with business customers adversely impacted by shut-downs or temporary closures related to the pandemic. MP and PE resumed disconnection activity for commercial and industrial customers on September 15, 2020, and for residential customers on November 4, 2020.


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On August 28, 2020, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC their annual ENEC case requesting a decrease in ENEC rates of $55 million beginning January 1, 2021, representing a 4% decrease in rates compared to those in effect on August 28, 2020. The decrease in the ENEC rates is net of recovering approximately $10.5 million in previously deferred, incremental uncollectible and other related costs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The WVPSC approved a unanimous settlement by the parties on December 16, 2020 with rates effective January 1, 2021.

Also, on August 28, 2020, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC for recovery of costs associated with modernization and improvement program for their coal-fired boilers. The proposed annual revenue increase for these environmental compliance projects is $5 million beginning January 1, 2021. The WVPSC approved a unanimous settlement by the parties on December 16, 2020 approving the recovery of those costs.

On December 30, 2020, MP and PE filed an integrated resource plan with the WVPSC. The plan projects a small capacity deficit but an energy surplus in MP’s and PE’s supply resources when compared with current WV load demand and projects the capacity deficit growing over the next 15 years. The plan does not recommend additional supply-side resources with a possible exception for small utility-scale solar resources and recommends that the capacity deficit be met through the PJM capacity market. MP currently expects to seek approval in 2021 to construct solar generation sources of up to 50 MWs. On July 13, 2021, the WVPSC accepted MP’s and PE’s integrated resource plan and closed the case.

On December 30, 2020, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC a determination of the rate impact of the Tax Act with respect to ADIT. The filing proposesproposed an annual revenue reduction of $2.6 million, annually, effective January 1, 2022, with reconciliation and any resulting adjustments incorporated into the annual ENEC proceedings. On August 12, 2021, a unanimous settlement was reached with all the parties agreeing to a $7.7 million rate reduction beginning January 1, 2022, with a true-up in the ENEC proceeding each year. On November 30, 2021, the WVPSC approved the settlement on all terms, except for the proposed effective date of the rate reduction, which was held in abeyance until further notice.

On August 27, 2021, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC their annual ENEC case requesting an increase in ENEC rates of $19.6 million beginning January 1, 2022, which represented a 1.5% increase to the rates currently in effect. WVPSC issued an order on December 29, 2021, granting the requested $19.6 million increase in ENEC rates. Among other things, the order requires MP
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and PE to refund to its large industrial customers their respective portion of the $7.7 million rate reduction discussed above and also requires MP and PE to negotiate a PPA for its capacity shortfall and a reasonable reserve margin if certain conditions are met. By order dated March 2, 2022, the WVPSC reopened the case to determine whether rates should be increased to recover growing ENEC under-recoveries. MP and PE proposed a $94 million rate increase to address the growing under-recoveries and a hearing was held on March 24, 2022. Any interim rate increase approved by WVPSC would be expected to begin May 1, 2022.

On December 3, 2021 and on December 27, 2021, the WVPSC approved settlements granting MP and PE a $16 million increase in rates effective January 1, 2022, and permitting the continuation of the vegetation management program and surcharge for another two years. WVPSC additionally ordered MP and PE to perform equipment inspections within a reasonable time after vegetation management occurs on a circuit.

On November 22, 2021, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC their plan to construct 50 MWs of solar generation at five sites in West Virginia. The plan includes a tariff to offer solar power to West Virginia customers and cost recovery for MP and PE from other customers through a surcharge for any solar investment not fully subscribed by their customers. A hearing was held on March 16 and 17, 2022, and an order is expected in the second quarter of 2022. The solar generation project, if approved, is expected to cost approximately $110 million and begin being in-serviced by the end of 2023 with all construction completed at the other sites no later than the end of 2025.

On December 17, 2021, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC for approval of environmental compliance projects at the Ft. Martin and Harrison Power Stations to comply with the EPA’s ELG and operate these plants beyond 2028. The request includes a surcharge to recover the expected $142 million capital investment and $3 million in annual operation and maintenance expense. A hearing has been set for in August 18, 2021.2022, with a ruling from the WVPSC expected in the fall of 2022. If approved, construction would be expected to be completed by the end of 2025. See “Outlook - Environmental Matters - Clean Water Act" below, for additional details on the EPA's ELG.

FERC REGULATORY MATTERS

Under the FPA, FERC regulates rates for interstate wholesale sales, transmission of electric power, accounting and other matters, including construction and operation of hydroelectric projects. With respect to their wholesale services and rates, the Utilities, AE Supply and the Transmission Companies are subject to regulation by FERC. FERC regulations require JCP&L, MP, PE, WP and the Transmission Companies to provide open access transmission service at FERC-approved rates, terms and conditions. Transmission facilities of JCP&L, MP, PE, WP and the Transmission Companies are subject to functional control by PJM and transmission service using their transmission facilities is provided by PJM under the PJM Tariff.

FERC regulates the sale of power for resale in interstate commerce in part by granting authority to public utilities to sell wholesale power at market-based rates upon showing that the seller cannot exert market power in generation or transmission or erect barriers to entry into markets. The Utilities and AE Supply each have been authorized by FERC to sell wholesale power in interstate commerce at market-based rates and have a market-based rate tariff on file with FERC, although in the case of the Utilities major wholesale purchases remain subject to review and regulation by the relevant state commissions.

Federally enforceable mandatory reliability standards apply to the bulk electric system and impose certain operating, record-keeping and reporting requirements on the Utilities, AE Supply, and the Transmission Companies. NERC is the ERO designated by FERC to establish and enforce these reliability standards, although NERC has delegated day-to-day implementation and enforcement of these reliability standards to six regional entities, including RFC. All of the facilities that FirstEnergy operates are located within the RFC region. FirstEnergy actively participates in the NERC and RFC stakeholder processes, and otherwise monitors and manages its companies in response to the ongoing development, implementation and enforcement of the reliability standards implemented and enforced by RFC.

FirstEnergy believes that it is in material compliance with all currently effective and enforceable reliability standards. Nevertheless, in the course of operating its extensive electric utility systems and facilities, FirstEnergy occasionally learns of isolated facts or circumstances that could be interpreted as excursions from the reliability standards. If and when such occurrences are found, FirstEnergy develops information about the occurrence and develops a remedial response to the specific circumstances, including in appropriate cases “self-reporting” an occurrence to RFC. Moreover, it is clear that NERC, RFC and FERC will continue to refine existing reliability standards as well as to develop and adopt new reliability standards. Any inability on FirstEnergy’s part to comply with the reliability standards for its bulk electric system could result in the imposition of financial penalties, or obligations to upgrade or build transmission facilities, that could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.

FERC Audit

74FERC’s Division of Audits and Accounting initiated a nonpublic audit of FESC in February 2019. Among other matters, the audit is evaluating FirstEnergy’s compliance with certain accounting and reporting requirements under various FERC regulations. On February 4, 2022, FERC filed the final audit report for the period of January 1, 2015 through September 30, 2021, which included several findings and recommendations. FirstEnergy has accepted the findings and recommendations of the final audit report. The audit report included a finding and related recommendation that FirstEnergy may have used an inappropriate methodology
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for allocation of certain costs to regulatory capital accounts under certain FERC regulations and reporting. As such, FirstEnergy is currently performing an analysis of these costs and how it impacted certain wholesale transmission customer rates. FirstEnergy is unable to predict or estimate the final outcome of this analysis and audit, however, it could result in refunds, with interest, to certain wholesale transmission customers and/or write-offs of previously capitalized costs if they are determined to be nonrecoverable.

ATSI Transmission Formula Rate

On May 1, 2020, ATSI filed amendments to its formula rate to recover regulatory assets for certain costs that ATSI incurred as a result of its 2011 move from MISO to PJM, certain costs allocated to ATSI by FERC for transmission projects that were constructed by other MISO transmission owners, and certain costs for transmission-related vegetation management programs. A portion of these costs would have been charged to the Ohio Companies. Additionally, ATSI proposed certain income tax-related adjustments and certain tariff changes addressing the revenue credit components of the formula rate template. In its filing, ATSI requested recovery of approximately $85 million related to ATSI’s costs to move to PJM, and the MISO transmission project costs that are allocated to ATSI through December 31, 2020; and recovery of future costs associated with the MISO transmission projects. Per prior FERC orders, ATSI included a “cost-benefit study” to support recovery of ATSI’s costs to move to PJM, and the MISO transmission project costs that are allocated to ATSI. Certain intervenors filed protests of the formula rate amendments on May 29, 2020, ATSI filed a reply on June 15, 2020, and certain intervenors filed responses to ATSI’s reply on June 25, and 29, 2020. On June 30, 2020, FERC issued an initial order accepting the tariff amendments subject to refund suspending the effective date for five months to be effective December 1, 2020, and setting the matter for hearing and settlement proceedings. ATSI is engaged in settlement negotiations withand the other parties to this proceeding.the FERC proceeding subsequently were able to reach settlement, and on October 14, 2021, filed the settlement with FERC. As a result of the filed settlement, FirstEnergy recognized a $21 million pre-tax charge during the third quarter of 2021, which reflects the difference between amounts originally recorded as regulatory assets and amounts which will ultimately be recovered as a result of the pending settlement. From a segment perspective, during the third quarter of 2021, the Regulated Transmission segment recorded a pre-tax charge of $48 million and the Regulated Distribution segment recognized a $27 million reduction to a reserve previously recorded in 2010. In addition, the settlement provides for partial recovery of future incurred costs allocated to ATSI by MISO for the above-referenced transmission projects that were constructed by other MISO transmission owners, which is not expected to have a material impact on FirstEnergy or ATSI. The uncontested settlement was approved by FERC on March 24, 2022 without modification.

FERC Actions on Tax Act

On March 15, 2018, FERC initiated proceedings on the question of how to address possible changes to ADIT and bonus depreciation as a result of the Tax Act. Such possible changes could impact FERC-jurisdictional rates, including transmission rates. On November 21, 2019, FERC issued a final rule (Order No. 864). Order No. 864 requires utilities with transmission formula rates to update their formula rate templates to include mechanisms to: (i) deduct any excess ADIT from or add any deficient ADIT to their rate base; (ii) raise or lower their income tax allowances by any amortized excess or deficient ADIT; and (iii) incorporate a new permanent worksheet into their rates that will annually track information related to excess or deficient ADIT. Per FERC directives, ATSI submitted its compliance filing on May 1, 2020. MAIT submitted its compliance filing on June 1, 2020. Certain intervenors filed protests of the compliance filings,On November 18, 2021, FERC issued an order that: (i) accepted ATSI proposed tariff amendments to which ATSI and MAIT responded. On October 28, 2020, FERC staff requested additional information about ATSI’s proposedits rate base adjustment mechanism, effective January 27, 2020; (ii) directed ATSI to make a further compliance filing by January 17, 2022; and (iii) set the amount of ATSI’s recorded ADIT balances as of December 31, 2017, for hearing and settlement procedures. ATSI submitted the requested information on November 25, 2020.compliance filing, and is participating in settlement negotiations. On May 4,December 3, 2021, FERC staff requested additional information aboutissued an order that (i) accepted MAIT’s proposed tariff amendments to its rate base adjustment mechanism, effective January 27, 2020; (ii) directed MAIT to make a further compliance filing by February 1, 2022; and (iii) set the amount of MAIT’s recorded ADIT balances as of December 31, 2017 for hearing and settlement procedures. MAIT submitted the requested information on June 3, 2021. On June 24, 2021, an intervenor protested the supplemental information that MAIT submitted, to which MAIT responded.compliance filing, and is participating in settlement negotiations. On May 15, 2020, TrAIL submitted its compliance filing and on June 1, 2020, PATH submitted its required compliance filing. On May 4, 2021, FERC staff requested additional information about PATH’s proposed rate base adjustment mechanism, and PATH submitted the requested information on June 3, 2021. On July 12, 2021, FERC staff requested additional information about TrAIL’s proposed rate base adjustment mechanism;mechanism. TrAIL filed its response on August 6, 2021. On March 31, 2022, FERC issued an order, ruling that TrAIL’s compliance filing partially complied with the due date for TrAIL’s response is August 11, 2021. Theserequirements of Order No. 864 and directing TrAIL to submit a further compliance filings each remainfiling on or before May 31, 2022 to address certain additional items that according to FERC further will enhance transparency. The PATH compliance filing remains pending before FERC. MP, WP and PE (as holders of a “stated” transmission rate)rate when Order No. 864 issued) are addressing these requirements in the transmission formula rates amendments that were filed on October 29, 2020, and which have been accepted by FERC effective January 1, 2021, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement procedures. JCP&L addressed these requirements as part of itsMP, WP and PE are engaged in settlement negotiations with other parties to this proceeding.

ATSI ROE – Ohio Consumers Counsel v. ATSI, et al.

On February 24, 2022, the OCC filed a complaint with FERC against ATSI, AEP’s Ohio affiliates and AEPSC, and Duke Energy Ohio, LLC asserting that FERC should reduce the ROE utilized in the utilities’ transmission formula rate case, whichrates by eliminating the 50 basis point adder associated with RTO membership, effective February 24, 2022. The OCC contends that this result is required because Ohio law mandates that transmission owning utilities join an RTO and that the 50 basis point adder is applicable only where RTO membership is voluntary. ATSI disagrees with OCC’s characterization and set forth its reasons for such disagreement in a combined motion to dismiss and answer that was resolved by a settlement approved byfiled with FERC on April 15, 2021, addressed further below.March 31, 2022. On that same date, AEP and Duke filed separate motions to dismiss and answers to the OCC complaint, and several other parties filed comments. ATSI is currently evaluating whether to file an additional answer to respond to certain of the comments.

Transmission ROE Methodology

On May 20, 2021, in a case not involving FirstEnergy, FERC issued Opinion No. 575 in which it reiterated the nationwide ROE methodology set forth in 2020 in Opinion No. 569-A. Under this methodology, FERC employs three financial models – discounted cash flow, capital-asset pricing, and risk premium – to calculate a composite zone of reasonableness. As it has done in other recent ROE cases, FERC rejected the use of the expected earnings methodology in calculating the authorized ROE. A request for clarification or, alternatively, rehearing of Opinion No. 575 was filed on June 21, 2021, and remains pending before FERC. FERC’s Opinion Nos. 569-A and 569-B, upon which Opinion No. 575 is based, have been appealed to the D.C. Circuit. FirstEnergy is not participating in the appeal. Any changes to FERC’s transmission rate ROE and incentive policies for the Utilities would be applied on a prospective basis.
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InOn March 20, 2020, FERC initiated a rulemaking proceeding on the transmission rate incentives provisions of Section 219 of the 2005 Energy Policy Act. FirstEnergy submitted comments through EEI and as part of a consortium of PJM Transmission Owners. In a supplemental rulemaking proceeding that was initiated on April 15, 2021, FERC requested comments on, among other things, whether to require utilities that have been members of an RTO for three years or more and that have been collecting an “RTO membership” ROE incentive adder to file tariff updates that would terminate collection of the incentive adder. Initial comments on the proposed rule were filed on June 25, 2021, and reply comments are duewere filed on July 26, 2021. The rulemaking remains pending before FERC. FirstEnergy is a member of PJM and its transmission subsidiaries could be affected by the supplemental proposed rule. FirstEnergy is participatingparticipated in comments on the supplemental rulemaking that are to bewere submitted by a group of PJM transmission owners and by various industry trade groups. If there were to be any changes to FirstEnergy transmission incentive ROE, such changes will be applied on a prospective basis.


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JCP&L Transmission Formula Rate

On October 30, 2019, JCP&L filed tariff amendments with FERC to convert JCP&L’s existing stated transmission rate to a forward-looking formula transmission rate. JCP&L requested that the tariff amendments become effective January 1, 2020. On December 19, 2019, FERC issued its initial order in the case, allowing JCP&L to transition to a forward-looking formula rate as of January 1, 2020 as requested, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement proceedings. JCP&L and the parties to the FERC proceeding subsequently were able to reach settlement, and on February 2, 2021, JCP&L filed an offer of settlement with FERC. On April 15, 2021, FERC approved the settlement agreement as filed, with no changes, effective January 1, 2021. JCP&L submitted a compliance filing on May 14, 2021 to implement aspects of the settlement, which is pending before FERC.

Allegheny Power Zone Transmission Formula Rate Filings

On October 29, 2020, MP, PE and WP filed tariff amendments with FERC to convert their existing stated transmission rate toimplement a forward-looking formula transmission rate, to be effective January 1, 2021. In addition, on October 30, 2020, KATCo filed a proposed new tariff to establish a forward-looking formula rate and requested that the new rate become effective January 1, 2021. In its filing, KATCo explained that while it currently owns no transmission assets, it may build new transmission facilities in the Allegheny zone, and that it may seek required state and federal authorizations to acquire transmission assets from PE and WP by January 1, 2022. These transmission rate filings were accepted for filing by FERC on December 31, 2020, effective January 1, 2021, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement procedures and were consolidated into a single proceeding. MP, PE and WP, and KATCo are engaged in settlement negotiations with the other parties to the formula rate proceedings. KATCo will be included in the Regulated Transmission reportable segment.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Various federal, state and local authorities regulate FirstEnergy with regard to air and water quality, hazardous and solid waste disposal, and other environmental matters. While FirstEnergy’s environmental policies and procedures are designed to achieve compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, such laws and regulations are subject to periodic review and potential revision by the implementing agencies. FirstEnergy cannot predict the timing or ultimate outcome of any of these reviews or how any future actions taken as a result thereof may materially impact its business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Clean Air Act

FirstEnergy complies with SO2 and NOx emission reduction requirements under the CAA and SIP(s) by burning lower-sulfur fuel, utilizing combustion controls and post-combustion controls and/or using emission allowances.

CSAPR requires reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (2015 and 2017), ultimately capping SO2 emissions in affected states to 2.4 million tons annually and NOx emissions to 1.2 million tons annually. CSAPR allows trading of NOx and SO2 emission allowances between power plants located in the same state and interstate trading of NOx and SO2 emission allowances with some restrictions. On July 28, 2015, the D.C. Circuit ordered the EPA to reconsider the CSAPR caps on NOx and SO2 emissions from power plants in 13 states, including West Virginia. This followed the 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling generally upholding the EPA’s regulatory approach under CSAPR but questioning whether the EPA required upwind states to reduce emissions by more than their contribution to air pollution in downwind states. The EPA issued a CSAPR Update on September 7, 2016, reducing summertime NOx emissions from power plants in 22 states in the eastern U.S., including West Virginia, beginning in 2017. Various states and other stakeholders appealed the CSAPR Update to the D.C. Circuit in November and December 2016. On September 13, 2019, the D.C. Circuit remanded the CSAPR Update to the EPA citing that the rule did not eliminate upwind states’ significant contributions to downwind states’ air quality attainment requirements within applicable attainment deadlines.

Also during this time, in March 2018, the State of New York filed a CAA Section 126 petition with the EPA alleging that NOx emissions from nine states (including West Virginia) significantly contribute to New York’s inability to attain the ozone NAAQS. The petition sought suitable emission rate limits for large stationary sources that are allegedly affecting New York’s air quality within the three years allowed by CAA Section 126. On September 20, 2019, the EPA denied New York’s CAA Section 126 petition. On October 29, 2019, the State of New York appealed the denial of its petition to the D.C. Circuit. On July 14, 2020, the D.C. Circuit reversed and remanded the New York petition to the EPA for further consideration. On March 15, 2021, the EPA issued a revised CSAPR Update that addresses, among other things, the remands of the prior CSAPR Update and the New York Section 126 Petition.petition. In December 2021, MP purchased NOx emissions allowances to comply with 2021 ozone season requirements. On April 6, 2022, the EPA published proposed rules seeking to impose further significant reductions in EGU NOx emissions in 25 states, including West Virginia. The EPA held a virtual public hearing regarding the proposed rules on April 21, 2022, with comments due June 6, 2022. Depending on the outcome of any appeals and how the EPA and the states ultimately implement the revised CSAPR Update, the future cost of compliance may materially impact FirstEnergy's operations, cash flows and financial condition.

In February 2019, the EPA announced its final decision to retain without changes the NAAQS for SO2, specifically retaining the 2010 primary (health-based) 1-hour standard of 75 PPB. As of March 31, 2020, FirstEnergy has no power plants operating in areas designated as non-attainment by the EPA.Climate Change


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Climate Change

There are several initiatives to reduce GHG emissions at the state, federal and international level. Certain northeastern states are participating in the RGGI and western states led by California, have implemented programs, primarily cap and trade mechanisms, to control emissions of certain GHGs. Additional policies reducing GHG emissions, such as demand reduction programs, renewable portfolio standards and renewable subsidies have been implemented across the nation.

In September 2016, the U.S. joined in adopting the agreement reached on December 12, 2015, at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meetings in Paris to reduce GHG.GHGs. The Paris Agreement’s non-binding obligations to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius became effective on November 4, 2016. On June 1, 2017, the Trump Administration announced that the U.S. would cease all participation in the Paris Agreement. On January 20, 2021, President Biden signed an executive order re-adopting the agreement on behalf of the U.S. In November 2020, FirstEnergy published its Climate Story which includes its climate position and strategy, as well as a new comprehensive and ambitious GHG emission goal. FirstEnergy pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and set an interim goal for a 30% reduction in GHGGHGs within FirstEnergy’s direct operational control by 2030, based on 2019 levels. Future resource plans to achieve carbon reductions, including any determination of retirement dates of the regulated coal-fired generation, will be developed by working collaboratively with regulators in West Virginia. Determination of the useful life of the regulated coal-fired generation 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. Furthermore, FirstEnergy cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although potential legislative or regulatory programs restricting CO2CO2 emissions, or litigation alleging damages from GHG emissions, could require material capital and other expenditures or result in changes to its operations.

In December 2009, the EPA released its final “Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for GHGGHGs under the Clean Air Act,” concluding that concentrations of several key GHGs constitute an "endangerment" and may be regulated as "air pollutants" under the CAA and mandated measurement and reporting of GHG emissions from certain sources, including electric generating plants. Subsequently, the EPA released its final CPP regulations in August 2015 to reduce CO2CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired EGUs and finalized separate regulations imposing CO2CO2 emission limits for new, modified, and reconstructed fossil fuel-fired EGUs. Numerous states and private parties filed appeals and motions to stay the CPP with the D.C. Circuit in October 2015. On February 9, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the rule during the pendency of the challenges to the D.C. Circuit and U.S. Supreme Court. On March 28, 2017, an executive order, entitled “Promoting Energy Independence and Economic Growth,” instructed the EPA to review the CPP and related rules addressing GHG emissions and suspend, revise or rescind the rules if appropriate. On June 19, 2019, the EPA repealed the CPP and replaced it with the ACE rule that established guidelines for states to develop standards of performance to address GHG emissions from existing coal-fired power plants.generation. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit vacated and remanded the ACE rule declaring that the EPA was “arbitrary and capricious” in its rule making and, as such, the ACE rule is no longer in effect and all actions thus far taken by states to implement the federally mandated rule are now null and void. The D.C. Circuit decision was appealed by several states, including West Virginia, as well as other interested parties. On February 28, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the matter is subject to legal challenge. Depending on the outcomes of further appealsthe appeal and how any final rules are ultimately implemented, the future cost of compliance may be material.

Clean Water Act

Various water quality regulations, the majority of which are the result of the federal CWA and its amendments, apply to FirstEnergy’s facilities. In addition, the states in which FirstEnergy operates have water quality standards applicable to FirstEnergy’s operations.

On September 30, 2015, the EPA finalized new, more stringent effluent limits for the Steam Electric Power Generating category (40 CFR Part 423) for arsenic, mercury, selenium and nitrogen for wastewater from wet scrubber systems and zero discharge of pollutants in ash transport water. The treatment obligations were to phase-in as permits are renewed on a five-year cycle from 2018 to 2023. However, on April 13, 2017, the EPA granted a Petition for Reconsideration and on September 18, 2017, the EPA postponed certain compliance deadlines for two years. On August 31, 2020, the EPA issued a final rule revising the effluent limits for discharges from wet scrubber systems, retaining the zero-discharge standard for ash transport water, (with some limited discharge allowances), and extending the deadline for compliance to December 31, 2025 for both. In addition, the EPA allows for less stringent limits for sub-categories of generating units based on capacity utilization, flow volume from the scrubber system, and unit retirement date. The EPA is reconsidering the ELG rule with a publicly announced target of issuing a proposed revised rule in the Fall of 2022 and a final rule by the Spring of 2023. In the interim, the rule issued on August 31, 2020, remains in effect. Depending on the outcome of appeals and how final rules are ultimately implemented, and the compliance options MP elects to take with the new rules, the compliance with these standards, which could includerequire additional capital expenditures or changes in operations at the Ft. Martin and Harrison power stations may be substantial and changesfrom what was filed with the WVPSC in December 2021 that seeks approval of environmental compliance projects to MP’s operations at those power stations may also result.comply with the EPA’s ELG.

On September 29, 2016, FirstEnergy received a request from the EPA for information pursuant to CWA Section 308(a) for information concerning boron exceedances of effluent limitations established in the NPDES Permit for the former Mitchell Power Station’s Mingo landfill, owned by WP. On November 1, 2016, WP provided an initial response that contained information related to a similar boron issue at the former Springdale Power Station’s landfill, also owned by WP. The EPA requested additional information regarding the Springdale landfill and on November 15, 2016, WP provided a comprehensive response for both facilities and has fully complied with the Section 308(a) information request. On March 3, 2017, WP proposed to the PA DEP a re-route of its wastewater discharge to eliminate potential boron exceedances at the Springdale landfill and on January 29, 2018, WP submitted an NPDES permit renewal application to PA DEP proposing to re-route its wastewater discharge to eliminate potential boron exceedances at the Mingo landfill. On February 20, 2018, the Department of Justice issued a letter and tolling agreement to WP on behalf of the EPA alleging violations of the CWA at the Springdale and Mingo landfills and seeking to enter settlement negotiations in lieu of filing a complaint. To settle alleged past boron exceedances at both facilities, WP has agreed to

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After the completion of a negotiated settlement, a complaint was filed by the EPA and PA DEP on January 10, 2022 in Federal District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging, among other things, that WP violated the CWA in connection with past boron exceedances at WP’s Springdale and Mingo landfills. On January 11, 2022, WP entered into a consent decree with the EPA and PA DEP resolving the matters addressed in the complaint, which, among other things, required a civil penalty of $610 thousand. The District Court entered the Consent Decree as final on March 17, 2022 and WP subsequently paid the penalty amount of $610,000 to be paid over two years. It is expected that the parties will sign a Consent Decree memorializing the pipeline construction milestones and the civil penalty payments in the third quarter of 2021.as required therein.

Regulation of Waste Disposal

Federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated as a result of the RCRA, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act. Certain CCRs, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA’s evaluation of the need for future regulation.

In April 2015, the EPA finalized regulations for the disposal of CCRs (non-hazardous), establishing national standards for landfill design, structural integrity design and assessment criteria for surface impoundments, groundwater monitoring and protection procedures and other operational and reporting procedures to assure the safe disposal of CCRs from electric generating plants. On September 13, 2017, the EPA announced that it would reconsider certain provisions of the final regulations. On July 17, 2018, the EPA Administrator signed a final rule extending the deadline for certain CCR facilities to cease disposal and commence closure activities, as well as, establishing less stringent groundwater monitoring and protection requirements. On August 21, 2018, the D.C. Circuit remanded sections of the CCR Rule to the EPA to provide for additional safeguards for unlined CCR impoundments that are more protective of human health and the environment. On December 2, 2019, the EPA published a proposed rule accelerating the date that certain CCR impoundments must cease accepting waste and initiate closure to August 31, 2020. The proposed rule allowed for an extension of the closure deadline based on meeting proscribed site-specific criteria. On July 29, 2020, the EPA published a final rule again revising the date that certain CCR impoundments must cease accepting waste and initiate closure to April 11, 2021. The final rule also allows for an extension of the closure deadline based on meeting proscribed site-specific criteria. On November 30, 2020, AE Supply submitted a closure deadline extension request to the EPA seeking to extend the closure date of McElroy's Run CCR impoundment facility until 2024.2024, which request is pending technical review by the EPA. AE Supply continues to operate McElroy’s Run as a disposal facility for EH’sFG’s Pleasants Power Station.

FE or its subsidiaries have been named as potentially responsible parties at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the CERCLA. Allegations of disposal of hazardous substances at historical sites and the liability involved are often unsubstantiated and subject to dispute; however, federal law provides that all potentially responsible parties for a particular site may be liable on a joint and several basis. Environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30,March 31, 2021, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, FirstEnergy’s proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other unaffiliated entities to pay. Total liabilities of approximately $101110 million have been accrued through June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, of which, approximately $67$70 million are for environmental remediation of former MGP and gas holder facilities in New Jersey, which are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. FE or its subsidiaries could be found potentially responsible for additional amounts or additional sites, but the loss or range of losses cannot be determined or reasonably estimated at this time.

OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

United States v. Larry Householder, et al.

On July 21, 2020, a complaint and supporting affidavit containing federal criminal allegations were unsealed against the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. Also, on July 21, 2020, and in connection with the investigation, FirstEnergy received subpoenas for records from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the S.D. Ohio. FirstEnergy was not aware of the criminal allegations, affidavit or subpoenas before July 21, 2020.

On July 21, 2021, FE entered into a three-year DPA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that, subject to court proceedings, resolves this matter. Under the DPA, FE has agreed to the filing of a criminal information charging FE with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. The DPA requires that FirstEnergy, among other obligations: (i) continue to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in all matters relating to the conduct described in the DPA and other conduct under investigation by the U.S. government; (ii) pay a criminal monetary penalty totaling $230 million within sixty days, which shall consist of (x) $115 million paid by FE to the United States Treasury and (y) $115 million paid by FE to the ODSA to fund certain assistance programs, as determined by the ODSA, for the benefit of low-income Ohio electric utility customers; (iii) publish a list of all payments made in 2021 to either 501(c)(4) entities or to entities known by FirstEnergy to be operating for the benefit of a public official, either directly or indirectly, and update the same on a quarterly basis during the term of the DPA; (iv) issue a public statement, as dictated in the DPA, regarding FE’s use of 501(c)(4) entities; and (v) continue to implement and review its compliance and ethics program, internal controls, policies and procedures designed, implemented and enforced to prevent and detect violations of the U.S. laws throughout its operations, and to take certain related remedial measures. 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 entire amount of the monetary penalty was recognized as expense in the second quarter of 2021, and paid in the third quarter of 2021. Under the terms of the DPA, the criminal information will be dismissed after FirstEnergy fully complies with its obligations under the DPA.

Legal Proceedings Relating to United States v. Larry Householder, et al.

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,

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the SEC issued an additional subpoena to FE. While no contingency has been reflected in its consolidated financial statements,
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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.

In addition to the subpoenas referenced above under “—United States v. Larry Householder, et. al.” and the SEC investigation, certain FE stockholders and FirstEnergy customers filed several lawsuits against FirstEnergy and certain current and former directors, officers and other employees, and the complaints in each of these suits is related to allegations in the complaint and supporting affidavit relating to HB 6 and the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. The plaintiffs in each of the below cases seek, among other things, to recover an unspecified amount of damages (unless otherwise noted). NoUnless otherwise indicated, no contingency has been reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements with respect to these lawsuits as a loss is neither probable, nor is a loss or range of a loss reasonably estimable.

Owens v.In re FirstEnergy Corp. et al. and Frand v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al.Securities Litigation (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio); on July 28, 2020 and August 21, 2020, purported stockholders of FE filed putative class action lawsuits alleging violations of the federal securities laws. Those actions have been consolidated and a lead plaintiff, the Los Angeles County Employees Retirement Association, has been appointed by the court. A consolidated complaint was filed on February 26, 2021. The consolidated complaint alleges, on behalf of a proposed class of persons who purchased FE securities between February 21, 2017 and July 21, 2020, that FE and certain current or former FE officers violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 by issuing misrepresentations or omissions concerning FE’s business and results of operations. The consolidated complaint also alleges that FE, certain current or former FE officers and directors, and a group of underwriters violated Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 as a result of alleged misrepresentations or omissions in connection with offerings of senior notes by FE in February and June 2020. FE believes that it is probable that it will incur a loss in connection with the resolution of this lawsuit. Given the ongoing nature and complexity of such litigation, FE cannot yet reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss.
GendrichMFS Series Trust I, et al. v. Anderson,FirstEnergy Corp., et al. and SloanBrighthouse Funds II – MFS Value Portfolio, et al. v. Anderson,FirstEnergy Corp., et al. (Common Pleas(Federal District Court, Summit County, OH);S.D. Ohio) on July 26, 2020December 17, 2021 and July 31, 2020, respectively,February 21, 2022, purported stockholders of FE filed shareholder derivative action lawsuitscomplaints against certain FE, directors and officers, alleging, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duty. These actions have been consolidated.
Miller v. Anderson, et al. (Federal District Court, N.D. Ohio); Bloom, et al. v. Anderson, et al.; Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis v. Jones, et al.; Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W. v. Anderson et al.; Massachusetts Laborers Pension Fund v. Anderson et al.; The City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement v. Anderson et al.; Atherton v. Dowling et al; Behar v. Anderson, et al. (U.S. District Court, S.D. Ohio, all actions have been consolidated); beginning on August 7, 2020, purported stockholders of FE filed shareholder derivative actions alleging the board and officers breached their fiduciary duties and committed violations of Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The cases in the S.D. Ohio have been consolidated and co-lead plaintiffs have been appointed by the court. On May 11, 2021, the court denied the defendants’ motion to dismiss in the consolidated derivative proceedings in the S.D. Ohio. As previously disclosed, on June 29, 2021, the Board established a Special Litigation Committee, effective July 1, 2021. The Special Litigation Committee has been delegated full authority by the Board to take all actions as the Special Litigation Committee deems advisable, appropriate, and in the best interests of FirstEnergy and its shareholders with respect to pending shareholder derivative litigation and demands. On July 20, 2021, the Special Litigation Committee filed motions to stay proceedings in each of the shareholder derivative actions pending in the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio and in Summit County, Ohio, while the Special Litigation Committee investigates the matters asserted in the lawsuits.
Smith v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al., Buldas v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al., and Hudock and Cameo Countertops, Inc. v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio); on July 27, 2020, July 31, 2020, and August 5, 2020, respectively, purported customers of FirstEnergy filed putative class action lawsuits against FE and FESC, as well as certain current and former officers, and certain current and former officers of EH. The complaints allege that the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act by issuing alleged misrepresentations or omissions regarding FE’s business and its results of operations, and seek the same relief as the In re FirstEnergy officers, alleging civil Racketeer InfluencedCorp. Securities Litigation described above. FE believes that it is probable that it will incur losses in connection with the resolution of these lawsuits. Given the ongoing nature and Corrupt Organizations Act violations and related state law claims. These actions have been consolidated, and the court denied FirstEnergy’s motions to dismiss and stay discovery on February 10 and 11, 2021, respectively. The defendants submitted answers to the complaint on March 10, 2021. Discovery is proceeding.complexity of such litigation, FE cannot yet reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss.
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. (Common Pleas Court, Franklin County, OH)OH, all actions have been consolidated); on September 23, 2020 and October 27, 2020, the OAG and the cities of Cincinnati and Columbus, respectively, filed complaints against several parties including FE (the OAG also named FES as a defendant), each alleging civil violations of the Ohio Corrupt Activity Act in connection with the passage of HB 6. On January 13, 2021, the OAG filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction against FirstEnergy seeking to enjoin FirstEnergy from collecting the Ohio Companies' decoupling rider. On January 31, 2021, FE reached a partial settlement with the OAG and the cities of Cincinnati and Columbus with respect to the temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction request and related issues. In connection with the partial settlement, the Ohio Companies filed an application on February 1, 2021, with the PUCO to set their respective decoupling riders (CSR) to zero. On February 2, 2021, the PUCO approved the application of the Ohio Companies setting the rider to zero and no additional customer bills will include new decoupling rider charges after February 8, 2021. The cities of Dayton and Toledo have also been added as plaintiffs to the action. These actions have been consolidated. The cases are stayed pending final resolution of the United States v. Larry Householder, et alal. criminal proceeding described above.above, although on August 13, 2021, new defendants were added to the complaint, including two former officers of FirstEnergy. On November 9, 2021, the OAG filed a motion to lift the agreed-upon stay, which FE opposed on November 19, 2021; the motion remains pending. On December 2, 2021, the cities and FE entered a stipulated dismissal with prejudice of the cities’ suit.
Smith v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al., Buldas v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al., and Hudock and Cameo Countertops, Inc. v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio, all actions have been consolidated); on July 27, 2020, July 31, 2020, and August 5, 2020, respectively, purported customers of FE filed putative class action lawsuits against FE and FESC, as well as certain current and former FE officers, alleging civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act violations and related state law claims. FE agreed to a settlement to resolve these claims on April 11, 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2021, FirstEnergy recognized a pre-tax reserve of $37.5 million in the aggregate with respect to these lawsuits and the Emmons lawsuit below.
Emmons v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. (Common Pleas Court, Cuyahoga County, OH); on August 4, 2020, a purported customer of FirstEnergy filed a putative class action lawsuit against FE, FESC, OE, TE and CEI,the Ohio Companies, along with FES,

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alleging several causes of action, including negligence and/or gross negligence, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and unfair or deceptive consumer acts or practices. FE agreed to a settlement to resolve these claims on April 11, 2022. In the fourth quarter of 2021, FirstEnergy recognized a pre-tax reserve of $37.5 million in the aggregate with respect to this lawsuit and the lawsuits above consolidated with Smith in the S.D. Ohio alleging, among other things, civil violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.

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On October 1,February 9, 2022, FE, acting through the SLC, agreed to a settlement term sheet to resolve the following shareholder derivative lawsuits relating to HB 6 and the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder that were filed in the S.D. Ohio, the N.D. Ohio, and the Ohio Court of Common Pleas, Summit County:

Gendrich v. Anderson, et al. and Sloan v. Anderson, et al. (Common Pleas Court, Summit County, OH, all actions have been consolidated); on July 26, 2020 plaintiffsand July 31, 2020, respectively, purported stockholders of FE filed shareholder derivative action lawsuits against certain FE directors and officers, alleging, among other things, breaches of fiduciary duty.
Miller v. Anderson, et al. (Federal District Court, N.D. Ohio); Bloom, et al. v. Anderson, et al.; Employees Retirement System of the City of St. Louis v. Jones, et al.; Electrical Workers Pension Fund, Local 103, I.B.E.W. v. Anderson et al.; Massachusetts Laborers Pension Fund v. Anderson et al.; The City of Philadelphia Board of Pensions and Retirement v. Anderson et al.; Atherton v. Dowling et al.; Behar v. Anderson, et al. (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio, all actions have been consolidated); beginning on August 7, 2020, purported stockholders of FE filed shareholder derivative actions alleging the FE Board and officers breached their fiduciary duties and committed violations of Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act.

On March 11, 2022, the parties executed a stipulation and agreement of settlement, and filed a First Amended Complaint, adding asmotion the same day requesting preliminary settlement approval in the S.D. Ohio. The settlement agreement, if approved, will fully resolve the shareholder derivative lawsuits above and stipulates a plaintiff a purported customerseries of FirstEnergy and alleging a civil violationcorporate governance enhancements, that has resulted or is expected to result in the following:

Six members of the Ohio Corrupt Activity ActFE Board, Messrs. Michael J. Anderson, Donald T. Misheff, Thomas N. Mitchell, Christopher D. Pappas and civil conspiracy againstLuis A. Reyes, and Ms. Julia L. Johnson are not standing for re-election at FE’s 2022 annual shareholder meeting;
A special FE FESC and FES. On May 4, 2021, the court granted the defendants’ motionBoard committee of at least three recently appointed independent directors will be formed to dismiss plaintiffs’ breach of contract claims and denied the remainderinitiate a review process of the motionscurrent senior executive team, to dismiss. begin within 30 days of the 2022 annual shareholder meeting;
The defendants submitted answersFE Board will oversee FE’s lobbying and political activities, including periodically reviewing and approving political and lobbying action plans prepared by management;
An FE Board committee of recently appointed independent directors will oversee the implementation and third-party audits of the FE Board-approved action plans with respect to the complaint on June 1, 2021. Discovery is proceeding.political and lobbying activities;
FE will implement enhanced disclosure to shareholders of political and lobbying activities, including enhanced disclosure in its annual proxy statement; and
FE will further align financial incentives of senior executives to proactive compliance with legal and ethical obligations.

The settlement also includes a payment to FirstEnergy of $180 million, to be paid by insurance after court approval, less any court-ordered attorney’s fees awarded to plaintiffs.

In letters dated January 26, and February 22, 2021, staff of FERC's Division of Investigations notified FirstEnergy that the Division is conducting an investigation of FirstEnergy’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6, and staff directed FirstEnergy to preserve and maintain all documents and information related to the same as such have been developed as part of an ongoing non-public audit being conducted by FERC's Division of Audits and Accounting. While no contingency has been reflected in itsthe consolidated financial statements, FirstEnergy believes that it is probable that it will incur a loss in connection with the resolution of the FERC investigation. Given the ongoing nature and complexity of the review, inquiries and investigations, FirstEnergy cannot yet reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss that may arise from the resolution of the FERC investigation.

The outcome of any of these lawsuits, governmental investigations and audit areis uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on FE’s or its subsidiaries’ reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and cash flows.

Internal Investigation Relating to United States v. Larry Householder, et al.

As previously disclosed, a committee of independent members of the Board of Directors has been directing an internal investigation related to ongoing government investigations. In connection with FirstEnergy’s internal investigation, such committee determined on October 29, 2020, to terminate FirstEnergy’s Chief Executive Officer, Charles E. Jones, together with two other executives: Dennis M. Chack, Senior Vice President of Product Development, Marketing, and Branding; and Michael J. Dowling, Senior Vice President of External Affairs. Each of these terminated executives violated certain FirstEnergy policies and its code of conduct. These executives were terminated as of October 29, 2020. Such former members of senior management did not maintain and promote a control environment with an appropriate tone of compliance in certain areas of FirstEnergy’s business, nor sufficiently promote, monitor or enforce adherence to certain FirstEnergy policies and its code of conduct. Furthermore, certain former members of senior management did not reasonably ensure that relevant information was communicated within our organization and not withheld from our independent directors, our Audit Committee, and our independent auditor. Among the matters considered with respect to the determination by the committee of independent members of the Board of Directors that certain former members of senior management violated certain FirstEnergy policies and its code of conduct related to a payment of approximately $4 million made in early 2019 in connection with the termination of a purported consulting agreement, as amended, which had been in place since 2013. The counterparty to such agreement was an entity associated with an individual who subsequently was appointed to a full-time role as an Ohio government official directly involved in regulating the Ohio Companies, including with respect to distribution rates. Additionally, on November 8, 2020, the Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, and the Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Ethics Officer, were separated from FirstEnergy due to inaction and conduct that the Board determined was influenced by the improper tone at the top. Subsequently, effective May 26, 2021, the Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs, and Acting Vice President, External Affairs was separated from FirstEnergy related to her inaction regarding an amendment in 2015 of the purported consulting agreement discussed above.

Additionally, on February 17, 2021, the Board appointed Mr. John W. Somerhalder II to the positions of Vice Chairperson of the Board and Executive Director of FE, each effective as of March 1, 2021. Mr. Donald T. Misheff will continue to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Mr. Somerhalder will help lead efforts to enhance FirstEnergy’s reputation. On March 7, 2021, the Board appointed Mr. Steven E. Strah to the position of Chief Executive Officer of FirstEnergy, effective as of March 8, 2021. On March 7, 2021, at the recommendation of the FirstEnergy Corporate Governance and Corporate Responsibility Committee, the Board also elected Mr. Strah as a Director of FirstEnergy, effective as of March 8, 2021.

Also, in connection with the internal investigation, FirstEnergy identified certain transactions, which, in some instances, extended back ten years of more, including vendor service, that were either improperly classified, misallocated to certain of the Utilities and Transmission Companies, or lacked proper supporting documentation. These transactions resulted in amounts collected from customers that were immaterial to FirstEnergy. The Utilities and Transmission Companies are working with the appropriate regulatory agencies to address these amounts.

The internal investigation has revealed no new material issues since FirstEnergy’s Form 10-K was filed on February 18, 2021. The focus of the internal investigation has transitioned from a proactive investigation to continued cooperation with the ongoing government investigations.

Nuclear Plant Matters

On October 15, 2019, JCP&L, ME, PN and GPUN executed an asset purchase and sale agreement with TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of EnergySolutions, LLC, concerning the transfer and dismantlement of TMI-2. This transfer of TMI-2 to TMI-2 Solutions, LLC will include the: (i) transfer of the ownership and operating NRC licenses for TMI-2; (ii) transfer of the external

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trusts for the decommissioning and environmental remediation of TMI-2; and (iii) assumption by TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, of certain liabilities, including all responsibility for the TMI-2 site, full decommissioning of TMI-2 and ongoing management of core debris material not previously transferred to the DOE. On August 10, 2020, JCP&L, ME, PN, GPUN, TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, and the PA DEP reached a settlement agreement regarding the decommissioning of TMI-2. On December 2, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order approving the transfer and sale under the conditions requested by NJ Rate Counsel and agreed to by JCP&L. Those conditions will restrict JCP&L from seeking recovery from its ratepayers for any future liabilities JCP&L could incur with respect to TMI-2. Also, on December 2, 2020, the NRC issued its order approving the license transfer as requested. With the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the transaction was consummated on December 18, 2020.

Other Legal Matters

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to FirstEnergy’s normal business operations pending against FE or its subsidiaries. The loss or range of loss in these matters is not expected to be material to FE or its subsidiaries. The other potentially material items not otherwise discussed above are described under Note 8,7, “Regulatory Matters.”

FirstEnergy accrues legal liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably estimate the amount of such costs. In cases where FirstEnergy determines that it is not probable, but reasonably possible that it has a material obligation, it discloses such obligations and the possible loss or range of loss if such estimate can be made. If it were ultimately determined that FE or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on any of the matters referenced above, it could have a material adverse effect on FE’s or its subsidiaries’ financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 1, "Organization and Basis of Presentation," for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.


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ITEM 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

See “FirstEnergy Corp. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Market Risk Information” in Item 2 above.
ITEM 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The management of FirstEnergy, with the participation of our chief executive officerthe Chief Executive Officer and chief financial officer,Chief Financial Officer, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures, (asas defined under the Exchange Act, in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of June 30, 2021.the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officerChief Executive Officer and chief financial officerChief Financial Officer of FirstEnergy have concluded that ourits disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of June 30, 2021, due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below.

Notwithstanding the material weakness described below, management has concluded that its consolidated financial statements included in the current and prior period filings were not materially misstated and presented fairly, in all material respects, FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements asend of the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Existing as of June 30, 2021

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of FirstEnergy’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

We did not maintain an effective control environment as our senior management failed to set an appropriate tone at the top. Specifically, certain members of senior management failed to reinforce the need for compliance with FirstEnergy’s policies and its code of conduct, which resulted in inappropriate conduct that was inconsistent with FirstEnergy’s policies and its code of conduct.

This control deficiency did not result in a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements. However,period covered by this control deficiency could have resulted in material misstatements to the annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not have been prevented or detected. Accordingly, our management has concluded that this control deficiency constitutes a material weakness.

Remediation Plans

Management and the Board of Directors take FirstEnergy’s internal control over financial reporting and the integrity of its financial statements seriously. Management, the Board of Directors, along with the Audit Committee, and its subcommittee, are currently working to remediate the material weakness identified above. The remedial activities include the following:

the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer to improve the tone at the top;

the termination of certain members of senior management, including FirstEnergy’s former Chief Executive Officer, for violations of certain FirstEnergy policies and its code of conduct;

the separation of two senior members of the legal department, due to inaction and conduct that the Board of Directors determined was influenced by the improper tone at the top;

the establishment of a subcommittee of FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee, who, with the Board of Directors, assessed the compliance program, provided recommendations, and is overseeing the implementation of changes (as appropriate) in FirstEnergy’s compliance program;

the appointment of a new Chief Legal Officer;

the appointment of a new Vice Chairperson of the Board and Executive Director to help lead efforts to enhance FirstEnergy’s reputation with external stakeholders;

the appointment of new independent directors to the Board;

the appointment of a new Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer who is overseeing the ethics and compliance program and implementation of enhancements to the existing compliance structure and role;


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the Board of Directors’ reinforcement of and executive team’s recommitment to the importance of setting appropriate tone at the top and the expectation to demonstrate FirstEnergy’s core values and behaviors which support an ethical and compliant culture, as well as adherence to internal control over financial reporting; and

increased communication and training of employees with respect to:

our commitment to ethical standards and integrity of our business procedures,
compliance requirements,
our code of conduct and other FirstEnergy policies, and
availability of and the process for reporting suspected violations of law or code of conduct.

Management and the Board of Directors are committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment and believes the above efforts will effectively remediate the material weakness; however, the material weakness cannot be considered remediated until the applicable remedial actions are implemented and operating for a sufficient period of time to allow management to conclude, through testing, that a remediation plan is implemented and the controls are operating effectively. Management, under the oversight of the Board of Directors, has developed and are implementing a comprehensive remediation plan, and continues to consider additional enhancement measures, as appropriate, which includes defined responsibilities and measurable milestones to evaluate the progress of the remediation activities. Management and the Board of Directors are monitoring the progress of these activities on an ongoing basis and management will continue to assess the effectiveness of the remediation efforts in connection with evaluations of internal control over financial reporting.report.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, FirstEnergy’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information required for Part II, Item 1 is incorporated by reference to the discussions in Note 8,7, “Regulatory Matters,” and Note 9,8, “Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in FirstEnergy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, which could materially affect FirstEnergy’s business, financial condition or future results.

The information set forth in this report, including without limitation, the risk factors presented below, updates and should be read in conjunction with, the risk factors and information disclosed in FirstEnergy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021.

We Have Received Requests for Information Related to Government Investigations. The Investigations and Related Litigation Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on our Reputation, Business, Financial Condition, Results of Operations, Liquidity or Cash Flows.

On July 21, 2020, we received subpoenas for records from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the S.D. Ohio requesting the production of information concerning an investigation surrounding HB 6 involving the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. Following the announcement of the investigation surrounding HB 6, certain of our stockholders and customers filed several lawsuits against us and certain current and former directors, officers and other employees. In addition, on August 10, 2020, the SEC, through its Division of Enforcement, issued an order directing an investigation of possible securities laws violations by FirstEnergy, and on September 1, 2020, issued subpoenas to FirstEnergy and certain of its officers. We are cooperating with both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the SEC in their ongoing investigations. 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 previously disclosed U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation into FirstEnergy relating to FirstEnergy’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6, which, among other things requires FE to pay a monetary penalty of $230 million. With respect to the SEC, we believe that it is probable that FE will incur a loss in connection with the resolution of the SEC’s investigation. Given the ongoing nature and complexity of such investigation, we cannot yet reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss that may arise from the resolution of the SEC investigation but such resolution could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows. See Note 9, “Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional details on the government investigations and subsequent litigation surrounding HB 6.


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The investigations and litigation related to HB 6 could divert management’s focus and have resulted in, and could continue to result in substantial investigation expenses, and the commitment of substantial corporate resources. The outcome of the government investigations and related litigation is inherently uncertain. If one or more legal matters, were resolved against us, our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows may be adversely affected. Further, such an outcome could result in settlement agreements, significant monetary damages, remedial corporate measures or other relief against us that could adversely impact our operations. These matters are likely to continue to have an adverse impact on the trading prices of our securities.

We are unable to predict the outcome, duration, scope, result or related costs of the investigations and related litigation and, therefore, any of these risks could impact us significantly beyond expectations. Moreover, we are unable to predict the potential for any additional investigations or litigation, any of which could exacerbate these risks or expose us to potential criminal or civil liabilities, sanctions or other remedial measures, and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows.

We Have Received Requests for Information Related to Government Investigations. Related Potential Adverse Impacts on Federal or State Regulatory Matters Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on our Reputation, Business, Financial Condition, Results of Operations, Liquidity or Cash Flows

On July 21, 2020, we received subpoenas for records from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the S.D. Ohio requesting the production of information concerning an investigation surrounding HB 6 involving the now former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder and other individuals and entities allegedly affiliated with Mr. Householder. 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 previously disclosed U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation into FirstEnergy relating to FirstEnergy’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6, which, among other things requires FE to pay a monetary penalty of $230 million. The filing of the criminal information agreed to in the DPA, which included a single charge that FE conspired to commit honest services wire fraud, as well as any future allegations of non-compliance with anti-corruption laws could have an adverse impact on our reputation or relationships with the various federal, state and local regulatory authorities that significantly influence our operating environment. Further, any such failure to have complied with anti-corruption laws could result in a material inquiry or investigation by such federal, state and local regulatory agencies, and result in adverse rulings against us, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, operating results and operations.

On January 26, 2021, staff of FERC’s Division of Investigations issued a letter directing FirstEnergy to preserve and maintain all documents and information related to an ongoing audit being conducted by FERC’s Division of Audits and Accounting, including activities relating to lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6. Subsequently, on February 22, 2021, staff of FERC's Division of Investigations notified FirstEnergy that the Division is conducting an investigation of FirstEnergy’s lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6. We are cooperating with the FERC in the ongoing audit and investigation. With respect to the FERC Division of Investigations matter, we believe that it is probable that FirstEnergy will incur a loss in connection with its resolution. Given the ongoing nature and complexity of such investigation, we cannot yet reasonably estimate a loss or range of loss that may arise from the resolution of the FERC Division of Investigations matter but such resolution could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows. See Note 8, "Regulatory Matters," and Note 9, “Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies,” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for additional details on the government investigations and regulatory matters related to the investigation of HB 6.

For example, there are several regulatory matters associated with the ongoing governmental investigations including, but not limited to, the following:

On September 15, 2020, the PUCO opened a new proceeding to review the political and charitable spending by the Ohio Companies in support of HB 6 and the subsequent referendum effort, directing the Ohio Companies to show cause, demonstrating that the costs of any political or charitable spending in support of HB 6, or the subsequent referendum effort, were not included, directly or indirectly, in any rates or charges paid by ratepayers.
On November 4, 2020, the PUCO initiated an additional corporate separation audit as a result of the termination of certain members of senior management.
On December 30, 2020, the PUCO reinstated the requirement that the Ohio Companies file a distribution rate case by May 31, 2024, which requirement had previously been eliminated by the PUCO in November 2019.
Also on December 30, 2020, the PUCO reopened the DMR audit docket, and directed PUCO staff to solicit a third-party auditor and conduct a full review of the DMR to ensure funds collected from ratepayers through the DMR were only used for the purposes established in ESP IV.
On January 26, 2021, staff of FERC's Division of Investigations issued a letter directing FirstEnergy to preserve and maintain all documents and information related to an ongoing audit being conducted by FERC's Division of Audits and Accounting, including activities related to lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6.
In connection with the partial settlement with the OAG and other parties, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO on February 1, 2021, to set the respective decoupling riders (Rider CSR) to zero and, in a related action, the Ohio Companies will not seek to recover lost distribution revenue from residential and commercial customers; as a

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result, FirstEnergy recognized a $108 million pre-tax charge ($84 million after-tax) in the fourth quarter of 2020 and $77 million (pre-tax) of which is associated with forgoing collection of lost distribution revenue.
On April 22, 2021, in anticipation of the effective date of HB 128 and in accordance with HB 128’s provisions regarding the prompt refund of decoupling funds, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO to modify CSR to return such amount over twelve months commencing June 1, 2021. On July 7, 2021, the PUCO issued an order approving the Ohio Companies’ modified application and directed that all funds collected through CSR be refunded to customers over a single billing cycle beginning August 1, 2021.

While FirstEnergy is committed to pursuing an open dialogue with stakeholders in an appropriate manner with respect to the numerous regulatory proceedings currently underway, the rates our Utilities and Transmission Companies are allowed to charge may be decreased as a result of actions taken by FERC or by a state regulatory commission to which our Utilities is subject to jurisdiction, whether as a result of the DPA, any failure to have complied with anti-corruption laws, or otherwise. Also, in connection with our internal investigation, we identified certain transactions, which, in some instances, extended back ten years or more, including vendor services, that were either improperly classified, misallocated to certain of the Utilities and Transmission Companies, or lacked proper supporting documentation. These transactions resulted in amounts collected from customers that were immaterial to FirstEnergy, and the Utilities and Transmission Companies are working with the appropriate regulatory agencies to address these amounts.

We are unable to predict the adverse impacts on federal or state regulatory matters, including with respect to rates, and, therefore, any of these risks could impact us significantly beyond expectations. Moreover, we are unable to predict the potential for any additional regulatory actions, any of which could exacerbate these risks or expose us to adverse outcomes in pending or future rate cases, and could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows.

If We Violate our DPA That We Entered Into on July 20, 2021, It Could Have an Adverse Effect on our Reputation and Consolidated Financial Statements

On July 21, 2021, we entered into a three-year DPA with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that, subject to court proceedings, resolves the previously disclosed U.S. Attorney’s Office investigation into us relating to our lobbying and governmental affairs activities concerning HB 6. Under the DPA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a single charge alleging that we conspired to commit honest services wire fraud. The DPA provides that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will defer any prosecution of such conspiracy charge and any other criminal or civil case against us in connection with the matters identified therein for a three-year period subject to certain obligations of ours, including, but not limited to, the following: (i) continued cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in all matters relating to the conduct described in the DPA and other conduct under investigation by the U.S. government; (ii) payment of a criminal monetary penalty totaling $230 million; (iii) publish a list of all payments made in 2021 to either 501(c)(4) entities or to entities known by FirstEnergy to be operating for the benefit of a public official, either directly or indirectly, and update the same on a quarterly basis during the term of the DPA; (iv) publication of a public acknowledgement of our conduct, including a statement, as dictated in the DPA, regarding our use of 501(c)(4) entities; and (v) continued implementation and review of our compliance and ethics program, internal controls, policies and procedures designed, implemented and enforced to prevent and detect violations of the U.S. laws throughout its operations, and to take certain related remedial measures. If we are found to have breached the terms of the DPA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office may elect to prosecute, or bring a civil action against, us for conduct alleged in the DPA or known to the government, which could result in fines or penalties and could have a material adverse impact on our reputation or relationships with regulatory and legislative authorities, customers and other stakeholders, as well as our consolidated financial statements.

Failure to Comply with Debt Covenants in our Credit Agreements or Conditions Could Adversely Affect our Ability to Execute Future Borrowings and/or Require Early Repayment, and Could Restrict our Ability to Obtain Additional or Replacement Financing on Acceptable Terms or at All

Our debt and credit agreements contain various financial and other covenants including a consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio of no more than 65% measured at the end of each fiscal quarter.

Our credit agreements contain certain negative and affirmative covenants. Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our FE Revolving Facility and FET Revolving Facility has been and may, in the future, be affected by events related to the ongoing government investigations or otherwise.

On July 21, 2021, FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries entered into amendments to the FE Revolving Facility and the FET Revolving Facility, respectively. The amendments provide for modifications and/or waivers of (i) certain representations and warranties, (ii) certain affirmative and negative covenants, contained therein, and (iii) any resulting event of default, which, in each case, resulted either from FE entering into the DPA or as a consequence of the facts and circumstances described in the DPA, thus allowing FirstEnergy to be in compliance with the revolving credit facilities and maintain access to the liquidity provided thereunder. In addition, we may be required to seek additional covenant waivers in future periods, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such waivers on favorable terms, or at all.


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A breach of any of the covenants contained in our credit agreements, including any breach related to alleged failures to comply with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, could result in an event of default under such agreements, and we would not be able to access our credit facilities for additional borrowings and letters of credit while any default exists. Upon the occurrence of such an event of default, any amounts outstanding under our credit facilities could be declared to be immediately due and payable and all applicable commitments to extend further credit could be terminated. If indebtedness under our credit facilities is accelerated, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient assets to repay the indebtedness. In addition, certain events, including but not limited to any covenant breach related to alleged failures to comply with anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, an event of default under our credit agreements, and the acceleration of applicable commitments under such facilities could restrict our ability to obtain additional or replacement financing on acceptable terms or at all. The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our credit facilities and any future financing agreements may adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in other business activities.
ITEM 2.        UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.
ITEM 3.        DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.
ITEM 4.        MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.        OTHER INFORMATION

On July 20, 2021, the Board of FirstEnergy approved and adopted a new Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which became effective immediately. The Code of Business Conduct is applicable to all directors, officers, employees, contractors and temporary workers of FirstEnergy, including FirstEnergy’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The new Code of Business Conduct (i) promotes and emphasizes FirstEnergy’s commitment to compliance and ethics; (ii) fosters a “speak up” culture in which stakeholders are encouraged to report actual or suspected Code of Business Conduct violations without fear of retaliation; (iii) improves readability; and (iv) promotes understanding of compliance commitments and expectations.

Adoption of the Code of Business Conduct did not result in any explicit or implicit waiver of any provision of the Code of Business Conduct. A copy of the new Code of Business Conduct is available on FirstEnergy’s website at www.firstenergycorp.com (under Investors > Governance > Ethics and Business Conduct Policies and Statements). The foregoing summary is qualified in its entirety by the full text of the Code, which is filed as Exhibit 14.1 and incorporated herein by reference. The other contents of FirstEnergy’s website are not incorporated by reference in this report.

None.

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ITEM 6.        EXHIBITS
Exhibit NumberDescription
   
(A)(B)10.1
(A)(B)10.2
(A)(B)10.3
(A)(B)10.4
(A)(B)10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
(A)14.1
(A)31.1 
(A)31.2 
(A)32 
101The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of FirstEnergy Corp. for the period ended June 30, 2021,March 31, 2022, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (v) related notes to these financial statements and (vi) document and entity information
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document contained in Exhibit 101)
(A) Provided herein in electronic format as an exhibit.
(B) Management contract or compensatory plan contract or arrangement filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, FirstEnergy has not filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q any instrument with respect to long-term debt if the respective total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of its respective total assets, but hereby agrees to furnish to the SEC on request any such documents.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
July 22, 2021April 21, 2022
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
Registrant
/s/ Jason J. Lisowski
Jason J. Lisowski
Vice President, Controller
and Chief Accounting Officer 


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