20
20F O C U S E D O N O U R F U T U R E
A N N U A L R E P O R T
2020 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Paid annualized dividend of $1.56 per common share consistent with dividend policy.
• Provided three-year dividend growth: $1.44 in 2018; $1.52 in 2019; $1.56 in 2020.
• Invested $1.15 billion in 2020 to modernize our transmission system as part of our Energizing the Future
initiative.
• Invested $1.76 billion in our distribution system in 2020.
FINANCIALS AT A GLANCE
TOTAL REVENUES (in millions)
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE (GAAP)
OPERATING EARNINGS PER SHARE (non-GAAP*)
DIVIDENDS PAID PER COMMON SHARE
2018
$11,261
$1.99
$2.59
$1.44
2019
$11,035
$1.70
$2.58
$1.52
2020
$10,790
$1.99
$2.39
$1.56
CAPITAL
SPEND
(in $ millions)
3
8
9
,
2
2
9
9
,
2
6
8
9
,
2
TRANSMISSION
RATE BASE
(in $ millions)
DISTRIBUTION
RATE BASE
(in $ millions)
5
8
5
,
7
5
4
9
,
6
3
1
3
,
6
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
0
1
5
,
5
1
0
2
8
,
4
1
8
7
8
,
3
1
16,000
15,000
14,000
13,000
12,000
11,000
10,000
0
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
8
1
0
2
9
1
0
2
0
2
0
2
8
1
0
2
9
1
0
2
0
2
0
2
8
1
0
2
9
1
0
2
0
2
0
2
* See non-GAAP Financial Measures information on the inside back cover of this report.
On the cover: Alex Greathouse, line worker, installs automated reclosing devices on Penn Power lines to help limit the frequency and
duration of service interruptions for customers.
A MESSAGE TO
OUR SHAREHOLDERS
In 2020, our company continued its strong
operational performance and advanced our
regulated growth strategy. We also established new
goals for key areas of our business that support
our mission to be a forward-thinking electric utility
powered by a diverse team of employees committed
to making customers’ lives brighter, the environment
better and our communities stronger.
At the same time, we encountered unprecedented
challenges. Our employees demonstrated flexibility
and resiliency in adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic
while continuing to serve our customers safely.
Our company, employees and communities also
confronted the impact of ongoing racial injustice
and social unrest across the country.
In addition, our Board of Directors implemented
significant senior leadership changes last year,
including the removal of five executives, as a result
of an internal investigation related to the ongoing
governmental investigations into FirstEnergy. These
critical changes, among other decisive actions,
enabled us to begin the process of rebuilding trust
with our stakeholders and placed FirstEnergy on the
right path forward.
As part of the changes to our senior leadership
team, I was named acting CEO in October 2020,
and then I was named CEO and elected as a
member of the Board in March 2021. I am honored
by the Board’s confidence in me. Since beginning as
a meter reader with The Illuminating Company years
ago, I have worked in many different areas of our
business, and I care deeply about our employees
and the future of this company.
Under my leadership, and with guidance from our
Board and support from our Executive Council,
we are intently focused on fostering a culture of
compliance, ethics and integrity. As part of that
effort, we have appointed strong new leaders, both
at the board and executive levels, who are actively
engaged with our existing leaders in creating an
environment where not only our words, but our
actions, align with our core values and behaviors.
We are also working to centralize and strengthen our
compliance model and ensure that every employee
understands their responsibility to consistently act
in accordance with our core values and behaviors
and to speak up if they see inappropriate behavior
anywhere in the organization.
We are making significant changes in our approach
to governmental affairs engagement, as well. Our
participation in the political process will be much
more limited than it has been in the past, with closer
alignment to our strategic goals and more robust
oversight and disclosure of the company’s advocacy
going forward.
Our Board and senior leadership team also remain
focused on advancing our strategy and business
priorities in a way that reflects the culture we are
working to instill at FirstEnergy. Toward that end,
our FE Forward initiative, launched in December
2020, is designed to re-evaluate our policies,
practices and processes and make improvements
to how we work and make decisions – including
ensuring that we foster trust, transparency and
integrity. By optimizing operations, accelerating our
digital transformation and improving productivity,
FE Forward intends to enhance customer and
shareholder value and improve our credit profile.
This effort is expected to transform FirstEnergy in
a way that provides near-term value while opening
new opportunities for long-term growth.
Over the past year, our company has rallied in
response to the pandemic, and our employees –
working remotely and in the field – have excelled in
their new circumstances. In addition, our business
model and rate structure continued to provide
stability during the pandemic and economic
slowdown. We have not experienced significant
disruptions in our supply chain or workforce, and
we successfully completed approximately $3 billion
in transmission and distribution investments last
year as we continued our service reliability and
modernization programs to benefit customers.
Our long-term regulated growth strategy is proving
successful, and the fundamental drivers of our
business remain intact. Our strong execution of
this strategy continued in 2020, and we remain
confident about the significant investment
opportunities intended to drive solid earnings and
growth in the years ahead.
We are proactively addressing a range of
uncertainties created by the ongoing Department
of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission
investigations by implementing a comprehensive
plan to support near-term financial resiliency and
flexibility. This includes work being done as part
Steven E. Strah
President and CEO
1
JCP&L line worker, Vanessa Patterson, helps deliver reliable
electricity to our customers.
of FE Forward to generate capital
expenditure efficiencies and working capital
improvements and enable a more strategic
approach to operating expenditures. We
recently shared details about what this
program is projected to achieve over the
next several years, including $250 million
in working capital improvements by 2022
and $300 million in annualized capital
expenditure efficiencies by 2024. We look
forward to updating you on our progress in
the coming months.
Looking ahead, our updated strategic plan
will guide our efforts to transform FirstEnergy
into a more innovative, diverse and
sustainable company. The plan encompasses
company goals targeting improvements
in many key areas of our business and
supporting our vision for the future. For
example, we’re building a more diverse and
inclusive workplace with the aspirational
goal of increasing the racial and ethnic
diversity of our workforce and leadership by
30% by 2025. We’re also creating a more
sustainable energy future by working toward
carbon neutrality by 2050 and an interim
30% reduction in greenhouse gases within
our direct control by 2030.
Our efforts to achieve these and other new
goals will lay the groundwork for continued
growth in the coming years.
INVESTING IN OUR ELECTRIC
INFRASTRUCTURE
We continue to strengthen our transmission
and distribution systems through significant
investments designed to improve reliability
and support our customers’ evolving
energy needs.
For instance, we’re upgrading and
modernizing our transmission system
through our multibillion-dollar Energizing
the Future program. These infrastructure
investments are driving measurable
performance improvements for our
customers, including a 39% reduction
through 2020 in equipment-related
transmission outages on our ATSI system,
which serves our three utility companies in
Ohio and our Penn Power utility in western
Pennsylvania. Key Energizing the Future
projects in 2020 included rebuilding and
revitalizing sections of our transmission
system in our Ohio Edison and Penn
Power regions, improving system voltage
and capacity in our JCP&L territory, and
extending lines and building new supporting
infrastructure in our Met-Ed service area.
We plan to invest up to $1.2 billion in 2021
to continue reliability improvements on
our transmission system. Future initiatives
will increase network automation, add
operational flexibility and make the energy
grid more resilient – all of which are key to
reliably supporting increased renewable
energy sources and enabling a clean energy
future. As we make these investments, we’re
targeting a 20% reduction in Transmission
Outage Frequency on 100 kV-and-above
lines by 2025, compared to our 2019
baseline.
To support continued investments in our
transmission system, we filed an application
with FERC to move to forward-looking
formula rates for our transmission assets in
the Allegheny Power System zone, effective
January 1, 2021. This includes transmission
assets in our West Penn Power, Mon Power
and Potomac Edison territories. In addition,
we created a new standalone transmission
company, Keystone Appalachian
Transmission Company (KATCo), and filed for
forward-looking formula rates, also effective
January 1, 2021. These rate filings were
2
accepted by FERC on December 31, 2020, subject to refund, pending
further hearing and settlement proceedings. The approvals mean that
100% of our transmission investments are now recovered through
formula rates. We plan to seek regulatory approval to transfer certain
transmission assets from West Penn Power and Potomac Edison to
the new KATCo affiliate at an appropriate time in the future.
On the distribution side of our business, we are strengthening
our system with smart technologies and advanced automation to
prepare the grid for the future. For example, we’re in the process
of executing our three-year Grid Modernization Plan in Ohio, which
is designed to modernize the distribution system with automated
equipment, real-time voltage controls and smart meters. As part of
the program, we have installed over 250,000 smart meters across our
Ohio service area to enable automated readings and help customers
make more informed decisions about their energy usage. We’ve
also implemented more than 300 automated reclosers and voltage-
regulating devices to reduce the scope of outages and optimize
voltage levels on the system. These improvements are already
producing reliability benefits for customers. By using automated
reclosers over the seven-month period ended December 2020, we
reduced the average outage duration by approximately 19 minutes
and eliminated about 619,000 customer minutes of interrupted
service. Capital costs associated with the Grid Modernization Plan
are recoverable through Rider AMI.
In February 2021, we began taking proactive steps to resolve a
range of regulatory proceedings affecting our Ohio utilities through
comprehensive and transparent discussions with key stakeholders,
including our Ohio regulators. As a result of this engagement, we
decided not to seek recovery of lost distribution revenues from
residential and commercial customers authorized under our current
Electric Security Plan through May 31, 2024. This decision builds
upon a partial settlement with the Ohio Attorney General to end
the collection of decoupling revenues permitted under Ohio House
Bill 6. We believe these actions will help us resolve matters in a
comprehensive and constructive manner, which is a critical step
in demonstrating our commitment to transparency and integrity,
rebuilding our relationships with regulators and other stakeholders,
and positioning FirstEnergy for the future.
In Pennsylvania, the second phase of our Long-Term Infrastructure
Improvement Plans (LTIIP II) will continue through 2024. This $572
million investment accelerates infrastructure improvements in the
state to enhance service reliability and minimize the impact of
outages for over 2 million Pennsylvania customers. Key projects
include installing new automated reclosing devices that help limit
the frequency, duration and scope of service interruptions; replacing
hundreds of miles of existing power lines with larger, durable
wire designed to withstand tree debris and severe weather; and
implementing new substation fencing to deter climbing animals and
protect against equipment interference that can cause outages.
These targeted LTIIP II investments are making a positive difference
for customers. For instance, Met-Ed’s projects reduced the frequency
of service interruptions from line and equipment failure by about
9% in 2020, compared to 2019. Our four utility companies are
currently recovering their LTIIP II investments under the Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission-approved Distribution System
Improvement Charges rider.
These and other distribution programs across our six-state service
area are designed to upgrade our system and increase service
reliability for customers. It is our goal that by 2025, the average
customer will see a 5%, or nine-minute, reduction in the duration
of service interruptions, compared to our 2019 baseline.
We completed our $97 million JCP&L Reliability Plus program in
December 2020, on time and on budget. Through this program, we
sought to reduce the frequency of power outages, mitigate potential
tree damage during severe weather events, and modernize our
electric grid to provide additional flexibility and resiliency for the
JCP&L system. For instance, we completed vegetation management
along more than 1,300 miles of lines and installed over 1,700
automated reclosing devices. In addition, we implemented new
distribution automation technology that can automatically detect
damage on the system, safely isolate it and reroute power flow,
reducing the number of customers out of service until repairs are
made. We also installed flood mitigation systems at two JCP&L
substations to protect them from potential flooding that can impact
substations during storms and cause outages. Recovery of our JCP&L
Reliability Plus investments was incorporated into the new base rate
as a result of the settlement approved by the New Jersey Board of
Public Utilities (BPU) in October 2020.
The base rate settlement also accounts for the sale of JCP&L’s
interest in the Yards Creek pumped-storage hydro generation facility
and provides for recovery of storm costs incurred over the past few
We continue to support transportation electrification and advocate
for the buildout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in
our service territory. Toward that end, we’re supporting Maryland’s
goal to have 300,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2025.
Through our EV Driven program, Potomac Edison is installing utility-
owned public charging stations throughout its Maryland service area.
Thus far, we have completed the installation of 17 charging stations,
including four direct-current fast chargers, which can provide an
80% charge for most EVs in less than an hour, and 13 Level 2
charging stations that accommodate two vehicles simultaneously
and deliver 8 to 24 miles of range per hour of charging.
3
years, as well as increasing costs associated with providing safe and
reliable electric service for customers. It includes a $94 million annual
increase in distribution revenues based on a 9.6% return on equity. To
assist customers during the pandemic, we’ve delayed implementation
of the rate increase until November 2021. Even after the increase,
JCP&L customers will still pay the lowest residential rates among New
Jersey’s four regulated electric distribution companies.
To further support our JCP&L customers, we have filed a plan for an
Advanced Metering Infrastructure Program with the BPU. If approved,
we would install 1.2 million smart meters and related infrastructure
across our New Jersey service area over a three-year period, beginning
in 2023. Together with our deployment efforts in Pennsylvania and
Ohio, this project will help us reach our companywide goal of installing
smart meters for two-thirds of our total customers by 2025.
BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE AND
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Although we have faced unprecedented challenges over the past
year, we are focused on the future of our company and the
opportunities ahead. To chart our path forward, we recently updated
our strategic plan and outlined our vision for transforming our culture
and becoming a truly sustainable company. We also identified a series
of bold companywide goals to support our vision and help us achieve
our strategic objectives.
Our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) remains
essential to our forward-looking strategy, and in the wake of our
country’s widespread response to racial injustice, we are focused
on accelerating our D&I progress. Our aspirational goal is to achieve
a 30% increase in racially and ethnically diverse employees, both
companywide and at the supervisor-and-above leadership level
by 2025. Our approach to D&I extends beyond our workforce to
include our suppliers, as well. Accordingly, we have also committed
to achieving 20% of our supply chain spend with diverse suppliers by
2025. Success in these areas will enable us to better serve our
customers, improve operational performance and increase innovation.
We have made significant strides in promoting workplace equity and
creating an open and inclusive culture. For the third consecutive
year, we have been included in the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index
(GEI) for our investment in gender equality in the workplace and the
communities we serve. The GEI measures gender equality across five
pillars: female leadership and talent pipeline, equal pay and gender
pay parity, inclusive culture, sexual harassment policies and factors
like supply chain and community support.
Additionally, our score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s
Corporate Equality Index – a national benchmarking tool for corporate
policies, practices and benefits pertinent to LGBTQ employees –
increased from 80 points in 2020 to 90 points in 2021, out of a total
possible score of 100. We are encouraged by this recognition and
motivated to continue raising the bar for workplace equity to ensure
all our employees feel their contributions and opinions are valued.
Environmental stewardship is also a key part of our forward-looking
strategy. We believe climate change is among the most important
issues of our time, and we’re committed to doing our part to ensure
CEI line worker, Ben DeBottis, repairs windstorm
damage in the Bay Village, Ohio, area.
4
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Many of our new companywide goals focus on mitigating our impact
on the environment and improving the sustainability of our operations.
In addition to executing our climate strategy and targeting carbon
neutrality by 2050, we will work to achieve these environmental goals
over the next five to ten years:
• WASTE: By 2025, we will recycle or beneficially reuse 50% of our
wood poles at the end of their useful lives, when they previously
would have been landfilled.
• WATER: We are targeting a 20% reduction in water consumption
at our two coal plants by 2030.
• VEGETATION: By 2025, we will create 225 acres of biodiverse
pollinator habitats by planting seed mix in the transmission rights-
of-way and company properties across our service area.
REUSE
50%OF OUR
WOOD POLES
BY 2025
20%REDUCTION
IN WATER
CONSUMPTION
BY 2030
225
ACRES
OF BIODIVERSE
POLLINATOR HABITATS
BY 2025
a bright and sustainable future for the
communities we serve. That’s why we’ve
pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050,
with an interim 30% reduction in greenhouse
gases within our direct operational control
by 2030, based on 2019 levels.
In 2020, we announced our climate strategy,
which will help us achieve our carbon neutral
goal and build a more sustainable energy
future. Our plan is focused on mitigating
risks posed by climate change; reducing
greenhouse gas emissions across our
transmission, distribution and generation
business units; and enabling our customers
and communities to thrive in a carbon-
neutral economy.
As a key action step in our climate strategy,
we’re replacing our conventional utility
vehicles with electric and hybrid alternatives
as we work toward 30% electrification of
our light-duty and aerial truck fleet by 2030,
and 100% electrification by 2050. To make
progress toward our goal, 100% of new
vehicle purchases for our light-duty and
aerial truck fleet are now electric or hybrid
moving forward.
In addition, we plan to execute a thoughtful
transition away from our two coal-fired
plants in West Virginia by 2050. More near-
term, we have set a goal to construct a solar
generation source of at least 50 megawatts
in the state, and we’ll be seeking approval
for that later this year. We believe our new
climate strategy and related goals better
reflect our recent transformation to a
regulated utility and support our renewed
commitment to environmental stewardship.
We’re also supporting organizations that
enable transformative and sustainable
changes in the communities we serve.
Because of the hardships created by the
COVID-19 pandemic and the events of 2020
that highlighted racial and social injustices
impacting our nation, supporting our
communities is more vital than ever.
We recently launched the FirstEnergy
Foundation’s new Investing with Purpose
initiative, which is focused on supporting
organizations that advance health and
safety, workforce development, educational,
and social justice initiatives. The Foundation
donated $3.4 million to organizations in
December 2020, representing the first round
of approximately $7 million in charitable
contributions planned as part of the
initiative. Grants awarded through Investing
with Purpose are an additional commitment
on top of the company’s annual charitable
giving, which averages approximately
$10 million per year.
In addition, we’re dedicated to the prosperity
and vitality of our communities through our
support of economic development initiatives
that create jobs and attract new businesses
to our service area. Over the past decade,
our economic development efforts have
helped attract more than $29 billion in
capital investment and create over 95,000
new jobs in our service area. To build on our
strong economic development track record,
we have set a goal to create $25 billion in
cumulative economic impact by 2025.
STRENGTHENING OUR
SAFETY-FIRST CULTURE
We have taken a well-informed, decisive
and measured response to the COVID-19
pandemic to protect the health and safety
of our employees and the public, while also
providing the power our customers rely on
every day.
In March of last year, we successfully tran-
sitioned more than half of our workforce –
about 7,000 employees – to work remotely
and implemented preventive measures to
keep our essential utility personnel safe on
the job. For instance, we divided many field
crews into smaller work groups, called pods,
to ensure crew members work with the same
individuals each day and consistently use
5
the same vehicle and equipment to limit exposure. We also increased
cleaning and disinfecting measures, adjusted work schedules, and
relocated job briefs and reporting locations to sites conducive to
social distancing. We continue to follow established precautions from
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other medical
experts, including wearing masks, conducting temperature checks,
following social distancing protocols and performing enhanced
cleaning when required.
This increased focus on COVID-19 protections has facilitated process
improvements in our utility operations and helped drive stronger
overall safety performance. In 2020, we achieved a companywide
OSHA-recordable injury rate of 0.70, which is fewer than one injury
per 200,000 hours worked. This reflects an improvement of 0.28
from 2019. During the year, we also experienced no life-changing
events, which are work-related injuries that result in a fatality, require
immediate life-saving measures or affect an employee’s ability to
continue normal activities. To build on this strong safety performance,
we will continue to focus on proactively identifying and mitigating
employees’ exposure to potentially life-changing events.
Our commitment to safety extends beyond our employees into the
communities we serve. We are developing a comprehensive public
safety program, and as part of that effort, we launched our new
STOP.LOOK.LIVE. outreach campaign in 2020 to educate the public
on how to stay safe around electricity. The campaign targets groups
that are most at-risk of encountering safety hazards, such as first
responders and contractors, and also features engaging content for
school children about electrical safety. STOP.LOOK.LIVE. reflects our
proactive approach to safety and will help customers and community
members identify and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
MOVING OUR COMPANY FORWARD,
TOGETHER
This has been a challenging year for our company, customers and
communities. Delivering the energy to power our customers’ lives is
an important responsibility at any time, but it has been especially vital
during the pandemic.
I am proud to be a part of such a talented and dedicated group of
employees. Together, we have risen to the challenges we’ve faced and
successfully executed our regulated strategy. Because of our agility and
determination, we have again delivered a strong performance in 2020,
continued to provide safe and reliable service to our customers, and
taken proactive steps to enhance shareholder value.
This past year has also provided an opportunity to rethink how we work
and make decisions. We are evaluating the practices and processes in
place across FirstEnergy and making improvements that will establish
a more open and transparent way of running our company. We are also
refocusing on our core values and behaviors, which are essential to
living our mission and executing our forward-looking strategy.
These efforts will provide the solid foundation we need to achieve the
goals we have set to become a more innovative, diverse and sustainable
company. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to
working together toward our vision for the future of FirstEnergy.
Steven E. Strah
President and Chief Executive Officer
March 18, 2021
At FirstEnergy, we are working to increase diversity across our company and establish
an inclusive environment where all employees feel respected and valued.
6
1
2
3
FIRSTENERGY CORPORATE PROFILE
Headquartered in Akron, Ohio, FirstEnergy is a forward-thinking, fully regulated utility
powered by a diverse team of employees committed to making customers’ lives brighter,
the environment better and our communities stronger. Our subsidiaries are involved in the
transmission, distribution and regulated generation of electricity.
FIRSTENERGY
LEADERSHIP TEAM
John W. Somerhalder II*
Vice Chairperson and Executive Director
Steven E. Strah*
President and Chief Executive Officer
Our workforce of approximately 12,000 employees is dedicated to safety, reliability and
operational excellence. Our 10 electric distribution companies form one of the nation’s
largest investor-owned electric systems, based on serving more than 6 million customers
in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company’s
transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines
connecting the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.
FirstEnergy subsidiaries control 3,580 megawatts of generating capacity from two
regulated coal plants and one pumped-storage hydro facility.
OHIO
Ohio Edison
The Illuminating Company
Toledo Edison
PENNSYLVANIA
Met-Ed
Penelec
Penn Power
West Penn Power
WEST VIRGINIA/
MARYLAND
Mon Power
Potomac Edison
NEW JERSEY
Jersey Central Power & Light
GENERATING FACILITIES
Regulated Coal Plants
1. Fort Martin Power Station
2. Harrison Power Station
Pumped-Storage Hydro
3. Bath County
Samuel L. Belcher*
Senior Vice President and President, FirstEnergy Utilities
Gary D. Benz*
Senior Vice President, Strategy
Bennett L. Gaines
Senior Vice President, Corporate Services and Chief
Information Officer
Jason J. Lisowski*
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
Eileen M. Mikkelsen
Vice President, Rates and Regulatory Affairs and Acting
Vice President, External Affairs
Hyun Park*
Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer
Irene M. Prezelj
Vice President, Investor Relations and Acting Vice
President, Communications and Corporate Affairs
K. Jon Taylor*
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Christine L. Walker*
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
* Indicates an Executive Officer of FirstEnergy. More detailed information on
the principal occupation or employment of each of FirstEnergy’s Executive
Officers and the principal business of any organization by which FirstEnergy
Executive Officers are employed may be found on page 116 of this report.
7
FIRSTENERGY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Michael J. Anderson
Chairman of the board of The Andersons, Inc. (diversified
agribusiness)
Steven J. Demetriou
Chairman, chief executive officer and director of Jacobs
Engineering Group Inc. (professional services, including
consulting, technical, scientific and project delivery)
Julia L. Johnson
President of NetCommunications, LLC (regulatory and
public affairs firm)
Jesse A. Lynn
General counsel of Icahn Enterprises L.P., a diversified
holding company engaged in a variety of businesses,
including investment, energy, automotive, food packaging,
metals, real estate, home fashion and pharma
Donald T. Misheff
Non-executive Chairman of the FirstEnergy Corp. Board
of Directors. Retired, formerly managing partner of the
Northeast Ohio offices of Ernst & Young LLP
Thomas N. Mitchell
Chairman of the World Association of Nuclear Operators
(nonprofit promoting nuclear safety). Retired, formerly
president, chief executive officer and director of Ontario
Power Generation Inc.
Luis A. Reyes
Retired, formerly regional administrator of the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission
John W. Somerhalder II
Vice Chairperson of the FirstEnergy Corp. Board of Directors
and Executive Director
Steven E. Strah
President and Chief Executive Officer of FirstEnergy Corp.
James F. O’Neil III
Chief executive officer and vice chairman of Orbital Energy
Group (acquires and develops innovative companies)
Andrew Teno
Portfolio manager of Icahn Capital LP, the investment
management subsidiary of Icahn Enterprises L.P.
Christopher D. Pappas
Retired, formerly president and chief executive officer of
Trinseo S.A. (plastics, latex and rubber producer)
Leslie M. Turner
Retired, formerly senior vice president, general counsel and
corporate secretary of The Hershey Company
Sandra Pianalto
Retired, formerly president and chief executive officer of the
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
DEAR SHAREHOLDERS:
In 2020, your company achieved solid operational and financial
results, while effectively managing employee and customer safety
during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, we took proactive
and decisive actions to address the challenges associated with
the ongoing governmental investigations, rebuild trust with our
stakeholders and position the company for long-term success.
We are proud of the resilience and commitment demonstrated by
FirstEnergy’s employees, especially considering the many changes
and challenges that marked the year.
Your Board of Directors and management team are deeply committed
to fostering a strong culture of ethics and integrity – one in which
compliance is endemic to our organization. To accomplish this, we
must ensure that every leader sets the right example and creates an
environment where transparent communication is prioritized, and all
employees feel empowered to act in accordance with our core values
and behaviors.
The steps your Board has taken in this regard include, among others:
• Promptly putting in place a committee of independent directors
with independent counsel to oversee an internal investigation and
to monitor the status of the various regulatory and legal matters
facing the company.
• Acting swiftly in the removal of five executives after the internal
investigation discovered conduct inconsistent with our policies
and the code of conduct; hiring a chief legal officer, Hyun Park,
with extensive legal expertise and energy industry experience;
hiring a chief ethics and compliance officer, Antonio Fernández,
with significant experience as a compliance executive in the utility
and power sectors; establishing an executive director role; and
expanding my role as Board chair.
• Endorsing the principle of full cooperation with both the DOJ and
the SEC on investigation-related matters while supporting our own
thorough internal investigation, led by independent counsel.
• Establishing a sub-committee of the Audit Committee with
independent counsel and leading compliance advisors to analyze
and improve the corporate compliance policy and culture at
FirstEnergy.
• Working with the management team to significantly change
FirstEnergy’s involvement in governmental affairs and limit our
participation in the political process.
8
• Supporting the management team’s efforts to help FirstEnergy
become a more resilient, industry-leading organization. This
includes FE Forward, a comprehensive project focused on
optimizing operations, accelerating the company’s digital
transformation and improving productivity to provide near-term
value while opening new opportunities for longer-term growth.
In addition, we welcomed John W. Somerhalder II as vice chairperson
of the Board and executive director in March 2021. John is helping
lead efforts to rebuild trust with our external stakeholders and is
serving as a member of our Executive Council, in a transitional
capacity, to support the senior leadership team’s efforts to achieve
its priorities and strengthen our governance and corporate
compliance program. He reports to the Board, working closely with
me and Chris Pappas, who was appointed executive director in
October 2020 and will return to his regular duties as an independent
Board member on April 1, 2021.
In March of this year, we appointed Steven E. Strah chief executive
officer and elected him as a member of the Board. The Board has full
confidence in Steve, who served as acting CEO since October 2020,
and believes he has the leadership skills, strategic acumen and deep
institutional knowledge needed to guide FirstEnergy forward and
position the company for long-term success.
Also, we recently entered into an agreement with Icahn Capital to
appoint Andrew Teno and Jesse Lynn – both of whom are employees
of Icahn Capital – to the Board as non-voting directors. We will be
working with Icahn Capital to obtain regulatory clearance and approvals
so that they can become voting directors. We are pleased to have
reached this agreement with Icahn Capital and look forward to the
insights and experiences Andrew and Jesse will bring to our Board.
As the Board looks ahead, we are confident in your company’s path
forward. Together with the leadership team, we are keenly focused
on enhancing the value of your investment by making FirstEnergy a
better and more trusted company and delivering strong financial and
operational results in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Donald T. Misheff
Chairman of the Board
March 18, 2021
2 0 2 0 A N N U A L R E P O R T
CONTENTS
1 ..........Glossary of Terms
4 ..........Selected Financial Data
5 ..........Management’s Discussion and Analysis
51 ..........Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
53 ..........Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
54 ..........Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
55 ..........Consolidated Balance Sheets
56 ..........Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholders’ Equity
57 ..........Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
58 ..........Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
116 ..........Executive Officers as of February 18, 2021
22233M AnnualReport2020.indd 11
3/12/21 11:18 AM
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify FirstEnergy Corp. and its current and former
subsidiaries:
AE Supply
Allegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC, an unregulated generation subsidiary
AGC
ATSI
BSPC
CEI
CES
FE
FENOC
FES
Allegheny Generating Company, a generation subsidiary of MP
American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, a subsidiary of FET, which owns and operates transmission
facilities
Bay Shore Power Company
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
Competitive Energy Services, formerly a reportable operating segment of FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a public utility holding company
Energy Harbor Nuclear Corp. (formerly known as FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company), a subsidiary of EH,
which operates NG’s nuclear generating facilities
Energy Harbor LLC. (formerly known as FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.), a subsidiary of EH, which provides energy-
related products and services
FES Debtors
FES, FENOC, FG, NG, FE Aircraft Leasing Corp., Norton Energy Storage LLC, and FGMUC
FESC
FET
FEV
FG
FirstEnergy Service Company, which provides legal, financial and other corporate support services
FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC, formerly known as Allegheny Energy Transmission, LLC, which is the parent of
ATSI, KATCo, MAIT and TrAIL, and has a joint venture in PATH
FirstEnergy Ventures Corp., which invests in certain unregulated enterprises and business ventures
Energy Harbor Generation LLC (formerly known as FirstEnergy Generation, LLC), a subsidiary of EH, which owns
and operates fossil generating facilities
FGMUC
FirstEnergy Generation Mansfield Unit 1 Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of FG, which has certain leasehold
FirstEnergy
Global Holding
interests in a portion of Unit 1 at the Bruce Mansfield plant
FirstEnergy Corp., together with its consolidated subsidiaries
Global Mining Holding Company, LLC, a joint venture between FEV, WMB Marketing Ventures, LLC and Pinesdale
LLC
Global Rail
Global Rail Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Holding that owns coal transportation operations near Roundup,
Montana
GPU
GPUN
JCP&L
KATCo
MAIT
ME
MP
NG
OE
GPU, Inc., former parent of JCP&L, ME and PN, that merged with FE on November 7, 2001
GPU Nuclear, Inc., a subsidiary of FE, which operates TMI-2
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, a New Jersey electric utility operating subsidiary
Keystone Appalachian Transmission Company, a subsidiary of FET
Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC, a subsidiary of FET, which owns and operates transmission facilities
Metropolitan Edison Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
Monongahela Power Company, a West Virginia electric utility operating subsidiary
Energy Harbor Nuclear Generation LLC (formerly known as FirstEnergy Nuclear Generation, LLC), a subsidiary of
EH, which owns nuclear generating facilities
Ohio Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
Ohio Companies
CEI, OE and TE
PATH
Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC, a joint venture between FE and a subsidiary of AEP
PATH-Allegheny
PATH Allegheny Transmission Company, LLC
PATH-WV
PATH West Virginia Transmission Company, LLC
PE
Penn
The Potomac Edison Company, a Maryland and West Virginia electric utility operating subsidiary
Pennsylvania Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary of OE
Pennsylvania Companies ME, PN, Penn and WP
PN
Signal Peak
TE
TrAIL
Pennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
Signal Peak Energy, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Global Holding that owns mining operations near Roundup,
Montana
The Toledo Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company, a subsidiary of FET, which owns and operates transmission facilities
Transmission Companies ATSI, MAIT and TrAIL
Utilities
WP
OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, ME, PN, MP, PE and WP
West Penn Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
1
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
ACE
ADIT
AEP
AFS
AFUDC
AMT
AOCI
ARO
ARP
ASC
ASU
AYE DCD
AYE Director's Plan
Bankruptcy Court
BCF
BGS
bps
CAA
CBA
CCR
CERCLA
CFL
CFR
CO2
CPP
CSAPR
CTA
CWA
D.C. Circuit
DCPD
DCR
DMR
DSIC
DSP
DTA
E&P
EDC
EDCP
EDIS
EE&C
Affordable Clean Energy
Accumulated Deferred Income Taxes
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
Available-for-sale
Allowance for Funds Used During
Construction
Alternative Minimum Tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
EGS
EGU
EmPOWER
Maryland
ENEC
EPA
EPS
ERO
Electric Generation Supplier
Electric Generation Units
EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act
Expanded Net Energy Cost
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Earnings per Share
Electric Reliability Organization
Asset Retirement Obligation
ESP IV
Electric Security Plan IV
Alternative Revenue Program
Facebook®
Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
Accounting Standard Codification
Accounting Standards Update
Allegheny Energy, Inc. Amended and
Restated Revised Plan for Deferral of
Compensation of Directors
Allegheny Energy, Inc. Non-Employee
Director Stock Plan
U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern
District of Ohio in Akron
Beneficial Conversion Feature
Basic Generation Service
Basis points
Clean Air Act
Collective Bargaining Agreement
Coal Combustion Residuals
Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
FASB
FERC
FES
Bankruptcy
Financial Accounting Standards Board
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FES Debtors' voluntary petitions for bankruptcy
protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy
Code with the Bankruptcy Court
Fitch
FMB
FPA
FTR
GAAP
GHG
HB 6
IBEW
Fitch Ratings
First Mortgage Bond
Federal Power Act
Financial Transmission Right
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the
United States of America
Greenhouse Gases
House Bill 6, as passed by Ohio's 133rd General
Assembly
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
ICP 2007
FirstEnergy Corp. 2007 Incentive Compensation Plan
Compact Fluorescent Light
ICP 2015
FirstEnergy Corp. 2015 Incentive Compensation Plan
Code of Federal Regulations
Carbon Dioxide
EPA's Clean Power Plan
Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
Consolidated Tax Adjustment
IIP
IRS
ISO
ITC
JCP&L
Reliability Plus
Infrastructure Investment Program
Internal Revenue Service
Independent System Operator
Investment Tax Credit
JCP&L Reliability Plus IIP
Clean Water Act
United States Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia Circuit
Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside
Directors
Delivery Capital Recovery
Distribution Modernization Rider
kV
KWH
LED
LIBOR
LOC
Kilovolt
Kilowatt-hour
Light Emitting Diode
London Interbank Offered Rate
Letter of Credit
Distribution System Improvement Charge
LS Power
LS Power Equity Partners III, LP
Default Service Plan
Deferred Tax Asset
Earnings and Profits
LSE
LTIIPs
Load Serving Entity
Long-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plans
MDPSC
Maryland Public Service Commission
Electric Distribution Company
Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
MGP
MISO
Manufactured Gas Plants
Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
Electric Distribution Investment Surcharge
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation
MW
Megawatt
2
MWH
NAAQS
NAV
NDT
NERC
NJBPU
NOL
NOx
NPDES
NRC
NSR
NUG
NYPSC
OAG
OCA
OCC
OPEB
OPEIU
OPIC
OSHA
OVEC
PA DEP
PCRB
PJM
Megawatt-hour
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
Net Asset Value
PURPA
RCRA
REC
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
Renewable Energy Credit
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust
Regulation FD Regulation Fair Disclosure promulgated by the SEC
North American Electric Reliability
Corporation
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
Net Operating Loss
Nitrogen Oxide
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
New Source Review
Non-Utility Generation
New York State Public Service Commission
Ohio Attorney General
Office of Consumer Advocate
Ohio Consumers' Counsel
Other Post-Employment Benefits
Office and Professional Employees
International Union
Other Paid-in Capital
Occupational Safety and Health
Administration
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental
Protection
Pollution Control Revenue Bond
PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
RFC
RFP
RGGI
ROE
RSS
RTEP
RTO
S&P
SBC
SCOH
SEC
SIP
SO2
SOS
SREC
SSO
SVC
Tax Act
TMI-2
TO
ReliabilityFirst Corporation
Request for Proposal
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Return on Equity
Rich Site Summary
Regional Transmission Expansion Plan
Regional Transmission Organization
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
Societal Benefits Charge
Supreme Court of Ohio
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
State Implementation Plan(s) Under the Clean Air Act
Sulfur Dioxide
Standard Offer Service
Solar Renewable Energy Credit
Standard Service Offer
Static Var Compensator
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act adopted December 22, 2017
Three Mile Island Unit 2
Transmission Owner
PJM Region
The aggregate of the zones within PJM
Twitter®
Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.
PJM Tariff
PJM Open Access Transmission Tariff
UCC
Official committee of unsecured creditors appointed
in connection with the FES Bankruptcy
POLR
PPA
PPB
PPUC
PUCO
Provider of Last Resort
Purchase Power Agreement
Parts per Billion
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
UWUA
VEPCO
VIE
VSCC
Utility Workers Union of America
Virginia Electric and Power Company
Variable Interest Entity
Virginia State Corporation Commission
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
WVPSC
Public Service Commission of West Virginia
ZEC
Zero Emissions Certificate
3
COMMON STOCKThe common stock of FirstEnergy Corp. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FE” and is traded on other registered exchanges.HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCKThere were 67,527 holders of 543,117,533 shares of FE’s common stock as of December 31, 2020, and 67,252 holders of 543,215,090 shares of FE's common stock as of January 31, 2021. We have historically paid quarterly cash dividends on our common stock. Dividend payments are subject to declaration by the Board and future dividend decisions determined by the Board may be impacted by earnings growth, cash flows, credit metrics and other business conditions. Information regarding retained earnings available for payment of cash dividends is given in Note 11, "Capitalization," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.SHAREHOLDER RETURNThe following graph shows the total cumulative return from a $100 investment on December 31, 2015, in FE’s common stock compared with the total cumulative returns of EEI’s Index of Investor-Owned Electric Utility Companies and the S&P 500. Total Return Cumulative Values($100 Investment on December 31, 2015)FEEEI ElectricS&P 500201520162017201820192020$0$50$100$150$200$250$300FirstEnergy had no transactions regarding purchases of FE common stock during the fourth quarter of 2020.FirstEnergy does not have any publicly announced plan or program for share purchases.4 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking Statements: This Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain
risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These
statements include declarations regarding management's intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically
contain, but are not limited to, the terms “anticipate,” “potential,” “expect,” "forecast," "target," "will," "intend," “believe,” "project,"
“estimate," "plan" and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any
future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which may include the
following (see Glossary of Terms for definitions of capitalized terms):
•
•
•
•
•
•
The results of the ongoing internal investigation matters and evaluation of our controls framework and remediation of
our material weakness in internal control over financial reporting.
The risks and uncertainties associated with government investigations 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 risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation and similar proceedings.
Legislative and regulatory developments, including, but not limited to, matters related to rates, compliance and
enforcement activity.
The ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to,
maintaining financial flexibility, overcoming current uncertainties and challenges associated with the ongoing
governmental investigations, executing our transmission and distribution investment plans, controlling costs, improving
our credit metrics, strengthening our balance sheet and growing earnings.
Economic and weather conditions affecting future operating results, such as a recession, significant weather events and
other natural disasters, and associated regulatory events or actions in response to such conditions.
• Mitigating exposure for remedial activities associated with retired and formerly owned electric generation assets.
•
The extent and duration of COVID-19 and the 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, volatile capital and
credit markets, legislative and regulatory actions, the effectiveness of our pandemic 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.
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 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.
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 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, the impact of climate change or energy efficiency
and peak demand reduction mandates.
Changes in national and regional economic conditions affecting us and/or our major industrial and commercial
customers or others with which we do business.
The risks associated with cyber-attacks and other disruptions to our information technology system, which may
compromise our operations, and data security breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or
personally identifiable information.
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 our 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.
5
These forward-looking statements are also qualified by, and should be read together with, the risk factors included in (a) Item 1A.
Risk Factors to FE's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on February 18, 2021, (b) this
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and (c) other factors discussed herein
and in FirstEnergy's other filings with the SEC. 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 our 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. We expressly disclaim 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.
6
FIRSTENERGY CORP.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OFFINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONSFIRSTENERGY’S BUSINESSFE 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 3,790 MWs of regulated electric generation capacity located primarily in West Virginia, Virginia and New Jersey, of which, 210 MWs are related to the Yards Creek generating station that is being sold pursuant to an asset purchase agreement as further discussed below. 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 service areas of, and customers served by, FirstEnergy's regulated distribution utilities as of December 31, 2020, are summarized below:CompanyArea ServedCustomers Served (In thousands)OECentral and Northeastern Ohio 1,060 PennWestern Pennsylvania 169 CEINortheastern Ohio 755 TENorthwestern Ohio 314 JCP&LNorthern, Western and East Central New Jersey 1,147 MEEastern Pennsylvania 580 PNWestern Pennsylvania and Western New York 588 WPSouthwest, South Central and Northern Pennsylvania 734 MPNorthern, Central and Southeastern West Virginia 395 PEWestern Maryland and Eastern West Virginia 426 6,168 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 as well as stated transmission rates at MP, PE and WP; although as explained in Note 14, "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, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement proceedings. 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. The segment's results also reflect the net transmission expenses related to the delivery of electricity on FirstEnergy's transmission facilities.Corporate/Other reflects corporate support costs not charged to FE's subsidiaries, including FE’s retained Pension and OPEB assets and liabilities of the FES Debtors, interest expense on FE’s holding company debt and other businesses that do not constitute an operating segment. Additionally, reconciling adjustments for the elimination of inter-segment transactions and discontinued operations are included in Corporate/Other. As of December 31, 2020, 67 MWs of electric generating capacity, representing AE Supply's OVEC capacity entitlement, was included in continuing operations of Corporate/Other. As of December 31, 2020, Corporate/Other had approximately $8.2 billion of FE holding company debt. 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FirstEnergy is a forward-thinking fully regulated electric utility focused on stable and predictable earnings and cash flow from its
regulated business units - Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission - through delivering enhanced customer service
and reliability that supports FE's dividend.
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. 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.
As previously disclosed, a committee of independent members of the Board of Directors is 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. FirstEnergy believes that payments under the consulting agreement may
have been for purposes other than those represented within the consulting agreement. 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, each effective as of
October 29, 2020. Mr. Donald T. Misheff will continue to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Additionally, on
November 8, 2020, Robert P. Reffner, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, and Ebony L. Yeboah-Amankwah, 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. The matter is a subject of the ongoing internal investigation as
it relates to the government investigations.
Also, in connection with the internal investigation, FirstEnergy recently 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 will be working with
the appropriate regulatory agencies to address these amounts.
On January 31, 2021, FirstEnergy reached a partial settlement with the OAG and other parties regarding decoupling, which
resulted in the Ohio Companies requesting PUCO approval to set the respective decoupling riders (Rider CSR) to zero effective
February 9, 2021. 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. FirstEnergy is committed to
pursuing an open dialogue in an appropriate manner with respect to a number of regulatory proceedings currently underway,
including several audits, 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.
The Board has formed a new sub-committee of our Audit committee to, together with the Board, assess FirstEnergy’s
compliance program and implement potential changes, as appropriate. In addition, in his role of Executive Director, Mr. Pappas
assisted the FirstEnergy leadership team with execution of strategic initiatives, engage with FirstEnergy’s external stakeholders,
and support the development of enhanced controls and governance policies and procedures. Additionally, on February 17, 2021,
the Board appointed Mr. John Somerhalder to the positions of Vice Chairperson of the Board and Executive Director, each
effective as of March 1, 2021, increasing the size of the Board from 10 to 11 members. Mr. Somerhalder has been elected to
serve for a term expiring at the Company's 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his successor shall have been
8
elected. Mr. Donald T. Misheff will continue to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Mr. Pappas, who was named to
the temporary role of Executive Director in October 2020, will continue to serve on the Board of the Company as an independent
director. Mr. Somerhalder will help lead efforts to enhance the company's reputation.
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
investigation 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. FirstEnergy is considering reductions to its Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission capital
investment plans and reductions to operating expenses, as well as changes to its planned equity issuances, to allow for flexibility
should a fine or other regulatory actions be imposed as a result of the government investigations.
FirstEnergy is also working to improve how it conducts business and serve its customers. To address opportunities for
improvement, FirstEnergy kicked off a new initiative to make process and cultural improvements across our entire organization
that will keep FirstEnergy moving forward in a positive direction. Called "FE Forward," the initiative will play a critical first step in
our transformation journey as it looks to align business practices with our values and behaviors. FirstEnergy will do this by
reviewing policies and practices as well as the structure and processes around how decisions are made. FirstEnergy expects
that this project will not only help FirstEnergy overcome current uncertainties and challenges, but it will further our goal of
creating a truly sustainable company and provide opportunities to reinvest in our employees and customers. The initial phase of
FE Forward, which is expected to go through the first quarter of 2021, will involve a comprehensive assessment that will pinpoint
the areas of opportunity across all business units and outline the project's scope.
The outbreak of COVID-19 is a global pandemic. FirstEnergy is taking steps to mitigate known risks and is continuously
evaluating the rapidly evolving situation based on guidance from governmental officials and public health experts. 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
FirstEnergy’s employees, contractors and customers are its first priority. FirstEnergy is effectively managing its operations, while
still providing flexibility for approximately 7,000 of its 12,000 employees to work from home.
Beginning March 13, 2020, FirstEnergy temporarily suspended customer disconnections for nonpayment and ceased collection
activities as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Starting September 15, 2020, certain FirstEnergy utilities began non-residential
disconnections for non-payment, and began the same on October 5, 2020 for residential disconnections. FirstEnergy is actively
monitoring the impact COVID-19 is having on customers’ receivable balances, which include increasing arrears balance since
the pandemic has begun. Additionally, FirstEnergy has incurred, and it is expected to incur for the foreseeable future, incremental
uncollectible and other COVID-19 related expenses. Such incrementally incurred COVID-19 pandemic 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 Ohio Companies and JCP&L had existing regulatory mechanisms in place prior to the outbreak of COVID-19,
where incremental uncollectible expenses are able to be recovered through riders with no material impact to earnings.
Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MDPSC, NJBPU and WVPSC issued orders allowing PE, JCP&L and
MP to track and create a regulatory asset for future recovery of incremental costs, including uncollectible expenses, incurred as a
result of the pandemic. In Pennsylvania, the PPUC authorized utilities to track all prudently incurred incremental costs arising
from COVID-19, and to create a regulatory asset for future recovery of incremental uncollectible expense incurred as a result of
COVID-19 above what is included in the Pennsylvania Companies’ existing rates.
FirstEnergy is continuously monitoring its supply chain and is working closely with essential vendors to understand the continued
impact of COVID-19 to its business and does not currently expect disruptions in its ability to deliver service to customers or any
material impact to its capital spending plan. FirstEnergy’s Distribution and Transmission revenues benefit from geographic and
economic diversity across a five-state service territory. Two-thirds of base distribution revenues come from the residential
customer class. FirstEnergy’s commercial and industrial revenues are primarily fixed and demand-based, rather than volume-
based. As a result of this, FirstEnergy’s Distribution and Transmission investments provide stable and predictable earnings.
However, due to the actions taken by state governments in our service territories limiting certain commercial and industrial
activities, FirstEnergy’s residential load has increased, while commercial and industrial loads have declined; however, the
magnitude of future load trends are currently unknown and difficult to predict. FirstEnergy believes it is well positioned to manage
the economic slowdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the situation remains fluid and future impacts to
FirstEnergy, that are presently unknown or unanticipated, may occur.
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 credit
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 credit facility, an aggregate
9
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 November 17, 2020, FE and the Utilities and
FET and certain of its subsidiaries entered into amendments to the FE credit facility and the FET credit 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 credit 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, FE and its regulated distribution subsidiaries, 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 its regulated
transmission subsidiary, 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.
In 2020, FirstEnergy continues to execute its regulated growth plans, through the following achievements and plans:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Implemented forward-looking rates, subject to refund, at JCP&L effective January 1, 2020,
In October 2020, the NJBPU approved JCP&L’s distribution base rate case settlement agreement, resulting in, among
other things, a $94 million increase in annual base distribution revenues,
Filed for rider recovery of smart meters in NJ, to be deployed beginning in 2023 with a total program cost estimated at
$732 million,
PAPUC-approved DSIC waiver for Penn, which increased the cap from 5% to 7.5% on March 12, 2020,
Completed final step of FirstEnergy’s strategy to exit the competitive generation business with FES Debtors’ emergence
from bankruptcy on February 27, 2020,
Integrated resource plan filing in West Virginia made on December 30, 2020,
Issued Climate Position and Strategy Statement, including a pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050, and
FERC approval that converted the existing stated transmission rates of MP, PE and WP to a forward-looking formula
transmission rate, effective January 1, 2021.
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. 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 24,500 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
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 $7 billion in capital from 2018 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 compound annual growth rate until there is
further clarity regarding Ohio regulatory matters and the ongoing government investigations.
In November 2018, the Board of Directors approved a dividend policy that includes a targeted payout ratio. Dividend payments
are subject to declaration by the Board and future dividend decisions determined by the Board may be impacted by earnings,
cash flows, credit metrics and other business conditions, including the risk and uncertainties of the government investigations.
In November 2020, FirstEnergy published its Climate Story which includes our climate position and strategy, as well as a new
comprehensive and ambitious greenhouse gas emission goal. FirstEnergy pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and set
an interim goal for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gases within the company’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 our light duty and aerial truck fleet to be electric or hybrid vehicles, creating a path to 30% fleet electrification
by 2030. Also, 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 our regulated coal-fired
generating facilities, will be developed by working collaboratively with regulators in West Virginia. Determination of the useful life
10
of our 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 FE and/or MP’s financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.
In January 2021, our updated Strategic Plan – Powered by our Core Values & Behaviors was published. This comprehensive
update provides a vision of our company’s path forward in an evolving electric industry. It also articulates significant new goals
that will help us achieve our long-term strategic commitments in a transparent, sustainable and responsible manner.
The $2.5 billion equity issuance in 2018 strengthened FirstEnergy’s balance sheet and supported the company’s transition to a
fully regulated utility company. The shares of preferred stock participated in the dividend paid on common stock on an as-
converted basis and were non-voting except in certain limited circumstances. Because of this equity issuance, 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
approximately $100 million in equity for its regular stock investment and employee benefit plans. 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.
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. In September 2018, the Bankruptcy
Court approved a FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement by and among FirstEnergy, two groups of key FES creditors
(collectively, the FES Key Creditor Groups), the FES Debtors and the UCC. The FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement resolved
certain claims by FirstEnergy against the FES Debtors, all claims by the FES Debtors and the FES Key Creditor Groups against
FirstEnergy, as well as releases from third parties who voted in favor of the FES Debtors' plan of reorganization, in return for
among other things, a cash payment of $853 million upon emergence. The FES Bankruptcy settlement was conditioned on the
FES Debtors confirming and effectuating a plan of reorganization acceptable to FirstEnergy.
On February 18, 2020, the FES Debtors and FirstEnergy entered into an IT Access Agreement that provided IT support to enable
the FES Debtors to emerge from bankruptcy prior to full IT separation by the FES Debtors. As part of the IT Access Agreement,
the FES Debtors and FirstEnergy resolved, among other things, the on-going reconciliation of outstanding tax sharing payments
for tax years 2018, 2019 and 2020 for a total of $125 million. On February 25, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court approved the IT
Access Agreement. On February 27, 2020, the FES Debtors effectuated their plan, emerged from bankruptcy and FirstEnergy
tendered the settlement payments totaling $853 million and the $125 million tax sharing payment to the FES Debtors, with no
material impact to net income in 2020.
As contemplated under the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, AE Supply entered into an agreement on December 31,
2018, to transfer the 1,300 MW Pleasants Power Station and related assets to FG, while retaining certain specified liabilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, FG acquired the economic interests in Pleasants as of January 1, 2019, and AE Supply
operated Pleasants until ownership was transferred on January 30, 2020. AE Supply will continue to provide access to the
McElroy's Run CCR impoundment facility, which was not transferred, and FE will provide guarantees for certain retained
environmental liabilities of AE Supply, including the McElroy’s Run CCR impoundment facility.
As of June 30, 2020, FirstEnergy had substantially ceased providing post-emergence services to FES Debtors under the terms
of the amended and restated shared services agreement. In connection with the FES Debtors emergence from bankruptcy,
FirstEnergy entered into an amended separation agreement with the FES Debtors to implement the separation of FES Debtors
and their businesses from FirstEnergy.
The emergence of the FES Debtors from bankruptcy represents the final step in FirstEnergy’s previously announced strategy to
exit the competitive generation business and become a fully regulated utility company with a stronger balance sheet, solid cash
flows and more predictable earnings.
The Form 10-K discusses 2020 and 2019 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019. Discussions
of 2018 items and year-over-year comparisons between 2019 and 2018 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in
“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the SEC on February 10, 2020.
11
RESULTS OF OPERATIONSThe 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 17, "Segment Information," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.Net income by business segment was as follows:(In millions, except per share amounts)For the Years Ended December 31,Increase (Decrease)2020201920182020 vs 20192019 vs 2018Net Income By Business Segment: Regulated Distribution$ 959 $ 1,076 $ 1,242 $ (117) $ (166) Regulated Transmission 464 447 397 17 50 Corporate/Other (420) (619) (617) 199 (2) Income from Continuing Operations$ 1,003 $ 904 $ 1,022 $ 99 $ (118) Discontinued Operations 76 8 326 68 (318) Net Income$ 1,079 $ 912 $ 1,348 $ 167 $ (436) Earnings per share of common stock Basic - Continuing Operations$ 1.85 $ 1.69 $ 1.33 $ 0.16 $ 0.36 Basic - Discontinued Operations 0.14 0.01 0.66 0.13 (0.65) Basic - Net Income Attributable to $ 1.99 $ 1.70 $ 1.99 $ 0.29 $ (0.29) Common Stockholders Earnings per share of common stock Diluted - Continuing Operations$ 1.85 $ 1.67 $ 1.33 $ 0.18 $ 0.34 Diluted - Discontinued Operations 0.14 0.01 0.66 0.13 (0.65) Diluted - Net Income Attributable to $ 1.99 $ 1.68 $ 1.99 $ 0.31 $ (0.31) Common Stockholders12 Summary of Results of Operations — 2020 Compared with 2019Financial results for FirstEnergy’s business segments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:2020 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated (In millions)Revenues: Electric$ 9,130 $ 1,613 $ (139) $ 10,604 Other 233 17 (64) 186 Total Revenues 9,363 1,630 (203) 10,790 Operating Expenses: Fuel 369 — — 369 Purchased power 2,687 — 14 2,701 Other operating expenses 3,178 282 (169) 3,291 Provision for depreciation 896 313 65 1,274 Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net (64) 11 — (53) General taxes 770 232 44 1,046 Total Operating Expenses 7,836 838 (46) 8,628 Operating Income (Loss) 1,527 792 (157) 2,162 Other Income (Expense): Miscellaneous income, net 332 30 70 432 Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment (323) (40) (114) (477) Interest expense (501) (219) (345) (1,065) Capitalized financing costs 37 39 1 77 Total Other Expense (455) (190) (388) (1,033) Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 1,072 602 (545) 1,129 Income taxes (benefits) 113 138 (125) 126 Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 959 464 (420) 1,003 Discontinued Operations, net of tax — — 76 76 Net Income (Loss)$ 959 $ 464 $ (344) $ 1,079 13 2019 Financial ResultsRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated (In millions)Revenues: Electric$ 9,452 $ 1,510 $ (128) $ 10,834 Other 246 16 (61) 201 Total Revenues 9,698 1,526 (189) 11,035 Operating Expenses: Fuel 497 — — 497 Purchased power 2,910 — 17 2,927 Other operating expenses 2,836 272 (156) 2,952 Provision for depreciation 863 284 73 1,220 Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net (89) 10 — (79) General taxes 760 209 39 1,008 Total Operating Expenses 7,777 775 (27) 8,525 Operating Income (Loss) 1,921 751 (162) 2,510 Other Income (Expense): Miscellaneous income, net 174 15 54 243 Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment (290) (47) (337) (674) Interest expense (495) (192) (346) (1,033) Capitalized financing costs 37 33 1 71 Total Other Expense (574) (191) (628) (1,393) Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 1,347 560 (790) 1,117 Income taxes (benefits) 271 113 (171) 213 Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 1,076 447 (619) 904 Discontinued Operations, net of tax — — 8 8 Net Income (Loss)$ 1,076 $ 447 $ (611) $ 912 14 Changes Between 2020 and 2019 Financial ResultsIncrease (Decrease)Regulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated (In millions)Revenues: Electric$ (322) $ 103 $ (11) $ (230) Other (13) 1 (3) (15) Total Revenues (335) 104 (14) (245) Operating Expenses: Fuel (128) — — (128) Purchased power (223) — (3) (226) Other operating expenses 342 10 (13) 339 Provision for depreciation 33 29 (8) 54 Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net 25 1 — 26 General taxes 10 23 5 38 Total Operating Expenses 59 63 (19) 103 Operating Income (Loss) (394) 41 5 (348) Other Income (Expense): Miscellaneous income, net 158 15 16 189 Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment (33) 7 223 197 Interest expense (6) (27) 1 (32) Capitalized financing costs — 6 — 6 Total Other Expense 119 1 240 360 Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) (275) 42 245 12 Income taxes (benefits) (158) 25 46 (87) Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations (117) 17 199 99 Discontinued Operations, net of tax — — 68 68 Net Income (Loss)$ (117) $ 17 $ 267 $ 167 15 Regulated Distribution — 2020 Compared with 2019Regulated Distribution's net income decreased $117 million in 2020, as compared to 2019, primarily resulting from the charge associated with the impairment of an Ohio regulatory asset in 2020, as further discussed below, higher pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustments, lower weather-related customer usage, the absence of the DMR revenues that ended in July 2019, and higher operating and maintenance expenses including the impact of non-deferred COVID-19 costs, partially offset by lower pension and OPEB non-service costs, higher revenues from incremental riders in Ohio and Pennsylvania and increased weather-adjusted residential sales due to the impact of COVID-19.Revenues —The $335 million decrease in total revenues resulted from the following sources:For the Years Ended December 31,Revenues by Type of Service20202019Decrease(In millions)Distribution services (1)$ 5,302 $ 5,314 $ (12) Generation sales:Retail 3,577 3,727 (150) Wholesale 251 411 (160) Total generation sales 3,828 4,138 (310) Other 233 246 (13) Total Revenues$ 9,363 $ 9,698 $ (335) (1) Includes $43 million and $181 million of ARP revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Distribution services revenues decreased $12 million in 2020, as compared to 2019, primarily resulting from the charge associated with the impairment of an Ohio regulatory asset in 2020, as further discussed below, the absence of the New Jersey storm recovery rider and DMR revenues that ended in July 2019, lower weather-related customer usage, the expiration of a NUG contract and lower commercial and industrial sales due to the impact of COVID-19, partially offset by higher rates associated with incremental riders in Ohio and Pennsylvania, including the recovery of distribution capital investment programs and transmission expenses, increased weather-adjusted residential sales due to the impact of COVID-19 and the implementation of the New Jersey Zero Emission Program in June 2019. Distribution services by customer class are summarized in the following table:For the Years Ended December 31,Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries20202019Increase (Decrease)(In thousands)Residential 54,978 54,159 1.5 %Commercial(1) 34,811 37,888 (8.1) %Industrial 52,034 55,649 (6.5) %Total Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries 141,823 147,696 (4.0) % (1) Includes street lighting.Distribution services to residential customers primarily reflects an increase in weather-adjusted load due to the impact of COVID-19, partially offset by lower weather-related usage. Deliveries to commercial customers reflects lower weather-related usage and the impact of COVID-19. Heating degree days were 6% below 2019 and 10% below normal. Cooling degree days were 1% below 2019, and 14% above normal. Deliveries to industrial customers were also negatively impacted due to the impact of COVID-19, contributing to lower steel, mining, and educational services customer usage, partially offset by higher shale customer usage.16 The following table summarizes the price and volume factors contributing to the $310 million decrease in generation revenues in 2020, as compared to 2019:Source of Change in Generation Revenues(Decrease) (In millions)Retail: Change in sales volumes$ (54) Change in prices (96) (150) Wholesale:Change in sales volumes (94) Change in prices (3) Capacity revenue (63) (160) Change in Generation Revenues$ (310) Retail generation revenues decreased $150 million, primarily due to lower weather-related usage, partially offset by an increase in weather-adjusted residential load due to the impact of COVID-19 and decreased customer shopping in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Total generation provided by alternative suppliers as a percentage of total MHW deliveries decreased to 64% from 66% in Pennsylvania and to 47% from 48% in New Jersey. The decrease in retail generation prices primarily resulted from lower non-shopping generation auction rates in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.Wholesale generation revenues decreased $160 million, primarily due to decreased volumes associated with lower economic dispatch of MP’s generating units, resulting from low spot market energy prices and an increase in the number of planned outages as compared to 2019, the expiration of a NUG contract and 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.Operating Expenses —Total operating expenses increased $59 million primarily due to the following:•Fuel expense decreased $128 million in 2020, as compared to 2019, primarily due to lower unit costs and lower fuel consumption as a result of economic dispatch and an increase in the number of planned outages as compared to 2019.•Purchased power costs decreased $223 million in 2020, as compared to 2019, primarily due to lower prices and capacity expenses, the absence of the termination of Morgantown Energy Associates PPA and decreased purchases resulting from the expiration of a NUG contract, partially offset by the implementation of the New Jersey Zero Emission Program in June 2019 and an increase in the number of planned outages as compared to 2019.Source of Change in Purchased PowerIncrease (Decrease) (In millions)PurchasesChange due to unit costs$ (185) Change due to volumes 21 (164) Capacity expense (59) Change in Purchased Power Costs$ (223) •Other operating expenses increased $342 million primarily due to:•Higher incremental uncollectible and other COVID-19 related expenses of $157 million, of which $99 millionwas deferred for future recovery.•Higher storm restoration costs of $75 million, which were mostly deferred for future recovery, resulting in nomaterial impact on current period earnings.17 •Higher network transmission expenses of $49 million. These costs are deferred for future recovery, resulting inno material impact on current period earnings.•Higher pension and OPEB service costs of $33 million.•Higher employee benefit costs of approximately $30 million.•Higher other operating and maintenance expense of $40 million, primarily associated with increased material and contractor spend and an additional planned generation outage in 2020,•Lower energy efficiency program costs of $42 million, which are deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on earnings.•Depreciation expense increased $33 million, primarily due to a higher asset base.•Net amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets increased $25 million, primarily due to lower generation and transmission deferrals including the absence of the termination of the Morgantown Energy Associates PPA, the recovery of distribution investment programs and lower energy efficiency related costs, partially offset by the deferral of higher storm restoration costs, and uncollectible and other COVID-19 related costs.•General taxes increased $10 million primarily due to higher Ohio property taxes and payroll taxes.Other Expense —Total other expense decreased $119 million, primarily due to lower pension and OPEB non-service costs, partially offset by a $33 million increase in pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustments, higher interest expense from debt issuances primarily at WP and MP, and increased borrowings under the Revolving Facilities. The 2020 mark-to-market adjustment resulted from a decrease in the discount rate used to measure benefit obligations, partially offset by higher than expected asset returns.Income Taxes Regulated Distribution’s effective tax rate was 10.5% and 20.1% for 2020 and 2019, 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. Additionally, FirstEnergy recorded a $40 million benefit related to reversals of certain tax regulatory liabilities resulting from the transfer of TMI-2.Regulated Transmission — 2020 Compared with 2019Regulated Transmission's operating results increased $17 million in 2020, as compared to 2019, primarily resulting from the impact of a higher rate base at ATSI, MAIT, and JCP&L, and higher capitalized financing costs, partially offset by higher interest expense at FET and a true-up of the forward-looking formula rate at ATSI and MAIT.Revenues —Total revenues increased $104 million in 2020, as compared to 2019, primarily due to the recovery of incremental operating expenses and a higher rate base at ATSI, MAIT and JCP&L, partially offset by the impact of a true-up of the forward-looking rate.Revenues by transmission asset owner are shown in the following table:For the Years Ended December 31,Revenues by Transmission Asset Owner20202019Increase(In millions)ATSI$ 809 $ 758 $ 51 TrAIL 255 251 4 MAIT 254 227 27 JCP&L 178 160 18 Other 134 130 4 Total Revenues$ 1,630 $ 1,526 $ 104 Operating Expenses —Total operating expenses increased $63 million in 2020, as compared to 2019, primarily due to higher property taxes and depreciation 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.18 Income Taxes —
Regulated Transmission’s effective tax rate was 22.9% and 20.2% for 2020 and 2019, respectively due to changes in the
amortization of excess deferred income taxes and the absence of certain tax benefits recognized in 2019.
Corporate/Other — 2020 Compared with 2019
Financial results from Corporate/Other and reconciling adjustments resulted in a $199 million increase in income from continuing
operations for 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to a $223 million decrease in the pension and OPEB mark-to-market
adjustment, $10 million tax benefits from accelerated amortization of certain investment tax credits and lower other Pension and
OPEB non-service costs. These were partially offset by higher other operating expenses from investigation-related costs and
lower returns on certain equity method investments.
For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, FirstEnergy recorded income from discontinued operations, net of tax, of
$76 million and $8 million, respectively. The change in discontinued operations, net of tax was primarily due to lower settlement-
related expenses with the FES Debtors, including adjustments to the estimated worthless stock deduction and Intercompany Tax
Allocation Agreement, as well as the acceleration of net pension and OPEB prior service credits in 2020 and the absence of tax
expense in 2019 associated with non-deductible interest.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
FirstEnergy’s business is capital intensive, requiring significant resources to fund operating expenses, construction expenditures,
scheduled debt maturities and interest payments, dividend payments, and contributions to its pension plan.
The $2.5 billion equity issuance in 2018 strengthened FirstEnergy’s balance sheet and supported the company’s transition to a
fully regulated utility company. The shares of preferred stock participated in the dividend paid on common stock on an as-
converted basis and were non-voting except in certain limited circumstances. Because of this equity issuance, 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
approximately $100 million in equity for its regular stock investment and employee benefit plans. 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.
In addition to this equity investment, 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 2021 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 refinance short-term and maturing long-term
debt, subject to market conditions and other factors.
On February 1, 2019, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary cash contribution to the qualified pension plan. FirstEnergy
expects no required contributions until 2022.
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. 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.
19
Capital expenditures for 2019 and 2020 and forecasted expenditures for 2021, 2022, and 2023 by reportable segment are included below: Reportable Segment2019 Actual2020 Actual2021Forecast2022Forecast2023Forecast (In millions)Regulated Distribution$1,698$1,756$1,725$1,745$1,680Regulated Transmission 1,189 1,150 1,200 1,200 - 1,450 1,200 - 1,450 Corporate/Other 105 80 90 80 75 Total$2,992$2,986Up to $3,015Up to $3,025 - $3,275Up to $2,955 - $3,205FirstEnergy 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 Transmission and Regulated Distribution 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, 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. In September 2018, the Bankruptcy Court approved a FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement by and among FirstEnergy, two groups of key FES creditors (collectively, the FES Key Creditor Groups), the FES Debtors and the UCC. The FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement resolved certain claims by FirstEnergy against the FES Debtors, all claims by the FES Debtors and the FES Key Creditor Groups against FirstEnergy, as well as releases from third parties who voted in favor of the FES Debtors' plan of reorganization, in return for among other things, a cash payment of $853 million upon emergence. The FES Bankruptcy settlement was conditioned on the FES Debtors confirming and effectuating a plan of reorganization acceptable to FirstEnergy. On February 18, 2020, the FES Debtors and FirstEnergy entered into an IT Access Agreement that provided IT support to enable the FES Debtors to emerge from bankruptcy prior to full IT separation by the FES Debtors. As part of the IT Access Agreement, the FES Debtors and FirstEnergy resolved, among other things, the on-going reconciliation of outstanding tax sharing payments for tax years 2018, 2019 and 2020 for a total of $125 million. On February 25, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court approved the IT Access Agreement. On February 27, 2020, the FES Debtors effectuated their plan, emerged from bankruptcy and FirstEnergy tendered the settlement payments totaling $853 million and the $125 million tax sharing payment to the FES Debtors, with no material impact to net income in 2020. The outbreak of COVID-19 is a global pandemic. FirstEnergy is continuously evaluating the global 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, incremental uncollectible and other 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 monitoring its supply chain and is working closely with essential vendors to understand 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. FirstEnergy continues to effectively manage operations during the pandemic in order to provide critical service to customers and believes it is well positioned to manage through the economic slowdown. FirstEnergy Distribution and Transmission revenues benefit from geographic and economic diversity across a five-state service territory, which also allows for flexibility with capital investments and measures to maintain sufficient liquidity over the next twelve months. However, the situation remains fluid and 20 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. 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.
The Board has formed a new sub-committee of our Audit committee to, together with the Board, assess FirstEnergy’s
compliance program and implement potential changes, as appropriate. In addition, in his role of Executive Director, Mr. Pappas
assisted the FirstEnergy leadership team with execution of strategic initiatives, engage with FirstEnergy’s external stakeholders,
and support the development of enhanced controls and governance policies and procedures. Additionally, on February 17, 2021,
the Board appointed Mr. John Somerhalder to the positions of Vice Chairperson of the Board and Executive Director, each
effective as of March 1, 2021, increasing the size of the Board from 10 to 11 members. Mr. Somerhalder has been elected to
serve for a term expiring at the Company's 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his successor shall have been
elected. Mr. Donald T. Misheff will continue to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Mr. Pappas, who was named to
the temporary role of Executive Director in October 2020, will continue to serve on the Board of the Company as an independent
director. Mr. Somerhalder will help lead efforts to enhance the company's reputation.
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
investigation 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. FirstEnergy is considering reductions to its Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission capital
investment plans and reductions to operating expenses, as well as changes to its planned equity issuances, to allow for flexibility
should a fine or other regulatory actions be imposed as a result of the government investigations.
FirstEnergy is also working to improve how it conducts business and serve its customers. To address opportunities for
improvement, FirstEnergy kicked off a new initiative to make process and cultural improvements across our entire organization
that will keep FirstEnergy moving forward in a positive direction. Called "FE Forward," the initiative will play a critical first step in
our transformation journey as it looks to align business practices with our values and behaviors. FirstEnergy will do this by
reviewing policies and practices as well as the structure and processes around how decisions are made. FirstEnergy expects
that this project will not only help FirstEnergy overcome current uncertainties and challenges, but it will further our goal of
creating a truly sustainable company and provide opportunities to reinvest in our employees and customers. The initial phase of
FE Forward, which is expected to go through the first quarter of 2021, will involve a comprehensive assessment that will pinpoint
the areas of opportunity across all business units and outline the project's scope.
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 (Rider CSR) to zero. 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. 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. FirstEnergy does not believe a refund for previously collected
amounts under decoupling, which was approximately $18 million, is probable. Furthermore, as FirstEnergy would not have
financially benefited from the Clean Air Fund included in HB 6, which is the mechanism to provide support to nuclear energy in
Ohio, there is no expected additional impact to FirstEnergy due to any repeal of that provision of HB 6.
As of December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy’s net deficit in working capital (current assets less current liabilities) was primarily due to
accounts payable, short-term borrowings, and accrued interest, taxes, compensation and 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
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 credit
21
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 credit 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. Borrowings under the 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. 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 contains financial covenants requiring each borrower to maintain a consolidated debt-to-total-capitalization ratio (as defined under each of the credit facilities) of no more than 65%, and 75% for FET, measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. FirstEnergy’s revolving 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 Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced that it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021, and there is considerable uncertainty regarding the publication of LIBOR beyond 2021. The U.S. Federal Reserve, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, is considering replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with a newly created index, calculated based on repurchase agreements backed by treasury securities. 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 FirstEnergy are reduced, capital costs could increase materially. Restricted access to capital markets and/or increased borrowing costs could have an adverse effect on our 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 credit facility and the FET credit 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 credit 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, FE and its regulated distribution subsidiaries, 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 its regulated transmission subsidiary, 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. FirstEnergy had $2.2 billion and $1.0 billion of short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. FirstEnergy’s available liquidity from external sources as of February 15, 2021, was as follows: Borrower(s)TypeMaturityCommitmentAvailable Liquidity (In millions)FirstEnergy(1)RevolvingDecember 2022$ 2,500 $ 1,296 FET(2)RevolvingDecember 2022 1,000 — Subtotal$ 3,500 $ 1,296 Cash and cash equivalents — 1,792 Total$ 3,500 $ 3,088 (1)FE and the Utilities. Available liquidity includes impact of $4 million of LOCs issued under various terms.(2)Includes FET and the Transmission Companies.22 The following table summarizes the borrowing sublimits for each borrower under the facilities, the limitations on short-term indebtedness applicable to each borrower under current regulatory approvals and applicable statutory and/or charter limitations as of January 31, 2021:BorrowerFirstEnergy RevolvingCredit FacilitySublimitFET RevolvingCredit FacilitySublimitRegulatory andOther Short-Term Debt Limitations (In millions) FE$ 1,500 $ — $ — (1)FET — 1,000 — (1)OE 500 — 500 (2)CEI 500 — 500 (2)TE 300 — 300 (2)JCP&L 500 — 500 (2)ME 500 — 500 (2)PN 300 — 300 (2)WP 200 — 200 (2)MP 500 — 500 (2)PE 150 — 150 (2)ATSI — 500 500 (2)Penn 100 — 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.Subject to each borrower’s sublimit, $250 million of the FE credit facility and $100 million of the FET credit facility, is available for the issuance of LOCs (subject to borrowings drawn under the 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 Facilities and against the applicable borrower’s borrowing sublimit.The 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 Facilities is related to the credit ratings of the company borrowing the funds. Additionally, borrowings under each of the 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 December 31, 2020, the borrowers were in compliance with the applicable debt-to-total-capitalization ratio covenants in each case as defined under the respective Facilities. 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 in 2020 was 0.89% per annum for the regulated companies’ money pool and 1.19% per annum for the unregulated companies’ money pool. 23 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 February 15, 2021:Corporate Credit RatingSenior SecuredSenior UnsecuredOutlook/Watch (1)IssuerS&PMoody’sFitchS&PMoody’sFitchS&PMoody’sFitchS&PMoody’sFitchFEBBBa1BB+BBBa1 BB+CW-NNNAGCBBBaa2BBB-CW-NSNATSIBBA3BBB- BB+A3BBBCW-NSNCEIBBBaa2BBB-BBBA3BBB+ BB+Baa2BBBCW-NNNFETBBBaa2BB+BBBaa2 BB+CW-NNNJCP&LBBA3BBB- BB+A3BBBCW-NSNMEBBA3BBB- BB+A3BBBCW-NSNMAITBBA3BBB- BB+A3BBBCW-NSNMPBBBaa2BBB-BBBA3BBB+ BB+Baa2CW-NSNOEBBA3BBB-BBBA1BBB+ BB+A3BBBCW-NNNPN BBBaa1BBB- BB+Baa1BBBCW-NSNPenn BBA3BBB-BBBA1BBB+CW-NSNPEBBBaa2BBB-BBBA3BBB+CW-NSNTEBBBaa1BBB-BBBA2BBB+CW-NNNTrAILBBA3BBB- BB+A3BBBCW-NSNWP BBA3BBB-BBBA1BBB+CW-NSN (1) S = Stable, P = Positive, N = Negative, CW-N = CreditWatch with Negative implicationsOn May 27, 2020, Moody’s upgraded the issuer and senior unsecured ratings of JCP&L to A3 from Baa1 and the rating outlook was changed to stable.On July 23, 2020, S&P placed the ratings of FE and its subsidiaries on CreditWatch with negative implications.On July 24, 2020, Moody’s revised FE’s ratings outlook to negative from stable. FE’s Baa3 corporate credit rating and Baa3 senior unsecured rating were affirmed.On July 28, 2020, Fitch revised FE and its subsidiaries, with the exception of MP, AGC and PE, ratings outlook to negative from stable. The outlook of MP, AGC and PE is stable. Fitch also affirmed FE and its subsidiary ratings.On August 14, 2020, Moody’s affirmed OE’s A3 senior unsecured and issuer ratings and Penn’s A3 issuer rating. The outlooks were changed to stable from positive.On October 30, 2020, Fitch downgraded FE and FET’s issuer default ratings and senior unsecured ratings one notch to BBB- from BBB. Fitch also downgraded FE’s subsidiaries issuer default ratings one notch to BBB from BBB+, except for PE, MP, and AGC, whose ratings were affirmed at BBB. Senior unsecured issue ratings for the subsidiaries were downgraded one notch, where applicable, to BBB+ from A-. Senior secured issue ratings for the subsidiaries were downgraded one notch, where applicable, to A- from A. The rating outlook is negative for FE and its subsidiaries.On October 30, 2020, S&P downgraded FE and its subsidiaries issuer credit ratings two notches to BB+ from BBB, except for AGC which was lowered to BB from BBB-. The senior unsecured issue ratings of FE and FET were changed one notch to BB+ from BBB-. The senior unsecured issue ratings of the subsidiaries, where applicable, were lowered one notch to BBB- from BBB. Additionally, the senior secured issue ratings of the subsidiaries, where applicable, were lowered one notch to BBB+ from A-. The ratings on FE and its subsidiaries remain on CreditWatch with negative implications.On November 20, 2020, Fitch downgraded the issuer default rating (IDR) and senior unsecured ratings of FE and FET one notch, to BB+ from BBB-. The IDRs of the remaining subsidiaries were also lowered one notch to BBB- from BBB, the senior unsecured ratings were lowered (where applicable) one notch to BBB from BBB+, and the senior secured ratings were lowered (where applicable) one notch to BBB+ from A-. The outlook for FE and its subsidiaries remains negative. 24 On November 24, 2020, Moody’s downgraded the ratings of FE Corp, including its senior unsecured rating to Ba1 from Baa3.
Moody’s also assigned a Ba1 Corporate Family Rating to FE and withdrew FE’s Baa3 Issuer Rating. The outlook for FE remains
negative. Additionally, the outlooks for OE, TE, CE, and FET were changed to negative from stable.
On November 24, 2020, S&P downgraded FE and its subsidiaries issuer credit ratings to BB from BB+ and affirmed the BB
issuer credit rating of AGC. The senior unsecured ratings on FE and FET were lowered to BB from BB+. The subsidiary senior
unsecured ratings were lowered, where applicable, to BB+ from BBB-, and the senior secured ratings, where applicable, were
lowered to BBB from BBB+. The ratings remain on CreditWatch Negative.
On December 17, 2020, Moody’s assigned senior secured ratings of A3 to PE and A1 to WP.
On December 21, 2020, S&P assigned senior secured ratings of BBB to PE, Penn and WP.
As of December 31, 2020, $20 million of collateral has been posted by FE or its subsidiaries, of which, $19 million was posted as
a result of the credit rating downgrades in the fourth quarter of 2020.
The applicable undrawn and drawn margin on the FE and FET credit facilities are subject to ratings-based pricing grids. The
applicable fee paid on the undrawn commitments under the FE and FET credit facilities are based on FE and FET’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 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
documents. Generally a one-notch downgrade by the applicable rating agency may result in a 25 bps 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 limits in the credit facilities previously discussed. As of
December 31, 2020, FE and its subsidiaries could issue additional debt of approximately $4.8 billion, or incur a $2.6 billion
reduction to equity, and remain within the limitations of the financial covenants required by the FE credit facility.
Changes in Cash Position
As of December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy had $1,734 million of cash and cash equivalents and approximately $67 million of
restricted cash compared to $627 million of cash and cash equivalents and approximately $52 million of restricted cash as of
December 31, 2019, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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 2020, and pension
contribution in 2019, the 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.
Net cash provided from operating activities was $1,423 million during 2020, $2,467 million during 2019 and $1,410 million during
2018.
25
2020 compared with 2019Cash flows from operations decreased $1,044 million in 2020 as compared with 2019. The year-over-year change in cash from operations is primarily due to the $978 million cash settlement and tax sharing payments made to the FES Debtors upon their emergence in February 2020, an increase to accounts receivable customer balances due to the impact of COVID-19, and higher storm restoration costs, partially offset by the absence of a $500 million cash contribution to the qualified pension plan in 2019. FirstEnergy's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows combine cash flows from discontinued operations with cash flows from continuing operations within each cash flow category. The following table summarizes the major classes of operating cash flow items from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: For the Years Ended December 31,(In millions)202020192018CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:Income from discontinued operations$ 76 $ 8 $ 326 Gain on disposal, net of tax (76) (59) (435) Depreciation and amortization, including nuclear fuel, regulatory assets, net, intangible assets and deferred debt-related costs — — 110 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net — 47 61 Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative transactions — — (10) 26 Cash Flows From Financing ActivitiesCash provided from financing activities was $2,607 million, $656 million, and $1,394 million in 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively. The following table summarizes new equity and debt financing, redemptions, repayments, make-whole premiums paid on debt redemptions short-term borrowings and dividends:For the Years Ended December 31,Securities Issued or Redeemed / Repaid202020192018 (In millions)New Issues Preferred stock issuance$ — $ — $ 1,616 Common stock issuance — — 850 Unsecured notes 3,250 1,850 850 PCRBs — — 74 FMBs 175 450 50 Term loan — — 500 $ 3,425 $ 2,300 $ 3,940 Redemptions / Repayments Unsecured notes$ (250) $ (725) $ (555) PCRBs — — (216) FMBs (50) (1) (325) Term loan (750) — (1,450) Senior secured notes (64) (63) (62) $ (1,114) $ (789) $ (2,608) Tender premiums paid on debt redemptions$ — $ — $ (89) Short-term borrowings, net$ 1,200 $ — $ 950 Preferred stock dividend payments$ — $ (6) $ (61) Common stock dividend payments$ (845) $ (814) $ (711) On February 20, 2020, FE issued $1.75 billion in senior unsecured notes in three separate series: (i) $300 million aggregate principal amount of 2.050% Notes, Series A, due 2025, (ii) $600 million aggregate principal amount of 2.650% Notes, Series B, due 2030 and (iii) $850 million aggregate principal amount of 3.400% Notes, Series C, due 2050. Proceeds from the issuance of the notes, together with cash on hand, were used: (i) to repay the entire $750 million two-year term loan due September 2021, (ii) to make the $853 million in bankruptcy settlement payments and $125 million tax sharing agreement payment with the FES Debtors as discussed above, (iii) to repay $250 million of the $1 billion outstanding 364-day term loan due September 2020, and (iv) for working capital needs and general corporate purposes.On March 31, 2020, MAIT issued $125 million of 3.60% senior unsecured notes due 2032 and $125 million of 3.70% senior unsecured notes due 2035. Proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used: (i) to refinance existing debt, (ii) for capital expenditures, and (iii) for general corporate purposes.On April 20, 2020, PN issued $125 million of 3.61% senior unsecured notes due 2032 and $125 million of 3.71% senior unsecured notes due 2035. Proceeds of the issuance of the notes were used: (i) to refinance indebtedness, including short-term borrowings incurred under the FirstEnergy regulated money pool to repay a portion of the $250 million aggregate principle amount of PN’s 5.20% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020, (ii) to fund capital expenditures, (iii) to fund general corporate purposes, or (iv) for any combination of the above.On June 8, 2020, FE issued $750 million in senior unsecured notes in two separate series: (i) $300 million aggregate principal amounts of 1.600% Notes, Series A, due 2026 and (ii) $450 million aggregate principal amount of 2.250% Notes, Series B, due 2030. Proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used to repay all amounts outstanding under the 364-day term loan due September 2020.27 On June 29, 2020, PE issued $75 million of 2.67% FMBs due 2032 and $100 million of 3.43% FMBs due 2051. Proceeds of the issuance of the FMBs were used to repay short-term borrowings under the FirstEnergy regulated money pool, to fund capital expenditures, and for general corporate purposes.On July 20, 2020, CEI issued $150 million of 2.77% senior unsecured notes due 2034 and $100 million of 3.23% senior unsecured notes due 2040. Proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used to refinance existing short-term borrowings, to fund capital expenditures, and for general corporate purposes. Cash Flows From Investing ActivitiesCash used for investing activities in 2020 principally represented cash used for property additions. The following table summarizes investing activities for 2020, 2019 and 2018: For the Years Ended December 31,Cash Used for (Provided from) Investing Activities202020192018(In millions)Property Additions:Regulated Distribution$ 1,514 $ 1,473 $ 1,411 Regulated Transmission 1,067 1,090 1,104 Corporate/Other 76 102 160 Proceeds from asset sales (2) (47) (425) Investments 22 38 54 Notes receivable from affiliated companies — — 500 Asset removal costs 224 217 218 Other 7 — (4) $ 2,908 $ 2,873 $ 3,018 FirstEnergy's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows combines cash flows from discontinued operations with cash flows from continuing operations within each cash flow category. The following table summarizes the major classes of investing cash flow items from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: For the Years Ended December 31,(In millions)202020192018CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:Property additions$ — $ — $ (27) Sales of investment securities held in trusts — — 109 Purchases of investment securities held in trusts — — (122) REGULATORY ASSETS AND LIABILITIESRegulatory 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 at each balance sheet date and whenever new events occur. Factors that may affect probability relate to changes in the regulatory environment, issuance of a regulatory commission order or passage of new legislation. Management applies judgment in evaluating the evidence available to assess the probability of recovery of 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 FirstEnergy and regulators. Certain of these regulatory assets, totaling approximately $117 million and $111 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, are recorded based on prior precedent or anticipated recovery based on rate making premises without a specific order, of which, $79 million and $73 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, are being sought for recovery in a formula rate amendment filing at ATSI that is pending before FERC. See Note 14, "Regulatory Matters" for additional information.28 The following table provides information about the composition of net regulatory assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the changes during the year ended December 31, 2020: Net Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) by SourceDecember 31,2020December 31,2019Change (In millions)Customer payables for future income taxes$ (2,369) $ (2,605) $ 236 Nuclear decommissioning and spent fuel disposal costs (102) (197) 95 Asset removal costs (721) (756) 35 Deferred transmission costs 316 298 18 Deferred generation costs 104 214 (110) Deferred distribution costs 136 155 (19) Contract valuations 41 51 (10) Storm-related costs 748 551 197 Uncollectible and COVID-19 related costs 97 3 94 Other 6 25 (19) Net Regulatory Liabilities included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets$ (1,744) $ (2,261) $ 517 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. 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.Nuclear decommissioning and spent fuel disposal costs - Reflects a regulatory liability representing amounts collected from customers and placed in external trusts including income, losses and changes in fair value thereon (as well as accretion of the related ARO) primarily for the future decommissioning of TMI-2 and spent nuclear fuel disposal costs. As further discussed below, TMI-2, along with the NDT and related decommissioning liabilities, was transferred to TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of EnergySolutions, LLC, on December 18, 2020, and therefore the related regulatory liabilities were written off. The remaining balance as of December 31, 2020, reflects liabilities for spent nuclear fuel disposal costs from former nuclear generating facilities, Oyster Creek and TMI-2.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 - Principally represents differences between revenues earned based on actual costs for the formula-rate Transmission Companies and the amounts billed. Amounts are recorded as a regulatory asset or liability and recovered or refunded, respectively, in subsequent periods.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), 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 connection with the Allegheny Energy, Inc. merger representing the fair value of NUG purchased power contracts (amortized over the life of the contracts through 2030).Storm-related costs - Relates to the recovery of storm costs, which vary by jurisdiction. Approximately $167 million and $193 million are currently being recovered through rates as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.29 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.The following table provides information about the composition of net regulatory assets that do not earn a current return as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, of which approximately $195 million and $228 million, respectively, are currently being recovered through rates over varying periods, through 2068, depending on the nature of the deferral and the jurisdiction:Regulatory Assets by Source Not Earning a Current ReturnDecember 31,2020December 31,2019Change(in millions)Deferred transmission costs$ 29 $ 27 $ 2 Deferred generation costs 5 15 (10) Storm-related costs 654 471 183 COVID-19 related costs 66 — 66 Other 35 32 3 Regulatory Assets Not Earning a Current Return$ 789 $ 545 $ 244 CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONSAs of December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy's estimated undiscounted cash payments under existing contractual obligations that it considers firm obligations are as follows: Contractual ObligationsTotal20212022-20232024-2025Thereafter(In millions)Long-term debt(1)$ 22,377 $ 132 $ 2,337 $ 3,269 $ 16,639 Short-term borrowings 2,200 2,200 — — — Interest on long-term debt(2) 12,808 999 1,874 1,647 8,288 Operating leases(3) 366 50 95 74 147 Finance leases(3) 61 18 23 8 12 Fuel and purchased power(4) 3,049 499 883 652 1,015 Capital expenditures(5) 2,028 548 778 702 — Pension funding 870 — 399 471 — Total$ 43,759 $ 4,446 $ 6,389 $ 6,823 $ 26,101 (1)Excludes unamortized discounts and premiums, fair value accounting adjustments and finance leases.(2)Interest on variable-rate debt based on rates as of December 31, 2020.(3)See Note 8, "Leases," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.(4)Amounts under contract with fixed or minimum quantities based on estimated annual requirements.(5)Amounts represent committed capital expenditures as of December 31, 2020.Excluded from the table above are estimates for the cash outlays from power purchase contracts entered into by most of the Utilities and under which they procure the power supply necessary to provide generation service to their customers who do not choose an alternative supplier. Although actual amounts will be determined by future customer behavior and consumption levels, management currently estimates these cash outlays will be approximately $2.7 billion in 2021.The table above also excludes regulatory liabilities (see Note 14, "Regulatory Matters"), AROs (see Note 13, "Asset Retirement Obligations"), reserves for litigation, injuries and damages, environmental remediation, and annual insurance premiums since the amount and timing of the cash payments are uncertain. The table also excludes accumulated deferred income taxes and investment tax credits since cash payments for income taxes are determined based primarily on taxable income for each applicable fiscal year.30 GUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCESFirstEnergy 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 December 31, 2020, was approximately $1.7 billion, as summarized below:Guarantees and Other AssurancesMaximum Exposure (In millions)FE's Guarantees on Behalf of its Consolidated SubsidiariesAE Supply asset sales(1)$ 570 Deferred compensation arrangements 475 Fuel related contracts and other 7 1,052 FE's Guarantees on Other AssurancesGlobal Holding Facility 108 Deferred compensation arrangements 146 Surety Bonds 328 LOCs and other 16 598 Total Guarantees and Other Assurances$ 1,650 (1)As a condition to closing AE Supply's sale of four natural gas generating plants and an approximately 59% portion of AGC's interest in the Bath Power Station, FE provided the purchaser two limited three-year guarantees totaling $555 million of certain obligations of AE Supply and AGC, which by their terms expire in May 2021. In addition, 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 additional 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 $46 million is reflected on FirstEnergy's Consolidated Balance Sheet, and which is not reflected on the table above.Collateral and Contingent-Related FeaturesIn 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 December 31, 2020, $20 million of collateral has been posted by FE or its subsidiaries, of which, $19 million was posted as a result of the credit rating downgrades in the fourth quarter of 2020, as further discussed above.These credit-risk-related contingent features stipulate that if the subsidiary were to be downgraded or lose its investment grade credit rating (based on its senior unsecured debt rating), it would be required to provide additional collateral. The following table discloses the potential additional credit rating contingent contractual collateral obligations as of December 31, 2020:Potential Collateral ObligationsUtilities and FETFETotal(In millions)Contractual Obligations for Additional CollateralUpon Further Downgrade$ 37 $ — $ 37 Surety Bonds (Collateralized Amount)(1) 55 258 313 Total Exposure from Contractual Obligations$ 92 $ 258 $ 350 (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 obligations for which the collateral obligation is capped at 60% of the face amount, and typical obligations require 30 days to cure. 31 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 is $108 million as of December 31, 2020. 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.
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 the company.
Commodity Price Risk
FirstEnergy has limited exposure to financial risks resulting from fluctuating commodity prices, including prices for electricity,
natural gas, coal and energy transmission. FirstEnergy's Risk Management Committee is responsible for promoting the 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 December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy has a net
liability of $3 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 December 31, 2020, the FirstEnergy pension plan assets were allocated approximately as follows: 23% in equity securities,
35% in fixed income securities, 7% in hedge funds, 4% in insurance-linked securities, 9% in real estate, 5% in private equity and
17% in cash and short-term securities. A decline in the value of pension plan assets could result in additional funding
requirements. FirstEnergy’s funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. On
February 1, 2019, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary cash contribution to the qualified pension plan. As a result of this
contribution and pension investment performance returns to date, FirstEnergy expects no required contributions until 2022. As of
December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy's OPEB plan assets were allocated approximately 55% in equity securities, 28% in fixed income
securities and 17% 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 the first half of 2020, approximately $1.4 billion of return-seeking
assets were sold (including approximately $800 million of equity securities) during the third quarter of 2020. These assets are
expected be reinvested in return seeking investments (including equity securities) during 2021, which will more consistently align
the pension and OPEB trust portfolios to the company’s target asset allocations. See Note 5, "Pension and Other Post-
Employment Benefits," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on FirstEnergy's pension and
OPEB plans.
During 2020, FirstEnergy's pension and OPEB plan assets gained approximately 14.8% and 13.2%, respectively, as compared
to an annual expected return on plan assets of 7.50%. On February 27, 2020, FirstEnergy remeasured its plan assets, and from
that date through December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy's pension and OPEB plan assets gained approximately 11.6% and 12.5%,
respectively.
32
Interest Rate RiskFirstEnergy’s exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates is reduced since a significant portion of debt has fixed interest rates, as noted in the table below. FirstEnergy is subject to the inherent interest rate risks related to refinancing maturing debt by issuing new debt securities.Comparison of Carrying Value to Fair ValueYear of Maturity20212022202320242025There-afterTotalFair Value(In millions)Assets:Investments Other Than Cash and Cash Equivalents:Fixed Income$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 276 $ 276 $ 401 Average interest rate — % — % — % — % — % 4.0 % 4.0 %Liabilities:Long-term Debt:Fixed rate$ 132 $ 1,143 $ 1,194 $ 1,246 $ 2,023 $ 16,639 $ 22,377 $ 25,465 Average interest rate 3.7 % 4.1 % 4.1 % 4.7 % 3.8 % 4.6 % 4.5 %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. CREDIT RISKCredit 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 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. FirstEnergy 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. OUTLOOKCARES ACTOn March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act, an economic stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic containing several corporate income tax provisions, including making remaining AMT credits immediately refundable; providing a 5-year carryback of NOLs generated in tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020, and removing the 80% taxable income limitation on utilization of those NOLs if carried back to prior tax years or utilized in tax years beginning before 2021; and temporarily liberalizing the interest deductibility rules under Section 163(j) of the Tax Act, by raising the adjusted taxable income limitation from 30% to 50% for tax years 2019 and 2020 and giving taxpayers the election of using 2019 adjusted taxable income for purposes of computing 2020 interest deductibility. FirstEnergy has applied for refund of its remaining approximately $18 million refundable AMT credits. FirstEnergy does not expect to generate additional income tax refunds from the carryback of NOLs and expects interest to be fully deductible in the 2020 consolidated federal income tax return and going forward. FirstEnergy does not currently expect the other provisions of the CARES Act to have a material effect on current income tax expense or the realizability of deferred income tax assets.33 On July 28, 2020, the IRS issued final regulations implementing interest expense deduction limitation rules under section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code. The final regulations changed certain rules on the computation of interest expense and limitation amount, as well as rules relevant to status as a regulated utility business and the allocation of consolidated group interest expense between utility and non-utility businesses. After reviewing the final regulations, FirstEnergy recorded a true-up to prior years’ reserve estimates during the third quarter of 2020, which did not have a material impact to FirstEnergy’s income statement. On January 6, 2021, the IRS released an additional set of final regulations under Section 163(j) primarily addressing partnership, real estate, and certain controlled foreign corporation issues, which do not materially impact FirstEnergy. STATE REGULATIONEach 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. The following table summarizes the key terms of distribution rate orders in effect for the Utilities:CompanyRates EffectiveAllowed Debt/EquityAllowed ROECEIMay 200951% / 49%10.5%ME(1)January 201748.8% / 51.2%Settled(2)MPFebruary 201554% / 46%Settled(2)JCP&L(3)January 201755% / 45%9.6%OEJanuary 200951% / 49%10.5%PE (West Virginia)February 201554% / 46%Settled(2)PE (Maryland)March 201947% / 53%9.65%PN(1)January 201747.4% / 52.6%Settled(2)Penn(1)January 201749.9% / 50.1%Settled(2)TEJanuary 200951% / 49%10.5%WP(1)January 201749.7% / 50.3%Settled(2)(1) Reflects filed debt/equity as final settlement/orders do not specifically include capital structure. (2) Commission-approved settlement agreements did not disclose ROE rates. (3) On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU approved JCP&L's distribution rate case settlement with an allowed ROE of 9.6% and a 48.56% debt / 51.44% equity capital structure. Rates are effective for customers on November 1, 2021, but beginning January 1, 2021, JCP&L will offset the impact to customers' bills by amortizing an $86 million regulatory liability. MARYLANDPE 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. 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 2018-2020 EmPOWER Maryland plan continues and expands upon prior years' programs, and adds new programs, for a projected total cost of $116 million over the three-year period. PE recovers program costs through an annually reconciled surcharge, with most costs subject to a five-year amortization. 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 January 19, 2018, PE filed a joint petition along with other utility companies, work group stakeholders and the MDPSC electric vehicle work group leader to implement a statewide electric vehicle portfolio in connection with a 2016 MDPSC proceeding to consider an array of issues relating to electric distribution system design, including matters relating to electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, advanced metering infrastructure, energy storage, system planning, rate design, and impacts on low-income customers. PE proposed an electric vehicle charging infrastructure program at a projected total cost of 34 $12 million, to be recovered over a five-year amortization. On January 14, 2019, the MDPSC approved the petition subject to
certain reductions in the scope of the program. The MDPSC approved PE’s compliance filing, which implements the pilot
program, with minor modifications, on July 3, 2019.
On August 24, 2018, PE filed a base rate case with the MDPSC, which it supplemented on October 22, 2018, to update the
partially forecasted test year with a full twelve months of actual data. The rate case requested an annual increase in base
distribution rates of $19.7 million, plus creation of an EDIS to fund four enhanced service reliability programs. In responding to
discovery, PE revised its request for an annual increase in base rates to $17.6 million. The proposed rate increase reflected $7.3
million in annual savings for customers resulting from the recent federal tax law changes. On March 22, 2019, the MDPSC
issued a final order that approved a rate increase of $6.2 million, approved three of the four EDIS programs for four years,
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
depreciation expense of $36.2 million, which represented a slight increase, and as a result, is seeking difference in depreciation
be deferred for future recovery in PE’s next base rate case. The MDPSC has set the matter for hearing and delegated it to a
public utility law judge. On November 6, 2020, an order was issued scheduling evidentiary hearings in April 2021. On January 29,
2021, the Maryland Office of People's Counsel filed testimony recommending a reduction in depreciation expense of $10.8
million, and the staff of the MDPSC filed testimony recommending a reduction of $9.6 million. PE's rebuttal testimony is due on
March 2, 2021.
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). On July 8, 2020, the MDPSC issued a notice
opening a public conference to collect information from utilities and other stakeholders about the impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic on the utilities and their customers. 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.
NEW JERSEY
JCP&L operates under NJBPU approved rates that were effective as of January 1, 2017. 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.
On April 18, 2019, pursuant to the May 2018 New Jersey enacted legislation establishing a ZEC program to provide ratepayer
funded subsidies of New Jersey nuclear energy supply, the NJBPU approved the implementation of a non-bypassable,
irrevocable ZEC charge for all New Jersey electric utility customers, including JCP&L’s customers. Once collected from
customers by JCP&L, these funds will be remitted to eligible nuclear energy generators.
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; 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. On
January 17, 2019, the NJBPU approved the proposed CTA rules with no changes. On May 17, 2019, the Rate Counsel filed an
appeal with the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. Oral Argument is scheduled for March 10, 2021. JCP&L
is contesting this appeal but is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
Also, in December 2017, the NJBPU approved its IIP rulemaking. The IIP creates a financial incentive for utilities to accelerate
the level of investment needed to promote the timely rehabilitation and replacement of certain non-revenue producing
components that enhance reliability, resiliency, and/or safety. On May 8, 2019, the NJBPU approved a stipulation of settlement
submitted by JCP&L, Rate Counsel, NJBPU staff and New Jersey Large Energy Users Coalition to implement JCP&L’s
infrastructure plan, JCP&L Reliability Plus. The plan provides that JCP&L will invest up to approximately $97 million in capital
investments beginning on June 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020, to enhance the reliability and resiliency of JCP&L’s
distribution system and reduce the frequency and duration of power outages. JCP&L shall seek recovery of the capital
investment through an accelerated cost recovery mechanism, provided for in the rules, that includes a revenue adjustment
calculation and a process for two rate adjustments. The NJBPU approved adjusted rates that took effect on March 1, 2020. As
further discussed below, JCP&L will recover the IIP capital investments, which totaled $97 million, as part of its distribution base
rate case.
On February 18, 2020, JCP&L submitted a filing with the NJBPU requesting a distribution base rate increase of $186.9 million on
an annual basis, which represents an overall average increase in JCP&L rates of 7.8%. The filing seeks to recover certain costs
associated with providing safe and reliable electric service to JCP&L customers, along with recovery of previously incurred storm
costs. JCP&L proposed a rate effective date of March 19, 2020. The NJBPU issued orders suspending JCP&L’s proposed rates
35
until November 19, 2020. JCP&L filed updates to the requested distribution base rate in both June and July 2020, resulting in
JCP&L seeking a total annual distribution base rate increase of approximately $185 million. On October 16, 2020, the parties
submitted a stipulation of settlement to the administrative law judge, providing for, among other things, a $94 million annual base
distribution revenues increase for JCP&L based on an ROE of 9.6%, which will become effective for customers on November 1,
2021. Until the rates become effective, and starting on January 1, 2021, JCP&L is permitted 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, shall be applied to reduce JCP&L’s existing regulatory
asset for previously deferred storm costs. Lastly, the parties agreed that $95.1 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. On October 22, 2020,
the administrative law judge entered an initial decision adopting the settlement. On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU approved the
settlement and directed an upcoming management audit for JCP&L. On January 4, 2021, JCP&L submitted its review of storm
costs as required under the stipulation of settlement. On January 15, 2021, JCP&L filed a written report for its Reliability Plus
projects placed in service from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, also as required under the stipulation of settlement.
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. 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. Completion of the transaction is
subject to several closing conditions; there can be no assurance that all closing conditions will be satisfied or that the transaction
will be consummated. JCP&L currently anticipates closing of the transaction to occur during the first quarter of 2021. 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 August 27, 2020, JCP&L filed an AMI Program with the NJBPU, which proposes 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 3-year deployment is part of the 20-year AMI Program that is expected to cost a total of
approximately $732 million and proposes a cost recovery mechanism through a separate AMI tariff rider. On January 13, 2021, a
procedural schedule was established, which includes evidentiary hearings the week of May 24, 2021.
On June 10, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order establishing a framework for the filing 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 operations and maintenance expenses on an annual
basis, be eligible 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, beginning 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 the
energy savings resulting from the programs. While a procedural order has been established in this matter, on January 20, 2021,
JCP&L filed a letter requesting a suspension of the procedural schedule to allow for settlement discussions. The Clean Energy
Act contemplates a final order from the NJBPU by May 2, 2021.
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, or until the 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 August 21, 2020, the Governor of New Jersey issued a press release announcing that the New Jersey utilities
agreed to extend their voluntary moratorium preventing shutoffs to both residential and commercial customers during the
COVID-19 pandemic until October 15, 2020. On October 15, 2020, the Governor issued an Executive Order prohibiting utilities
from terminating service to any residential gas, electric, public and private water customer, through March 15, 2021, requiring the
reconnection of certain customers, and disallowing the charging of late payment charges or reconnection fees during the public
health emergency. 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. On November 30,
2020, JCP&L submitted comments.
The recent credit rating actions taken on October 28, 2020, by S&P and Fitch triggered a requirement from various 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.
36
OHIO
The Ohio Companies operate under base distribution rates approved by the PUCO effective in 2009. The Ohio Companies’
residential and commercial base distribution revenues were decoupled, through a mechanism that took effect on February 1,
2020 and under which the Ohio Companies billed customers until February 9, 2021, to the base distribution revenue and lost
distribution revenue associated with energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs recovered as of the twelve-month
period ending on December 31, 2018. 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 DCR rider, 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) the collection of lost distribution revenue associated with energy efficiency and
peak demand reduction programs, which is discussed further below; (3) a goal across FirstEnergy to reduce CO2 emissions by
90% below 2005 levels by 2045; and (4) 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 through the DMR $132.5 million annually for three years beginning in
2017, grossed up for federal income taxes, resulting in an approved amount of approximately $168 million annually in 2018 and
2019. On appeal, the SCOH, on June 19, 2019, reversed the PUCO’s determination that the DMR is lawful, and remanded the
matter to the PUCO with instructions to remove the DMR from ESP IV. The PUCO entered an order directing the Ohio
Companies to cease further collection through the DMR, credit back to customers a refund of the DMR funds collected since July
2, 2019 and remove the DMR from ESP IV. On July 15, 2019, OCC filed a Notice of Appeal with the SCOH, challenging the
PUCO’s exclusion of the DMR revenues from the determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV
for calendar year 2017 for OE 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 includes the DMR revenues in the analysis, determines the threshold against which the earned return is measured, and
makes other necessary determinations. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings but has not deemed a
liability probable as of December 31, 2020.
On July 23, 2019, Ohio enacted HB 6, which established support for nuclear energy supply in Ohio. In addition to the provisions
supporting nuclear energy, HB 6 included provisions implementing a decoupling mechanism for Ohio electric utilities and ending
current energy efficiency program mandates on December 31, 2020, provided that statewide energy efficiency mandates are
achieved as determined by the PUCO. On February 26, 2020, the PUCO ordered a wind-down of statutorily required energy
efficiency programs to commence on September 30, 2020, that the programs terminate on December 31, 2020, with the Ohio
Companies' existing portfolio plans extended through 2020 without changes.
On November 21, 2019, the Ohio Companies applied to the PUCO for approval of a decoupling mechanism, which would set
residential and commercial base distribution related revenues at the levels collected in 2018. As such, those base distribution
revenues would no longer be based on electric consumption, which allows continued support of energy efficiency initiatives while
also providing revenue certainty to the Ohio Companies. On January 15, 2020, the PUCO approved the Ohio Companies’
decoupling application, and the decoupling mechanism took effect on February 1, 2020. Legislation has been introduced in the
first quarter of 2021 to, among other things, repeal 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. 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 (Rider CSR)
to zero. 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. 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. FirstEnergy does not believe a refund
for previously collected amounts under decoupling, which was approximately $18 million, is probable. Furthermore, as
FirstEnergy would not have financially benefited from the Clean Air Fund included in HB 6, which is the mechanism to provide
support to nuclear energy in Ohio, there is no expected additional impact to FirstEnergy due to any repeal of that provision of HB
6.
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.
37
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 scheduled for October 29, 2020. The
calculations included in the Ohio Companies’ SEET filings for calendar years 2018 and 2019 demonstrate that the Ohio
Companies did not have significantly excessive earnings, however, FirstEnergy and the Ohio Companies are unable to predict
the PUCO’s ultimate determination of the applications. On August 3, 2020, the OCC filed an interlocutory appeal asking the
PUCO to stay the SEET proceeding until the SCOH determines whether DMR should be excluded from the SEET, as further
discussed above. Furthermore, on January 21, 2021, Senate Bill 10 was introduced, which would repeal 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. 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 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 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. The Ohio Companies’ filed a response in opposition to the OCC’s motions on September 23, 2020. 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 ratepayers through the DMR
were only used for the purposes established in ESP IV. Deadlines relating to the selection of the auditor and the issuance of the
final audit report have not yet been set.
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. The Ohio Companies filed a response on
September 30, 2020, stating that any political and charitable spending in support of HB 6 or the subsequent referendum were not
included in rates or charges paid for by its customers. Several parties requested that the PUCO broaden the scope of the review
of political and charitable spending.
In connection with an on-going 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 a final audit
report to be filed in June 2021. On January 27, 2021, the PUCO selected an auditor.
On November 24, 2020, the Environmental Law 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, on the
grounds that the former Chairman of the 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 file a base distribution rate
case by May 31, 2024, the end of ESP IV, which the Ohio Companies had indicated they would not oppose.
In the fourth quarter of 2020, motions were filed with the PUCO requesting that the PUCO amend the Ohio Companies’ riders for
collecting 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 HB 6 is repealed. The Ohio Companies contested the
motions, which are pending before the PUCO.
38
On December 7, 2020, the Citizens’ Utility Board of Ohio filed a complaint with the PUCO against the Ohio Companies. The
complaint alleges that the Ohio Companies’ new charges resulting from HB 6, and any increased rates resulting from
proceedings over which the former PUCO Chairman presided, are unjust and unreasonable, and that 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 to file a new distribution rate case at the earliest
possible date; and that the Ohio Companies’ corporate separation plans be modified to introduce institutional controls. The Ohio
Companies are contesting the complaint.
On December 9, 2020, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Energy Group filed an appeal to the SCOH challenging the PUCO’s
generic order directing the form of rider all Ohio electric distribution utilities must charge to recover the costs of the HB 6 Clean
Air Fund. The appeal contends that the PUCO erred in adopting the rate design for the riders, in establishing the riders during
ongoing proceedings and investigations related to HB 6, and in not requiring electric distribution utilities to include refund
language in the rider tariffs. On December 30, 2020, the PUCO vacated its generic order establishing the Clean Air Fund riders,
as required by a preliminary injunction issued by the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Ohio. On January 11, 2021, the
SCOH granted a joint application of the Ohio Manufacturers' Association Energy Group and the PUCO and dismissed the
appeal.
See “Outlook - Other Legal Proceedings” below for additional details on the government investigation 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 for the net impact 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 operate under DSPs for the June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2023 delivery period, which provide for the
competitive procurement of generation supply for customers who do not choose an alternative EGS or for customers of
alternative EGSs that fail to provide the contracted service. 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.
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 settlement by the parties was filed on February 16, 2021. A PPUC
decision on the settlement is expected in March 2021.
Pennsylvania EDCs may file with the PPUC for 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 August 30, 2019, the Pennsylvania
Companies filed Petitions for approval of new 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 January
16, 2020, the PPUC approved the LTIIPs without modification. The Pennsylvania Companies’ approved DSIC riders for quarterly
cost recovery went into effect July 1, 2016. On August 30, 2019, Penn filed a Petition seeking approval of a waiver of the
statutory DSIC cap of 5% of distribution rate revenue and approval to increase the maximum allowable DSIC to 11.81% of
distribution rate revenue for the five-year period of its proposed LTIIP. On March 12, 2020, an order was entered approving a
settlement by all parties to that case which provides for a temporary increase in the recoverability cap from 5% to 7.5%, to expire
on the earlier of the effective date of new base rates following Penn’s next base rate case or the expiration of its LTIIP II program.
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, which decision was appealed by the Pennsylvania OCA to the Pennsylvania
Commonwealth Court. The Commonwealth Court reversed the PPUC’s decision and remanded the matter to require the
Pennsylvania Companies to revise their tariffs and DSIC calculations to include ADIT and state income taxes. On April 7, 2020,
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. An adverse ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
is not expected to result in a material impact to FirstEnergy.
39
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.
WEST VIRGINIA
MP and PE provide electric service to all customers through traditional cost-based, regulated utility ratemaking and operate
under rates approved by the WVPSC effective 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.
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 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 proposes 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.
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.
40
The following table summarizes the key terms of rate orders in effect for transmission customer billings for FirstEnergy's transmission owner entities:CompanyRates EffectiveCapital StructureAllowed ROEATSIJanuary 1, 2015Actual (13-month average)10.38%JCP&LJanuary 2020(1)Actual (13-month average)(1)10.80%(1)MPMarch 21, 2018(2)(4)Settled(2)(3)Settled(2)(3)PE March 21, 2018(2)(4)Settled(2)(3)Settled(2)(3)WP March 21, 2018(2)(4)Settled(2)(3)Settled(2)(3)MAITJuly 1, 2017Lower of Actual (13-month average) or 60%10.3%TrAILJuly 1, 2008Actual (year-end)12.7% (TrAIL the Line & Black Oak SVC)11.7% (All other projects)(1) As filed in docket ER20-227, effective on January 1, 2020, which has been accepted by FERC, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement procedures. The settlement agreement that was filed on February 2, 2021, seeking approval by FERC sets JCP&L's Allowed ROE at 10.2%. (2) Effective on January 1, 2021, MP, PE, and WP have implemented a forward-looking formula rate, which has been accepted by FERC, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement procedures. (3) FERC-approved settlement agreements did not specify. (4) See FERC Actions on Tax Act below.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. 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, certain income tax-related adjustments, including, but not limited to impacts from the Tax Act discussed further below, and certain costs for transmission-related vegetation management programs. The amount on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet for these regulatory assets was approximately $79 million and $73 million, as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. 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 were allocated to ATSI. Certain intervenors filed protests of the formula rate amendments on May 29, 2020, and ATSI filed a reply on June 15, 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 with the other parties to the formula rate amendments proceeding. 41 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, to which ATSI and MAIT responded. On October 28, 2020, FERC staff
requested additional information about ATSI’s proposed rate base adjustment mechanism, and ATSI submitted the requested
information on November 25, 2020. On May 15, 2020, TrAIL submitted its compliance filing and on June 1, 2020, PATH
submitted its required compliance filing. These compliance filings each remain pending before FERC. MP, WP and PE (as
holders of a “stated” transmission rate) are addressing these requirements in the transmission formula rates amendments that
were filed on October 29, 2020. JCP&L is addressing these requirements as part of its pending transmission formula rate case.
Transmission ROE Methodology
FERC’s methodology for calculating electric transmission utility ROE has been in transition as a result of an April 14, 2017 ruling
by the D.C. Circuit that vacated FERC’s then-effective methodology. On May 21, 2020, FERC issued Opinion No. 569-A that
changed FERC’s ROE methodology. Under this methodology FERC established an ROE that is based on three financial models
– discounted cash flow, capital-asset pricing, and risk premium – to calculate a composite zone of reasonableness. FERC noted
that utilities could, in utility-specific proceedings, ask to have the expected earnings methodology included in calculating the
utility’s authorized ROE. FERC also noted that, going forward, it will divide that zone into three equal parts, to be used for high
risk, normal risk, and low risk utilities. A given utility will be assigned to one of these three parts of the zone of reasonableness,
and its ROE will be set at the median or midpoint of the other utilities that are in the applicable third of the zone. FirstEnergy filed
a request for rehearing, which FERC denied on July 22, 2020. On November 19, 2020, FERC issued Opinion No. 569-B, which
affirmed the Opinion No. 569-A rulings. FirstEnergy initiated, but subsequently withdrew, appeals of these orders. Appeals of
Opinion Nos. 569, 569-A and 569-B are pending before the D.C. Circuit. Any changes to FERC’s transmission rate ROE and
incentive policies would be applied on a prospective basis.
On March 20, 2020, FERC initiated a rulemaking proceeding on the transmission rate incentives provisions of Section 219 of the
2005 Energy Policy Act. Initial comments were submitted July 1, 2020, and reply comments were filed on July 16, 2020.
FirstEnergy participated through EEI and through a consortium of PJM Transmission Owners. This proceeding is pending before
FERC.
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, a settlement agreement was filed
for approval by 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 to a
forward-looking formula transmission rate, 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 approved by FERC on December 31, 2020, subject to refund, pending
further hearing and settlement proceedings. 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.
42
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. The D.C. Circuit ordered the EPA on July 28, 2015, to reconsider the CSAPR caps on NOx
and SO2 emissions from power plants in 13 states, including West Virginia. This follows 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 rule 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 rule to the D.C. Circuit in
November and December 2016. On September 13, 2019, the D.C. Circuit remanded the CSAPR update rule 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. Depending on the outcome of the appeals, the EPA’s reconsideration of the CSAPR
update rule and how the EPA and the states ultimately implement CSAPR, 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 December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy has no power plants operating in
areas designated as non-attainment by the EPA.
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 seeks suitable
emission rate limits for large stationary sources that are 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. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or estimate
the loss or range of loss.
Climate Change
There are a number of 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.
At the international level, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change resulted in the Kyoto Protocol requiring
participating countries, which does not include the U.S., to reduce GHGs commencing in 2008 and has been extended through
2020. The Obama Administration submitted in March 2015, a formal pledge for the U.S. to reduce its economy wide GHG
emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. In 2015, FirstEnergy set a goal of reducing company-wide CO2
emissions by at least 90 percent below 2005 levels by 2045. As of December 31, 2018, FirstEnergy has reduced its CO2
emissions by approximately 62 percent. 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. 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. FirstEnergy cannot currently
estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although potential legislative or regulatory programs restricting CO2
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 GHG under the Clean Air
Act,” concluding that concentrations of several key GHGs constitutes 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. The EPA released its final CPP regulations in August 2015 to reduce CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel
fired EGUs and finalized separate regulations imposing CO2 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 October 16, 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule to repeal the CPP. On June 19, 2019, the EPA repealed the
CPP and replaced it with the ACE rule that establishes guidelines for states to develop standards of performance to address
GHG emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit remanded the ACE rule declaring
43
that the EPA was “arbitrary and capricious” in its rule making, 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 is subject to legal
challenge. Depending on the outcomes of further appeals 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.
The EPA finalized CWA Section 316(b) regulations in May 2014, requiring cooling water intake structures with an intake velocity
greater than 0.5 feet per second to reduce fish impingement when aquatic organisms are pinned against screens or other parts
of a cooling water intake system to a 12% annual average and requiring cooling water intake structures exceeding 125 million
gallons per day to conduct studies to determine site-specific controls, if any, to reduce entrainment, which occurs when aquatic
life is drawn into a facility's cooling water system. Depending on any final action taken by the states with respect to impingement
and entrainment, the future capital costs of compliance with these standards may be material.
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. Depending on the outcome of appeals, 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 include capital expenditures at
the Ft. Martin and Harrison power stations, may be substantial and changes to MP’s operations at those power stations may also
result.
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. The EPA requested additional information regarding the
Springdale landfill and on November 15, 2016, WP provided a response and intends to fully comply 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. 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 DOJ issued a letter and tolling agreement on behalf of the EPA alleging violations of the CWA at the Springdale
and Mingo landfills while seeking to enter settlement negotiations in lieu of filing a complaint. The EPA has proposed a penalty of
$900,000 to settle alleged past boron exceedances at both facilities. Negotiations are continuing and WP is unable to predict the
outcome of this matter.
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 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 allows for an extension of the closure deadline based on meeting proscribed site-specific criteria.
On July 29, 2020, the EPA published a final rule revising the date that certain CCR impoundments must cease accepting waste
and initiate closure to April 11, 2021. The final rule 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 until 2024 of McElroy's Run CCR impoundment facility, for which AE Supply continues to provide access
to FG.
44
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 December 31, 2020, 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 $107 million have been accrued through December 31, 2020. Included in the total are accrued liabilities of
approximately $67 million 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. No
contingency has been reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements as a loss is neither probable, nor is a loss or
range of a loss reasonably estimable.
Legal Proceedings Relating to United States v. Larry Householder, et al.
In addition to the subpoenas referenced above under “—United States v. Larry Householder, et. al.”, 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.
•
•
Owens v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. and Frand v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio); on July 28,
2020 and August 21, 2020, purported stockholders of FE filed putative class action lawsuits against FE and certain FE
officers, purportedly on behalf of all purchasers of FE common stock from February 21, 2017 through July 21, 2020,
asserting claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated
thereunder, alleging misrepresentations or omissions by FirstEnergy concerning its business and results of operations.
These actions have been consolidated and a lead plaintiff has been appointed by the court.
Gendrich v. Anderson, et al. and Sloan v. Anderson, et al. (Common Pleas Court, Summit County, OH); on July 26,
2020 and 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. 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 Southern District of Ohio have been consolidated and co-lead
plaintiffs have been appointed by the court.
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 FirstEnergy officers, alleging civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
violations and related state law claims. These actions have been consolidated.
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); 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, each alleging civil violations of the Ohio Corrupt Activity Act in connection with the passage of HB 6. The
OAG sought a preliminary injunction to prevent each of the defendants, including FE, through the end of 2020, from: (i)
contributing to any groups whose purpose is to keep or modify HB 6; (ii) making any public statements for or against
any repeal or modification legislation concerning HB 6; (iii) lobbying, consulting, or advising on these matters; or (iv)
contributing to any Ohio legislative candidates. The court denied the OAG’s request for preliminary injunctive relief on
October 2, 2020. 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
•
45
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 (Rider 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.
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, 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. On October 1, 2020, plaintiffs filed a First Amended Complaint,
adding as a plaintiff a purported customer of FirstEnergy and alleging a civil violation of the Ohio Corrupt Activity Act
and civil conspiracy against FE, FESC and FES.
•
The plaintiffs in each of the above cases, seek, among other things, to recover an unspecified amount of damages (unless
otherwise noted). 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. Further, 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. The outcome of any of
these lawsuits, investigations and audit are uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on FE’s or its subsidiaries’
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. No contingency has been reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated
financial statements as a loss is neither probable, nor is a loss or range of a loss reasonably estimable.
Internal Investigation Relating to United States v. Larry Householder, et al.
As previously disclosed, a committee of independent members of the Board of Directors is 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. FirstEnergy believes that payments under the consulting agreement may
have been for purposes other than those represented within the consulting agreement. 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, each effective as of
October 29, 2020. Mr. Donald T. Misheff will continue to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Additionally, on
November 8, 2020, Robert P. Reffner, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, and Ebony L. Yeboah-Amankwah, 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. The matter is a subject of the ongoing internal investigation as
it relates to the 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 transfer of: (i) the ownership and operating NRC licenses for TMI-2; (ii) the external trusts for the
decommissioning and environmental remediation of TMI-2; and (iii) related liabilities. 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 Rate Counsel
and agreed to by JCP&L. 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. See Note 1,
"Organization and Basis of Presentation," for additional discussion.
FES Bankruptcy
On March 31, 2018, FES, including its consolidated subsidiaries, FG, NG, FE Aircraft Leasing Corp., Norton Energy
46
Storage L.L.C. and FGMUC, and FENOC filed voluntary petitions for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United
States Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court and emerged on February 27, 2020. See Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," for
additional discussion.
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
14, "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.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
FirstEnergy prepares consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these principles often requires a
high degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions that affect financial results. FirstEnergy's accounting policies require
significant judgment regarding estimates and assumptions underlying the amounts included in the financial statements.
Additional information regarding the application of accounting policies is included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.
Revenue Recognition
FirstEnergy follows the accrual method of accounting for revenues, recognizing revenue for electricity that has been delivered to
customers but not yet billed through the end of the accounting period. The determination of electricity sales to individual
customers is based on meter readings, which occur on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month,
electricity delivered to customers since the last meter reading is estimated and a corresponding accrual for unbilled sales is
recognized. The determination of unbilled sales and revenues requires management to make estimates regarding electricity
available for retail load, transmission and distribution line losses, demand by customer class, applicable billing demands,
weather-related impacts, number of days unbilled and tariff rates in effect within each customer class. 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. See Note 2, "Revenue," for additional information.
Regulatory Accounting
FirstEnergy’s Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments are subject to regulations that set the prices
(rates) the Utilities and the Transmission Companies are permitted to charge customers based on costs that the regulatory
agencies determine are permitted to be recovered. At times, regulators permit the future recovery through rates of costs that
would be currently charged to expense by an unregulated company. This ratemaking process results in the recording of
regulatory assets and liabilities based on anticipated future cash inflows and outflows. Management applies judgment in
evaluating the evidence available to assess the probability of recovery of regulatory assets from customers, including, but not
limited to evaluating evidence related to precedent for similar items experienced at the Company and comparable companies
within similar jurisdictions, as well as assessing progress of communications between the Company and regulators. Certain
regulatory assets are recorded based on prior precedent or anticipated recovery based on rate making premises without a
specific rate order. FirstEnergy regularly reviews these assets to assess their ultimate recoverability within the approved
regulatory guidelines. Impairment risk associated with these assets relates to potentially adverse legislative, judicial or regulatory
actions in the future. See Note 14, "Regulatory Matters," for additional information.
FirstEnergy reviews the probability of recovery of regulatory assets at each balance sheet date and whenever new events occur.
Similarly, FirstEnergy records regulatory liabilities when a determination is made that a refund is probable or when ordered by a
commission. Factors that may affect probability include changes in the regulatory environment, issuance of a regulatory
commission order or passage of new legislation. If recovery of a regulatory asset is no longer probable, FirstEnergy will write off
that regulatory asset as a charge against earnings. FirstEnergy considers the entire regulatory asset balance as the unit of
account for the purposes of balance sheet classification rather than the next years recovery and as such net regulatory assets
and liabilities are presented in the non-current section on the FirstEnergy Consolidated Balance Sheets.
47
Pension and OPEB Accounting
FirstEnergy provides noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees and
non-qualified pension plans that cover certain employees. The plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and
compensation levels. Under the cash-balance portion of the pension plan (for employees hired on or after January 1, 2014),
FirstEnergy makes contributions to eligible employee retirement accounts based on a pay credit and an interest credit.
FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory
insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and co-payments, are also available
upon retirement to certain employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. FirstEnergy
recognizes the expected cost of providing pension and OPEB to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from
the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits. FirstEnergy also has obligations to former or
inactive employees after employment, but before retirement, for disability-related benefits.
FirstEnergy recognizes a pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment for the change in the 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 a
remeasurement. The remaining components of pension and OPEB expense, primarily service costs, interest on obligations,
assumed return on assets and prior service costs, are recorded on a monthly basis.
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. The first quarter 2020 pension
and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment primarily reflects a 38 bps decrease in the discount rate used to measure benefit
obligations from December 31, 2019, partially offset by a slightly higher than expected return on assets. In the fourth quarter
2020, FirstEnergy recognized a $54 million pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment, primarily reflecting a 29 bps
decrease in the discount rate used to measure benefit obligations from February 27, 2020, partially offset by higher than
expected return on assets. Of the $54 million, approximately $21 million was allocated to certain of the Transmission Companies
that are expected to be recovered through formula transmission rates. The annual pension and OPEB mark-to-market
adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $477 million (including the $423 million in the first
quarter of 2020 described above), $676 million, and $145 million, respectively. Of these amounts, approximately $2 million and
$1 million are included in discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Furthermore,
of these annual pension and OPEB mark-to-market amounts, approximately $40 million, $47 million and $8 million were
allocated to certain of the Transmission Companies and expected to be recovered through formula transmission rates,
respectively.
In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income
investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and OPEB obligations. The assumed discount
rates for pension were 2.67%, 3.34% and 4.44% as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The assumed discount
rates for OPEB were 2.45%, 3.18% and 4.30% as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Effective in 2019, FirstEnergy changed the approach utilized to estimate the service cost and interest cost components of net
periodic benefit cost for pension and OPEB plans. Historically, FirstEnergy estimated these components utilizing a single,
weighted average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation. FirstEnergy has elected to
use 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 this provides a better estimate of service and interest costs by improving the
correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve rates. This election was considered a
change in estimate and, accordingly, accounted for prospectively, and did not have a material impact on FirstEnergy's financial
statements.
FirstEnergy’s assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the
types of investments held by the pension trusts. In 2020, FirstEnergy’s qualified pension and OPEB plan assets experienced
gains of $1,225 million or 14.7%, compared to gains of $1,492 million, or 20.2% in 2019, and losses of $371 million, or (4)% in
2018 and assumed a 7.50% rate of return on plan assets in 2020, 2019 and 2018, which generated $651 million, $569
million and $605 million of expected returns on plan assets, respectively. The expected return on pension and OPEB assets is
based on the trusts’ asset allocation targets and the historical performance of risk-based and fixed income securities. The gains
or losses generated as a result of the difference between expected and actual returns on plan assets will decrease or increase
future net periodic pension and OPEB cost as the difference is recognized annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or
whenever a plan is determined to qualify for remeasurement. The expected return on plan assets for 2021 is 7.50%.
During 2020, the Society of Actuaries published new mortality tables that include more current data than the RP-2014 tables as
well as new improvement scales. An analysis of FirstEnergy pension and OPEB plan mortality data indicated the use of the
Pri-2012 mortality table with projection scale MP-2020 was most appropriate. As such, the Pri-2012 mortality table with projection
scale MP-2020 was utilized to determine the 2020 benefit cost and obligation as of December 31, 2020 for the FirstEnergy
pension and OPEB plans. The impact of using the Pri-2012 mortality table with projection scale MP-2020 resulted in a decrease
48
to the projected benefit obligation of approximately $74 million and $2 million for the pension and OPEB plans, respectively, and was included in the 2020 pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment.FirstEnergy expects its 2021 pre-tax net periodic benefit credit to be approximately $267 million based upon the following assumptions: Assumptions PensionOPEBService cost weighted-average discount rate 3.10 % 3.03 %Interest cost weighted-average discount rate 2.58 % 1.66 %Expected long-term return on plan assets 7.50 % 7.50 %The following table reflects the portion of pension and OPEB costs that were charged to expense, including any pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustments, in the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018:Postemployment Benefits Expense (Credits)202020192018 (In millions)Pension$ 254 $ 622 $ 247 OPEB (47) (21) (45) Total$ 207 $ 601 $ 202 Health care cost trends continue to increase and will affect future OPEB costs. The composite health care trend rate assumptions were approximately 6.0%-5.5% in 2020 and 2019, gradually decreasing to 4.5% in later years. In determining FirstEnergy’s trend rate assumptions, included are the specific provisions of FirstEnergy’s health care plans, the demographics and utilization rates of plan participants, actual cost increases experienced in FirstEnergy’s health care plans, and projections of future medical trend rates. The effects on 2021 pension and OPEB net periodic benefit costs from changes in key assumptions are as follows:Increase in Net Periodic Benefit Costs from Adverse Changes in Key AssumptionsAssumptionAdverse ChangePensionOPEBTotal (In millions)Discount rateDecrease by 0.25%$ 400 $ 16 $ 416 Long-term return on assetsDecrease by 0.25%$ 22 $ 1 $ 23 Health care trend rateIncrease by 1.0%N/A$ 16 $ 16 See Note 5, "Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits," for additional information. Income Taxes FirstEnergy records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to temporary tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carryforward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled.FirstEnergy accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in its financial statements using a benefit recognition model with a two-step approach, a more-likely-than-not recognition criterion and a measurement attribute that measures the position as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. If it is not more likely than not that the benefit will be sustained on its technical merits, no benefit will be recorded. Uncertain tax positions that relate only to timing of when an item is included on a tax return are considered to have met the recognition threshold. FirstEnergy recognizes interest expense or income related to uncertain tax positions by applying the applicable statutory interest rate to the difference between the tax position recognized and the amount previously taken, or expected to be taken, on the tax return. FirstEnergy includes net interest and penalties in the provision for income taxes. See Note 7, "Taxes," for additional information on FirstEnergy income taxes.49 NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 1, "Organization and Basis of Presentation," for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The information relating to market risk is set forth in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations."
50
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of FirstEnergy Corp.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of FirstEnergy Corp. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of
December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, of comprehensive income, of stockholders’
equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, including the related notes
(collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over
financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2020 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America. Also in our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
COSO because a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting existed as of that date related to its senior
management failing to set an appropriate tone at the top. Specifically, certain members of senior management failed to reinforce
the need for compliance with the Company’s policies and code of conduct, which resulted in inappropriate conduct that was
inconsistent with the Company’s policies and code of conduct.
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 the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or
detected on a timely basis. The material weakness referred to above is described in Management’s Report on Internal Control
over Financial Reporting appearing under "Controls and Procedures." We considered this material weakness in determining the
nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the 2020 consolidated financial statements, and our opinion
regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting does not affect our opinion on those
consolidated financial statements.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control
over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in
management's report referred to above. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial
statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent
with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the
audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement,
whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement
of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.
Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control
over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a
material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that
(i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions
of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit
preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the
company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or
disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
51
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also,
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (i) relates to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or
complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate
opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Recoverability of Regulatory Assets That Do Not Have an Order for Recovery
As described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company accounts for the effects of regulation through the
application of regulatory accounting to its regulated distribution and transmission subsidiaries as their rates are established by a
third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers, are cost-based and can be charged to and collected from
customers. This ratemaking process results in the recording of regulatory assets and liabilities based on anticipated future cash
inflows and outflows. Management assesses the probability of recovery of regulatory assets at each balance sheet date and
whenever new events occur. Factors that may affect probability relate to changes in the regulatory environment, issuance of a
regulatory commission order or passage of new legislation. Management applies judgment in evaluating the evidence available
to assess the probability of recovery of regulatory assets from customers and certain of these assets, totaling approximately
$117 million as of December 31, 2020, have been recorded based on precedent and rate making premises without a specific
order.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the recoverability of regulatory assets
that do not have an order for recovery is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management when assessing
the probability of recovery of these regulatory assets from customers, which in turn led to (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment,
subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to the recoverability of these regulatory
assets.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall
opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to
management’s regulatory accounting process, including controls over management’s assessment of the recoverability of
regulatory assets that do not have an order for recovery. These procedures also included, among others, evaluating the
reasonableness of management’s assessment of recoverability of regulatory assets. Testing the recoverability of regulatory
assets involved evaluating evidence related to precedent for similar items at the Company and information on comparable
companies within similar regulatory jurisdictions as well as assessing progress of communications between management and
regulators.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
February 18, 2021
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.
52
FIRSTENERGY CORP.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMEFor the Years Ended December 31,(In millions, except per share amounts)202020192018REVENUES:Distribution services and retail generation $ 8,688 $ 8,720 $ 8,937 Transmission 1,613 1,510 1,335 Other 489 805 989 Total revenues(1) 10,790 11,035 11,261 OPERATING EXPENSES:Fuel 369 497 538 Purchased power 2,701 2,927 3,109 Other operating expenses 3,291 2,952 3,133 Provision for depreciation 1,274 1,220 1,136 Deferral of regulatory assets, net (53) (79) (150) General taxes 1,046 1,008 993 Total operating expenses 8,628 8,525 8,759 OPERATING INCOME 2,162 2,510 2,502 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):Miscellaneous income, net 432 243 205 Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment (477) (674) (144) Interest expense (1,065) (1,033) (1,116) Capitalized financing costs 77 71 65 Total other expense (1,033) (1,393) (990) INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 1,129 1,117 1,512 INCOME TAXES 126 213 490 INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 1,003 904 1,022 Discontinued operations (Note 3)(2) 76 8 326 NET INCOME$ 1,079 $ 912 $ 1,348 INCOME ALLOCATED TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS (Note 1) — 4 367 NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS$ 1,079 $ 908 $ 981 EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:Basic - Continuing Operations$ 1.85 $ 1.69 $ 1.33 Basic - Discontinued Operations 0.14 0.01 0.66 Basic - Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders$ 1.99 $ 1.70 $ 1.99 Diluted - Continuing Operations$ 1.85 $ 1.67 $ 1.33 Diluted - Discontinued Operations 0.14 0.01 0.66 Diluted - Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders$ 1.99 $ 1.68 $ 1.99 WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:Basic 542 535 492 Diluted 543 542 494 (1) Includes excise and gross receipts tax collections of $362 million, $373 million and $386 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.(2) Net of income tax benefit of $59 million, $5 million, and $1.3 billion in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.53 FIRSTENERGY CORP.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEFor the Years Ended December 31,(In millions)202020192018NET INCOME$ 1,079 $ 912 $ 1,348 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):Pension and OPEB prior service costs (34) (31) (83) Amortized losses on derivative hedges 1 2 21 Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities — — (106) Other comprehensive loss (33) (29) (168) Income tax benefits on other comprehensive loss (8) (8) (67) Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (25) (21) (101) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME$ 1,054 $ 891 $ 1,247 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.54 FIRSTENERGY CORP.CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(In millions, except share amounts)December 31,2020December 31,2019ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents$ 1,734 $ 627 Restricted cash 67 52 Receivables- Customers 1,367 1,137 Less — Allowance for uncollectible customer receivables 164 46 1,203 1,091 Affiliated companies, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $0 in 2020 and $1,063 in 2019 — — Other, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $26 in 2020 and $21 in 2019 236 203 Materials and supplies, at average cost 317 281 Prepaid taxes and other 157 157 Current assets - discontinued operations — 33 3,714 2,444 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: In service 43,654 41,767 Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation 11,938 11,427 31,716 30,340 Construction work in progress 1,578 1,310 33,294 31,650 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET - HELD FOR SALE (NOTE 15) 45 — INVESTMENTS: Nuclear fuel disposal trust 283 270 Other 322 299 Investments - held for sale (Note 15) — 882 605 1,451 DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS: Goodwill 5,618 5,618 Regulatory assets 82 99 Other 1,106 1,039 6,806 6,756 $ 44,464 $ 42,301 LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION CURRENT LIABILITIES: Currently payable long-term debt$ 146 $ 380 Short-term borrowings 2,200 1,000 Accounts payable 827 918 Accounts payable - affiliated companies — 87 Accrued interest 282 249 Accrued taxes 640 545 Accrued compensation and benefits 349 258 Other 560 1,425 5,004 4,862 CAPITALIZATION: Stockholders’ equity- Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 700,000,000 shares - 543,117,533 and 540,652,222 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively 54 54 Other paid-in capital 10,076 10,868 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (5) 20 Accumulated deficit (2,888) (3,967) Total stockholders' equity 7,237 6,975 Long-term debt and other long-term obligations 22,131 19,618 29,368 26,593 NONCURRENT LIABILITIES: Accumulated deferred income taxes 3,095 2,849 Retirement benefits 3,345 3,065 Regulatory liabilities 1,826 2,360 Asset retirement obligations 159 165 Adverse power contract liability 30 49 Other 1,637 1,667 Noncurrent liabilities - held for sale (Note 15) — 691 10,092 10,846 COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 15)$ 44,464 $ 42,301 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.55 FIRSTENERGY CORP.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYSeries A Convertible Preferred StockCommon StockOPICAOCIAccumulated DeficitTotal Stockholders' Equity(In millions)SharesAmountSharesAmountBalance, January 1, 2018 — $ — $ 445 $ 44 $ 10,001 $ 142 $ (6,262) 3,925 Net income 1,348 1,348 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (101) (101) Stock-based compensation 60 60 Cash dividends declared on common stock (906) (906) Cash dividends declared on preferred stock (71) (71) Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans 4 1 61 62 Stock issuance (Note 11)(1)1.6162 30 3 2,297 2,462 Conversion of Series A Convertible Stock (0.9) (91) 33 3 88 — Impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements35 35 Balance, December 31, 2018 0.7 71 512 51 11,530 41 (4,879) 6,814 Net income 912 912 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (21) (21) Stock-based compensation 41 41 Cash dividends declared on common stock (824) (824) Cash dividends declared on preferred stock (3) (3) Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans 3 — 56 56 Conversion of Series A Convertible Stock (0.7) (71) 26 3 68 — Balance, December 31, 2019 — — 541 54 10,868 20 (3,967) 6,975 Net income 1,079 1,079 Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (25) (25) Stock-based compensation 26 26 Cash dividends declared on common stock (846) (846) Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans 2 28 28 Balance, December 31, 2020 — $ — 543 $ 54 $ 10,076 $ (5) $ (2,888) $ 7,237 (1) The Preferred Stock included an embedded conversion option at a price that is below the fair value of the Common Stock on the commitment date. This BCF, which was approximately $296 million, was recorded to OPIC as well as the amortization of the BCF (deemed dividend) through the period from the issue date to the first allowable conversion date (July 22, 2018) and as such there is no net impact to OPIC for the year ended December 31, 2018.Dividends declared for each share of common stock and as-converted share of preferred stock was $1.56 during 2020, $1.53 during 2019, and $1.82 during 2018.The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.56 FIRSTENERGY CORP.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWSFor the Years Ended December 31,(In millions)202020192018CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:Net income$ 1,079 $ 912 $ 1,348 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-Gain on disposal, net of tax (Note 3) (76) (59) (435) Depreciation and amortization 1,199 1,217 1,384 Pension trust contributions — (500) (1,250) Retirement benefits, net of payments (301) (108) (137) Pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment 477 676 144 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 113 252 485 Asset removal costs charged to income 36 28 42 Settlement agreement and tax sharing payments to the FES Debtors (978) — — Changes in current assets and liabilities-Receivables (129) 271 (248) Materials and supplies (32) (37) 24 Prepaid taxes and other 6 10 (61) Accounts payable (138) (49) 109 Accrued taxes 159 12 — Accrued interest 33 6 (25) Accrued compensation and benefits 97 (60) 37 Other current liabilities (16) (21) (121) Other (106) (83) 114 Net cash provided from operating activities 1,423 2,467 1,410 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:New financing-Long-term debt 3,425 2,300 1,474 Short-term borrowings, net 1,200 — 950 Preferred stock issuance — — 1,616 Common stock issuance — — 850 Redemptions and repayments-Long-term debt (1,114) (789) (2,608) Tender premiums paid on debt redemptions — — (89) Preferred stock dividend payments — (6) (61) Common stock dividend payments (845) (814) (711) Other (59) (35) (27) Net cash provided from financing activities 2,607 656 1,394 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:Property additions (2,657) (2,665) (2,675) Proceeds from asset sales 2 47 425 Sales of investment securities held in trusts 186 1,637 909 Purchases of investment securities held in trusts (208) (1,675) (963) Notes receivable from affiliated companies — — (500) Asset removal costs (224) (217) (218) Other (7) — 4 Net cash used for investing activities (2,908) (2,873) (3,018) Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 1,122 250 (214) Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 679 429 643 Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$ 1,801 $ 679 $ 429 SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:Non-cash transaction: beneficial conversion feature$ — $ — $ 296 Non-cash transaction: deemed dividend convertible preferred stock$ — $ — $ (296) Cash paid during the year-Interest (net of amounts capitalized) $ 970 $ 960 $ 1,071 Income taxes, net of refunds $ 6 $ 12 $ 49 The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.57 FIRSTENERGY CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note
Number
Page
Number
1
Organization and Basis of Presentation..........................................................................................
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
Revenue..........................................................................................................................................
Discontinued Operations.................................................................................................................
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income..................................................................................
Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits................................................................................
Stock-Based Compensation Plans.................................................................................................
Taxes..............................................................................................................................................
Leases............................................................................................................................................
Intangible Assets.............................................................................................................................
Fair Value Measurements...............................................................................................................
Capitalization..................................................................................................................................
Short-Term Borrowings and Bank Lines of Credit...........................................................................
Asset Retirement Obligations.........................................................................................................
Regulatory Matters..........................................................................................................................
59
68
71
73
74
80
82
86
89
90
93
96
97
97
Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies..............................................................................
106
Transactions with Affiliated Companies..........................................................................................
Segment Information.......................................................................................................................
111
111
58
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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 ten
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 24,500 miles of
lines and two regional transmission operation centers. AGC, JCP&L and MP control 3,790 MWs of total capacity, 210 MWs of
which is related to the Yards Creek generating plant that is being sold pursuant to an asset purchase agreement as further
discussed below.
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 NRC, the PUCO, the PPUC, the MDPSC, the NYPSC, the WVPSC, the VSCC and the
NJBPU. 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. As further discussed below, 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.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily relates to the consolidated VIE's discussed below. The cash collected from JCP&L, MP, PE and the
Ohio Companies' customers is used to service debt of their respective funding companies.
COVID-19
The outbreak of COVID-19 is a global pandemic. FirstEnergy is continuously evaluating the global 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, incremental uncollectible and other 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 monitoring its supply chain and is working closely with essential vendors to understand 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.
FirstEnergy continues to effectively manage operations during the pandemic in order to provide critical service to customers and
believes it is well positioned to manage through the economic slowdown. FirstEnergy Distribution and Transmission revenues
benefit from geographic and economic diversity across a five-state service territory, which also allows for flexibility with capital
59
investments and measures to maintain sufficient liquidity over the next twelve months. 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. RECEIVABLESActivity in the allowance for uncollectible accounts on receivables for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:(In millions)202020192018Customer Receivables Beginning of year balance $ 46 $ 50 $ 49 Charged to income (1) 174 81 77 Charged to other accounts (2) 46 47 60 Write-offs (102) (132) (136) End of year balance $ 164 $ 46 $ 50 Other ReceivablesBeginning of year balance$ 21 $ 2 $ 1 Charged to income 7 27 13 Charged to other accounts (2)10 1 — Write-offs (12) (9) (12) End of year balance$ 26 $ 21 $ 2 Affiliated Companies Receivables (3)Beginning of year balance$ 1,063 $ 920 $ — Charged to income — 143 920 Charged to other accounts (2) — — — Write-offs (1,063) — — End of year balance$ — $ 1,063 $ 920 (1) Customer receivable amounts charged to income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 include approximately $103 million, $25 million, and $24 million respectively, deferred for future recovery. (2) Represents recoveries and reinstatements of accounts previously written off for uncollectible accounts.(3) Amounts relate to the FES Debtors and are included in discontinued operations. Write-off of $1.1 billion in 2020 was recognized upon their emergence in February 2020. See Note 3, "Discontinued Operations" for additional information.Receivables from customers include retail electric sales and distribution deliveries to residential, commercial and industrial customers for the Utilities. There was no material concentration of receivables as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, with respect to any particular segment of FirstEnergy’s customers. Billed and unbilled customer receivables as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts, are included below. Customer ReceivablesDecember 31, 2020December 31, 2019 (In millions)Billed$ 636 $ 564 Unbilled 567 527 Total$ 1,203 $ 1,091 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. 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.60 FirstEnergy reviews its allowance for uncollectible customer receivables utilizing a quantitative and qualitative assessment, which
includes consideration of the outbreak of COVID-19 and the impact on customer receivable balances outstanding and the ability
of customers to continue payment since the pandemic began. Beginning March 13, 2020, FirstEnergy temporarily suspended
customer disconnections for nonpayment and ceased collection activities as a result of the ongoing pandemic and in accordance
with state regulatory requirements. The temporary suspension of disconnections for nonpayment and ceased collection activities
extended into the fourth quarter of 2020 and resumed for most customers before the end 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
are in effect until April 15, 2021. See Note 14, “Regulatory Matters,” for further discussion on applicable regulations that may alter
residential customer disconnection and collection activity, such as winter moratoriums.
The impact of COVID-19 on customers’ ability to pay for service, along with the actions FirstEnergy has taken in response to the
pandemic, is expected to result in an increase in customer receivable write-offs as compared to historically incurred losses. In
order to estimate the additional losses and impacts expected, FirstEnergy analyzed the likelihood of loss based on increases in
customer accounts in arrears since the pandemic began in mid-March 2020 as well as what collection methods are or were
suspended, and that have historically been utilized to ensure payment. Based on this assessment, and consideration of other
qualitative factors described above, FirstEnergy recognized incremental uncollectible expense of $121 million in the year 2020,
of which approximately $90 million is not currently being collected through rates and as a result was deferred for future recovery
under regulatory mechanisms described below.
The Ohio Companies and JCP&L had existing regulatory mechanisms in place prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, where
incremental uncollectible expenses are able to be recovered through riders with no material impact to earnings. Additionally, in
response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MDPSC, NJBPU and WVPSC issued orders allowing PE, JCP&L and MP, respectively,
to track and create a regulatory asset for future recovery of incremental costs, including uncollectible expenses, incurred as a
result of the pandemic. In Pennsylvania, the PPUC has authorized the Pennsylvania Companies to track all prudently incurred
incremental costs arising from COVID-19, and to create a regulatory asset for future recovery of incremental uncollectible
expenses incurred as a result of COVID-19 above what is included in the Pennsylvania Companies existing rates. On October
13, 2020, the PPUC entered an order that permits the Pennsylvania Companies to create a regulatory asset for incremental
expenses associated with lifting the service termination moratorium, as further discussed below.
Receivables from customers also include PJM receivables resulting from transmission and wholesale sales. FirstEnergy’s credit
risk on PJM receivables is reduced 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.
ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF REGULATION
FirstEnergy accounts for the effects of regulation through the application of regulatory accounting to the Utilities and the
Transmission Companies since their rates are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind
customers, are cost-based and can be charged to and collected from customers.
FirstEnergy records regulatory assets and liabilities that result from the regulated rate-making process that would not be
recorded under GAAP for non-regulated entities. These assets and liabilities are amortized in the Consolidated Statements of
Income concurrent with the recovery or refund through customer rates. FirstEnergy believes that it is probable that its regulatory
assets and liabilities will be recovered and settled, respectively, through future rates. 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 at each balance sheet date and whenever new events
occur. Factors that may affect probability relate to changes in the regulatory environment, issuance of a regulatory commission
order or passage of new legislation. Management applies judgment in evaluating the evidence available to assess the probability
of recovery of 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 FirstEnergy and regulators. Certain of these regulatory assets, totaling approximately $117 million and
$111 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, are recorded based on prior precedent or
anticipated recovery based on rate making premises without a specific order, of which, $79 million and $73 million as of
December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, are being sought for recovery in a formula rate amendment filing at
ATSI that is pending before FERC. See Note 14, "Regulatory Matters" for additional information.
61
The following table provides information about the composition of net regulatory assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and the changes during the year ended December 31, 2020:Net Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) by SourceDecember 31,2020December 31,2019Change (In millions)Customer payables for future income taxes$ (2,369) $ (2,605) $ 236 Nuclear decommissioning and spent fuel disposal costs (102) (197) 95 Asset removal costs (721) (756) 35 Deferred transmission costs 316 298 18 Deferred generation costs 104 214 (110) Deferred distribution costs 136 155 (19) Contract valuations 41 51 (10) Storm-related costs 748 551 197 Uncollectible and COVID-19 related costs 97 3 94 Other 6 25 (19) Net Regulatory Liabilities included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets$ (1,744) $ (2,261) $ 517 The following table provides information about the composition of net regulatory assets that do not earn a current return as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, of which approximately $195 million and $228 million, respectively, are currently being recovered through rates over varying periods, through 2068, depending on the nature of the deferral and the jurisdiction:Regulatory Assets by Source Not Earning a Current ReturnDecember 31,2020December 31,2019Change(in millions)Deferred transmission costs$ 29 $ 27 $ 2 Deferred generation costs 5 15 (10) Storm-related costs 654 471 183 COVID-19 related costs 66 — 66 Other 35 32 3 Regulatory Assets Not Earning a Current Return$ 789 $ 545 $ 244 EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCKBasic 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.During 2019 and 2018, EPS was computed using the two-class method required for participating securities. The convertible preferred stock issued in January 2018 were considered participating securities since the shares participated in dividends on common stock on an “as-converted” basis. All convertible preferred stock was converted to common stock during 2019. The two-class method uses an earnings allocation formula that treats participating securities as having rights to earnings that otherwise would have been available only to common stockholders. Under the two-class method, net income attributable to common stockholders is derived by subtracting the following from income from continuing operations:•preferred stock dividends, •deemed dividends for the amortization of the beneficial conversion feature recognized at issuance of the preferred stock (if any), and •an allocation of undistributed earnings between the common stock and the participating securities (convertible preferred stock) based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Net losses were not allocated to the convertible preferred stock as they did not have a contractual obligation to share in the losses of FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy allocated undistributed earnings based upon income from continuing operations. 62 Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from share-based awards and convertible shares of preferred stock. 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. The dilutive effect of the convertible preferred stock was computed using the if-converted method, which assumes conversion of the convertible preferred stock at the beginning of the period, giving income recognition for the add-back of the preferred stock dividends, amortization of beneficial conversion feature, and undistributed earnings allocated to preferred stockholders. Year Ended December 31,Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted EPS of Common Stock202020192018(In millions, except per share amounts)EPS of Common Stock Income from continuing operations$ 1,003 $ 904 $ 1,022 Less: Preferred dividends — (3) (71) Less: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature — — (296) Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred stockholders(1)N/A (1) — Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders 1,003 900 655 Discontinued operations, net of tax 76 8 326 Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred stockholders (1)N/A — — Income from discontinued operations available to common stockholders 76 8 326 Income attributable to common stockholders, basic$ 1,079 $ 908 $ 981 Income allocated to preferred stockholders, preferred dilutive (2)N/A 4 N/AIncome attributable to common stockholders, dilutive$ 1,079 $ 912 $ 981 Share Count information:Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding 542 535 492 Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and awards 1 3 2 Assumed conversion of preferred stock — 4 — Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding 543 542 494 Income attributable to common stockholders, per common share:Income from continuing operations, basic$ 1.85 $ 1.69 $ 1.33 Discontinued operations, basic 0.14 0.01 0.66 Income attributable to common stockholders, basic $ 1.99 $ 1.70 $ 1.99 Income from continuing operations, diluted$ 1.85 $ 1.67 $ 1.33 Discontinued operations, diluted 0.14 0.01 0.66 Income attributable to common stockholders, diluted$ 1.99 $ 1.68 $ 1.99 (1)Undistributed earnings were not allocated to participating securities for the year ended December 31, 2018, as income from continuing operations less dividends declared (common and preferred) and deemed dividends were a net loss. Undistributed earning allocated to participating securities for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020 were immaterial. (2)The shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the preferred shares (26 million shares) were not included for 2018 as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive to basic EPS from continuing operations. Amounts allocated to preferred stockholders of $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 are included within Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders for diluted earnings. For the year ended December 31, 2018, approximately 1 million shares from stock options and awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted shares outstanding, as their inclusion would be antidilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2019, no shares from stock options or awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted shares. For the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 80 thousand shares from stock options and awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted shares outstanding, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.63 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENTProperty, plant and equipment reflects original cost (net of any impairments recognized), including payroll and related costs such as taxes, employee benefits, administrative and general costs, and interest costs incurred to place the assets in service. The costs of normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are expensed as incurred. FirstEnergy recognizes liabilities for planned major maintenance projects as they are incurred. Property, plant and equipment balances by segment as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:December 31, 2020Property, Plant and EquipmentIn Service(1)Accum. Depr.Net PlantCWIPTotal(In millions)Regulated Distribution$ 29,775 $ (8,800) $ 20,975 $ 841 $ 21,816 Regulated Transmission 12,912 (2,609) 10,303 671 10,974 Corporate/Other 1,039 (556) 483 66 549 Total$ 43,726 $ (11,965) $ 31,761 $ 1,578 $ 33,339 December 31, 2019Property, Plant and EquipmentIn Service(1)Accum. Depr.Net PlantCWIPTotal(In millions)Regulated Distribution$ 28,735 $ (8,540) $ 20,195 $ 744 $ 20,939 Regulated Transmission 12,023 (2,383) 9,640 526 10,166 Corporate/Other 1,009 (504) 505 40 545 Total$ 41,767 $ (11,427) $ 30,340 $ 1,310 $ 31,650 (1) Includes finance leases of $153 million and $163 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.The major classes of Property, plant and equipment are largely consistent with the segment disclosures above. Regulated Distribution has approximately $2.1 billion of total regulated generation property, plant and equipment. Included within Regulated Distribution is $882 million of assets classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019 associated with the asset purchase and sale agreements with TMI-2 Solutions to transfer TMI-2 to TMI-2 Solutions, LLC. With the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the transaction was consummated on December 18, 2020. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2020 FirstEnergy recognized an after tax-gain of approximately $33 million, primarily associated with the write-off of a tax related regulatory liability. See Note 15, "Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies" for additional information. Also included within the segment is $45 million of assets classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2020 associated with the asset purchase agreement with Yards Creek Energy, LLC to transfer JCP&L's 50% interest in the Yards Creek pumped-storage hydro generation station (210 MWs). See Note 14, "Regulatory Matters" for additional information.FirstEnergy provides for depreciation on a straight-line basis at various rates over the estimated lives of property included in plant in service. The respective annual composite depreciation rates for FirstEnergy were 2.7%, 2.7% and 2.6% in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, capitalized financing costs on FirstEnergy's Consolidated Statements of Income include $49 million, $45 million and $46 million, respectively, of allowance for equity funds used during construction and $28 million, $26 million and $19 million, respectively, of capitalized interest. Jointly Owned PlantsFE, through its subsidiary, AGC, owns an undivided 16.25% interest (487 MWs) in the 3,003 MW Bath County pumped-storage, hydroelectric station in Virginia, operated by the 60% owner, VEPCO, a non-affiliated utility. Total property, plant and equipment includes $157 million representing AGC's share in this facility as of December 31, 2020. AGC is obligated to pay its share of the costs of this jointly owned facility in the same proportion as its ownership interests using its own financing. AGC's share of direct expenses of the joint plant is included in operating expenses on FirstEnergy's Consolidated Statements of Income. AGC provides the generation capacity from this facility to its owner, MP.Asset Retirement ObligationsFE recognizes an ARO for the future remediation of environmental liabilities associated with all of its long-lived assets. The ARO liability represents an estimate of the fair value of FirstEnergy's current obligation related to nuclear decommissioning and the retirement or remediation of environmental liabilities of other assets. A fair value measurement inherently involves uncertainty in the amount and timing of settlement of the liability. FirstEnergy uses an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning and environmental remediation AROs, considering the expected timing of settlement of the ARO based on the expected economic useful life of associated asset and/or regulatory requirements. The fair value of an ARO is 64 recognized in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the long-lived asset and are depreciated over the life of the related asset. In certain circumstances, FirstEnergy has recovery of asset retirement costs and, as such, certain accretion and depreciation is offset against regulatory assets.Conditional retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets are recognized at fair value in the period in which they are incurred if a reasonable estimate can be made, even though there may be uncertainty about timing or method of settlement. When settlement is conditional on a future event occurring, it is reflected in the measurement of the liability, not the timing of the liability recognition.AROs as of December 31, 2020, including the transfer of TMI-2, its NDT and related decommissioning liabilities to TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of EnergySolutions, LLC, in the fourth quarter of 2020, are described further in Note 13, "Asset Retirement Obligations." Asset ImpairmentsFirstEnergy evaluates long-lived assets classified as held and used for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the long-lived assets may not be recoverable. First, the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the assets is compared with the carrying value of the assets. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized equal to the amount the carrying value of the assets exceeds its estimated fair value.GOODWILL In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. FirstEnergy evaluates goodwill for impairment annually on July 31 and more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, FirstEnergy assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, likelihood of more than 50%) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill). If FirstEnergy concludes that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required. However, if FirstEnergy concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value or bypasses the qualitative assessment, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test is performed to identify a potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of impairment to be recognized, if any.As of July 31, 2020, FirstEnergy performed a qualitative assessment of the Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission reporting units' goodwill, assessing economic, industry and market considerations in addition to the reporting units' overall financial performance. Key factors used in the assessment included: growth rates, interest rates, expected capital expenditures, utility sector market performance, regulatory and legal developments, and other market considerations. It was determined that the fair values of these reporting units were, more likely than not, greater than their carrying values and a quantitative analysis was not necessary. FirstEnergy's reporting units are consistent with its reportable segments and consist of Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission. The following table presents goodwill by reporting unit as of December 31, 2020: (In millions)Regulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionConsolidatedGoodwill$ 5,004 $ 614 $ 5,618 INVENTORYMaterials and supplies inventory includes fuel inventory and the distribution, transmission and generation plant materials, net of reserve for excess and obsolete inventory. Materials are generally charged to inventory at weighted average cost when purchased and expensed or capitalized, as appropriate, when used or installed. Fuel inventory is accounted for at weighted average cost when purchased and recorded to fuel expense when consumed.DERIVATIVESFirstEnergy is exposed to financial risks resulting from fluctuating interest rates and commodity prices, including prices for electricity, coal and energy transmission. To manage the volatility related to these exposures, FirstEnergy’s Risk Policy Committee, comprised of senior management, provides general management oversight for risk management activities throughout FirstEnergy. The Risk Policy Committee is responsible for promoting the effective design and implementation of sound risk management programs and oversees compliance with corporate risk management policies and established risk management practice. FirstEnergy may use a variety of derivative instruments for risk management purposes including forward contracts, options, futures contracts and swaps.65 FirstEnergy accounts for derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value unless they meet the normal
purchases and normal sales criteria. Derivative instruments meeting the normal purchases and normal sales criteria are
accounted for under the accrual method of accounting with their effects included in earnings at the time of contract performance.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
FirstEnergy performs qualitative analyses based on control and economics to determine whether a variable interest classifies
FirstEnergy as the primary beneficiary (a controlling financial interest) of a VIE. An enterprise has a controlling financial interest if
it has both power and economic control, such that an entity has: (i) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most
significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could potentially
be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. FirstEnergy
consolidates a VIE when it is determined that it is the primary beneficiary.
In order to evaluate contracts for consolidation treatment and entities for which FirstEnergy has an interest, FirstEnergy
aggregates variable interests into categories based on similar risk characteristics and significance.
Consolidated VIEs
VIEs in which FirstEnergy is the primary beneficiary consist of the following (included in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial
statements):
•
•
Ohio Securitization - In June 2013, SPEs formed by the Ohio Companies issued approximately $445 million of pass-
through trust certificates supported by phase-in recovery bonds to securitize the recovery of certain all electric customer
heating discounts, fuel and purchased power regulatory assets.
JCP&L Securitization - JCP&L Transition Funding II sold transition bonds to securitize the recovery of deferred costs
associated with JCP&L’s supply of BGS.
• MP and PE Environmental Funding Companies - Bankruptcy remote, special purpose limited liability companies that are
indirect subsidiaries of MP and PE which issued environmental control bonds.
See Note 11, “Capitalization,” for additional information on securitized bonds.
Unconsolidated VIEs
FirstEnergy is not the primary beneficiary of the following VIEs:
•
•
•
Global Holding - FEV holds a 33-1/3% equity ownership in Global Holding, the holding company for a joint venture in
the Signal Peak mining and coal transportation operations with coal sales in U.S. and international markets. FEV is not
the primary beneficiary of the joint venture, as it does not have control over the significant activities affecting the joint
ventures economic performance. FEV's ownership interest is subject to the equity method of accounting. As of
December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the equity method investment was $30 million.
As discussed in Note 15, "Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies," FE is the guarantor under Global Holding's
$120 million syndicated senior secured term loan facility due November 12, 2024, under which Global Holding's
outstanding principal balance is $108 million as of December 31, 2020. Failure by Global Holding to meet the terms and
conditions under its term loan facility could require FE to be obligated under the provisions of its guarantee, resulting in
consolidation of Global Holding by FE.
PATH WV - PATH, a proposed transmission line from West Virginia through Virginia into Maryland which PJM cancelled
in 2012, is a series limited liability company that is comprised of multiple series, each of which has separate rights,
powers and duties regarding specified property and the series profits and losses associated with such property. A
subsidiary of FE owns 100% of the Allegheny Series (PATH-Allegheny) and 50% of the West Virginia Series (PATH-
WV), which is a joint venture with a subsidiary of AEP. FirstEnergy is not the primary beneficiary of PATH-WV, as it does
not have control over the significant activities affecting the economics of PATH-WV. FirstEnergy's ownership interest in
PATH-WV is subject to the equity method of accounting. As of December 31, 2020, the carrying value of the equity
method investment was $18 million.
Purchase Power Agreements - FirstEnergy evaluated its PPAs and determined that certain NUG entities at its
Regulated Distribution segment may be VIEs to the extent that they own a plant that sells substantially all of its output to
the applicable utilities and the contract price for power is correlated with the plant’s variable costs of production.
FirstEnergy maintains six long-term PPAs with NUG entities that were entered into pursuant to PURPA. FirstEnergy was
not involved in the creation of, and has no equity or debt invested in, any of these entities. FirstEnergy has determined
that for all but one of these NUG entities, it does not have a variable interest, or the entities do not meet the criteria to
be considered a VIE. FirstEnergy may hold a variable interest in the remaining one entity; however, it applied the scope
exception that exempts enterprises unable to obtain the necessary information to evaluate entities.
66
Because FirstEnergy has no equity or debt interests in the NUG entities, its maximum exposure to loss relates primarily
to the above-market costs incurred for power. FirstEnergy expects any above-market costs incurred at its Regulated
Distribution segment to be recovered from customers. Purchased power costs related to the contract that may contain a
variable interest were $113 million and $116 million, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted Pronouncements
ASU 2016-13, “Financial
Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments” (Issued June 2016 and subsequently updated): ASU 2016-13 removes all recognition thresholds and will require
companies to recognize an allowance for credit losses for the difference between the amortized cost basis of a financial
instrument and the amount of amortized cost that the company expects to collect over the instrument’s contractual life. Prior to
adoption, FirstEnergy analyzed its financial instruments within the scope of this guidance, primarily trade receivables and AFS
debt securities. The adoption of this standard upon January 1, 2020 did not have a material impact to FirstEnergy’s financial
statements and required additional disclosures in these Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Please see above for
additional information on FirstEnergy’s allowance for uncollectible customer receivables.
ASU 2018-15, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting
for
Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract" (Issued August 2018): ASU
2018-15 allows implementation costs incurred by customers in cloud computing arrangements to be deferred and recognized
over the term of the arrangement, if those costs would be capitalized by the customers in a software licensing arrangement.
FirstEnergy adopted this standard as of January 1, 2020, with no material impact to its financial statements.
ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial
Reporting” (Issued March 2020 and subsequently updated): ASU 2020-04 provides temporary optional expedients and
exceptions to the current guidance on contract modifications to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected
market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. FirstEnergy’s $3.5 billion Revolving
Credit Facility bears interest at fluctuating interest rates based on LIBOR and contains provisions (requiring an amendment) in
the event that LIBOR can no longer be used. As of December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy has not utilized any of the expedients
discussed within this ASU.
Recently Issued Pronouncements - The following new authoritative accounting guidance issued by the FASB has not yet been
adopted. Unless otherwise indicated, FirstEnergy is currently assessing the impact such guidance may have on its financial
statements and disclosures, as well as the potential to early adopt where applicable. FirstEnergy has assessed other FASB
issuances of new standards not described below based upon the current expectation that such new standards will not
significantly impact FirstEnergy's financial reporting.
ASU 2019-12, "Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes" (Issued in December 2019): ASU 2019-12 enhances and simplifies
various aspects of the income tax accounting guidance including the elimination of certain exceptions related to the approach for
intraperiod 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. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after
December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted. FirstEnergy continues to evaluate the new guidance, but currently does not
expect a material impact upon adopting this standard.
67
2. REVENUEFirstEnergy 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 year ended December 31, 2020: Revenues by Type of ServiceRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)Total (In millions)Distribution services(2)$ 5,259 $ — $ (88) $ 5,171 Retail generation 3,577 — (60) 3,517 Wholesale sales 251 — 9 260 Transmission(2) — 1,613 — 1,613 Other 140 — — 140 Total revenues from contracts with customers$ 9,227 $ 1,613 $ (139) $ 10,701 ARP (3) 43 — — 43 Other non-customer revenue 93 17 (64) 46 Total revenues$ 9,363 $ 1,630 $ (203) $ 10,790 (1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues. (2) Includes reductions to revenue related to amounts subject to refund resulting from the Tax Act ($2 million at Regulated Distribution and $7 million at Regulated Transmission). (3) ARP revenue for the year ended December 31, 2020, is primarily related to shared savings revenue in Ohio. The following represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the year ended December 31, 2019: Revenues by Type of ServiceRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)Total (In millions)Distribution services(2)$ 5,133 $ — $ (83) $ 5,050 Retail generation 3,727 — (57) 3,670 Wholesale sales(2) 411 — 12 423 Transmission(2) — 1,510 — 1,510 Other 150 — 2 152 Total revenues from contracts with customers$ 9,421 $ 1,510 $ (126) $ 10,805 ARP (3) 181 — — 181 Other non-customer revenue 96 16 (63) 49 Total revenues$ 9,698 $ 1,526 $ (189) $ 11,035 (1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues.(2) Includes reductions to revenue related to amounts subject to refund resulting from the Tax Act ($16 million at Regulated Distribution and $19 million at Regulated Transmission).(3) ARP revenue for the year ended December 31, 2019, includes DMR revenue, lost distribution and shared savings revenue in Ohio.68 The following represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the year ended December 31, 2018: Revenues by Type of ServiceRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)Total (In millions)Distribution services(2)$ 5,159 $ — $ (104) $ 5,055 Retail generation 3,936 — (54) 3,882 Wholesale sales(2) 502 — 22 524 Transmission(2) — 1,335 — 1,335 Other 144 — 4 148 Total revenues from contracts with customers$ 9,741 $ 1,335 $ (132) $ 10,944 ARP (3) 254 — — 254 Other non-customer revenue 108 18 (63) 63 Total revenues$ 10,103 $ 1,353 $ (195) $ 11,261 (1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues.(2) Includes reductions to revenue related to amounts subject to refund resulting from the Tax Act ($131 million at Regulated Distribution and $16 million at Regulated Transmission). (3) ARP revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018, includes DMR revenue, lost distribution and shared savings revenue in Ohio.Other non-customer revenue includes revenue from late payment charges of $31 million, $37 million and $39 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. During 2020, certain late payment charges began to be waived in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a result, FirstEnergy did not recognize these revenues. Late payment charges have resumed for most customers as of December 31, 2020. See Note 1, “Organization and Basis of Presentation,” for further discussion on the COVID-19 pandemic. Other non-customer revenue also includes revenue from derivatives of $14 million, $8 million and $18 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Regulated DistributionThe Regulated Distribution segment distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s ten utility operating companies and also controls 3,790 MWs of regulated electric generation capacity located primarily in West Virginia, Virginia and New Jersey, 210 MWs of which are related to the Yards Creek generating plant that is being sold pursuant to an asset purchase agreement as further discussed below. 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 14 "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.69 The following table represents a disaggregation of the Regulated Distribution segment revenue from contracts with distribution service and retail generation customers for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 by class:For the Years Ended December 31, Revenues by Customer Class 202020192018(In millions)Residential$ 5,539 $ 5,412 $ 5,598 Commercial 2,140 2,252 2,350 Industrial 1,076 1,106 1,056 Other 81 90 91 Total$ 8,836 $ 8,860 $ 9,095 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 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, revenue 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 currently has ARPs in Ohio, primarily under the DMR, lost distribution and shared savings revenue in 2019, and shared savings in 2020.Regulated TransmissionThe 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, as well as stated transmission rates at JCP&L, MP, PE and WP, although as further discussed in Note 14, “Regulatory Matters,” MP, PE and WP filed with FERC on October 29, 2020, to convert their existing stated transmission rates to forward-looking formula rates, effective January 1, 2021. JCP&L had stated rates in 2019, but moved to forward-looking formula rates, subject to a refund, effective January 1, 2020, as further discussed in Note 14, “Regulatory Matters.”Both the forward-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.70 The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with regulated transmission customers for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:For the Years Ended December 31,Transmission Owner202020192018(In millions)ATSI$ 804 $ 754 $ 664 TrAIL 247 242 237 MAIT 250 224 150 JCP&L 178 160 159 Other 134 130 125 Total Revenues$ 1,613 $ 1,510 $ 1,335 3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONSFES and FENOC Chapter 11 Bankruptcy FilingOn 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. In September 2018, the Bankruptcy Court approved a FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement by and among FirstEnergy, two groups of key FES creditors (collectively, the FES Key Creditor Groups), the FES Debtors and the UCC. The FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement resolved certain claims by FirstEnergy against the FES Debtors, all claims by the FES Debtors and the FES Key Creditor Groups against FirstEnergy, as well as releases from third parties who voted in favor of the FES Debtors' plan of reorganization, in return for among other things, a cash payment of $853 million upon emergence. The FES Bankruptcy settlement was conditioned on the FES Debtors confirming and effectuating a plan of reorganization acceptable to FirstEnergy. On February 18, 2020, the FES Debtors and FirstEnergy entered into an IT Access Agreement that provided IT support to enable the FES Debtors to emerge from bankruptcy prior to full IT separation by the FES Debtors. As part of the IT Access Agreement, the FES Debtors and FirstEnergy resolved, among other things, the on-going reconciliation of outstanding tax sharing payments for tax years 2018, 2019 and 2020 for a total of $125 million. On February 25, 2020, the Bankruptcy Court approved the IT Access Agreement. On February 27, 2020, the FES Debtors effectuated their plan, emerged from bankruptcy and FirstEnergy tendered the settlement payments totaling $853 million and the $125 million tax sharing payment to the FES Debtors, with no material impact to net income in 2020. 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.Services Agreement Pursuant to the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, FirstEnergy entered into an amended and restated shared services agreement with the FES Debtors to extend the availability of shared services until June 30, 2020, subject to reductions in services if requested by the FES Debtors, and extensions of time, subject to FirstEnergy’s approval. Under the amended shared services agreement, and consistent with the prior shared services agreements, costs are directly billed or assigned at no more than cost.As of June 30, 2020, FirstEnergy had substantially ceased providing post-emergence services to FES Debtors under the terms of the amended and restated shared services agreement. In connection with the FES Debtors emergence from bankruptcy, FirstEnergy entered into an amended separation agreement with the FES Debtors to implement the separation of FES Debtors and their businesses from FirstEnergy. 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 $316 million. Tax-effected, the worthless stock deduction is approximately $1.1 billion, net of valuation allowances recorded against the state tax benefit ($80 million) and the aforementioned unrecognized tax benefits ($72 million). Additionally, the Tax Act amended Section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code, limiting interest expense deductions for corporations but with exemption for certain regulated utilities. Based on interpretation of subsequently issued proposed regulations, FirstEnergy estimated the amount of deductible interest for its consolidated group in 2018 and 2019, with 71 nondeductible portions being carried forward with an indefinite life and for which deferred tax assets were recorded. However, full valuation allowances were recorded against the deferred tax assets related to the carryforward of nondeductible interest as future utilization of the carryforwards requires taxable income from sources other than regulated utility businesses. Final regulations under Section 163(j) were issued in July 2020 and January 2021 but do not materially change these results. All tax expense related to nondeductible interest in 2018 and 2019 was recorded in discontinued operations as it was entirely attributed to the inclusion of the FES Debtors in FirstEnergy's consolidated tax group. Pursuant to certain safe harbor rules in the final regulations under Section 163(j), and due to the FES Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy on February 27, 2020, FirstEnergy expects all interest expense for 2020 to be fully deductible. See Note 7, “Income Taxes” for further informationUpon emergence, FirstEnergy paid the FES Debtors $125 million to settle all reconciliations under the Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreement for 2018, 2019 and 2020 tax years, including all issues regarding nondeductible interest. In September 2020, FirstEnergy filed its 2019 federal income tax return with the IRS and recognized a $6 million charge to discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2020, resulting from final adjustments to 2019 intercompany tax sharing related to the FES Debtors. The final intercompany tax sharing adjustment for the 2020 federal income tax return to be filed during 2021 is an estimated $12 million tax benefit and was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2020 in discontinued operations. Competitive Generation Asset SalesAs contemplated under the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, AE Supply entered into an agreement on December 31, 2018, to transfer the 1,300 MW Pleasants Power Station and related assets to FG, while retaining certain specified liabilities. Under the terms of the agreement, FG acquired the economic interests in Pleasants as of January 1, 2019, and AE Supply operated Pleasants until ownership was transferred on January 30, 2020. AE Supply will continue to provide access to the McElroy's Run CCR impoundment facility, which was not transferred, and FE will provide guarantees for certain retained environmental liabilities of AE Supply, including the McElroy’s Run CCR impoundment facility. During the first quarter of 2020, FG paid AE Supply approximately $65 million of cash for related materials and supplies (at book value) and the settlement of FG’s economic interest in Pleasants.Summarized Results of Discontinued OperationsSummarized results of discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were as follows:For the Years Ended December 31,(In millions)202020192018(1)Revenues$ 7 $ 188 $ 989 Fuel (6) (140) (304) Purchased power — — (84) Other operating expenses (6) (63) (435) Provision for depreciation — — (96) General taxes — (14) (35) Pleasants economic interest(2) 5 27 — Other expense, net — (2) (83) Loss from discontinued operations, before tax — (4) (48) Income tax expense (benefit) — 47 61 Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax — (51) (109) Removal of investment in FES and FENOC — — 2,193 Assumption of benefit obligations retained at FE — — (820) Guarantees and credit support provided by FE — — (139) Reserve on receivables and allocated pension/OPEB mark-to-market — — (914) Settlement consideration and services credit (1) 7 (1,197) Accelerated net pension and OPEB prior service credits 18 — — Gain (loss) on Disposal of FES and FENOC, before tax 17 7 (877) Income tax benefit including worthless stock deduction (59) (52) (1,312) Gain on disposal of FES and FENOC, net of tax 76 59 435 Income from discontinued operations$ 76 $ 8 $ 326 (1) Discontinued operations include results of FES and FENOC through March 31, 2018, when deconsolidated from FirstEnergy's financial statements.(2) Reflects the estimated amounts owed from FG for its economic interests in Pleasants effective January 1, 2019. As discussed above, settlement of the economic interests occurred during the first quarter of 2020. 72 FirstEnergy's Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows combines cash flows from discontinued operations with cash flows from continuing operations within each cash flow category. The following table summarizes the major classes of cash flow items from discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: For the Years Ended December 31,(In millions)202020192018CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:Income from discontinued operations$ 76 $ 8 $ 326 Gain on disposal, net of tax (76) (59) (435) Depreciation and amortization, including nuclear fuel, regulatory assets, net, intangible assets and deferred debt-related costs — — 110 Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net — 47 61 Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative transactions — — (10) CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:Property additions — — (27) Sales of investment securities held in trusts — — 109 Purchases of investment securities held in trusts — — (122) 4. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEThe changes in AOCI for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, for FirstEnergy are shown in the following table: Gains & Losses on Cash Flow Hedges (1)Unrealized Gains on AFS SecuritiesDefined Benefit Pension & OPEB PlansTotal(In millions)AOCI Balance, January 1, 2018$ (22) $ 67 $ 97 $ 142 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — (97) (9) (106) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 8 (1) (74) (67) Deconsolidation of FES and FENOC 13 (8) — 5 Other comprehensive income (loss) 21 (106) (83) (168) Income tax (benefits) on other comprehensive income (loss) 10 (39) (38) (67) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 11 (67) (45) (101) AOCI Balance, December 31, 2018$ (11) $ — $ 52 $ 41 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications — — (2) (2) Amounts reclassified from AOCI 2 — (29) (27) Other comprehensive income (loss) 2 — (31) (29) Income tax (benefits) on other comprehensive income (loss) — — (8) (8) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 2 — (23) (21) AOCI Balance, December 31, 2019$ (9) $ — $ 29 $ 20 Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1 — (34) (33) Other comprehensive income (loss) 1 — (34) (33) Income tax (benefits) on other comprehensive income (loss) — — (8) (8) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 1 — (26) (25) AOCI Balance, December 31, 2020$ (8) $ — $ 3 $ (5) (1) Relates to previous cash flow hedges used to hedge fixed rate long-term debt securities prior to their issuance. 73 The following amounts were reclassified from AOCI for FirstEnergy in the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018: Year Ended December 31,Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statements of IncomeReclassifications from AOCI (1)202020192018 (2)(In millions)Gains & losses on cash flow hedgesCommodity contracts$ — $ — $ 1 Other operating expensesLong-term debt 1 2 7 Interest expense — — (2) Income taxes$ 1 $ 2 $ 6 Net of taxUnrealized gains on AFS securitiesRealized gains on sales of securities$ — $ — $ (1) Discontinued operationsDefined benefit pension and OPEB plansPrior-service costs$ (34) $ (29) $ (74) (3) 8 8 19 Income taxes$ (26) $ (21) $ (55) Net of tax(1) Amounts in parenthesis represent credits to the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) from AOCI.(2) Includes stranded tax amounts reclassified from AOCI in connection with the adoption of ASU 2018-02, "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income".(3) Prior-service costs are reported within Miscellaneous income, net within Other Income (Expense) on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Components are included in the computation of net periodic cost (credits), see Note 5, "Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits," for additional details.5. PENSION AND OTHER POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITSFirstEnergy provides noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees and non-qualified pension plans that cover certain employees. The plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. Under the cash-balance portion of the pension plan (for employees hired on or after January 1, 2014), FirstEnergy makes contributions to eligible employee retirement accounts based on a pay credit and an interest credit. In addition, FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and co-payments, are also available upon retirement to certain employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. FirstEnergy recognizes the expected cost of providing pension and OPEB to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits. FirstEnergy also has obligations to former or inactive employees after employment, but before retirement, for disability-related benefits. FirstEnergy recognizes a pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment for the change in the 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 a remeasurement. The remaining components of pension and OPEB expense, primarily service costs, interest on obligations, assumed return on assets and prior service costs, are recorded on a monthly basis.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. The first quarter 2020 pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment primarily reflects a 38 bps decrease in the discount rate used to measure benefit obligations from December 31, 2019, partially offset by a slightly higher than expected return on assets. In the fourth quarter 2020, FirstEnergy recognized a $54 million pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment, primarily reflecting a 29 bps decrease in the discount rate used to measure benefit obligations from February 27, 2020, partially offset by higher than expected return on assets. Of the $54 million, approximately $21 million was allocated to certain of the Transmission Companies that are expected to be recovered through formula transmission rates. The annual pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018 were $477 million (including the $423 million in the first quarter of 2020 described above), $676 million, and $145 million, respectively. Of these amounts, approximately $2 million and $1 million are included in discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively. Furthermore, of these annual pension and OPEB mark-to-market amounts, approximately $40 million, $47 million and $8 million were allocated to certain of the Transmission Companies and expected to be recovered through formula transmission rates, respectively. 74 FirstEnergy’s pension and OPEB funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. In
January 2018, FirstEnergy satisfied its minimum required funding obligations to its qualified pension plan of $500 million and
addressed anticipated required funding obligations through 2020 to its pension plan with an additional contribution of $750
million. On February 1, 2019, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary cash contribution to the qualified pension plan.
FirstEnergy expects no required contributions until 2022.
Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels and employment
periods), the level of contributions made to the plans and earnings on plan assets. Pension and OPEB costs may also be
affected by changes in key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care
trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations for pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31
measurement date for its pension and OPEB plans. The fair value of the plan assets represents the actual market value as of the
measurement date.
FirstEnergy’s assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the
types of investments held by the pension trusts. In 2020, FirstEnergy’s qualified pension and OPEB plan assets experienced
gains of $1,225 million or 14.7%, compared to gains of $1,492 million, or 20.2% in 2019, and losses of $371 million, or (4.0)% in
2018 and assumed a 7.50% rate of return on plan assets in 2020, 2019 and 2018, which generated $651 million, $569
million and $605 million of expected returns on plan assets, respectively. The expected return on pension and OPEB assets is
based on the trusts’ asset allocation targets and the historical performance of risk-based and fixed income securities. The gains
or losses generated as a result of the difference between expected and actual returns on plan assets will decrease or increase
future net periodic pension and OPEB cost as the difference is recognized annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or
whenever a plan is determined to qualify for remeasurement. The expected return on plan assets for 2021 is 7.50%.
During 2020, the Society of Actuaries published new mortality tables that include more current data than the RP-2014 tables as
well as new improvement scales. An analysis of FirstEnergy pension and OPEB plan mortality data indicated the use of the
Pri-2012 mortality table with projection scale MP-2020 was most appropriate. As such, the Pri-2012 mortality table with projection
scale MP-2020 was utilized to determine the 2020 benefit cost and obligation as of December 31, 2020 for the FirstEnergy
pension and OPEB plans. The impact of using the Pri-2012 mortality table with projection scale MP-2020 resulted in a decrease
to the projected benefit obligation of approximately $74 million and $2 million for the pension and OPEB plans, respectively, and
was included in the 2020 pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment.
Effective in 2019, FirstEnergy changed the approach utilized to estimate the service cost and interest cost components of net
periodic benefit cost for pension and OPEB plans. Historically, FirstEnergy estimated these components utilizing a single,
weighted average discount rate derived from the yield curve used to measure the benefit obligation. FirstEnergy has elected to
use a spot rate approach in the estimation of the components of benefit cost by applying specific spot rates along the full yield
curve to the relevant projected cash flows, as this provides a better estimate of service and interest costs by improving the
correlation between projected benefit cash flows to the corresponding spot yield curve rates. This election was considered a
change in estimate and, accordingly, accounted for prospectively, and did not have a material impact on FirstEnergy's financial
statements.
Service costs, net of capitalization, are reported within Other operating expenses on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of
Income. Non-service costs, other than the pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment, which is separately shown, are
reported within Miscellaneous income, net, within Other Income (Expense) on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
75
PensionOPEBObligations and Funded Status - Qualified and Non-Qualified Plans2020201920202019(In millions)Change in benefit obligation:Benefit obligation as of January 1$ 11,050 $ 9,462 $ 654 $ 608 Service cost 194 193 4 3 Interest cost 287 373 15 22 Plan participants’ contributions — — 4 4 Plan amendments 9 2 — — Special termination benefits — 14 — — Medicare retiree drug subsidy — — 1 1 Actuarial loss 1,011 1,535 41 64 Benefits paid (616) (529) (43) (48) Benefit obligation as of December 31$ 11,935 $ 11,050 $ 676 $ 654 Change in fair value of plan assets:Fair value of plan assets as of January 1$ 8,395 6,984 $ 458 408 Actual return on plan assets 1,165 1,419 60 73 Company contributions 24 521 23 21 Plan participants’ contributions — — 4 4 Benefits paid (616) (529) (43) (48) Fair value of plan assets as of December 31$ 8,968 $ 8,395 $ 502 $ 458 Funded Status:Qualified plan$ (2,500) (2,203) $ — — Non-qualified plans (467) (452) — — Funded Status (Net liability as of December 31)$ (2,967) $ (2,655) $ (174) $ (196) Accumulated benefit obligation$ 11,376 $ 10,439 $ — $ — Amounts Recognized in AOCI:Prior service cost (credit)$ 12 $ 24 $ (39) $ (85) Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations (as of December 31)Discount rate 2.67 % 3.34 % 2.45 % 3.18 %Rate of compensation increase 4.10 % 4.10 %N/AN/ACash balance weighted average interest crediting rate 2.57 % 2.57 %N/AN/AAssumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates(as of December 31)Health care cost trend rate assumed (pre/post-Medicare)N/AN/A6.0%-5.5%6.0%-5.5%Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)N/AN/A 4.5 % 4.5 %Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rateN/AN/A20282028Allocation of Plan Assets (as of December 31)Equity securities 23 % 29 % 55 % 54 %Fixed Income 35 % 36 % 28 % 30 %Hedge funds 7 % 9 % — % — %Insurance-linked securities 4 % 2 % — % — %Real estate funds 9 % 7 % — % — %Private equity funds 5 % 4 % — % — %Cash and short-term securities 17 % 13 % 17 % 16 %Total 100 % 100 % 100 % 100 %76 Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs for the Years Ended December 31,PensionOPEB202020192018202020192018 (In millions)Service cost $ 194 $ 193 $ 224 $ 4 $ 3 $ 5 Interest cost 287 373 372 15 22 25 Expected return on plan assets (618) (540) (574) (33) (29) (31) Amortization of prior service costs (credits) (1) 12 7 7 (46) (36) (81) Special termination costs (2) — 14 31 — — 8 One-time termination benefits (3) 8 — — — — — Pension & OPEB mark-to-market 463 656 227 14 20 (82) Net periodic benefit costs (credits)$ 346 $ 703 $ 287 $ (46) $ (20) $ (156) (1) 2020 includes the acceleration of approximately $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) Subject to a cap, FirstEnergy agreed to fund a pension enhancement through its pension plan, for voluntary enhanced retirement packages offered to certain FES employees, as well as offer certain other employee benefits. The costs are a component of discontinued operations in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income.(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.Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the Years Ended December (1)PensionOPEB202020192018202020192018Service cost weighted-average discount rate (2)3.60%/3.24% 4.66 % 3.75 %3.63%/3.29% 4.67 % 3.50 %Interest cost weighted-average discount rate (3)3.27%/2.90% 4.37 % 3.75 %2.71%/2.30% 3.89 % 3.50 %Expected long-term return on plan assets 7.50 % 7.50 % 7.50 % 7.50 % 7.50 % 7.50 %Rate of compensation increase 4.10 % 4.10 % 4.20 %N/AN/AN/A(1)Excludes impact of pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment.(2) Weighted-average discount rates effect from January 1, 2020, through February 26, 2020, were 3.60% and 3.63% for pension and OPEB service cost, respectively. Discount rates were 3.24% and 3.29% for pension and OPEB service cost, respectively, for the period February 27, 2020 through December 31, 2020. (3) Weighted-average discount rates in effect from January 1, 2020, through February 26, 2020, were 3.27% and 2.71% for pension and OPEB interest cost, respectively. Discount rates were 2.90% and 2.30% for pension and OPEB interest cost, respectively, for the period February 27, 2020, through December 31, 2020. In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and OPEB obligations. The assumed rates of return on plan assets consider historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by FirstEnergy’s pension trusts. The long-term rate of return is developed considering the portfolio’s asset allocation strategy.77 The following tables set forth pension financial assets that are accounted for at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy. See Note 10, "Fair Value Measurements," for a description of each level of the fair value hierarchy. There were no significant transfers between levels during 2020 and 2019.December 31, 2020Asset AllocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total(In millions)Cash and short-term securities$ — $ 1,493 $ — $ 1,493 17 %Equities 1,903 162 — 2,065 23 %Fixed income:Corporate bonds — 2,672 — 2,672 31 %Other(3) — 387 — 387 4 %Alternatives:Derivatives (13) — — (13) — %Total (1)$ 1,890 $ 4,714 $ — $ 6,604 75 %Private equity funds (2) 465 5 %Insurance-linked securities (2) 323 4 %Hedge funds (2) 645 7 %Real estate funds (2) 815 9 %Total Investments$ 8,852 100 %(1)Excludes $116 million as of December 31, 2020, of receivables, payables, taxes and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.(2)Net Asset Value used as a practical expedient to approximate fair value.(3)Includes insurance annuities, bank loans and emerging markets debt.December 31, 2019Asset AllocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total(In millions)Cash and short-term securities$ — $ 1,069 $ — $ 1,069 13 %Equities 1,532 828 — 2,360 29 %Fixed income:Corporate bonds — 2,064 — 2,064 25 %Other(3) — 880 — 880 11 %Alternatives:Derivatives (40) — — (40) — %Total (1)$ 1,492 $ 4,841 $ — $ 6,333 78 %Private equity funds (2) 342 4 %Insurance-linked securities (2) 186 2 %Hedge funds (3) 774 9 %Real estate funds (2) 584 7 %Total Investments$ 8,219 100 %(1)Excludes $176 million as of December 31, 2019, of receivables, payables, taxes and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.(2)Net Asset Value used as a practical expedient to approximate fair value.(3)Includes insurance annuities, bank loans and emerging markets debt.78 As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, the OPEB trust investments measured at fair value were as follows:December 31, 2020Asset AllocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total(In millions)Cash and short-term securities$ — $ 84 $ — $ 84 17 %Equity investment:Domestic 283 — — 283 55 %Fixed income:Government bonds — 104 — 104 20 %Corporate bonds — 34 — 34 7 %Mortgage-backed securities (non-government) 7 — 7 1 %Total (1)$ 283 $ 229 $ — $ 512 100 %(1) Excludes $(10) million as of December 31, 2020, of receivables, payables, taxes and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.December 31, 2019Asset AllocationLevel 1Level 2Level 3Total(In millions)Cash and short-term securities$ — $ 72 $ — $ 72 16 %Equity investment:Domestic 246 — — 246 54 %Fixed income:Government bonds — 100 — 100 22 %Corporate bonds — 34 — 34 7 %Mortgage-backed securities (non-government) — 5 — 5 1 %Total (1)$ 246 $ 211 $ — $ 457 100 %(1) Excludes $1 million as of December 31, 2019, of receivables, payables, taxes and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.FirstEnergy follows a total return investment approach using a mix of equities, fixed income and other available investments while taking into account the pension plan liabilities to optimize the long-term return on plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalization funds. Other assets such as real estate and private equity are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives are not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on a continuing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements and periodic asset/liability studies.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 the first half of 2020, approximately $1.4 billion of return-seeking assets were sold (including approximately $800 million of equity securities) during the third quarter of 2020. These assets are expected be reinvested in return seeking investments (including equity securities) during 2021, which will more consistently align the pension and OPEB trust portfolios to the company’s target asset allocations.79 FirstEnergy’s target asset allocations for its pension and OPEB trust portfolios for 2020 and 2019 are shown in the following table:Target Asset Allocations20202019Equities 38 % 38 %Fixed income 30 % 30 %Hedge funds 8 % 8 %Real estate 10 % 10 %Alternative investments 8 % 8 %Cash 6 % 6 % 100 % 100 %Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets and other payments, net of participant contributions:OPEBPensionBenefit PaymentsSubsidy Receipts(In millions)2021$ 579 $ 49 $ (1) 2022 583 47 (1) 2023 598 46 (1) 2024 601 45 (1) 2025 610 44 (1) Years 2026-2030 3,129 197 (2) 6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANSFirstEnergy grants stock-based awards through the ICP 2020, primarily in the form of restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units. There are also awards currently outstanding issued through the ICP 2015 primarily in the form of restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units. The ICP 2020 and ICP 2015 include shareholder authorization to each issue 10 million shares of common stock or their equivalent. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 13.7 million shares were available for future grants under the ICP 2020 assuming maximum performance metrics are achieved for the outstanding cycles of restricted stock units. No shares are available for future grants under ICP 2015. Shares not issued due to forfeitures or cancellations originally granted through the ICP 2015 may be added back to the ICP 2020. Shares granted under the ICP 2020 and ICP 2015 are issued from authorized but unissued common stock. Vesting periods for stock-based awards range from two to ten years, with the majority of awards having a vesting period of three years. FirstEnergy also issues stock through its 401(k) Savings Plan, EDCP, and DCPD. Currently, FirstEnergy records the compensation costs for stock-based compensation awards that will be paid in stock over the vesting period based on the fair value on the grant date. FirstEnergy accounts for forfeitures as they occur. FirstEnergy adjusts the compensation costs for stock-based compensation awards that will be paid in cash based on changes in the fair value of the award as of each reporting date. FirstEnergy records the actual tax benefit realized from tax deductions when awards are exercised or settled. Actual income tax benefits realized during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were $20 million, $24 million and $15 million, respectively. The income tax effects of awards are recognized in the income statement when the awards vest, are settled or are forfeited.80 Stock-based compensation costs and the amount of stock-based compensation costs capitalized related to FirstEnergy plans for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, are included in the following tables:For the Years Ended December 31,Stock-based Compensation Plan202020192018(In millions)Restricted Stock Units $ 22 $ 73 $ 102 Restricted Stock 1 1 1 401(k) Savings Plan 33 33 33 EDCP & DCPD (5) 9 7 Total $ 51 $ 116 $ 143 Stock-based compensation costs capitalized $ 26 $ 54 $ 60 There was no stock option expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Income tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation plan expense were $3 million, $10 million and $18 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.Restricted Stock UnitsBeginning with the performance-based restricted stock units granted in 2015, two-thirds of each award will be paid in stock and one-third will be paid in cash. Restricted stock units payable in stock provide the participant the right to receive, at the end of the period of restriction, a number of shares of common stock equal to the number of stock units set forth in the agreement, subject to adjustment based on FirstEnergy's performance relative to financial and operational performance targets applicable to each award. The grant date fair value of the stock portion of the restricted stock unit award is measured based on the average of the high and low prices of FE common stock on the date of grant. Beginning with awards granted in 2018, restricted stock units include a performance metric consisting of a relative total shareholder return modifier utilizing the S&P 500 Utility Index as a comparator group. The estimated grant date fair value for these awards is calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation method. Restricted stock units payable in cash provide the participant the right to receive cash based on the number of stock units set forth in the agreement and value of the equivalent number of shares of FE common stock as of the vesting date. The cash portion of the restricted stock unit award is considered a liability award, which is remeasured each period based on FE's stock price and projected performance adjustments. The liability recorded for the portion of performance-based restricted stock units payable in cash in the future as of December 31, 2020, was $16 million. During 2020, approximately $27 million was paid in relation to the cash portion of restricted stock unit obligations that vested in 2020. The vesting period for the performance-based restricted stock unit awards granted in 2018, 2019 and 2020, were each 3 years. Dividend equivalents are received on the restricted stock units and are reinvested in additional restricted stock units and subject to the same performance conditions as the underlying award.Restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2020, was as follows: Restricted Stock Unit ActivityShares(in millions)Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value (per share)Nonvested as of January 1, 2020 2.6 $ 36.20 Granted in 2020 1.6 44.42 Forfeited in 2020 (0.6) 39.15 Vested in 2020(1) (1.8) 44.40 Nonvested as of December 31, 2020 1.8 $ 40.25 (1) Excludes dividend equivalents of approximately 220 thousand shares earned during vesting period. The weighted-average fair value of awards granted in 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $44.42, $41.23 and $36.78 per share, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, the fair value of restricted stock units vested was $80 million, $91 million, and $62 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, there was approximately $23 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted for restricted stock units, which is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately three years. Restricted Stock Certain employees receive awards of FE restricted stock (as opposed to "units" with the right to receive shares at the end of the restriction period) subject to restrictions that lapse over a defined period of time or upon achieving performance results. The fair 81 value of restricted stock is measured based on the average of the high and low prices of FE common stock on the date of grant. Dividends are received on the restricted stock and are reinvested in additional shares of restricted stock, subject to the vesting conditions of the underlying award. Restricted stock activity for the year ended December 31, 2020, was not material.Stock OptionsStock options have been granted to certain employees allowing them to purchase a specified number of common shares at a fixed exercise price over a defined period of time. Stock options generally expire ten years from the date of grant. There were no stock options granted in 2020. Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows:Stock Option ActivityNumber of Shares (in millions)Weighted Average Exercise Price (per share)Balance, January 1, 2020 (all options exercisable) 0.1 $ 37.75 Options exercised — — Options forfeited (0.1) 37.75 Balance, December 31, 2020 (all options exercisable) — $ — Approximately $23 million and $12 million of cash was received from the exercise of stock options in 2019 and 2018, respectively. 401(k) Savings PlanIn 2020 and 2019, approximately 1 million shares of FE common stock, respectively, were issued and contributed to participants' accounts. EDCPUnder the EDCP, certain employees can defer a portion of their compensation, including base salary, annual incentive awards and/or long-term incentive awards, into unfunded accounts. Annual incentive and long-term incentive awards may be deferred in FE stock accounts. Base salary and annual incentive awards may be deferred into a retirement cash account which earns interest. Dividends are calculated quarterly on stock units outstanding and are credited in the form of additional stock units. The form of payout as stock or cash vary depending upon the form of the award, the duration of the deferral and other factors. Certain types of deferrals such as dividend equivalent units, annual incentive awards, and performance share awards are required to be paid in cash. Until 2015, payouts of the stock accounts typically occurred three years from the date of deferral, although participants could have elected to defer their shares into a retirement stock account that would pay out in cash upon retirement. In 2015, FirstEnergy amended the EDCP to eliminate the right to receive deferred shares after three years, effective for deferrals made on or after November 1, 2015. Awards deferred into a retirement stock account will pay out in cash upon separation from service, death or disability. Interest accrues on the cash allocated to the retirement cash account and the balance will pay out in cash over a time period as elected by the participant.DCPDUnder the DCPD, members of FE's Board of Directors can elect to defer all or a portion of their equity retainers to a deferred stock account and their cash retainers to deferred stock or deferred cash accounts. The net liability recognized for DCPD of approximately $7 million and $9 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, is included in the caption “Retirement benefits,” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.7. TAXESFirstEnergy records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to temporary tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carryforward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled.FE and its subsidiaries are party to an intercompany income tax allocation agreement that provides for the allocation of consolidated tax liabilities. Net tax benefits attributable to FE, excluding any tax benefits derived from interest expense associated with acquisition indebtedness from the merger with GPU, are reallocated to the subsidiaries of FE that have taxable income. That allocation is accounted for as a capital contribution to the company receiving the tax benefit. Effective as of their emergence from bankruptcy, February 27, 2020, the FES Debtors no longer are part of FirstEnergy's consolidated federal income tax group or the intercompany income tax allocation agreement. Upon emergence, FirstEnergy paid the FES Debtors 82 $125 million to settle all reconciliations under the Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreement for 2018, 2019 and 2020 tax years, including all issues regarding nondeductible interest.On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act, an economic stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic containing several corporate income tax provisions, including making remaining AMT credits immediately refundable; providing a 5-year carryback of NOLs generated in tax years 2018, 2019, and 2020, and removing the 80% taxable income limitation on utilization of those NOLs if carried back to prior tax years or utilized in tax years beginning before 2021; and temporarily liberalizing the interest deductibility rules under Section 163(j) of the Tax Act, by raising the adjusted taxable income limitation from 30% to 50% for tax years 2019 and 2020 and giving taxpayers the election of using 2019 adjusted taxable income for purposes of computing 2020 interest deductibility. FirstEnergy has applied for refund of its remaining approximately $18 million refundable AMT credits. FirstEnergy does not expect to generate additional income tax refunds from the carryback of NOLs and expects interest to be fully deductible in the 2020 consolidated federal income tax return and going forward. FirstEnergy does not currently expect the other provisions of the CARES Act to have a material effect on current income tax expense or the realizability of deferred income tax assets.On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, an additional stimulus package providing financial relief for individuals and small businesses. The Appropriations Act contains a variety of tax provisions, including full expensing of business meals in 2021 and 2022, extensions of various energy tax incentives (including the ITC), and expansion of the employee retention tax credit. FirstEnergy does not currently expect the Appropriations Act to have a material tax impact. On July 28, 2020, the IRS issued final regulations implementing interest expense deduction limitation rules under section 163(j) of the Internal Revenue Code. The final regulations changed certain rules on the computation of interest expense and limitation amount, as well as rules relevant to status as a regulated utility business and the allocation of consolidated group interest expense between utility and non-utility businesses. After reviewing the final regulations, FirstEnergy recorded a true-up to prior years’ reserve estimates during the third quarter of 2020, which did not have a material impact to FirstEnergy’s income statement. On January 6, 2021, the IRS released an additional set of final regulations under Section 163(j) primarily addressing partnership, real estate, and certain controlled foreign corporation issues, which do not materially impact FirstEnergy. For the Years Ended December 31, INCOME TAXES(1)202020192018(In millions)Currently payable (receivable)-Federal (2)$ (14) $ (16) $ (16) State(3) 21 24 17 7 8 1 Deferred, net- Federal(4) 171 150 252 State(5) (38) 60 243 133 210 495 Investment tax credit amortization (14) (5) (6) Total income taxes$ 126 $ 213 $ 490 (1)Income Taxes on Income from Continuing Operations.(2)Excludes $6 million of federal tax expense associated with discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2020.(3)Excludes $1 million of state tax expense associated with discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2018.(4)Excludes $66 million, $9 million and $1.3 billion of federal tax benefit associated with discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.(5)Excludes $1 million, $4 million and $12 million of state tax expense associated with discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.83 FirstEnergy tax rates are affected by permanent items, such as AFUDC equity and other flow-through items, as well as discrete items that may occur in any given period but are not consistent from period to period. The following tables provide a reconciliation of federal income tax expense (benefit) at the federal statutory rate to the total income taxes (benefits) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:For the Years Ended December 31, 202020192018(In millions)Income from Continuing Operations, before income taxes$ 1,129 $ 1,117 $ 1,512 Federal income tax expense at statutory rate (21%)$ 237 $ 235 $ 318 Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from-State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 75 96 90 AFUDC equity and other flow-through (38) (36) (31) Amortization of investment tax credits (14) (5) (5) Remeasurement of deferred taxes — — 24 WV unitary group remeasurement — — 126 Excess deferred tax amortization due to the Tax Act (56) (74) (60) TMI-2 reversal of tax regulatory liabilities (40) — — Uncertain tax positions (1) (11) 2 Valuation allowances (49) 5 21 Other, net 12 3 5 Total income taxes$ 126 $ 213 $ 490 Effective income tax rate 11.2 % 19.1 % 32.4 %FirstEnergy's effective tax rate on continuing operations for 2020 and 2019 was 11.2% and 19.1%, respectively. The change in effective tax rate was primarily due to a $52 million reduction in valuation allowances 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 in the first quarter of 2020, a $10 million benefit from accelerated amortization of certain investment tax credits in the second quarter of 2020, and a $40 million benefit related to reversals of certain tax regulatory liabilities resulting from the transfer of TMI-2. See Note 3, “Discontinued Operations,” for other tax matters relating to the FES Bankruptcy that were recognized in discontinued operations.Accumulated deferred income taxes as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, are as follows:As of December 31,20202019(In millions)Property basis differences$ 5,396 $ 5,037 Pension and OPEB (769) (698) TMI-2 nuclear decommissioning — 89 AROs (28) (226) Regulatory asset/liability 440 445 Deferred compensation (165) (154) Estimated worthless stock deduction — (1,007) Loss carryforwards and AMT credits (1,995) (836) Valuation reserve 496 441 All other (280) (242) Net deferred income tax liability$ 3,095 $ 2,849 FirstEnergy has recorded as deferred income tax assets the effect of Federal NOLs and tax credits that will more likely than not be realized through future operations and through the reversal of existing temporary differences. As of December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy's loss carryforwards primarily consisted of $6.8 billion ($1.4 billion, net of tax) of Federal NOL carryforwards that will begin to expire in 2031. 84 The table below summarizes pre-tax NOL carryforwards and their respective anticipated expirations for state and local income tax purposes of approximately $12.4 billion ($540 million, net of tax) for FirstEnergy, of which approximately $3.8 billion ($155 million, net of tax) is expected to be utilized based on current estimates and assumptions. The ultimate utilization of these NOLs may be impacted by statutory limitations on the use of NOLs imposed by state and local tax jurisdictions, changes in statutory tax rates, and changes in business which, among other things, impact both future profitability and the manner in which future taxable income is apportioned to various state and local tax jurisdictions.Expiration PeriodStateLocal(In millions)2021-2025$ 2,253 $ 4,353 2026-2030 1,447 — 2031-2035 1,152 — 2036-2040 1,087 — Indefinite 2,091 — $ 8,030 $ 4,353 The following table summarizes the changes in valuation allowances on federal, state and local DTAs related to disallowed interest and certain employee remuneration, in addition to state and local NOLs discussed above for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:(In millions)202020192018Beginning of year balance$ 441 $ 394 $ 312 Charged to income 55 47 82 Charged to other accounts — — — Write-offs — — — End of year balance$ 496 $ 441 $ 394 FirstEnergy accounts for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in its financial statements. A recognition threshold and measurement attribute are utilized for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on the tax return. As of December 31, 2020, and 2019, FirstEnergy's total unrecognized income tax benefits were approximately $139 million and $164 million, respectively. The change in unrecognized income tax benefits from the prior year is primarily attributable to a decrease of approximately $21 million for reserves on the estimated worthless stock deduction (see Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," for further discussion), as well as decreases of $2 million for an effective settlement with certain state taxing authorities and $2 million due to the lapse in statute in certain state taxing jurisdictions. If ultimately recognized in future years, approximately $121 million of unrecognized income tax benefits would impact the effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2020, it is reasonably possible that approximately $57 million of unrecognized tax benefits may be resolved during 2021 as a result of settlements with taxing authorities or the statute of limitations expiring, of which $55 million would affect FirstEnergy's effective tax rate.85 The following table summarizes the changes in unrecognized tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018:(In millions)Balance, January 1, 2018$ 80 Current year increases 125 Prior year decreases (45) Decrease for lapse in statute (2) Balance, December 31, 2018$ 158 Current year increases 22 Prior year decreases (12) Decrease for lapse in statute (4) Balance, December 31, 2019$ 164 Current year increases 7 Prior years decreases (28) Decrease for lapse in statute (2) Effectively settled with taxing authorities (2) Balance, December 31, 2020$ 139 FirstEnergy recognizes interest expense or income and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income taxes by applying the applicable statutory interest rate to the difference between the tax position recognized and the amount previously taken, or expected to be taken, on the tax return. FirstEnergy's recognition of net interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits in 2020, 2019 and 2018, was not material. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, the cumulative net interest payable recorded by FirstEnergy was not material.FirstEnergy has tax returns that are under review at the audit or appeals level by the IRS and state taxing authorities. Tax years 2018 and 2019 are currently under review by the IRS. FirstEnergy's tax returns for some state jurisdictions are open from 2009-2019.General TaxesGeneral tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, recognized in continuing operations is summarized as follows:For the Years Ended December 31,202020192018(In millions)KWH excise$ 183 $ 191 $ 198 State gross receipts 182 185 192 Real and personal property 541 504 478 Social security and unemployment 112 100 103 Other 28 28 22 Total general taxes$ 1,046 $ 1,008 $ 993 8. LEASESFirstEnergy primarily leases vehicles as well as building space, office equipment, and other property and equipment under cancellable and non-cancelable leases. FirstEnergy does not have any material leases in which it is the lessor.FirstEnergy adopted ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” on January 1, 2019, and elected a number of transitional practical expedients provided within the standard. These included a “package of three” expedients that must be taken together and allowed entities to: (1) not reassess whether existing contracts contain leases, (2) carryforward the existing lease classification, and (3) not reassess initial direct costs associated with existing leases. In addition, FirstEnergy elected the option to apply the requirements of the standard in the period of adoption (January 1, 2019) with no restatement of prior periods. Adoption of the standard on January 1, 2019, did not result in a material cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption. FirstEnergy did not evaluate land easements under the new guidance as they were not previously accounted for as leases. FirstEnergy also elected not to separate lease components from non-lease components as non-lease components were not material.86 Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term and not recorded on the balance sheet. Most leases include one or more options to renew, with renewal terms that can extend the lease term from 1 to 40 years, and certain leases include options to terminate. The exercise of lease renewal options is at FirstEnergy’s sole discretion. Renewal options are included within the lease liability if they are reasonably certain based on various factors relative to the contract. Certain leases also include options to purchase the leased property. The depreciable life of leased assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise. FirstEnergy’s lease agreements do not contain any material restrictive covenants. For vehicles leased under master lease agreements, the lessor is guaranteed a residual value up to a stated percentage of the equipment cost at the end of the lease term. As of December 31, 2020, the maximum potential loss for these lease agreements at the end of the lease term is approximately $16 million. Finance leases for assets used in regulated operations are recognized in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income such that amortization of the right-of-use asset and interest on lease liabilities equals the expense allowed for ratemaking purposes. Finance leases for regulated and non-regulated operations are accounted for as if the assets were owned and financed, with associated expense recognized in Interest expense and Provision for depreciation on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income, while all operating lease expenses are recognized in Other operating expense. The components of lease expense were as follows:For the Year Ended December 31, 2020(In millions)VehiclesBuildingsOtherTotalOperating lease costs (1)$ 35 $ 8 $ 17 $ 60 Finance lease costs:Amortization of right-of-use assets 14 — 1 15 Interest on lease liabilities 2 3 — 5 Total finance lease cost 16 3 1 20 Total lease cost $ 51 $ 11 $ 18 $ 80 (1) Includes $17 million of short-term lease costs.For the Year Ended December 31, 2019(In millions)VehiclesBuildingsOtherTotalOperating lease costs (1)$ 28 $ 9 $ 12 $ 49 Finance lease costs:Amortization of right-of-use assets 15 1 1 17 Interest on lease liabilities 3 3 — 6 Total finance lease cost 18 4 1 23 Total lease cost $ 46 $ 13 $ 13 $ 72 (1) Includes $13 million of short-term lease costs.87 Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:For the Years Ended,(In millions)December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: Operating cash flows from operating leases$ 44 $ 29 Operating cash flows from finance leases 4 5Finance cash flows from finance leases 15 25Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:Operating leases $ 67 $ 83 Finance leases — 3Lease terms and discount rates were as follows:As of December 31, 2020As of December 31, 2019Weighted-average remaining lease terms (years)Operating leases 8.559.42Finance leases 7.744.62Weighted-average discount rate (1)Operating leases 4.21 % 4.51 %Finance leases 11.58 % 10.45 %(1) When an implicit rate is not readily determinable, an incremental borrowing rate is utilized, determining the present value of lease payments. The rate is determined based on expected term and information available at the commencement date.Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:As of December 31,(In millions)Financial Statement Line Item20202019Assets Operating lease (1)Deferred charges and other assets$ 265 $ 231 Finance lease (2)Property, plant and equipment 57 73 Total leased assets $ 322 $ 304 Liabilities Current:Operating Other current liabilities$ 42 $ 32 Finance Currently payable long-term debt 14 15 Noncurrent:Operating Other noncurrent liabilities 263 241 Finance Long-term debt and other long-term obligations 31 45 Total leased liabilities $ 350 $ 333 (1) Operating lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $51 million and $23 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. (2) Finance lease assets are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $96 million and $90 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 88 Maturities of lease liabilities as of December 31, 2020, were as follows:(In millions)Operating LeasesFinance LeasesTotal2021$ 50 $ 18 $ 68 2022 49 15 64 2023 46 8 54 2024 38 4 42 2025 36 4 40 Thereafter 147 12 159 Total lease payments (1) 366 61 427 Less imputed interest 61 16 77 Total net present value$ 305 $ 45 $ 350 (1) Operating lease payments for certain leases are offset by sublease receipts of $11 million over 12 years.As of December 31, 2020, additional operating leases agreements, primarily for vehicles, that have not yet commenced are $14 million. These leases are expected to commence within the next 18 months with lease terms of 5 to 10 years.9. INTANGIBLE ASSETSAs of December 31, 2020, intangible assets classified in Other Deferred Charges on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets include the following:Intangible AssetsAmortization ExpenseActualEstimated(In millions)GrossAccumulated AmortizationNet202020212022202320242025ThereafterNUG contracts(1)$ 124 $ 51 $ 73 $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 $ 48 Coal contracts(2) 102 102 — 2 — — — — — — $ 226 $ 153 $ 73 $ 7 $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 $ 5 $ 48 (1)NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting and their amortization does not impact earnings.(2) The coal contracts were recorded with a regulatory offset and their amortization does not impact earnings.89 10. 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
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.
For investments reported at NAV where there is no readily determinable fair value, a practical expedient is available that allows
the NAV to approximate fair value. Investments that use NAV as a practical expedient are excluded from the requirement to be
categorized within the fair value hierarchy tables. Instead, these investments are reported outside of the fair value hierarchy
tables to assist in the reconciliation of investment balances reported in the tables to the balance sheet. FirstEnergy has elected
the NAV practical expedient for investments in private equity funds, insurance-linked securities, hedge funds (absolute return)
and real estate funds held within the pension plan. See Note 5, "Pension And Other Post-Employment Benefits" for the pension
financial assets accounted for at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy.
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 December 31, 2020, from those used as of December 31, 2019. 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.
90
The following tables set forth the recurring assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy:December 31, 2020December 31, 2019Level 1Level 2Level 3TotalLevel 1Level 2Level 3TotalAssets(In millions)Corporate debt securities$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 135 $ — $ 135 Derivative assets FTRs(1) — — 3 3 — — 4 4 Equity securities 2 — — 2 2 — — 2 U.S. state debt securities — 276 — 276 — 271 — 271 Other(2) 1,734 41 — 1,775 627 789 — 1,416 Total assets$ 1,736 $ 317 $ 3 $ 2,056 $ 629 $ 1,195 $ 4 $ 1,828 LiabilitiesDerivative liabilities FTRs(1)$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (1) $ (1) Derivative liabilities NUG contracts(1) — — — — — — (16) (16) Total liabilities$ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ — $ (17) $ (17) Net assets (liabilities)(3)$ 1,736 $ 317 $ 3 $ 2,056 $ 629 $ 1,195 $ (13) $ 1,811 (1)Contracts are subject to regulatory accounting treatment and changes in market values do not impact earnings.(2)Primarily consists of short-term cash investments.(3)Excludes $1 million and $(16) million as of December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively, of receivables, payables, taxes and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.Rollforward of Level 3 MeasurementsThe following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of NUG contracts and FTRs that are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:NUG Contracts(1)FTRs(1)Derivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesNetDerivative AssetsDerivative LiabilitiesNet(In millions)January 1, 2019 Balance$ — $ (44) $ (44) $ 10 $ (1) $ 9 Unrealized gain (loss) — (11) (11) (1) — (1) Purchases — — — 6 (4) 2 Settlements — 39 39 (11) 4 (7) December 31, 2019 Balance$ — $ (16) $ (16) $ 4 $ (1) $ 3 Unrealized gain (loss) — (3) (3) (3) — (3) Purchases — — — 7 (2) 5 Settlements — 19 19 (5) 3 (2) December 31, 2020 Balance$ — $ — $ — $ 3 $ — $ 3 (1)Contracts are subject to regulatory accounting treatment and changes in market values do not impact earnings.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 year ended December 31, 2020:Fair Value, Net (In millions)ValuationTechniqueSignificant InputRangeWeighted AverageUnitsFTRs$ 3 ModelRTO auction clearing prices$0.40to$2.20$1.10Dollars/MWHINVESTMENTSAll temporary cash investments purchased with an initial maturity of three months or less are reported as cash equivalents on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include equity securities, AFS debt securities and other investments. FirstEnergy has no debt securities held for trading purposes. 91 Generally, unrealized gains and losses on equity securities are recognized in income whereas unrealized gains and losses on AFS debt securities are recognized in AOCI. However, the NDTs of JCP&L, ME and PN are subject to regulatory accounting with all gains and losses on equity and AFS debt securities offset against regulatory assets. On October 15, 2019, JCP&L, ME, PN and GPUN executed an asset purchase and sale agreement with TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of EnergySolutions, LLC, concerning the transfer and dismantlement of TMI-2. With the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the transaction was consummated, including the transfer of external trusts for the decommissioning and environmental remediation of TMI-2, on December 18, 2020. Please see Note 15, "Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies," for further information.Nuclear Decommissioning and Nuclear Fuel Disposal TrustsJCP&L holds debt securities within the nuclear fuel disposal trust, which are classified as AFS securities, recognized at fair market value. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, unrealized gains, unrealized losses and fair values of investments held in NDT and nuclear fuel disposal trusts as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:December 31, 2020(1)December 31, 2019(2)Cost BasisUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesFair ValueCost BasisUnrealized GainsUnrealized LossesFair Value(3)(In millions)Debt securities$ 275 $ 7 $ (6) $ 276 $ 403 $ 9 $ (11) $ 401 (1)Excludes short-term cash investments of $9 million.(2)Excludes short-term cash investments of $751 million, of which $747 million is classified as held for sale.(3)Includes $135 million classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019.Proceeds from the sale of investments in equity and AFS debt securities, realized gains and losses on those sales and interest and dividend income for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, were as follows:For the Years Ended December 31,20202019(1)2018(1)(In millions)Sale Proceeds$ 186 $ 1,637 $ 800 Realized Gains 12 98 41 Realized Losses (8) (31) (48) Interest and Dividend Income 22 38 41 (1) Excludes amounts classified as discontinued operations.Other InvestmentsOther investments include employee benefit trusts, which are primarily invested in corporate-owned life insurance policies, and equity method investments. Other investments were $322 million and $299 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, and are excluded from the amounts reported above. LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONSAll borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as short-term financial instruments under GAAP and are reported as Short-term borrowings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost. Since these borrowings are short-term in nature, FirstEnergy believes that their costs approximate their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt, which excludes finance lease obligations and net unamortized debt issuance costs, unamortized fair value adjustments, premiums and discounts as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:As of December 31, 20202019(In millions)Carrying Value (1)$ 22,377 $ 20,066 Fair Value 25,465 22,928 (1) The carrying value as of December 31, 2020, includes $3,425 million of debt issuances and $1,114 million of redemptions that occurred during 2020.92 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 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 December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.11. CAPITALIZATION COMMON STOCKRetained Earnings and DividendsAs of December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy had an accumulated deficit of $2.9 billion. Dividends declared in 2020 and 2019 were $1.56 and $1.53 per share, respectively. Dividends of $0.39 per share and $0.38 per share were paid in the first, second, third and fourth quarters in 2020 and 2019, respectively. On December 15, 2020, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.39 per share to be paid from OPIC in the first quarter of 2021. The amount and timing of all dividend declarations are subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors and its consideration of business conditions, results of operations, financial condition and other factors.In addition to paying dividends from retained earnings, OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, ME and PN have authorization from FERC to pay cash dividends to FirstEnergy from paid-in capital accounts, as long as their FERC-defined equity-to-total-capitalization ratio remains above 35%. In addition, AGC has authorization from FERC to pay cash dividends to its parent from paid-in capital accounts, as long as its FERC-defined equity-to-total-capitalization ratio remains above 45%. The articles of incorporation, indentures, regulatory limitations and various other agreements relating to the long-term debt of certain FirstEnergy subsidiaries contain provisions that could further restrict the payment of dividends on their common stock. None of these provisions materially restricted FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries’ abilities to pay cash dividends to FE as of December 31, 2020.Common Stock IssuanceFE issued approximately 2 million shares of common stock in 2020, 3 million shares of common stock in 2019 and 3.2 million shares of common stock in 2018 to registered shareholders and its directors and the employees of its subsidiaries under its Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans. Additionally, on January 22, 2018, FE entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement for the private placement of 30,120,482 shares of FE’s common stock, par value $0.10 per share, representing an investment of $850 million ($3 million of common shares and $847 million of OPIC). Please see below for information on preferred stock converted into shares of common stock during 2018 and 2019. PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCKFirstEnergy and the Utilities were authorized to issue preferred stock and preference stock as of December 31, 2020, as follows:Preferred StockPreference StockShares AuthorizedPar ValueShares AuthorizedPar ValueFE 5,000,000 $ 100 OE 6,000,000 $ 100 8,000,000 no parOE 8,000,000 $ 25 Penn 1,200,000 $ 100 CEI 4,000,000 no par 3,000,000 no parTE 3,000,000 $ 100 5,000,000 $ 25 TE 12,000,000 $ 25 JCP&L 15,600,000 no parME 10,000,000 no parPN 11,435,000 no parMP 940,000 $ 100 PE 10,000,000 $ 0.01 WP 32,000,000 no parAs of December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no preferred stock or preference stock outstanding. 93 Preferred Stock IssuanceIn January of 2018, FE entered into a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement for the private placement of 1,616,000 shares of mandatorily convertible preferred stock, designated as the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $100 per share, representing an investment of nearly $1.62 billion ($162 million of mandatorily convertible preferred stock and $1.46 billion of OPIC). During 2018, 911,411 shares of preferred stock were converted into 33,238,910 shares of common stock at the option of the preferred stockholders. During 2019, the remaining 704,589 shares of preferred stock were converted into 25,696,168 shares of common stock at the option of the preferred stockholders. LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONSThe following tables present outstanding long-term debt and finance lease obligations for FirstEnergy as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:As of December 31, 2020As of December 31,(Dollar amounts in millions)Maturity DateInterest Rate20202019FMBs and secured notes - fixed rate2021-20592.670% - 8.250%$ 4,802 $ 4,741 Unsecured notes - fixed rate2022-20501.600% - 7.375% 17,575 14,575 Unsecured notes - variable rate — 750 Finance lease obligations 45 60 Unamortized debt discounts (34) (33) Unamortized debt issuance costs (118) (103) Unamortized fair value adjustments 7 8 Currently payable long-term debt (146) (380) Total long-term debt and other long-term obligations$ 22,131 $ 19,618 On February 20, 2020, FE issued $1.75 billion in senior unsecured notes in three separate series: (i) $300 million aggregate principal amount of 2.050% Notes, Series A, due 2025, (ii) $600 million aggregate principal amount of 2.650% Notes, Series B, due 2030 and (iii) $850 million aggregate principal amount of 3.400% Notes, Series C, due 2050. Proceeds from the issuance of the notes, together with cash on hand, were used: (i) to repay the entire $750 million two-year term loan due September 2021, (ii) to make the $853 million in bankruptcy settlement payments and $125 million tax sharing agreement payment with the FES Debtors as discussed above, (iii) to repay $250 million of the $1 billion outstanding 364-day term loan due September 2020, and (iv) for working capital needs and general corporate purposes. On March 31, 2020, MAIT issued $125 million of 3.60% senior unsecured notes due 2032 and $125 million of 3.70% senior unsecured notes due 2035. Proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used: (i) to refinance existing debt, (ii) for capital expenditures, and (iii) for general corporate purposes.On April 20, 2020, PN issued $125 million of 3.61% senior unsecured notes due 2032 and $125 million of 3.71% senior unsecured notes due 2035. Proceeds of the issuance of the notes were used: (i) to refinance indebtedness, including short-term borrowings incurred under the FirstEnergy regulated money pool to repay a portion of the $250 million aggregate principle amount of PN’s 5.20% Senior Notes due April 1, 2020, (ii) to fund capital expenditures, (iii) to fund general corporate purposes, or (iv) for any combination of the above.On June 8, 2020, FE issued $750 million in senior unsecured notes in two separate series: (i) $300 million aggregate principal amounts of 1.600% Notes, Series A, due 2026 and (ii) $450 million aggregate principal amount of 2.250% Notes, Series B, due 2030. Proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used to repay all amounts outstanding under the 364-day term loan due September 2020.On June 29, 2020, PE issued $75 million of 2.67% FMBs due 2032 and $100 million of 3.43% FMBs due 2051. Proceeds of the issuance of the FMBs were used to repay short-term borrowings under the FirstEnergy regulated money pool, to fund capital expenditures, and for general corporate purposes.On July 20, 2020, CEI issued $150 million of 2.77% senior unsecured notes due 2034 and $100 million of 3.23% senior unsecured notes due 2040. Proceeds from the issuance of the notes were used to refinance existing short-term borrowings, to fund capital expenditures, and for general corporate purposes. See Note 8, "Leases," for additional information related to finance leases.94 Securitized BondsEnvironmental Control BondsThe consolidated financial statements of FirstEnergy include environmental control bonds issued by two bankruptcy remote, special purpose limited liability companies that are indirect subsidiaries of MP and PE. Proceeds from the bonds were used to construct environmental control facilities. Principal and interest owed on the environmental control bonds is secured by, and payable solely from, the proceeds of the environmental control charges. Creditors of FirstEnergy, other than the limited liability company SPEs, have no recourse to any assets or revenues of the special purpose limited liability companies. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $300 million and $333 million of environmental control bonds were outstanding, respectively. Transition BondsIn August 2006, JCP&L Transition Funding II sold transition bonds to securitize the recovery of deferred costs associated with JCP&L’s supply of BGS. JCP&L did not purchase and does not own any of the transition bonds, which are included as long-term debt on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The transition bonds are the sole obligations of JCP&L Transition Funding II and are collateralized by its equity and assets, which consist primarily of bondable transition property. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $9 million and $25 million of the transition bonds were outstanding, respectively.Phase-In Recovery BondsIn June 2013, the SPEs formed by the Ohio Companies issued approximately $445 million of pass-through trust certificates supported by phase-in recovery bonds to securitize the recovery of certain all electric customer heating discounts, fuel and purchased power regulatory assets. The phase-in recovery bonds are payable only from, and secured by, phase in recovery property owned by the SPEs. The bondholder has no recourse to the general credit of FirstEnergy or any of the Ohio Companies. Each of the Ohio Companies, as servicer of its respective SPE, manages and administers the phase in recovery property including the billing, collection and remittance of usage-based charges payable by retail electric customers. In the aggregate, the Ohio Companies are entitled to annual servicing fees of $445 thousand that are recoverable through the usage-based charges. The SPEs are considered VIEs and each one is consolidated into its applicable utility. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, $245 million and $268 million of the phase-in recovery bonds were outstanding, respectively.Other Long-term DebtThe Ohio Companies and Penn each have a first mortgage indenture under which they can issue FMBs secured by a direct first mortgage lien on substantially all of their property and franchises, other than specifically excepted property.Based on the amount of FMBs authenticated by the respective mortgage bond trustees as of December 31, 2020, the sinking fund requirement for all FMBs issued under the various mortgage indentures was zero. The following table presents scheduled debt repayments for outstanding long-term debt, excluding finance leases, fair value purchase accounting adjustments and unamortized debt discounts and premiums, for the next five years as of December 31, 2020. PCRBs that are scheduled to be tendered for mandatory purchase prior to maturity are reflected in the applicable year in which such PCRBs are scheduled to be tendered. Year (In millions)2021$ 132 2022$ 1,143 2023$ 1,194 2024$ 1,246 2025$ 2,023 Certain PCRBs allow bondholders to tender their PCRBs for mandatory purchase prior to maturity. As of December 31, 2020, MP has a $74 million PCRB classified as current portion of long-term debt, which the debt holders may exercise their right to tender in 2021.Debt Covenant Default ProvisionsFirstEnergy has various debt covenants under certain financing arrangements, including its revolving credit facilities and term loans. The most restrictive of the debt covenants relate to the nonpayment of interest and/or principal on such debt and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. The failure by FirstEnergy to comply with the covenants contained in its financing arrangements could result in an event of default, which may have an adverse effect on its financial condition. As of December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy remains in compliance with all debt covenant provisions.95 Additionally, there are cross-default provisions in a number of the financing arrangements. These provisions generally trigger a
default in the applicable financing arrangement of an entity if it or any of its significant subsidiaries, excluding AE Supply, default
under another financing arrangement in excess of a certain principal amount, typically $100 million. Although such defaults by
any of the Utilities, ATSI, TrAIL or MAIT would generally cross-default FE financing arrangements containing these provisions,
defaults by AE Supply would generally not cross-default to applicable financing arrangements of FE. Also, defaults by FE would
generally not cross-default applicable financing arrangements of any of FE’s subsidiaries. Cross-default provisions are not
typically found in any of the senior notes or FMBs of FE or the Utilities.
12. SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND BANK LINES OF CREDIT
FirstEnergy had $2.2 billion and $1.0 billion of short-term borrowings as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
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 credit
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 credit 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 November 17, 2020, FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries entered into amendments to the FE credit
facility and the FET credit 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 credit 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, FE and its regulated distribution subsidiaries, 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 its regulated
transmission subsidiary, 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. As of December 31, 2020, available liquidity
under the FE revolving credit facility was $1,296 million (reflecting $4 million of LOCs issued under various terms) and there was
no available liquidity under the FET revolving credit facility.
Borrowings under the 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. 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 contains financial covenants requiring
each borrower to maintain a consolidated debt-to-total-capitalization ratio (as defined under each of the credit facilities) of no
more than 65%, and 75% for FET, measured at the end of each fiscal quarter.
Subject to each borrower’s sublimit, $250 million of the FE credit facility and $100 million of the FET credit facility, is available for
the issuance of LOCs (subject to borrowings drawn under the 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 Facilities and against the
applicable borrower’s borrowing sublimit.
The 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 Facilities is related to the credit ratings of the company borrowing the funds. Additionally, borrowings under each of the
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 December 31, 2020, the borrowers were in compliance with the applicable debt-to-total-capitalization ratio covenants in
each case as defined under the respective Facilities.
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
96
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 in 2020 was 0.89% per annum for the regulated companies’ money pool and 1.19% per annum for the unregulated companies’ money pool. Weighted Average Interest RatesThe weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding, including borrowings under the FirstEnergy Money Pools, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, were 1.86% and 2.88%, respectively. 13. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONSFirstEnergy has recognized applicable legal obligations for AROs and their associated cost, including reclamation of sludge disposal ponds, closure of coal ash disposal sites, underground and above-ground storage tanks and wastewater treatment lagoons. In addition, FirstEnergy has recognized conditional retirement obligations, primarily for asbestos remediation.As contemplated under the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, AE Supply entered into an agreement on December 31, 2018, to transfer the 1,300 MW Pleasants Power Station and related assets to FG, while retaining certain specified liabilities. Under the terms of the agreement, FG acquired the economic interests in Pleasants as of January 1, 2019, and AE Supply operated Pleasants until ownership was transferred on January 30, 2020. AE Supply will continue to provide access to the McElroy's Run CCR impoundment facility, which was not transferred, and FE will provide guarantees for certain retained environmental liabilities of AE Supply, including the McElroy’s Run CCR impoundment facility. Please see Note 15, "Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies," for further information.The following table summarizes the changes to the ARO balances during 2020 and 2019:ARO Reconciliation(In millions)Balance, January 1, 2019$ 812 Liabilities settled (2) Accretion 46 Balance, December 31, 2019 (1)$ 856 Liabilities settled (2) (744) Accretion 47 Balance, December 31, 2020$ 159 (1) Includes $691 million related to TMI-2 classified as held for sale for the year ended December 31, 2019. (2) Includes $726 million related to the closing of the asset purchase and sale agreement with TMI-2 Solutions, LLC, a subsidiary of EnergySolutions, LLC, concerning the transfer and dismantlement of TMI-2. See Note 15, "Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies," for further information.14. REGULATORY MATTERSSTATE REGULATIONEach 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. 97 The following table summarizes the key terms of base distribution rate orders in effect for the Utilities as of December 31, 2020: CompanyRates EffectiveAllowed Debt/EquityAllowed ROECEIMay 200951% / 49%10.5%ME(1)January 201748.8% / 51.2%Settled(2)MPFebruary 201554% / 46%Settled(2)JCP&L(3)January 201755% / 45%9.6%OEJanuary 200951% / 49%10.5%PE (West Virginia)February 201554% / 46%Settled(2)PE (Maryland)March 201947% / 53%9.65%PN(1)January 201747.4% / 52.6%Settled(2)Penn(1)January 201749.9% / 50.1%Settled(2)TEJanuary 200951% / 49%10.5%WP(1)January 201749.7% / 50.3%Settled(2)(1) Reflects filed debt/equity as final settlement/orders do not specifically include capital structure. (2) Commission-approved settlement agreements did not disclose ROE rates. (3) On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU approved JCP&L's distribution rate case settlement with an allowed ROE of 9.6% and a 48.56% debt / 51.44% equity capital structure. Rates are effective for customers on November 1, 2021, but beginning January 1, 2021, JCP&L will offset the impact to customers' bills by amortizing an $86 million regulatory liability. MARYLANDPE 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. 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 2018-2020 EmPOWER Maryland plan continues and expands upon prior years' programs, and adds new programs, for a projected total cost of $116 million over the three-year period. PE recovers program costs through an annually reconciled surcharge, with most costs subject to a five-year amortization. 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 January 19, 2018, PE filed a joint petition along with other utility companies, work group stakeholders and the MDPSC electric vehicle work group leader to implement a statewide electric vehicle portfolio in connection with a 2016 MDPSC proceeding to consider an array of issues relating to electric distribution system design, including matters relating to electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, advanced metering infrastructure, energy storage, system planning, rate design, and impacts on low-income customers. PE proposed an electric vehicle charging infrastructure program at a projected total cost of $12 million, to be recovered over a five-year amortization. On January 14, 2019, the MDPSC approved the petition subject to certain reductions in the scope of the program. The MDPSC approved PE’s compliance filing, which implements the pilot program, with minor modifications, on July 3, 2019. On August 24, 2018, PE filed a base rate case with the MDPSC, which it supplemented on October 22, 2018, to update the partially forecasted test year with a full twelve months of actual data. The rate case requested an annual increase in base distribution rates of $19.7 million, plus creation of an EDIS to fund four enhanced service reliability programs. In responding to discovery, PE revised its request for an annual increase in base rates to $17.6 million. The proposed rate increase reflected $7.3 million in annual savings for customers resulting from the recent federal tax law changes. On March 22, 2019, the MDPSC issued a final order that approved a rate increase of $6.2 million, approved three of the four EDIS programs for four years, 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 depreciation expense of $36.2 million, which represented a slight increase, and as a result, is seeking difference in depreciation be deferred for future recovery in PE’s next base rate case. The MDPSC has set the matter for hearing and delegated it to a public utility law judge. On November 6, 2020, an order was issued scheduling evidentiary hearings in April 2021. On January 29, 2021, the Maryland Office of People's Counsel filed testimony recommending a reduction in depreciation expense of $10.8 million, and the staff of the MDPSC filed testimony recommending a reduction of $9.6 million. PE's rebuttal testimony is due on March 2, 2021. 98 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). On July 8, 2020, the MDPSC issued a notice
opening a public conference to collect information from utilities and other stakeholders about the impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic on the utilities and their customers. 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.
NEW JERSEY
JCP&L operates under NJBPU approved rates that were effective as of January 1, 2017. 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.
On April 18, 2019, pursuant to the May 2018 New Jersey enacted legislation establishing a ZEC program to provide ratepayer
funded subsidies of New Jersey nuclear energy supply, the NJBPU approved the implementation of a non-bypassable,
irrevocable ZEC charge for all New Jersey electric utility customers, including JCP&L’s customers. Once collected from
customers by JCP&L, these funds will be remitted to eligible nuclear energy generators.
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; 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. On
January 17, 2019, the NJBPU approved the proposed CTA rules with no changes. On May 17, 2019, the Rate Counsel filed an
appeal with the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey. Oral Argument is scheduled for March 10, 2021. JCP&L
is contesting this appeal but is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
Also, in December 2017, the NJBPU approved its IIP rulemaking. The IIP creates a financial incentive for utilities to accelerate
the level of investment needed to promote the timely rehabilitation and replacement of certain non-revenue producing
components that enhance reliability, resiliency, and/or safety. On May 8, 2019, the NJBPU approved a stipulation of settlement
submitted by JCP&L, Rate Counsel, NJBPU staff and New Jersey Large Energy Users Coalition to implement JCP&L’s
infrastructure plan, JCP&L Reliability Plus. The plan provides that JCP&L will invest up to approximately $97 million in capital
investments beginning on June 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020, to enhance the reliability and resiliency of JCP&L’s
distribution system and reduce the frequency and duration of power outages. JCP&L shall seek recovery of the capital
investment through an accelerated cost recovery mechanism, provided for in the rules, that includes a revenue adjustment
calculation and a process for two rate adjustments. The NJBPU approved adjusted rates that took effect on March 1, 2020. As
further discussed below, JCP&L will recover the IIP capital investments, which totaled $97 million, as part of its distribution base
rate case.
On February 18, 2020, JCP&L submitted a filing with the NJBPU requesting a distribution base rate increase of $186.9 million on
an annual basis, which represents an overall average increase in JCP&L rates of 7.8%. The filing seeks to recover certain costs
associated with providing safe and reliable electric service to JCP&L customers, along with recovery of previously incurred storm
costs. JCP&L proposed a rate effective date of March 19, 2020. The NJBPU issued orders suspending JCP&L’s proposed rates
until November 19, 2020. JCP&L filed updates to the requested distribution base rate in both June and July 2020, resulting in
JCP&L seeking a total annual distribution base rate increase of approximately $185 million. On October 16, 2020, the parties
submitted a stipulation of settlement to the administrative law judge, providing for, among other things, a $94 million annual base
distribution revenues increase for JCP&L based on an ROE of 9.6%, which will become effective for customers on November 1,
2021. Until the rates become effective, and starting on January 1, 2021, JCP&L is permitted 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, shall be applied to reduce JCP&L’s existing regulatory
asset for previously deferred storm costs. Lastly, the parties agreed that $95.1 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. On October 22, 2020,
the administrative law judge entered an initial decision adopting the settlement. On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU approved the
settlement and directed an upcoming management audit for JCP&L. On January 4, 2021, JCP&L submitted its review of storm
costs as required under the stipulation of settlement. On January 15, 2021, JCP&L filed a written report for its Reliability Plus
projects placed in service from July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, also as required under the stipulation of settlement.
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. 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
99
hydroelectric facilities. On October 28, 2020, the NJBPU approved the sale of Yards Creek. Completion of the transaction is
subject to several closing conditions; there can be no assurance that all closing conditions will be satisfied or that the transaction
will be consummated. JCP&L currently anticipates closing of the transaction to occur during the first quarter of 2021. 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 August 27, 2020, JCP&L filed an AMI Program with the NJBPU, which proposes 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 3-year deployment is part of the 20-year AMI Program that is expected to cost a total of
approximately $732 million and proposes a cost recovery mechanism through a separate AMI tariff rider. On January 13, 2021, a
procedural schedule was established, which includes evidentiary hearings the week of May 24, 2021.
On June 10, 2020, the NJBPU issued an order establishing a framework for the filing 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 operations and maintenance expenses on an annual
basis, be eligible 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, beginning 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 the
energy savings resulting from the programs. While a procedural order has been established in this matter, on January 20, 2021,
JCP&L filed a letter requesting a suspension of the procedural schedule to allow for settlement discussions. The Clean Energy
Act contemplates a final order from the NJBPU by May 2, 2021.
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, or until the 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 August 21, 2020, the Governor of New Jersey issued a press release announcing that the New Jersey utilities
agreed to extend their voluntary moratorium preventing shutoffs to both residential and commercial customers during the
COVID-19 pandemic until October 15, 2020. On October 15, 2020, the Governor issued an Executive Order prohibiting utilities
from terminating service to any residential gas, electric, public and private water customer, through March 15, 2021, requiring the
reconnection of certain customers, and disallowing the charging of late payment charges or reconnection fees during the public
health emergency. 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. On November 30,
2020, JCP&L submitted comments.
The recent credit rating actions taken on October 28, 2020, by S&P and Fitch triggered a requirement from various 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.
OHIO
The Ohio Companies operate under base distribution rates approved by the PUCO effective in 2009. The Ohio Companies’
residential and commercial base distribution revenues were decoupled, through a mechanism that took effect on February 1,
2020 and under which the Ohio Companies billed customers until February 9, 2021, to the base distribution revenue and lost
distribution revenue associated with energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs recovered as of the twelve-month
period ending on December 31, 2018. 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 DCR rider, 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) the collection of lost distribution revenue associated with energy efficiency and
peak demand reduction programs, which is discussed further below; (3) a goal across FirstEnergy to reduce CO2 emissions by
90% below 2005 levels by 2045; and (4) 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 through the DMR $132.5 million annually for three years beginning in
2017, grossed up for federal income taxes, resulting in an approved amount of approximately $168 million annually in 2018 and
2019. On appeal, the SCOH, on June 19, 2019, reversed the PUCO’s determination that the DMR is lawful, and remanded the
matter to the PUCO with instructions to remove the DMR from ESP IV. The PUCO entered an order directing the Ohio
Companies to cease further collection through the DMR, credit back to customers a refund of the DMR funds collected since July
100
2, 2019 and remove the DMR from ESP IV. On July 15, 2019, OCC filed a Notice of Appeal with the SCOH, challenging the
PUCO’s exclusion of the DMR revenues from the determination of the existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV
for calendar year 2017 for OE 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 includes the DMR revenues in the analysis, determines the threshold against which the earned return is measured, and
makes other necessary determinations. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these proceedings but has not deemed a
liability probable as of December 31, 2020.
On July 23, 2019, Ohio enacted HB 6, which established support for nuclear energy supply in Ohio. In addition to the provisions
supporting nuclear energy, HB 6 included provisions implementing a decoupling mechanism for Ohio electric utilities and ending
current energy efficiency program mandates on December 31, 2020, provided that statewide energy efficiency mandates are
achieved as determined by the PUCO. On February 26, 2020, the PUCO ordered a wind-down of statutorily required energy
efficiency programs to commence on September 30, 2020, that the programs terminate on December 31, 2020, with the Ohio
Companies' existing portfolio plans extended through 2020 without changes.
On November 21, 2019, the Ohio Companies applied to the PUCO for approval of a decoupling mechanism, which would set
residential and commercial base distribution related revenues at the levels collected in 2018. As such, those base distribution
revenues would no longer be based on electric consumption, which allows continued support of energy efficiency initiatives while
also providing revenue certainty to the Ohio Companies. On January 15, 2020, the PUCO approved the Ohio Companies’
decoupling application, and the decoupling mechanism took effect on February 1, 2020. Legislation has been introduced in the
first quarter of 2021 to, among other things, repeal 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. 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 (Rider CSR)
to zero. 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. 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. FirstEnergy does not believe a refund
for previously collected amounts under decoupling, which was approximately $18 million, is probable. Furthermore, as
FirstEnergy would not have financially benefited from the Clean Air Fund included in HB 6, which is the mechanism to provide
support to nuclear energy in Ohio, there is no expected additional impact to FirstEnergy due to any repeal of that provision of HB
6.
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 scheduled for October 29, 2020. The
calculations included in the Ohio Companies’ SEET filings for calendar years 2018 and 2019 demonstrate that the Ohio
Companies did not have significantly excessive earnings, however, FirstEnergy and the Ohio Companies are unable to predict
the PUCO’s ultimate determination of the applications. On August 3, 2020, the OCC filed an interlocutory appeal asking the
PUCO to stay the SEET proceeding until the SCOH determines whether DMR should be excluded from the SEET, as further
discussed above. Furthermore, on January 21, 2021, Senate Bill 10 was introduced, which would repeal 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. 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 to March 1, 2021,
with the evidentiary hearings to commence no sooner than May 3, 2021. On January 12, 2021, the PUCO consolidated these
101
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 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. The Ohio Companies’ filed a response in opposition to the OCC’s motions on September 23, 2020. 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 ratepayers through the DMR
were only used for the purposes established in ESP IV. Deadlines relating to the selection of the auditor and the issuance of the
final audit report have not yet been set.
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. The Ohio Companies filed a response on
September 30, 2020, stating that any political and charitable spending in support of HB 6 or the subsequent referendum were not
included in rates or charges paid for by its customers. Several parties requested that the PUCO broaden the scope of the review
of political and charitable spending.
In connection with an on-going 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 a final audit
report to be filed in June 2021. On January 27, 2021, the PUCO selected an auditor.
On November 24, 2020, the Environmental Law 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, on the
grounds that the former Chairman of the 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 file a base distribution rate
case by May 31, 2024, the end of ESP IV, which the Ohio Companies had indicated they would not oppose.
In the fourth quarter of 2020, motions were filed with the PUCO requesting that the PUCO amend the Ohio Companies’ riders for
collecting 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 HB 6 is repealed. The Ohio Companies contested the
motions, which are pending before the PUCO.
On December 7, 2020, the Citizens’ Utility Board of Ohio filed a complaint with the PUCO against the Ohio Companies. The
complaint alleges that the Ohio Companies’ new charges resulting from HB 6, and any increased rates resulting from
proceedings over which the former PUCO Chairman presided, are unjust and unreasonable, and that 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 to file a new distribution rate case at the earliest
possible date; and that the Ohio Companies’ corporate separation plans be modified to introduce institutional controls. The Ohio
Companies are contesting the complaint.
On December 9, 2020, the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Energy Group filed an appeal to the SCOH challenging the PUCO’s
generic order directing the form of rider all Ohio electric distribution utilities must charge to recover the costs of the HB 6 Clean
Air Fund. The appeal contends that the PUCO erred in adopting the rate design for the riders, in establishing the riders during
ongoing proceedings and investigations related to HB 6, and in not requiring electric distribution utilities to include refund
language in the rider tariffs. On December 30, 2020, the PUCO vacated its generic order establishing the Clean Air Fund riders,
as required by a preliminary injunction issued by the Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, Ohio. On January 11, 2021, the
SCOH granted a joint application of the Ohio Manufacturers' Association Energy Group and the PUCO and dismissed the
appeal.
See Note 15, "Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies" below for additional details on the government investigation 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 for the net impact of the Tax Act, effective March 15, 2018. The net impact of the Tax Act for the period January 1, 2018
102
through March 14, 2018 was separately tracked and its treatment will be addressed in a future rate proceeding. The
Pennsylvania Companies operate under DSPs for the June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2023 delivery period, which provide for the
competitive procurement of generation supply for customers who do not choose an alternative EGS or for customers of
alternative EGSs that fail to provide the contracted service. 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.
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 settlement by the parties was filed on February 16, 2021. A PPUC
decision on the settlement is expected in March 2021.
Pennsylvania EDCs may file with the PPUC for 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 August 30, 2019, the Pennsylvania
Companies filed Petitions for approval of new 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 January
16, 2020, the PPUC approved the LTIIPs without modification. The Pennsylvania Companies’ approved DSIC riders for quarterly
cost recovery went into effect July 1, 2016. On August 30, 2019, Penn filed a Petition seeking approval of a waiver of the
statutory DSIC cap of 5% of distribution rate revenue and approval to increase the maximum allowable DSIC to 11.81% of
distribution rate revenue for the five-year period of its proposed LTIIP. On March 12, 2020, an order was entered approving a
settlement by all parties to that case which provides for a temporary increase in the recoverability cap from 5% to 7.5%, to expire
on the earlier of the effective date of new base rates following Penn’s next base rate case or the expiration of its LTIIP II program.
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, which decision was appealed by the Pennsylvania OCA to the Pennsylvania
Commonwealth Court. The Commonwealth Court reversed the PPUC’s decision and remanded the matter to require the
Pennsylvania Companies to revise their tariffs and DSIC calculations to include ADIT and state income taxes. On April 7, 2020,
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. An 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.
WEST VIRGINIA
MP and PE provide electric service to all customers through traditional cost-based, regulated utility ratemaking and operate
under rates approved by the WVPSC effective 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.
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
103
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 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 proposes 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.FERC REGULATORY MATTERSUnder 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. The following table summarizes the key terms of rate orders in effect for transmission customer billings for FirstEnergy's transmission owner entities as of December 31, 2020: CompanyRates EffectiveCapital StructureAllowed ROEATSIJanuary 1, 2015Actual (13-month average)10.38%JCP&LJanuary 2020(1)Actual (13-month average)(1)10.80%(1)MPMarch 21, 2018(2)(4)Settled(2)(3)Settled(2)(3)PE March 21, 2018(2)(4)Settled(2)(3)Settled(2)(3)WP March 21, 2018(2)(4)Settled(2)(3)Settled(2)(3)MAITJuly 1, 2017Lower of Actual (13-month average) or 60%10.3%TrAILJuly 1, 2008Actual (year-end)12.7% (TrAIL the Line & Black Oak SVC)11.7% (All other projects)(1) As filed in docket ER20-227, effective on January 1, 2020, which has been accepted by FERC, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement procedures. The settlement agreement that was filed on February 2, 2021, seeking approval by FERC sets JCP&L's Allowed ROE at 10.2%. (2) Effective on January 1, 2021, MP, PE, and WP have implemented a forward-looking formula rate, which has been accepted by FERC, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement procedures. (3) FERC-approved settlement agreements did not specify. (4) See FERC Actions on Tax Act below.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. 104 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.
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, certain income tax-related adjustments, including, but not limited to impacts
from the Tax Act discussed further below, and certain costs for transmission-related vegetation management programs. The
amount on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet for these regulatory assets was approximately $79 million and $73 million,
as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. 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 were allocated to ATSI. Certain
intervenors filed protests of the formula rate amendments on May 29, 2020, and ATSI filed a reply on June 15, 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 with the other parties to the formula rate amendments proceeding.
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, to which ATSI and MAIT responded. On October 28, 2020, FERC staff
requested additional information about ATSI’s proposed rate base adjustment mechanism, and ATSI submitted the requested
information on November 25, 2020. On May 15, 2020, TrAIL submitted its compliance filing and on June 1, 2020, PATH
submitted its required compliance filing. These compliance filings each remain pending before FERC. MP, WP and PE (as
holders of a “stated” transmission rate) are addressing these requirements in the transmission formula rates amendments that
were filed on October 29, 2020. JCP&L is addressing these requirements as part of its pending transmission formula rate case.
Transmission ROE Methodology
FERC’s methodology for calculating electric transmission utility ROE has been in transition as a result of an April 14, 2017 ruling
by the D.C. Circuit that vacated FERC’s then-effective methodology. On May 21, 2020, FERC issued Opinion No. 569-A that
changed FERC’s ROE methodology. Under this methodology FERC established an ROE that is based on three financial models
– discounted cash flow, capital-asset pricing, and risk premium – to calculate a composite zone of reasonableness. FERC noted
that utilities could, in utility-specific proceedings, ask to have the expected earnings methodology included in calculating the
utility’s authorized ROE. FERC also noted that, going forward, it will divide that zone into three equal parts, to be used for high
risk, normal risk, and low risk utilities. A given utility will be assigned to one of these three parts of the zone of reasonableness,
and its ROE will be set at the median or midpoint of the other utilities that are in the applicable third of the zone. FirstEnergy filed
a request for rehearing, which FERC denied on July 22, 2020. On November 19, 2020, FERC issued Opinion No. 569-B, which
affirmed the Opinion No. 569-A rulings. FirstEnergy initiated, but subsequently withdrew, appeals of these orders. Appeals of
Opinion Nos. 569, 569-A and 569-B are pending before the D.C. Circuit. Any changes to FERC’s transmission rate ROE and
incentive policies would be applied on a prospective basis.
On March 20, 2020, FERC initiated a rulemaking proceeding on the transmission rate incentives provisions of Section 219 of the
2005 Energy Policy Act. Initial comments were submitted July 1, 2020, and reply comments were filed on July 16, 2020.
FirstEnergy participated through EEI and through a consortium of PJM Transmission Owners. This proceeding is pending before
FERC.
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
105
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, a settlement agreement was filed for approval by FERC.Allegheny Power Zone Transmission Formula Rate FilingsOn October 29, 2020, MP, PE and WP filed tariff amendments with FERC to convert their existing stated transmission rate to a forward-looking formula transmission rate, 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 approved by FERC on December 31, 2020, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement proceedings. 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.15. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIESGUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCESFirstEnergy 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 December 31, 2020, outstanding guarantees and other assurances aggregated approximately $1.7 billion, consisting of parental guarantees on behalf of its consolidated subsidiaries' guarantees ($1.1 billion), other guarantees ($108 million) and other assurances ($490 million).COLLATERAL AND CONTINGENT-RELATED FEATURESIn 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 December 31, 2020 $20 million of collateral has been posted by FE or its subsidiaries, of which, $19 million was posted as a result of the credit rating downgrades in the fourth quarter of 2020.These credit-risk-related contingent features stipulate that if the subsidiary were to be downgraded or lose its investment grade credit rating (based on its senior unsecured debt rating), it would be required to provide additional collateral. The following table discloses the potential additional credit rating contingent contractual collateral obligations as of December 31, 2020:Potential Collateral ObligationsUtilities and FETFETotal(In millions)Contractual Obligations for Additional CollateralUpon Further Downgrade$ 37 $ — $ 37 Surety Bonds (Collateralized Amount)(1) 55 258 313 Total Exposure from Contractual Obligations$ 92 $ 258 $ 350 (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 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 CONTINGENCIESFE 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 is $108 million as of December 31, 2020. 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.106 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. The D.C. Circuit ordered the EPA on July 28, 2015, to reconsider the CSAPR caps on NOx
and SO2 emissions from power plants in 13 states, including West Virginia. This follows 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 rule 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 rule to the D.C. Circuit in
November and December 2016. On September 13, 2019, the D.C. Circuit remanded the CSAPR update rule 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. Depending on the outcome of the appeals, the EPA’s reconsideration of the CSAPR
update rule and how the EPA and the states ultimately implement CSAPR, 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 December 31, 2020, FirstEnergy has no power plants operating in
areas designated as non-attainment by the EPA.
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 seeks suitable
emission rate limits for large stationary sources that are 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. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or estimate
the loss or range of loss.
Climate Change
There are a number of 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.
At the international level, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change resulted in the Kyoto Protocol requiring
participating countries, which does not include the U.S., to reduce GHGs commencing in 2008 and has been extended through
2020. The Obama Administration submitted in March 2015, a formal pledge for the U.S. to reduce its economy wide GHG
emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025. In 2015, FirstEnergy set a goal of reducing company-wide CO2
emissions by at least 90 percent below 2005 levels by 2045. As of December 31, 2018, FirstEnergy has reduced its CO2
emissions by approximately 62 percent. 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. 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. FirstEnergy cannot currently
estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although potential legislative or regulatory programs restricting CO2
emissions, or litigation alleging damages from GHG emissions, could require material capital and other expenditures or result in
changes to its operations.
107
In December 2009, the EPA released its final “Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for GHG under the Clean Air
Act,” concluding that concentrations of several key GHGs constitutes 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. The EPA released its final CPP regulations in August 2015 to reduce CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel
fired EGUs and finalized separate regulations imposing CO2 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 October 16, 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule to repeal the CPP. On June 19, 2019, the EPA repealed the
CPP and replaced it with the ACE rule that establishes guidelines for states to develop standards of performance to address
GHG emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. On January 19, 2021, the D.C. Circuit remanded the ACE rule declaring
that the EPA was “arbitrary and capricious” in its rule making, 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 is subject to legal
challenge. Depending on the outcomes of further appeals 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.
The EPA finalized CWA Section 316(b) regulations in May 2014, requiring cooling water intake structures with an intake velocity
greater than 0.5 feet per second to reduce fish impingement when aquatic organisms are pinned against screens or other parts
of a cooling water intake system to a 12% annual average and requiring cooling water intake structures exceeding 125 million
gallons per day to conduct studies to determine site-specific controls, if any, to reduce entrainment, which occurs when aquatic
life is drawn into a facility's cooling water system. Depending on any final action taken by the states with respect to impingement
and entrainment, the future capital costs of compliance with these standards may be material.
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. Depending on the outcome of appeals, 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 include capital expenditures at
the Ft. Martin and Harrison power stations, may be substantial and changes to MP’s operations at those power stations may also
result.
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. The EPA requested additional information regarding the
Springdale landfill and on November 15, 2016, WP provided a response and intends to fully comply 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. 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 DOJ issued a letter and tolling agreement on behalf of the EPA alleging violations of the CWA at the Springdale
and Mingo landfills while seeking to enter settlement negotiations in lieu of filing a complaint. The EPA has proposed a penalty of
$900,000 to settle alleged past boron exceedances at both facilities. Negotiations are continuing and WP is unable to predict the
outcome of this matter.
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.
108
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 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 allows for an extension of the closure deadline based on meeting proscribed site-specific criteria.
On July 29, 2020, the EPA published a final rule revising the date that certain CCR impoundments must cease accepting waste
and initiate closure to April 11, 2021. The final rule 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 until 2024 of McElroy's Run CCR impoundment facility, for which AE Supply continues to provide access
to FG.
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 December 31, 2020, 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 $107 million have been accrued through December 31, 2020. Included in the total are accrued liabilities of
approximately $67 million 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. No
contingency has been reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements as a loss is neither probable, nor is a loss or
range of a loss reasonably estimable.
Legal Proceedings Relating to United States v. Larry Householder, et al.
In addition to the subpoenas referenced above under “—United States v. Larry Householder, et. al.”, 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.
•
•
Owens v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. and Frand v. FirstEnergy Corp. et al. (Federal District Court, S.D. Ohio); on July 28,
2020 and August 21, 2020, purported stockholders of FE filed putative class action lawsuits against FE and certain FE
officers, purportedly on behalf of all purchasers of FE common stock from February 21, 2017 through July 21, 2020,
asserting claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated
thereunder, alleging misrepresentations or omissions by FirstEnergy concerning its business and results of operations.
These actions have been consolidated and a lead plaintiff has been appointed by the court.
Gendrich v. Anderson, et al. and Sloan v. Anderson, et al. (Common Pleas Court, Summit County, OH); on July 26,
2020 and 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. 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 Southern District of Ohio have been consolidated and co-lead
plaintiffs have been appointed by the court.
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
•
109
•
•
certain current and former FirstEnergy officers, alleging civil Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act
violations and related state law claims. These actions have been consolidated.
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); 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, each alleging civil violations of the Ohio Corrupt Activity Act in connection with the passage of HB 6. The
OAG sought a preliminary injunction to prevent each of the defendants, including FE, through the end of 2020, from: (i)
contributing to any groups whose purpose is to keep or modify HB 6; (ii) making any public statements for or against
any repeal or modification legislation concerning HB 6; (iii) lobbying, consulting, or advising on these matters; or (iv)
contributing to any Ohio legislative candidates. The court denied the OAG’s request for preliminary injunctive relief on
October 2, 2020. 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 (Rider 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.
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, 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. On October 1, 2020, plaintiffs filed a First Amended Complaint,
adding as a plaintiff a purported customer of FirstEnergy and alleging a civil violation of the Ohio Corrupt Activity Act
and civil conspiracy against FE, FESC and FES.
The plaintiffs in each of the above cases, seek, among other things, to recover an unspecified amount of damages (unless
otherwise noted). 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. Further, 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. The outcome of any of
these lawsuits, investigations and audit are uncertain and could have a material adverse effect on FE’s or its subsidiaries’
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. No contingency has been reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated
financial statements as a loss is neither probable, nor is a loss or range of a loss reasonably estimable.
Internal Investigation Relating to United States v. Larry Householder, et al.
As previously disclosed, a committee of independent members of the Board of Directors is 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. FirstEnergy believes that payments under the consulting agreement may
have been for purposes other than those represented within the consulting agreement. 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, each effective as of
October 29, 2020. Mr. Donald T. Misheff will continue to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board. Additionally, on
November 8, 2020, Robert P. Reffner, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, and Ebony L. Yeboah-Amankwah, 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. The matter is a subject of the ongoing internal investigation as
it relates to the government investigations.
110
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 transfer of: (i) the ownership and operating NRC licenses for TMI-2; (ii) the external trusts for the
decommissioning and environmental remediation of TMI-2; and (iii) related liabilities. 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 Rate Counsel
and agreed to by JCP&L. 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. See Note 1,
"Organization and Basis of Presentation," for additional discussion.
FES Bankruptcy
On March 31, 2018, FES, including its consolidated subsidiaries, FG, NG, FE Aircraft Leasing Corp., Norton Energy
Storage L.L.C. and FGMUC, and FENOC filed voluntary petitions for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United
States Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court and emerged on February 27, 2020. See Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," for
additional discussion.
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
14, "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.
16. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED COMPANIES
FE does not bill directly or allocate any of its costs to any subsidiary company. Costs are charged to FE's subsidiaries for
services received from FESC. The majority of costs are directly billed or assigned at no more than cost. The remaining costs are
for services that are provided on behalf of more than one company, or costs that cannot be precisely identified and are allocated
using formulas developed by FESC. The current allocation or assignment formulas used and their bases include multiple factor
formulas: each company’s proportionate amount of FirstEnergy’s aggregate direct payroll, number of employees, asset balances,
revenues, number of customers, other factors and specific departmental charge ratios. Intercompany transactions are generally
settled under commercial terms within thirty days.
The Utilities and Transmission Companies are parties to an intercompany income tax allocation agreement with FE and its other
subsidiaries, that provides for the allocation of consolidated tax liabilities. Net tax benefits attributable to FE are generally
reallocated to the subsidiaries of FirstEnergy that have taxable income. That allocation is accounted for as a capital contribution
to the company receiving the tax benefit (see Note 7, "Taxes").
17. 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 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 3,790 MWs of regulated electric generation capacity located primarily in West Virginia,
Virginia and New Jersey, of which, 210 MWs are related to the Yards Creek generating station that is being sold pursuant to an
asset purchase agreement as further discussed below. 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 $882 million of assets classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019 associated with the asset
purchase and sale agreements with TMI-2 Solutions to transfer TMI-2 to TMI-2 Solutions, LLC. With the receipt of all required
regulatory approvals, the transaction was consummated on December 18, 2020. As a result, during the fourth quarter of 2020
FirstEnergy recognized an after tax-gain of approximately $33 million, primarily associated with the write-off of a tax related
regulatory liability. See Note 15, "Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies" for additional information. Also included within
111
the segment is $45 million of assets classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2020 associated with the asset purchase
agreement with Yards Creek Energy, LLC to transfer JCP&L's 50% interest in the Yards Creek pumped-storage hydro generation
station (210 MWs). See Note 14, "Regulatory Matters" for additional information.
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 as well as stated transmission rates at MP, PE and WP; although as explained in Note 14, "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, subject to refund, pending further hearing and settlement proceedings. 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. The segment's results also reflect the net transmission expenses related to the delivery of electricity on
FirstEnergy's transmission facilities.
Corporate/Other reflects corporate support costs not charged to FE's subsidiaries, including FE's retained Pension and OPEB
assets and liabilities of the FES Debtors, interest expense on FE’s holding company debt and other businesses that do not
constitute an operating segment. Reconciling adjustments for the elimination of inter-segment transactions and discontinued
operations are shown separately in the following table of Segment Financial Information. As of December 31, 2020, 67 MWs of
electric generating capacity, representing AE Supply's OVEC capacity entitlement, was included in continuing operations of
Corporate/Other. As of December 31, 2020, Corporate/Other had approximately $8.2 billion of FE holding company debt.
112
Financial information for each of FirstEnergy’s reportable segments is presented in the tables below:Segment Financial InformationFor the Years EndedRegulated DistributionRegulated TransmissionCorporate/ OtherReconciling AdjustmentsFirstEnergy Consolidated (In millions)December 31, 2020External revenues$ 9,168 $ 1,613 $ 9 $ — $ 10,790 Internal revenues 195 17 — (212) — Total revenues 9,363 1,630 9 (212) 10,790 Provision for depreciation 896 313 4 61 1,274 Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net (64) 11 — — (53) Miscellaneous income (expense), net 332 30 83 (13) 432 Interest expense 501 219 358 (13) 1,065 Income taxes (benefits) 113 138 (125) — 126 Income (loss) from continuing operations 959 464 (420) — 1,003 Property additions$ 1,514 $ 1,067 $ 76 $ — $ 2,657 December 31, 2019External revenues$ 9,511 $ 1,510 $ 14 $ — $ 11,035 Internal revenues 187 16 — (203) — Total revenues 9,698 1,526 14 (203) 11,035 Provision for depreciation 863 284 5 68 1,220 Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net (89) 10 — — (79) Miscellaneous income (expense), net 174 15 80 (26) 243 Interest expense 495 192 372 (26) 1,033 Income taxes (benefits) 271 113 (171) — 213 Income (loss) from continuing operations 1,076 447 (619) — 904 Property additions$ 1,473 $ 1,090 $ 102 $ — $ 2,665 December 31, 2018External revenues$ 9,900 $ 1,335 $ 26 $ — $ 11,261 Internal revenues 203 18 8 (229) — Total revenues 10,103 1,353 34 (229) 11,261 Provision for depreciation 812 252 3 69 1,136 Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net (163) 13 — — (150) Miscellaneous income (expense), net 192 14 32 (33) 205 Interest expense 514 167 468 (33) 1,116 Income taxes 422 122 (54) — 490 Income (loss) from continuing operations 1,242 397 (617) — 1,022 Property additions$ 1,411 $ 1,104 $ 133 $ 27 $ 2,675 As of December 31, 2020Total assets$ 30,855 $ 12,592 $ 1,017 $ — $ 44,464 Total goodwill$ 5,004 $ 614 $ — $ — $ 5,618 As of December 31, 2019Total assets$ 29,642 $ 11,611 $ 1,015 $ 33 $ 42,301 Total goodwill$ 5,004 $ 614 $ — $ — $ 5,618 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURESEvaluation of Disclosure Controls and ProceduresWe have established disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our acting chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, and ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.113 Our management, with the participation of our acting chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness
of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of
December 31, 2020. Based on that evaluation, the acting chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our
disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2020, 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, our
consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as
defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process
designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial
statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent
limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation
of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions,
or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31,
2020 based on the framework in "Internal Control-Integrated Framework" (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
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 the Company’s policies and
code of conduct, which resulted in inappropriate conduct that was inconsistent with the Company’s policies and code of conduct.
This control deficiency did not result in a material misstatement of our annual or interim consolidated financial statements.
However, 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.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has been audited by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included
herein.
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 newly formed subcommittee,
are currently working to remediate the material weakness identified above. The remedial activities include the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
the appointment of a new Acting Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director 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 Company 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 the new subcommittee of FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee, who, with the Board of Directors, will
oversee the assessment and implementation of potential 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 the
company’s reputation with external stakeholders;
114
•
•
•
the plan to appoint a Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer to oversee the ethics and compliance program and enhance the
existing compliance structure and role;
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 the Company’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 Company 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, are developing a comprehensive remediation plan 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.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the quarter ended December 31, 2020, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
FirstEnergy's internal control over financial reporting.
115
Information About Our Executive Officers (as of February 18, 2021)
Name
S. E. Strah
Age
57
H. Park
K. Jon Taylor
C. L. Walker
G. D. Benz
J. J. Lisowski
S. L. Belcher
59
47
55
61
39
52
Positions Held During Past Five Years
President and Acting Chief Executive Officer (A) (B)
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (A) (B) (C) (E)
President (D)
President (E)
Senior Vice President & President, FirstEnergy Utilities (B)
President (C)
Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer (A)
LimNexus, Partner and General Counsel
Latham & Watkins, Of Counsel
PG&E Corporation, Senior Vice President and Special Counsel to Chairman
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (A) (B) (C) (E)
Vice President, Utility Operations (B)
President (D)
President, Ohio Operations (B)
Vice President (C)
Vice President and Controller (E)
Vice President and Controller (C)
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (A) (B)
Vice President and Controller (D) (G)
Vice President and Controller (F)
Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer (B)
Vice President, Human Resources (B)
Executive Director, Talent Management (B)
Senior Vice President, Strategy (B)
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer (A) (B)
Vice President and Controller (C) (E)
Controller and Treasurer (G)
Controller and Treasurer (F)
Assistant Controller (E)
Assistant Controller (A) (B) (C) (D) (F) (G)
Senior Vice President and President, FirstEnergy Utilities (B)
President (C) (E)
President and Chief Nuclear Officer (G)
President, FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (B)
* Indicates position held at least since January 1, 2016
(A) Denotes position held at FE
(B) Denotes position held at FESC
(C) Denotes position held at the Ohio Companies, the Pennsylvania Companies, MP, PE, FET, KATCo, TrAIL and ATSI
(D) Denotes position held at AGC
(E) Denotes position held at MAIT
(F) Denotes position held at FES and FG
(G) Denotes position held at FENOC
Dates
2020-Present
2018-2020
2017-2018
2016-2018
*-2018
*-2018
2021-Present
2019-2021
2017-2019
2017
*-2017
2020-Present
2019-2020
2019-2020
2018-2019
2018-2019
2016-2018
*-2018
*-2018
*-2017
*-2016
2019-Present
2018-2019
2016-2018
*-Present
2018-Present
2018-Present
2017-2018
2016-2018
2016-2017
*-2017
2018-Present
2018-Present
*-2018
*-2017
116
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC (AST) is the company’s Transfer Agent and Registrar. Registered shareholders wanting to transfer stock, or who
need assistance or information, can send their stock certificate(s) or write to FirstEnergy Corp., c/o American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, P.O. Box 2016,
New York, NY 10272-2016. Shareholders also can call toll-free at 1-800-736-3402, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. For internet
access to general shareholder and account information, visit the AST website at https://us.astfinancial.com/InvestOnline/Invest/AllPlan.
STOCK INVESTMENT PLAN
Registered shareholders and employees of the company can participate in the FirstEnergy Corp. Stock Investment Plan. To learn more about the company’s
Stock Investment Plan, visit AST’s website at https://us.astfinancial.com/InvestOnline/Invest/AllPlan, or contact AST toll-free at 1-800-736-3402.
DIRECT DIVIDEND DEPOSIT
Registered shareholders can have their dividend payments automatically deposited to checking, savings or credit union accounts at any financial institution that
accepts electronic direct deposits. Using this free service ensures that payments will be available to you on the payment date, eliminating the possibility of mail
delay or lost checks. Contact AST toll-free at 1-800-736-3402 to receive a Direct Dividend Deposit Authorization Agreement.
STOCK LISTING AND TRADING
The common stock of FirstEnergy Corp. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FE.
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
The Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the financial statements and financial statement schedules,
will be sent to you without charge upon written request to Mary M. Swann, Corporate Secretary and Associate General Counsel, FirstEnergy Corp., 76 South Main
Street, Akron, Ohio 44308-1890. You also can view the Form 10-K by visiting the company’s website at www.firstenergycorp.com/investor.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
*Operating earnings (loss) excludes “special items” as described below and is a non-GAAP financial measure. Special items represent charges incurred or
benefits realized that management believes are not indicative of, or may obscure, trends useful in evaluating the Company’s ongoing core activities and results
of operations or otherwise warrant separate classification. Special items are not necessarily non-recurring. Management uses Operating earnings (loss) and
Operating earnings (loss) per share to evaluate the Company’s performance and manage its operations and frequently references these non-GAAP financial
measures in its decision making, using them to facilitate historical and ongoing performance comparisons. Additionally, management uses Operating earnings
(loss) per share by segment to further evaluate the Company’s performance by segment and references this non-GAAP financial measure in its decision making.
Operating earnings (loss) per share for each segment is calculated by dividing Operating earnings (loss), which excludes special items as discussed herein,
for the periods presented by 542 million shares for the full year of 2020, 539 million shares for the full-year 2019, and 538 million shares for the full-year 2018,
which reflects the full impact of share dilution from the equity issuance in January 2018. Basic earnings per share (GAAP) is based on 542 million shares for
full-year 2020, 535 million shares for full-year 2019, and 492 million shares for full-year 2018.
Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures of Operating earnings (loss) and Operating earnings (loss) per share and Operating earnings (loss)
per share by segment provide consistent and comparable measures of performance of its businesses on an ongoing basis. Management also believes that
such measures are useful to shareholders and other interested parties to understand performance trends and evaluate the Company against its peer group by
presenting period-over-period operating results without the effect of certain charges or benefits that may not be consistent or comparable across periods or
across the Company’s peer group. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future financial performance,
financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure
calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). These non-GAAP financial measures are
intended to complement, and are not considered as alternatives to, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. Also, the non-GAAP financial
measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities. Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, FirstEnergy has provided,
where possible without unreasonable effort, quantitative reconciliations within this presentation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly
comparable GAAP financial measures.
Net Income Attributable to Common Stockholders (GAAP) - $M
Basic Earnings per Share (GAAP)
Excluding Special Items*:
Pension/OPEB Mark-to-Market Adjustments –
Q1 Remeasurement
Q4 Remeasurement
Impact of Full Dilution
Regulatory Charges (credits)
Tax Reform
Debt Redemption Costs
Exit of Generation Costs (credits)
Total Special Items*
Operating Earnings per Share (non-GAAP)
2018
$ 981
$ 1.99
—
0.19
0.52
(0.20)
0.04
0.22
(0.17)
0.60
$ 2.59
2019
$ 908
$ 1.70
—
0.89
(0.01)
(0.16)
—
—
0.16
0.88
$ 2.58
2020
$ 1,079
$ 1.99
0.59
0.01
—
0.01
—
—
(0.21)
0.40
$ 2.39
Per share amounts for the special items and earnings drivers above and throughout this report are based on the after-tax effect of each item divided by the
number of shares outstanding for the period assuming full impact of dilution from the $2.5 billion equity issuance in January 2018. The current and deferred
income tax effect, which ranges from 21% to 29% in all periods, was calculated by applying the subsidiaries’ statutory tax rate to the pre-tax amount if
deductible/taxable.
76 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308-1890