false--12-31Q3201900010312961500000020000000710000008800000024000001200000P5Y078800000P2YP3MP12MP24M8300000011600000055300040011500028.3026.2027.203.600.601.20910000000.020.00200.33330.3333880000006000000217000000287000000130013002680000000.900.9095000000132500000168000000620000013000002700000051000000P3YP18MP4YP4YP3YP4Y34500.04P5Y12000000730000040000000P3YP5YP2Y11900000050000000200000092000000046000000700000094500000092000000102000000500000000900000010000002600000001860000002250000000.360.360.360.360.380.380.380.10.170000000070000000051191545054031170710200000010200000062800000090000000050000000027000000170000000.3333310000009000000186000000500000000500000000310000001690000002000000005000000006600000042000000600000000.360.360.38100100500000050000001616000161600070458903900000002860000017600000516000000970000002860000028000000950000004500000001970000038680000045000000250000002600000051000000610000076000005720000000.00400.00050.1181140000009200000092000000




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


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


For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20182019


OR


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


For the transition period from ___________________ to ___________________
Commission Registrant; State of Incorporation; I.R.S. Employer
File Number Address; and Telephone Number Identification No.
     
333-21011 FIRSTENERGY CORP.CORP 34-1843785
  (AnOhioCorporation)  
  76 South Main Street  
  AkronOH44308  
  
Telephone
(800)736-3402736-3402  
     

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Title of Each ClassTrading SymbolName of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.10 par valueFENew York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes
Yes þ No o
No
 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
Yes
Yes þ No o

No
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging“emerging growth company"company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filerþ
  
Accelerated Filero
  
Non-accelerated Filero
  
Smaller Reporting Companyo
  
Emerging Growth Companyo


If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standard provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes
Yes oNoþ
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
  OUTSTANDING
CLASS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 20182019
FirstEnergy Corp.,Common Stock, $0.10 par value 511,445,350540,311,707

FirstEnergy Web SiteWebsite and Other Social Media Sites and Applications


FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports and all other documents filed with or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are made available free of charge on or through the "Investors"“Investors” page of FirstEnergy’s web sitewebsite at www.firstenergycorp.com. The public may also read and copy any reports or other information that FirstEnergy files with the SEC at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the SEC's public reference room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. These documents are also available to the public from commercial document retrieval services and the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.


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

 








Forward-Looking Statements: This Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. These statements include declarations regarding management'smanagement’s intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms “anticipate,” “potential,” “expect,” "forecast," "target," "will," "intend,"“forecast,” “target,” “will,” “intend,” “believe,” "project,"“project,” “estimate," "plan"” “plan” and similar words. Forward-looking statements involve estimates, assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, which may include the following (see Glossary of Terms for definitions of capitalized terms):


The ability to successfully execute an exit offrom commodity-based generation, that minimizes cash outflows and associated liabilities, including, without limitation, the losses, guarantees, claims and other obligations of FirstEnergy as such relate to the entities previously consolidated into FirstEnergy, including FES and FENOC, which have filedmitigating exposure for bankruptcy protection.remedial activities associated with formerly owned generation assets.
The risks associated with the FES Bankruptcy that could adversely affect us, our liquidity or results of operations, including, without limitation, that conditions to the definitiveFES Bankruptcy settlement agreement with respect to the FES Bankruptcy may not be met or that the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement may not be otherwise consummated, and if so, the potential for litigation and payment demands against FirstEnergyus by FES or FENOC or their creditors.
The risks associated with the FES Bankruptcy that could adversely affect FirstEnergy, its liquidityability to accomplish or results of operations.
The accomplishment ofrealize anticipated benefits from strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, our regulatorystrategy to operate and operational goals in connection withgrow as a fully regulated business, to execute our transmission and distribution investment plans.plans, to continue to reduce costs through FE Tomorrow and other initiatives, and to improve our credit metrics, strengthen our balance sheet and grow earnings.
Legislative and regulatory developments, including, but not limited to, matters related to rates, compliance and enforcement activity.
Economic and weather conditions affecting future operating results, such as significant weather events and other natural disasters, and associated regulatory events or actions.
Changes in assumptions regarding economic conditions within our territories, assessment of the reliability of our transmission and distribution system, or the availability of capital or other resources supporting identified transmission and distribution investment opportunities.
The ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic and financial goals, including, but not limited to, our strategy to operate as a fully regulated business and to grow the Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission segments to continue to reduce costs through FE Tomorrow and other initiatives and to improve our credit metrics and strengthen our balance sheet.
The risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation and like proceedings.
The uncertainties associated with the sale, transfer or deactivation of our remaining commodity-based generating units, including the impact on vendor commitments, and as it relates to the reliability of the transmission grid, the timing thereof.
The uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures that may arise in connection with any litigation, including NSR litigation, or potential regulatory initiatives or rulemakings.
Changes in customers'customers’ demand for power, including, but not limited to, changes resulting from the implementationimpact of state and federalclimate change or energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates.
Economic and weather conditions affecting future sales, margins and operations, such as significant weather events, and all associated regulatory events or actions.
Changes in national and regional economic conditions affecting FirstEnergyus and/or our major industrial and commercial customers and other counterpartiesor others with which we do business.
The impact of labor disruptions by our unionized workforce.
The risks associated with cyber-attacks and other disruptions to our information technology system, thatwhich may compromise our generation, transmission and/or distribution servicesoperations, and data security breaches of sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or personally identifiable information regarding our business, employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers, business partners and other individuals in our data centers and on our networks.
The impact of the regulatory process and resulting outcomes on the matters at the federal level and in the various states in which we do business, including, but not limited to, matters related to rates.
The impact of the federal regulatory process on FERC-regulated entities and transactions, in particular FERC regulation of PJM wholesale energy and capacity markets and cost-of-service rates, as well as FERC’s compliance and enforcement activity, including compliance and enforcement activity related to NERC’s mandatory reliability standards.
The uncertainties of various cost recovery and cost allocation issues resulting from ATSI's realignment into PJM.information.
The ability to comply with applicable state and federal reliability standards and energy efficiency and peak demand reduction mandates.
Other legislativeChanges to environmental laws and regulatory changes, including the federal administration's required review and potential revision of environmental requirements,regulations, including, but not limited to, the effects of the EPA's CPP, CCR, and CSAPR programs, including our estimated costs of compliance, CWA waste water effluent limitations for power plants, and CWA 316(b) water intake regulation.those related to climate change.
Changing market conditions that could affectaffecting the measurement of certain liabilities and the value of assets held in our pension trusts and other trust funds, and causeor causing us and/or our subsidiaries to make additional contributions sooner, or in amounts that are larger, than currently anticipated.
The impactrisks associated with the decommissioning of changesour retired and former nuclear facilities.
The risks and uncertainties associated with litigation, arbitration, mediation and like proceedings.
Labor disruptions by our unionized workforce.
Changes to significant accounting policies.
The impact of anyAny changes in tax laws or regulations, including the Tax Act, or adverse tax audit results or rulings.
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, and our subsidiaries.


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 us and/oreither our subsidiaries’ access to or terms of financing increase the costs thereof, LOCs and other financial guarantees, and the impact of these events on theor our financial condition and liquidity of FE and/or its subsidiaries.
Issues concerning the stability of domestic and foreign financial institutions and counterparties with which we do business.liquidity.
The risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our SEC filings, and other similar factors.filings.


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


These forward-looking statements are also qualified by, and should be read together with, the risk factors included in FirstEnergy’s filings with the SEC, including but not limited to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which risk factors supersede and replace the risk factors contained in themost recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and previousany subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and any subsequent Current Reports on Form 8-K. The foregoing review of factors also should not be construed as exhaustive. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor assess the impact of any such factor on FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. FirstEnergy expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise, except as required by law, any forward-looking statements contained herein or in the information incorporated by reference as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.











TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Page
  
Part I. Financial Information 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
  
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5. Other Information
  




i





GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify FirstEnergy Corp. and its current and former subsidiaries:

AEAllegheny Energy, Inc., a Maryland utility holding company that merged with a subsidiary of FirstEnergy on February 25, 2011, which subsequently merged with and into FE on January 1, 2014
AESCAllegheny Energy Service Corporation, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.
AE SupplyAllegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC, an unregulated generation subsidiary of FE
AGCAllegheny Generating Company, formerly a generation subsidiary of AE Supply that became a wholly owned subsidiary of MP in May 2018
ATSIAmerican Transmission Systems, Incorporated, formerly a direct subsidiary of FE that became a subsidiary of FET in April 2012, which owns and operates transmission facilities
BSPCBay Shore Power Company
CEIThe Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
CESCompetitive Energy Services, formerly a reportable operating segment of FirstEnergy
FEFirstEnergy Corp., a public utility holding company
FENOCFirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company a subsidiary of FE, which operates NG'sNG’s nuclear generating facilities
FESFirstEnergy Solutions Corp., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, FG, NG, FE Aircraft Leasing Corp., Norton Energy Storage L.L.C.LLC, and FGMUC, which provides unregulated energy-related products and services
FES DebtorsFES and FENOC
FESCFirstEnergy Service Company, which provides legal, financial and other corporate support services
FETFirstEnergy Transmission, LLC, formerly known as Allegheny Energy Transmission, LLC, which is the parent of ATSI, TrAILMAIT and MAIT,TrAIL, and has a joint venture in PATH
FEVFirstEnergy Ventures Corp., which invests in certain unregulated enterprises and business ventures
FGFirstEnergy Generation, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of FES, which owns and operates non-nuclear generating facilities
FGMUCFirstEnergy Generation Mansfield Unit 1 Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of FG, which has certain leasehold interests in a portion of Unit 1 at the Bruce Mansfield plant
FirstEnergyFirstEnergy Corp., together with its consolidated subsidiaries
Global HoldingGlobal Mining Holding Company, LLC, a joint venture between FEV, WMB Marketing Ventures, LLC and Pinesdale LLC
Global RailGlobal Rail Group, LLC, a subsidiary of Global Holding that owns coal transportation operations near Roundup, Montana
GPUGPUNGPU Nuclear, Inc., former parenta subsidiary of JCP&L, ME and PN, that merged with FE, on November 7, 2001which operates TMI-2
JCP&LJersey Central Power & Light Company, a New Jersey electric utility operating subsidiary
MAITMid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission, LLC, a subsidiary of FET, which owns and operates transmission facilities
MEMetropolitan Edison Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
MPMonongahela Power Company, a West Virginia electric utility operating subsidiary
NGFirstEnergy Nuclear Generation, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of FES, which owns nuclear generating facilities
OEOhio Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
Ohio CompaniesCEI, OE and TE
PATHPotomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC, a joint venture between FE and a subsidiary of AEP
PATH-AlleghenyPATH Allegheny Transmission Company, LLC
PATH-WVPATH West Virginia Transmission Company, LLC
PEThe Potomac Edison Company, a Maryland and West Virginia electric utility operating subsidiary
PennPennsylvania Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary of OE
Pennsylvania CompaniesME, PN, Penn and WP
PNPennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
Signal PeakSignal Peak Energy, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of Global Holding that owns mining operations near Roundup, Montana
TEThe Toledo Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
TrAILTrans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company, a subsidiary of FET, which owns and operates transmission facilities
Transmission CompaniesATSI, MAIT and TrAIL
UtilitiesOE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, ME, PN, MP, PE and WP
WPWest Penn Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
  




ii



The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
AAAAmerican Arbitration Association

ii



GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Continued

ACEAffordable Clean Energy
ADITAccumulated Deferred Income Taxes
AEPAmerican Electric Power Company, Inc.
AFSAvailable-for-sale
AFUDCAllowance for Funds Used During Construction
ALJAdministrative Law Judge
AOCIAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income
AROAsset Retirement Obligation
ARPAlternative Revenue Program
ARRAuction Revenue Right
ASCAccounting Standard Codification
ASUAccounting Standards Update
Bankruptcy CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Ohio in Akron
BGSBasic Generation Service
BNSFBNSF Railway Company
BRAPJM Reliability Pricing Model Base Residual Auction
CAAClean Air Act
CCRCoal Combustion Residuals
CERCLAComprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
CFRCode of Federal Regulations
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
CPPEPA's Clean Power Plan
CSAPRCross-State Air Pollution Rule
CSXCSX Transportation, Inc.
CTAConsolidated Tax Adjustment
CWAClean Water Act
D.C. CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
DCRDelivery Capital Recovery
DMRDistribution Modernization Rider
DOEUnited States Department of Energy
DPMDistribution Platform Modernization
DRDemand Response
DSICDistribution System Improvement Charge
DSPDefault Service Plan
EDCElectric Distribution Company
EDCPExecutive Deferred Compensation Plan
EE&CEnergy Efficiency and Conservation
EGSElectric Generation Supplier
EGUElectric Generation Units
EKPCEast Kentucky Power Cooperative, Inc.
ELPCEnvironmental Law & Policy Center
EmPOWER MarylandEmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act
ENECExpanded Net Energy Cost
EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
EPSEarnings per Share
EROElectric Reliability Organization
ESP IVElectric Security Plan IV
ESP IV PPAADITUnit Power Agreement entered into on April 1, 2016 by and between the Ohio Companies and FESAccumulated Deferred Income Taxes
Facebook®Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
AEPAmerican Electric Power Company, Inc.FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board
AFSAvailable-for-saleFERCFederal Energy Regulatory Commission

iii



GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Continued

AFUDCAllowance for Funds Used During Construction
FE TomorrowFirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s initiative launched in late 2016 to identify its optimal organizational structure and properly align corporate costs and systems to efficiently support a fully regulated company going forward
ALJAdministrative Law JudgeFES BankruptcyVoluntaryFES Debtors’ voluntary petitions for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court by the FES Debtors.
AOCIAccumulated Other Comprehensive IncomeFitchFitch Ratings
AROAsset Retirement ObligationFMBFirst Mortgage Bond
ARPAlternative Revenue ProgramFPAFederal Power Act
FRRASCFixed Resource RequirementAccounting Standard Codification
FTRFinancial Transmission Right
ASUAccounting Standards UpdateGAAPAccounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America
Bankruptcy CourtU.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Northern District of Ohio in AkronGHGGreenhouse Gases
HClBath CountyHydrochloric Acid
ICEBath County Pumped Storage Hydro-Power StationIntercontinental Exchange, Inc.
IIPInfrastructure Investment Program
IRPBGSIntegrated Resource PlanBasic Generation ServicekWKilowatt
IRSCAAInternal Revenue Service
ISOClean Air ActIndependent System Operator
JCP&L Reliability PlusJCP&L Reliability Plus Infrastructure Investment Program
kVKilovolt
KWHKilowatt-hour
LBRLittle Blue Run
CCRCoal Combustion ResidualsLCAPPLong-Term Capacity Agreement Pilot Program
CERCLAComprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980LIBORLondon Interbank Offered Rate
CFRCode of Federal RegulationsLOCLetter of Credit
LS Power
CO2
LS Power Equity Partners III, LP
LSECarbon DioxideLoad Serving Entity
LTIIPsLong-Term Infrastructure Improvement Plans
MATSCPPMercury and Air Toxics StandardsEPA’s Clean Power Plan
MDPSCMaryland Public Service Commission
CSAPRCross-State Air Pollution RuleMGPManufactured Gas Plants
CTAConsolidated Tax AdjustmentMISOMidcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.
MLPCWAMaster Limited PartnershipClean Water Act
mmBTUOne Million British Thermal Units
D.C. CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia CircuitMoody’sMoody’s Investors Service, Inc.
MOPRDCRMinimum Offer Price Rule
MVPDelivery Capital RecoveryMulti-Value Project
MWMegawatt
DMRDistribution Modernization RiderMWHMegawatt-hour
DPMDistribution Platform ModernizationNAAQSNational Ambient Air Quality Standards
DSICDistribution System Improvement ChargeNDTNuclear Decommissioning Trust
DSPDefault Service PlanNERCNorth American Electric Reliability Corporation
NJAPAEDCNew Jersey Administrative Procedure ActElectric Distribution Company
NJBPUNew Jersey Board of Public Utilities
NOACEDCPNorthwest Ohio Aggregation CoalitionExecutive Deferred Compensation PlanNMBNon-Market Based
EDISElectric Distribution Investment SurchargeNOINotice of Inquiry
EE&CEnergy Efficiency and ConservationNOLNet Operating Loss
EEIEdison Electric InstituteNOPRNotice of Proposed Rulemaking
NOVEGSNotice of ViolationElectric Generation Supplier
NOxNitrogen Oxide
NPDESEGUNational Pollutant Discharge Elimination SystemElectric Generation Units
NRCNuclear Regulatory Commission
NSREmPOWER MarylandNew Source ReviewEmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act
NUGNon-Utility Generation
ENECExpanded Net Energy CostNYPSCNew York State Public Service Commission

iv



GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Continued

EPAUnited States Environmental Protection Agency
OCAOffice of Consumer Advocate
EPSEarnings per ShareOCCOhio Consumers'Consumers’ Counsel
EROElectric Reliability OrganizationOEPAOhio Environmental Protection Agency

iii



OMAEGOhio Manufacturers'Manufacturers’ Association Energy GroupRTEPRegional Transmission Expansion Plan
OPEBOther Post-Employment BenefitsRTORegional Transmission Organization
OPICOther Paid-in Capital
ORCOhio Revised Code
OTTIS&POther Than Temporary ImpairmentsStandard & Poor’s Ratings Service
OVECOhio Valley Electric CorporationSBCSocietal Benefits Charge
PA DEPPennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
PCBPolychlorinated Biphenyl
PCRBSCOHPollution Control Revenue BondSupreme Court of Ohio
PJMPJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
PJM RegionLLCThe aggregate of the zones within PJMSECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission
PJM TariffPJM Open Access Transmission Tariff
PMParticulate Matter
POLRProvider of Last Resort
PORPurchase of Receivables
PPAPurchase Power Agreement
PPBParts Per Billion
PPUCPennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PSAPower Supply Agreement
PSDPrevention of Significant Deterioration
PUCOPublic Utilities Commission of Ohio
PURPAPublic Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
RCRAResource Conservation and Recovery Act
RECRenewable Energy Credit
Regulation FDRegulation Fair Disclosure promulgated by the SEC
REITReal Estate Investment Trust
RFC
ReliabilityFirst Corporation
RFPRequest for Proposal
RGGIRegional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
ROEReturn on Equity
RRSRetail Rate Stability
RSSRich Site Summary
RTEPRegional Transmission Expansion Plan
RTORegional Transmission Organization
RWGRestructuring Working Group
S&PStandard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SB310Substitute Ohio Senate Bill No. 310
SBCSocietal Benefits Charge
SECUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission
Seventh CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
SIPState Implementation Plan(s) Under the Clean Air Act
POLRProvider of Last Resort
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
Sixth CircuitPORUnited States CourtPurchase of Appeals for the Sixth CircuitReceivables
SOSStandard Offer Service
PPAPurchase Power AgreementSPESpecial Purpose Entity
PPBParts per BillionSRECSolar Renewable Energy Credit
PPUCPennsylvania Public Utility CommissionSSOStandard Service Offer
PUCOPublic Utilities Commission of OhioTax ActTax Cuts and Jobs Act adopted December 22, 2017
TDSPURPATotal Dissolved SolidPublic Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
TMI-2Three Mile Island Unit 2

v



GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Continued

RCRA
TOResource Conservation and Recovery ActTransmission Owner
Twitter®Twitter is a registered trademark of Twitter, Inc.
RECRenewable Energy CreditUCCOfficial committee of unsecured creditors appointed in connection with the FES Bankruptcy
Regulation FDRegulation Fair Disclosure promulgated by the SECVIEVariable Interest Entity
RFC
ReliabilityFirst Corporation
VMSVegetation Management Surcharge
RFPRequest for ProposalVSCCVirginia State Corporation Commission
WVDEPRGGIWest Virginia Department of Environmental ProtectionRegional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
WVPSCPublic Service Commission of West Virginia
ROEReturn on EquityZECZero Emissions Certificate



viiv





PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM I.         Financial Statements


FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)



For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions, except per share amounts) 2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018
                
REVENUES:                
Distribution services and retail generation $2,463
 $2,334
 $6,807
 $6,558
 $2,411
 $2,463
 $6,651
 $6,807
Transmission 341
 337
 996
 968
 371
 341
 1,090
 996
Other 260
 239
 748
 721
 181
 260
 621
 748
Total revenues(1)
 3,064
 2,910
 8,551

8,247
 2,963
 3,064
 8,362

8,551
     




     




OPERATING EXPENSES:     




     




Fuel 137
 126
 404

396
 122
 137
 382

404
Purchased power 876
 774
 2,393

2,215
 798
 876
 2,190

2,393
Other operating expenses 739
 652
 2,363

1,958
 758
 739
 2,143

2,363
Provision for depreciation 283
 261
 843

765
 304
 283
 910

843
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net 67
 113
 (188)
274
 43
 67
 85

(188)
General taxes 252
 238
 746

703
 257
 252
 757

746
Impairment of assets 
 13
 
 13
Total operating expenses 2,354
 2,177
 6,561

6,324
 2,282
 2,354
 6,467

6,561
     




     




OPERATING INCOME 710
 733
 1,990

1,923
 681
 710
 1,895

1,990
     




     




OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):     




     




Miscellaneous income, net 49
 19
 164
 44
 57
 49
 191
 164
Interest expense (255) (262) (858)
(751) (261) (255) (773)
(858)
Capitalized financing costs 16
 13
 47

39
 19
 16
 53

47
Total other expense (190) (230) (647)
(668) (185) (190) (529)
(647)
     




     




INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 520
 503
 1,343

1,255
 496
 520
 1,366

1,343
     




     




INCOME TAXES 133
 202
 503

483
 107
 121
 281

455
     




     




INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 387
 301
 840

772
 389
 399
 1,085

888
     




     




Discontinued operations (Note 3)(2)
 (845) 95
 370

3
 2
 (857) (62)
322
     




     




NET INCOME (LOSS) $(458) $396
 $1,210

$775
 $391
 $(458) $1,023

$1,210
                
INCOME ALLOCATED TO PREFERRED STOCKHOLDERS (Note 4) 54
 
 357
 
 
 54
 7
 357
            ��   
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS $(512) $396
 $853
 $775
 $391
 $(512) $1,016
 $853
     




     




EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK (Note 4):     




     




Basic - Continuing Operations $0.66
 $0.68
 $1.00

$1.74
 $0.72
 $0.68
 $2.02

$1.10
Basic - Discontinued Operations (1.68) 0.21
 0.76

0.01
 0.01
 (1.70) (0.12)
0.66
Basic - Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders $(1.02) $0.89
 $1.76

$1.75
 $0.73
 $(1.02) $1.90

$1.76
     




     




Diluted - Continuing Operations $0.66
 $0.68
 $0.99

$1.73
 $0.72
 $0.68
 $2.00

$1.09
Diluted - Discontinued Operations (1.68) 0.21
 0.76

0.01
 
 (1.70) (0.11)
0.66
Diluted - Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders $(1.02) $0.89
 $1.75

$1.74
 $0.72
 $(1.02) $1.89

$1.75
                
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:                
Basic 503
 444
 485
 444
 538
 503
 533
 485
Diluted 505
 446
 487
 445
 542
 505
 541
 487
                
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK $0.72
 $0.72
 $1.44
 $1.44


(1) Includes excise and gross receipts tax collections of $100 million and $104 million and $102 million induring the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and 2017, respectively,$283 million and $293 million induring the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017.respectively.


(2) Net of income tax expense (benefit)(benefits) of $(354)$2 million and $37$(342) million for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively, and income tax benefits of $(1.3)$46 million and $(1.2) billion and $(1) million for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively.


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




1





FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited)


 For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,  For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017  2019 2018 2019 2018
                 
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(458) $396
 $1,210
 $775
  $391
 $(458) $1,023
 $1,210
                 
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):  
  
       
  
    
Pension and OPEB prior service costs (18) (19) (55) (55)  (7) (18) (21) (55)
Amortized losses on derivative hedges 2
 4
 19
 8
  
 2
 1
 19
Change in unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 
 (6) (106) 8
 
Change in unrealized gains on AFS securities 
 
 
 (106)
Other comprehensive loss (16) (21) (142) (39)  (7) (16) (20) (142)
Income tax benefits on other comprehensive loss (4) (9) (61) (16)  (3) (4) (6) (61)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (12) (12) (81) (23)  (4) (12) (14) (81)
                 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $(470) $384
 $1,129
 $752
  $387
 $(470) $1,009
 $1,129
                 


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






2





FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except share amounts) September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 September 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
ASSETS  
  
  
  
CURRENT ASSETS:  
  
  
  
Cash and cash equivalents $436
 $588
 $716
 $367
Restricted cash 51
 51
 34
 62
Receivables-  
    
  
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $49 in 2018 and 2017 1,317
 1,282
Other, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $2 in 2018 and $1 in 2017 299
 170
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $46 in 2019 and $50 in 2018 1,130
 1,221
Affiliated companies, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $945 in 2019 and $920 in 2018 
 20
Other, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $7 in 2019 and $2 in 2018 206
 270
Materials and supplies, at average cost 240
 236
 258
 252
Prepaid taxes and other 236
 151
 239
 175
Current assets - discontinued operations 17
 632
 33
 25
 2,596
 3,110
 2,616
 2,392
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:  
  
  
  
In service 38,585
 37,113
 41,016
 39,469
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation 10,468
 10,011
 11,234
 10,793
 28,117
 27,102
 29,782
 28,676
Construction work in progress 1,290
 999
 1,370
 1,235
 29,407
 28,101
 31,152
 29,911
        
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS 
 1,132
    
INVESTMENTS:  
  
  
  
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts 822
 822
 871
 790
Nuclear fuel disposal trust 253
 251
 271
 256
Other 254
 255
 283
 253
Investments - discontinued operations 
 1,875
 1,329
 3,203
 1,425
 1,299
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:  
  
  
  
Goodwill 5,618
 5,618
 5,618
 5,618
Regulatory assets 80
 40
 77
 91
Other 413
 697
 618
 752
Deferred charges and other assets - discontinued operations 
 356
 6,111
 6,711
 6,313
 6,461
 $39,443
 $42,257
 $41,506
 $40,063
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION  
  
  
  
CURRENT LIABILITIES:  
  
  
  
Currently payable long-term debt $1,128
 $558
 $381
 $503
Short-term borrowings 1,700
 300
 1,000
 1,250
Accounts payable 997
 827
 893
 965
Accounts payable - affiliated companies 107
 
 46
 
Accrued taxes 529
 533
 537
 533
Accrued compensation and benefits 300
 257
 268
 318
Collateral 27
 39
 30
 39
Other 1,012
 621
 1,084
 1,026
Current liabilities - discontinued operations 
 978
 5,800
 4,113
 4,239
 4,634
CAPITALIZATION:  
  
  
  
Stockholders’ equity-  
  
  
  
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 700,000,000 shares - 511,445,350 and 445,334,111 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively 51
 44
Preferred stock, $100 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares, of which 1,616,000 are designated Series A Convertible Preferred - 704,589 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2018 70
 
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 700,000,000 shares - 540,311,707 and 511,915,450 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively 54
 51
Preferred stock, $100 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares, of which 1,616,000 are designated Series A Convertible Preferred - none outstanding as of September 30, 2019, and 704,589 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018 
 71
Other paid-in capital 11,708
 10,001
 11,047
 11,530
Accumulated other comprehensive income 61
 142
 27
 41
Accumulated deficit (5,017) (6,262) (3,856) (4,879)
Total stockholders’ equity 6,873
 3,925
 7,272
 6,814
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations 16,608
 18,687
 19,422
 17,751
 23,481
 22,612
 26,694
 24,565
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:  
  
  
  
Accumulated deferred income taxes 2,427
 3,171
 2,900
 2,502
Retirement benefits 2,742
 3,975
 2,403
 2,906
Regulatory liabilities 2,673
 2,720
 2,605
 2,498
Asset retirement obligations 630
 570
 844
 812
Adverse power contract liability 99
 130
 66
 89
Other 1,591
 1,438
 1,755
 2,057
Noncurrent liabilities - discontinued operations 
 3,528
 10,162
 15,532
 10,573
 10,864
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 14) 

 

COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 13) 


 


 $39,443
 $42,257
 $41,506
 $40,063


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




3





FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2018 2017 2019 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:        
Net income $1,210
 $775
 $1,023
 $1,210
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-        
Gain on disposal, net of tax (Note 3) (405) 
Depreciation and amortization, including nuclear fuel, regulatory assets, net, intangible assets and deferred debt-related costs 1,003
 1,307
Loss (gain) on disposal, net of tax (Note 3) 16
 (405)
Depreciation and amortization, including regulatory assets, net, intangible assets and deferred debt-related costs 1,069
 1,003
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 462
 453
 251
 462
Impairment of assets and related charges 
 162
Retirement benefits, net of payments (113) 28
 (81) (113)
Pension trust contributions (1,250) 
 (500) (1,250)
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative transactions (5) 64
Changes in current assets and liabilities-        
Receivables (254) 73
 228
 (254)
Materials and supplies 43
 (6) (14) 43
Prepaid taxes and other (114) (41) (69) (114)
Accounts payable 125
 (22) (102) 125
Accrued taxes (125) (161) (105) (125)
Accrued compensation and benefits (19) (54) (68) (19)
Other current liabilities (140) 13
 29
 (140)
Collateral, net (21) 19
 (9) (21)
Other 161
 152
 69
 156
Net cash provided from operating activities 558
 2,762
 1,737
 558
        
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:        
New Financing-    
New financing-    
Long-term debt 624
 4,050
 2,100
 624
Short-term borrowings, net 1,400
 
 
 1,400
Preferred stock issuance 1,616
 
 
 1,616
Common stock issuance 850
 
 
 850
Redemptions and Repayments-    
Redemptions and repayments-    
Long-term debt (2,278) (1,711) (784) (2,278)
Short-term borrowings, net 
 (2,175)
Make-whole premiums paid on debt redemptions (89) 
 
 (89)
Preferred stock dividend payments (52) 
 (6) (52)
Common stock dividend payments (527) (478) (609) (527)
Other (21) (67) (36) (21)
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities 1,523
 (381)
Net cash provided from financing activities 665
 1,523
        
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:        
Property additions (1,942) (1,847) (1,912) (1,942)
Nuclear fuel 
 (156)
Proceeds from asset sales 419
 
 18
 419
Sales of investment securities held in trusts 736
 1,923
 506
 736
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts (780) (1,995) (536) (780)
Notes receivable from affiliated companies (500) 
 
 (500)
Asset removal costs (171) (130) (158) (171)
Other 1
 (1) 1
 1
Net cash used for investing activities (2,237) (2,206) (2,081) (2,237)
        
Net change in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash (156) 175
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 643
 260
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $487
 $435
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 321
 (156)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period 429
 643
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period $750
 $487
        
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:        
Non-cash transaction, beneficial conversion feature (Note 4) $296
 $
 $
 $296
Non-cash transaction, deemed dividend preferred stock (Note 4) $(296) $
 $
 $(296)


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






4





FIRSTENERGY CORP.


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Note
Number
 
Page
Number
 
Page
Number
   
  
2Revenue
  
3Discontinued Operations
  
4Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
  
5
  
6Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
  
7Income Taxes
  
8Variable Interest Entities
   
9Fair Value Measurements
   
10Derivative Instruments
   
11Capitalization
  
12Asset Retirement Obligations
  
13Regulatory Matters
  
14Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies
  
15Segment Information
 






5





NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)


1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION


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


FE was incorporated under Ohio law in 1996. FE’s principal business is the holding, directly or indirectly, of all of the outstanding equity of its principal subsidiaries: OE, CEI, TE, Penn (a wholly owned subsidiary of OE), JCP&L, ME, PN, FESC, AE Supply, MP, AGC, PE, WP, and FET and its principal subsidiaries (ATSI, MAIT and TrAIL), and AESC.. In addition, FE holds all of the outstanding equity of other direct subsidiaries including: Allegheny Energy Service Corporation, FirstEnergy Properties, Inc., FEV, FELHC, Inc., GPU Nuclear, Inc.,GPUN, and Allegheny Ventures, Inc.


FE and its subsidiaries are principally involved in the transmission, distribution and generation of electricity. FirstEnergy’s ten10 utility operating companies comprise one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems, based on serving over six million customers in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. FirstEnergy’s transmission operations include approximately 24,500 miles of lines and two2 regional transmission operation centers. Additionally, its regulated generation subsidiariesAGC, JCP&L and MP control 3,790 MWs of capacity and AE Supply controls 1,367 MWs of capacity (1,300 MWs related to the Pleasants Power Station).total capacity.
These interim financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements and notes prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.2018.


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 accompanying interim financial statements are unaudited, but reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make periodic estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The reported results of operations are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for any future period. FE and its subsidiaries have evaluated events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date the financial statements were issued.


FE and its subsidiaries consolidate all majority-owned subsidiaries over which they exercise control and, when applicable, entities for which they have a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation as appropriate and permitted pursuant to GAAP. FE and its subsidiaries consolidate a VIE when it is determined that it is the primary beneficiary (see Note 8, "Variable10, “Variable Interest Entities"Entities”). 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'sFE’s ownership share of the entity’s earnings is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Comprehensive Income (Loss).


Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, as discussed in "New Accounting Pronouncements" and Note 3, "Discontinued Operations."presentation.


FES and FENOC Chapter 11 Filing
On March 31, 2018, the FES Debtors announced that, in order to facilitate an orderly financial restructuring, they filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code with the Bankruptcy Court (which is referred to throughout as the FES Bankruptcy). As a result of the bankruptcy filings, FirstEnergy concluded that it no longer had a controlling interest in the FES Debtors as the entities are subject to the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and, accordingly, as of March 31, 2018, the FES Debtors were deconsolidated from FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements. Since such time, FE has accounted and will account for its investments in the FES Debtors at fair values of zero.0. FE concluded that in connection with the disposal, FES and FENOC became discontinued operations. In connection with the disposal, FE recorded a gain on deconsolidation (net of taxes) of approximately $1.2 billion in the first quarter of 2018. See Note 3, "Discontinued“Discontinued Operations," for additional information.


On April 23,September 26, 2018, the Bankruptcy Court approved a FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement dated August 26, 2018, by and among FirstEnergy, and two groups of key FES creditors (collectively, the FES Key Creditor Groups) reached an, the FES Debtors and the UCC. The FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement in principle to resolveresolves certain claims by FirstEnergy against the FES Debtors and all claims by the FES Debtors and their creditors against FirstEnergy. The FES Debtors and the UCC subsequently joined settlement discussions with FirstEnergy and the FES Key Creditor Groups. On August 26, 2018, FirstEnergy, the FES Key Creditor Groups the FES Debtorsagainst FirstEnergy, and the UCC entered into a definitive settlement agreement which was approved by order of the Bankruptcy Court on September 26, 2018. The settlement agreement includes the following terms, among others:
FE will pay certain pre-petition FES Debtors employee-related obligations, which include unfunded pension obligations and other employee benefits.


6



FE will pay certain pre-petition FES and FENOC employee-related obligations, which include unfunded pension obligations and other employee benefits, and provides for the waiver ofwaive all pre-petition claims (other than those claims under the Tax Allocation Agreement for the 2018 tax year) and certain post-petition claims, against the FES Debtors related to the FES Debtors and their businesses, including the full borrowings by FES under the $500 million secured credit facility, the $200 million credit agreement being used to


6



support surety bonds, the BNSF/BNSF Railway Company/CSX Transportation, Inc. rail settlement guarantee, and the FES Debtors'Debtors’ unfunded pension obligations, all of which were previously accounted for in the first quarter of 2018 gain on deconsolidation.obligations.
A nonconsensual release of all claims against FirstEnergy by the FES Debtors’ creditors, which was subsequently waived pursuant to the Waiver Agreement, discussed below.
A $225 million cash payment from FirstEnergy.
A $628 million aggregate principal amount note issuance by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors, which may be decreased by the amount, if any, of cash paid by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors under the Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement for the tax benefits related to the sale or deactivation of certain plants.
The full release of all claims against FirstEnergy by the FES Debtors and their creditors.
A $225 million cash payment from FirstEnergy.
A $628 million aggregate principal amount note issuance by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors, which may be decreased by the amount, if any, of cash paid by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors under the Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement for the tax benefits related to the sale or deactivation of certain plants.
Transfer of the Pleasants Power Station and related assets, to FES or its designee forincluding the benefiteconomic interests therein as of FES’ creditors, which resulted in a pre-tax charge of $43 million in the third quarter of 2018,January 1, 2019, and a requirement that FE continue to provide FES access to the McElroy'sMcElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility, which is not being transferred. Prior to transfer and beginning no later than January 1, 2019, FES will acquire the economic interests in Pleasants and AE Supply will operate Pleasants until the transfer. FE will provide certain guarantees for certain retained environmental liabilities of AE Supply, including the McElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility.
FirstEnergy agrees to waive all pre-petition claims related to shared services and credit nine-months of the FES Debtors' shared service costs beginning as of April 1, 2018, in an amount not to exceed $112.5 million, and FirstEnergy agrees to extend the availability of shared services until no later than June 30, 2020.
FirstEnergy agrees to waive all pre-petition claims related to shared services and credit for nine months of the FES Debtors’ shared service costs beginning as of April 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, in an amount not to exceed $112.5 million, and FirstEnergy agrees to extend the availability of shared services until no later than June 30, 2020.
Subject to a cap, FirstEnergy has agreed to fund a pension enhancement through its pension plan, a pension enhancement, subject to a cap, should FES offer afor voluntary enhanced retirement package in 2019 andpackages offered to certain FES employees, as well as offer certain other employee benefits.
benefits (approximately $14 million recognized in the first nine months of 2019).
FirstEnergy agrees to perform under the IntracompanyIntercompany Tax Allocation Agreement through the FES Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy, at which time FirstEnergy will waive a 2017 overpayment for NOLs of approximately $71 million, reverse 2018 estimated payments for NOLs of approximately $88 million and pay the FES Debtors for the use of NOLs in an amount no less than $66 million (of which approximately $20 million has been paid throughfor 2018. Based on the 2018 federal tax return filed in September 30, 2018).

2019, FirstEnergy has determined a loss is probable with respect toowes the FES Bankruptcy and recorded a pre-tax charge in the third quarter ofdebtors approximately $31 million associated with 2018, of $1.2 billion within Discontinued Operations, which reflects the current estimate of the commitments and payments under the settlement agreement. will be paid upon emergence.

The FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement remains subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth therein, most notably the issuance of a final order by the Bankruptcy Court approving the plan or plans of reorganization for the FES Debtors that are acceptable to FirstEnergy consistent with the requirements of the settlement agreement.certain conditions. There can be no assurance that such conditions will be satisfied or the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement will be otherwise consummated, and the actual outcome of this matter may differ materially from the terms of the agreement described herein. FirstEnergy will continue to evaluate the impact of any new factors on the settlement and their relative impact on the financial statements.
In connection with the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, FirstEnergy entered into a separation agreement with the FES Debtors to implement the separation of the FES Debtors and their businesses from FirstEnergy. A business separation committee has beenwas established between FirstEnergy and the FES Debtors to review and determine issues that arise in the context of the separation of the FES Debtors’ businesses from those of FirstEnergy.
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 will operate Pleasants until the transfer is completed. After closing, AE Supply will continue to provide access to the McElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility, which is not being transferred, and FE will provide guarantees for certain retained environmental liabilities of AE Supply, including the McElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility. The transfer of the Pleasants Power Station is subject to various customary and other closing conditions, including the effectiveness of a plan of reorganization for the FES Debtors in connection with the FES Bankruptcy. There can be no assurance that all closing conditions will be satisfied or that the transfer will be consummated.
On April 11, 2019, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order denying the FES Debtors’ disclosure statement approval motion. The Bankruptcy Court concluded that the nonconsensual third-party releases proposed under the plan of reorganization, which were a condition under the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement for FirstEnergy’s benefit, were legally impermissible and rendered the plan unconfirmable.On April 18, 2019, FirstEnergy consented to the waiver of the condition. Additionally, the FES Debtors agreed to provide FirstEnergy with the same third-party release provided in favor of certain other parties in any plan of reorganization and to pay FirstEnergy approximately $60 million in cash (paid during the second quarter of 2019) to resolve certain outstanding pension and service charges totaling $87 million, which resulted in FirstEnergy recognizing a $27 million pre-tax charge to income in the first quarter of 2019 ($17 million of which was recognized in continuing operations). Further, the FES Debtors agreed to initiate negotiations with the EPA, OEPA, PA DEP and the NRC to obtain those parties’ cooperation with the FES Debtors’ revised plan of reorganization. FirstEnergy may choose to participate in those negotiations at its option. On May 20, 2019, the Bankruptcy Court approved the waiver and a revised disclosure statement.

In August 2019, the Bankruptcy Court held hearings to consider whether to confirm the FES Debtors’ plan of reorganization. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the Bankruptcy Court ruled against the objections of several parties, including FERC and OVEC. However, the Bankruptcy Court ruled in favor of the objections made by certain of the FES Debtors’ unions regarding their collective bargaining agreements. The Bankruptcy Court adjourned the hearing without ruling on confirmation and explained that the only issue to be resolved was the acceptance or rejection by the FES Debtors of the collective bargaining agreements at issue.

In October 2019, the FES Debtors and the unions objecting to confirmation of the plan of reorganization reached an agreement framework and the unions agreed to withdraw their objections to the plan of reorganization. On October 15, 2019, the Bankruptcy Court held a hearing to confirm the FES Debtors’ plan of reorganization, and on October 16, 2019, entered a final order confirming the FES Debtors' plan of reorganization. On October 29, 2019, several parties, including FERC, filed notices of appeal with the


7



United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio appealing the Bankruptcy Court’s final order approving FES Debtors’ plan of reorganization. The emergence of the FES Debtors from bankruptcy pursuant to the confirmed plan of reorganization is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including approvals from the FERC and NRC.

Capitalized Financing Costs


For each of the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, capitalized financing costs on FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) include $11$12 million and $8$11 million, respectively, of allowance for equity funds used during construction and $7 million and $5 million, respectively, of capitalized interest. For each of the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, capitalized financing costs on FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) include $33$34 million and $25$33 million, respectively, of allowance for equity funds used during construction and $19 million and $14 million, respectively, of capitalized interest.


Restricted Cash


Restricted cash primarily relates to the consolidated VIE'sVIE’s discussed in Note 8, "Variable10, “Variable Interest Entities." The cash collected from JCP&L, MP, PE and the Ohio Companies'Companies’ customers is used to service debt of their respective funding companies.

Goodwill

FirstEnergy evaluates goodwill for impairment annually on July 31 and more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. For 2018, 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 include: growth rates, interest rates, expected capital expenditures, utility sector market performance and other market considerations. It was determined that the fair value of these reporting units was, more likely than not, greater than their carrying value and a quantitative analysis was not necessary.



7



New Accounting Pronouncements


Recently Adopted Pronouncements


ASU 2014-09, 2016-02, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"Leases (Topic 842)" (Issued May 2014February 2016 and subsequently updated to address implementation questions): The new revenue recognition guidance establishesrequires organizations that lease assets with lease terms of more than 12 months to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on their balance sheets, as well as new qualitative and quantitative disclosures. FirstEnergy implemented a new control-based revenue recognition model, changesthird-party software tool that assisted with the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a pointinitial adoption and will assist with ongoing compliance. FirstEnergy chose to apply the requirements of the standard in time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. FirstEnergy evaluated its revenues and the new guidance had immaterial impacts to recognition practices uponperiod of adoption (January 1, 2019) with no restatement of prior periods. Upon adoption, on January 1, 2018. As part2019, FirstEnergy increased assets and liabilities by $186 million, with no impact to results of the adoption, FirstEnergy elected to apply the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis. FirstEnergy did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for initially applying the new guidance as no revenue recognition differences were identified in the timingoperations or amount of revenue. In addition, upon adoption, certain immaterial financial statement presentation changes were implemented.cash flows. See Note 2, "Revenue,8, "Leases," for additional information on FirstEnergy's revenues.leases.


ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" (Issued January 2016 and subsequently updated in 2018): ASU 2016-01 primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. FirstEnergy adopted this standard on January 1, 2018, and recognizes all gains and losses for equity securities in income with the exception of those that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The NDT equity portfolios of JCP&L, ME and PN will not be impacted as unrealized gains and losses will continue to be offset against regulatory assets or liabilities. As a result of adopting this standard, FirstEnergy recorded a pre-tax cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $115 million on January 1, 2018, representing unrealized gains on equity securities with FES NDTs that were previously recorded to AOCI. Following deconsolidation of the FES Debtors, the adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on FirstEnergy's financial statements as the majority of its equity securities are offset against a regulatory asset or liability.

ASU 2016-18, "Restricted Cash" (Issued November 2016): ASU 2016-18 addresses the presentation of changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is required to be applied retrospectively. As a result of adopting this standard, FirstEnergy's statement of cash flows reports changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Prior periods have been recast to conform to the current year presentation.

ASU 2017-01, "Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business" (Issued January 2017): ASU 2017-01 assists entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. FirstEnergy adopted ASU 2017-01 on January 1, 2018. The ASU will be applied prospectively to future transactions.

ASU 2017-04, "Goodwill Impairment" (Issued January 2017): ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the current test, which requires calculation of a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the revised guidance, goodwill impairment will be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill (currently Step 1 of the two-step impairment test). Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. FirstEnergy has elected to early adopt ASU 2017-04 as of January 1, 2018, and will apply this standard on a prospective basis.
ASU 2017-07, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" (Issued March 2017): ASU 2017-07 requires entities to retrospectively (1) disaggregate the current-service-cost component from the other components of net benefit cost (the other components) and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement and (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if such a subtotal is presented. In addition, only service costs are eligible for capitalization on a prospective basis. FirstEnergy adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018. Because the non-service cost components of net benefit cost are no longer eligible for capitalization after December 31, 2017, FirstEnergy has recognized these components in income as a result of adopting this standard. FirstEnergy reclassified approximately $7 million and $23 million of non-service costs from Other operating expenses to Miscellaneous income, net, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

ASU 2018-02, "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" (Issued February 2018): ASU 2018-02 allows entities to reclassify from AOCI to retained earnings stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. FirstEnergy early adopted this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and has elected to present the change in the period of adoption. Upon adoption, FirstEnergy recorded a $22 million cumulative effect adjustment for stranded tax effects, such as pension and OPEB prior service costs and losses on derivative hedges, to retained earnings on January 1, 2018, of which $8 million was related to the FES Debtors.

ASU 2018-05, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118" (Issued March 2018): ASU 2018-05, effective 2018, expands income tax accounting and disclosure guidance to include SAB 118 issued by the SEC in December 2017. SAB 118 provides guidance on accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act and among other things allows for a measurement period not to exceed one year for companies to finalize the provisional amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017. See Note 7, "Income taxes," for additional information on FirstEnergy's accounting for the Tax Act.


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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 or in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K based upon the current expectation that such new standards will not significantly impact FirstEnergy's financial reporting. Below is an update to the discussion

ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of pronouncements contained in the 2017 Annual ReportCredit Losses on Form 10-K.

ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)"Financial Instruments (Issued FebruaryJune 2016 and subsequently updated to address implementation questions)updated): The new guidanceASU 2016-13 removes all recognition thresholds and will require organizations that lease assets with lease terms of more than 12 monthscompanies to recognize assets and liabilitiesan allowance for credit losses for the rightsdifference between the amortized cost basis of a financial instrument and obligations created by those leases on their balance sheets as well as new qualitative and quantitative disclosures. FirstEnergy expects an increase in assets and liabilities; however, it is currently assessing the impact, including monitoring utility industry implementation guidance, but expects no impact to resultsamount of operations or cash flows. FirstEnergy has developed its complete lease inventory and continues to identify, assess and document technical accounting issues, policy considerations, financial reporting implications and changes to internal controls and processes. In addition, FirstEnergy is inamortized cost that the process of implementing a third-party software tool that will assist with the initial adoption and ongoing compliance. The standard provides a number of transition practical expedients that entities may elect. These include a "package of three" expedients that must be taken together and allow 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. A separate practical expedient allows entities to not evaluate land easements under the new guidance at adoption if they were not previously accounted for as leases. Additionally, entities have the option to apply the requirements of the standard in the period of adoption (January 1, 2019) with no restatement of prior periods. FirstEnergycompany expects to elect all of these practical expedients.collect over the instrument’s contractual life. The guidance will beASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018,2019, with early adoption permitted. FirstEnergy has analyzed its financial instruments within the scope of this guidance, primarily trade receivables and AFS debt securities, and does not expect a material impact to adopt this standard early.its financial statements upon adoption in 2020.


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 requires 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. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted.

ASU 2018-14, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes FirstEnergy does not expect a material impact to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans" (Issued August 2018): ASU 2018-14 amends ASC 715 to add, remove, and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The guidance is required to be applied on a retrospective basis and will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with earlyits financial statements upon adoption permitted.
ASU 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement" (Issued August 2018): ASU 2018-14 eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements as part of the FASB's disclosure framework project. Entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but public companies will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, but entities are permitted to early adopt either the entire standard or only the provisions that eliminate or modify the requirements.

in 2020.
2. REVENUE


FirstEnergy accounts for revenues from contracts with customers under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which became effective January 1, 2018. As part of the adoption of ASC 606, FirstEnergy applied the new standard on a modified retrospective basis analyzing open contracts as of January 1, 2018. However, no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was necessary as no revenue recognition differences were identified when comparing the revenue recognition criteria under ASC 606 to previous requirements.

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 new 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 new standard. As a result, tax collections and remittances within the scope of this election are excluded from recognition in the income statement and instead recorded through the balance sheet, consistent with FirstEnergy’s accounting process prior to the adoption of ASC 606.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, with the exception of JCP&L transmission, 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. For a qualitative overview of FirstEnergy's performance obligations, see below.


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FirstEnergy’s revenues are primarily derived from electric service provided by itsthe Utilities and transmission (ATSI, TrAIL and MAIT) subsidiaries.Transmission Companies.



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The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, by type of service from each reportable segment:
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
Revenues by Type of Service Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission 
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
 Total
Regulated Distribution
Regulated Transmission
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)

Total
 (In millions)
(In millions)
Distribution services(2)
 $1,440
 $
 $(22) $1,418

$1,457

$

$(21)
$1,436
Retail generation 1,059
 
 (14) 1,045

989



(14)
975
Wholesale sales(2)
 133
 
 6
 139

100



2

102
Transmission(2)
 
 341
 
 341



371



371
Other 43
 
 
 43

42





42
Total revenues from contracts with customers $2,675
 $341
 $(30) $2,986

$2,588

$371

$(33)
$2,926
ARP 66
 
 
 66

25





25
Other non-customer revenue 25
 5
 (18) 12

23

4

(15)
12
Total revenues $2,766
 $346
 $(48) $3,064
 $2,636
 $375
 $(48) $2,963

(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 ($4 million at Regulated Distribution and $4 million at Regulated Transmission) and Rider DMR as discussed in Note 12, “Regulatory Matters” (approximately $31 million at Regulated Distribution).
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenues by Type of Service Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission 
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
 Total
  (In millions)
Distribution services(2)
 $1,440
 $
 $(22) $1,418
Retail generation 1,059
 
 (14) 1,045
Wholesale sales 133
 
 6
 139
Transmission(2)
 
 341
 
 341
Other 43
 
 
 43
Total revenues from contracts with customers $2,675
 $341
 $(30) $2,986
ARP 66
 
 
 66
Other non-customer revenue 25
 5
 (18) 12
Total revenues $2,766
 $346
 $(48) $3,064

(1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues.
(2) Includes $29 million in net reductions to revenue related to amounts subject to refund resulting from the Tax Act ($27 million at Regulated Distribution and $2 million at Regulated Transmission).


Other non-customer revenue includes revenue from late payment charges of $9 million for both the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, as well as revenue from derivatives of $2 million and $4 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.




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The following tables represent a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, by type of service from each reportable segment:
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Revenues by Type of Service Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission 
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments(1)
 Total Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission 
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
 Total
 (In millions) (In millions)
Distribution services(2)
 $3,949
 $
 $(81) $3,868
 $3,903
 $
 $(63) $3,840
Retail generation 2,981
 
 (42) 2,939
 2,853
 
 (42) 2,811
Wholesale sales(2)
 377
 
 16
 393
 316
 
 9
 325
Transmission(2)
 
 996
 
 996
 
 1,090
 
 1,090
Other 113
 
 4
 117
 113
 
 1
 114
Total revenues from contracts with customers $7,420
 $996
 $(103) $8,313
 $7,185
 $1,090
 $(95) $8,180
ARP 190
 
 
 190
 142
 
 
 142
Other non-customer revenue 84
 14
 (50) 48
 74
 13
 (47) 40
Total revenues $7,694
 $1,010
 $(153) $8,551
 $7,401
 $1,103
 $(142) $8,362

(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 ($31 million at Regulated Distribution and $11 million at Regulated Transmission) and Rider DMR as discussed in Note 12, “Regulatory Matters” (approximately $31 million at Regulated Distribution).
  For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenues by Type of Service Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission 
Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments (1)
 Total
  (In millions)
Distribution services(2)
 $3,949
 $
 $(81) $3,868
Retail generation 2,981
 
 (42) 2,939
Wholesale sales 377
 
 16
 393
Transmission(2)
 
 996
 
 996
Other 113
 
 4
 117
Total revenues from contracts with customers $7,420
 $996
 $(103) $8,313
ARP 190
 
 
 190
Other non-customer revenue 84
 14
 (50) 48
Total revenues $7,694
 $1,010
 $(153) $8,551

(1) Includes eliminations and reconciling adjustments of inter-segment revenues.
(2) Includes $113 million in reductions to revenue related to amounts subject to refund resulting from the Tax Act ($109 million at Regulated Distribution and $4 million at Regulated Transmission).


Other non-customer revenue includes revenue from late payment charges of $29 million and $28 million, as well as revenue from derivatives of $4$7 million and $18 million, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.


Regulated Distribution


The Regulated Distribution segment distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s ten10 utility operating companies and also controls 3,790 MWs of regulated electric generation capacity located primarily in West Virginia, Virginia and New Jersey. 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 13, "Regulatory12, “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.




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Retail generationsales 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


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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'sPE’s Maryland jurisdiction are provided through a competitive procurement process approved by each state'sstate’s respective commission. Retail generation revenues are recognized over time as electricity is delivered and consumed immediately by the customer.


The following table represents a disaggregation of the Regulated Distribution segment revenue from contracts with distributionservice and retail generation customers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, by class:
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Revenues by Customer Class 2019 2018 2019 2018
  (In millions)
Residential $1,538
 $1,572
 $4,145
 $4,290
Commercial 600
 628
 1,759
 1,778
Industrial 286
 276
 786
 792
Other 22
 23
 66
 70
Total Revenues $2,446
 $2,499
 $6,756
 $6,930

  For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenues by Customer Class 
  (In millions)
Residential $1,572
 $4,290
Commercial 628
 1,778
Industrial 276
 792
Other 23
 70
Total Revenues $2,499
 $6,930


Wholesale sales primarily consist of generation and capacity sales into the PJM marketfrom FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s regulated electric generation capacity and NUGs. Certain of the Utilities may also purchase power fromin 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 gross as either revenues or purchased power on the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) 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 BRAPJM 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 (Loss). 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 reversesreverse 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 riderRider DMR, and in New Jersey. Please see Note 12, “Regulatory Matters,” for further discussion on Rider DMR.


Regulated Transmission


The Regulated Transmission segment provides transmission infrastructure owned and operated by ATSI, TrAIL, MAIT and certain of FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s utilities (JCP&L, MP, PE and WP) to transmit electricity from generation sources to distribution facilities. The segment'ssegment’s revenues are primarily derived from forward-looking formula rates at ATSI, TrAIL and MAIT, as well as stated transmission rates at JCP&L, MP, PE and WP. 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.


Effective January 1, 2018, JCP&L is subject to a FERC-approved settlement agreement that provides an annual revenue requirement of $155 million, through December 31, 2019 which is recognized ratably as revenue over time.






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The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue from contracts with regulated transmission customers by transmission owner for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, by transmission owner:
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Transmission Owner 2019 2018 2019 2018
  (In millions)
ATSI $184
 $167
 $542
 $492
TrAIL 55
 60
 172
 183
MAIT 58
 43
 157
 106
Other 74
 71
 219
 215
Total Revenues $371
 $341
 $1,090
 $996
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
Revenues from Contracts with Customers by Transmission Asset Owner 
  (In millions)
ATSI $167
 $492
TrAIL 60
 183
MAIT 43
 106
Other 71
 215
Total Revenues $341
 $996

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS


FES, FENOC, BSPC and a portion of AE Supply (including the Pleasants Power Station), representing substantially all of FirstEnergy’s operations that previously comprised the CES reportable operating segment, are presented as discontinued operations in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements resulting from the FES Bankruptcy and actions taken as part of the strategic review to exit commodity-exposed generation, as discussed below. During the third quarter of 2018, the Pleasants Power Station was reclassified to discontinued operations following its inclusion in the definitive settlement agreement for the benefit of FES' creditors. Prior period results have been reclassified to conform with such presentation as discontinued operations.


FES and FENOC Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filing


As discussed in Note 1, "Organization“Organization and Basis of Presentation," on March 31, 2018, FES and FENOC announced the FES Bankruptcy. FirstEnergy concluded that it no longer hashad a controlling interest in the FES Debtors, as the entities are subject to the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and, accordingly, as of March 31, 2018, the FES and FENOCDebtors were deconsolidated from FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements, and FirstEnergy has accounted and will account for its investments in the FES and FENOCDebtors at fair values of zero.0. In connection with the disposal and the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement approved by the Bankruptcy Court in September 2018, as further discussed in Note 1, “Organization and Basis of Presentation,” FE recorded an after-tax gain on disposal of $435 million in 2018.

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.

FES Borrowings from FE

On March 9, 2018, FES borrowed $500 million from FE under the secured credit facility, dated as of December 6, 2016, among FES, as Borrower, FG and NG as guarantors, and FE, as lender, which fully utilized the committed line of credit available under the secured credit facility. Following deconsolidation of FES, FE fully reserved for the $500 million associated with the borrowings under the secured credit facility. Under the terms of the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, discussed below, FE will release any and all claims against the FES Debtors with respect to the $500 million borrowed under the secured credit facility.


On March 16, 2018, the FES and FENOCDebtors withdrew from the unregulated companies'companies’ money pool, which included FE, FES and FENOC. As of the date of the withdrawal, the FES Debtors owed FE approximately $4 million in unsecured borrowings in the aggregate under the money pool.Debtors. Under the terms of the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, FE will reinstatereinstated $88 million for 2018 estimated payments for NOLs applied against the FES Debtor’s position in the unregulated companies’ money pool prior to their withdrawal on March 16, 2018, which will increaseincreased the amount the FES Debtors owed FE under the money pool to $92 million. In addition, as of March 31, 2018, AE Supply had a $102 million outstanding unsecured promissory note owed from FES. Following deconsolidation of the FES and FENOCDebtors on March 31, 2018, and given the terms of the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, FE fully reserved the initial $4$92 million associated with the outstanding unsecured borrowings under the unregulated companies'companies’ money pool and the $102 million associated with the AE Supply unsecured promissory note. In the third quarter of 2018, FE reserved the additional $88 million that will be reinstated for the FES Debtors under the money pool and,note, under the terms of the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, FirstEnergy will release any and all claims against the FES Debtors with respect to the $92 million owed under the unregulated money pool and $102 million unsecured promissory note. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, approximately $8$26 million and $16 million respectively, of interest was accrued and subsequently reserved.reserved, respectively.


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Services Agreements
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 Servicesshared services until no later than June 30, 2020, subject to reductions in services if requested by the FES Debtors. 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. In addition to providing for certain notice requirements and other terms and conditions, the agreement providesprovided for a credit to the FES Debtors in an amount up to $112.5 million for charges incurred for


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services provided under prior shared services agreements and the amended shared services agreement from April 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018. As of September 30, 2018, approximately $110 million has been incurred and creditedThe entire credit for shared services provided to the FES Debtors which($112.5 million) has been recognized by FE inand was included within the loss from discontinued operations.
In addition, on March 16, 2018,operations as of December 31, 2018. The FES FENOCDebtors have paid approximately $20 million and FESC, entered into$121 million for shared services for the FirstEnergy Solutions Money Pool Agreement in order for FESC to assist FESthree and FENOC with certain treasury support services under the shared service agreement. FESC is a party to the FirstEnergy Solutions Money Pool Agreement solely in the role as administrator of the money pool arrangement thereunder.nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.
Benefit Obligations
FirstEnergy will retain certain obligations for the FES Debtors'Debtors’ employees for services provided prior to emergence from bankruptcy. The retention of this obligation at March 31, 2018, resulted in a net liability of $820 million (including EDCP, pension and OPEB) with a corresponding loss from discontinued operations. EDCP pension and pension/OPEB service costs earned by the FES Debtors'Debtors’ employees during bankruptcy are billed under the shared services agreement.
Guarantees provided by As FE
continues to provide pension benefits to FES/FENOC employees, certain components of pension cost, including the mark to market, are seen as providing ongoing services and are reported in the continuing operations of FE, previously guaranteed FG's remaining payments duesubsequent to CSX and BNSF in connection with the definitive settlement of a dispute regarding a coal transportation agreement. As of March 31, 2018,bankruptcy filing. FE recorded an obligation for this guarantee in other current liabilities with a corresponding loss from discontinued operations. On April 6, 2018, FE paid the remaining $72 million owed under the settlement agreement as a result of the FES Bankruptcy. In addition, as of March 31, 2018, FE recorded, and on May 11, 2018, paid a $58 million obligation for a sale-leaseback indemnity in other current liabilities with a corresponding loss from discontinued operations. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, FE will release all claims againsthas billed the FES Debtors with respect toapproximately $9 million and $28 million for their share of pension and OPEB service costs for the guaranteed amounts.three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively.
Purchase Power
FES at times provides power through affiliated company power sales to meet a portion of the Utilities'Utilities’ POLR and default service requirements and provideprovides power to certain affiliates'affiliates’ facilities. As of September 30, 2018,2019, the Utilities owed FES approximately $21$6 million related to these purchases. The terms and conditions of the power purchase agreements are generally consistent with industry practices and other similar third-party arrangements. The Utilities purchased and recognized in continuing operations approximately $74$24 million and $248$74 million of power purchases from FES for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $150 million and $248 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Tax Allocation Agreement
Until the FES Debtors emerge from bankruptcy, it is expected that the FES Debtors will remain parties to the intercompany income tax allocation agreement with FE and its other subsidiaries, which 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. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, FE agreed to waive settlement of the 2017 overpayment made to the FES Debtors and pay a minimum of $66 million to the FES Debtors for the 2018 tax year (approximately $20 million in estimated tax payments have been paid through September 30, 2018).

Income Taxes
For U.S. federal income taxes, until emergence from bankruptcy, the FES Debtors will continue to be consolidated in FirstEnergy’s tax return and taxable income will be determined based on the tax basis of underlying individual net assets. Deferred taxes previously recorded on the inside basis differences may not represent the actual tax consequence for the outside basis difference, causing a recharacterization of an existing consolidated-return net operating lossNOL as a future worthless stock deduction (FirstEnergydeduction. FirstEnergy currently estimates a future worthless stock deduction of approximately $950 million,$4.7 billion ($1.0 billion, net of tax) and is net of unrecognized tax benefits of $88 million)$448 million ($94 million, net of tax). The estimated worthless stock deduction is contingent upon the emergence of the FES Debtors from the FES Bankruptcy and such amounts may be materially impacted by future events.


Additionally, discontinued operations include tax expense of approximately $17 million and $12 million for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $45 million and $48 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, due to certain aspects of the Tax Act that apply as a result of the FES Debtors remaining a part of FirstEnergy’s consolidated tax return.

See Note 1, "Organization“Organization and Basis of Presentation," for further discussion of the settlement among FirstEnergy, the FES Key Creditor Groups, the FES Debtors and the UCC.


Competitive Generation Asset Sales


FirstEnergy announced in January 2017 that AE Supply and AGC had entered into an asset purchase agreement with a subsidiary of LS Power Equity Partners III, LP, as amended and restated in August 2017, to sell four natural gas generating plants, AE Supply'sSupply’s interest in the Buchanan Generating facility and approximately 59% of AGC'sAGC’s interest in Bath County (1,615 MWs of combined capacity), all of which were closed by May 2018. Additionally, as part. On December 13, 2017, AE Supply completed the sale of the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, discussed above,natural gas generating plants. On March 1, 2018, AE Supply will transfer allcompleted the sale of the Buchanan Generating Facility. On May 3, 2018, AE Supply and AGC completed the sale of approximately 59% of AGC’s interest in Bath County. Also, on May 3, 2018, following the closing of the sale by AGC of a portion of its rights, title andownership interest in Bath County, AGC completed the 1,300 MW Pleasants Power Stationredemption of AE Supply’s shares in AGC and related assets to FES for the benefitAGC became a wholly owned subsidiary of FES' creditors, while retaining certain specified liabilities, subject to the terms and conditions of an asset transfer agreement and related ancillary agreements to be negotiated by the parties prior to December 31, 2018. If the transaction is not consummated before January 1, 2019, FES will acquire the economic interests in Pleasants as of January 1, 2019, and AE Supply will operate Pleasants until the transfer.MP.


On March 9, 2018, BSPC and FG entered into an asset purchase agreement with Walleye Power, LLC (formerly Walleye Energy, LLC), for the sale of the Bay Shore Generating Facility, including the 136 MW Bay Shore Unit 1 and other retired coal-fired generating equipment owned by FG. The Bankruptcy Court approved the sale on July 13, 2018, and the transaction was completed on July 31, 2018.


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



13






terms of the agreement, FG acquired the economic interests in Pleasants as of January 1, 2019, and AE Supply will operate Pleasants until the transfer is completed. After closing, AE Supply will continue to provide access to the McElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility, which is not being transferred, and FE will provide guarantees for certain retained environmental liabilities of AE Supply, including the McElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility. The transfer of the Pleasants Power Station is subject to various customary and other closing conditions, including the effectiveness of a plan of reorganization for the FES Debtors in connection with the FES Bankruptcy. There can be no assurance that all closing conditions will be satisfied or that the transfer will be consummated.
Individually, the AE Supply and BSPC asset sales and planned Pleasants Power Station transfer under the settlement agreement did not qualify for reporting as discontinued operations. However, in the aggregate, the asset sales and planned Pleasants transfertransactions were part of management’s strategic review to exit commodity-exposed generation and, when considered with FES'FES’ and FENOC’s bankruptcy filings on March 31, 2018, represent a collective elimination of substantially all of FirstEnergy’s competitive generation fleet and meet the criteria for discontinued operations.


Summarized Results of Discontinued Operations
Summarized results of discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, were as follows:
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, For the Three Months Ended September 30, 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2018 2017 2018 2017 2019 2018 2019 2018
                
Revenues $83
 $788
 $934
 $2,299
 $62
 $83
 $147
 $934
Fuel (52) (237) (269) (671) (50) (52) (105) (269)
Purchased power 
 (66) (85) (189) 
 
 
 (85)
Other operating expenses (24) (290) (414) (1,097) (16) (24) (42) (414)
Provision for depreciation (18) (28) (96) (80) 
 (18) 
 (96)
General taxes (4) (15) (32) (74) (2) (4) (11) (32)
Impairment of assets 
 (18) 
 (149)
Other expense, net (1) (2) (82) (37)
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations, before tax (16) 132
 (44) 2
Income tax expense (benefit)(1)
 (5) 37
 (9) (1)
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (11) 95
 (35) 3
Gain (Loss) on disposal of FES and FENOC, net of tax (834) 
 405
 
Income (Loss) from discontinued operations $(845) $95
 $370
 $3
Other income (expense) (1)
 2
 (1) 10
 (82)
Loss from discontinued operations, before tax (4) (16) (1) (44)
Income tax expense 17
 7
 45
 39
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (21) (23) (46) (83)
Gain (loss) on disposal of FES and FENOC, net of tax 23
 (834) (16) 405
Income (loss) from discontinued operations $2
 $(857) $(62) $322
(1) In conjunction with Other income (expense) for the sale of an interestthree and nine months ended September 30, 2019, reflects the amounts owed to or from FG for its economic interests in Bath County, AGC wrote off and recognizedPleasants effective January 1, 2019, as a benefit in discontinued operations in the second quarter of 2018 its excess deferred tax liabilities of $32 million, created from the Tax Act, since they are not required to be refunded to ratepayers.further discussed above.
The gain (loss) on disposal that wasof FES and FENOC recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following:
(In millions) 
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018

 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018

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 (1,183) (1,183)
Loss on disposal of FES and FENOC, before tax (1,183) (863)
Income tax benefit, including estimated worthless stock deduction 349
 1,268
Gain (Loss) on disposal of FES and FENOC, net of tax $(834) $405
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2019 2018 2019 2018
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 8
 (1,183) (15) (1,183)
Gain (loss) on disposal of FES and FENOC, before tax 8
 (1,183) (15) (863)
Income tax benefit (expense), including estimated worthless stock deduction 15
 349
 (1) 1,268
Gain (loss) on disposal of FES and FENOC, net of tax $23
 $(834) $(16) $405

As of September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, material and supplies of $33 million and $25 million, respectively, are included in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets as Current assets - discontinued operations.




14





The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities as discontinued operations as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017:
(In millions) September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
     
Carrying amount of the major classes of assets included in discontinued operations:    
Cash and cash equivalents $
 $1
Restricted cash 
 3
Receivables 
 202
Materials and supplies 17
 227
Prepaid taxes and other 
 199
 Total current assets 17
 632
     
Property, plant and equipment 
 1,132
Investments 
 1,875
Other noncurrent assets 
 356
 Total noncurrent assets 
 3,363
Total assets included in discontinued operations $17
 $3,995
     
Carrying amount of the major classes of liabilities included in discontinued operations:    
Currently payable long-term debt $
 $524
Accounts payable 
 200
Accrued taxes 
 38
Accrued compensation and benefits 
 79
Other current liabilities 
 137
        Total current liabilities 
 978
     
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations 
 2,428
Accumulated deferred income taxes (1)
 
 (1,812)
Asset retirement obligations 
 1,945
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction 
 723
Other noncurrent liabilities 
 244
        Total noncurrent liabilities 
 3,528
Total liabilities included in discontinued operations $
 $4,506

(1) Represents an increase in FirstEnergy's ADIT liability as an ADIT asset was removed upon deconsolidation of FES and FENOC.

FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows combines cash flows from discontinued operations with cash flows from continuing operations within each cash flow statement category. The following table summarizes the major classes of cash flow items asfrom discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017:2018:
  For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2019 2018
     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
Income (loss) from discontinued operations $(62) $322
Depreciation and amortization, including regulatory assets, net, intangible assets and deferred debt-related costs 
 110
     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Property additions 
 (27)
Sales of investment securities held in trusts 
 109
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts 
 (122)

  For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2018 2017
     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
Income from discontinued operations $370
 $3
Depreciation and amortization, including nuclear fuel, regulatory assets, net, intangible assets and deferred debt-related costs 110
 245
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative transactions (15) 64
     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:   
Property additions (27) (233)
Nuclear fuel 
 (156)
Sales of investment securities held in trusts 109
 834
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts (122) (878)


15



4. EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK


The convertible Preferred Stockpreferred stock issued in January 2018 (see Note 11, "Capitalization"9, “Capitalization”) is considered participating securities since these shares participate in dividends on Common Stockcommon stock on an "as-converted"“as-converted” basis. As a result, EPS of Common Stockcommon stock is computed using the two-class method required for participating securities.


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 sharestock dividends,
deemed dividends for the amortization of the beneficial conversion feature recognized at issuance of the Preferred Stockpreferred stock (if any), and
an allocation of undistributed earnings between the common sharesstock and the participating securities (convertible Preferred Stock)preferred stock) based on their respective rights to receive dividends.


Net losses are not allocated to the convertible Preferred Stockpreferred stock as they do not havea contractual obligation to share in the losses of FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy allocates undistributed earnings based upon income from continuing operations.


The Preferred Stockpreferred stock includes an embedded conversion option at a price that is below the fair value of the Common Stockcommon stock on the commitment date. This beneficial conversion feature, which was approximately $296 million, represents the difference between the fair value per share of the Common Stockcommon stock and the conversion price, multiplied by the number of common shares issuable upon conversion. The beneficial conversion feature was amortized as a deemed dividend over the period from the issue date to the first allowable conversion date (July 22, 2018) as a charge to OPIC, since FE is in an accumulated deficit position with no retained earnings to declare a dividend. As noted above, for EPS reporting purposes, this beneficial conversion feature will bewas reflected in net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders as a deemed dividend. The amountdividend and was fully amortized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, was approximately $35 million and $296 million, respectively.in 2018.


Basic EPS available to common stockholders is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Participating securities are excluded from basic weighted average ordinary shares outstanding. Diluted EPS available to common stockholders is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, including all potentially dilutive common shares, if the effect of such common shares is dilutive.


Diluted EPS reflects the dilutive effect of potential common shares from share-based awards and convertible shares of preferred shares.stock. The dilutive effect of outstanding share-based awards is 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 Stockcommon stock at the average market price for the period. The dilutive effect of the convertible Preferred Stockpreferred stock is computed using the if-converted method, which assumes conversion of the convertible Preferred Stockpreferred stock at the beginning of the period, giving income recognition for the add-back of the preferred sharestock dividends, amortization of beneficial conversion feature, and undistributed earnings allocated to preferred stockholders.





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The following table reconciles basic and diluted EPS of common stock:
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted EPS of Common Stock 2019
2018 2019 2018
       
(In millions, except per share amounts)        
EPS of Common Stock        
Income from continuing operations $389
 $399
 $1,085
 $888
Less: Preferred dividends 
 (19) (3) (61)
Less: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature 
 (35) 
 (296)
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred stockholders(1)
 
 
 (4) 
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders 389
 345
 1,078
 531
Discontinued operations, net of tax 2
 (857) (62) 322
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred stockholders (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available to common stockholders 2
 (857) (62) 322
         
Income (loss) available to common stockholders, basic $391
 $(512) $1,016
 $853
         
Income allocated to preferred shareholders, preferred dilutive (2)
 
 N/A
 7
 N/A
         
Income (loss) available to common stockholders, dilutive $391
 $(512) $1,023
 $853
         
Share Count information:        
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding 538
 503
 533
 485
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and awards 2
 2
 2
 2
Assumed conversion of preferred stock 2
 
 6
 
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding 542
 505
 541
 487
         
Income (loss) available to common stockholders, per common share:        
Income from continuing operations, basic $0.72
 $0.68
 $2.02
 $1.10
Discontinued operations, basic 0.01
 (1.70) (0.12) 0.66
Income (loss) available to common stockholders, basic $0.73
 $(1.02) $1.90
 $1.76
         
Income from continuing operations, diluted $0.72
 $0.68
 $2.00
 $1.09
Discontinued operations, diluted 
 (1.70) (0.11) 0.66
Income (loss) available to common stockholders, diluted $0.72
 $(1.02) $1.89
 $1.75

  For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted EPS of Common Stock 2018
2017 2018 2017
       
(In millions, except per share amounts)        
EPS of Common Stock        
Income from continuing operations $387
 $301
 $840
 $772
Less: Preferred dividends (19) 
 (61) 
Less: Amortization of beneficial conversion feature (35) 
 (296) 
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred stockholders(1)
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations available to common stockholders 333
 301
 483
 772
Discontinued operations, net of tax (845) 95
 370
 3
Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to preferred stockholders (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations available to common stockholders (845) 95
 370
 3
         
Income (loss) available to common stockholders, basic and diluted $(512) $396
 $853
 $775
         
Share Count information:        
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding 503
 444
 485
 444
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and awards 2
 2
 2
 1
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding 505
 446
 487
 445
         
Income (loss) available to common stockholders, per common share:        
Income from continuing operations, basic $0.66
 $0.68
 $1.00
 $1.74
Discontinued operations, basic (1.68) 0.21
 0.76
 0.01
Income (loss) available to common stockholders, basic $(1.02) $0.89
 $1.76
 $1.75
         
Income from continuing operations, diluted $0.66
 $0.68
 $0.99
 $1.73
Discontinued operations, diluted (1.68) 0.21
 0.76
 0.01
Income (loss) available to common stockholders, diluted $(1.02) $0.89
 $1.75
 $1.74


(1) 
Undistributed earnings were not allocated to participating securities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, as well as the three months ended September 30, 2019, as income from continuing operations less dividends declared (common and preferred) and deemed dividends were a net loss.
(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.


For both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, one1 million shares from stock options and awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted shares outstanding, as their inclusion would be antidilutiveanti-dilutive to basic EPS from continuing operations. Also, 26 millionFor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, 0 shares associated with the assumed conversion of Preferred Stockfrom stock options and awards were excluded as their inclusion would be antidilutive to basic EPS from continuing operations.the calculation of diluted shares outstanding.




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5. PENSION AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The components of the consolidated net periodic costs (credits) for pension and OPEB were as follows:
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits) PensionOPEB
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018
  (In millions)
Service costs (1)
 $48
 $56
 $1
 $1
Interest costs (2)
 93
 93
 6
 6
Expected return on plan assets (2)
 (135) (144) (7) (7)
Amortization of prior service costs (credits) (2)
 2
 2
 (9) (20)
Special termination costs (2) (3)
 
 21
 
 6
Net periodic costs (credits), including amounts capitalized $8
 $28
 $(9) $(14)
Net periodic costs (credits), recognized in earnings $(11) $5
 $(10) $(15)
         
         
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits) PensionOPEB
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 2018 2019 2018
  (In millions)
Service costs (1)
 $144
 $168
 $3
 $3
Interest costs (2)
 279
 279
 16
 18
Expected return on plan assets (2)
 (405) (432) (21) (22)
Amortization of prior service costs (credits) (2)
 6
 6
 (27) (60)
Special termination costs (2) (3)
 14
 21
 
 6
Net periodic costs (credits), including amounts capitalized $38
 $42
 $(29) $(55)
Net periodic credits, recognized in earnings $(19) $(27) $(30) $(57)
         

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits) PensionOPEB
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017
  (In millions)
Service costs $56
 $52
 $1
 $1
Interest costs 93
 97
 6
 7
Expected return on plan assets (144) (112) (7) (7)
Amortization of prior service costs (credits) 2
 2
 (20) (20)
Special termination costs 21
 
 6
 
Net periodic costs (credits), including amounts capitalized $28
 $39
 $(14) $(19)
Net periodic costs (credits), recognized in earnings $5
 $30
 $(15) $(14)
         
         
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits) PensionOPEB
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017
  (In millions)
Service costs $168
 $156
 $3
 $3
Interest costs 279
 291
 18
 21
Expected return on plan assets (432) (336) (22) (22)
Amortization of prior service costs (credits) 6
 6
 (60) (60)
Special termination costs 21
 
 6
 
Net periodic costs (credits), including amounts capitalized $42
 $117
 $(55) $(58)
Net periodic costs (credits), recognized in earnings $(27) $89
 $(57) $(43)
         
(1) Service costs, net of capitalization, are reported within Other operating expenses on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

(2) Non-service costs are reported within Miscellaneous income, net, within Other Income (Expense) on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).
(3) Subject to a cap, FirstEnergy has 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 (approximately $14 million recognized in the first nine months of 2019).

Amounts in the tables above include FES' and FENOC'sthe FES Debtors’ share of the net periodic pension and OPEB costs (credits) of $13$12 million and $(10)$(14) million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2019, and $34 million and $(16) million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018. FES' and FENOC's2019. The FES Debtors’ share of the net periodic pension and OPEB costs (credits) were $16$12 million and $(8)$(11) million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 20172018, and $47$38 million and $(24)$(31) million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Such amounts2018. The 2019 special termination costs associated with FES’ voluntary enhanced retirement package are a component of Discontinued Operationsoperations in FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Following the FES and FENOC’sDebtors’ voluntary bankruptcy filing, FE has billed the FES Debtors approximately $9 million and FENOC$28 million for their share of pension and OPEB service costs of $14 million and $28 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, respectively.

In support of the strategic review to exit competitive generation, management launched the FE Tomorrow initiative to define FirstEnergy's future organization to support its regulated business. FE Tomorrow is intended to align corporate services to efficiently support the regulated operations by ensuring thatOn February 1, 2019, FirstEnergy has the right talent, organizational and cost structure to achieve our earnings growth targets. As part of the FE Tomorrow initiative, in June and early July 2018, nearly 500 employees in the shared services and utility services and sustainability organizations, which was more than 80% of eligible employees, acceptedmade a voluntary enhanced retirement package, which included severance compensation and a temporary pension enhancement, with most employees expected to depart by December 31, 2018. Such amounts are classified as special termination costs within net periodic pension and OPEB costs (credits).
Following adoption of ASU 2017-07, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" in 2018, service costs, net of capitalization, continue to be reported within Other operating expenses on the FirstEnergy Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Non-service costs are reported within Miscellaneous income, net, within Other Income (Expense). Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation. See Note 1, "Organization and Basis of Presentation," for additional information.
In January 2018, FirstEnergy satisfied its minimum required funding obligations of $500 million and addressed funding obligations for future yearsvoluntary cash contribution to itsthe qualified pension plan with additionalplan. As a result of this contribution, FirstEnergy expects no required contributions of $750 million.through 2021.




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6. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


The following tables show the changes in AOCI net of tax, infor the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, for FirstEnergy are included in the following tables:FirstEnergy:
  
Gains & Losses on Cash Flow Hedges (1)
 Unrealized Gains on AFS Securities Defined Benefit Pension & OPEB Plans Total
  (In millions)
AOCI Balance, July 1, 2019 $(10) $
 $41
 $31
         
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 
 
 (7) (7)
Other comprehensive loss 
 
 (7) (7)
Income tax benefits on other comprehensive loss 
 
 (3) (3)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 
 
 (4) (4)
         
AOCI Balance, September 30, 2019 $(10) $
 $37
 $27
         
AOCI Balance, July 1, 2018 $(14) $
 $87
 $73
         
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 2
 
 (18) (16)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 2
 
 (18) (16)
Income tax benefits on other comprehensive loss 
 
 (4) (4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 2
 
 (14) (12)
         
AOCI Balance, September 30, 2018 $(12) $
 $73
 $61
         
  
Gains & Losses on Cash Flow Hedges (1)
 Unrealized Gains on AFS Securities Defined Benefit Pension & OPEB Plans Total
  (In millions)
AOCI Balance, January 1, 2019 $(11) $
 $52
 $41
         
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 1
 
 (21) (20)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 1
 
 (21) (20)
Income tax benefits on other comprehensive loss 
 
 (6) (6)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 1
 
 (15) (14)
         
AOCI Balance, September 30, 2019 $(10) $
 $37
 $27
         
AOCI Balance, January 1, 2018 $(22) $67
 $97
 $142
         
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 
 (97) 
 (97)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI 6
 (1) (55) (50)
Deconsolidation of FES and FENOC 13
 (8) 
 5
Other comprehensive income (loss) 19
 (106) (55) (142)
Income taxes (benefits) on other comprehensive income (loss) 9
 (39) (31) (61)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 10
 (67) (24) (81)
         
AOCI Balance, September 30, 2018 $(12) $
 $73
 $61

  Gains & Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Unrealized Gains on AFS Securities Defined Benefit Pension & OPEB Plans Total
  (In millions)
AOCI balance as of July 1, 2018 $(14) $
 $87
 $73
         
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(1) (2)
 2
 
 (18) (16)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 2
 
 (18) (16)
Income tax benefits on other comprehensive income (loss) 
 
 (4) (4)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 2
 
 (14) (12)
         
AOCI Balance as of September 30, 2018 $(12) $
 $73
 $61
         
AOCI balance as of July 1, 2017 $(26) $61
 $128
 $163
         
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 
 27
 
 27
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(1) (2)
 4
 (33) (19) (48)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 4
 (6) (19) (21)
Income taxes (benefits) on other comprehensive income (loss) 1
 (3) (7) (9)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 3
 (3) (12) (12)
         
AOCI Balance as of September 30, 2017 $(23) $58
 $116
 $151
         
  Gains & Losses on Cash Flow Hedges Unrealized Gains on AFS Securities Defined Benefit Pension & OPEB Plans Total
  (In millions)
AOCI Balance as of January 1, 2018 $(22) $67
 $97
 $142
         
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 
 (97) 
 (97)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(1) (2) (3)
 6
 (1) (55) (50)
Deconsolidation of FES and FENOC 13
 (8) 
 5
Other comprehensive income (loss) 19
 (106) (55) (142)
Income taxes (benefits) on other comprehensive income (loss) 9
 (39) (31) (61)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 10
 (67) (24) (81)
         
AOCI Balance as of September 30, 2018 $(12) $
 $73
 $61
         
AOCI Balance as of January 1, 2017 $(28) $52
 $150
 $174
         
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 
 63
 
 63
Amounts reclassified from AOCI(1) (2)
 8
 (55) (55) (102)
Other comprehensive income (loss) 8
 8
 (55) (39)
Income taxes (benefits) on other comprehensive income (loss) 3
 2
 (21) (16)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 5
 6
 (34) (23)
         
AOCI Balance as of September 30, 2017 $(23) $58
 $116
 $151
         
(1) Amounts in parenthesis represent credits to the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) from AOCI.
(2) Components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5, "Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits," for additional details.
(3) 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".


(1) Relates to previous cash flow hedges used to hedge fixed rate long-term debt securities prior to their issuance.



1918







The following amounts were reclassified from AOCI for FirstEnergy in the three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017:2018:
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
Reclassifications from AOCI(1)
 2019 2018 2019 
2018 (2)
 
  (In millions)  
Gains & losses on cash flow hedges          
Commodity contracts $
 $
 $
 $1
 Other operating expenses
Long-term debt 
 2
 1
 5
 Interest expense
  
 
 
 (1) Income taxes
  $
 $2
 $1
 $5
 Net of tax
           
Unrealized gains on AFS securities          
Realized gains on sales of securities $
 $
 $
 $(1) Discontinued operations
           
Defined benefit pension and OPEB plans          
Prior-service costs $(7) $(15) $(21) $(55) 
(3) 
  3
 5
 6
 14
 Income taxes
  $(4) $(10) $(15) $(41) 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 (Loss). Components are included in the computation of net periodic cost (credits), see Note 5, “Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits.”
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
Reclassifications from AOCI(1)
 2018 2017 
2018 (3)
 2017 
  (In millions)  
Gains & losses on cash flow hedges          
Long-term debt $2
 $4
 $6
 $8
 Interest expense
  
 (1) (1) (3) Income taxes
  $2
 $3
 $5
 $5
 Net of tax
           
Unrealized gains on AFS securities          
Realized gains on sales of securities $
 $(21) $(1) $(35) Discontinued Operations
           
Defined benefit pension and OPEB plans          
Prior-service costs $(18) $(19) $(55) $(55) 
(2) 
  5
 7
 14
 21
 Income taxes
  $(13) $(12) $(41) $(34) Net of tax
           
(1) Amounts in parenthesis represent credits to the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) from AOCI.
(2) Components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5, "Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits," for additional details.
(3) 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".


7. INCOME TAXES
 
FirstEnergy’s interim effective tax rates reflect the estimated annual effective tax rates for 20182019 and 2017.2018. These tax rates are affected by estimated annual permanent items, such as AFUDC equity and other flow-through items, as well as discrete items that may occur in any given period, but are not consistent from period to period.


FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate on continuing operations for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, was 21.6% and 2017, was 25.6% and 40.2%23.3%, respectively. The decrease in effective tax rate iswas primarily due to an increase in the Tax Act that decreased the corporate federalamortization of net excess deferred income tax rate from 35% to 21%, which became effective January 1, 2018.taxes. See Note 12, “Regulatory Matters,” for additional details.


FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, was 20.6% and 2017 was 37.5% and 38.5%33.9%, respectively. TheIn addition to the increase in amortization of net excess deferred income taxes, the decrease in the effective tax rate iswas primarily due to the Tax Act, discussed above, offset byabsence of a one-time charge of approximately $126 million to income tax expense in continuing operations associated with the impactre-measurement of West Virginia state deferred income taxes, resulting from the legal and financial separation of FES and FENOC from FirstEnergy, which occurred in the first quarter of 2018. This separation officially eroded the ties between FES, FENOC and other FirstEnergy subsidiaries doing business in West Virginia. As such, FES and FENOC were removed from the West Virginia unitary group when calculating West Virginia state income taxes, resulting in a $126 million charge to income tax expense in continuing operations associated with the re-measurement in state deferred taxes. See Note 3, "Discontinued Operations"“Discontinued Operations,” for other tax matters relating to the FES Bankruptcy that were recognized in discontinued operations.


At December 31, 2017, FirstEnergy recorded provisional income tax amounts in its accounting for certain effects of the provisions of the Tax Act as allowed under SAB 118. In addition, SAB 118 allowed for a measurement period for companies to finalize the provisional amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017, not to exceed one year. During the third quarter of 2018, the IRS provided additional guidance regarding the Tax Act, however, the adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017, were immaterial.nine months ended September 30, 2019, FirstEnergy expects to completeincreased its assessment and record any final adjustments to the provisional amountsreserve for uncertain tax positions taken in the fourth quartercurrent year by approximately $19 million, none of 2018. FirstEnergy's assessment of accounting forwhich had an impact on the Tax Act is based upon management's current understanding of the Tax Act. However, it is also expected that further guidance will be issued during the fourth quarter of 2018, which may result in adjustments that could have a material impact to FirstEnergy's future results of operations, cash flows, or financial position.

On July 1, 2018, the Governor of New Jersey signed budget legislation that, among other things, enacted unitary combined reporting, imposed a temporary surtax on top of the 9% corporateeffective tax rate, imposed a one-time surtax on certain dividends, required market-based sourcing for sales of services, and selectively adopted certain aspects of the Tax Act. FirstEnergy expects the impact of this legislation to be immaterial to the financial statements.


20




rate. As of September 30, 2018,2019, it wasis reasonably possible that FirstEnergy could record a net decrease to its reserve for uncertain tax positions by approximately $2$57 million of unrecognized tax benefits, unrelated to FES and FENOC, may be resolved within the next twelve months as a result ofdue to the statute of limitations expiring noneor resolution with taxing authorities, of which approximately $54 million would affect FirstEnergy's effective tax rate.

On October 18, 2017, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania affirmed the Commonwealth Court’s holding that the state’s net loss carryover provision violated the Pennsylvania Uniformity Clause and was unconstitutional. However, the court also opined that the unconstitutional portion of the net loss carryover provision that created the violation may be severed from the statute, enabling the statute to operate as the legislature intended, and on October 30, 2017, the Pennsylvania Governor signed House Bill 542 into law, which, among other things, amended Pennsylvania’s limitation on net loss deductions to remove the flat-dollar limitation. On January 4, 2018, the court declined to further hear any arguments related to the matter and, as a result, FirstEnergy withdrew its protective refund claims from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on January 30, 2018. Upon doing so, FirstEnergy reversed a previously recorded unrecognized tax benefit of approximately $45 million in the first quarter of 2018, none of which impactedimpact FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate.


In January 2018,June 2019, the IRSInternal Revenue Service completed its examination of FirstEnergy’s 20162017 federal income tax return and issued a Full Acceptance Letterfull acceptance letter with no changes or adjustments to FirstEnergy’s taxable income.


19



8. LEASES

FirstEnergy primarily leases vehicles as well as building space, office equipment, and other property and equipment under cancelable 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.

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 September 30, 2019, the maximum potential loss for these lease agreements at the end of the lease term is approximately $15 million.

Finance leases for assets used in regulated operations are recognized in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) 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 (Loss), while all operating lease expenses are recognized in Other operating expense. The components of lease expense were as follows:
  For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
(In millions) Vehicles Buildings Other Total
Operating lease costs (1)
 $5
 $3
 $3
 $11
         
Finance lease costs:        
Amortization of right-of-use assets 4
 
 
 4
Interest on lease liabilities 
 
 
 
Total finance lease cost 4
 
 
 4
Total lease cost $9
 $3
 $3
 $15

(1) Includes $2 million of short-term lease costs.
  For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
(In millions) Vehicles Buildings Other Total
Operating lease costs (1)
 $20
 $6
 $9
 $35
         
Finance lease costs:        
Amortization of right-of-use assets 12
 
 1
 13
Interest on lease liabilities 2
 2
 
 4
Total finance lease cost 14
 2
 1
 17
Total lease cost $34
 $8
 $10
 $52

(1) Includes $8 million of short-term lease costs.



20



Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
(In millions) For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities    
Operating cash flows from operating leases $4
 $19
Operating cash flows from finance leases 1
 4
Finance cash flows from finance leases 12
 21
     
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations:    
Operating leases $47
 $73
Finance leases 
 2

Lease terms and discount rates were as follows:
As of September 30, 2019
Weighted-average remaining lease terms (years)
Operating leases8.39
Finance leases4.66
Weighted-average discount rate (1)
Operating leases4.76%
Finance leases3.45%

(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:
(In millions) Financial Statement Line Item As of September 30, 2019
     
Assets    
Operating lease assets, net of accumulated amortization of $17 million Deferred charges and other assets $200
Finance lease assets, net of accumulated amortization of $91 million Property, plant and equipment 76
Total leased assets   $276
     
Liabilities    
Current:    
Operating Other current liabilities $34
Finance Currently payable long-term debt 16
     
Noncurrent:    
Operating Other noncurrent liabilities 212
Finance Long-term debt and other long-term obligations 47
Total leased liabilities   $309



21



Maturities of lease liabilities as of September 30, 2019, were as follows:
(In millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases Total 
2019 $8
 $12
 $20
 
2020 42
 19
 61
 
2021 40
 17
 57
 
2022 39
 15
 54
 
2023 35
 8
 43
 
2024 30
 4
 34
 
Thereafter 108
 12
 120
 
Total lease payments (1)
 302
 87
 389
 
Less imputed interest (56) (24) (80) 
Total net present value $246
 $63
 $309
 

(1) Operating lease payments for certain leases are offset by sublease receipts of $13 million over 13 years.

As of September 30, 2019, additional operating leases agreements, primarily for vehicles, that have not yet commenced are $15 million. These leases are expected to commence within the next 18 months with lease terms of 3 to 10 years.

The future minimum capital lease payments as of December 31, 2018, as reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 under ASC 840 ”Leases” are as follows:
Capital Leases  
  (In millions)
2019 $24
2020 19
2021 16
2022 13
2023 8
Years thereafter 16
Total minimum lease payments 96
Interest portion (23)
Present value of net minimum lease payments 73
Less current portion 18
Noncurrent portion $55


The future minimum operating lease payments as of December 31, 2018, as reported in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 under ASC 840 ”Leases” are as follows:
Operating Leases  
  (In millions)
2019 $34
2020 36
2021 34
2022 30
2023 28
Years thereafter 127
Total minimum lease payments $289



22



9. CAPITALIZATION

Stockholders’ Equity

The changes in stockholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 for FirstEnergy are included in the following table:
  Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Common Stock OPIC AOCI Accumulated Deficit Total Stockholders’ Equity
(In millions) Shares Amount Shares Amount   
Balance, January 1, 2019 0.7
 $71
 512
 $51
 $11,530
 $41
 $(4,879) $6,814
Net income             320
 320
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax           (5)   (5)
Stock-based compensation         7
     7
Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans     1
   1
     1
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.38/common share)         (202)     (202)
Cash dividends declared on preferred stock ($0.38/as-converted share)         (3)     (3)
Conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (0.5) (50) 18
 2
 48
     
Balance, March 31, 2019 0.2
 $21
 531
 $53
 $11,381
 $36
 $(4,559) $6,932
Net income 
 
 
 

 

 

 312
 312
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 
 
 
 

 

 (5) 

 (5)
Stock-based compensation 
 
 
 

 9
 

 

 9
Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans 
 
 1
 

 21
 

 

 21
Balance, June 30, 2019 0.2
 $21
 532
 $53
 $11,411
 $31
 $(4,247) $7,269
Net income 
 
 
 

 

 

 391
 391
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 
 
 
 

 

 (4) 

 (4)
Stock-based compensation 
 
 
 

 7
 

 

 7
Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans 
 
 1
 
 20
 
 
 20
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.38/share in July and September) 
 
 
 
 (411) 
 
 (411)
Conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (0.2) (21) 7
 1
 20
 

 

 
Balance, September 30, 2019 
 $
 540
 $54
 $11,047
 $27
 $(3,856) $7,272





















23



The changes in stockholders’ equity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 for FirstEnergy are included in the following table:
  Series A Convertible Preferred Stock Common Stock OPIC AOCI Accumulated Deficit Total Stockholders’ Equity
(In millions) Shares Amount Shares Amount   
Balance, January 1, 2018 
 $
 445
 $44
 $10,001
 $142
 $(6,262) $3,925
Net income             1,369
 1,369
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax           (56)   (56)
Stock-based compensation         19
     19
Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans     2
 1
 5
     6
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.36/common share in January and March)         (343)     (343)
Cash dividends declared on preferred stock ($0.36/as-converted share in January and March)         (42)     (42)
Stock issuance (1)
 1.6
 162
 30
 3
 2,297
     2,462
Impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements (2)
             35
 35
Balance, March 31, 2018 1.6
 $162
 477
 $48
 $11,937
 $86
 $(4,858) $7,375
Net income 

 

 

 

 

 

 $299
 $299
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax 

 

 

 

 

 (13) 

 (13)
Stock-based compensation 

 

 

 

 19
 

 

 19
Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans 

 

 1
 

 19
 

 

 19
Balance, June 30, 2018 1.6
 $162
 478
 $48
 $11,975
 $73
 $(4,559) $7,699
Net loss             $(458) $(458)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax           (12)   (12)
Stock-based compensation         10
   

 10
Stock Investment Plan and certain share-based benefit plans     1
   21
     21
Cash dividends declared on common stock ($0.36/common share in July and September)         (368)     (368)
Cash dividends declared on preferred stock ($0.36/as-converted share in July and September)         (19)     (19)
Conversion of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (0.9) (92) 33
 3
 89
     
Balance, September 30, 2018 0.7
 $70
 512
 $51
 $11,708
 $61
 $(5,017) $6,873

(1) The preferred stock included an embedded conversion option at a price that was below the fair value of the common stock on the commitment date. This beneficial conversion feature (BCF), which was approximately $296 million, was recorded to OPIC as well as the amortization of the BCF (deemed dividend of $35 million and $296 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively) through the period from the issue date to the first allowable conversion date (July 22, 2018). There is no net impact to OPIC for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018. Please see below and Note 4, “Earnings Per Share” for additional information.

(2) FirstEnergy adopted ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” standard on January 1, 2018, and subsequently recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $57 million representing unrealized gains on equity securities with FES NDTs that were previously recorded to AOCI. In addition, FirstEnergy adopted ASU 2018-02, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income” and upon adoption, recorded a $22 million cumulative effect adjustment for stranded tax effects, such as pension and OPEB prior service costs and losses on derivative hedges, to retained earnings on January 1, 2018. These amounts are offset in other comprehensive loss and do not have an impact on total stockholders’ equity.

Preferred Stock

On January 22, 2018, FirstEnergy entered into agreements for the private placement of its equity securities representing an approximately $2.5 billion investment in FE. FE entered into a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the Preferred SPA) 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


24



stock and $1.46 billion of OPIC). FE also 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 Stock and $847 million 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. Also at the option of the preferred stockholders, 494,767 shares of preferred stock were converted into 18,044,018 shares of common stock in January 2019. On July 22, 2019, 28,302 shares of preferred stock automatically converted into 1,032,165 shares of common stock, and 181,520 shares of preferred stock remained unconverted as the holder reached the 4.9% cap as outlined in the terms of the preferred stock. The remaining 181,520 preferred stock shares were converted on August 1, 2019, into 6,619,985 shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2019, there are no preferred shares outstanding and 1,616,000shares of preferred stock were converted into 58,935,078shares of common stock.

The preferred stock participated in dividends on the common stock on an as-converted basis based on the number of shares of common stock a holder of preferred stock would receive if its shares of preferred stock were converted on the dividend record date at the conversion price in effect at that time. Such dividends were paid at the same time that the dividends on common stock were paid.

The preferred stock included an embedded conversion option at a price that was below the fair value of the common stock on the commitment date. This beneficial conversion feature, which was approximately $296 million, represents the difference between the fair value per share of the common stock and the conversion price, multiplied by the number of common shares issuable upon conversion. The beneficial conversion feature was amortized as a deemed dividend over the period from the issue date to the first allowable conversion date (July 22, 2018) as a charge to OPIC, since FE is in an accumulated deficit position with no retained earnings to declare a dividend. As noted above, for EPS reporting purposes, this beneficial conversion feature was reflected in net income attributable to common stockholders as a deemed dividend. The beneficial conversion feature ($296 million) was fully amortized during the third quarter of 2018.

Each share of preferred stock was convertible at the holder’s option into a number of shares of common stock equal to the $1,000 liquidation preference, divided by the conversion price then in effect ($27.42 per share). The conversion price was subject to anti-dilution adjustments and adjustments for subdivisions and combinations of the common stock, as well as dividends on the common stock paid in common stock and for certain equity issuances below the conversion price then in effect.
10. 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 September 2012, the Ohio Companies created separate, wholly owned limited liability company SPEs which issued 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 September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, $268 million and $292 million of the phase-in recovery bonds were outstanding, respectively.
JCP&L Securitization - In 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 September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, $29 million and $41 million of the transition bonds were outstanding, respectively.
MP and PE Environmental Funding Companies - The entities issued bonds, the proceeds of which were used to construct environmental control facilities. The limited liability company SPEs own the irrevocable right to collect non-bypassable environmental control charges from all customers who receive electric delivery service in MP’s and PE’s West Virginia service territories. 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 September 30, 2019, and December 31, 2018, $333 million and $358 million of the environmental control bonds were outstanding, respectively.
Ohio Securitization- In September 2012, the Ohio Companies created separate, wholly owned limited liability company SPEs which issued 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 September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, $292 million and $315 million of the phase-in recovery bonds were outstanding, respectively.
JCP&L Securitization - In 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 and JCP&L’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 September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, $45 million and $56 million of the transition bonds were outstanding, respectively.
MP and PE Environmental Funding Companies - The entities issued bonds, the proceeds of which were used to construct environmental control facilities. The limited liability company SPEs own the irrevocable right to collect non-bypassable environmental control charges from all customers who receive electric delivery service in MP's and PE's West Virginia service territories. 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 September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, $359 million and $383 million of the environmental control bonds were outstanding, respectively.


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 venture's


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economic performance. FEV's ownership interest is subject to the equity method of accounting. In 2015, FirstEnergy fully impaired the value of its investment in Global Holding.
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 September 30, 2019, the carrying value of the equity method investment was $19 million.
As discussed in Note 14, "Commitments,13, “Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies," FE is the guarantor under Global Holding'sHolding’s $300 million term loan facility, which matures in March 2020, and has an outstanding principal balance of $220$145 million as of September 30, 2018.2019. Failure by Global Holding to meet the terms and conditions under its term loan facility could require FE to be obligatedperform its obligations 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 September 30, 2018, the carrying value of the equity method investment was $17 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.
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 September 30, 2019, 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 1211 long-term PPAs with NUG entities that were entered into pursuant to PURPA. FirstEnergy was not involved in the creation of, and has no0 equity or debt invested in, any of these entities. FirstEnergy has determined that, for all but one1 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 one1 entity; however, it applied the scope exception that exempts enterprises unable to obtain the necessary information to evaluate entities.
Because FirstEnergy has no0 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 during the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, were $27$30 million and $29$27 million, respectively, and $85$91 million and $82$85 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.
FES and FENOC - As a result of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing discussed in Note 3, "Discontinued Operations," FE evaluated its investments in FES and FENOC and determined they are VIEs. FE is not the primary beneficiary because it lacks a controlling interest in FES and FENOC, which are subject to the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court as of March 31, 2018. The carrying values of the equity investments in FES and FENOC were zero at September 30, 2018.


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FES and FENOC - As a result of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing discussed in Note 3, “Discontinued Operations,” FE evaluated its investments in FES and FENOC and determined they are VIEs. FE is not the primary beneficiary because it lacks a controlling interest in FES and FENOC, which are subject to the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court. The carrying values of the equity investments in FES and FENOC were 0 at September 30, 2019.


9.11. 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




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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 which has been reviewed and approved by FirstEnergy's Risk Policy Committee, 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'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'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. Generally, significantSignificant increases or decreases in inputs in isolation could resultmay have resulted in a higher or lower fair value measurement. See Note 10, "Derivative Instruments," for additional information regarding FirstEnergy's FTRs.


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 ICEIntercontinental 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. Generally, significantSignificant increases or decreases in inputs in isolation could resultmay have resulted in a higher or lower fair value measurement.


FirstEnergy primarily applies the market approach for recurring fair value measurements using the best information available. Accordingly, FirstEnergy maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs. There were no changes in valuation methodologies used as of September 30, 2018,2019, from those used as of December 31, 2017.2018. 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.






2326





Transfers between levels are recognized at the end of the reporting period. There were no transfers between levels during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The following tables set forth FirstEnergy'sthe recurring assets and liabilities that are accounted for at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy:

               
September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
Assets(In millions)(In millions)
Corporate debt securities$
 $405
 $
 $405
 $
 $476
 $
 $476
$
 $446
 $
 $446
 $
 $405
 $
 $405
Derivative assets - FTRs
 
 10
 10
 
 
 3
 3
Equity securities(1)
329
 
 
 329
 297
 
 
 297
Derivative assets FTRs(1)

 
 6
 6
 
 
 10
 10
Equity securities(2)
362
 
 
 362
 339
 
 
 339
Foreign government debt securities
 12
 
 12
 
 23
 
 23

 17
 
 17
 
 13
 
 13
U.S. government debt securities
 22
 
 22
 
 21
 
 21

 18
 
 18
 
 20
 
 20
U.S. state debt securities
 251
 
 251
 
 247
 
 247

 266
 
 266
 
 250
 
 250
Other(2)
436
 106
 
 542
 588
 38
 
 626
Other(3)
716
 71
 
 787
 367
 34
 
 401
Total assets$765
 $796
 $10
 $1,571
 $885
 $805
 $3
 $1,693
$1,078
 $818
 $6
 $1,902
 $706
 $722
 $10
 $1,438
                              
Liabilities                              
Derivative liabilities - FTRs$
 $
 $(1) $(1) $
 $
 $
 $
Derivative liabilities - NUG contracts(3)

 
 (52) (52) 
 
 (79) (79)
Derivative liabilities FTRs(1)
$
 $
 $(3) $(3) $
 $
 $(1) $(1)
Derivative liabilities NUG contracts(1)

 
 (24) (24) 
 
 (44) (44)
Total liabilities$
 $
 $(53) $(53) $
 $
 $(79) $(79)$
 $
 $(27) $(27) $
 $
 $(45) $(45)
                              
Net assets (liabilities)(4)
$765
 $796
 $(43) $1,518
 $885
 $805
 $(76) $1,614
$1,078
 $818
 $(21) $1,875
 $706
 $722
 $(35) $1,393


(1) 
Contracts are subject to regulatory accounting treatment and changes in market values do not impact earnings.
(2)
NDT funds hold equity portfolios whose performance is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Low Volatility High Dividend Index, S&P 500 Index, MSCI World Index and MSCI AC World IMI Index.
(2)(3) 
Primarily consists of short-term cash investments.
(3)
NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting treatment and changes in market values do not impact earnings.
(4) 
Excludes $(33)$(15) million and $(11)$4 million as of September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively, of receivables, payables, taxes and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.



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Rollforward of Level 3 Measurements


The 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 periods ended September 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017:

2018:
 
NUG Contracts(1)
 FTRs
 Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Net Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Net
 (In millions)
January 1, 2017 Balance$1
 $(108) $(107) $3
 $(1) $2
Unrealized gain (loss)
 (10) (10) 1
 (1) 
Purchases
 
 
 3
 
 3
Settlements(1) 39
 38
 (4) 2
 (2)
December 31, 2017 Balance$
 $(79) $(79) $3
 $
 $3
Unrealized gain (loss)
 2
 2
 7
 2
 9
Purchases
 
 
 5
 (5) 
Settlements
 25
 25
 (5) 2
 (3)
September 30, 2018 Balance$
 $(52) $(52) $10
 $(1) $9
 
NUG Contracts(1)
 
FTRs(1)
 Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Net Derivative Assets Derivative Liabilities Net
 (In millions)
January 1, 2018 Balance$
 $(79) $(79) $3
 $
 $3
Unrealized gain
 2
 2
 8
 1
 9
Purchases
 
 
 5
 (5) 
Settlements
 33
 33
 (6) 3
 (3)
December 31, 2018 Balance$
 $(44) $(44) $10
 $(1) $9
Unrealized loss
 (8) (8) 
 (1) (1)
Purchases
 
 
 6
 (4) 2
Settlements
 28
 28
 (10) 3
 (7)
September 30, 2019 Balance$
 $(24) $(24) $6
 $(3) $3


(1)NUG contractsContracts are subject to regulatory accounting treatment and changes in market values do not impact earnings.




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Level 3 Quantitative Information


The following table provides quantitative information for FTRs and NUG contracts that are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy for the period ended September 30, 2018:
2019:
  Fair Value, Net (In millions) Valuation
Technique
 Significant Input Range Weighted Average Units
FTRs $3
 Model RTO auction clearing prices $0.60 to $3.60 $1.20 Dollars/MWH
             
NUG Contracts $(24) Model Generation 400 to 553,000 115,000
 MWH
   Regional electricity prices $26.20 to $28.30 $27.20 Dollars/MWH

  Fair Value, Net (In millions) Valuation
Technique
 Significant Input Range Weighted Average Units
FTRs $9
 Model RTO auction clearing prices $(0.40) to $8.60 $1.40 Dollars/MWH
             
NUG Contracts $(52) Model Generation 400 to 1,437,000 293,000
 MWH
   Regional electricity prices $30.60 to $32.70 $31.60 Dollars/MWH


INVESTMENTS


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


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 and nuclear fuel disposal trusts 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.


The investment policy for the NDT funds restricts or limits the trusts'trusts’ ability to hold certain types of assets including private or direct placements, warrants, securities of FirstEnergy, investments in companies owning nuclear power plants, financial derivatives, securities convertible into common stock and securities of the trust funds'funds’ custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.


Nuclear Decommissioning and Nuclear Fuel Disposal Trusts


JCP&L, ME and PN hold debt and equity securities within their respective NDT and nuclear fuel disposal trusts. The debt securities are classified as AFS securities, recognized at fair market value.









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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 September 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017:2018:
  
September 30, 2019(1)
 
December 31, 2018(1)
  Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value
  (In millions)
                 
Debt securities $736
 $27
 $(14) $749
 $714
 $2

$(28) $688
Equity securities $312
 $50
 $(2) $360
 $339
 $15
 $(16) $338

  
September 30, 2018(1)
 
December 31, 2017(1)
  Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value Cost Basis Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Fair Value
  (In millions)
                 
Debt securities $712
 $2
 $(23) $691
 $774
 $11

$(17) $768
Equity securities $286
 $42
 $(1) $327
 $254
 $40
 $
 $294


(1) Excludes $33 million and $20 million as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, of short-term cash investments, of $57 milliontaxes, receivables, payables and $11 million in 2018 and 2017, respectivelyaccrued income.


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 three and nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, were as follows:

  For the Three Months Ended September 30, 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
  2019 2018 2019 2018
  (In millions)
Sale proceeds $204
 $261
 $506
 $627
Realized gains 8
 3
 20
 31
Realized losses (7) (7) (18) (34)
Interest and dividend income 10
 11
 30
 31


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 of approximately $900 million as of September 30, 2019. There can be no assurance that the transfer will receive the required regulatory approvals and, even if approved, whether the conditions to the closing of the transfer will be satisfied.


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  For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
  (In millions)
Sale Proceeds $261
 $269
 $627
 $1,089
Realized Gains 3
 20
 31
 70
Realized Losses (7) (11) (34) (55)
Interest and Dividend Income 11
 9
 31
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Other Investments


Other investments include employee benefit trusts, which are primarily invested in corporate-owned life insurance policies and equity method investments. Other investments were $254$283 millionand$255253 million as of September 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively, and are excluded from the amounts reported above.


LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS


All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as short-term financial instruments under GAAP and are reported as Short-term borrowings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost. Since these borrowings are short-term in nature, FirstEnergy believes that their costs approximate their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of FirstEnergy's long-term debt, which excludes capitalfinance lease obligations and net unamortized debt issuance costs, premiums and discounts as of September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017:2018:
 September 30, 2019 December 31, 2018
 (In millions)
Carrying value (1)
$19,880
 $18,315
Fair value$22,910
 $19,266

 September 30, 2018 December 31, 2017
 (In millions)
Carrying Value$17,796
 $19,296
Fair Value$18,761
 $21,412


(1) The carrying value as of September 30, 2019, includes $2.1 billion of debt issuances and $784 million of redemptions that occurred in the first nine months of 2019.

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 September 30, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017.2018.
10. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

FirstEnergy 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 also uses a variety of derivative instruments for risk management purposes including forward contracts, options, futures contracts and swaps.



26



FirstEnergy accounts for derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value (unless they meet the normal purchases and normal sales criteria) as follows:

Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded to AOCI with subsequent reclassification to earnings in the period during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.
Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded as an adjustment to the item being hedged. When fair value hedges are discontinued, the adjustment recorded to the item being hedged is amortized into earnings.
Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated in a hedging relationship are recorded in earnings on a mark-to-market basis, unless otherwise noted.

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.

FirstEnergy has contractual derivative agreements through 2020.

Cash Flow Hedges

FirstEnergy has used forward starting interest rate swap agreements to hedge a portion of the consolidated interest rate risk associated with anticipated issuances of fixed-rate, long-term debt securities of its subsidiaries. These derivatives were designated as cash flow hedges, protecting against the risk of changes in future interest payments resulting from changes in benchmark U.S. Treasury rates between the date of hedge inception and the date of the debt issuance. Total pre-tax unamortized losses included in AOCI associated with prior interest rate cash flow hedges totaled $16 million and $22 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Based on current estimates, approximately $3 million of these unamortized losses are expected to be amortized to interest expense during the next twelve months.

Refer to Note 6, "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income," for reclassifications from AOCI during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, no commodity or interest rate derivatives were designated as cash flow hedges.

Fair Value Hedges

FirstEnergy has used fixed-for-floating interest rate swap agreements to hedge a portion of the consolidated interest rate risk associated with the debt portfolio of its subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, no fixed-for-floating interest rate swap agreements were outstanding.

Unamortized gains included in long-term debt associated with prior fixed-for-floating interest rate swap agreements totaled $2 million and $3 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

NUGs

As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, FirstEnergy's net liability position under NUG contracts was $52 million and $79 million, respectively, representing contracts held at JCP&L and PN. NUG contracts are classified as an adverse power contract liability on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were settlements of $9 million and $25 million, and unrealized gains of $4 million and $2 million, respectively. Changes in the fair value of NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting treatment and do not impact earnings.

FTRs

As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, FirstEnergy's net asset position associated with FTRs was $9 million and $3 million, respectively. FirstEnergy holds FTRs that generally represent an economic hedge of future congestion charges that will be incurred in connection with FirstEnergy’s load obligations. FirstEnergy acquires the majority of its FTRs in an annual auction through a self-scheduling process involving the use of ARRs allocated to members of PJM that have load serving obligations. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, there were no settlements and there were unrealized gains of $9 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were settlements of $3 million and unrealized gains of $9 million.
11. CAPITALIZATION

Stock Issuance

On January 22, 2018, FirstEnergy entered into agreements for the private placement of its equity securities representing an approximately $2.5 billion investment in FE. FE entered into a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement (the Preferred SPA) for the private placement of 1,616,000 shares of mandatorily convertible preferred stock, designated as the Series A Convertible Preferred


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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). FE also 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 Stock and $847 million of OPIC).

The Preferred Stock participates in dividends on the Common Stock on an as-converted basis based on the number of shares of Common Stock a holder of Preferred Stock would receive if its shares of Preferred Stock were converted on the dividend record date at the conversion price in effect at that time. Such dividends are paid at the same time that the dividends on Common Stock are paid.

Each share of Preferred Stock is convertible at the option of the holders into a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the $1,000 liquidation preference, divided by the Conversion Price then in effect. As of September 30, 2018, the Conversion Price in effect remained $27.42 per share. The Conversion Price is subject to anti-dilution adjustments and adjustments for subdivisions and combinations of the Common Stock, as well as dividends on the Common Stock paid in Common Stock and for certain equity issuances below the Conversion Price then in effect. As of September 30, 2018, 911,411 preferred shares have been converted into 33,238,910 common shares at the option of the holders.

In general, any shares of Preferred Stock outstanding on July 22, 2019, will be automatically converted. Further, the Preferred Stock will automatically convert to Common Stock upon certain events of bankruptcy or liquidation of FE. FE may elect to convert the Preferred Stock if, at any time, fewer than 323,200 shares of Preferred Stock are outstanding. However, no shares of Preferred Stock will be converted prior to January 22, 2020, if such conversion will cause a converting holder to be deemed to beneficially own, together with its affiliates whose holdings would be aggregated with such holder for purposes of Section 13(d) under the Exchange Act, more than 4.9% of the then-outstanding Common Stock. Furthermore, in no event shall the Company issue more than 58,964,222 shares of Common Stock (the Share Cap) in the aggregate upon conversion of the convertible Preferred Stock. From and after the time at which the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock issued upon conversion of the Preferred Stock equals the Share Cap, each holder electing to convert convertible Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive a cash payment equal to the market value of the Common Stock such holder does not receive upon conversion.

The holders of Preferred Stock have limited class voting rights related to the creation of additional securities that are senior or equal with the Preferred Stock, as well as certain reclassifications and amendments that would affect the rights of the holders of Preferred Stock. The holders of Preferred Stock also have the right to approve issuances of securities convertible or exchangeable for Common Stock, subject to certain exceptions for compensation arrangements and bona fide dividend reinvestment or share purchase plans.

Pursuant to the Preferred SPA, FirstEnergy formed an RWG composed of three employees of FirstEnergy and two outside members identified in the Preferred SPA to advise FirstEnergy management regarding FES' restructuring. On September 20, 2018, pursuant to the Preferred SPA, the RWG was terminated in light of the substantial completion of the RWG’s role.
12. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

FirstEnergy has recognized applicable legal obligations for AROs and their associated cost, primarily for the decommissioning of the TMI-2 nuclear generating facility and environmental remediation, 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.

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 the plants. 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.

The aggregate ARO liabilities for FirstEnergy are approximately $630 million and $570 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

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, effective October 12, 2018. AE Supply assessed the changes in timing and closure plan requirements associated with the McElroy's Run impoundment site and increased the ARO by approximately $43 million in the third quarter of 2018.



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13. REGULATORY MATTERS


STATE REGULATION


Each of the Utilities'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 Ohio by the PUCO, 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 are subject to certain regulations of the VSCC. 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. In addition,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.

Following the adoption of the Tax Act, various state regulatory proceedings have been initiated to investigate the impact of the Tax Act on the Utilities’ rates and charges. State proceedings that have arisen are discussed below. The Utilities continue to monitor and investigate the impact of state regulatory proceedings resulting from the Tax Act.


MARYLAND


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


The Maryland legislature adopted a statute in 2008 codifying the EmPOWER Maryland goals to reduce electric consumption and demand and requiringprogram requires each electric utility to file a plan every three years. On July 16, 2015, the MDPSC issued an order setting new incremental energy savings goals for 2017to reduce electric consumption and beyond, beginning with the goal of 0.97% savings achieved under PE's plan for 2016, and increasingdemand 0.2% per year, thereafter to reach 2%. The Maryland legislature in April 2017 adopted a statute requiring the same 0.2% per year increase, 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'sPE’s approved 2018-2020 EmPOWER Maryland plan continues and expands upon prior years'years’ programs, and adds new programs, for a projected total cost of $116 million over the three-year period. On December 22, 2017, the MDPSC issued an order approving the 2018-2020 plan with various modifications. PE recovers program 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 February 27, 2013,January 19, 2018, PE filed a joint petition along with other utility companies, work group stakeholders and the MDPSC issued an order requiring the Maryland electric utilitiesvehicle work group leader to submit analyses relating to the costs and benefits of making further system and staffing enhancementsimplement a statewide electric vehicle portfolio in order to attempt to reduce storm outage durations. PE's responsive filings discussed the steps needed to harden the utility's system in order to attempt to achieve various levels of storm response speed described in the February 2013 Order, and projected that it would require approximately $2.7 billion in infrastructure investments over 15 years to attempt to achieve the quickest level of response for the largest storm projected in the February 2013 Order. On July 1, 2014, the Staff of theconnection with a 2016 MDPSC issued a set of reports that recommended the imposition of extensive additional requirements in the areas of storm response, feeder performance, estimates of restoration times, and regulatory reporting, as well as the imposition of penalties, including customer rebates, for a utility's failure or inability to comply with the escalating standards of storm restoration speed proposed by the Staff of the MDPSC. In addition, the Staff of the MDPSC proposed that Maryland utilities be required to develop and implement system hardening plans, up to a rate impact cap on cost. The MDPSC conducted a hearing September 15-18, 2014, to consider certain of these matters, and has not yet issued a ruling on any of those matters.

On September 26, 2016, the MDPSC initiated a new 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. Comments were filed, and a hearing was held in late 2016. On January 31, 2017, the MDPSC issued a notice establishing five working groups to address these issues over the following eighteen months, and also directed the retention of an outside consultant to prepare a report on costs and benefits of distributed solar generation in Maryland. 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. If approved, PE will launchproposed an electric vehicle charging infrastructure program on January 1, 2019, offering up to 2,000 rebates for electric vehicle charging equipment to residential customers, and deploying up to 259 chargers at non-residential customer service locations at a projected total cost of $12 million. PE is proposingmillion, to recover program costs subject tobe recovered over a five-year amortization. On February 6, 2018,January 14, 2019, the MDPSC opened a new proceeding to considerapproved the petition and numerous parties filed comments onsubject to certain reductions in the petition on March 27, 2018. The MDPSC held hearings on the petition in May and September, 2018, after which parties filed final comments.scope

On January 12, 2018, the MDPSC instituted a proceeding to examine the impacts of the Tax Act on the rates and charges of Maryland utilities. PE was required to track and apply regulatory accounting treatment for the impacts beginning January 1, 2018, and submitted a report to the MDPSC on February 15, 2018, estimating that the Tax Act impacts would be approximately $7 million to $8 million annually for PE’s customers. On August 17, 2018, the Staff of the MDPSC filed a reply to PE's February 15, 2018 filing,




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inof the program. The MDPSC approved PE’s compliance filing, which replyimplements the Staff recommended that the MDPSC direct PE to reduce base rates by $6.5 million to reflect reduced federal tax costs pending resolution of PE's upcoming rate case, and that PE further be directed to pay customers a one-time credit for what the Staff estimated were the tax savings to PE through the end ofpilot program, with minor modifications, on July 2018. On October 5, 2018, the MDPSC issued an order requiring PE to pay a one-time credit for tax savings through September 30, 2018, which PE estimates will be approximately $5 million, and reserved all other Tax Act impacts to be resolved in the pending rate case.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 requestsrequested an annual increase in base distribution rates of $19.7 million, plus creation of an Electric Distribution Investment surchargeEDIS 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 isreflected $7.3 million less than it otherwise would have been due toin annual savings for customers resulting from the recent federal tax law changes. The evidentiary hearing will commence on JanuaryOn March 22, 2019, andthe MDPSC issued a final order is expected by March 23, 2019.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.


NEW JERSEY


JCP&L currentlyoperates 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. The supply for BGS is comprised of two components, procured through separate, annually held descending clock auctions, the results of which are approved by the NJBPU. One BGS component reflects hourly real time energy prices and is available for larger commercial and industrial customers. The second BGS component provides a fixed price service and is intended for smaller commercial and residential customers. All New Jersey EDCs participate in this competitive BGS procurement process and recover BGS costs directly from customers as a charge separate from base rates.


JCP&L currently operates under rates that were approved byOn April 18, 2019, pursuant to the NJBPU on December 12, 2016, effective asMay 2018 New Jersey enacted legislation establishing a ZEC program to provide ratepayer funded subsidies of January 1, 2017. These rates provide an annual increase in operating revenues of approximately $80 million from those previously in place and are intended to improve service and benefit customers by supporting equipment maintenance, tree trimming, and inspections of lines, poles and substations, while also compensating for other business and operating expenses. In addition, on January 25, 2017,New Jersey nuclear energy supply, the NJBPU approved the accelerationimplementation of the amortization ofa non-bypassable, irrevocable ZEC charge for all New Jersey electric utility customers, including JCP&L’s 2012 major storm expenses that are recovered through the SRC in order forcustomers. Once collected from customers by JCP&L, these funds will be remitted to achieve full recovery byeligible nuclear energy generators.

In December 31, 2019.

Pursuant to the NJBPU's March 26, 2015, final order in JCP&L's 2012 rate case proceeding directing that certain studies be completed, on July 22, 2015,2017, the NJBPU approved the NJBPU staff's recommendationissued proposed rules to implement such studies, which included operational and financial components. The independent consultant conducting the review issued a final report on July 27, 2016, recognizing that JCP&L is meeting the NJBPU requirements and making various operational and financial recommendations. The NJBPU issued an Order on August 24, 2016, that accepted the independent consultant’s final report and directed JCP&L, the Division of Rate Counsel and other interested parties to address the recommendations.

In an Order issued October 22, 2014, in a generic proceeding to review its policies with respect to the use of a CTA in base rate cases, the NJBPU stated that it would continue to applymodify its current CTA policy in base rate cases subject to incorporating the following modifications:to: (i) calculatingcalculate savings using a five-year look back from the beginning of the test year; (ii) allocatingallocate savings with 75% retained by the company and 25% allocated to rate payers;ratepayers; and (iii) excludingexclude transmission assets of electric distribution companies in the savings calculation. On November 5, 2014, the Division of Rate Counsel appealed the NJBPU Order regarding the generic CTA proceeding to the Superior Court of New Jersey Appellate Division and JCP&L filed to participate as a respondent in that proceeding supporting the order. On September 18, 2017, the Superior Court of New Jersey Appellate Division reversed the NJBPU's Order on the basis that the NJBPU's modification of its CTA methodology did not comply with the procedures of the NJAPA. JCP&L's existing rates are not expected to be impacted by this order. On December 19, 2017, the NJBPU approved the issuance of proposed rules to modify the CTA methodology consistent with its October 22, 2014, Generic Order,calculation, which were published in the NJ Register on January 16, 2018, and republished on February 6, 2018, to correct an error.in the first quarter of 2018.JCP&L filed comments supporting the proposed rulemaking on April 6, 2018.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. JCP&L is contesting this appeal but is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.


At theAlso in December 19, 2017, NJBPU public meeting, 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 July 13, 2018, JCP&L filed an infrastructure plan, JCP&L Reliability Plus, which proposed to accelerate $386.8 million of electric distribution infrastructure investment over four years to enhance the reliability and resiliency of its distribution system and reduce the frequency and duration of power outages. JCP&L requested thatOn January 23, 2019, the NJBPU issuegranted JCP&L’s request to temporarily suspend the procedural schedule in the matter pending settlement discussions. On April 23, 2019, JCP&L filed a final order in December 2018. On August 29, 2018,Stipulation of Settlement with the NJBPU retainedon behalf of the JCP&L, Rate Counsel, NJBPU Staff and New Jersey Large Energy Users Coalition, which provides that JCP&L will invest up to approximately $97 million in capital investments beginning on June 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. 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. On May 8, 2019, the NJBPU issued an order approving the Stipulation of Settlement without modifications. Pursuant to the Stipulation, JCP&L filed a petition on September 16, 2019, to seek approval of rate adjustments to provide for hearing.cost recovery established with JCP&L Reliability Plus.


On January 31, 2018, the NJBPU instituted a proceeding to examine the impacts of the Tax Act on the rates and charges of New Jersey utilities. The NJBPU ordered New Jersey utilities to: (1) defer on their books the impacts of the Tax Act effective January 1, 2018; (2) to file tariffs effective April 1, 2018, reflecting the rate impacts of changes in current taxes; and (3) to file tariffs effective July 1, 2018, reflecting the rate impacts of changes in deferred taxes. On March 2, 2018, JCP&L filed a petition with the NJBPU, which included proposed tariffs for a base rate reduction of $28.6 million effective April 1, 2018, and a rider to reflect $1.3 million in rate impacts of changes in deferred taxes. On March 26, 2018, the NJBPU approved JCP&L’s rate reduction effective April 1, 2018, on an interim basis subject to refund, pending the outcome of this proceeding. On April 23, 2019, JCP&L filed a Stipulation of Settlement on behalf of the Rate Counsel, NJBPU Staff, and the New Jersey Large Energy Users Coalition with the NJBPU. The terms of the Stipulation of Settlement provide that between January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2018, JCP&L’s refund obligation is estimated to be approximately $7 million, which will be refunded to customers. The Stipulation of Settlement also provides for a base rate reduction of $28.6 million, which was reflected in rates on April 1, 2018, and a Rider Tax Act Adjustment for certain items over a five-year period. On May 8, 2019, the NJBPU however, did not address refunds and other proposed rider tariffs at such time, but may be addressed at a later date.issued an order approving the Stipulation of Settlement without modification.



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OHIO


The Ohio Companies currently operate under ESP IV which commencedeffective June 1, 2016, and expires May 31, 2024. The material terms of ESP IV, as approved in the PUCO’s Opinion and Order issued on March 31, 2016 and Fifth Entry on Rehearing on October 12, 2016, include Rider DMR, which provides for the Ohio Companies to collect $132.5 million annually for three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension. Rider DMR will be grossed up for federal income taxes, resulting in an approved amount of approximately $168 million annually in 2018 and 2019. Revenues from Rider DMR will be excluded from the significantly excessive earnings test for the initial three-year term but the exclusion will be reconsidered upon application for a potential two-year extension. The PUCO set three conditions for continued recovery under Rider DMR: (1) retention of the corporate headquarters and nexus of operations in Akron, Ohio; (2) no change in control of the Ohio Companies; and (3) a demonstration of sufficient progress in the implementation of grid modernization programs approved by the PUCO. ESP IV also continues a base distribution rate freezecontinuing through May 31, 2024. In addition, ESP IV2024, that continues the supply of power to non-shopping customers at a market-based price set through an auction process.

ESP IV alsocontinues a base distribution rate freeze through May 31, 2024 and continues Rider DCR, which supports continued investment related to the


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distribution system for the benefit of customers, with increased revenue caps of $30 million per year from June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2019; $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. Other material terms of ESP IV include:also includes: (1) the collection of lost distribution revenues associated with energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs; (2) an agreement to file a Grid Modernization Business Plan for PUCO consideration and approval (which filing was made on February 29, 2016, and remains pending); (3) a goal across FirstEnergy to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% below 2005 levels by 2045; (4)and (3) contributions, totaling $51 million to: (a) fund energy conservation programs, economic development and job retention in the Ohio Companies’ service territories; (b) establish a fuel-fund in each of the Ohio Companies’ service territories to assist low-income customers; and (c) establish a Customer Advisory AgencyCouncil to ensure preservation and growth of the competitive market in Ohio; and (5) an agreement to file an application to transition to a straight fixed variable cost recovery mechanismOhio.

In addition, ESP IV provided for residential customers' base distribution rates, which filing was made on April 3, 2017, and which the PUCO denied on June 13, 2018.

Several parties, including the Ohio Companies filed applications for rehearing regarding the Ohio Companies’ ESP IV with the PUCO. The Ohio Companies’ application for rehearing challenged, among other things, the PUCO’s failure to adopt the Ohio Companies’ suggested modifications to Rider DMR. The Ohio Companies had previously suggested that a properly designedcollect through Rider DMR would be valued at $558$132.5 million annually for eightthree years beginning in 2017, grossed up for federal income taxes, resulting in an approved amount of approximately $168 million annually in 2018 and include an additional amount that recognizes2019. Revenues from Rider DMR are excluded from the value ofsignificantly excessive earnings test. On appeal, the economic impact of FirstEnergy maintaining its headquarters in Ohio. Other parties’ applications for rehearing argued, among other things, thatSCOH, on June 19, 2019, reversed the PUCO’s adoption ofdetermination that Rider DMR is not supported by law or sufficient evidence.lawful, and remanded the matter to the PUCO with instructions to remove Rider DMR from ESP IV. On August 16, 2017,20, 2019, the PUCO denied all remaining intervenor applications for rehearing,SCOH denied the Ohio Companies’ challengesmotion for reconsideration. The PUCO entered an Order directing the Ohio Companies to the modifications tocease further collection through Rider DMR, and addedcredit back to customers a third-party monitor to ensure thatrefund of Rider DMR funds are spent appropriately.collected since July 2, 2019, and remove Rider DMR from ESP IV. The Ohio Companies filed revised tariffs to implement the refund of Rider DMR funds collected since July 2, 2019. On September 15, 2017,October 1, 2019, the Ohio Companies implemented PUCO approved tariffs to refund approximately $28 million to customers, including Rider DMR revenues billed from July 2, 2019 through August 31, 2019.

On July 15, 2019, OCC filed an application for rehearinga Notice of Appeal with the SCOH, challenging the PUCO’s exclusion of Rider DMR revenues from the determination of the PUCO’s August 16,existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV for calendar year 2017 ruling on the issues of the third-party monitor and the ROE calculation for advanced metering infrastructure. On October 11, 2017, the PUCO denied the Ohio Companies' application for rehearing on both issues. On October 16, 2017, the Sierra Club and the OMAEG filed notices of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio appealing various PUCO entries on their applications for rehearing. On November 16, 2017, theclaiming a $42 million refund is due to OE customers. The Ohio Companies intervened inintend to contest this appeal but are unable to predict the appeal. Additional parties subsequently filed noticesoutcome of appeal with the Supreme Court ofthis matter.

Under Ohio challenging various PUCO entries on their applications for rehearing. On February 26, 2018, appellants filed their briefs. Briefs of the PUCO and the Ohio Companies were filed on May 29, 2018. On July 9, 2018, appellants filed their reply briefs. On September 26, 2018, the Supreme Court of Ohio denied a July 30, 2018 joint motion filed by the OCC, the NOAC, and the OMAEG to stay the portions of the PUCO's orders and entries under appeal that authorized Rider DMR. Oral argument on the appeals is scheduled for January 9, 2019.

Under ORC 4928.66,law, the Ohio Companies are required to implement energy efficiency programs that achieve certain annual energy savings and total peak demand reductions. Starting in 2017, ORC 4928.66 requires the energy savings benchmark to increase by 1% and the peak demand reduction benchmark to increase by 0.75% annually thereafter through 2020 and the energy savings benchmark to increase by 2% annually from 2021 through 2027, with a cumulative benchmark of 22.2% by 2027. On April 15, 2016, theThe Ohio Companies filed an application for approval of their three-year energy efficiency portfolio plans for the period from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019. The plans as proposed comply with benchmarks contemplated by ORC 4928.66 and provisions of the ESP IV, and includeCompanies’ 2017-2019 plan includes a portfolio of energy efficiency programs targeted to a variety of customer segments, including residential customers, low income customers, small commercial customers, large commercial and industrial customers and governmental entities. On December 9, 2016, the Ohio Companies filed a Stipulation and Recommendation with several parties that contained changes to the plan and a decrease in the plan costs.segments. The Ohio Companies anticipate the cost of the plansplan will be approximately $268 million over the life of the portfolio plansplan and such costs are expected to be recovered through the Ohio Companies’ existing rate mechanisms. On November 21, 2017, the PUCO issued an order that approved the filed Stipulation and Recommendationproposed plan with several modifications, including a cap on the Ohio Companies’ collection of program costs and shared savings set at4% of the Ohio Companies’ total sales to customerscustomers. On October 15, 2019, the SCOH reversed the PUCO’s decision to impose the 4% cost-recovery cap and remanded the matter to the PUCO for approval of the portfolio plans without the cost-recovery cap.

On July 23, 2019, Ohio enacted legislation establishing support for nuclear energy supply in Ohio. In addition to the provisions supporting nuclear energy, the legislation included a provision implementing a decoupling mechanism for Ohio electric utilities. The legislation also is ending current energy efficiency program mandates on December 31, 2020, provided statewide energy efficiency mandates are achieved as reporteddetermined by the PUCO. On October 23, 2019, the PUCO solicited comments on 2015 FERC Form 1. On December 21, 2017,whether the PUCO should terminate the energy efficiency programs once the statewide energy efficiency mandates are achieved. The Ohio Companies plan to apply to the PUCO for approval of the decoupling mechanism later this year, 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 CompaniesCompanies. Opponents to the legislation are petitioning to submit the legislation to a statewide referendum on the November 2020 ballot, and stay its effect unless and until approved by a majority of Ohio voters. On September 4, 2019, a lawsuit was filed an application for rehearingwith the SCOH, challenging the PUCO’s modificationreferendum on the grounds that the provisions supporting nuclear energy are a new tax and taxes cannot be overturned by referendum. On October 7, 2019, petitioners filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio challenging various Ohio legal requirements for a referendum, and seeking additional time to gather signatures in support of a referendum. Petitioners did not meet the StipulationOctober 21, 2019 deadline to file the necessary number of petition signatures. On October 23, 2019, legislation went into effect. The U.S. District Court denied petitioners’ request for more time, and Recommendationcertified questions of state law to include the 4% cost cap, which was denied by the PUCO on January 10, 2018. On March 12, 2018,SCOH to answer.

In February 2016, the Ohio Companies filed a NoticeGrid Modernization Business Plan for PUCO consideration and approval, as required by the terms of Appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging the PUCO’s imposition of a 4% cost cap. Various other parties also filed Notices of Appeal challenging various PUCO entries on their applications for rehearing. The Ohio Companies filed their brief on May 21, 2018. The PUCO filed its brief on July 30, 2018, and the Ohio Companies filed their reply brief on September 10, 2018. Oral argument on the appeals is scheduled for February 20, 2019.



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Ohio law requires electric utilities and electric service companies in Ohio to serve part of their load from renewable energy resources measured by an annually increasing percentage amount through 2026, except that in 2014 SB310 froze 2015 and 2016 requirements at the 2014 level (2.5%), pushing back scheduled increases, which resumed in 2017 (3.5%), and increases 1% each year through 2026 (to 12.5%) and shall remain at 12.5% in 2027 and each year thereafter. The Ohio Companies conducted RFPs in 2009, 2010 and 2011 to secure RECs to help meet these renewable energy requirements. In September 2011, the PUCO opened a docket to review the Ohio Companies' alternative energy recovery rider through which the Ohio Companies recover the costs of acquiring these RECs. The PUCO issued an Opinion and Order on August 7, 2013, approving the Ohio Companies' acquisition process and their purchases of RECs to meet statutory mandates in all instances except for certain purchases arising from one auction and directed the Ohio Companies to credit non-shopping customers in the amount of $43.4 million, plus interest, on the basis that the Ohio Companies did not prove such purchases were prudent. On December 24, 2013, following the denial of their application for rehearing, the Ohio Companies filed a Notice of Appeal and a motion for stay of the PUCO's order with the Supreme Court of Ohio, which was granted. The OCC and the ELPC also filed appeals of the PUCO's order. On January 24, 2018, the Supreme Court of Ohio reversed the PUCO order finding that the order violated the rule against retroactive ratemaking. On February 5, 2018, the OCC and ELPC filed a motion for reconsideration, to which the Ohio Companies responded in opposition on February 15, 2018. On April 25, 2018, the Supreme Court of Ohio denied the motion for reconsideration. As a result, in the second quarter of 2018, the Ohio Companies recognized a pre-tax benefit to earnings (within the Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net line on the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss)) of approximately $72 million to reverse the liability associated with the PUCO opinion and order.

ESP IV. On December 1, 2017, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO for approval of a DPM Plan. The DPM Plan, is a portfolio of approximately $450 million in distribution platform investment projects, which are designed to modernize the Ohio Companies’ distribution grid, prepare it for further grid modernization projects, and provide customers with immediate reliability benefits. The Ohio Companies have requested that the PUCO issue an order approving the DPM Plan and associated cost recovery so that the Ohio Companies can expeditiously commence the DPM Plan and customers can begin to realize the associated benefits.

OnAlso, on January 10, 2018, the PUCO opened a case to consider the impacts of the Tax Act on Ohio utilities’ rates and determine the appropriate course of action to pass benefits on to customers. On November 9, 2018, the Ohio Companies filed a settlement agreement that provides for the implementation of the 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. As part of the agreement, the Ohio Companies also filed an application for approval of a rider to return the remaining tax savings to customers following PUCO approval of the settlement. On January 25, 2019, the Ohio Companies filed a supplemental settlement agreement that keeps intact the provisions of the settlement described above and adds further customer benefits and protections, which broadened support for the settlement. The settlement has 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. On July 17, 2019, the PUCO approved the settlement agreement with no material


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modifications. On August 16, 2019, environmental advocates who were not parties to the settlement filed an application for rehearing challenging the PUCO’s approval of the settlement. On September 11, 2019, the PUCO denied the application for rehearing.

The Ohio Companies’ Rider NMB is designed to recover NMB transmission-related costs imposed on or charged to the Ohio Companies by FERC or PJM. On December 14, 2018, the Ohio Companies filed an application for a review of their 2019 Rider NMB, including recovery of future Legacy RTEP costs and previously absorbed Legacy RTEP costs, net of refunds received from PJM. On February 27, 2018, the PUCO issued an order directing the Ohio Companies to file revised final tariffs recovering Legacy RTEP costs incurred since May 31, 2018, but excluding recovery of approximately $95 million in Legacy RTEP costs incurred prior to May 31, 2018, net of refunds received from PJM. The PUCO solicited comments on whether the Ohio Companies should be permitted to recover the Legacy RTEP charges incurred prior to May 31, 2018. The Ohio Companies, effective January 1, 2018, were required to establish a regulatory liability for the estimated reduction in federal income tax resulting from the Tax Act,OCC and OMAEG filed comments on February 15, 2018, explaining that customers will save nearly $40 million annually as a result of updating tariff riders for the tax rate changes and that the Ohio Companies’ base distribution rates are not impacted by the Tax Act changes because they are frozen through May 2024.March 29, 2019. The Ohio Companies filed reply comments on March 7, 2018.April 15, 2019. On October 24, 2018,9, 2019, the PUCO entered an Order in its investigation intoapproved the impactsrecovery of the Tax Act on Ohio's utilities directing that$95 million of previously excluded Legacy RTEP charges.

PENNSYLVANIA

The Pennsylvania Companies operate under rates approved by the PPUC, effective as of January 1, 2019, all Ohio rate-regulated utility companies, unless ordered otherwise, file applications not27, 2017. These rates were adjusted for an increase in rates to reflect the net impact of the Tax Act, on each specific utility's current rates.

PENNSYLVANIA

effective March 15, 2018. The net impact of the Tax Act for the period January 1, 2018 through March 14, 2018 must also be separately tracked for treatment in a future rate proceeding. The Pennsylvania Companies operate under DSPs for the June 1, 20172019 through May 31, 20192023 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 DSPs, the supply will be provided by wholesale suppliers through a mix of 12 and 24-month energy contracts, as well as one RFP for 2-year SREC contracts for ME, PN and Penn. The DSPs include modifications to the Pennsylvania Companies’ POR programs in order to reduce the level of uncollectible expense the Pennsylvania Companies experience associated with alternative EGS charges.


On December 11, 2017, the Pennsylvania Companies filed DSPs for the June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2023 delivery period. Under the 2019-2023 DSPs, the supply is proposed towill 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. The 2019-2023 DSPs as proposed also include modifications to the Pennsylvania Companies’ POR programs in order to continue their clawback pilot program as a long-term, permanent program. The 2019-2023 DSPs also introduce a retail market enhancement rate mechanism designed to stimulate residential customer shopping, andprogram term, modifications to the Pennsylvania Companies’ customer class definitions to allow for the introduction of hourly priced default service to customers at or above 100kW. A hearing was held on April 10, 2018, and the ALJ issued a recommended decision dated May 31, 2018. The decision recommended approval of the Pennsylvania Companies' DSPs as originally proposed with two exceptions: it recommended rejecting the proposed retail market enhancement rate mechanism, and establishing limitations on customer assistance program customers' shopping. Exceptions were filed by two parties on June 28, 2018, to which the Pennsylvania Companies filed reply exceptions on July 9, 2018. On September 4, 2018, the PPUC issued an order approving the Pennsylvania Companies' DSPs and directed a working group to further discuss the implementation of100kW, customer assistance program shopping limitations, and appropriate scripting forscript modifications related to the Pennsylvania Companies'Companies’ customer referral programs. The Pennsylvania Companies and two other parties filed petitions for reconsideration to that order on the limited issue of timing and scope of the working group discussion related to customer assistance program shopping limitations, which are pending PPUC review at this time.programs.


The Pennsylvania Companies operate under rates that were approved by the PPUC on January 19, 2017, effective as of January 27, 2017. These rates provide annual increases in operating revenues of approximately $96 million at ME, $100 million at PN, $29 million at Penn, and $66 million at WP, and are intended to benefit customers by modernizing the grid with smart technologies, increasing vegetation management activities, and continuing other customer service enhancements.


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Pursuant to Pennsylvania's EE&C legislation inPennsylvania Act 129 of 2008 and PPUC orders, Pennsylvania EDCs implement energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs. On June 19, 2015, the PPUC issued a Phase III Final Implementation Order setting: demand reduction targets, relative to each Pennsylvania Companies' 2007-2008 peak demand (in MW), at 1.8%for ME, 1.7% for Penn, 1.8% for WP, and 0% for PN; and energy consumption reduction targets, as a percentage of each Pennsylvania Companies’ historic 2010 forecasts (in MWH), at 4.0% for ME, 3.9%for PN, 3.3% for Penn, and 2.6% for WP. The Pennsylvania Companies'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'sPPUC’s Phase III Final Implementation Order with full recovery through the reconcilable EE&C riders.


Pursuant to Act 11 of 2012, Pennsylvania EDCs may establish a DSIC to recover costs of infrastructure improvements and costs related to highway relocation projects with PPUC approval. Pennsylvania EDCs must file LTIIPs outlining infrastructure improvement plans for PPUC review and approval must be filed prior to approval of a DSIC. On February 11, 2016, the PPUC approved LTIIPs for each of the Pennsylvania Companies. On June 14, 2017, the PPUC approved modified LTIIPs for ME, PN and Penn for the remaining years of 2017 through 2020 to provide additional support for reliability and infrastructure investments. The LTIIPs estimated costs for the remaining period ofOn September 20, 2018, to 2020 are: WP $50.1 million; PN $44.8 million; Penn $33.2 million; and ME $51.3 million. On April 10, 2018, the PPUC notified each of the Pennsylvania Companies that the PPUC was initiatingfollowing a periodic review of the LTIIPs as required by regulation once every five years, and soliciting comments from interested parties. On May 10, 2018, the Pennsylvania Companies each filed comments explaining that their LTIIPs are effective and that changes to the respective LTIIPs are not necessary. No parties other than the Pennsylvania Companies filed comments. On September 20, 2018, the PPUC entered an Order concluding that the Pennsylvania Companies have substantially adhered to the schedules and expenditures outlined in their LTIIPs, but that changes to the LTIIPs as designed are necessary to maintain and improve reliability. The PPUCreliability and directed the Pennsylvania Companies to file modified or new LTIIPs within 60 days of the Order; however, on October 17, 2018, the Pennsylvania Companies requested a 60-day extension to file the new or modified LTIIPs.

On February 16, 2016,January 18, 2019, the Pennsylvania Companies filed ridersmodifications to their current LTIIPs that would terminate those LTIIPs at the end of 2019, and proposed revised LTIIP spending in 2019 of approximately $45 million by ME, $25 million by PN, $26 million by Penn and $51 million by WP. The Pennsylvania Companies also committed to making filings later in 2019, which would propose new LTIIPs for the 2020 through 2024 period. On May 23, 2019, the PPUC issued an order approving the Pennsylvania Companies’ Modified LTIIPs as filed. On August 30, 2019, the Pennsylvania Companies filed individual Petitions for approval of proposed 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 September 30, 2019, the Pennsylvania OCA submitted comments on the Pennsylvania Companies’ LTIIPs. A PPUC decision is expected by year-end.

The Pennsylvania Companies’ approved DSIC riders for quarterly cost recovery which were approved by the PPUC on June 9, 2016, and went into effect July 1, 2016, subject to hearings and refund or reallocation among customer classes. OnIn the January 19, 2017 in the PPUC’s order approving the Pennsylvania Companies’ general rate cases, the PPUC added an additional issue to the DSIC proceeding to include whether ADIT should be included in DSIC calculations. On February 2, 2017, the parties to the DSIC proceeding submitted a Joint Settlement to the ALJ that resolved the issues that were pending from the order issued on June 9, 2016. On August 31, 2017, the ALJ issued a decision recommending that the complaint of the Pennsylvania OCA be granted by the PPUC such that the Pennsylvania Companies reflect all federal and state income tax deductions related to DSIC-eligible property in the currently effective DSIC rates. On April 19, 2018, the PPUC approved the Joint Settlement without modification and reversed the ALJ'sALJ’s previous decision that would have required the Pennsylvania Companies to reflect all federal and state income tax deductions related to DSIC-eligible property in currently effective DSIC rates. On May 21, 2018, the Pennsylvania OCA filed an appeal with the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court of the PPUC'sPPUC’s decision of April 19, 2018. On June 11, 2018, the Pennsylvania Companies filed a Notice of Intervention in the Pennsylvania OCA'sOCA’s appeal to the Commonwealth Court.

On February 12,July 11, 2019, the Commonwealth Court issued an opinion and order reversing the PPUC’s decision of April 19, 2018 and remanding the matter to the PPUC initiated a proceeding to determine the effects of the Tax Act on the tax liability of utilities and the feasibility of reflecting such impacts in rates charged to customers. On March 9, 2018,require the Pennsylvania Companies submittedto revise their calculation of the net annual effect of the Tax Act ontariffs and DSIC calculations to include ADIT and state income tax expense and rate base to be $37 million for ME, $40 million for PN, $9 million for Penn, and $30 million for WP. The Pennsylvania Companies also filed comments proposing that rates be adjusted to reflect the tax rate changes prospectively from the date of a final PPUC order via a reconcilable rider, with the amount that would otherwise accrue between January 1, 2018 and the date of a final order being used to invest in the Pennsylvania Companies’ infrastructure.taxes. On March 15, 2018,July 25, 2019, the PPUC issued a Temporary Rates Order making the Pennsylvania Companies’ rates temporary and subject to refund for six months. On May 17, 2018, the PPUC issued orders directing that the Pennsylvania Companies implement a reconcilable negative surcharge mechanism in order to refund to customers the net effectfiled separate Applications for Reargument of the Tax Act forCommonwealth Court’s July 11, 2019 Opinion and Order. The Applications were denied by the period July 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018, to be prospectively updated for new rates effective January 1,Commonwealth Court by Orders entered September 4, 2019. The Pennsylvania Companies were also directed to establish a regulatory liability for the net impact of the Tax Act for the period of January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018. On June 14, 2018,October 7, 2019, the PPUC issued an order revising this directive such thatand the Pennsylvania Companies must instead establish accountsfiled separate Petitions for Allowance of Appeal of the Commonwealth Court’s Opinion and Order to track tax savingsthe Pennsylvania Supreme Court. On August


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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 January 1, 2018, through March 14, 2018, and record regulatory liabilities associated with tax savings for only the period March 15, 2018 through June 30, 2018.of its proposed LTIIP. The cumulative valuePennsylvania Office of the tracked amountsSmall Business Advocate and the regulatory liability is expected to amount to $12 million for ME, $13 million for PN, $3 million forPennsylvania OCA have opposed Penn’s Petition. On September 20, 2019, Penn and $10 million for WP. These amounts are expected to be addressedfiled its direct testimony in the Pennsylvania Companies' next available rate proceedings, or independent filings to be made within three years, whichever comes sooner. The Pennsylvania Companies filed voluntary surcharges on June1, 2018, to adjust rates for the reduced tax rate, which were effective for bills rendered starting July 1, 2018. For the first six-month period, the surcharge is expected to return to customers $19 million for ME, $20 million for PN, $5 million for Penn, and $15 million for WP.support of its Petition.


WEST VIRGINIA


MP and PE provide electric service to all customers through traditional cost-based, regulated utility ratemaking.ratemaking and operates 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'sMP’s and PE'sPE’s ENEC rate is updated annually.




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On August 31, 2018,21, 2019, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC their annual ENEC case requesting a $100.9 million decrease in their ENEC rates proposed to be effectiveof $6.1 million beginning January 1, 2019, which includes2020, representing a $25.6 million annual decrease impact associated with the settlement regarding the impact of the Tax Act on West Virginia rates, as noted below. Additionally, the August 31, 2018 filing includes an elimination of the Energy Efficiency Cost Rate Surcharge effective January 1, 2019, equating to an additional $2.1 million decrease. The rate decreases represent an approximate 7.2% annual0.4% decrease in rates versus those in effect on August 31, 2018. Hearings before the WVPSC are scheduled for November 27 and 28, 2018.

21, 2019.  On January 3, 2018, the WVPSC initiated a proceeding to investigate the effects of the Tax Act on the revenue requirements of utilities. MP and PE must track the tax savings resulting from the Tax Act on a monthly basis, effective January 1, 2018. On January 26, 2018, the WVPSC issued an order clarifying that regulatory accounting should be implemented as of January 1, 2018, including the recording of any regulatory liabilities resulting from the Tax Act.October 11, 2019, MP and PE filed written testimony on May 30, 2018, explaining the impacta supplement requesting approval of the Tax Acttermination of the 50 MW PPA with Morgantown Energy Associates, a NUG entity. A settlement between MP, PE, and the majority of the intervenors fully resolving the ENEC case, which maintains 2019 ENEC rates into 2020, and supports the termination of the Morgantown Energy Associates PPA was filed with the WVPSC on federal income taxOctober 18, 2019. A hearing has been set for December 11, 2019 to consider the settlement, and revenue requirements and showing an annual rate impact of $26.2 million.order is expected in December 2019 for rates effective January 1, 2020.

On August 21, 2019, MP and PE the Staff offiled with the WVPSC the WV Consumer Advocate,for a reconciliation of their VMS and a coalitionperiodic review of industrial customers entered intoits vegetation management program requesting an increase in VMS rates of $7.6 million beginning January 1, 2020. The increase is due to moving from a settlement agreement5-year maintenance cycle to a 4-year cycle and performing more operation and maintenance work and less capital work on the rights of way. The increase is a 0.5% increase in rates versus those in effect on August 23, 2018,21, 2019. The hearing in this matter has been set for December 11, 2019.

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 have $25.6 million in rate reductions flow through to customers beginning September 1, 2018,their wholesale services and to defer torates, the next base rate case (or a separate proceeding if a base rate case is not filed by August 31, 2020) the amount and classification of the excess ADITs resulting from the Tax ActUtilities, AE Supply, AGC, and the issueTransmission 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 whetherJCP&L, MP, PE, WP and PE should be requiredthe Transmission Companies are subject to creditfunctional control by PJM and transmission service using their transmission facilities is provided by PJM under the PJM Tariff.

FERC regulates the sale of power for resale in interstate commerce in part by granting authority to customers any ofpublic utilities to sell wholesale power at market-based rates upon showing that the reduced income tax expense occurring between January 1, 2018seller cannot exert market power in generation or transmission or erect barriers to entry into markets. The Utilities and August 31, 2018. The WVPSC approvedAE 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 major wholesale purchases remain subject to regulation by the settlement on August 24, 2018.relevant state commissions.


FERC MATTERS

Reliability Matters

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, ATSI, MAIT and TrAIL.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 eightsix regional entities, including RFC. All of FirstEnergy'sthe 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-effectivecurrently 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'sFirstEnergy’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.

PJM Transmission Rates

PJM and its stakeholders have been debating the proper method to allocate costs for a certain class of new transmission facilities since 2005. While FirstEnergy and other parties advocate for a traditional "beneficiary pays" (or usage based) approach, others advocate for “socializing” the costs on a load-ratio share basis, where each customer in the zone would pay based on its total usage of energy within PJM. This question has been the subject of extensive litigation before FERC and the appellate courts, including before the Seventh Circuit. On June 25, 2014, a divided three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit ruled that FERC had not quantified the benefits that western PJM utilities would derive from certain new 500 kV or higher lines and thus had not adequately supported its decision to socialize the costs of these lines. The majority found that eastern PJM utilities are the primary beneficiaries of the lines, while western PJM utilities are only incidental beneficiaries, and that, while incidental beneficiaries should pay some share of the costs of the lines, that share should be proportionate to the benefit they derive from the lines, and not on load-ratio share in PJM as a whole. The court remanded the case to FERC, which issued an order setting the issue of cost allocation for hearing and settlement proceedings. On June 15, 2016, various parties, including ATSI and the Utilities, filed a settlement agreement at FERC agreeing to apply a combined usage based/socialization approach to cost allocation for charges to transmission customers in the PJM Region for transmission projects operating at or above 500 kV. For historical transmission costs prior to January 1, 2016, the settlement agreement provides a “black-box” schedule of credits to and payments from customers across PJM’s transmission zones. From January 1, 2016 forward, PJM will collect a charge for the revenue requirement associated with each transmission enhancement through a “50/50” calculation, with 50% based on a load-ratio share and the other 50% solution-based distribution factor (DFAX) hybrid method. On May 31, 2018, FERC approved the settlement agreement as filed, without conditions. As a result of the settlement, FirstEnergy recorded a pre-tax benefit of approximately $73 million and $42 million during the second and third quarters, respectively (within the Other operating expenses line on the Consolidated Statement of Income), relating to the amount of refund the Ohio Companies will receive and retain from PJM for the period prior to January 1, 2016. PJM implemented the settlement for transmission service purchased in July 2018 in customer bills beginning in August 2018. FirstEnergy does not expect a material impact from implementation of the settlement agreement going forward. Requests for rehearing or clarification of FERC's May 31, 2018, orders and related responses remain pending before FERC.


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RTO Realignment


On June 1, 2011, ATSI and the ATSI zone transferred from MISO to PJM. While many of the matters involved with the move have been resolved, FERC denied recovery under ATSI'sATSI’s transmission rate for certain charges that collectively can be described as "exit fees"“exit fees” and certain other transmission cost allocation charges totaling approximately $78.8 million until such time as ATSI submits a cost/benefit analysis demonstrating net benefits to customers from the transfer to PJM. Subsequently, FERC rejected a proposed


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settlement agreement to resolve the exit fee and transmission cost allocation issues, stating that its action is without prejudice to ATSI submitting a cost/benefit analysis demonstrating that the benefits of the RTO realignment decisions outweigh the exit fee and transmission cost allocation charges. On March 17, 2016,In a subsequent order, FERC denied FirstEnergy's request for rehearing of FERC's earlier order rejecting the settlement agreement and affirmed its prior ruling that ATSI must submit the cost/benefit analysis. ATSI is evaluating the cost/benefit approach.


Separately, FirstEnergy joined certain other PJM TOs in a protest of MISO's proposal to allocate MVP costs to energy transactions that cross MISO's borders into the PJM Region. On July 13, 2016, FERC issued its order finding it appropriate for MISO to assess an MVP usage charge for power withdrawals from MISO to PJM. Various parties, including FirstEnergy and the PJM TOs, requested rehearing or clarification of FERC’s order. On September 20, 2018, FERC issued an order denying rehearing and affirming and clarifying its prior decision that MISO may allocate MVP costs to PJM customers for power withdrawals from MISO to PJM as such exports occur.

The outcome of the proceedings that address the remaining open issues related to MVP costs cannot be predicted at this time.

PATH Transmission Project

In 2012, the PJM Board of Managers canceled the PATH project, a proposed transmission line from West Virginia through Virginia and into Maryland. As a result of PJM canceling the project, approximately $62 million and approximately $59 million in costs incurred by PATH-Allegheny and PATH-WV, respectively, were reclassified from net property, plant and equipment to a regulatory asset for future recovery. PATH-Allegheny and PATH-WV requested authorization from FERC to recover the costs with a proposed ROE of 10.9% (10.4% base plus 0.5% for RTO membership) from PJM customers over five years. FERC issued an order denying the 0.5% ROE adder for RTO membership and allowing the tariff changes enabling recovery of these costs to become effective on December 1, 2012, subject to hearing and settlement procedures. On January 19, 2017, FERC issued an order reducing the PATH formula rate ROE from 10.4% to 8.11% effective January 19, 2017 and allowing recovery of certain related costs. On February 21, 2017, PATH filed a request for rehearing with FERC seeking recovery of disallowed costs and requesting that the ROE be reset to 10.4% for the entire amortization period. The Edison Electric Institute submitted an amicus curiae request for reconsideration in support of PATH. On March 20, 2017, PATH also submitted a compliance filing implementing the January 19, 2017 order. Certain affected ratepayers challenged the compliance filing, and FERC Staff requested additional information on, and edits to, the compliance filing, as directed by the January 19, 2017 order. PATH responded to comments and Staff’s request. FERC orders on PATH's requests for rehearing and compliance filing remain pending.

FERC Actions on Tax Act


On March 15, 2018, FERC took action to address the impact of the Tax Act on FERC-jurisdictional rates, including transmission and electric wholesale rates. FERC directed MP, PE and WP to either submit a joint filing to adjust the transmission rate for the Allegheny Power transmission zone in the PJM Region to address the impact of the Tax Act changes in effective tax rate, or to “show cause” as to why such action is not required. FERC established a refund effective date of March 21, 2018 for any refunds as a result of the change in tax rate. On May 14, 2018, MP, PE and WP submitted revisions to their joint stated transmission rate to reflect the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate. The revisions reduce the rate by 6.70%. There were no comments submitted in response to the proposed revisions, and the matter is now before FERC for further action. FERC is not at this time requiring other FirstEnergy FERC-jurisdictional companies to make changes to their transmission or wholesale rates. However, these rates may be affected by a related FERC "Notice of Inquiry" assessing the impact of the Tax Act on certain rate components.

Also, on March 15, 2018, FERC issued a Notice of InquiryNOI seeking information regarding whether and how FERC should address possible changes to accumulated deferred income taxesADIT and bonus depreciation as a result of the Tax Act. Such possible changes could impact FERC-jurisdictional rates, including wholesaletransmission rates. Various entities submitted responsesOn November 15, 2018, FERC issued a NOPR suggesting mechanisms to revise transmission rates to address the NoticeTax Act’s effect on ADIT. Specifically, FERC proposed utilities with transmission formula rates would include mechanisms to (i) deduct any excess ADIT from or add any deficient ADIT to their rate bases; (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. Utilities with transmission stated rates would determine the amount of Inquiry.excess and deferred income tax caused by the reduced federal corporate income tax rate and return or recover this amount to or from customers. To assist with implementation of the proposed rule, FERC also issued on November 15, 2018, a policy statement providing accounting and ratemaking guidance for treatment of ADIT for all FERC-jurisdictional public utilities. The policy statement also addresses the accounting and ratemaking treatment of ADIT following the sale or retirement of an asset after December 31, 2017. FESC, on behalf of its transmission-owning affiliates, participated in the development of separateaffiliated transmission owners, supported comments submitted by Edison Electric InstituteEEI requesting additional clarification on the ratemaking and certain PJM TOs. Theaccounting treatment for ADIT in formula and stated transmission rates. FERC’s final rule remains pending.

Transmission ROE Methodology

In June 2014, FERC issued Opinion No. 531 revising its approach for calculating the discounted cash flow element of FERC’s ROE methodology and announcing the potential for a qualitative adjustment to the ROE methodology results. Parties appealed to the D.C. Circuit, and on April 14, 2017, that court issued a decision vacating FERC’s order and remanding the matter is now beforeto FERC for further action.

PJM Markets: Grid Reliability and Resiliency

review. On September 28, 2017, the Secretary of Energy released a NOPR requesting FERC to issue rules directing RTOs, including PJM, to incorporate pricing for defined “eligible grid reliability and resiliency resources” into wholesale energy markets. FERC established a docket requesting comments, and issued an order on January 8, 2018 terminating the NOPR proceeding, finding that the NOPR did not satisfy the statutory threshold requirements under the FPA for requiring changes to RTO/ISO tariffs to address resilience concerns. FERC in its order instituted a new administrative proceeding to gather additional information regarding resilience issues. Each RTO/ISO responded to a provided list of questions and various entities submitted comments. The matter is now before FERC for further action. In the event FERC orders resiliency payments in wholesale energy markets, such charges may be levied against


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LSEs in the PJM Region, including the Utilities. There is no deadline or requirement for FERC to act in this new proceeding and as such the outcome of the proceeding and its impact on the Utilities, if any, cannot be predicted at this time.

PJM Markets: Capacity Pricing Reform

In March 2016, a number of generation owners filed with FERC a complaint against PJM requesting that FERC expand the MOPR in the PJM Tariff to prevent the alleged artificial suppression of prices in PJM capacity markets by state-subsidized generation. However, FERC took no action at that time. In April 2018, PJM filed with FERC two alternative proposals to modify the PJM Tariff to address concerns that state-authorized subsidies to certain generators within PJM may affect market prices.

On June 29,October 16, 2018, FERC issued its order on remand, in which it proposed a revised ROE methodology. Specifically, in complaint proceedings alleging that an order granting in partexisting ROE is not just and denying in partreasonable, FERC proposes to rely on three financial models-discounted cash flow, capital-asset pricing, and expected earnings - to establish a composite zone of reasonableness to identify a range of just and reasonable ROEs. FERC then will utilize the March 2016 complaint and rejecting bothtransmission utility’s risk relative to other utilities within that zone of PJM's April 2018 proposals, agreeing withreasonableness to assign the complaint that PJM's current MOPR istransmission utility to one of three quartiles within the zone. FERC would take no further action (i.e., dismiss the complaint) if the existing ROE falls within the identified quartile. However, if the replacement ROE falls outside the quartile, FERC would deem the existing ROE presumptively unjust and unreasonable and finding that nonewould determine the replacement ROE. FERC would add a fourth financial model risk premium to the analysis to calculate a ROE based on the average point of central tendency for each of the proposed solutions to MOPR reform were just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory.four financial models. On March 21, 2019, FERC established a new FPA Section 206 proceedingNOIs to develop a solution tocollect industry and stakeholder comments on the MOPR construct. FERC's directivesrevised ROE methodology that is described in the new proceeding areOctober 16, 2018 decision, and also whether to revise the MOPR so that it (i) appliesmake changes to bothFERC’s existing policies and new resources that receive out-of-market subsidies with very limited exemptions;practices for awarding transmission rates incentives. Any changes to FERC’s transmission rate ROE and (ii) accommodates stateincentive policies by allowingwould be applied on a new FRR-like alternative that would remove resources that receive out-of-market subsidies from the capacity market if the unit could be paired with a commensurate amount of load. Resources receiving out-of-market revenues could opt to stayprospective basis. FirstEnergy currently is participating through various trade groups in the capacity market but would be subject to the revised MOPR, or under the FRR-like alternative they could exit the market. FERC established a timeline forNOI comments, and expectsany subsequent rulemaking and other proceedings.

JCP&L Transmission Formula Rate

On October 30, 2019, JCP&L filed tariff amendments with FERC to issue an order by January 4, 2019, soconvert JCP&L’s existing stated transmission rate to a forward-looking formula transmission rate. JCP&L requested that the reformed MOPR can be implemented for the 2019 BRA. FERC instituted a refundtariff amendments become effective date of July 11, 2018, for the new Section 206 proceeding. On July 30, 2018 FESC, on behalf of the Utilities, submitted a request for clarification or, in the alternative, rehearing of FERC's June 29, 2018 order. Specifically, FESC requested clarification regarding the applicability of FERC's directed MOPR reform to vertically-integrated resources. Various other parties also submitted requests for rehearing or clarification. FERC's order on rehearing remains pending. On October 2, 2018, FESC on behalf of the Utilities submitted comments demonstrating that while MOPR reform may be an interim step, FERC needs to address fundamental flaws in the PJM capacity market.January 1, 2020.

On August 13, 2018, PJM filed a request for a waiver of certain provisions of the PJM Tariff to delay the 2019 BRA for the 2022/2023 Delivery Year from May 2019 to August 14, 2019 if FERC delays its order in the above Section 206 proceeding as requested by certain parties. PJM also requested waiver of certain deadlines associated with the 2019 BRA, including the posting of planning parameters and submission of a preliminary exception request for deactivating generation resources. FERC issued an order on August 30, 2018 granting the waiver as requested.

Separately, on May 31, 2018, certain merchant generators filed a complaint with FERC against PJM seeking an order finding that PJM's existing MOPR mechanism is unjust and unreasonable, and implementing instead a so-called "Clean" MOPR that would apply to existing and new generation resources of all fuel types and all ownership arrangements, including regulated generation resources such as MP's and JCP&L's existing generation, that receive or have any form of "out-of-market" support, including recovery of generation costs in retail rates. The complainants request a FERC order by May 2019, so that the proposed "Clean" MOPR could be implemented in PJM's 2019 BRA. FESC, on behalf of its affiliates and jointly with EKPC, submitted a protest of the complaint. FESC and EKPC requested FERC reject PJM's proposals, maintain the existing PJM market rules, and direct PJM to develop a holistic solution to the fundamental issues facing its market. Various other entities also submitted protests and comments. FERC did not address the Clean MOPR Complaint in its June 29, 2018 order, which remains pending before FERC. The outcome of FERC's Section 206 proceeding and the Clean MOPR Complaint, and their impact on the Utilities and FirstEnergy's regulated generation sources, if any, cannot be predicted at this time but are not expected to be material.
14.13. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES


GUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCES


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


As of September 30, 2018, FirstEnergy's2019, outstanding guarantees and other assurances aggregated approximately $1.7$1.6 billion, consisting of guarantees and assurances on behalf of FES and FENOC ($352343 million), parental guarantees on behalf of its consolidated subsidiaries ($1 billion), and other guarantees ($220 million) and other assurances ($141301 million). FirstEnergy has also committed to provide certain additional guarantees to the FES Debtors for certain retained environmental liabilities of AE Supply related to the Pleasants Power Station and McElroy'sMcElroy’s Run CCR disposal facility as part of the settlement agreement in connection with the FES Bankruptcy.


COLLATERAL AND CONTINGENT-RELATED FEATURES


In the normal course of business, FE and its subsidiaries routinely enter into physical or financially settled contracts for the sale and purchase of electric capacity, energy, fuel, and emission allowances. Certain bilateral agreements and derivative instruments contain provisions that require FE or its subsidiaries to post collateral. This collateral may be posted in the form of cash or credit


36



support with thresholds contingent upon FE'sFE’s or its subsidiaries'subsidiaries’ credit ratings from each of the major


34



credit rating agencies. The collateral and credit support requirements vary by contract and by counterparty. The incremental collateral requirement allows for the offsetting of assets and liabilities with the same counterparty, where the contractual right of offset exists under applicable master netting agreements.


Bilateral agreements and derivative instruments entered into by FE and its subsidiaries have margining provisions that require posting of collateral. Based on AE Supply's power portfolio exposure as of September 30, 2018, AE Supply has posted collateral of$1 million. The Utilities and FET's subsidiaries have posted collateral of $10totaling $2 million.


These credit-risk-related contingent features, or the margining provisions within bilateral agreements, 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. Depending on the volume of forward contracts and future price movements, higher amounts for margining, which is the ability to secure additional collateral when needed, could be required. The following table discloses the potential additional credit rating contingent contractual collateral obligations as of September 30, 2018.2019:
Potential Collateral Obligations  AE Supply Utilities and FET FE Total
  (In millions)
Contractual Obligations for Additional Collateral         
At current credit rating  $1
 $
 $
 $1
Upon further downgrade  
 40
 
 40
Surety Bonds (collateralized amount)(1)
  1
 63
 246
 310
Total Exposure from Contractual Obligations  $2
 $103
 $246
 $351

Potential Collateral Obligations  AE Supply Utilities and FET FE Total
  (In millions)
Contractual Obligations for Additional Collateral         
At Current Credit Rating  $1
 $
 $
 $1
Upon Further Downgrade  
 54
 
 54
Surety Bonds (Collateralized Amount)  1
 60
 246
 307
Total Exposure from Contractual Obligations  $2
 $114
 $246
 $362

(1)
Surety Bonds are not tied to a credit rating. Surety Bonds’ impact assumes maximum contractual obligations (typical obligations require 30 days to cure). FE provides credit support for FG surety bonds for $169 million and $31 million for the benefit of the PA DEP with respect to LBR CCR impoundment closure and post-closure activities and the Hatfield’s Ferry CCR disposal site, respectively.

Surety Bonds are not tied to a credit rating. Surety Bonds' impact assumes maximum contractual obligations (typical obligations require 30 days to cure). FE provides credit support for FG surety bonds of $169 million and $31 million for the benefit of the PA DEP with respect to LBR CCR impoundment closure and post-closure activities and the Hatfield's Ferry CCR disposal site, respectively.


OTHER COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


FE is a guarantor under a $300 million syndicated senior secured term loan facility due March 3, 2020, under which Global Holding'sHolding’s outstanding principal balance is approximately $220$145 million as of September 30, 2018.2019. In addition to FE, Signal Peak, Global Rail, Global Mining Group, LLC and Global Coal Sales Group, LLC, each being a direct or indirect subsidiary of Global Holding, continue to provide their joint and several guaranteesguaranties of the obligations of Global Holding under the facility.


In connection with the facility, 69.99% of Global Holding'sHolding’s direct and indirect membership interests in Signal Peak, Global Rail and their affiliates along with FEV'sFEV’s and WMB Marketing Ventures, LLC'sLLC’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. PursuantWhile FirstEnergy’s environmental policies and procedures are designed to a March 28, 2017 executive order,achieve compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, such laws and regulations are subject to periodic review and potential revision by the EPA and other federal agencies are to review existing regulations that potentially burden the development or use of domestically produced energy resources and appropriately suspend, revise or rescind those that unduly burden the development of domestic energy resources beyond the degree necessary to protect the public interest or otherwise comply with the law.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 in particular with respect to existing environmental regulations, 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 Ohio, Pennsylvania and 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 Ohio, Pennsylvania and West


37



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 6, 2017, the D.C. Circuit rejected the industry'sindustry’s bid for a lengthy pause in the litigation and set a briefing schedule. 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


35



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 be materialmaterially impact FirstEnergy’s operations, cash flows and financial condition.

In February 2019, the EPA announced its final decision to retain without changes to FirstEnergy's operations may result.

The EPA tightened the primary and secondary NAAQS for ozone fromSO2, specifically retaining the 20082010 primary (health-based) 1-hour standard levels of 75 PPB to 70 PPB on October 1, 2015. The EPA stated the vast majorityPPB. As of U.S. counties will meet the new 70 PPB standard by 2025 due to other federal and state rules and programs but on AprilSeptember 30, 2018, the EPA designated fifty-one areas in twenty-two states as non-attainment; however,2019, FirstEnergy has no power plants operating in those areas. States have roughly threeyears to develop implementation plans to attainareas designated as non-attainment by the new 2015 ozone NAAQS. Depending on how the EPA and the states implement the new 2015 ozone NAAQS, the future cost of compliance may be material and changes to FirstEnergy’s operations may result. EPA.

In August 2016, the State of Delaware filed a CAA Section 126 petition with the EPA alleging that the Harrison generating facility'sfacility’s NOx emissions significantly contribute to Delaware'sDelaware’s inability to attain the ozone NAAQS. The petition sought a short-term NOx emission rate limit of 0.125 lb/mmBTU over an averaging period of no more than 24 hours. In November 2016, the State of Maryland filed a CAA Section 126 petition with the EPA alleging that NOx emissions from 36 EGUs, including Harrison Units 1, 2 and 3 and Pleasants Units 1 and 2, significantly contribute to Maryland'sMaryland’s inability to attain the ozone NAAQS. The petition sought NOx emission rate limits for the 36 EGUs by May1, 2017. On September 14, 2018, the EPA denied both the States of Delaware and MarylandMaryland’s petitions under CAA Section 126. In October 2018, Delaware and Maryland appealed the denials of their petitions to the D.C. Circuit. In March 2018, the State of New York filed a CAA Section 126 petition with the EPA alleging that NOx emissions from nine9 states (including Ohio, Pennsylvania and 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 May 3, 2018, the EPA extended the time frame for acting on the CAA Section 126 petition by six months to November 9, 2018. 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. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or estimate the loss or range of loss.


Climate Change


FirstEnergy has established a goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% below 2005 levels by 2045. 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.


The EPA released its final “Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases under the Clean Air Act,” in December 2009, 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. On June23, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that CO2 or other GHG emissions alone cannot trigger permitting requirements under the CAA, but that air emission sources that need PSD permits due to other regulated air pollutants can be required by the EPA to install GHG control technologies. The EPA released its final CPP regulations in August 2015 (which have been stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court), to reduce CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired EGUs. The EPA also 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 January21, 2016, a panel of the D.C. Circuit denied the motions for stay and set an expedited schedule for briefing and argument. On February9, 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 March28, 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 October16, 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule to repeal the CPP. To replace the CPP, the EPA proposed the ACE rule on August 21, 2018, which would establish emission guidelines for states to develop plans to address GHG emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. Depending on the outcomes of the review pursuant to the executive order, of further appeals and how any final rules are ultimately implemented, the future cost of compliance may be material.

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, and in2025. 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 was ratified by the requisite number of countries (i.e., at least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global GHG emissions) in October 2016 and itsAgreement’s non-binding obligations to limit global warming to well 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. 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 March28, 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 October16, 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule to repeal the CPP. To replace the CPP, the EPA proposed the ACE rule on August 21, 2018, which would establish emission guidelines for states to develop plans to address GHG emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. 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. Depending on the outcomes of further appeals and how any final rules are ultimately implemented, the future cost of compliance may be material.

38




Clean Water Act


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


36



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'sfacility’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 phase-in as permits are renewed on a five-year cycle from 2018 to 2023. The final rule also allows plants to commit to more stringent effluent limits for wet scrubber systems based on evaporative technology and in return have until the end of 2023 to meet the more stringent limits. On April 13, 2017, the EPA granted a Petition for Reconsideration and administratively stayed (effective upon publication in the Federal Register) all deadlines in the effluent limits rule pending a new rulemaking. Also, on September 18, 2017, the EPA postponed certain compliance deadlines for two years. Depending on the outcome of appeals and how any final rules are ultimately implemented, the future costs of compliance with these standards may be substantial and changes to FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s operations may result.

In October 2009, the WVDEP issued an NPDES water discharge permit for the Fort Martin plant, which imposes TDS, sulfate concentrations and other effluent limitations for heavy metals, as well as temperature limitations. Concurrent with the issuance of the Fort Martin NPDES permit, WVDEP also issued an administrative order setting deadlines for MP to meet certain of the effluent limits that were effective immediately under the terms of the NPDES permit. MP appealed, and a stay of certain conditions of the NPDES permit and order have been granted pending a final decision on the appeal and subject to WVDEP moving to dissolve the stay. The Fort Martin NPDES permit could require an initial capital investment ranging from $150 million to $300 million in order to install technology to meet the TDS and sulfate limits, which technology may also meet certain of the other effluent limits. In March 2018, the WVDEP issued a draft NPDES Permit Renewal that, if finalized as proposed, would moot the appeal and reduce the estimated capital investment requirements. MP intends to vigorously pursue these issues but cannot predict the outcome of the appeal or estimate the possible loss or range of loss.

FirstEnergy intends to vigorously defend against the CWA matters described above but, except as indicated above, cannot predict their outcomes or estimate the loss or range of loss.


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'sEPA’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, effective October 12, 2018. AE Supply assessed the changes in timing and closure plan requirements associated with the McElroy's Run impoundment site and increased the ARO by approximately $43 million in the third quarter of 2018.environment.


FirstEnergy 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 September 30, 2018,2019, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other unaffiliated entities to pay. Total liabilities of approximately $115$119 million have been accrued through September 30, 2018.2019. Included in the total are accrued liabilities of approximately $78$83 million for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plantsMGP and gas holder facilities in New Jersey, which are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. FE or its subsidiaries could be found potentially responsible for additional amounts or additional sites, but the loss or range of losses cannot be determined or reasonably estimated at this time.



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OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


Nuclear Plant Matters


Under NRC regulations, JCP&L, ME and PN must ensure that adequate funds will be available to decommission their retired nuclear facility, TMI-2. As of September 30, 2018,2019, JCP&L, ME and PN had in total approximately $0.8 billion$871 million invested in external trusts to be used for the decommissioning and environmental remediation of their retired TMI-2 nuclear generating facility. The values of these NDTs also fluctuate based on market conditions. If the values of the trusts decline by a material amount, the obligation ofto JCP&L, ME and PN to fund the trusts may increase. Disruptions in the capital markets and their effects on particular businesses and the economy could also affect the values of the NDTs.


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 of approximately $900 million as of September 30, 2019. There can be no assurance that the transfer will receive the required regulatory approvals and, even if approved, whether the conditions to the closing of the transfer will be satisfied.

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. See Note 3, "Discontinued“Discontinued Operations," for additional information.


Other Legal Matters


There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’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


37



or its subsidiaries. The other potentially material items not otherwise discussed above are described under Note 13, "Regulatory12, “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'sFE’s or its subsidiaries'subsidiaries’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.


38

15.


14. SEGMENT INFORMATION


FirstEnergy's reportable segments are as follows: Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission.Transmission are FirstEnergy’s reportable segments.


On March 31, 2018, as discussed in Note 3,, “Discontinued Operations,,” FirstEnergy deconsolidated FES and FENOC and presented FES, FENOC, BSPC and a portion of AE Supply, representing substantially all of FirstEnergy’s operations that previously comprised the CES reportable operating segment, as discontinued operations in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements resulting from actions taken as part of the strategic review to exit commodity-exposed generation. During the third quarter of 2018, the Pleasants Power Station was also reclassified to discontinued operations following its inclusion in the definitive settlement agreement for the benefit of FES' creditors. The financial information for all periods has been revised to present the discontinued operations within Reconciling Adjustments. The remaining business activities that previously comprised the CES reportable operating segment were not material and, as such, have been combined into Corporate/Other for reporting purposes.


The Regulated Distribution segment distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s ten10 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. The segment'ssegment’s results reflect the commodity costs of securing and delivering electric generation andfrom transmission facilities to customers, including the deferral and amortization of certain fuelrelated costs.
The Regulated Transmission segment provides transmission infrastructure owned and operated by ATSI, TrAIL, MAITthe Transmission Companies and certain of FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s utilities (JCP&L, MP, PE and WP) to transmit electricity from generation sources to distribution facilities. The segment'ssegment’s revenues are primarily derived from forward-looking formula rates at ATSI, TrAIL, and MAITthe Transmission Companies as well as stated transmission rates at JCP&L, MP, PE and WP. 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. The segment'ssegment’s results also reflect the net transmission expenses related to the delivery of electricity on FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s transmission facilities.
CorporateThe Corporate/Other segment reflects corporate support not charged to FE'sFE’s subsidiaries, interest expense on stand-aloneFE’s holding company debt corporate income taxes and other businesses that do not constitute an operating segment are categorized as Corporate/Other for reportable business segment purposes. Additionally, reconcilingsegment. Reconciling adjustments for the elimination of inter-segment transactions and discontinued operations are includedshown separately in Corporate/Other.the following table of Segment Financial Information. As of September 30, 2018,2019, 67 MWs of electric generating capacity, representing AE Supply’s OVEC capacity entitlement, was included in continuing operations of the Corporate/Other reportable segment. As of September 30, 2019, Corporate/Other had $5.35approximately $7.1 billion of FE holding company long-term debt and $1.7 billion in borrowings under its revolving credit facility.debt.




4039





Financial information for each of FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s reportable segments is presented in the tables below.below:
Segment Financial Information

For the Three Months Ended Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/ Other Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated
  (In millions)
           
September 30, 2019          
External revenues $2,590
 $371
 $2
 $
 $2,963
Internal revenues 46
 4
 
 (50) 
Total revenues $2,636
 $375
 $2
 $(50) $2,963
Depreciation 215
 71
 
 18
 304
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 42
 1
 
 
 43
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 36
 4
 24
 (7) 57
Interest expense 124
 49
 95
 (7) 261
Income taxes (benefits) 103
 26
 (22) 
 107
Income (loss) from continuing operations 370
 113
 (94) 
 389
Property additions 365
 304
 15
 
 684
           
September 30, 2018          
External revenues $2,717
 $341
 $6
 $
 $3,064
Internal revenues 49
 5
 
 (54) 
Total revenues $2,766
 $346
 $6
 $(54) $3,064
Depreciation 202
 64
 1
 16
 283
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 65
 2
 
 
 67
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 34
 4
 19
 (8) 49
Interest expense 127
 43
 93
 (8) 255
Income taxes (benefits) 126
 34
 (39) 
 121
Income (loss) from continuing operations 416
 99
 (116) 
 399
Property additions 356
 262
 5
 12
 635
           
For the Nine Months Ended          
           
September 30, 2019          
External revenues $7,261
 $1,091
 $10
 $
 $8,362
Internal revenues 140
 12
 
 (152) 
Total revenues $7,401
 $1,103
 $10
 $(152) $8,362
Depreciation 644
 211
 3
 52
 910
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 79
 6
 
 
 85
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 128
 12
 73
 (22) 191
Interest expense 370
 142
 283
 (22) 773
Income taxes (benefits) 259
 87
 (65) 
 281
Income (loss) from continuing operations 957
 333
 (205) 
 1,085
Property additions 1,037
 835
 40
 
 1,912
           
September 30, 2018          
External revenues $7,540
 $996
 $15
 $
 $8,551
Internal revenues 154
 14
 13
 (181) 
Total revenues $7,694
 $1,010
 $28
 $(181) $8,551
Depreciation 598
 187
 6
 52
 843
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net (194) 6
 
 
 (188)
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 146
 11
 34
 (27) 164
Interest expense 384
 124
 377
 (27) 858
Income taxes (benefits) 357
 104
 (6) 
 455
Income (loss) from continuing operations 1,115
 302
 (529) 
 888
Property additions 1,011
 836
 68
 27
 1,942
           
As of September 30, 2019          
Total assets $29,428
 $11,255
 $790
 $33
 $41,506
Total goodwill 5,004
 614
 
 
 5,618
           
As of December 31, 2018          
Total assets $28,690
 $10,404
 $944
 $25
 $40,063
Total goodwill 5,004
 614
 
 
 5,618



For the Three Months Ended Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/ Other Reconciling Adjustments Consolidated
  (In millions)
           
September 30, 2018          
Revenues $2,766
 $346
 $6
 $(54) $3,064
Depreciation 202
 64
 1
 16
 283
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 65
 2
 
 
 67
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 34
 4
 19
 (8) 49
Interest expense 127
 43
 93
 (8) 255
Income taxes (benefits) 126
 34
 (27) 
 133
Income (loss) from continuing operations 416
 99
 (128) 
 387
Total assets 28,530
 10,017
 896
 
 39,443
Total goodwill 5,004
 614
 
 
 5,618
Property additions 356
 262
 5
 12
 635
           
September 30, 2017          
Revenues $2,609
 $341
 $10
 $(50) $2,910
Depreciation 183
 59
 2
 17
 261
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 107
 6
 
 
 113
Impairment of assets 
 13
 
 
 13
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 16
 1
 15
 (13) 19
Interest expense 133
 38
 104
 (13) 262
Income taxes (benefits) 183
 49
 (30) 
 202
Income (loss) from continuing operations 314
 84
 (97) 
 301
Total assets 27,866
 9,356
 938
 5,489
 43,649
Total goodwill 5,004
 614
 
 
 5,618
Property additions 286
 248
 14
 45
 593
           
For the Nine Months Ended          
           
September 30, 2018          
Revenues $7,694
 $1,010
 $28
 $(181) $8,551
Depreciation 598
 187
 6
 52
 843
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net (194) 6
 
 
 (188)
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 146
 11
 34
 (27) 164
Interest expense 384
 124
 377
 (27) 858
Income taxes 357
 104
 42
 
 503
Income (loss) from continuing operations 1,115
 302
 (577) 
 840
Property additions 1,011
 836
 68
 27
 1,942
           
September 30, 2017          
Revenues $7,380
 $981
 $37
 $(151) $8,247
Depreciation 540
 164
 9
 52
 765
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 263
 11
 
 
 274
Impairment of assets 
 13
 
 
 13
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 45
 1
 31
 (33) 44
Interest expense 405
 116
 263
 (33) 751
Income taxes (benefits) 442
 154
 (113) 
 483
Income (loss) from continuing operations 756
 264
 (248) 
 772
Property additions 854
 717
 43
 233
 1,847


4140





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


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


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


On March 31, 2018, as discussed below, FirstEnergy deconsolidated FES and FENOC and presented FES, FENOC, BSPC and a portion of AE Supply, representing substantially all of FirstEnergy’s operations that previously comprised the CES reportable operating segment, as discontinued operations in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements resulting from actions taken as part of the strategic review to exit commodity-exposed generation. During the third quarter of 2018, the Pleasants Power Station was also reclassified to discontinued operations following its inclusion in the definitive settlement agreement for the benefit of FES' creditors. The financial information for all periods has been revised to present the discontinued operations within Reconciling Adjustments. The remaining business activities that previously comprised the CES reportable operating segment were not material and, as such, have been combined into Corporate/Other for reporting purposes.


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. The segment'ssegment’s results reflect the commodity costs of securing and delivering electric generation andfrom transmission facilities to customers, including the deferral and amortization of certain fuelrelated costs.

The Regulated Transmission segment provides transmission infrastructure owned and operated by ATSI, TrAIL, MAITthe Transmission Companies and certain of FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s utilities (JCP&L, MP, PE and WP) to transmit electricity from generation sources to distribution facilities. The segment'ssegment’s revenues are primarily derived from forward-looking formula rates at ATSI, TrAIL, and MAITthe Transmission Companies as well as stated transmission rates at certain of JCP&L, MP, PE and WP. 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. The segment'ssegment’s results also reflect the net transmission expenses related to the delivery of electricity on FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s transmission facilities.
CorporateThe Corporate/Other segment reflects corporate support not charged to FE'sFE’s subsidiaries, interest expense on stand-aloneFE’s holding company debt corporate income taxes and other businesses that do not constitute an operating segment are categorized as Corporate/Other for reportable business segment purposes.segment. Additionally, reconciling adjustments for the elimination of inter-segment transactions and discontinued operations are included in Corporate/Other. As of September 30, 2018, 1,3672019, 67 MWs of electric generating capacity, representing the Pleasants Power Station (1,300 MWs) and AE Supply'sSupply’s OVEC capacity entitlement, (67 MWs), was included in continuing operations of the Corporate/Other.Other reportable segment. As of September 30, 2018,2019, Corporate/Other had $5.35approximately $7.1 billion of FE holding company long-term debt and $1.7 billion in borrowings under its revolving credit facility. On October 19, 2018, FE and the Utilities and FET and certain of its subsidiaries amended their respective five-year syndicated revolving credit facilities, which provide for aggregate commitments of $3.5 billion and are available through December 6, 2022. Also on October 19, 2018, FE entered into two separate syndicated term loan credit facilities, the first being a $1.25 billion 364-day facility, and the second being a $500 million two-year facility, the proceeds of which were used to reduce short-term debt.







4241





EXECUTIVE SUMMARY


FirstEnergy’s strategy is to be a fully regulated utility company, focusing on stable and predictable earnings and cash flow from its regulated business units - Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission - which focus onthrough delivering enhanced customer service and reliability. Together, the Regulated Distribution and Regulated Transmission businesses are expected to provide stable, predictable earnings and cash flows that support FE’s dividend.


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. Since 2015,Over the past several years, Regulated Distribution has experienced significantrate 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. Based on its current capital plan, which includes $5.7$6.2 to $6.7 billion in forecasted capital investments from 2018 through 2021, Regulated Distribution’s rate base growth rate is expected to be approximately 5% from 2018 through 2021. 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'customers’ homes and businesses by providing a full range of products and services.


With approximately 24,500 miles in operations, the Regulated Transmission business is the centerpiece of FirstEnergy’s regulated investment strategy with approximately 80% of its capital investments recovered under the forward-looking formula rates includingat ATSI, TrAIL and MAIT. Regulated Transmission has also experienced significant growth as part of its Energizing the Future transmission plan with plans to invest $4.0up to $4.8 billion in capital from 2018 to 2021, which is expected to result in Regulated Transmission rate base growth of approximately 11% through 2021.


As part of the Energizing the Future initiative, a Center for Advanced Technology was opened in Akron, Ohio in April 2019. The 88,000 square feet facility was designed to be a hands-on environment where engineers and technicians can develop and evaluate new technology and grid solutions and simulate a variety of real-world conditions.

FirstEnergy believes there are incremental investment opportunities for its existing transmission infrastructure of approximatelyover $20 billion beyond those identified through 2021, 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.


On December 22, 2017, the President signed the Tax Act into law. Substantially all of the provisions of the Tax Act are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. As discussed below, various state regulatory proceedings have been initiated to investigate the impact of the Tax Act on the Utilities’ rates and charges. FirstEnergy continues to work with various state regulatory commissions to determine appropriate changes to customer rates resulting from the Tax Act. Several states have since implemented rate reductions to reflect the impact of the Tax Act, while in the remaining states, FirstEnergy continues to track and apply regulatory accounting treatment for the expected rate impact of changes resulting from the Tax Act. FERC also recently took action to address the impact of the Tax Act on FERC-jurisdictional rates, including transmission and electric wholesale rates. FirstEnergy has reflected the impact of changes to current taxes in its normal update to FERC-jurisdictional transmission rates and will continue to work with FERC regarding whether and how it should address possible changes to transmission and wholesale rates resulting from the Tax Act.


As previously disclosed, on January 22, 2018, FirstEnergy announced a $2.5 billion equity issuance, which included $1.62 billion in mandatorily convertible preferred equity with an initial conversion price of $27.42 per share and $850 million of common equity issued at $28.22 per share. The equity investment strengthened the Company’s balance sheet, supports the company'scompany’s transition to a fully regulated utility company and is expected to positionpositions FirstEnergy for sustained investment-grade credit metrics. The shares of preferred shares participatestock participated in the dividend paid on common stock on an as-converted basis and arewere non-voting except in certain limited circumstances. The preferred shares contain an optional conversion right for holders as of July 22, 2018, and will mandatorily convert in July 2019, subject to limited exceptions. Proceeds from the investment were used to reduce holding company debt by $1.45 billion and fund the company’s pension plan by $750 million, with the remainder used for general corporate purposes. Because of this investment, FirstEnergy does not currently anticipate the need to issue additional equity through at least 2021 outside of its regular stock investment and employee benefit plans. On July 22, 2019, 28,302 shares of preferred stock automatically converted into 1,032,165 shares of common stock, and 181,520 shares of preferred stock remained unconverted as the holder reached the 4.9% cap as outlined in the terms of the preferred stock. The remaining 181,520 preferred stock shares were converted on August 1, 2019, into 6,619,985 shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2018, 911,4112019, there are no preferred shares outstanding and 1,616,000 shares of preferred stock have beenwere converted to 33,238,910 into 58,935,078shares of common stock at the option of the holders.stock.


On March 31, 2018, FirstEnergy’s competitive subsidiary FES and FENOC voluntarily filed petitions under Chapter 11 of the Federal Bankruptcy Code with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. FirstEnergy and its other subsidiaries - including its Utilities and AE Supply - are not part of the filing and are not subject to the Chapter 11 process. The voluntary bankruptcy filings by the FES and FENOCDebtors represented a significant event 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. As a result of the bankruptcy filings, as of March 31, 2018, the FES and FENOCDebtors were deconsolidated from FirstEnergy’s financial statements. Additionally, the operating results of the FES and FENOC,Debtors, as well as BSPC and a portion of AE Supply (including the Pleasants Power Station) that were subject to completed or pending asset sales, collectively representing substantially all of FirstEnergy’s operations that comprised the CES reportable segment, are presented as discontinued operations. Prior periods have been reclassified to conform with such presentation as discontinued operations.




42



On April 23, 2018, FirstEnergy and the FES Key Creditor Groups reached an agreement in principle to resolve certain claims by FirstEnergy against the FES Debtors and all claims by the FES Debtors and their creditors against FirstEnergy. TheOn September 26, 2018, the Bankruptcy Court approved a FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement dated August 26, 2018, by and among FirstEnergy, two groups of key FES creditors (collectively, the FES Key Creditor Groups), the FES Debtors and the UCC subsequently joinedUCC. The FES Bankruptcy settlement discussions withagreement resolves certain claims by FirstEnergy against the FES Debtors and all claims by the FES Debtors and the FES Key Creditor Groups. On August 26, 2018,Groups against FirstEnergy, the FES Key Creditor Groups, the FES Debtors and the UCC entered into a definitive settlement agreement which


43



was approved by order of the Bankruptcy Court on September 26, 2018. The settlement agreement includes the following terms, among others:
FE will pay certain pre-petition FES Debtors employee-related obligations, which include unfunded pension obligations and other employee benefits.
A nonconsensual release of all claims against FirstEnergy by the FES Debtors’ creditors, which was subsequently waived pursuant to the Waiver Agreement, discussed below.
A $225 million cash payment from FirstEnergy.
A $628 million aggregate principal amount note issuance by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors, which may be decreased by the amount, if any, of cash paid by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors under the Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement for the tax benefits related to the sale or deactivation of certain plants.
FE will pay certain pre-petition FES and FENOC employee-related obligations, which include unfunded pension obligations and other employee benefits, and provides for the waiver of all pre-petition claims (other than those claims under the Tax Allocation Agreement for the 2018 tax year) against the FES Debtors related to the FES Debtors and their businesses, including the full borrowings by FES under the $500 million secured credit facility, the $200 million credit agreement being used to support surety bonds, the BNSF/CSX rail settlement guarantee, and the FES Debtors' unfunded pension obligations, all of which were previously accounted for in the first quarter of 2018 gain on deconsolidation.
The full release of all claims against FirstEnergy by the FES Debtors and their creditors.
A $225 million cash payment from FirstEnergy.
A $628 million aggregate principal amount note issuance by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors, which may be decreased by the amount, if any, of cash paid by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors under the Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement for the tax benefits related to the sale or deactivation of certain plants.
Transfer of the Pleasants Power Station and related assets, to FES or its designee forincluding the benefiteconomic interests therein as of FES’ creditors, which resulted in a pre-tax charge of $43 million in the third quarter of 2018,January 1, 2019, and a requirement that FE continue to provide FES access to the McElroy'sMcElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility, which is not being transferred. Prior to transfer and beginning no later than January 1, 2019, FES will acquire the economic interests in Pleasants and AE Supply will operate Pleasants until the transfer. FE will provide certain guarantees for certain retained environmental liabilities of AE Supply, including the McElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility.
FirstEnergy agrees to waive all pre-petition claims related to shared services and credit nine-months of the FES Debtors' shared service costs beginning as of April 1, 2018, in an amount not to exceed $112.5 million, and FirstEnergy agrees to extend the availability of shared services until no later than June 30, 2020.
FirstEnergy agrees to waive all pre-petition claims related to shared services and credit for nine months of the FES Debtors’ shared service costs beginning as of April 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, in an amount not to exceed $112.5 million, and FirstEnergy agrees to extend the availability of shared services until no later than June 30, 2020.
Subject to a cap, FirstEnergy has agreed to fund a pension enhancement through its pension plan, a pension enhancement, subject to a cap, should FES offer afor voluntary enhanced retirement package in 2019 andpackages offered to certain FES employees, as well as offer certain other employee benefits.benefits (approximately $14 million recognized in the first nine months of 2019).
FirstEnergy agrees to perform under the Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreement through the FES Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy, at which time FirstEnergy will waive a 2017 overpayment for NOLs of approximately $71 million, reverse 2018 estimated payments for NOLs of approximately $88 million and pay the FES Debtors for the use of NOLs in an amount no less than $66 million for 2018. Based on the 2018 federal tax return filed in September 2019, FirstEnergy owes the FES debtors approximately $31 million associated with 2018, which will be paid upon emergence.

FirstEnergy agrees to perform under the Intracompany Tax Allocation Agreement through the FES Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy, at which time FirstEnergy will waive a 2017 overpayment for NOLs of approximately $71 million, reverse 2018 estimated payments for NOLs of approximately $88 million and pay the FES Debtors for the use of NOLs in an amount no less than $66 million (of which approximately $20 million has been paid through September 30, 2018).

FirstEnergy has determined a loss is probable with respect to theThe FES Bankruptcy and recorded a pre-tax charge in the third quarter of 2018 of $1.2 billion within Discontinued Operations, which reflects the current estimate of the commitments and payments under the settlement agreement.

The settlement agreement remains subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth therein, most notably the issuance of a final order by the Bankruptcy Court approving the plan or plans of reorganization for the FES Debtors that are acceptable to FirstEnergy consistent with the requirements of the settlement agreement.certain conditions. There can be no assurance that such conditions will be satisfied or the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement will be otherwise consummated, and the actual outcome of this matter may differ materially from the terms of the agreement described herein. FirstEnergy will continue to evaluate the impact of any new factors on the settlement and their relative impact on the financial statements.
On April 11, 2019, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order denying the FES Debtors’ disclosure statement approval motion. The Bankruptcy Court concluded that the nonconsensual third-party releases proposed under the plan of reorganization, which were a condition under the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement for FirstEnergy’s benefit, were legally impermissible and rendered the plan unconfirmable.On April 18, 2019, FirstEnergy consented to the waiver of the condition. Additionally, the FES Debtors agreed to provide FirstEnergy with the same third-party release provided in favor of certain other parties in any plan of reorganization and to pay FirstEnergy approximately $60 million in cash (paid during the second quarter of 2019) to resolve certain outstanding pension and service charges totaling $87 million, which resulted in FirstEnergy recognizing a $27 million pre-tax charge to income in the first quarter of 2019 ($17 million of which was recognized in continuing operations). Further, the FES Debtors agreed to initiate negotiations with the EPA, OEPA, PA DEP and the NRC to obtain those parties’ cooperation with the FES Debtors’ revised plan of reorganization. FirstEnergy may choose to participate in those negotiations at its option. On May 20, 2019, the Bankruptcy Court approved the waiver and a revised disclosure statement.

In August 2019, the Bankruptcy Court held hearings to consider whether to confirm the FES Debtors’ plan of reorganization. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, the Bankruptcy Court ruled against the objections of several parties, including FERC and OVEC. However, the Bankruptcy Court ruled in favor of the objections made by certain of the FES Debtors’ unions regarding their collective bargaining agreements. The Bankruptcy Court adjourned the hearing without ruling on confirmation and explained that the only issue to be resolved was the acceptance or rejection by the FES Debtors of the collective bargaining agreements at issue.

In October 2019, the FES Debtors and the unions objecting to confirmation of the plan of reorganization reached an agreement framework and the unions agreed to withdraw their objections to the plan of reorganization. On October 15, 2019, the Bankruptcy Court held a hearing to confirm the FES Debtors’ plan of reorganization, and on October 16, 2019, entered a final order confirming the FES Debtors' plan of reorganization. On October 29, 2019, several parties, including FERC, filed notices of appeal with the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio appealing the Bankruptcy Court’s final order approving FES Debtors’ plan of reorganization. The emergence of the FES Debtors from bankruptcy pursuant to the confirmed plan of reorganization is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, including approvals from the FERC and NRC.
In connection with the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, FirstEnergy entered into a separation agreement with the FES Debtors to implement the separation of the FES Debtors and their businesses from FirstEnergy. A business separation committee has beenwas established between FirstEnergy and the FES Debtors to review and determine issues that arise in the context of the separation of the FES Debtors’ businesses from those of FirstEnergy.


43



With the bankruptcy filings of FES and FENOC, and the completed sale of the previously announced competitive Bath hydroelectric station, FirstEnergy’s electric generation fleet is now made up of 3,790 MW of regulated generation, including four plants in West Virginia, Virginia and New Jersey. This excludes AE Supply’s remaining competitive generation assets - the 1,300 MW Pleasants Power Station, which will be transferred to FES' creditors underFG pursuant to the settlement agreement, and its 67 MW OVEC capacity entitlement.

In support of the strategic review to exit competitive generation, management launched the FE Tomorrow initiative to define FirstEnergy's future organization to support its regulated business. FE Tomorrow is intended to align corporate services to efficiently support the regulated operations by ensuring that FirstEnergy has the right talent, organizational and cost structure to achieve our earnings growth targets. In support of the FE Tomorrow initiative, in June and early July 2018, nearly 500 employees in the shared services and utility services and sustainability organizations, which was more than 80% of eligible employees, accepted a voluntary enhanced retirement package, which included severance compensation and a temporary pension enhancement, with most employees expected to depart by December 31, 2018. Management expects the cost savings resulting from the FE Tomorrow initiative to support the company's growth targets.



44



FINANCIAL OVERVIEW AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions, except per share amounts) For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 Change 2018 2017 Change 2019 2018 Change 2019 2018 Change
                                
Revenues $3,064
 $2,910
 $154
 5 % $8,551
 $8,247
 $304
 4 % $2,963
 $3,064
 $(101) (3)% $8,362
 $8,551
 $(189) (2)%
                                
Operating expenses 2,354
 2,177
 177
 8 % 6,561
 6,324
 237
 4 % 2,282
 2,354
 (72) (3)% 6,467
 6,561
 (94) (1)%
                                
Operating income 710
 733
 (23) (3)% 1,990
 1,923
 67
 3 % 681
 710
 (29) (4)% 1,895
 1,990
 (95) (5)%
                                
Other expenses, net (190) (230) 40
 (17)% (647) (668) 21
 (3)% (185) (190) 5
 3 % (529) (647) 118
 18 %
                                
Income before income taxes 520
 503
 17
 3 % 1,343
 1,255
 88
 7 % 496
 520
 (24) (5)% 1,366
 1,343
 23
 2 %
                                
Income taxes 133
 202
 (69) (34)% 503
 483
 20
 4 % 107
 121
 (14) (12)% 281
 455
 (174) (38)%
                                
Income from continuing operations 387
 301
 86
 29 % 840
 772
 68
 9 % 389
 399
 (10) (3)% 1,085
 888
 197
 22 %
                                
Discontinued operations (845) 95
 (940) NM
 370
 3
 367
 NM
Discontinued operations, net of tax 2
 (857) 859
 NM
 (62) 322
 (384) NM
                                
Net income (loss) $(458) $396
 $(854) (216)% $1,210
 $775
 $435
 56 % $391
 $(458) $849
 185 % $1,023
 $1,210
 $(187) (15)%
                                
* NM = not meaningful


The financial results discussed below include revenues and expenses from transactions among FirstEnergy’s business segments. A reconciliation of segment financial results is provided in Note 15, "Segment14, “Segment Information," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

On March 31, 2018, as discussed above, FirstEnergy deconsolidated FES and FENOC and presented FES, FENOC, BSPC and a portion of AE Supply representing substantially all of FirstEnergy’s operations that previously comprised the CES reportable operating segment, as discontinued operations in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements resulting from the FES Bankruptcy and actions taken as part of the strategic review to exit commodity-exposed generation. During the third quarter of 2018, the Pleasants Power Station was reclassified to discontinued operations following its inclusion in the definitive settlement agreement for the benefit of FES' creditors. The financial information for all periods has been revised to present the discontinued operations. The remaining business activities that previously comprised the CES reportable operating segment were not material and, as such, have been combined into Corporate/Other for reporting purposes.


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





4544





Summary of Results of Operations — Third Quarter 20182019 Compared with Third Quarter 20172018


Financial results for FirstEnergy’s business segments in the third quarter of 20182019 and 20172018 were as follows:

Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
  (In millions)
Revenues:  
    
  
Electric $2,571
 $371
 $(33) $2,909
Other 65
 4
 (15) 54
Total Revenues 2,636
 375
 (48) 2,963
         
Operating Expenses:  
  
  
  
Fuel 122
 
 
 122
Purchased power 794
 
 4
 798
Other operating expenses 715
 75
 (32) 758
Provision for depreciation 215
 71
 18
 304
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 42
 1
 
 43
General taxes 197
 53
 7
 257
Total Operating Expenses 2,085
 200
 (3) 2,282
         
Operating Income (Loss) 551
 175
 (45) 681
         
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
Miscellaneous income, net 36
 4
 17
 57
Interest expense (124) (49) (88) (261)
Capitalized financing costs 10
 9
 
 19
Total Other Expense (78) (36) (71) (185)
         
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 473
 139
 (116) 496
Income taxes (benefits) 103
 26
 (22) 107
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 370
 113
 (94) 389
Discontinued operations, net of tax 
 
 2
 2
Net Income (Loss) $370
 $113
 $(92) $391


45



Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
 (In millions) (In millions)
Revenues:  
    
  
  
    
  
External  
    
  
Electric $2,698
 $341
 $(30) $3,009
 $2,698
 $341
 $(30) $3,009
Other 68
 5
 (18) 55
 68
 5
 (18) 55
Total Revenues 2,766
 346
 (48) 3,064
 2,766
 346
 (48) 3,064
                
Operating Expenses:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fuel 137
 
 
 137
 137
 
 
 137
Purchased power 873
 
 3
 876
 873
 
 3
 876
Other operating expenses 663
 68
 8
 739
 663
 68
 8
 739
Provision for depreciation 202
 64
 17
 283
 202
 64
 17
 283
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 65
 2
 
 67
 65
 2
 
 67
General taxes 197
 49
 6
 252
 197
 49
 6
 252
Total Operating Expenses 2,137
 183
 34
 2,354
 2,137
 183
 34
 2,354
                
Operating Income (Loss) 629
 163
 (82) 710
 629
 163
 (82) 710
                
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Miscellaneous income, net 34
 4
 11
 49
 34
 4
 11
 49
Interest expense (127) (43) (85) (255) (127) (43) (85) (255)
Capitalized financing costs 6
 9
 1
 16
 6
 9
 1
 16
Total Other Expense (87) (30) (73) (190) (87) (30) (73) (190)
                
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 542
 133
 (155) 520
 542
 133
 (155) 520
Income taxes (benefits) 126
 34
 (27) 133
 126
 34
 (39) 121
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 416
 99
 (128) 387
 416
 99
 (116) 399
Discontinued Operations, net of tax 
 
 (845) (845)
Discontinued operations, net of tax 
 
 (857) (857)
Net Income (Loss) $416
 $99
 $(973) $(458) $416
 $99
 $(973) $(458)




46





Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
Changes Between Third Quarter 2019 and Third Quarter 2018 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
 (In millions) (In millions)
Revenues:  
    
  
  
    
  
External  
    
  
Electric $2,553
 $337
 $(26) $2,864
 $(127) $30
 $(3) $(100)
Other 56
 4
 (14) 46
 (3) (1) 3
 (1)
Total Revenues 2,609
 341
 (40) 2,910
 (130) 29
 
 (101)
                
Operating Expenses:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fuel 126
 
 
 126
 (15) 
 
 (15)
Purchased power 776
 
 (2) 774
 (79) 
 1
 (78)
Other operating expenses 621
 55
 (24) 652
 52
 7
 (40) 19
Provision for depreciation 183
 59
 19
 261
 13
 7
 1
 21
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 107
 6
 
 113
 (23) (1) 
 (24)
General taxes 187
 45
 6
 238
 
 4
 1
 5
Impairment of assets 
 13
 
 13
Total Operating Expenses 2,000
 178
 (1) 2,177
 (52) 17
 (37) (72)
                
Operating Income (Loss) 609
 163
 (39) 733
 (78) 12
 37
 (29)
                
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Miscellaneous income, net 16
 1
 2
 19
 2
 
 6
 8
Interest expense (133) (38) (91) (262) 3
 (6) (3) (6)
Capitalized financing costs 5
 7
 1
 13
 4
 
 (1) 3
Total Other Expense (112) (30) (88) (230) 9
 (6) 2
 5
                
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 497
 133
 (127) 503
 (69) 6
 39
 (24)
Income taxes (benefits) 183
 49
 (30) 202
 (23) (8) 17
 (14)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 314
 84
 (97) 301
 (46) 14
 22
 (10)
Discontinued Operations, net of tax 
 
 95
 95
Discontinued operations, net of tax 
 
 859
 859
Net Income (Loss) $314
 $84
 $(2) $396
 $(46) $14
 $881
 $849





47



Changes Between Third Quarter 2018 and Third Quarter 2017 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
  (In millions)
Revenues:  
    
  
External  
    
  
Electric $145
 $4
 $(4) $145
Other 12
 1
 (4) 9
Total Revenues 157
 5
 (8) 154
         
Operating Expenses:  
  
  
  
Fuel 11
 
 
 11
Purchased power 97
 
 5
 102
Other operating expenses 42
 13
 32
 87
Provision for depreciation 19
 5
 (2) 22
Amortization of regulatory assets, net (42) (4) 
 (46)
General taxes 10
 4
 
 14
Impairment of assets 
 (13) 
 (13)
Total Operating Expenses 137
 5
 35
 177
         
Operating Income (Loss) 20
 
 (43) (23)
         
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
Miscellaneous income, net 18
 3
 9
 30
Interest expense 6
 (5) 6
 7
Capitalized financing costs 1
 2
 
 3
Total Other Expense 25
 
 15
 40
         
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 45
 
 (28) 17
Income taxes (benefits) (57) (15) 3
 (69)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 102
 15
 (31) 86
Discontinued Operations, net of tax 
 
 (940) (940)
Net Income (Loss) $102
 $15
 $(971) $(854)



48





Regulated Distribution — Third Quarter 20182019 Compared with Third Quarter 20172018


Regulated Distribution'sDistribution’s operating results increaseddecreased$10246 million in the third quarter of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period of 2017, reflecting higher revenues associated with increased weather-related usage,2018, primarily resulting from the net impactSCOH ruling that ceased collection of a FERC settlement that reallocated certain transmission costs,Rider DMR and lower pension and OPEB non-service costs.weather-related customer usage.


Revenues —


The $157$130 million increasedecrease in total revenues resulted from the following sources:

 For the Three Months Ended September 30,   For the Three Months Ended September 30,  
Revenues by Type of Service 2018 2017 Increase 2019 2018 Decrease
 (In millions) (In millions)
Distribution services(1)
 $1,506
 $1,440
 $66
 $1,482
 $1,506
 $(24)
            
Generation sales:            
Retail 1,059
 981
 78
 989
 1,059
 (70)
Wholesale 133

132

1
 100

133

(33)
Total generation sales 1,192
 1,113
 79
 1,089
 1,192
 (103)
            
Other 68

56

12
 65

68

(3)
Total Revenues $2,766
 $2,609
 $157
 $2,636
 $2,766
 $(130)


(1) Includes $66$25 million and $60$66 million of ARP revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.


Distribution services revenues increased $66decreased $24 million in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily resulting from higherthe SCOH ruling that ceased collection of Rider DMR and lower weather-related customer usage, as described below. Additionally, distribution revenues were impactedpartially offset by the implementation of NJ Zero Emission Program in June 2019 and higher rates associated with the recovery of deferred costs, partially offset by certain tax impacts reflected as a reduction in revenues resulting from the Tax Act.costs. Distribution deliveries by customer class are summarized in the following table:
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, Increase For the Three Months Ended September 30,  
Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries 2018 2017 (Decrease) 2019 2018 Decrease
 (In thousands)   (In thousands)
Residential 15,657
 13,863
 12.9 % 15,306
 15,657
 (2.2)%
Commercial 11,358
 11,060
 2.7 % 10,013
 10,412
 (3.8)%
Industrial 13,672
 13,341
 2.5 % 14,477
 14,618
 (1.0)%
Other 137
 147
 (6.8)% 135
 137
 (1.5)%
Total Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries 40,824
 38,411
 6.3 % 39,931
 40,824
 (2.2)%


HigherLower distribution deliveries to residential and commercial customers primarily reflect higherlower weather-related usage resulting from cooling degree days that were 28% above 2017, and 29%9% below 2018, but 22% above normal. Deliveries to industrial customers increased reflectingreflect lower automotive, steel and chemical customer usage, partially offset by higher shale and steel customer usage.






4948





The following table summarizes the price and volume factors contributing to the $79$103 million increasedecrease in generation revenues for the third quarter of 20182019, as compared to the same period of 2017:2018:
Source of Change in Generation Revenues Increase (Decrease) Increase (Decrease)
 (In millions) (In millions)
Retail:  
  
Effect of increase in sales volumes $91
Change in sales volumes $6
Change in prices (13) (76)
 78
 (70)
Wholesale:    
Effect of decrease in sales volumes (17)
Change in sales volumes (2)
Change in prices 10
 (8)
Capacity Revenue 8
Capacity revenue (23)
 1
 (33)
Increase in Generation Revenues $79
Decrease in Generation Revenues $(103)


The increase in retail generation sales volumes was primarily due to higher weather-related usage, as described above, as well as decreased customer shopping in New Jersey. Total generation provided by alternative suppliers as a percentage of total MWH deliveries decreased to 46% from 50% in New Jersey.was flat. The decrease in retail generation prices primarily resulted from lower default servicenon-shopping generation auction pricesrates in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.Jersey, lower ENEC rate in West Virginia and rate reductions resulting from the Tax Act.


Wholesale generation revenues increased $1decreased $33 million in the third quarter of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period in 2017,2018, primarily due to higherlower spot market prices and capacity revenue, partially offset by lower wholesale sales.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 $137decreased $52 million forin the third quarter of 20182019, as compared to the same period of 2017,2018, primarily due to the following:


Fuel costs were $11expense decreased $15 million higher in the third quarter of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period in 2017,of 2018, primarily due to higherlower unit costs.


Purchased power costs were $79 millionlower in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to lower unit costs and capacity expense, partially offset by the implementation of the NJ Zero Emission Program in June 2019.
 Source of Change in Purchased Power Increase (Decrease)
 
   (In millions)
 Purchases from non-affiliates:  
 Change due to decreased unit costs $(41)
 Change due to volumes 47
   6
 Purchases from affiliates:  
 Change due to decreased unit costs (3)
 Change due to volumes (48)
   (51)
 Capacity expense (34)
 Decrease in Purchased Power Costs $(79)



Purchased power costs were $97
49



Other operating expenses increased $52 millionhigher in the third quarter of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period in 2017,of 2018, primarily due to increased volumes resulting from higher customer weather-related usage as well as decreased customer shopping in New Jersey.
the following:

 Source of Change in Purchased Power Increase (Decrease)
 
   (In millions)
 Purchases from non-affiliates:  
 Change due to increased unit costs $12
 Change due to volumes 87
   99
 Purchases from affiliates:  
 Change due to decreased unit costs (1)
 Change due to volumes (11)
   (12)
 Capacity 10
 Increase in Purchased Power Costs $97




50



Other operating expenses increased $42 million, primarily due to:
Higher operating and maintenance expenses of $16 million, primarily due to increased vegetation management costs.
$21 million in pension special termination costs associated with the voluntary retirement program in the third quarter of 2018.
Increased storm restoration and other program costs of $12$19 million, which were mostly deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
NetHigher network transmission expenses decreased $7of $44 million, reflecting adjustments inincreased transmission costs related toas well as the absence of the FERC settlement during the secondthird quarter of 2018, thatwhich reallocated certain transmission costs across utilities in PJM and resulted in a refund to the Ohio Companies ($38 million), partially offset by higher network transmission costs ($31 million).Companies. Except for certain transmission costs and credits at the Ohio Companies recognized in 2018, the difference between current revenues and transmission costs incurred are deferred for future recovery or refund, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.

Higher operating and maintenance expense of $5 million, primarily associated with higher employee benefit costs and regulated generation maintenance activities, partially offset by lower regulated generation support costs and transactions now accounted for as finance leases. As a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting standard, financing lease expenses that were recognized in other operating expenses are now recognized in depreciation and interest expense.
Higher vegetation management spend of $6 million, partially offset by lower energy efficiency and other program costs of $2 million. These costs are deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
The absence of $20 million in costs associated with the 2018 voluntary enhanced retirement package.

Depreciation expense increased $19$13 million in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to a higher asset base.base and transactions now accounted for as finance leases, as discussed above.


Amortization expense decreased $42$23 million in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to higher deferralstorm restoration cost deferrals, partially offset by lower deferrals of generation and transmission expenses, associated withincluding the FERC settlement discussed above, and increased deferralabove.

Other Expenses —

Other Expense decreased $9 million in the third quarter of generation costs.

General taxes expense increased $10 million,2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to lower interest expense from debt maturities and refinancings, higher revenue-related taxes associated with increased sales volumes.

Other Expense —

Total other expense decreased $25 million, primarily due tocapitalized financing costs, and the absence of 2018 special termination costs, partially offset by higher net miscellaneous income resulting from lower pension and OPEB non-service costs related to expected asset returns on the pension contributionsand transactions now accounted for as finance leases, as discussed above, and lower capitalization, as well as lower interest expense resulting from debt maturities and refinancings.above.

Income Taxes —


Regulated Distribution’s effective tax rate was 23.2%21.8% and 36.8%23.2% for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. The lower effective tax rate isin 2019 was primarily a resultdue to the amortization of net excess deferred income taxes resulting from Tax Act settlements and orders with certain impacts of the Tax Act.regulatory commissions.


Regulated Transmission — Third Quarter 20182019 Compared with Third Quarter 20172018


Regulated Transmission'sTransmission’s operating results increased $15$14 million in the third quarter of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period of 2017,2018, primarily resulting fromdue to the impact of a higher rate base at ATSI and MAIT, as well as the absence of a pre-tax impairment charge of $13 million in 2017, as described below, partially offset by a lower rate base at TrAIL.


Revenues —


Total revenues increased $5$29 million in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to recovery of incremental operating expenses and a higher rate base at ATSI and MAIT, partially offset by a lower rate base at TrAIL.


RevenuesThe following table shows revenues by transmission asset owner are shown in the following table:owner:
 For the Three Months Ended September 30, Increase For the Three Months Ended September 30, Increase
Revenues by Transmission Asset Owner 2018 2017 (Decrease) 2019 2018 (Decrease)
 (In millions) (In millions)
ATSI $168
 $167
 $1
 $185
 $168
 $17
TrAIL 62
 72
 (10) 57
 62
 (5)
MAIT 44
 29
 15
 59
 44
 15
Other 72
 73
 (1) 74
 72
 2
Total Revenues $346
 $341
 $5
 $375
 $346
 $29






5150





Operating Expenses —


Total operating expenses increased $5$17 million in the third quarter of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to higher operating and maintenance expenses as well as higher property taxes and depreciation due to a higher asset base. The majority of the increases were recovered through formula rates at ATSI MAIT and TrAIL,MAIT, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings. Additionally, as a result of a settlement agreement on its formula transmission rate between MAIT and certain parties, MAIT recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $13

Other Expense —

Total other expense increased $6 million in the third quarter of 2017.2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to higher interest expense associated with new debt issuances at FET.


Income Taxes —


Regulated Transmission’s effective tax rate was 25.6%18.7% and 36.8%25.6% for the three months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. The lower effective tax rate isin 2019 was primarily a resultdue to the amortization of certain impacts ofnet excess deferred income taxes resulting from FERC guidance related to the Tax Act.
Corporate / Other — Third Quarter 20182019 Compared with Third Quarter 20172018


Financial results from the Corporate/Other operating segment and reconciling adjustments resulted in a $31$22 million decreaseincrease in income from continuing operations in the third quarter of 20182019, as compared to the same period in 2017,of 2018, primarily due to higherlower operating expenses and an increase inas a result of the absence of remeasuring the ARO atof McElroy’s Run.  Run, higher returns on certain equity method investments and lower non-operating expenses.


For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,2019, FirstEnergy recorded results ofincome from discontinued operations, net of tax of $(845)$2 million and $95compared to a loss of $857 million respectively. Discontinued operations were comprised offor the results of FES, FENOC, BSPC and a portion of AE Supply (including the Pleasants Power Station).three months ended September 30, 2018. The increased loss fromchange in discontinued operations, net of tax was primarily reflectsdue to the absence of an $834 million loss on disposaldeconsolidation of FES and FENOC recognized in the third quarter of 2018.FENOC.








5251





Summary of Results of Operations — First Nine Months of 20182019 Compared with First Nine Months of 20172018


Financial results for FirstEnergy’s business segments in the first nine months of 20182019 and 20172018 were as follows:

First Nine Months 2019 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
  (In millions)
Revenues:  
    
  
Electric $7,214
 $1,090
 $(96) $8,208
Other 187
 13
 (46) 154
Total Revenues 7,401
 1,103
 (142) 8,362
         
Operating Expenses:  
  
  
  
Fuel 382
 
 
 382
Purchased power 2,177
 
 13
 2,190
Other operating expenses 2,116
 205
 (178) 2,143
Provision for depreciation 644
 211
 55
 910
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 79
 6
 
 85
General taxes 572
 156
 29
 757
Total Operating Expenses 5,970
 578
 (81) 6,467
         
Operating Income (Loss) 1,431
 525
 (61) 1,895
         
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
Miscellaneous income, net 128
 12
 51
 191
Interest expense (370) (142) (261) (773)
Capitalized financing costs 27
 25
 1
 53
Total Other Expense (215) (105) (209) (529)
         
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 1,216
 420
 (270) 1,366
Income taxes (benefits) 259
 87
 (65) 281
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 957
 333
 (205) 1,085
Discontinued operations, net of tax 
 
 (62) (62)
Net Income (Loss) $957
 $333
 $(267) $1,023


52




First Nine Months 2018 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
 (In millions) (In millions)
Revenues:  
    
  
  
    
  
External  
    
  
Electric $7,497
 $996
 $(107) $8,386
 $7,497
 $996
 $(107) $8,386
Other 197
 14
 (46) 165
 197
 14
 (46) 165
Total Revenues 7,694
 1,010
 (153) 8,551
 7,694
 1,010
 (153) 8,551
                
Operating Expenses:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fuel 404
 
 
 404
 404
 
 
 404
Purchased power 2,391
 
 2
 2,393
 2,391
 
 2
 2,393
Other operating expenses 2,227
 182
 (46) 2,363
 2,227
 182
 (46) 2,363
Provision for depreciation 598
 187
 58
 843
 598
 187
 58
 843
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net (194) 6
 
 (188) (194) 6
 
 (188)
General taxes 576
 144
 26
 746
 576
 144
 26
 746
Impairment of assets 
 
 
 
Total Operating Expenses 6,002
 519
 40
 6,561
 6,002
 519
 40
 6,561
                
Operating Income (Loss) 1,692
 491
 (193) 1,990
 1,692
 491
 (193) 1,990
                
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Miscellaneous income, net 146
 11
 7
 164
 146
 11
 7
 164
Interest expense (384) (124) (350) (858) (384) (124) (350) (858)
Capitalized financing costs 18
 28
 1
 47
 18
 28
 1
 47
Total Other Expense (220) (85) (342) (647) (220) (85) (342) (647)
                
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes 1,472
 406
 (535) 1,343
Income taxes 357
 104
 42
 503
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 1,472
 406
 (535) 1,343
Income taxes (benefits) 357
 104
 (6) 455
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 1,115
 302
 (577) 840
 1,115
 302
 (529) 888
Discontinued Operations, net of tax 
 
 370
 370
Discontinued operations, net of tax 
 
 322
 322
Net Income (Loss) $1,115
 $302
 $(207) $1,210
 $1,115
 $302
 $(207) $1,210




53








First Nine Months 2017 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
Changes Between First Nine Months 2019 and First Nine Months 2018 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
 (In millions) (In millions)
Revenues:  
    
  
  
    
  
External  
    
  
Electric $7,193
 $968
 $(77) $8,084
 $(283) $94
 $11
 $(178)
Other 187
 13
 (37) 163
 (10) (1) 
 (11)
Total Revenues 7,380
 981
 (114) 8,247
 (293) 93
 11
 (189)
                
Operating Expenses:  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Fuel 388
 
 8
 396
 (22) 
 
 (22)
Purchased power 2,212
 
 3
 2,215
 (214) 
 11
 (203)
Other operating expenses 1,889
 150
 (81) 1,958
 (111) 23
 (132) (220)
Provision for depreciation 540
 164
 61
 765
 46
 24
 (3) 67
Amortization of regulatory assets, net 263
 11
 
 274
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net 273
 
 
 273
General taxes 546
 130
 27
 703
 (4) 12
 3
 11
Impairment of assets 
 13
 
 13
Total Operating Expenses 5,838
 468
 18
 6,324
 (32) 59
 (121) (94)
                
Operating Income (Loss) 1,542
 513
 (132) 1,923
 (261) 34
 132
 (95)
                
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 45
 1
 (2) 44
 (18) 1
 44
 27
Interest expense (405) (116) (230) (751) 14
 (18) 89
 85
Capitalized financing costs 16
 20
 3
 39
 9
 (3) 
 6
Total Other Expense (344) (95) (229) (668) 5
 (20) 133
 118
                
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 1,198
 418
 (361) 1,255
 (256) 14
 265
 23
Income taxes (benefits) 442
 154
 (113) 483
 (98) (17) (59) (174)
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 756
 264
 (248) 772
 (158) 31
 324
 197
Discontinued Operations, net of tax 
 
 3
 3
Discontinued operations, net of tax 
 
 (384) (384)
Net Income (Loss) $756
 $264
 $(245) $775
 $(158) $31
 $(60) $(187)




54




Changes Between First Nine Months 2018 and First Nine Months 2017 Financial Results Regulated Distribution Regulated Transmission Corporate/Other and Reconciling Adjustments FirstEnergy Consolidated
  (In millions)
Revenues:  
    
  
External  
    
  
Electric $304
 $28
 $(30) $302
Other 10
 1
 (9) 2
Total Revenues 314
 29
 (39) 304
         
Operating Expenses:  
  
  
  
Fuel 16
 
 (8) 8
Purchased power 179
 
 (1) 178
Other operating expenses 338
 32
 35
 405
Provision for depreciation 58
 23
 (3) 78
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net (457) (5) 
 (462)
General taxes 30
 14
 (1) 43
Impairment of assets 
 (13) 
 (13)
Total Operating Expenses 164
 51
 22
 237
         
Operating Income (Loss) 150
 (22) (61) 67
         
Other Income (Expense):  
  
  
  
Miscellaneous income (expense), net 101
 10
 9
 120
Interest expense 21
 (8) (120) (107)
Capitalized financing costs 2
 8
 (2) 8
Total Other Expense 124
 10
 (113) 21
         
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Benefits) 274
 (12) (174) 88
Income taxes (benefits) (85) (50) 155
 20
Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations 359
 38
 (329) 68
Discontinued Operations, net of tax 
 
 367
 367
Net Income $359
 $38
 $38
 $435


55





Regulated Distribution — First Nine Months of 20182019 Compared with First Nine Months of 20172018


Regulated Distribution'sDistribution’s net income increased $359decreased $158 million in the first nine months of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period of 2017, reflecting2018, primarily resulting from the SCOH ruling that ceased collection of Rider DMR, the absence of the reversal of a reserve on recoverability of certain REC purchases in Ohio, the net impact of a FERC settlement that reallocated certain transmission costs, higherand lower revenues associated with increaseddecreased weather-related usage and the implementation of approved rates in Ohio and Pennsylvania, as further described below, and lower pension and OPEB non-service costs.usage.


Revenues —


The $314$293 million increasedecrease in total revenues resulted from the following sources:

 For the Nine Months Ended September 30,   For the Nine Months Ended September 30,  
Revenues by Type of Service 2018 2017 Increase 2019 2018 Decrease
 (In millions) (In millions)
Distribution services(1)
 $4,139
 $4,003
 $136
 $4,045
 $4,139
 $(94)
            
Generation sales:            
Retail 2,981
 2,825
 156
 2,853
 2,981
 (128)
Wholesale 377
 365
 12
 316
 377
 (61)
Total generation sales 3,358
 3,190
 168
 3,169
 3,358
 (189)
            
Other 197
 187
 10
 187
 197
 (10)
Total Revenues $7,694
 $7,380
 $314
 $7,401
 $7,694
 $(293)
 
(1) Includes $190$142 million and $189$190 million of ARP revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, respectively.


Distribution services revenues increased $136decreased $94 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily resulting from the impactSCOH ruling that ceased collection of approved base distribution rate increases in Pennsylvania,effective January 27, 2017, higher revenue from the DCR in Ohio, and higher Rider DMR, lower weather-related customer usage, as described below. Additionally, distribution revenues were impactedand the implementation of rate orders and settlements related to the Tax Act, partially offset by implementation of NJ Zero Emission Program in June 2019 and higher rates associated with the recovery of deferred costs, partially offset by certain tax impacts reflected as a reduction in revenues resulting from the Tax Act.costs. Distribution deliveries by customer class are summarized in the following table:
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase For the Nine Months Ended September 30,  
Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries 2018 2017 (Decrease) 2019 2018 Decrease
 (In thousands)   (In thousands)
Residential 42,730
 38,846
 10.0 % 41,311
 42,730
 (3.3)%
Commercial 32,081
 31,261
 2.6 % 28,496
 29,365
 (3.0)%
Industrial 39,947
 39,003
 2.4 % 42,032
 42,663
 (1.5)%
Other 418
 428
 (2.3)% 413
 418
 (1.2)%
Total Electric Distribution MWH Deliveries 115,176
 109,538
 5.1 % 112,252
 115,176
 (2.5)%


HigherLower distribution deliveries to residential and commercial customers primarily reflect higherlower weather-related usage resulting from cooling degree days that were 26% above 2017, and 29%14% below 2018, but 15% above normal, as well as, heating degree days that were 19% above 2017.4% below 2018, and 5% below normal. Deliveries to industrial customers increased reflectingreflect lower steel and automotive customer usage, partially offset by higher shale and steel customer usage.






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The following table summarizes the price and volume factors contributing to the $168$189 million increasedecrease in generation revenues for the first nine months of 20182019, as compared to the same period of 2017:2018:
Source of Change in Generation Revenues Increase (Decrease) Increase (Decrease)
 (In millions) (In millions)
Retail:  
  
Effect of increase in sales volumes $216
Change in sales volumes $8
Change in prices (60) (136)
 156
 (128)
Wholesale:    
Effect of decrease in sales volumes (45)
Change in sales volumes (9)
Change in prices 37
 (33)
Capacity Revenue 20
Capacity revenue (19)
 12
 (61)
Increase in Generation Revenues $168
Decrease in Generation Revenues $(189)


The increase in retail generation sales volumes was primarily due to higher weather-related usage, as described above, as well as decreased customer shopping in New Jersey. Total generation provided by alternative suppliers as a percentage of total MWH deliveries decreased to 49% from 52% in New Jersey.was flat. The decrease in retail generation prices primarily resulted from lower default servicenon-shopping generation auction pricesrates in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.lower ENEC rate in West Virginia, which included rate reductions resulting from the Tax Act.


Wholesale generation revenues increased $12decreased $61 million in the first nine months of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period in 2017,2018, primarily due to higherlower spot market prices and capacity revenue, partially offset by lower wholesale sales.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 $164decreased $32 million, primarily due to the following:


Fuel costs were $16$22 million higherlower during the first nine months of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period of 2017,2018, primarily due to higherlower unit costs.


Purchased power costs increased $179decreased $214 million during the first nine months of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period of 2017,2018, primarily due to increased volumes resulting from higher customer weather-related usage as well as decreased customer shopping.lower unit costs, partially offset by the implementation of the NJ Zero Emission Program in June 2019.
 Source of Change in Purchased Power Increase (Decrease)
 
   (In millions)
 Purchases from non-affiliates:  
 Change due to increased unit costs $6
 Change due to volumes 164
   170
 Purchases from affiliates:  
 Change due to decreased unit costs (8)
 Change due to volumes (21)
   (29)
 Capacity 38
 Increase in Purchased Power Costs $179
 Source of Change in Purchased Power Increase (Decrease)
 
   (In millions)
 Purchases from non-affiliates:  
 Change due to decreased unit costs $(148)
 Change due to volumes 56
   (92)
 Purchases from affiliates:  
 Change due to decreased unit costs (7)
 Change due to volumes (93)
   (100)
 Capacity (22)
 Decrease in Purchased Power Costs $(214)






5756





Other operating expenses increased $338decreased $111 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to:
Increased
Decreased storm restoration costs of $213$123 million, primarily associated with the March 2018 east coast storms, which were deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
Lower energy efficiency and other program costs of $19 million, partially offset by higher vegetation management spend of $8 million. These costs are deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
Lower operating and maintenance expenses of $40 million, primarily associated with lower corporate support costs and transactions now accounted for as finance leases, partially offset by higher contractor spend and regulated generation maintenance activities. As a result of the adoption of the new lease accounting standard, financing lease expenses that were recognized in other operating expenses are now recognized in depreciation and interest expense in 2019.
The absence of $19 million in costs associated with the 2018 voluntary enhanced retirement package.
Higher net network transmission expenses of $36$82 million, reflecting increased transmission costs ($147 million), partially offset by aas well as the absence of the FERC settlement during the secondthird quarter of 2018, thatwhich reallocated certain transmission costs across utilities in PJM and resulted in a refund to the Ohio Companies ($111 million).Companies. Except for certain transmission costs and credits at the Ohio Companies recognized in 2018, the difference between current revenues and transmission costs incurred are deferred for future recovery or refund, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
Higher energy efficiency and other program costs of $35 million, which are deferred for future recovery, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings.
Higher operating and maintenance expenses of $33 million, primarily due to higher benefit costs as well as increased vegetation management costs.
$21 million in pension special termination costs associated with the voluntary retirement program in the third quarter of 2018.


Depreciation expense increased $58$46 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to a higher rate base.base and transactions now accounted for as finance leases, as discussed above.


Amortization expense decreased $457increased $273 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to increaseddecreased deferral of storm restoration costs, the absence of the reversal of a liability at the Ohio Companies for an Ohio Supreme Court ruling regarding purchase of RECs, higher deferralas well as lower deferrals of transmissiongeneration and generationtransmission expenses, including the net impact of the FERC settlement discussed above, and higher deferral of energy efficiency program costs.above.

General taxes expense increased $30 million, primarily due to higher property taxes and revenue-related taxes associated with increased sales volumes.


Other Expense —


Total other expense decreased $124$5 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to lower interest expense from debt maturities and refinancings, higher net miscellaneous income resulting from lowercapitalized financing costs, and the absence of 2018 special termination costs, partially offset by higher pension and OPEB non-service costs related to expected asset returns on the pension contributionsand transactions now accounted for as finance leases, as discussed above, and lower capitalization, as well as lower interest expense resulting from debt maturities and refinancings.above.


Income Taxes —


Regulated Distribution’s effective tax rate was 24.3%21.3% and 36.9%24.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. The lower effective tax rate isin 2019 was primarily a resultdue to the amortization of net excess deferred income taxes resulting from Tax Act settlements and orders with certain impactsregulatory commissions, and the remeasurement of the Tax Act.uncertain tax positions during 2019.



Regulated Transmission — First Nine Months of 20182019 Compared with First Nine Months of 20172018


Regulated Transmission'sTransmission’s net income increased $38$31 million in the first nine months of 2018,2019, as compared to the same period of 2017,2018, primarily resulting from the impact of a higher rate base at ATSI and MAIT, and higher revenues at JCP&L, as well as the absence of a pre-tax impairment charge of $13 million in 2017, partially offset by a lower rate base at TrAIL.


Revenues —


Total revenues increased $29$93 million, primarily due to the implementation of approved settlement rates at JCP&L, effective January 1, 2018, and recovery of incremental operating expenses and a higher rate base at ATSI and MAIT, partially offset by a lower rate base at TrAIL.


Revenues

57



The following table shows revenues by transmission asset owner are shown in the following table:owner:
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 
Revenues by Transmission Asset Owner 2018 2017  Increase (Decrease) 2019 2018  Increase (Decrease)
 (In millions) (In millions)
ATSI $495
 $485
 $10
 $545
 $495
 $50
TrAIL 190
 215
 (25) 178
 190
 (12)
MAIT 109
 79
 30
 160
 109
 51
Other 216
 202
 14
 220
 216
 4
Total Revenues $1,010
 $981
 $29
 $1,103
 $1,010
 $93




58







Operating Expenses —


Total operating expenses increased $51$59 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to higher operating and maintenance expenses as well as higher property taxes and depreciation due to a higher asset base. The majority of the increases arewere recovered through formula rates at ATSI MAIT and TrAIL,MAIT, resulting in no material impact on current period earnings. Additionally, as a result of a settlement agreement on its formula transmission rate between MAIT and certain parties, MAIT recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $13 million in the third quarter of 2017.


Other Expense —


Total other expense decreased $10increased $20 million in the first nine months of 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018, primarily due to higher net miscellaneous income resulting from lower pensioninterest expense associated with new debt issuances at ATSI, MAIT and OPEB non-service costs related to the pension contributions discussed above, higher expected asset returns and lower capitalization.FET.


Income Taxes —


Regulated Transmission’s effective tax rate was 25.6%20.7% and 36.8%25.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017,2018, respectively. The lower effective tax rate isin 2019 was primarily a resultdue to the amortization of certain impacts ofnet excess deferred income taxes resulting from FERC guidance related to the Tax Act.

Corporate / Other — First Nine Months of 20182019 Compared with First Nine Months of 20172018


Financial results from the Corporate/Other operating segment and reconciling adjustments resulted in a $329$324 million decreaseincrease in income from continuing operations in the first nine months of 20182019, as compared to the same period of 2017, primarily associated with higher operating expense, an increase in the ARO at McElroy’s Run, higher interest expense and a higher consolidated effective tax rate. Higher interest expense resulted from FE's issuance of $3 billion of senior notes in June 2017, as well as make-whole premiums of approximately $90 million in connection with the repayment of AE Supply and AGC senior notes in the second quarter of 2018. The increase in effective tax rate is2018, primarily due to lower income taxes from the legal and financial separationabsence of FES and FENOC from FirstEnergy. This separation officially erodeda $126 million charge in the ties between FES, FENOC and other FirstEnergy subsidiaries doing businessfirst quarter of 2018 associated with the remeasurement of state deferred taxes in West Virginia. As such,Virginia when FES and FENOC were removed from the West Virginia unitary group when calculating West Virginia state income taxes, resulting in a $126following their bankruptcy filing on March 31, 2018. Lower interest expense of $89 million chargewas due to income tax expensethe absence of make-whole payments, and lower other operating expenses of $132 million were primarily due to lower incurred corporate support costs in continuing operations associated withrelated to FES and FENOC and the re-measurementabsence of remeasuring the ARO of McElroy’s Run. Although the operations of FES and FENOC for the first quarter of 2018 (prior to deconsolidation on March 31, 2018) are reflected as discontinued operations, certain allocated corporate support costs to FES and FENOC continue to be reflected in state deferred taxes.continuing operations. Additionally, the decrease in the corporate federalhigher net miscellaneous income tax rate from 35%was primarily due to 21%, which became effective January 1, 2018, reduced income tax benefits.higher returns on certain equity method investments and lower non-operating expenses.


For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017,2019, FirstEnergy recorded incomea loss from discontinued operations, net of tax of $370$62 million and $3compared to income of $322 million respectively. Discontinuedfor the nine months ended September 30, 2018. The change in discontinued operations, were comprisednet of tax was primarily due to the resultsabsence of a $405 million gain on deconsolidation of FES FENOC, BSPC and a portion of AE Supply (including the Pleasants Power Station) and a net gain on disposal of approximately $405 million, which consisted of the following:
(In millions)For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
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(1,183)
    Loss on disposal of FES and FENOC, before tax(863)
Income tax benefit, including estimated worthless stock deduction1,268
Gain on disposal of FES and FENOC, net of tax$405

FENOC.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities


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


As a result of the Tax Act, FirstEnergy adjusted its net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2017, for the reduction in the corporate federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%. For the portions of FirstEnergy’s business that apply regulatory accounting, the impact




5958




of reducing the net deferred tax liabilities was offset with a regulatory liability, as appropriate, for amounts expected to be refunded to rate payers in future rates, with the remainder recorded to deferred income tax expense.


The following table provides information about the composition of net regulatory assets and liabilities as of September 30, 20182019, and December 31, 2017,2018, and the changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2018:2019:
Net Regulatory Assets (Liabilities) by Source September 30,
2018
 December 31,
2017
 
Increase
(Decrease)
 September 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 Change
 (In millions) (In millions)
Regulatory transition costs $36
 $46
 $(10) $(4) $49
 $(53)
Customer payables for future income taxes (2,775) (2,765) (10) (2,682) (2,725) 43
Nuclear decommissioning and spent fuel disposal costs (306) (323) 17
 (198) (148) (50)
Asset removal costs (769) (774) 5
 (771) (787) 16
Deferred transmission costs 231
 187
 44
 145
 170
 (25)
Deferred generation costs 203
 198
 5
 186
 202
 (16)
Deferred distribution costs 220
 258
 (38) 169
 208
 (39)
Contract valuations 77
 118
 (41) 65
 72
 (7)
Storm-related costs 488
 329
 159
 541
 500
 41
Other 2
 46
 (44) 21
 52
 (31)
Net Regulatory Liabilities included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets $(2,593) $(2,680) $87
 $(2,528) $(2,407) $(121)


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

Regulatory transition costs - Includes the recovery of PN above-market NUG costs; JCP&L costs incurred during the transition to a competitive retail market and under-recovered during the period from August 1, 1999 through July 31, 2003; and JCP&L costs associated with BGS, capacity and ancillary services, net of revenues from the sale of the committed supply in the wholesale market. Amounts are amortized through 2021.

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.

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

Deferred transmission costs - Primarily 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, and are amortized through 2036.

Contract valuations - Includes the changes in fair value of PN above-market NUG costs and the amortization of purchase accounting adjustments at MP and PE which were recorded in connection with the AE merger representing the fair value of NUG purchased power contracts (amortized over the life of the contracts with various end dates from 2027 through 2036).

Storm-related costs - Relates to the recovery of storm costs, which vary by jurisdiction. Approximately $412$204 million and $201$232 million are currently being recovered through rates as of September 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.


59




The following table provides information about the composition of net regulatory assets primarily related to storm damage costs,that do not earn a current return as of September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and2018, a majority of which are currently being recovered through rates.rates over varying periods depending on the nature of the deferral and the jurisdiction. Additionally, certain regulatory assets, totaling approximately $110 million as of September 30, 2019, are recorded based on prior precedent or anticipated recovery based on rate making premises without a specific order.
Regulatory Assets by Source Not Earning a Current Return September 30,
2019
 December 31,
2018
 Change
  (In millions)
Regulatory transition costs $9
 $10
 $(1)
Deferred transmission costs 35
 87
 (52)
Storm-related costs 449
 363
 86
Other 47
 43
 4
Regulatory Assets Not Earning a Current Return $540
 $503
 $37
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.


On January 22, 2018, FirstEnergy announced a $2.5 billion equity issuance, which included $1.62 billion in mandatorily convertible preferred equity with an initial conversion price of $27.42 per share and $850 million of common equity issued at $28.22 per share. The shares of preferred shares participatestock participated in the dividend paid on common stock on an as-converted basis and arewere non-voting except in certain limited circumstances. The shares of preferred sharesstock contain an optional conversion right, and will mandatorily convertrequiring mandatory conversion in July 2019, subject to limited exceptions.certain exceptions noted below. Proceeds from the investment were used to reduce holding company debt by $1.45 billion and fund the company’sFirstEnergy’s pension plan by $750 million,as discussed below, with the remainder used for general corporate purposes. At the option of the preferred stockholders, 494,767 shares of preferred stock were converted into 18,044,018 shares of common stock in January 2019. On July 22, 2019, 28,302 shares of preferred stock automatically converted into 1,032,165 shares of common stock, and 181,520 shares of preferred stock remained unconverted as the holder reached the 4.9% cap as outlined in the terms of the preferred stock. The remaining 181,520 preferred stock shares were converted on August 1, 2019, into 6,619,985 shares of common stock. As of September 30, 2018, 911,411 2019, there are no preferred shares outstanding and 1,616,000shares of preferred stock have beenwere converted into 33,238,910 58,935,078shares of common stock at the option of the holders.stock.


The equity investment strengthened FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s balance sheet and supports the company'scompany’s transition to a fully regulated utility company. By deleveraging the company, the investment also enables FirstEnergy to enhance its investment grade credit metrics and FirstEnergy does not currently anticipate the need to issue additional equity through at least 2021 outside of its regular stock investment and employee benefit plans.


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 20182019 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 certain 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.

FirstEnergy's strategy isOn February 1, 2019, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary cash contribution to focus on investments in its regulated operations. The centerpiecethe qualified pension plan. As a result of this strategy is the contribution, FirstEnergy expects no required contributions through 2021.

FirstEnergy’s transmission growth program, Energizing the Futuretransmission plan, pursuant to which FirstEnergy plans to invest $4.0 to $4.8, provides a stable and proven investment platform, while producing important customer benefits. Through the program, $4.4 billion in capital investments were made from 20182014 through 2017, and the company plans to 2021, includinginvest up to an expected $1.1additional $4.8 billion in 2018. This program is focusedthe 2018-2021 time frame, which includes a target of $1.2 billion annually through 2021. As noted above, over 80% of these capital investments are recoverable through formula rate mechanisms, reducing regulatory lag in recovering a return on projects that enhanceinvestment, while offering a reasonable rate of return. These investments are expected to continue to improve the performance and condition of the transmission system performance, physical securitywhile increasing automation and add operating flexibility andcommunication, adding capacity starting withto the ATSI system and moving east across FirstEnergy's service territory over time. In total,improving customer reliability. Beyond 2021, FirstEnergy has identifiedbelieves there are incremental investment opportunities for its existing transmission infrastructure of over $20 billion, in transmission investment opportunities acrosswhich are expected to strengthen grid and cyber-security and make the 24,500-mile transmission system making thismore reliable, robust, secure and resistant to extreme weather events, with improved operational flexibility.

In the Regulated Distribution segment, FirstEnergy remains committed to providing customer service-oriented growth opportunities by investing between $6.2 billion and $6.7 billion over 2018 to 2021. Approximately 40% of capital expenditures are recoverable


60



through various rate mechanisms, riders and trackers. Beginning in 2019, expected investments at the Ohio Companies include the pending Ohio Grid Modernization plan which includes installation of approximately 700,000 advanced meters, distribution automation, and integrated ‘volt/var’ controls. Additionally, the JCP&L Reliability Plus infrastructure improvement plan will reduce outages and strengthen the system while preparing for the grid of the future in New Jersey. FirstEnergy continues to explore other opportunities for growth in its Regulated Distribution business, 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 electrification of customers’ homes and businesses by providing a continuing platform for investment in the years beyond 2021.full range of products and services.


In alignment with FirstEnergy’s strategy to invest in its Regulated Transmission and Regulated Distribution segments as it transitions to a fully regulated company, FirstEnergy is also focused on improving the balance sheet over time consistent with its business profile and maintaining investment grade ratings at its regulated businesses and FE. Specifically, at the regulated businesses,


60



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 9, 2018, FES borrowed $500 million from FE under the secured credit facility, dated as of December 6, 2016, among FES, as Borrower, FG and NG as guarantors, and FE, as lender, which fully utilized the committed line of credit available under the secured credit facility. Following deconsolidation of FES, FE fully reserved for the $500 million associated with the borrowings under the secured credit facility. Under the terms of the settlement agreement discussed below, FE will release any and all claims against the FES Debtors with respect to the $500 million borrowed under the secured credit facility.

On April 23, 2018, FirstEnergy and the FES Key Creditor Groups reached an agreement in principle to resolve certain claims by FirstEnergy against the FES Debtors and all claims by the FES Debtors and their creditors against FirstEnergy. The FES Debtors and the UCC subsequently joined settlement discussions with FirstEnergy and the FES Key Creditor Groups. On August 26, 2018, FirstEnergy, the FES Key Creditor Groups, the FES Debtors and the UCC entered into a definitive settlement agreement which was approved by order of the Bankruptcy Court on September 26, 2018. The settlement agreement includes the following terms, among others:
FE will pay certain pre-petition FES and FENOC employee-related obligations, which include unfunded pension obligations and other employee benefits, and provides for the waiver of all pre-petition claims (other than those claims under the Tax Allocation Agreement for the 2018 tax year) against the FES Debtors related to the FES Debtors and their businesses, including the full borrowings by FES under the $500 million secured credit facility, the $200 million credit agreement being used to support surety bonds, the BNSF/CSX rail settlement guarantee, and the FES Debtors' unfunded pension obligations, all of which were previously accounted for in the first quarter of 2018 gain on deconsolidation.
The full release of all claims against FirstEnergy by the FES Debtors and their creditors.
A $225 million cash payment from FirstEnergy.
A $628 million aggregate principal amount note issuance by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors, which may be decreased by the amount, if any, of cash paid by FirstEnergy to the FES Debtors under the Intercompany Income Tax Allocation Agreement for the tax benefits related to the sale or deactivation of certain plants.
Transfer of the Pleasants Power Station and related assets to FES or its designee for the benefit of FES’ creditors, which resulted in a pre-tax charge of $43 million in the third quarter of 2018, and a requirement that FE continue to provide FES access to the McElroy's Run CCR Impoundment Facility, which is not being transferred. Prior to transfer and beginning no later than January 1, 2019, FES will acquire the economic interests in Pleasants and AE Supply will operate Pleasants until the transfer. FE will provide certain guarantees for retained environmental liabilities of AE Supply, including the McElroy’s Run CCR Impoundment Facility.
FirstEnergy agrees to waive all pre-petition claims related to shared services and credit nine-months of the FES Debtors' shared service costs beginning as of April 1, 2018, in an amount not to exceed $112.5 million, and FirstEnergy agrees to extend the availability of shared services until no later than June 30, 2020.
FirstEnergy agrees to fund through its pension plan a pension enhancement, subject to a cap, should FES offer a voluntary enhanced retirement package in 2019 and to offer certain other employee benefits.
FirstEnergy agrees to perform under the Intracompany Tax Allocation Agreement through the FES Debtors’ emergence from bankruptcy, at which time FirstEnergy will waive a 2017 overpayment for NOLs of approximately $71 million, reverse 2018 estimated payments for NOLs of approximately $88 million and pay the FES Debtors for the use of NOLs in an amount no less than $66 million (of which approximately $20 million has been paid through September 30, 2018).

FirstEnergy has determined a loss is probable with respect to the FES Bankruptcy and recorded a pre-tax charge in the third quarter of 2018 of $1.2 billion within Discontinued Operations, which reflects the current estimate of the commitments and payments under the settlement agreement.
The settlement agreement remains subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth therein, most notably the issuance of a final order by the Bankruptcy Court approving the plan or plans of reorganization for the FES Debtors that are acceptable to FirstEnergy consistent with the requirements of the settlement agreement. There can be no assurance that such conditions will be satisfied or the settlement agreement will be otherwise consummated, and the actual outcome of this matter may differ materially from the terms of the agreement described herein. FirstEnergy will continue to evaluate the impact of any new factors on the settlement and their relative impact on the financial statements.
In connection with the settlement agreement, FirstEnergy entered into a separation agreement with the FES Debtors to implement the separation of the FES Debtors and their businesses from FirstEnergy. A business separation committee has been established between FirstEnergy and the FES Debtors to review and determine issues that arise in the context of the separation of the FES Debtors’ businesses from those of FirstEnergy.


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In support of the strategic review to exit competitive generation, management launched the FE Tomorrow initiative to define FirstEnergy's future organization to support its regulated business. FE Tomorrow is intended to align corporate services to efficiently support the regulated operations by ensuring that FirstEnergy has the right talent, organizational and cost structure to achieve our earnings growth targets. In support of the FE Tomorrow initiative, in June and early July 2018, nearly 500 employees in the shared services and utility services and sustainability organizations, which was more than 80% of eligible employees, accepted a voluntary enhanced retirement package, which included severance compensation and a temporary pension enhancement, with most employees expected to depart by December 31, 2018. FirstEnergy expects further talent, organizational and cost structure adjustments in order to accomplish the FE Tomorrow goals. Management expects the cost savings resulting from the FE Tomorrow initiative to support the company's growth targets.


As of September 30, 2018,2019, FirstEnergy’s net deficit in working capital (current assets less current liabilities) was due in large part to short-term borrowings andof $1,000 million, currently payable long-term debt.debt of $381 million, and other current liabilities of $1,084 million primarily attributable to interest, customer deposits and anticipated payments under the FES Bankruptcy settlement. Currently payable long-term debt as of September 30, 2018,2019, consisted of the following:
Currently Payable Long-Term Debt (In millions) (In millions)
Unsecured notes $725
 $250
FMBs 325
Secured notes 50
Sinking fund requirements 63
 65
Other notes 15
 16
 $1,128
 $381


FirstEnergy believes its cash from operations and available liquidity will be sufficient to meet its 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 which were amended on October 19, 2018, providing for aggregate commitments of $3.5 billion (Facilities), which are available until December 6, 2022. Under the amended FE Facility, an aggregate amount of $2.5 billion is available to be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed, subject to separate borrowing sublimitssub-limits for each borrower including FE and its regulated distribution subsidiaries. Under the amended FET 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 sublimitssub-limits for each borrower including FE’s transmission subsidiaries. Prior to the amendments to the Facilities, the aggregate commitments under the Facilities was $5.0 billion, which were available until December 6, 2021. FirstEnergy amended the Facilities to reduce costs and to better align FirstEnergy's ongoing liquidity needs with its strategy to be a fully regulated utility company.


Borrowings under their 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 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 Facilities contains financial covenants requiring each borrower to maintain a consolidated debt-to-total-capitalization ratio (as defined under each of the Facilities) of no more than 65%, and 75% for FET, measured at the end of each fiscal quarter.




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FirstEnergy had $1,700$1,000 million and $300$1,250 million of short-term borrowings as of September 30, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively. FirstEnergy’s available liquidity from external sources as of October 19, 2018,31, 2019, was as follows:
Borrower(s) Type Maturity Commitment Available Liquidity  Type Maturity Commitment Available Liquidity
     (In millions)      (In millions)
FirstEnergy(1)
 Revolving December 2022 $2,500
 $2,490
  Revolving December 2022 $2,500
 $2,494
FET(2)
 Revolving December 2022 1,000
 1,000
  Revolving December 2022 1,000
 1,000
   Subtotal $3,500
 $3,490
    Subtotal $3,500
 $3,494
 Cash and cash equivalents 
 594
  Cash and cash equivalents 
 743
   Total $3,500
 $4,084
    Total $3,500
 $4,237


(1) 
FE and the Utilities. Available liquidity includes impact of $10$6 million of LOCs issued under various terms.
(2) 
Includes FET ATSI, MAIT and TrAIL.the Transmission Companies.





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The following table summarizes the borrowing sub-limits 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 September 30, 2018:2019:
Borrower 
FirstEnergy Revolving
Credit Facility
Sub-Limit
 
FET Revolving
Credit Facility
Sub-Limit
 
Regulatory and
Other Short-Term Debt Limitations
  
FirstEnergy Revolving
Credit Facility
Sub-Limit
 
FET Revolving
Credit Facility
Sub-Limit
 
Regulatory and
Other Short-Term Debt Limitations
 
 (In millions)   (In millions)  
FE $4,000
(3) 
 $
 $
(1) 
  $2,500
 $
 $
(1) 
 
FET 
 1,000
 
(1) 
  
 1,000
 
(1) 
 
OE 500
 
 500
(2) 
  500
 
 500
(2) 
 
CEI 500
 
 500
(2) 
  500
 
 500
(2) 
 
TE 500
(3) 
 
 300
(2) 
  300
 
 300
(2) 
 
JCP&L 600
(3) 
 
 500
(2) 
  500
 
 500
(2) 
 
ME 300
(3) 
 
 500
(2) 
  500
 
 500
(2) 
 
PN 300
 
 300
(2) 
  300
 
 300
(2) 
 
WP 200
 
 200
(2) 
  200
 
 200
(2) 
 
MP 500
 
 500
(2) 
  500
 
 500
(2) 
 
PE 150
 
 150
(2) 
  150
 
 150
(2) 
 
ATSI 
 500
 500
(2) 
  
 500
 500
(2) 
 
Penn 50
(3) 
 
 100
(2) 
  100
 
 100
(2) 
 
TrAIL 
 400
 400
(2) 
  
 400
 400
(2) 
 
MAIT 
 400
 400
(2) 
  
 400
 400
(2) 
 
       
(1) 
No limitations.
(2) 
Includes amounts which may be borrowed under the regulated companies'companies’ money pool.
(3)
Effective October 19, 2018, the sublimits were amended as follows - FE - $2.5 billion; TE - $300 million; JCP&L - $500 million; ME - $500 million; and Penn - $100 million.


$250 million of the FE Facility and $100 million of the FET Facility, subject to each borrower’s sub-limit, 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 sub-limit.


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 facilitiesFacilities is related to the credit ratings of the company borrowing the funds, other than the FET facility, which is based on its subsidiaries' credit ratings. 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 September 30, 2018,2019, the borrowers were in compliance with the applicable debt-to-total-capitalization ratio covenants in each case as defined under the respective Facilities. The minimum interest charge coverage ratio no longer applies following FE'sFE’s upgrade to an investment grade credit rating.




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Term Loans


On October 19, 2018, FE entered into two separate syndicated term loan credit agreements, the first being a $1.25 billion 364-day facility with The Bank of Nova Scotia, as administrative agent, and the lenders identified therein, and the second being a $500 million two-year facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders identified therein, respectively, the proceeds of each were used to reduce short-term debt. The term loans contain covenants and other terms and conditions substantially similar to those of the FE revolving credit facility described above, including a consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio. Effective September 11, 2019, the two credit agreements noted above were amended to change the amounts available under the existing facilities from $1.25 billion and $500 million to $1 billion and $750 million, respectively, and extend the maturity dates until September 9, 2020, and September 11, 2021, respectively.


The initial borrowing of $1.75 billion under the new term loans, which took the form of a Eurodollar rate advance, may be converted from time to time, in whole or in part, to alternate base rate advances or other Eurodollar rate advances. Outstanding alternate base rate advances will bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal to the sum of an applicable margin for alternate base rate advances determined by reference to FE’s reference ratings plus the highest of (i) the administrative agent’s publicly-announced “prime rate”,rate,” (ii) the sum of 1/2 of 1% per annum plus the Federal Funds Rate in effect from time to time and (iii) the rate of interest per annum appearing on a nationally-recognized service such as the Dow Jones Market Service (Telerate) equal to one-month LIBOR on each day plus 1%. Outstanding Eurodollar rate advances will bear interest at LIBOR for interest periods of one week or


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one, two, three or six months plus an applicable margin determined by reference to FE’s reference ratings. Changes in FE’s reference ratings would lower or raise its applicable margin depending on whether ratings improved or were lowered, respectively.


FirstEnergy Money Pools


FirstEnergy’s utility operating subsidiary companies also have the ability to borrow from each other and the holding companyFE 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 of FE participating in a money pool.subsidiaries. FESC administers these money pools and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergyFE 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 the first nine months of 20182019 was 2.22%2.43% per annum for the regulated companies’ money pool and 2.92% per annum for the unregulated companies’ money pool.


Long-Term Debt Capacity


FE'sFE’s and its subsidiaries'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 September 30, 2018:October 31, 2019:
 Corporate Credit Rating Senior Secured Senior Unsecured
Outlook (1)
IssuerS&PMoody’sFitchS&PMoody’sFitch S&P Moody’s Fitch S&P Moody’s Fitch
FE BBBBaa3BBB-   BBB- Baa3 BBB-SSP
AGCBBB-Baa2BBB      BBSSS
ATSIBBBA3BBBBBBA3BBB+SSP
CEIBBBBaa2BBBA-A3A-BBBBaa2BBB+SSP
FETBBBBaa2BBB-BBB-Baa2BBB-SSP
JCP&LBBBBaa1BBB    BBB Baa1 BBB+
CEIS A-P Baa1P
A-ME BBB Baa3BBB+
FETBBB-Baa2BBB-
JCP&LA3 BBBBaa2BBB
ME    BBB A3 BBB+SSP
MAITBBBA3BBBBBBA3BBB+SSP
MPBBBBaa2BBBA-A3A-BBBBaa2SSS
OEBBBA3BBBA-A1A-BBBA3BBB+SPP
PNBBBBaa1BBB    BBB Baa1 BBB+
MPS A-SP
PennBBB A3 BBB+BBBBaa2 
OEA1 A-A2A-BBBBaa1BBB+
PN    SPP
PEBBBBaa2BBBA-SSS
TEBBB Baa1 BBB+
PennBBB A- A2 A-   
PES S P
TrAIL BBB+BBB A3 
TEA-Baa1A-
TrAILBBB    BBB A3 BBB+SSP
WP 
BBBA3BBB   A-   SSP

(1) S = Stable and P = Positive
On August 27, 2018, S&P upgraded their issuer credit rating on FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries by one notch to BBB from BBB-.  S&P also raised the issue-level ratings at FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries by one notch, including FE Corp’s unsecured debt rating to BBB- from BB+.



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Debt capacity is subject to the consolidated debt-to-total-capitalization limits in the credit facilities previously discussed. As of September 30, 2018,2019, FE and its subsidiaries could issue additional debt of approximately $8.9$8.5 billion, or incur a $4.8$4.6 billion reduction to equity, and remain within the limitations of the financial covenants required by the FE Facility, as amended on October 19, 2018.Facility.


Changes in Cash Position


As of September 30, 2018,2019, FirstEnergy had $436$716 million of cash and cash equivalents and approximately $51$34 million of restricted cash compared to $589$367 million of cash and cash equivalents ($1 million in discontinued operations) and approximately $54$62 million of restricted cash ($3 million in discontinued operations) as of December 31, 20172018, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.


Cash Flows From Operating Activities


FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s most significant sources of cash are derived from electric service provided by its utilitydistribution and transmission operating subsidiaries and the sales of energy.subsidiaries. The most significant use of cash from operating activities is buying electricity in the wholesale marketto serve non-shopping customers and paying fuel suppliers, employees, tax authorities, lenders and others for a wide range of materials and services.




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FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows combines cash flows from discontinued operations with cash flows from continuing operations within each cash flow statement category. The following table summarizes the major classes of cash flow items asfrom discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 20182019 and 2017:2018:
  For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2018 2017
     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
Income from discontinued operations $370
 $3
Depreciation and amortization, including nuclear fuel, regulatory assets, net, intangible assets and deferred debt-related costs 110
 245
Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative transactions (15) 64
  For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
(In millions) 2019 2018
     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:    
Income (loss) from discontinued operations $(62) $322
Depreciation and amortization, including regulatory assets, net, intangible assets and deferred debt-related costs 
 110


Net cash provided from operating activities was $558$1,737 million during the first nine months of 20182019, compared with $2,762to $558 million in 2017.the same period of 2018. Key changes were as follows:

the absence of FES’ cash from operations in the second and third quarters of 2018;
credit for shared services provided to FES and FENOC during the second and third quarters of 2018;
a $1.25 billion increase$750 million decrease in cash contributions to the qualified pension plan;
a $93 million coal supply agreement settlement payment by AE Supply in the first quarter of 2018;
a $72 million payment in connection with FE's guarantee of remaining payments on FG's settlement of a coal transportation contract dispute; partially offset by
higher transmission revenue reflecting a higher base rate and recovery of incremental operating expenses a higher rate base at ATSI and MAIT andMAIT;
an increase in working capital primarily due to the implementationtiming of new rates at JCP&L; andpayments from customers;
higher distribution services retail receipts reflecting higher weather-related usage and lower storm costs; partially offset by
the implementationabsence of approved rates in Ohio and Pennsylvania.FES’ cash from operations from the first quarter of 2018.




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Cash Flows From Financing Activities


In the first nine months of 2018,2019, cash provided from financing activities was $1,523$665 million compared to cash used for financing activities of $381$1,523 million in the first nine monthssame period of 2017.2018. The following table summarizes new equity and debt financing, equity investments, redemptions, repayments, make-whole premiums paid on debt redemptions, short-term borrowings and dividends:
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
Securities Issued or Redeemed / Repaid 2018 2017 2019 2018
 (In millions) (In millions)
New Issues  
  
  
  
Unsecured notes $550
 $3,450
 $1,850
 $550
PCRBs 74
 
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds 
 74
FMBs 
 350
 250
 
Term Loan 
 250
 $624
 $4,050
 $2,100
 $624
        
Preferred stock issuance $1,616
 $
 $
 $1,616
        
Common stock issuance $850
 $
 $
 $850
        
Redemptions / Repayments  
  
  
  
Unsecured notes $(555) $(1,330) $(725) $(555)
FMBs 
 (150)
Term Loan (1,450) 
PCRBs (216) (158)
Term loan 
 (1,450)
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds 
 (216)
Senior secured notes (57) (73) (59) (57)
 $(2,278) $(1,711) $(784) $(2,278)
        
Make-whole premiums paid on debt redemptions $(89) $
 $
 $(89)
        
Short-term borrowings (repayments), net $1,400
 $(2,175)
Short-term borrowings, net $
 $1,400
        
Preferred stock dividend payments $(52) $
 $(6) $(52)
        
Common stock dividend payments $(527) $(478) $(609) $(527)


On January 22, 2018, FE entered into agreements for the private placement of its equity securities representing an approximately $2.5 billion investment in the Company, including $1.62 billion in mandatorily convertible preferred equity and $85010, 2019, ME issued $500 million of common equity.

On January 22, 2018, FE repaid $1.2 billion of a variable rate syndicated term loan and two separate $125 million term loans using the proceeds from the $2.5 billion equity investment as discussed above.

On May 3, 2018, AGC redeemed $100 million of 5.06%4.30% senior notes due 2021 and paid $5.7 million in related make-whole premiums in connection with2029. Proceeds from the redemption.

On May 10, 2018, MAIT issued $450issuance of senior notes were primarily used to refinance existing indebtedness, including ME’s $300 million of 4.10%7.70% senior notes due 2028.2019, and borrowings outstanding under the FE regulated utility money pool and the FE Facility, to fund capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.

On February 8, 2019, JCP&L issued $400 million of 4.30% senior notes due 2026. Proceeds from the issuance of the senior notes were primarily used to refinance existing indebtedness, including amounts under the FE regulated utility money pool incurred in connection with the repayment at maturity of JCP&L’s $300 million of 7.35% senior notes due 2019 and the funding of storm recovery and restoration costs and expenses, to fund capital expenditures and working capital requirements and for other general corporate purposes.

On March 28, 2019, FET issued $500 million of 4.55% senior notes due 2049. Proceeds from the issuance of the senior notes were used primarily to establish asupport FET’s capital structure, to repay short-term borrowings outstanding under the FE unregulated money pool, to finance capital improvements, and for other general corporate purposes, including funding working capital needs and day-to-day operations.


On June 4, 2018, AE Supply repaid approximately $155 million of 5.75% senior notes dueApril 15, 2019, and approximately $150 million of 6.75% senior notes due 2039, respectively, and paid $83.3 million in related make-whole premiums in connection with repayments.

On June 4, 2018, AE Supply and MP caused to be redeemed $73.5 million of 5.50% PCRBs due 2037. On July 10, 2018, such PCRBs were refinanced as MP issued its $73.5 million pollution control note in connection with the issuance of $73.5 million of 3.0% PCRBs with a mandatory put in October 2021.

On June 11, 2018, AE Supply caused to be redeemed $142 million of 5.25% PCRBs due 2037.


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On June 15, 2018, JCP&L retired $150 million of 4.8% senior notes at maturity.

On September 27, 2018, ATSI issued $100 million of 4.32%4.38% senior notes due 2030.2031. Proceeds from the issuance of the senior notes were used primarily to refinance existing indebtedness, including amounts under the FirstEnergy regulated companies' money pool, and remaining proceeds will be usedrepay short-term borrowings, to fund capital expenditures and working capital needs, and for other general corporate purposes.


On October 3, 2018, PennMay 21, 2019, WP issued $50$100 million of 4.37% first mortgage bonds4.22% FMBs due 2048.2059. Proceeds from the issuance of the FMBs were or are, as the case may be, used to refinance existing indebtedness, to fund capital expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.



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On June 3, 2019, PN issued $300 million of 3.60% senior notes due 2029. Proceeds from the issuance of the senior notes were used to refinance existing indebtedness, including amounts outstanding under the FirstEnergyFE regulated companies'companies’ money pool incurred in connection with the repayment at maturity of PN’s $125 million of 6.63% senior notes due 2019, to fund capital expenditures;expenditures, and for other general corporate purposes.


On October 15, 2018, OE retired $25June 5, 2019, AGC issued $50 million of 8.25% first mortgage bonds at maturity.4.47% senior unsecured notes due 2029. Proceeds from the issuance of the senior notes were used to improve liquidity, re-establish the debt component within its capital structure following the recent redemption of all of its existing long-term debt, and satisfy working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes. 


On August 13, 2019, MP agreed to sell $200 million of FMBs in two tranches. On November 14, 2019, MP will settle $155 million of 3.23% FMBs due 2029 and $45 million of 3.93% FMBs due 2049.

On August 15, 2019, WP issued $150 million of 4.22% FMBs due 2059. Proceeds were used to refinance existing indebtedness, fund capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities


Cash used for investing activities in the first nine months of 20182019 principally represented cash used for property additions and an increase in notes receivable from affiliated companies.additions. The following table summarizes investing activities for the first nine months of 20182019 and the comparable period of 2017:2018:
 For the Nine Months Ended September 30, Increase 
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 Increase
Cash Used for Investing Activities(1)
 2018 2017 (Decrease) 2019 2018 (Decrease)
 (In millions) (In millions)
Property Additions:            
Regulated Distribution $1,011
 $854
 $157
 $1,037
 $1,011
 $26
Regulated Transmission 836
 717
 119
 835
 836
 (1)
Corporate / Other 95
 276
 (181) 40
 95
 (55)
Nuclear fuel 
 156
 (156)
Proceeds from asset sales (419) 
 (419) (18) (419) 401
Investments 44
 72
 (28) 30
 44
 (14)
Notes receivable from affiliated companies 500
 
 500
 
 500
 (500)
Asset removal costs 171
 130
 41
 158
 171
 (13)
Other (1) 1
 (2) (1) (1) 
 $2,237
 $2,206
 $31
 $2,081
 $2,237
 $(156)
      

(1) See Note 3, "Discontinued Operations"“Discontinued Operations,” for major classes of discontinued operations for cash used for investing activities.


Cash used for investing activities for the first nine months of 2018 increased $312019 decreased $156 million, compared to the same period of 2017,2018, primarily due to an increase in notes receivable from affiliated companies, higher property additions and asset removal costs, partially offset by the absence of nuclear fuel purchases and proceeds from the BSPC, Buchanan Generation, LLC and interest in Bath County asset sales. The increase in notes receivable from affiliated companies resulted from FES'FES’ borrowings from the committed line of credit available under the secured credit facility with FE.FE during the first quarter of 2018, lower property additions and asset removal costs, partially offset by lower proceeds from asset sales.


The increasedecrease in property additions werewas due to the following:
an increase of $157 million at Regulated Distribution due to an increase in storm restoration work;
an increase of $119 million at Regulated Transmission due to timing of capital investments associated with its Energizing the Future investment program; partially offset by

a decrease of $181$55 million at Corporate/Other due to lower competitive generation related investments.investments; partially offset by

an increase of $26 million at Regulated Distribution due to investments in electric system improvements and modernization projects to increase reliability.




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GUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCES


FirstEnergy has various financial and performance guarantees and indemnifications which are issued in the normal course of business. These contracts include performance guarantees, stand-by letters of credit, debt guarantees, surety bonds and indemnifications. FirstEnergy enters into these arrangements to facilitate commercial transactions with third parties by enhancing the value of the transaction to the third party. The maximum potential amount of future payments FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries could be required to make under these guarantees as of September 30, 2018,2019, was approximately $1.7$1.6 billion, as summarized below:

Guarantees and Other Assurances Maximum Exposure
  (In millions)
FE's Guarantees and Assurances on Behalf of FES and FENOC  
Energy and Energy-Related Contracts(1)
 $5
Surety Bonds - FG(2)
 200
Deferred compensation arrangements 147
  352
FE's Guarantees on Behalf of its Consolidated Subsidiaries  
AE Supply asset sales(3)
 555
Deferred compensation arrangements 451
Other 5
  1,011
FE's Guarantees on Behalf of Business Ventures  
Global Holding facility 220
   
Other Assurances  
Surety Bonds 131
LOCs(4)
 10
  141
Total Guarantees and Other Assurances $1,724
Guarantees and Other Assurances Maximum Exposure
  (In millions)
FE’s Guarantees on Behalf of FES and FENOC  
Surety Bonds - FG(1)
 $200
Deferred compensation arrangements 143
  343
FE’s Guarantees on Behalf of its Consolidated Subsidiaries  
AE Supply asset sales(2)
 555
Deferred compensation arrangements 424
Fuel related contracts and other 13
  992
FE’s Guarantees and Other Assurances  
Global holding facility 145
Surety Bonds 135
LOCs and other 21
  301
Total Guarantees and Other Assurances $1,636


(1) 
Issued for open-ended terms, with a 10-day termination right by FirstEnergy. As of September 30, 2018, FE recorded an obligation for these guarantees in other non-current liabilities with a corresponding loss from discontinued operations.
(2)
FE provides credit support for FG surety bonds offor $169 million and $31 million for the benefit of the PA DEP with respect to LBR CCR impoundment closure and post-closure activities and the Hatfield'sHatfield’s Ferry CCR disposal site, respectively.
(3)(2) 
As a condition to closing AE Supply'sSupply’s sale of four natural gas generating plants in December 2017, FE provided the purchaser two limited three-year guarantees totaling $555 million of certain obligations of AE Supply and AGC. As part of the settlement agreement inIn connection with the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, FirstEnergy has also committed to provide certain additional guarantees to the FES DebtorsFG for certain retained environmental liabilities of AE Supply related to the Pleasants Power Station and the McElroy'sMcElroy’s Run CCR disposal facility.
(4)
Includes $10 million issued for various terms pursuant to LOC capacity available under FirstEnergy’s revolving credit facilities.


Collateral and Contingent-Related Features


In the normal course of business, FE and its subsidiaries routinely enter into physical or financially settled contracts for the sale and purchase of electric capacity, energy, fuel, and emission allowances. Certain bilateral agreements and derivative instruments 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'sFE’s or its subsidiaries'subsidiaries’ credit ratings from each of the major credit rating agencies. The collateral and credit support requirements vary by contract and by counterparty. The incremental collateral requirement allows for the offsetting of assets and liabilities with the same counterparty, where the contractual right of offset exists under applicable master netting agreements.


Bilateral agreements and derivative instruments entered into by FE and its subsidiaries have margining provisions that require posting of collateral. Based on AE Supply's power portfolio exposure as of September 30, 2018, AE Supply has posted collateral of$1 million. The Utilities and FET's subsidiaries have posted collateral of $10totaling $2 million.






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These credit-risk-related contingent features, or the margining provisions within bilateral agreements, 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. Depending on the volume of forward contracts and future price movements, higher amounts for margining, which is the ability to secure additional collateral when needed, could be required. The following table discloses the potential additional credit rating contingent contractual collateral obligations as of September 30, 2018.2019:
Potential Collateral Obligations AE Supply Utilities and FET FE Total AE Supply Utilities and FET FE Total
 (In millions) (In millions)
Contractual Obligations for Additional Collateral                
At Current Credit Rating $1
 $
 $
 $1
Upon Further Downgrade 
 54
 
 54
Surety Bonds (Collateralized Amount) 1
 60
 246
 307
At current credit rating $1
 $
 $
 $1
Upon further downgrade 
 40
 
 40
Surety Bonds (collateralized amount)(1)
 1
 63
 246
 310
Total Exposure from Contractual Obligations $2
 $114
 $246
 $362
 $2
 $103
 $246
 $351


(1)
Surety Bonds are not tied to a credit rating. Surety Bonds’ impact assumes maximum contractual obligations (typical obligations require 30 days to cure). FE provides credit support for FG surety bonds for $169 million and $31 million for the benefit of the PA DEP with respect to LBR CCR impoundment closure and post-closure activities and the Hatfield’s Ferry CCR disposal site, respectively.
Surety Bonds are not tied to a credit rating. Surety Bonds' impact assumes maximum contractual obligations (typical obligations require 30 days to cure). FE provides credit support for FG surety bonds of $169 million and $31 million for the benefit of the PA DEP with respect to LBR CCR impoundment closure and post-closure activities and the Hatfield's Ferry CCR disposal site, respectively.


Other Commitments and Contingencies


FE is a guarantor under a $300 million syndicated senior secured term loan facility due March 3, 2020, under which Global Holding'sHolding’s outstanding principal balance is $220$145 million as of September 30, 2018.2019. In addition to FE, Signal Peak, Global Rail, Global Mining Group, LLC and Global Coal Sales Group, LLC, each being a direct or indirect subsidiary of Global Holding, continue to provide their joint and several guaranteesguaranties of the obligations of Global Holding under the facility.


In connection with the facility, 69.99% of Global Holding'sHolding’s direct and indirect membership interests in Signal Peak, Global Rail and their affiliates along with FEV'sFEV’s and WMB Marketing Ventures, LLC'sLLC’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'sFirstEnergy’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 September 30, 2018,2019, FirstEnergy has a net liability of $43$20 million in non-hedge derivative contracts that are primarily related to NUG contracts at certain of the Utilities. NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting and do not impact earnings.


Equity Price Risk


As of September 30, 2018,2019, the FirstEnergy pension plan assets were allocated approximately as follows: 41%29% in equity securities, 38%37% in fixed income securities, 9%10% in absolute return strategies, 10%7% in real estate, 1%2% in private equity, 4% in derivatives and 1%11% 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. In January 2018,On February 1, 2019, FirstEnergy satisfied its minimum required funding obligationsmade a $500 million voluntary cash contribution to itsthe qualified pension planplan. As a result of $500 million and addressed funding obligations for future years with an additionalthis contribution, of $750 million.FirstEnergy expects no required contributions through 2021. See Note 5, "Pension“Pension and Other Postemployment Benefits," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional details on FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s pension plans and OPEB.OPEB plans. Through September 30, 2018, FirstEnergy's2019, FirstEnergy’s pension plan assets have earned approximately 0.5%17.4% as compared to an annual expected return on plan assets of 7.5%.


As of September 30, 2018, FirstEnergy's2019, FirstEnergy’s OPEB plans were invested in fixed income and equity securities. Through September 30, 2018, FirstEnergy's2019, FirstEnergy’s OPEB plans have earned approximately 5.3%12.8% as compared to an annual expected return on plan assets of 7.5%.






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NDT funds have been established to satisfy JCP&L, ME and PN'sPN’s nuclear decommissioning obligations associated with TMI-2. As of September 30, 2018,2019, approximately 52%54% of the funds were invested in fixed income securities, 38%41% of the funds were invested in equity securities and 10%5% were invested in short-term investments, with limitations related to concentration and investment grade ratings. The investments are carried at their market values of approximately $440$482 million, $327$361 million and $87$43 million for fixed income securities, equity securities and short-term investments, respectively, as of September 30, 2018,2019, excluding $32$15 million of net receivables, payables and accrued income. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $33$36 million reduction in fair value as of September 30, 2018.2019. A decline in the value of JCP&L, ME and PN'sPN’s NDTs or a significant escalation in estimated decommissioning costs could result in additional funding requirements. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018,2019, JCP&L, ME and PN made no contributions to the NDTs.


Interest Rate Risk


FirstEnergy recognizes net actuarial gains or losses for its pension and OPEB plans in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year.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 of December 31 and the difference between expected and actual returns on the plans'plans’ assets. FirstEnergy would anticipate a pre-taxan after-tax mark-to-market gain/(loss)loss to be in the range of approximately $325$400 million to $(225) million$1 billion assuming a discount rate of approximately 4.50%3.00% to 4.00%3.50% and a return on the pension and OPEB plans'plans’ assets of 0.0% and 7.5%, respectively, based on actual investment performance through September 30, 2018.2019.
CREDIT RISK


Credit risk is the risk that FirstEnergy would incur a loss as a result of nonperformance by counterparties of their contractual obligations. FirstEnergy maintains credit policies and procedures with respect to counterparty credit (including requirementsrequirement that counterparties maintain specified credit ratings) and require other assurances in the form of credit support or collateral in certain circumstancescircumstance in order to limit counterparty credit risk. However, FirstEnergy, as applicable, has concentrations of suppliers and customers among electric utilities, financial institutions and energy marketing and trading companies. These concentrations may impact FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’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 andor PE defaults on its obligation, the Ohio Companies, Pennsylvania Companies, JCP&L and PEaffected company would be required to seek replacement power in the market. In general, subject to regulatory review or other processes, 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'sFirstEnergy’s credit policies to manage credit risk include the use of an established credit approval process, daily monitoring of counterparty positions and the use of master netting agreements or provisions. These agreements generally include credit mitigation provisions, such as margin, prepayment or collateral requirements. FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries may request additional credit assurance, in certain circumstances, in the event that the counterparties'counterparties’ credit ratings fall below investment grade, their tangible net worth falls below specified percentages or their exposures exceed an established credit limit.
OUTLOOK


STATE REGULATION


Each of the Utilities'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 Ohio by the PUCO, 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 are subject to certain regulations of the VSCC. 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. In addition,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.

Following the adoption of the Tax Act, various state regulatory proceedings have been initiated to investigate the impact of the Tax Act on the Utilities’ rates and charges. State proceedings that have arisen are discussed below. The Utilities continue to monitor and investigate the impact of state regulatory proceedings resulting from the Tax Act.


MARYLAND


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


The Maryland legislature adopted a statute in 2008 codifying the EmPOWER Maryland goals to reduce electric consumption and demand and requiringprogram requires each electric utility to file a plan every three years. On July 16, 2015, the MDPSC issued an order setting new incremental energy savings goals for 2017to reduce electric consumption and beyond, beginning with the goal of 0.97% savings achieved under PE's plan for 2016, and increasingdemand 0.2% per year, thereafter to reach 2%. The Maryland legislature in April 2017 adopted a statute requiring the same 0.2% per year increase, up to the ultimate goal of 2% annual savings, for the duration of the 2018-2020 and 2021-2023


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EmPOWER Maryland program cycles, to the extent the MDPSC determines that cost-effective programs and services are available. PE'sPE’s approved 2018-2020 EmPOWER Maryland plan continues and expands upon prior years'years’ programs, and adds new programs, for a projected total cost of $116 million over the three-year period. On December 22, 2017, the MDPSC issued an order approving the 2018-2020 plan with various modifications. PE recovers program 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.




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On February 27, 2013,January 19, 2018, PE filed a joint petition along with other utility companies, work group stakeholders and the MDPSC issued an order requiring the Maryland electric utilitiesvehicle work group leader to submit analyses relating to the costs and benefits of making further system and staffing enhancementsimplement a statewide electric vehicle portfolio in order to attempt to reduce storm outage durations. PE's responsive filings discussed the steps needed to harden the utility's system in order to attempt to achieve various levels of storm response speed described in the February 2013 Order, and projected that it would require approximately $2.7 billion in infrastructure investments over 15 years to attempt to achieve the quickest level of response for the largest storm projected in the February 2013 Order. On July 1, 2014, the Staff of theconnection with a 2016 MDPSC issued a set of reports that recommended the imposition of extensive additional requirements in the areas of storm response, feeder performance, estimates of restoration times, and regulatory reporting, as well as the imposition of penalties, including customer rebates, for a utility's failure or inability to comply with the escalating standards of storm restoration speed proposed by the Staff of the MDPSC. In addition, the Staff of the MDPSC proposed that Maryland utilities be required to develop and implement system hardening plans, up to a rate impact cap on cost. The MDPSC conducted a hearing September 15-18, 2014, to consider certain of these matters, and has not yet issued a ruling on any of those matters.

On September 26, 2016, the MDPSC initiated a new 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. Comments were filed, and a hearing was held in late 2016. On January 31, 2017, the MDPSC issued a notice establishing five working groups to address these issues over the following eighteen months, and also directed the retention of an outside consultant to prepare a report on costs and benefits of distributed solar generation in Maryland. 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. If approved, PE will launchproposed an electric vehicle charging infrastructure program on January 1, 2019, offering up to 2,000 rebates for electric vehicle charging equipment to residential customers, and deploying up to 259 chargers at non-residential customer service locations at a projected total cost of $12 million. PE is proposingmillion, to recover program costs subject tobe recovered over a five-year amortization. On February 6, 2018,January 14, 2019, the MDPSC opened a new proceeding to considerapproved the petition and numerous parties filed comments onsubject to certain reductions in the petition on March 27, 2018.scope of the program. The MDPSC held hearingsapproved PE’s compliance filing, which implements the pilot program, with minor modifications, on the petition in May and September, 2018, after which parties filed final comments.July 3, 2019.


On January 12, 2018, the MDPSC instituted a proceeding to examine the impacts of the Tax Act on the rates and charges of Maryland utilities. PE was required to track and apply regulatory accounting treatment for the impacts beginning January 1, 2018, and submitted a report to the MDPSC on February 15, 2018, estimating that the Tax Act impacts would be approximately $7 million to $8 million annually for PE’s customers. On August 17, 2018, the Staff of the MDPSC filed a reply to PE's February 15, 2018 filing, in which reply the Staff recommended that the MDPSC direct PE to reduce base rates by $6.5 million to reflect reduced federal tax costs pending resolution of PE's upcoming rate case, and that PE further be directed to pay customers a one-time credit for what the Staff estimated were the tax savings to PE through the end of July 2018. On October 5, 2018, the MDPSC issued an order requiring PE to pay a one-time credit for tax savings through September 30, 2018, which PE estimates will be approximately $5 million, and reserved all other Tax Act impacts to be resolved in the pending rate case.

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 requestsrequested an annual increase in base distribution rates of $19.7 million, plus creation of an Electric Distribution Investment surchargeEDIS 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 isreflected $7.3 million less than it otherwise would have been due toin annual savings for customers resulting from the recent federal tax law changes. The evidentiary hearing will commence on JanuaryOn March 22, 2019, andthe MDPSC issued a final order is expected by March 23, 2019.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.


NEW JERSEY


JCP&L currentlyoperates 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. The supply for BGS is comprised of two components, procured through separate, annually held descending clock auctions, the results of which are approved by the NJBPU. One BGS component reflects hourly real time energy prices and is available for larger commercial and industrial customers. The second BGS component provides a fixed price service and is intended for smaller commercial and residential customers. All New Jersey EDCs participate in this competitive BGS procurement process and recover BGS costs directly from customers as a charge separate from base rates.


JCP&L currently operates under rates that were approved byOn April 18, 2019, pursuant to the NJBPU on December 12, 2016, effective asMay 2018 New Jersey enacted legislation establishing a ZEC program to provide ratepayer funded subsidies of January 1, 2017. These rates provide an annual increase in operating revenues of approximately $80 million from those previously in place and are intended to improve service and benefit customers by supporting equipment maintenance, tree trimming, and inspections of lines, poles and substations, while also compensating for other business and operating expenses. In addition, on January 25, 2017,New Jersey nuclear energy supply, the NJBPU approved the accelerationimplementation of the amortization ofa non-bypassable, irrevocable ZEC charge for all New Jersey electric utility customers, including JCP&L’s 2012 major storm expenses that are recovered through the SRC in order forcustomers. Once collected from customers by JCP&L, these funds will be remitted to achieve full recovery byeligible nuclear energy generators.

In December 31, 2019.



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Pursuant to the NJBPU's March 26, 2015, final order in JCP&L's 2012 rate case proceeding directing that certain studies be completed, on July 22, 2015,2017, the NJBPU approved the NJBPU staff's recommendationissued proposed rules to implement such studies, which included operational and financial components. The independent consultant conducting the review issued a final report on July 27, 2016, recognizing that JCP&L is meeting the NJBPU requirements and making various operational and financial recommendations. The NJBPU issued an Order on August 24, 2016, that accepted the independent consultant’s final report and directed JCP&L, the Division of Rate Counsel and other interested parties to address the recommendations.

In an Order issued October 22, 2014, in a generic proceeding to review its policies with respect to the use of a CTA in base rate cases, the NJBPU stated that it would continue to applymodify its current CTA policy in base rate cases subject to incorporating the following modifications:to: (i) calculatingcalculate savings using a five-year look back from the beginning of the test year; (ii) allocatingallocate savings with 75% retained by the company and 25% allocated to rate payers;ratepayers; and (iii) excludingexclude transmission assets of electric distribution companies in the savings calculation. On November 5, 2014, the Division of Rate Counsel appealed the NJBPU Order regarding the generic CTA proceeding to the Superior Court of New Jersey Appellate Division and JCP&L filed to participate as a respondent in that proceeding supporting the order. On September 18, 2017, the Superior Court of New Jersey Appellate Division reversed the NJBPU's Order on the basis that the NJBPU's modification of its CTA methodology did not comply with the procedures of the NJAPA. JCP&L's existing rates are not expected to be impacted by this order. On December 19, 2017, the NJBPU approved the issuance of proposed rules to modify the CTA methodology consistent with its October 22, 2014, Generic Order,calculation, which were published in the NJ Register on January 16, 2018, and republished on February 6, 2018, to correct an error.in the first quarter of 2018.JCP&L filed comments supporting the proposed rulemaking on April 6, 2018.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. JCP&L is contesting this appeal but is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.


At theAlso in December 19, 2017, NJBPU public meeting, 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 July 13, 2018, JCP&L filed an infrastructure plan, JCP&L Reliability Plus, which proposed to accelerate $386.8 million of electric distribution infrastructure investment over four years to enhance the reliability and resiliency of its distribution system and reduce the frequency and duration of power outages. JCP&L requested thatOn January 23, 2019, the NJBPU issuegranted JCP&L’s request to temporarily suspend the procedural schedule in the matter pending settlement discussions. On April 23, 2019, JCP&L filed a final order in December 2018. On August 29, 2018,Stipulation of Settlement with the NJBPU retainedon behalf of the JCP&L, Rate Counsel, NJBPU Staff and New Jersey Large Energy Users Coalition, which provides that JCP&L will invest up to approximately $97 million in capital investments beginning on June 1, 2019 through December 31, 2020. 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. On May 8, 2019, the NJBPU issued an order approving the Stipulation of Settlement without modifications. Pursuant to the Stipulation, JCP&L filed a petition on September 16, 2019, to seek approval of rate adjustments to provide for hearing.cost recovery established with JCP&L Reliability Plus.


On January 31, 2018, the NJBPU instituted a proceeding to examine the impacts of the Tax Act on the rates and charges of New Jersey utilities. The NJBPU ordered New Jersey utilities to: (1) defer on their books the impacts of the Tax Act effective January 1, 2018; (2) to file tariffs effective April 1, 2018, reflecting the rate impacts of changes in current taxes; and (3) to file tariffs effective July 1, 2018, reflecting the rate impacts of changes in deferred taxes. On March 2, 2018, JCP&L filed a petition with the NJBPU, which included proposed tariffs for a base rate reduction of $28.6 million effective April 1, 2018, and a rider to reflect $1.3 million in rate impacts of changes in deferred taxes. On March 26, 2018, the NJBPU approved JCP&L’s rate reduction effective April 1, 2018, on an interim basis subject to refund, pending the outcome of this proceeding. On April 23, 2019, JCP&L filed a Stipulation of Settlement on behalf of the Rate Counsel, NJBPU Staff, and the New Jersey Large Energy Users Coalition with the NJBPU. The terms of the Stipulation of Settlement provide that between January 1, 2018 and March 31, 2018, JCP&L’s refund obligation is estimated to be approximately $7 million, which will be refunded to customers. The Stipulation of Settlement also provides for a base rate reduction of $28.6 million, which was reflected in rates on April 1, 2018, and a Rider Tax Act Adjustment for certain items over a five-year period. On May 8, 2019, the NJBPU however, did not address refunds and other proposed rider tariffs at such time, but may be addressed at a later date.issued an order approving the Stipulation of Settlement without modification.



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OHIO


The Ohio Companies currently operate under ESP IV which commencedeffective June 1, 2016, and expires May 31, 2024. The material terms of ESP IV, as approved in the PUCO’s Opinion and Order issued on March 31, 2016 and Fifth Entry on Rehearing on October 12, 2016, include Rider DMR, which provides for the Ohio Companies to collect $132.5 million annually for three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension. Rider DMR will be grossed up for federal income taxes, resulting in an approved amount of approximately $168 million annually in 2018 and 2019. Revenues from Rider DMR will be excluded from the significantly excessive earnings test for the initial three-year term but the exclusion will be reconsidered upon application for a potential two-year extension. The PUCO set three conditions for continued recovery under Rider DMR: (1) retention of the corporate headquarters and nexus of operations in Akron, Ohio; (2) no change in control of the Ohio Companies; and (3) a demonstration of sufficient progress in the implementation of grid modernization programs approved by the PUCO. ESP IV also continues a base distribution rate freezecontinuing through May 31, 2024. In addition, ESP IV2024, that continues the supply of power to non-shopping customers at a market-based price set through an auction process.

ESP IV alsocontinues a base distribution rate freeze through May 31, 2024 and continues Rider DCR, which supports continued investment related to the distribution system for the benefit of customers, with increased revenue caps of $30 million per year from June 1, 2016 through May 31, 2019; $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. Other material terms of ESP IV include:also includes: (1) the collection of lost distribution revenues associated with energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs; (2) an agreement to file a Grid Modernization Business Plan for PUCO consideration and approval (which filing was made on February 29, 2016, and remains pending); (3) a goal across FirstEnergy to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% below 2005 levels by 2045; (4)and (3) contributions, totaling $51 million to: (a) fund energy conservation programs, economic development and job retention in the Ohio Companies’ service territories; (b) establish a fuel-fund in each of the Ohio Companies’ service territories to assist low-income customers; and (c) establish a Customer Advisory AgencyCouncil to ensure preservation and growth of the competitive market in Ohio; and (5) an agreement to file an application to transition to a straight fixed variable cost recovery mechanismOhio.

In addition, ESP IV provided for residential customers' base distribution rates, which filing was made on April 3, 2017, and which the PUCO denied on June 13, 2018.

Several parties, including the Ohio Companies filed applications for rehearing regarding the Ohio Companies’ ESP IV with the PUCO. The Ohio Companies’ application for rehearing challenged, among other things, the PUCO’s failure to adopt the Ohio Companies’ suggested modifications tocollect through Rider DMR. The Ohio Companies had previously suggested that a properly designed Rider


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DMR would be valued at $558$132.5 million annually for eightthree years beginning in 2017, grossed up for federal income taxes, resulting in an approved amount of approximately $168 million annually in 2018 and include an additional amount that recognizes2019. Revenues from Rider DMR are excluded from the value ofsignificantly excessive earnings test. On appeal, the economic impact of FirstEnergy maintaining its headquarters in Ohio. Other parties’ applications for rehearing argued, among other things, thatSCOH, on June 19, 2019, reversed the PUCO’s adoption ofdetermination that Rider DMR is not supported by law or sufficient evidence.lawful, and remanded the matter to the PUCO with instructions to remove Rider DMR from ESP IV. On August 16, 2017,20, 2019, the PUCO denied all remaining intervenor applications for rehearing,SCOH denied the Ohio Companies’ challengesmotion for reconsideration. The PUCO entered an Order directing the Ohio Companies to the modifications tocease further collection through Rider DMR, and addedcredit back to customers a third-party monitor to ensure thatrefund of Rider DMR funds are spent appropriately.collected since July 2, 2019, and remove Rider DMR from ESP IV. The Ohio Companies filed revised tariffs to implement the refund of Rider DMR funds collected since July 2, 2019. On September 15, 2017,October 1, 2019, the Ohio Companies implemented PUCO approved tariffs to refund approximately $28 million to customers, including Rider DMR revenues billed from July 2, 2019 through August 31, 2019.

On July 15, 2019, OCC filed an application for rehearinga Notice of Appeal with the SCOH, challenging the PUCO’s exclusion of Rider DMR revenues from the determination of the PUCO’s August 16,existence of significantly excessive earnings under ESP IV for calendar year 2017 ruling on the issues of the third-party monitor and the ROE calculation for advanced metering infrastructure. On October 11, 2017, the PUCO denied the Ohio Companies' application for rehearing on both issues. On October 16, 2017, the Sierra Club and the OMAEG filed notices of appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio appealing various PUCO entries on their applications for rehearing. On November 16, 2017, theclaiming a $42 million refund is due to OE customers. The Ohio Companies intervened inintend to contest this appeal but are unable to predict the appeal. Additional parties subsequently filed noticesoutcome of appeal with the Supreme Court ofthis matter.

Under Ohio challenging various PUCO entries on their applications for rehearing. On February 26, 2018, appellants filed their briefs. Briefs of the PUCO and the Ohio Companies were filed on May 29, 2018. On July 9, 2018, appellants filed their reply briefs. On September 26, 2018, the Supreme Court of Ohio denied a July 30, 2018 joint motion filed by the OCC, the NOAC, and the OMAEG to stay the portions of the PUCO's orders and entries under appeal that authorized Rider DMR. Oral argument on the appeals is scheduled for January 9, 2019.

Under ORC 4928.66,law, the Ohio Companies are required to implement energy efficiency programs that achieve certain annual energy savings and total peak demand reductions. Starting in 2017, ORC 4928.66 requires the energy savings benchmark to increase by 1% and the peak demand reduction benchmark to increase by 0.75% annually thereafter through 2020 and the energy savings benchmark to increase by 2% annually from 2021 through 2027, with a cumulative benchmark of 22.2% by 2027. On April 15, 2016, theThe Ohio Companies filed an application for approval of their three-year energy efficiency portfolio plans for the period from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019. The plans as proposed comply with benchmarks contemplated by ORC 4928.66 and provisions of the ESP IV, and includeCompanies’ 2017-2019 plan includes a portfolio of energy efficiency programs targeted to a variety of customer segments, including residential customers, low income customers, small commercial customers, large commercial and industrial customers and governmental entities. On December 9, 2016, the Ohio Companies filed a Stipulation and Recommendation with several parties that contained changes to the plan and a decrease in the plan costs.segments. The Ohio Companies anticipate the cost of the plansplan will be approximately $268 million over the life of the portfolio plansplan and such costs are expected to be recovered through the Ohio Companies’ existing rate mechanisms. On November 21, 2017, the PUCO issued an order that approved the filed Stipulation and Recommendationproposed plan with several modifications, including a cap on the Ohio Companies’ collection of program costs and shared savings set at4% of the Ohio Companies’ total sales to customerscustomers. On October 15, 2019, the SCOH reversed the PUCO’s decision to impose the 4% cost-recovery cap and remanded the matter to the PUCO for approval of the portfolio plans without the cost-recovery cap.

On July 23, 2019, Ohio enacted legislation establishing support for nuclear energy supply in Ohio. In addition to the provisions supporting nuclear energy, the legislation included a provision implementing a decoupling mechanism for Ohio electric utilities. The legislation also is ending current energy efficiency program mandates on December 31, 2020, provided statewide energy efficiency mandates are achieved as reporteddetermined by the PUCO. On October 23, 2019, the PUCO solicited comments on 2015 FERC Form 1. On December 21, 2017,whether the PUCO should terminate the energy efficiency programs once the statewide energy efficiency mandates are achieved. The Ohio Companies plan to apply to the PUCO for approval of the decoupling mechanism later this year, 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 CompaniesCompanies. Opponents to the legislation are petitioning to submit the legislation to a statewide referendum on the November 2020 ballot, and stay its effect unless and until approved by a majority of Ohio voters. On September 4, 2019, a lawsuit was filed an application for rehearingwith the SCOH, challenging the PUCO’s modificationreferendum on the grounds that the provisions supporting nuclear energy are a new tax and taxes cannot be overturned by referendum. On October 7, 2019, petitioners filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio challenging various Ohio legal requirements for a referendum, and seeking additional time to gather signatures in support of a referendum. Petitioners did not meet the StipulationOctober 21, 2019 deadline to file the necessary number of petition signatures. On October 23, 2019, legislation went into effect. The U.S. District Court denied petitioners’ request for more time, and Recommendationcertified questions of state law to include the 4% cost cap, which was denied by the PUCO on January 10, 2018. On March 12, 2018,SCOH to answer.

In February 2016, the Ohio Companies filed a NoticeGrid Modernization Business Plan for PUCO consideration and approval, as required by the terms of Appeal with the Supreme Court of Ohio challenging the PUCO’s imposition of a 4% cost cap. Various other parties also filed Notices of Appeal challenging various PUCO entries on their applications for rehearing. The Ohio Companies filed their brief on May 21, 2018. The PUCO filed its brief on July 30, 2018, and the Ohio Companies filed their reply brief on September 10, 2018. Oral argument on the appeals is scheduled for February 20, 2019.

Ohio law requires electric utilities and electric service companies in Ohio to serve part of their load from renewable energy resources measured by an annually increasing percentage amount through 2026, except that in 2014 SB310 froze 2015 and 2016 requirements at the 2014 level (2.5%), pushing back scheduled increases, which resumed in 2017 (3.5%), and increases 1% each year through 2026 (to 12.5%) and shall remain at 12.5% in 2027 and each year thereafter. The Ohio Companies conducted RFPs in 2009, 2010 and 2011 to secure RECs to help meet these renewable energy requirements. In September 2011, the PUCO opened a docket to review the Ohio Companies' alternative energy recovery rider through which the Ohio Companies recover the costs of acquiring these RECs. The PUCO issued an Opinion and Order on August 7, 2013, approving the Ohio Companies' acquisition process and their purchases of RECs to meet statutory mandates in all instances except for certain purchases arising from one auction and directed the Ohio Companies to credit non-shopping customers in the amount of $43.4 million, plus interest, on the basis that the Ohio Companies did not prove such purchases were prudent. On December 24, 2013, following the denial of their application for rehearing, the Ohio Companies filed a Notice of Appeal and a motion for stay of the PUCO's order with the Supreme Court of Ohio, which was granted. The OCC and the ELPC also filed appeals of the PUCO's order. On January 24, 2018, the Supreme Court of Ohio reversed the PUCO order finding that the order violated the rule against retroactive ratemaking. On February 5, 2018, the OCC and ELPC filed a motion for reconsideration, to which the Ohio Companies responded in opposition on February 15, 2018. On April 25, 2018, the Supreme Court of Ohio denied the motion for reconsideration. As a result, in the second quarter of 2018, the Ohio Companies recognized a pre-tax benefit to earnings (within the Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net line on the Consolidated Statement of Income (Loss)) of approximately $72 million to reverse the liability associated with the PUCO opinion and order.

ESP IV. On December 1, 2017, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO for approval of a DPM Plan. The DPM Plan, is a portfolio of approximately $450 million in distribution platform investment projects, which are designed to modernize the Ohio Companies’ distribution grid, prepare it for further grid modernization projects, and provide customers with immediate reliability benefits. The Ohio Companies have requested that the PUCO issue an order approving the DPM Plan and associated cost recovery so that the Ohio Companies can expeditiously commence the DPM Plan and customers can begin to realize the associated benefits.

OnAlso, on January 10, 2018, the PUCO opened a case to consider the impacts of the Tax Act on Ohio utilities’ rates and determine the appropriate course of action to pass benefits on to customers. On November 9, 2018, the Ohio Companies filed a settlement agreement that provides for the implementation of the 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. As part of the agreement, the Ohio Companies also filed an application for approval of a rider to return the remaining


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tax savings to customers following PUCO approval of the settlement. On January 25, 2019, the Ohio Companies filed a supplemental settlement agreement that keeps intact the provisions of the settlement described above and adds further customer benefits and protections, which broadened support for the settlement. The settlement has 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. On July 17, 2019, the PUCO approved the settlement agreement with no material modifications. On August 16, 2019, environmental advocates who were not parties to the settlement filed an application for rehearing challenging the PUCO’s approval of the settlement. On September 11, 2019, the PUCO denied the application for rehearing.

The Ohio Companies’ Rider NMB is designed to recover NMB transmission-related costs imposed on or charged to the Ohio Companies by FERC or PJM. On December 14, 2018, the Ohio Companies filed an application for a review of their 2019 Rider NMB, including recovery of future Legacy RTEP costs and previously absorbed Legacy RTEP costs, net of refunds received from PJM. On February 27, 2018, the PUCO issued an order directing the Ohio Companies to file revised final tariffs recovering Legacy RTEP costs incurred since May 31, 2018, but excluding recovery of approximately $95 million in Legacy RTEP costs incurred prior to May 31, 2018, net of refunds received from PJM. The PUCO solicited comments on whether the Ohio Companies should be permitted to recover the Legacy RTEP charges incurred prior to May 31, 2018. The Ohio Companies, effective January 1, 2018, were required to establish a regulatory liability for the estimated reduction in federal income tax resulting from the Tax Act,OCC and OMAEG filed comments on February 15, 2018, explaining that customers will save nearly $40 million annually as a result of updating tariff riders for the tax rate changes and that


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the Ohio Companies’ base distribution rates are not impacted by the Tax Act changes because they are frozen through May 2024.March 29, 2019. The Ohio Companies filed reply comments on March 7, 2018.April 15, 2019. On October 24, 2018,9, 2019, the PUCO entered an Order in its investigation intoapproved the impactsrecovery of the Tax Act on Ohio's utilities directing that$95 million of previously excluded Legacy RTEP charges.

PENNSYLVANIA

The Pennsylvania Companies operate under rates approved by the PPUC, effective as of January 1, 2019, all Ohio rate-regulated utility companies, unless ordered otherwise, file applications not27, 2017. These rates were adjusted for an increase in rates to reflect the net impact of the Tax Act, on each specific utility's current rates.

PENNSYLVANIA

effective March 15, 2018. The net impact of the Tax Act for the period January 1, 2018 through March 14, 2018 must also be separately tracked for treatment in a future rate proceeding. The Pennsylvania Companies operate under DSPs for the June 1, 20172019 through May 31, 20192023 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 DSPs, the supply will be provided by wholesale suppliers through a mix of 12 and 24-month energy contracts, as well as one RFP for 2-year SREC contracts for ME, PN and Penn. The DSPs include modifications to the Pennsylvania Companies’ POR programs in order to reduce the level of uncollectible expense the Pennsylvania Companies experience associated with alternative EGS charges.


On December 11, 2017, the Pennsylvania Companies filed DSPs for the June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2023 delivery period. Under the 2019-2023 DSPs, the supply is proposed towill 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. The 2019-2023 DSPs as proposed also include modifications to the Pennsylvania Companies’ POR programs in order to continue their clawback pilot program as a long-term, permanent program. The 2019-2023 DSPs also introduce a retail market enhancement rate mechanism designed to stimulate residential customer shopping, andprogram term, modifications to the Pennsylvania Companies’ customer class definitions to allow for the introduction of hourly priced default service to customers at or above 100kW. A hearing was held on April 10, 2018, and the ALJ issued a recommended decision dated May 31, 2018. The decision recommended approval of the Pennsylvania Companies' DSPs as originally proposed with two exceptions: it recommended rejecting the proposed retail market enhancement rate mechanism, and establishing limitations on customer assistance program customers' shopping. Exceptions were filed by two parties on June 28, 2018, to which the Pennsylvania Companies filed reply exceptions on July 9, 2018. On September 4, 2018, the PPUC issued an order approving the Pennsylvania Companies' DSPs and directed a working group to further discuss the implementation of100kW, customer assistance program shopping limitations, and appropriate scripting forscript modifications related to the Pennsylvania Companies'Companies’ customer referral programs. The Pennsylvania Companies and two other parties filed petitions for reconsideration to that order on the limited issue of timing and scope of the working group discussion related to customer assistance program shopping limitations, which are pending PPUC review at this time. programs.


The Pennsylvania Companies operate under rates that were approved by the PPUC on January 19, 2017, effective as of January 27, 2017. These rates provide annual increases in operating revenues of approximately $96 million at ME, $100 million at PN, $29 million at Penn, and $66 million at WP, and are intended to benefit customers by modernizing the grid with smart technologies, increasing vegetation management activities, and continuing other customer service enhancements.

Pursuant to Pennsylvania's EE&C legislation inPennsylvania Act 129 of 2008 and PPUC orders, Pennsylvania EDCs implement energy efficiency and peak demand reduction programs. On June 19, 2015, the PPUC issued a Phase III Final Implementation Order setting: demand reduction targets, relative to each Pennsylvania Companies' 2007-2008 peak demand (in MW), at 1.8%for ME, 1.7% for Penn, 1.8% for WP, and 0% for PN; and energy consumption reduction targets, as a percentage of each Pennsylvania Companies’ historic 2010 forecasts (in MWH), at 4.0% for ME, 3.9%for PN, 3.3% for Penn, and 2.6% for WP. The Pennsylvania Companies'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'sPPUC’s Phase III Final Implementation Order with full recovery through the reconcilable EE&C riders.


Pursuant to Act 11 of 2012, Pennsylvania EDCs may establish a DSIC to recover costs of infrastructure improvements and costs related to highway relocation projects with PPUC approval. Pennsylvania EDCs must file LTIIPs outlining infrastructure improvement plans for PPUC review and approval must be filed prior to approval of a DSIC. On February 11, 2016, the PPUC approved LTIIPs for each of the Pennsylvania Companies. On June 14, 2017, the PPUC approved modified LTIIPs for ME, PN and Penn for the remaining years of 2017 through 2020 to provide additional support for reliability and infrastructure investments. The LTIIPs estimated costs for the remaining period ofOn September 20, 2018, to 2020 are: WP $50.1 million; PN $44.8 million; Penn $33.2 million; and ME $51.3 million. On April 10, 2018, the PPUC notified each of the Pennsylvania Companies that the PPUC was initiatingfollowing a periodic review of the LTIIPs as required by regulation once every five years, and soliciting comments from interested parties. On May 10, 2018, the Pennsylvania Companies each filed comments explaining that their LTIIPs are effective and that changes to the respective LTIIPs are not necessary. No parties other than the Pennsylvania Companies filed comments. On September 20, 2018, the PPUC entered an Order concluding that the Pennsylvania Companies have substantially adhered to the schedules and expenditures outlined in their LTIIPs, but that changes to the LTIIPs as designed are necessary to maintain and improve reliability. The PPUCreliability and directed the Pennsylvania Companies to file modified or new LTIIPs within 60 days of the Order; however, on October 17, 2018, the Pennsylvania Companies requested a 60-day extension to file the new or modified LTIIPs.

On February 16, 2016,January 18, 2019, the Pennsylvania Companies filed ridersmodifications to their current LTIIPs that would terminate those LTIIPs at the end of 2019, and proposed revised LTIIP spending in 2019 of approximately $45 million by ME, $25 million by PN, $26 million by Penn and $51 million by WP. The Pennsylvania Companies also committed to making filings later in 2019, which would propose new LTIIPs for the 2020 through 2024 period. On May 23, 2019, the PPUC issued an order approving the Pennsylvania Companies’ Modified LTIIPs as filed. On August 30, 2019, the Pennsylvania Companies filed individual Petitions for approval of proposed 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 September 30, 2019, the Pennsylvania OCA submitted comments on the Pennsylvania Companies’ LTIIPs. A PPUC decision is expected by year-end.

The Pennsylvania Companies’ approved DSIC riders for quarterly cost recovery which were approved by the PPUC on June 9, 2016, and went into effect July 1, 2016, subject to hearings and refund or reallocation among customer classes. OnIn the January 19, 2017 in the PPUC’s order approving the Pennsylvania Companies’ general rate cases, the PPUC added an additional issue to the DSIC proceeding to include whether ADIT should be included in DSIC calculations. On February 2, 2017,


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the parties to the DSIC proceeding submitted a Joint Settlement to the ALJ that resolved the issues that were pending from the order issued on June 9, 2016. On August 31, 2017, the ALJ issued a decision recommending that the complaint of the Pennsylvania OCA be granted by the PPUC such that the Pennsylvania Companies reflect all federal and state income tax deductions related to DSIC-eligible property in the currently effective DSIC rates. On April 19, 2018, the PPUC approved the Joint Settlement without modification and reversed the ALJ'sALJ’s previous decision that would have required the Pennsylvania Companies to reflect all federal and state income tax deductions related to DSIC-eligible property in currently effective DSIC rates. On May 21, 2018, the Pennsylvania OCA filed an appeal with the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court of the PPUC'sPPUC’s decision of April 19, 2018. On June 11, 2018, the Pennsylvania Companies filed a Notice of Intervention in the Pennsylvania OCA'sOCA’s appeal to the Commonwealth Court. On July 11, 2019, the Commonwealth Court issued an opinion and order reversing the PPUC’s decision of April 19, 2018 and


On February 12, 2018,

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remanding the matter to the PPUC initiated a proceeding to determine the effects of the Tax Act on the tax liability of utilities and the feasibility of reflecting such impacts in rates charged to customers. On March 9, 2018,require the Pennsylvania Companies submittedto revise their calculation of the net annual effect of the Tax Act ontariffs and DSIC calculations to include ADIT and state income tax expense and rate base to be $37 million for ME, $40 million for PN, $9 million for Penn, and $30 million for WP. The Pennsylvania Companies also filed comments proposing that rates be adjusted to reflect the tax rate changes prospectively from the date of a final PPUC order via a reconcilable rider, with the amount that would otherwise accrue between January 1, 2018 and the date of a final order being used to invest in the Pennsylvania Companies’ infrastructure.taxes. On March 15, 2018,July 25, 2019, the PPUC issued a Temporary Rates Order making the Pennsylvania Companies’ rates temporary and subject to refund for six months. On May 17, 2018, the PPUC issued orders directing that the Pennsylvania Companies implement a reconcilable negative surcharge mechanism in order to refund to customers the net effectfiled separate Applications for Reargument of the Tax Act forCommonwealth Court’s July 11, 2019 Opinion and Order. The Applications were denied by the period July 1, 2018, through December 31, 2018, to be prospectively updated for new rates effective January 1,Commonwealth Court by Orders entered September 4, 2019. The Pennsylvania Companies were also directed to establish a regulatory liability for the net impact of the Tax Act for the period of January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018. On June 14, 2018,October 7, 2019, the PPUC issued an order revising this directive such thatand the Pennsylvania Companies must instead establish accountsfiled separate Petitions for Allowance of Appeal of the Commonwealth Court’s Opinion and Order to track tax savingsthe Pennsylvania Supreme Court. 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 January 1, 2018, through March 14, 2018, and record regulatory liabilities associated with tax savings for only the period March 15, 2018 through June 30, 2018.of its proposed LTIIP. The cumulative valuePennsylvania Office of the tracked amountsSmall Business Advocate and the regulatory liability is expected to amount to $12 million for ME, $13 million for PN, $3 million forPennsylvania OCA have opposed Penn’s Petition. On September 20, 2019, Penn and $10 million for WP. These amounts are expected to be addressedfiled its direct testimony in the Pennsylvania Companies' next available rate proceedings, or independent filings to be made within three years, whichever comes sooner. The Pennsylvania Companies filed voluntary surcharges on June1, 2018, to adjust rates for the reduced tax rate, which were effective for bills rendered starting July 1, 2018. For the first six-month period, the surcharge is expected to return to customers $19 million for ME, $20 million for PN, $5 million for Penn, and $15 million for WP.support of its Petition.


WEST VIRGINIA


MP and PE provide electric service to all customers through traditional cost-based, regulated utility ratemaking.ratemaking and operates 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'sMP’s and PE'sPE’s ENEC rate is updated annually.


On August 31, 2018,21, 2019, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC their annual ENEC case requesting a $100.9 million decrease in their ENEC rates proposed to be effectiveof $6.1 million beginning January 1, 2019, which includes2020, representing a $25.6 million annual decrease impact associated with the settlement regarding the impact of the Tax Act on West Virginia rates, as noted below. Additionally, the August 31, 2018 filing includes an elimination of the Energy Efficiency Cost Rate Surcharge effective January 1, 2019, equating to an additional $2.1 million decrease. The rate decreases represent an approximate 7.2% annual0.4% decrease in rates versus those in effect on August 31, 2018. Hearings before the WVPSC are scheduled for November 27 and 28, 2018.

21, 2019.  On January 3, 2018, the WVPSC initiated a proceeding to investigate the effects of the Tax Act on the revenue requirements of utilities. MP and PE must track the tax savings resulting from the Tax Act on a monthly basis, effective January 1, 2018. On January 26, 2018, the WVPSC issued an order clarifying that regulatory accounting should be implemented as of January 1, 2018, including the recording of any regulatory liabilities resulting from the Tax Act.October 11, 2019, MP and PE filed written testimony on May 30, 2018, explaining the impacta supplement requesting approval of the Tax Acttermination of the 50 MW PPA with Morgantown Energy Associates, a NUG entity. A settlement between MP, PE, and the majority of the intervenors fully resolving the ENEC case, which maintains 2019 ENEC rates into 2020, and supports the termination of the Morgantown Energy Associates PPA was filed with the WVPSC on federal income taxOctober 18, 2019. A hearing has been set for December 11, 2019 to consider the settlement, and revenue requirements and showing an annual rate impact of $26.2 million.order is expected in December 2019 for rates effective January 1, 2020.

On August 21, 2019, MP and PE the Staff offiled with the WVPSC the WV Consumer Advocate,for a reconciliation of their VMS and a coalitionperiodic review of industrial customers entered intoits vegetation management program requesting an increase in VMS rates of $7.6 million beginning January 1, 2020. The increase is due to moving from a settlement agreement5-year maintenance cycle to a 4-year cycle and performing more operation and maintenance work and less capital work on the rights of way. The increase is a 0.5% increase in rates versus those in effect on August 23, 2018,21, 2019. The hearing in this matter has been set for December 11, 2019.

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 have $25.6 million in rate reductions flow through to customers beginning September 1, 2018,their wholesale services and to defer torates, the next base rate case (or a separate proceeding if a base rate case is not filed by August 31, 2020) the amount and classification of the excess ADITs resulting from the Tax ActUtilities, AE Supply, AGC, and the issueTransmission 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 whetherJCP&L, MP, PE, WP and PE should be requiredthe Transmission Companies are subject to creditfunctional control by PJM and transmission service using their transmission facilities is provided by PJM under the PJM Tariff.

FERC regulates the sale of power for resale in interstate commerce in part by granting authority to customers any ofpublic utilities to sell wholesale power at market-based rates upon showing that the reduced income tax expense occurring between January 1, 2018seller cannot exert market power in generation or transmission or erect barriers to entry into markets. The Utilities and August 31, 2018. The WVPSC approvedAE 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 major wholesale purchases remain subject to regulation by the settlement on August 24, 2018.relevant state commissions.


FERC MATTERS

Reliability Matters

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, ATSI, MAIT and TrAIL.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 eightsix regional entities, including RFC. All of FirstEnergy'sthe 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.



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FirstEnergy believes that it is in material compliance with all currently-effectivecurrently 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'sFirstEnergy’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.


PJM Transmission Rates


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PJM and its stakeholders have been debating the proper method to allocate costs for a certain class of new transmission facilities since 2005. While FirstEnergy and other parties advocate for a traditional "beneficiary pays" (or usage based) approach, others advocate for “socializing” the costs on a load-ratio share basis, where each customer in the zone would pay based on its total usage of energy within PJM. This question has been the subject of extensive litigation before FERC and the appellate courts, including before the Seventh Circuit. On June 25, 2014, a divided three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit ruled that FERC had not quantified the benefits that western PJM utilities would derive from certain new 500 kV or higher lines and thus had not adequately supported its decision to socialize the costs of these lines. The majority found that eastern PJM utilities are the primary beneficiaries of the lines, while western PJM utilities are only incidental beneficiaries, and that, while incidental beneficiaries should pay some share of the costs of the lines, that share should be proportionate to the benefit they derive from the lines, and not on load-ratio share in PJM as a whole. The court remanded the case to FERC, which issued an order setting the issue of cost allocation for hearing and settlement proceedings. On June 15, 2016, various parties, including ATSI and the Utilities, filed a settlement agreement at FERC agreeing to apply a combined usage based/socialization approach to cost allocation for charges to transmission customers in the PJM Region for transmission projects operating at or above 500 kV. For historical transmission costs prior to January 1, 2016, the settlement agreement provides a “black-box” schedule of credits to and payments from customers across PJM’s transmission zones. From January 1, 2016 forward, PJM will collect a charge for the revenue requirement associated with each transmission enhancement through a “50/50” calculation, with 50% based on a load-ratio share and the other 50% solution-based distribution factor (DFAX) hybrid method. On May 31, 2018, FERC approved the settlement agreement as filed, without conditions. As a result of the settlement, FirstEnergy recorded a pre-tax benefit of approximately $73 million and $42 million during the second and third quarters, respectively (within the Other operating expenses line on the Consolidated Statement of Income), relating to the amount of refund the Ohio Companies will receive and retain from PJM for the period prior to January 1, 2016. PJM implemented the settlement for transmission service purchased in July 2018 in customer bills beginning in August 2018. FirstEnergy does not expect a material impact from implementation of the settlement agreement going forward. Requests for rehearing or clarification of FERC's May 31, 2018, orders and related responses remain pending before FERC.


RTO Realignment


On June 1, 2011, ATSI and the ATSI zone transferred from MISO to PJM. While many of the matters involved with the move have been resolved, FERC denied recovery under ATSI'sATSI’s transmission rate for certain charges that collectively can be described as "exit fees"“exit fees” and certain other transmission cost allocation charges totaling approximately $78.8 million until such time as ATSI submits a cost/benefit analysis demonstrating net benefits to customers from the transfer to PJM. Subsequently, FERC rejected a proposed settlement agreement to resolve the exit fee and transmission cost allocation issues, stating that its action is without prejudice to ATSI submitting a cost/benefit analysis demonstrating that the benefits of the RTO realignment decisions outweigh the exit fee and transmission cost allocation charges. On March 17, 2016,In a subsequent order, FERC denied FirstEnergy's request for rehearing of FERC's earlier order rejecting the settlement agreement and affirmed its prior ruling that ATSI must submit the cost/benefit analysis. ATSI is evaluating the cost/benefit approach.


Separately, FirstEnergy joined certain other PJM TOs in a protest of MISO's proposal to allocate MVP costs to energy transactions that cross MISO's borders into the PJM Region. On July 13, 2016, FERC issued its order finding it appropriate for MISO to assess an MVP usage charge for power withdrawals from MISO to PJM. Various parties, including FirstEnergy and the PJM TOs, requested rehearing or clarification of FERC’s order. On September 20, 2018, FERC issued an order denying rehearing and affirming and clarifying its prior decision that MISO may allocate MVP costs to PJM customers for power withdrawals from MISO to PJM as such exports occur.

The outcome of the proceedings that address the remaining open issues related to MVP costs cannot be predicted at this time.

PATH Transmission Project

In 2012, the PJM Board of Managers canceled the PATH project, a proposed transmission line from West Virginia through Virginia and into Maryland. As a result of PJM canceling the project, approximately $62 million and approximately $59 million in costs incurred by PATH-Allegheny and PATH-WV, respectively, were reclassified from net property, plant and equipment to a regulatory asset for future recovery. PATH-Allegheny and PATH-WV requested authorization from FERC to recover the costs with a proposed ROE of 10.9% (10.4% base plus 0.5% for RTO membership) from PJM customers over five years. FERC issued an order denying the 0.5% ROE adder for RTO membership and allowing the tariff changes enabling recovery of these costs to become effective on


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December 1, 2012, subject to hearing and settlement procedures. On January 19, 2017, FERC issued an order reducing the PATH formula rate ROE from 10.4% to 8.11% effective January 19, 2017 and allowing recovery of certain related costs. On February 21, 2017, PATH filed a request for rehearing with FERC seeking recovery of disallowed costs and requesting that the ROE be reset to 10.4% for the entire amortization period. The Edison Electric Institute submitted an amicus curiae request for reconsideration in support of PATH. On March 20, 2017, PATH also submitted a compliance filing implementing the January 19, 2017 order. Certain affected ratepayers challenged the compliance filing, and FERC Staff requested additional information on, and edits to, the compliance filing, as directed by the January 19, 2017 order. PATH responded to comments and Staff’s request. FERC orders on PATH's requests for rehearing and compliance filing remain pending.

FERC Actions on Tax Act


On March 15, 2018, FERC took action to address the impact of the Tax Act on FERC-jurisdictional rates, including transmission and electric wholesale rates. FERC directed MP, PE and WP to either submit a joint filing to adjust the transmission rate for the Allegheny Power transmission zone in the PJM Region to address the impact of the Tax Act changes in effective tax rate, or to “show cause” as to why such action is not required. FERC established a refund effective date of March 21, 2018 for any refunds as a result of the change in tax rate. On May 14, 2018, MP, PE and WP submitted revisions to their joint stated transmission rate to reflect the reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate. The revisions reduce the rate by 6.70%. There were no comments submitted in response to the proposed revisions, and the matter is now before FERC for further action. FERC is not at this time requiring other FirstEnergy FERC-jurisdictional companies to make changes to their transmission or wholesale rates. However, these rates may be affected by a related FERC "Notice of Inquiry" assessing the impact of the Tax Act on certain rate components.

Also, on March 15, 2018, FERC issued a Notice of InquiryNOI seeking information regarding whether and how FERC should address possible changes to accumulated deferred income taxesADIT and bonus depreciation as a result of the Tax Act. Such possible changes could impact FERC-jurisdictional rates, including wholesaletransmission rates. Various entities submitted responsesOn November 15, 2018, FERC issued a NOPR suggesting mechanisms to revise transmission rates to address the NoticeTax Act’s effect on ADIT. Specifically, FERC proposed utilities with transmission formula rates would include mechanisms to (i) deduct any excess ADIT from or add any deficient ADIT to their rate bases; (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. Utilities with transmission stated rates would determine the amount of Inquiry.excess and deferred income tax caused by the reduced federal corporate income tax rate and return or recover this amount to or from customers. To assist with implementation of the proposed rule, FERC also issued on November 15, 2018, a policy statement providing accounting and ratemaking guidance for treatment of ADIT for all FERC-jurisdictional public utilities. The policy statement also addresses the accounting and ratemaking treatment of ADIT following the sale or retirement of an asset after December 31, 2017. FESC, on behalf of its transmission-owning affiliates, participated in the development of separateaffiliated transmission owners, supported comments submitted by Edison Electric InstituteEEI requesting additional clarification on the ratemaking and certain PJM TOs. Theaccounting treatment for ADIT in formula and stated transmission rates. FERC’s final rule remains pending.

Transmission ROE Methodology

In June 2014, FERC issued Opinion No. 531 revising its approach for calculating the discounted cash flow element of FERC’s ROE methodology and announcing the potential for a qualitative adjustment to the ROE methodology results. Parties appealed to the D.C. Circuit, and on April 14, 2017, that court issued a decision vacating FERC’s order and remanding the matter is now beforeto FERC for further action.

PJM Markets: Grid Reliability and Resiliency

review. On September 28, 2017, the Secretary of Energy released a NOPR requesting FERC to issue rules directing RTOs, including PJM, to incorporate pricing for defined “eligible grid reliability and resiliency resources” into wholesale energy markets. FERC established a docket requesting comments, and issued an order on January 8, 2018 terminating the NOPR proceeding, finding that the NOPR did not satisfy the statutory threshold requirements under the FPA for requiring changes to RTO/ISO tariffs to address resilience concerns. FERC in its order instituted a new administrative proceeding to gather additional information regarding resilience issues. Each RTO/ISO responded to a provided list of questions and various entities submitted comments. The matter is now before FERC for further action. In the event FERC orders resiliency payments in wholesale energy markets, such charges may be levied against LSEs in the PJM Region, including the Utilities. There is no deadline or requirement for FERC to act in this new proceeding and as such the outcome of the proceeding and its impact on the Utilities, if any, cannot be predicted at this time.

PJM Markets: Capacity Pricing Reform

In March 2016, a number of generation owners filed with FERC a complaint against PJM requesting that FERC expand the MOPR in the PJM Tariff to prevent the alleged artificial suppression of prices in PJM capacity markets by state-subsidized generation. However, FERC took no action at that time. In April 2018, PJM filed with FERC two alternative proposals to modify the PJM Tariff to address concerns that state-authorized subsidies to certain generators within PJM may affect market prices.

On June 29,October 16, 2018, FERC issued its order on remand, in which it proposed a revised ROE methodology. Specifically, in complaint proceedings alleging that an order granting in partexisting ROE is not just and denying in partreasonable, FERC proposes to rely on three financial models-discounted cash flow, capital-asset pricing, and expected earnings - to establish a composite zone of reasonableness to identify a range of just and reasonable ROEs. FERC then will utilize the March 2016 complaint and rejecting bothtransmission utility’s risk relative to other utilities within that zone of PJM's April 2018 proposals, agreeing withreasonableness to assign the complaint that PJM's current MOPR istransmission utility to one of three quartiles within the zone. FERC would take no further action (i.e., dismiss the complaint) if the existing ROE falls within the identified quartile. However, if the replacement ROE falls outside the quartile, FERC would deem the existing ROE presumptively unjust and unreasonable and finding that nonewould determine the replacement ROE. FERC would add a fourth financial model risk premium to the analysis to calculate a ROE based on the average point of central tendency for each of the proposed solutions to MOPR reform were just and reasonable and not unduly discriminatory.four financial models. On March 21, 2019, FERC established a new FPA Section 206 proceedingNOIs to develop a solution tocollect industry and stakeholder comments on the MOPR construct. FERC's directivesrevised ROE methodology that is described in the new proceeding areOctober 16, 2018 decision, and also whether to revise the MOPR so that it (i) appliesmake changes to bothFERC’s existing policies and new resources that receive out-of-market subsidies with very limited exemptions;practices for awarding transmission rates incentives. Any changes to FERC’s transmission rate ROE and (ii) accommodates stateincentive policies by allowingwould be applied on a new FRR-like alternative that would remove resources that receive out-of-market subsidies from the capacity market if the unit could be paired with a commensurate amount of load. Resources receiving out-of-market revenues could opt to stayprospective basis. FirstEnergy currently is participating through various trade groups in the capacity market but would be subject to the revised MOPR, or under the FRR-like alternative they could exit the market. FERC established a timeline forNOI comments, and expectsany subsequent rulemaking and other proceedings.

JCP&L Transmission Formula Rate

On October 30, 2019, JCP&L filed tariff amendments with FERC to issue an order by January 4, 2019, soconvert JCP&L’s existing stated transmission rate to a forward-looking formula transmission rate. JCP&L requested that the reformed MOPR can be implemented for the 2019 BRA. FERC instituted a refundtariff amendments become effective date of July 11, 2018, for the new Section 206 proceeding. On July 30, 2018 FESC, on behalf of the Utilities, submitted a request for clarification or, in the alternative, rehearing of FERC's June 29, 2018 order. Specifically, FESC requested clarification regarding the applicability of FERC's directed MOPR reform to vertically-integrated resources. Various other parties also submitted requests for rehearing or clarification. FERC's order on rehearing remains pending. On October 2, 2018, FESC on behalf of the Utilities submitted comments demonstrating that while MOPR reform may be an interim step, FERC needs to address fundamental flaws in the PJM capacity market.January 1, 2020.

On August 13, 2018, PJM filed a request for a waiver of certain provisions of the PJM Tariff to delay the 2019 BRA for the 2022/2023 Delivery Year from May 2019 to August 14, 2019 if FERC delays its order in the above Section 206 proceeding as requested by certain parties. PJM also requested waiver of certain deadlines associated with the 2019 BRA, including the posting of planning


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parameters and submission of a preliminary exception request for deactivating generation resources. FERC issued an order on August 30, 2018 granting the waiver as requested.

Separately, on May 31, 2018, certain merchant generators filed a complaint with FERC against PJM seeking an order finding that PJM's existing MOPR mechanism is unjust and unreasonable, and implementing instead a so-called "Clean" MOPR that would apply to existing and new generation resources of all fuel types and all ownership arrangements, including regulated generation resources such as MP's and JCP&L's existing generation, that receive or have any form of "out-of-market" support, including recovery of generation costs in retail rates. The complainants request a FERC order by May 2019, so that the proposed "Clean" MOPR could be implemented in PJM's 2019 BRA. FESC, on behalf of its affiliates and jointly with EKPC, submitted a protest of the complaint. FESC and EKPC requested FERC reject PJM's proposals, maintain the existing PJM market rules, and direct PJM to develop a holistic solution to the fundamental issues facing its market. Various other entities also submitted protests and comments. FERC did not address the Clean MOPR Complaint in its June 29, 2018 order, which remains pending before FERC. The outcome of FERC's Section 206 proceeding and the Clean MOPR Complaint, and their impact on the Utilities and FirstEnergy's regulated generation sources, if any, cannot be predicted at this time but are not expected to be material.


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. PursuantWhile FirstEnergy’s environmental policies and procedures are designed to a March 28, 2017 executive order,achieve compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, such laws and regulations are subject to periodic review and potential revision by the EPA and other federal agencies are to review existing regulations that potentially burden the development or use of domestically produced energy resources and appropriately suspend, revise or rescind those that unduly burden the development of domestic energy resources beyond the degree necessary to protect the public interest or otherwise comply with the law.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 in particular with respect to existing environmental regulations, may materially impact its business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Compliance with environmental regulations could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's earnings and competitive position to the extent that FirstEnergy competes with companies that are not subject to such regulations and, therefore, do not bear the risk of costs associated with compliance, or failure to comply, with such regulations.


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.



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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 Ohio, Pennsylvania and 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 Ohio, Pennsylvania and 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 6, 2017, the D.C. Circuit rejected the industry'sindustry’s bid for a lengthy pause in the litigation and set a briefing schedule. 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 be materialmaterially impact FirstEnergy’s operations, cash flows and financial condition.

In February 2019, the EPA announced its final decision to retain without changes to FirstEnergy's operations may result.

The EPA tightened the primary and secondary NAAQS for ozone fromSO2, specifically retaining the 20082010 primary (health-based) 1-hour standard levels of 75 PPB to 70 PPB on October 1, 2015. The EPA stated the vast majorityPPB. As of U.S. counties will meet the new 70 PPB standard by 2025 due to other federal and state rules and programs but on AprilSeptember 30, 2018, the EPA designated fifty-one areas in twenty-two states as non-attainment; however,2019, FirstEnergy has no power plants operating in those areas. States have roughly threeyears to develop implementation plans to attainareas designated as non-attainment by the new 2015 ozone NAAQS. Depending on how the EPA and the states implement the new 2015 ozone NAAQS, the future cost of compliance may be material and changes to FirstEnergy’s operations may result. EPA.

In August 2016, the State of Delaware filed a CAA Section 126 petition with the EPA alleging that the Harrison generating facility'sfacility’s NOx emissions significantly contribute to Delaware'sDelaware’s inability to attain the ozone NAAQS. The petition sought a short-term NOx emission rate limit of 0.125 lb/mmBTU over an averaging period of no more than 24 hours. In November 2016, the State of Maryland filed a CAA Section 126 petition with the EPA alleging that NOx emissions from 36 EGUs, including Harrison Units 1, 2 and 3 and Pleasants Units 1 and 2, significantly contribute to Maryland'sMaryland’s inability to attain the ozone NAAQS. The petition sought NOx emission rate limits for the 36 EGUs by May1, 2017. On September 14, 2018, the EPA denied both the States of Delaware and MarylandMaryland’s petitions under CAA Section 126. In October 2018, Delaware and Maryland appealed the denials of their petitions to the D.C. Circuit. In March 2018, the State of New York filed a CAA Section 126 petition with the EPA alleging that NOx emissions from nine9 states (including Ohio, Pennsylvania and 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 May 3, 2018, the EPA extended the time frame for acting on the CAA Section 126 petition by six months to November 9, 2018. 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. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these matters or estimate the loss or range of loss.


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Climate Change


FirstEnergy has established a goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 90% below 2005 levels by 2045. 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.


The EPA released its final “Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases under the Clean Air Act,” in December 2009, 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. On June23, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that CO2 or other GHG emissions alone cannot trigger permitting requirements under the CAA, but that air emission sources that need PSD permits due to other regulated air pollutants can be required by the EPA to install GHG control technologies. The EPA released its final CPP regulations in August 2015 (which have been stayed by the U.S. Supreme Court), to reduce CO2 emissions from existing fossil fuel-fired EGUs. The EPA also 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 January21, 2016, a panel of the D.C. Circuit denied the motions for stay and set an expedited schedule for briefing and argument. On February9, 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 March28, 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 October16, 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule to repeal the CPP. To replace the CPP, the EPA proposed the ACE rule on August 21, 2018, which would establish emission guidelines for states to develop plans to address GHG emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. Depending on the outcomes of the review pursuant to the executive order, of further appeals and how any final rules are ultimately implemented, the future cost of compliance may be material.

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, and in2025. 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 was ratified by the requisite number of countries (i.e., at least 55 countries representing at least 55% of global GHG emissions) in October 2016 and itsAgreement’s non-binding obligations to limit global warming to well 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. 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 March28, 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 October16, 2017, the EPA issued a proposed rule to repeal the CPP. To replace the CPP, the EPA proposed the ACE rule on August 21, 2018, which would


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establish emission guidelines for states to develop plans to address GHG emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. 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. 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'sFirstEnergy’s facilities. In addition, the states in which FirstEnergy operates have water quality standards applicable to FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’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'sfacility’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 phase-in as permits are renewed on a five-year cycle from 2018 to 2023. The final rule also allows plants to commit to more stringent effluent limits for wet scrubber systems based on evaporative technology and in return have until the end of 2023 to meet the more stringent limits. On April 13, 2017, the EPA granted a Petition for Reconsideration and administratively stayed (effective upon publication in the Federal Register) all deadlines in the effluent limits rule pending a new rulemaking. Also, on September 18, 2017, the EPA postponed certain compliance deadlines for two years. Depending on the outcome of appeals and how any final rules are ultimately implemented, the future costs of compliance with these standards may be substantial and changes to FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s operations may result.

In October 2009, the WVDEP issued an NPDES water discharge permit for the Fort Martin plant, which imposes TDS, sulfate concentrations and other effluent limitations for heavy metals, as well as temperature limitations. Concurrent with the issuance of the Fort Martin NPDES permit, WVDEP also issued an administrative order setting deadlines for MP to meet certain of the effluent limits that were effective immediately under the terms of the NPDES permit. MP appealed, and a stay of certain conditions of the


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NPDES permit and order have been granted pending a final decision on the appeal and subject to WVDEP moving to dissolve the stay. The Fort Martin NPDES permit could require an initial capital investment ranging from $150 million to $300 million in order to install technology to meet the TDS and sulfate limits, which technology may also meet certain of the other effluent limits. In March 2018, the WVDEP issued a draft NPDES Permit Renewal that, if finalized as proposed, would moot the appeal and reduce the estimated capital investment requirements. MP intends to vigorously pursue these issues but cannot predict the outcome of the appeal or estimate the possible loss or range of loss.

FirstEnergy intends to vigorously defend against the CWA matters described above but, except as indicated above, cannot predict their outcomes or estimate the loss or range of loss.


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'sEPA’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, effective October 12, 2018. AE Supply assessed the changes in timing and closure plan requirements associated with the McElroy's Run impoundment site and increased the ARO by approximately $43 million in the third quarter of 2018.environment.


FirstEnergy 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 September 30, 2018,2019, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other unaffiliated entities to pay. Total liabilities of approximately $115$119 million have been accrued through September 30, 2018.2019. Included in the total are accrued liabilities of approximately $78$83 million for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plantsMGP 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


Nuclear Plant Matters


Under NRC regulations, JCP&L, ME and PN must ensure that adequate funds will be available to decommission their retired nuclear facility, TMI-2. As of September 30, 2018,2019, JCP&L, ME and PN had in total approximately $0.8 billion$871 million invested in external trusts to be used for the decommissioning and environmental remediation of their retired TMI-2 nuclear generating facility. The values of these NDTs also fluctuate based on market conditions. If the values of the trusts decline by a material amount, the obligation ofto JCP&L, ME and PN to fund the trusts may increase. Disruptions in the capital markets and their effects on particular businesses and the economy could also affect the values of the NDTs.


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 of approximately $900 million as of September 30, 2019. There


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can be no assurance that the transfer will receive the required regulatory approvals and, even if approved, whether the conditions to the closing of the transfer will be satisfied.

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. See Note 3, "Discontinued“Discontinued Operations," for additional information.


Other Legal Matters


There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’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 13, "Regulatory12, “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.


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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'sFE’s or its subsidiaries'subsidiaries’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS


Recently Adopted Pronouncements


ASU 2014-09, 2016-02, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers"Leases (Topic 842)" (Issued May 2014February 2016 and subsequently updated to address implementation questions): The new revenue recognition guidance establishesrequires organizations that lease assets with lease terms of more than 12 months to recognize assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on their balance sheets, as well as new qualitative and quantitative disclosures. FirstEnergy implemented a new control-based revenue recognition model, changesthird-party software tool that assisted with the basis for deciding when revenue is recognized over time or at a pointinitial adoption and will assist with ongoing compliance. FirstEnergy chose to apply the requirements of the standard in time, provides new and more detailed guidance on specific topics and expands and improves disclosures about revenue. FirstEnergy evaluated its revenues and the new guidance had immaterial impacts to recognition practices uponperiod of adoption (January 1, 2019) with no restatement of prior periods. Upon adoption, on January 1, 2018. As part2019, FirstEnergy increased assets and liabilities by $186 million, with no impact to results of the adoption, FirstEnergy elected to apply the new guidance on a modified retrospective basis. FirstEnergy did not record a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings for initially applying the new guidance as no revenue recognition differences were identified in the timingoperations or amount of revenue. In addition, upon adoption, certain immaterial financial statement presentation changes were implemented.cash flows. See Note 2, "Revenue,8, "Leases," for additional information on FirstEnergy's revenues.leases.


ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" (Issued January 2016 and subsequently updated in 2018): ASU 2016-01 primarily affects the accounting for equity investments, financial liabilities under the fair value option, and the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments. FirstEnergy adopted this standard on January 1, 2018, and recognizes all gains and losses for equity securities in income with the exception of those that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The NDT equity portfolios of JCP&L, ME and PN will not be impacted as unrealized gains and losses will continue to be offset against regulatory assets or liabilities. As a result of adopting this standard, FirstEnergy recorded a pre-tax cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $115 million on January 1, 2018, representing unrealized gains on equity securities with FES NDTs that were previously recorded to AOCI. Following deconsolidation of the FES Debtors, the adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on FirstEnergy's financial statements as the majority of its equity securities are offset against a regulatory asset or liability.

ASU 2016-18, "Restricted Cash" (Issued November 2016): ASU 2016-18 addresses the presentation of changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The guidance is required to be applied retrospectively. As a result of adopting this standard, FirstEnergy's statement of cash flows reports changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. Prior periods have been recast to conform to the current year presentation.

ASU 2017-01, "Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business" (Issued January 2017): ASU 2017-01 assists entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. FirstEnergy adopted ASU 2017-01 on January 1, 2018. The ASU will be applied prospectively to future transactions.

ASU 2017-04, "Goodwill Impairment" (Issued January 2017): ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by removing Step 2 of the current test, which requires calculation of a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Under the revised guidance, goodwill impairment will be measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill (currently Step 1 of the two-step impairment test). Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. FirstEnergy has elected to early adopt ASU 2017-04 as of January 1, 2018, and will apply this standard on a prospective basis.
ASU 2017-07, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost" (Issued March 2017): ASU 2017-07 requires entities to retrospectively (1) disaggregate the current-service-cost component from the other components of net benefit cost (the other components) and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement and (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if such a subtotal is presented. In addition, only service costs are eligible for capitalization on a prospective basis. FirstEnergy adopted ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018. Because the non-service cost components of net benefit cost are no longer eligible for capitalization after December 31, 2017, FirstEnergy has recognized these components in income as a result of adopting this standard. FirstEnergy reclassified approximately $7 million and $23 million of non-service costs from Other operating expenses to Miscellaneous income, net, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

ASU 2018-02, "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" (Issued February 2018): ASU 2018-02 allows entities to reclassify from AOCI to retained earnings stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act. FirstEnergy early adopted this standard during the first quarter of 2018 and has elected to present the change in the period of adoption. Upon adoption, FirstEnergy recorded a $22 million cumulative effect adjustment for stranded tax effects, such as pension and OPEB prior service costs and losses on derivative hedges, to retained earnings on January 1, 2018, of which $8 million was related to the FES Debtors.

ASU 2018-05, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118" (Issued March 2018): ASU 2018-05, effective 2018, expands income tax accounting and disclosure guidance to include SAB 118 issued by the SEC in December 2017. SAB 118 provides guidance on accounting for the income tax effects of the Tax Act and


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among other things allows for a measurement period not to exceed one year for companies to finalize the provisional amounts recorded as of December 31, 2017. See Note 7, "Income taxes," for additional information on FirstEnergy's accounting for the Tax Act.

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 or in the 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K based upon the current expectation that such new standards will not significantly impact FirstEnergy's financial reporting. Below is an update to the discussion

ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of pronouncements contained in the 2017 Annual ReportCredit Losses on Form 10-K.

ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)"Financial Instruments (Issued FebruaryJune 2016 and subsequently updated to address implementation questions)updated): The new guidanceASU 2016-13 removes all recognition thresholds and will require organizations that lease assets with lease terms of more than 12 monthscompanies to recognize assets and liabilitiesan allowance for credit losses for the rightsdifference between the amortized cost basis of a financial instrument and obligations created by those leases on their balance sheets as well as new qualitative and quantitative disclosures. FirstEnergy expects an increase in assets and liabilities; however, it is currently assessing the impact, including monitoring utility industry implementation guidance, but expects no impact to resultsamount of operations or cash flows. FirstEnergy has developed its complete lease inventory and continues to identify, assess and document technical accounting issues, policy considerations, financial reporting implications and changes to internal controls and processes. In addition, FirstEnergy is inamortized cost that the process of implementing a third-party software tool that will assist with the initial adoption and ongoing compliance. The standard provides a number of transition practical expedients that entities may elect. These include a "package of three" expedients that must be taken together and allow 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. A separate practical expedient allows entities to not evaluate land easements under the new guidance at adoption if they were not previously accounted for as leases. Additionally, entities have the option to apply the requirements of the standard in the period of adoption (January 1, 2019) with no restatement of prior periods. FirstEnergycompany expects to elect all of these practical expedients.collect over the instrument’s contractual life. The guidance will beASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018,2019, with early adoption permitted. FirstEnergy has analyzed its financial instruments within the scope of this guidance, primarily trade receivables and AFS debt securities, and does not expect a material impact to adopt this standard early.its financial statements upon adoption in 2020.


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 requires 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. The guidance will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. FirstEnergy does not expect a material impact to its financial statements upon adoption in 2020.


ASU 2018-14, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans" (Issued August 2018): ASU 2018-14 amends ASC 715 to add, remove, and clarify disclosure requirements related to defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans. The guidance is required to be applied on a retrospective basis and will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020, with early adoption permitted.
ASU 2018-13, "Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement" (Issued August 2018): ASU 2018-14 eliminates, adds and modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements as part of the FASB's disclosure framework project. Entities will no longer be required to disclose the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, but public companies will be required to disclose the range and weighted average used to develop significant unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019, but entities are permitted to early adopt either the entire standard or only the provisions that eliminate or modify the requirements.





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ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


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


(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures


The management of FirstEnergy, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of FirstEnergy have concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.


(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


During the quarter ended September 30, 2018,2019, there were no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, FirstEnergy'sFirstEnergy’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


Information required for Part II, Item 1 is incorporated by reference to the discussions in Note 13, "Regulatory12, “Regulatory Matters," and Note 14, "Commitments,13, “Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS


We operate in a business environment that involves significant risks, many of which are beyond our control. Management of FirstEnergy regularly evaluatesDuring the most significant risks of its businesses and reviews those risks withquarter ended September 30, 2019, there were no material changes to the Board of Directors or appropriate Committees of the Board. The following risk factors and all other information contained in this report should be considered carefully when evaluating FirstEnergy. These risk factors could affect our financial results and cause such results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of us. Below, we have identified risks we consider material. Additional information on risk factors is included in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in other sections of this Form 10-Q that include forward-looking and other statements involving risks and uncertainties that could impact our business and financial results. The Risk Factors set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q supersede in their entirety the Risk Factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, filed with the SEC on February 20, 2018, and the Risk Factors contained in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018, filed with the SEC on April 23, 2018 and July 31, 2018, respectively.
Risks Related to the FES Bankruptcy and Remaining Competitive Generation

We Are Subject to Risks Relating to the FES Bankruptcy
As previously disclosed, the FES Debtors filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code to facilitate an orderly restructuring. It is possible that as part of the restructuring process, claims may be asserted by or on behalf of the FES Debtors against non-debtor affiliates of the FES Debtors. Any assertions of claims by creditors of the FES Debtors against FirstEnergy may require significant effort, resources, and money to defend or could result in material losses to FirstEnergy. We can provide no assurance that any such claims, if asserted, will be resolved in accordance with the settlement agreement or a manner that is satisfactory to FirstEnergy.
Management of FirstEnergy may be required to spend a significant amount of time and effort dealing with the FES Bankruptcy instead of focusing on FirstEnergy’s business operations, which could have an adverse impact on our ability to execute our business plan and operations. Additionally, FirstEnergy’s relationship with its employees, suppliers, customers and other parties may be adversely impacted by negative or confusing publicity related to the FES Bankruptcy or otherwise and FirstEnergy’s operations could be materially and adversely affected. The FES Bankruptcy also may make it more difficult to retain, attract or replace management and other key personnel.


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We are Subject to Risks that the Conditions to the FES Bankruptcy Settlement Agreement May Not be Satisfied or the Settlement May Not Otherwise be Consummated, Which Could Have a Material Adverse Impact on FirstEnergy’s Business, Financial Condition, Results of Operations and Cash Flows
On August 26, 2018, FirstEnergy reached a definitive settlement agreement with the FES Key Creditor Groups, the FES Debtors, and the UCC, which settlement was approved by order of the Bankruptcy Court entered on September 26, 2018. Under the settlement agreement, FirstEnergy agreed to provide the FES Debtors a release of substantially all claims related to the FES Debtors and their businesses, including for the full borrowings under intercompany financing arrangements and recovery of obligations previously paid under guarantees; payments in the form of cash and new FE notes not to exceed $628 million in aggregate principal amount; the transfer of AE Supply’s Pleasants Power Station; an offsetting credit for shared services costs; funding for certain employee benefit programs; and continued performance under the intercompany tax sharing agreements, including waiver of an FES overpayment, reversal of a payment made for estimated net operating losses and agreement to pay certain 2018 tax year payments. In exchange, the settlement agreement would resolve all outstanding disputes with respect to the claims and causes of action related to the FES Debtors and their businesses among FirstEnergy, on the one hand and the FES Debtors, the FES Key Creditor Groups, and the UCC, on the other hand.
The FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement and the releases granted therein are subject to material conditions, which primarily consist of the issuance of a final order by the Bankruptcy Court approving the plan or plans of reorganization for the FES Debtors acceptable to FirstEnergy. There can be no assurance that the conditions to the definitive settlement agreement will be satisfied or that the settlement will otherwise be consummated, and the actual outcome of this matter may differ materially from the terms of the agreement described herein. If the settlement were not consummated, the FES Debtors or their creditors could assert various claims against FirstEnergy, while FirstEnergy’s ability to recover any value from obligations owed it by the FES Debtors, secured or otherwise, may be limited.
In the event the settlement agreement is not fully consummated, the costs of potential liabilities resulting from the FES Bankruptcy could have a material and adverse impact on FirstEnergy’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Adverse Developments Related to the FES Bankruptcy Could Trigger Events of Default under Certain FirstEnergy Obligations
FirstEnergy's credit facilities contain various events of default, including with respect to the borrowers or significant subsidiaries (each as defined in the credit agreements), a bankruptcy or insolvency of FirstEnergy, the failure to pay any principal of or premium or interest on any indebtedness in excess of $100 million, or the failure to satisfy any judgment or order for the payment of money exceeding any applicable insurance coverage by more than $100 million. Although the FES Debtors are not “significant subsidiaries” for these purposes, it is possible that an adverse development related to the FES Bankruptcy could otherwise trigger an event of default under the FirstEnergy credit facilities if creditors of the FES Debtors asserted successful claims against FE or our significant subsidiaries.
Certain Events in Connection with the Disposition of Competitive Generation Assets May Significantly Increase Cash Flow and Liquidity Risks and Have a Material Adverse Effect on Results of Operations and the Financial Condition of FirstEnergy
As part of the FES Bankruptcy settlement agreement, FE agreed to transfer AE Supply’s Pleasants Power Station to the FES Debtors for the benefit of their creditors, subject to an asset transfer agreement with customary terms and conditions and related ancillary agreements to be negotiated and entered into prior to January 1, 2019. In addition, FE agreed to cause AE Supply to retain certain liabilities in connection with Pleasants, as well as agreed to provide a FE guarantee of certain liabilities in connection with a retained impoundment facility. Further, FES may direct AE Supply to sell the Pleasants Power Station to a third party for benefit of the FES Debtors’ creditors on terms no less favorable to FirstEnergy. Liabilities incurred under this guarantee could have an adverse impact on the financial condition of FirstEnergy.

Further, as part of AE Supply’s recent sale of gas generation assets to a subsidiary of LS Power, FE provided two limited three-year guarantees totaling $555 million of certain obligations of AE Supply and AGC arising under the purchase agreement. Liabilities incurred under these guarantees could have an adverse impact on the financial condition of FE.

Risks Related to Business Operations Generally

If Our "FE Tomorrow" Organizational Realignment Plans Do Not Achieve the Expected Benefits, There Could Be Negative Impacts to FirstEnergy's Business, Results of Operations and Financial Condition

In support of the strategic review to exit competitive generation, management launched the FE Tomorrow initiative to define FirstEnergy's future organization to support its regulated business. FE Tomorrow is intended to align corporate services to efficiently support the regulated operations by ensuring that FirstEnergy has the right talent, organizational and cost structure to achieve our earnings growth targets. In support of the FE Tomorrow initiative, in June and early July 2018, nearly 500 employees in the shared services and utility services and sustainability organizations, which was more than 80% of the eligible employees, accepted a voluntary enhanced retirement package, which included severance compensation and a temporary pension enhancement, with most employees expected to depart by December 31, 2018. FirstEnergy expects further talent, organizational and cost structure


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adjustments in order to accomplish the FE Tomorrow goals. Management expects the cost savings resulting from the FE Tomorrow initiative to support the company's growth targets. There can be no assurance that these organizational changes will result in the anticipated benefits to FirstEnergy's business, results of operations and financial condition in a timely manner if at all.

Our ability to achieve the anticipated cost savings and other benefits from FE Tomorrow within the expected time frame is subject to many estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions are subject to significant economic, competitive and other uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Further, during and following completion of FE Tomorrow, FirstEnergy could experience unexpected delays in and business disruptions resulting from supporting these initiatives, decreased productivity, higher than anticipated costs, adverse effects on employee morale and employee turnover, including the possible loss of valuable employees, any of which may impair our ability to achieve anticipated results or otherwise harm FirstEnergy's business, results of operations and financial condition.

Temperature Variations as well as Weather Conditions or other Natural Disasters Could Have an Adverse Impact on Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition, and Demand Significantly Below or Above Our Forecasts Could Adversely Affect Our Energy Margins and Have an Adverse Effect on our Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electric power. Demand for power generally peaks during the summer and winter months, with market prices also typically peaking at that time. Overall operating results may fluctuate based on weather conditions. In addition, we have historically sold less power, and consequently received less revenue, when weather conditions are milder. Severe weather, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, ice or snowstorms, droughts or other natural disasters, may cause outages and property damage that may require us to incur additional costs that are generally not insured and that may not be recoverable from customers. The effect of the failure of our facilities to operate as planned under these conditions would be particularly burdensome during a peak demand period and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We Are Subject to Financial Performance Risks Related to Regional and General Economic Cycles and also Related to Heavy Industries such as Shale Gas, Automotive and Steel
Our business follows economic cycles. Economic conditions impact the demand for electricity and declines in the demand for electricity will reduce our revenues. The regional economy in which our Utilities operate is influenced by conditions in industries in our business territories, e.g. shale gas, automotive, chemical, steel and other heavy industries, and as these conditions change, our revenues will be impacted.

Certain FirstEnergy Companies May Not Be Able to Meet Their Obligations to or on Behalf of Other FirstEnergy Companies or Their Affiliates, Which Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on the Results of Operations, Financial Condition or Liquidity of One or More FirstEnergy Entities
Certain of the FirstEnergy companies have obligations to other FirstEnergy companies pursuant to transactions involving credit, energy, coal, services and hedging transactions. If one FirstEnergy entity failed to perform under any of these arrangements, other FirstEnergy entities could incur losses. Their results of operations, financial position, or liquidity could be adversely affected, and such non-performance could result in the non-defaulting FirstEnergy entity being unable to meet its obligations to unrelated third parties. Certain FirstEnergy companies also provide guarantees to third-party creditors on behalf of other FirstEnergy affiliate companies under transactions of the types described above, legal settlements or under financing transactions. Any failure to perform under such guarantees by such FirstEnergy guarantor company or under the underlying transaction by the FirstEnergy company on whose behalf the guarantee was issued could have similar adverse impacts on one or both FirstEnergy companies or their affiliates.
We Are Subject to Risks Arising from the Operation of Our Power Plants and Transmission and Distribution Equipment Which Could Reduce Revenues, Increase Expenses and Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Operation of generation, transmission and distribution facilities involves risk, including the risk of potential breakdown or failure of equipment or processes due to aging infrastructure, fuel supply or transportation disruptions, accidents, labor disputes or work stoppages by employees, human error in operations or maintenance, acts of terrorism or sabotage, construction delays or cost overruns, shortages of or delays in obtaining equipment, material and labor, operational restrictions resulting from environmental requirements and governmental interventions, and performance below expected levels. In addition, weather-related incidents and other natural disasters can disrupt generation, transmission and distribution delivery systems. Because our transmission facilities are interconnected with those of third parties, the operation of our facilities could be adversely affected by unexpected or uncontrollable events occurring on the systems of such third parties.
Operation of our power plants below expected capacity could result in lost revenues and increased expenses, including higher operation and maintenance costs, purchased power costs and capital requirements. Unplanned outages of generating units and extensions of scheduled outages due to mechanical failures or other problems occur from time to time and are an inherent risk of our business. Unplanned outages typically increase our operation and maintenance expenses or may require us to incur significant costs as a result of operating our higher cost units or obtaining replacement power from third parties in the open market to satisfy


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our sales obligations. Moreover, if we were unable to perform under contractual obligations, including, but not limited to, our coal and coal transportation contracts, penalties or liability for damages could result, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to Provide Safe and Reliable Service and Equipment Could Result in Serious Injury or Loss of Life That May Harm Our Business Reputation and Adversely Affect Our Operating Results
We are committed to provide safe and reliable service and equipment in our franchised service territories. Meeting this commitment requires the expenditure of significant capital resources. However, our employees, contractors and the general public may be exposed to dangerous environments due to the nature of our operations. Failure to provide safe and reliable service and equipment due to various factors, including equipment failure, accidents and weather, could result in serious injury or loss of life that may harm our business reputation and adversely affect our operating results through reduced revenues, increased capital and operating costs, litigation or the imposition of penalties/fines or other adverse regulatory outcomes.
Our Use of Non-Derivative and Derivative Contracts to Mitigate Risks Could Result in Financial Losses That May Negatively Impact Our Financial Results
We use a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, such as swaps, options, futures and forwards, to manage our commodity and financial market risks. In the absence of actively quoted market prices and pricing information from external sources, the valuation of some of these derivative instruments involves management’s judgment or use of estimates. As a result, changes in the underlying assumptions or use of alternative valuation methods could affect the reported fair value of some of these contracts. Also, we could recognize financial losses as a result of volatility in the market value of these contracts if a counterparty fails to perform or if there is limited liquidity of these contracts in the market.
The Outcome of Litigation, Arbitration, Mediation, and Similar Proceedings Involving Our Business, or That of One or More of Our Operating Subsidiaries, Is Unpredictable and an Adverse Decision in Any Material Proceeding Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations
We are involved in a number of litigation, arbitration, mediation, and similar proceedings. These and other matters may divert financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit our operations. Further, no assurances can be given that the resolution of these matters will be favorable to us. If certain matters were ultimately resolved unfavorably to us, the results of operations and financial condition of FirstEnergy could be materially adversely impacted.
In addition, we are sometimes subject to investigations and inquiries by various state and federal regulators due to the heavily regulated nature of our industry. Any material inquiry or investigation could potentially result in an adverse ruling against us, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and operating results.
Capital Market Performance and Other Changes May Decrease the Value of Pension Fund Assets and Other Trust Funds, Which Could Require Significant Additional Funding and Negatively Impact Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Our financial statements reflect the values of the assets held in trust to satisfy our obligations to decommission our retired nuclear generating facility and under pension and other postemployment benefit plans. Certain of the assets held in these trusts do not have readily determinable market values. Changes in the estimates and assumptions inherent in the value of these assets could affect the value of the trusts. If the value of the assets held by the trusts declines by a material amount, our funding obligation to the trusts could materially increase. These assets are subject to market fluctuations and will yield uncertain returns, which may fall below our projected return rates. Forecasting investment earnings and costs to decommission FirstEnergy's retired nuclear generating facility, to pay future pension and other obligations, requires significant judgment and actual results may differ significantly from current estimates. Capital market conditions that generate investment losses or that negatively impact the discount rate and increase the present value of liabilities may have significant impacts on the value of the decommissioning, pension and other trust funds, which could require significant additional funding and negatively impact our results of operations and financial position.
We Could be Subject to Higher Costs and/or Penalties Related to Mandatory Reliability Standards Set by NERC/FERC or Changes in the Rules of Organized Markets
Owners, operators, and users of the bulk electric system are subject to mandatory reliability standards promulgated by NERC and approved by FERC. The standards are based on the functions that need to be performed to ensure that the bulk electric system operates reliably. NERC, RFC and FERC can be expected to continue to refine existing reliability standards as well as develop and adopt new reliability standards. Compliance with modified or new reliability standards may subject us to higher operating costs and/or increased capital expenditures. If we were found not to be in compliance with the mandatory reliability standards, we could be subject to sanctions, including substantial monetary penalties. FERC has authority to impose penalties up to and including $1 million per day for failure to comply with these mandatory electric reliability standards.
In addition to direct regulation by FERC, we are also subject to rules and terms of participation imposed and administered by various RTOs and ISOs. Although these entities are themselves ultimately regulated by FERC, they can impose rules, restrictions and


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terms of service that are quasi-regulatory in nature and can have a material adverse impact on our business. For example, the independent market monitors of ISOs and RTOs may impose bidding and scheduling rules to curb the perceived potential for exercise of market power and to ensure the markets function appropriately. Such actions may materially affect our ability to sell, and the price we receive for, our energy and capacity. In addition, PJM may direct our transmission-owning affiliates to build new transmission facilities to meet PJM's reliability requirements or to provide new or expanded transmission service under the PJM Tariff.
We incur fees and costs to participate in RTOs. Administrative costs imposed by RTOs, including the cost of administering energy markets, may increase. To the degree we incur significant additional fees and increased costs to participate in an RTO, and are limited with respect to recovery of such costs from retail customers, our results of operations and cash flows could be significantly impacted.
We may be allocated a portion of the cost of transmission facilities built by others due to changes in RTO transmission rate design. We may be required to expand our transmission system according to decisions made by an RTO rather than our own internal planning processes. Various proposals and proceedings before FERC may cause transmission rates to change from time to time. In addition, RTOs have been developing rules associated with the allocation and methodology of assigning costs associated with improved transmission reliability, reduced transmission congestion and firm transmission rights that may have a financial impact on us.
As a member of an RTO, we are subject to certain additional risks, including those associated with the allocation among members of losses caused by unreimbursed defaults of other participants in that RTO’s market and those associated with complaint cases filed against the RTO that may seek refunds of revenues previously earned by its members.
We Face Certain Human Resource Risks Associated with Potential Labor Disruptions and/or With the Availability of Trained and Qualified Labor to Meet Our Future Staffing Requirements
We are continually challenged to find ways to balance the retention of our aging skilled workforce while recruiting new talent to mitigate losses in critical knowledge and skills due to retirements. Additionally, a significant number of our physical workforce are represented by unions. While we believe that our relations with our employees are generally fair, we cannot provide assurances that the company will be completely free of labor disruptions such as work stoppages, work slowdowns, union organizing campaigns, strikes, lockouts or that any labor disruption will be favorably resolved. Mitigating these risks could require additional financial commitments and the failure to prevent labor disruptions and retain and/or attract trained and qualified labor could have an adverse effect on our business.
Significant Increases in Our Operation and Maintenance Expenses, Including Our Health Care and Pension Costs, Could Adversely Affect Our Future Earnings and Liquidity
We continually focus on limiting, and reducing where possible, our operation and maintenance expenses. However, we expect to continue to face increased cost pressures related to operation and maintenance expenses, including in the areas of health care and pension costs. We have experienced health care cost inflation in recent years, and we expect our cash outlay for health care costs, including prescription drug coverage, to continue to increase despite measures that we have taken requiring employees and retirees to bear a higher portion of the costs of their health care benefits. The measurement of our expected future health care and pension obligations and costs is highly dependent on a variety of assumptions, many of which relate to factors beyond our control. These assumptions include investment returns, interest rates, discount rates, health care cost trends, benefit design changes, salary increases, the demographics of plan participants and regulatory requirements. While we anticipate that our operation and maintenance expenses will continue to increase, if actual results differ materially from our assumptions, our costs could be significantly higher than expected which could adversely affect our future earnings and liquidity.
Our Results May be Adversely Affected by the Volatility in Pension and OPEB Expenses
FirstEnergy recognizes in income the change in the fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses for its defined Pension and OPEB plans. This adjustment is recognized in the fourth quarter of each year and whenever a plan is determined to qualify for a remeasurement, which could result in greater volatility in pension and OPEB expenses and may materially impact our results of operations.
FirstEnergy recognizes as a pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment the change in the fair value of plan assets and 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.


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Cyber-Attacks, Data Security Breaches and Other Disruptions to Our Information Technology Systems Could Compromise Our Business Operations, Critical and Proprietary Information and Employee and Customer Data, Which Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Business, Financial Condition and Reputation
In the ordinary course of our business, we depend on information technology systems that utilize sophisticated operational systems and network infrastructure to run all facets of our generation, transmission and distribution services. Additionally, we store sensitive data, intellectual property and proprietary or personally identifiable information regarding our business, employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers, business partners and other individuals in our data centers and on our networks. The secure maintenance of information and information technology systems is critical to our operations.
Over the last several years, there has been an increase in the frequency of cyber-attacks by terrorists, hackers, international activist organizations, countries and individuals. These and other unauthorized parties may attempt to gain access to our network systems or facilities, or those of third parties with whom we do business in many ways, including directly through our network infrastructure or through fraud, trickery, or other forms of deceiving our employees, contractors and temporary staff. Additionally, our information and information technology systems may be increasingly vulnerable to data security breaches, damage and/or interruption due to viruses, human error, malfeasance, faulty password management or other malfunctions and disruptions. Further, hardware, software, or applications we develop or procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information and/or security.
Despite security measures and safeguards we have employed, including certain measures implemented pursuant to mandatory NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection standards, our infrastructure may be increasingly vulnerable to such attacks as a result of the rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated means by which attempts to defeat our security measures and gain access to our information technology systems may be made. Also, we may be at an increased risk of a cyber-attack and/or data security breach due to the nature of our business.
Any such cyber-attack, data security breach, damage, interruption and/or defect could: (i) disable our generation, transmission (including our interconnected regional transmission grid) and/or distribution services for a significant period of time; (ii) delay development and construction of new facilities or capital improvement projects; (iii) adversely affect our customer operations; (iv) corrupt data; and/or (v) result in unauthorized access to the information stored in our data centers and on our networks, including, company proprietary information, supplier information, employee data, and personal customer data, causing the information to be publicly disclosed, lost or stolen or result in incidents that could result in economic loss and liability and harmful effects on the environment and human health, including loss of life. Additionally, because our generation, transmission and distribution services are part of an interconnected system, disruption caused by a cybersecurity incident at another utility, electric generator, RTO, or commodity supplier could also adversely affect our operations.
Although we maintain cyber insurance and property and casualty insurance, there can be no assurance that liabilities or losses we may incur, including as a result of cybersecurity-related litigation, will be covered under such policies or that the amount of insurance will be adequate. Further, as cyber threats become more difficult to detect and successfully defend against, there can be no assurance that we can implement adequate preventive measures, accurately assess the likelihood of a cyber-incident or quantify potential liabilities or losses. Also, we may not discover any data security breach and loss of information for a significant period of time after the data security breach occurs.
For all of these reasons, any such cyber incident could result in significant lost revenue, the inability to conduct critical business functions and serve customers for a significant period of time, the use of significant management resources, legal claims or proceedings, regulatory penalties, significant remediation costs, increased regulation, increased capital costs, increased protection costs for enhanced cybersecurity systems or personnel, damage to our reputation and/or the rendering of our internal controls ineffective, all of which could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.
Our Risk Management Policies Relating to Energy and Fuel Prices, and Counterparty Credit, Are by Their Very Nature Subject to Uncertainties, and We Could Suffer Economic Losses Resulting in an Adverse Effect on Results of Operations Despite Our Efforts to Manage and Mitigate Our Risks
We attempt to mitigate the market risk inherent in our energy, fuel and debt positions. Procedures have been implemented to enhance and monitor compliance with our risk management policies, including validation of transaction and market prices, verification of risk and transaction limits, sensitivity analysis and daily portfolio reporting of various risk measurement metrics. Nonetheless, we cannot economically hedge all of our exposure in these areas and our risk management program may not operate as planned. As a result, actual events may lead to greater losses or costs than our risk management positions were intended to hedge.
We Have Coal-Fired Generation Capacity, Which Exposes Us to Risk from Regulations Relating to Coal, GHGs and CCRs
Approximately 86% of FirstEnergy's generation fleet capacity is coal-fired, totaling 3,093 MWs at MP and 1,367 MWs at AE Supply. Historically, coal-fired generating plants have greater exposure to the costs of complying with federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations relating to air emissions, including GHGs and CCR disposal, than other types of electric generation facilities. These legal requirements and any future initiatives could impose substantial additional costs and, in the case of GHG


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requirements, could raise uncertainty about the future viability of fossil fuels, particularly coal, as an energy source for new and existing electric generation facilities and could require our coal-fired generation plants to curtail generation or cease to generate. Failure to comply with any such existing or future legal requirements may also result in the assessment of fines and penalties. Significant resources also may be expended to defend against allegations of violations of any such requirements.
Physical Acts of War, Terrorism or Other Attacks on any of Our Facilities or Other Infrastructure Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Results of Operations and Financial Condition
As a result of the continued threat of physical acts of war, terrorism, or other attacks in the United States, our electric generation, fuel storage, transmission and distribution facilities and other infrastructure, including power plants, transformer and high voltage lines and substations, or the facilities or other infrastructure of an interconnected company, could be direct targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of war, terrorism, or other attack, which could result in disruption of our ability to generate, purchase, transmit or distribute electricity for a significant period of time, otherwise disrupt our customer operations and/or result in incidents that could result in harmful effects on the environment and human health, including loss of life. Any such disruption or incident could result in a significant decrease in revenue, significant additional capital and operating costs, including costs to implement additional security systems or personnel to purchase electricity and to replace or repair our assets over and above any available insurance reimbursement, higher insurance deductibles, higher premiums and more restrictive insurance policies, legal claims or proceedings, greater regulation with higher attendant costs, generally, and significant damage to our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Capital Improvements and Construction Projects May Not be Completed Within Forecasted Budget, Schedule or Scope Parameters or Could be Canceled Which Could Adversely Affect Our Business and Results of Operations
Our business plan calls for execution of extensive capital investments in electric generation, transmission and distribution, including but not limited to our Energizing the Future transmission expansion program, which has been extended to include $4.0 to $4.8 billion in investments from 2018 through 2021. We may be exposed to the risk of substantial price increases in, or the adequacy or availability of, the costs of labor and materials used in construction, nonperformance of equipment and increased costs due to delays, including delays relating to the procurement of permits or approvals, adverse weather or environmental matters. We engage numerous contractors and enter into a large number of construction agreements to acquire the necessary materials and/or obtain the required construction-related services. As a result, we are also exposed to the risk that these contractors and other counterparties could breach their obligations to us. Such risk could include our contractors’ inabilities to procure sufficient skilled labor as well as potential work stoppages by that labor force. Should the counterparties to these arrangements fail to perform, we may be forced to enter into alternative arrangements at then-current market prices that may exceed our contractual prices, with resulting delays in those and other projects. Although our agreements are designed to mitigate the consequences of a potential default by the counterparty, our actual exposure may be greater than these mitigation provisions. Also, because we enter into construction agreements for the necessary materials and to obtain the required construction related services, any cancellation by FirstEnergy of a construction agreement could result in significant termination payments or penalties. Any delays, increased costs or losses or cancellation of a construction project could adversely affect our business and results of operations, particularly if we are not permitted to recover any such costs in rates.
Changes in Technology and Regulatory Policies May Make Our Facilities Significantly Less Competitive and Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations
Traditionally, electricity is generated at large central station generation facilities. This method results in economies of scale and lower unit costs than newer generation technologies such as fuel cells, microturbines, windmills and photovoltaic solar cells. It is possible that advances in newer generation technologies will make newer generation technologies more cost-effective, or that changes in regulatory policy will create benefits that otherwise make these newer generation technologies even more competitive with central station electricity production. To the extent that newer generation technologies are connected directly to load, bypassing the transmission and distribution systems, potential impacts could include decreased transmission and distribution revenues, stranded assets and increased uncertainty in load forecasting and integrated resource planning and could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
Certain FirstEnergy Companies Have Guaranteed the Performance of Third Parties, Which May Result in Substantial Costs or the Incurrence of Additional Debt
Certain FirstEnergy companies have issued guarantees of the performance of others, which obligates such FirstEnergy companies to perform in the event that the third parties do not perform. For instance, FE is a guarantor under a syndicated senior secured term loan facility, under which Global Holding's outstanding principal balance is approximately $220 million at September 30, 2018. In the event of non-performance by the third parties, FirstEnergy could incur substantial cost to fulfill this obligation and other obligations under such guarantees. Such performance guarantees could have a material adverse impact on our financial position and operating results.
Additionally, with respect to FEV's investment in Global Holding, it could require additional capital from its owners, including FEV, to fund operations and meet its obligations under its term loan facility. These capital requirements could be significant and if other


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partners do not fund the additional capital, resulting in FEV increasing its equity ownership and obtaining the ability to direct the significant activities of Global Holding, FEV may be required to consolidate Global Holding, increasing FirstEnergy's long-term debt by approximately $220 million.
Energy Companies are Subject to Adverse Publicity Causing Less Favorable Regulatory and Legislative Outcomes Which Could have an Adverse Impact on Our Business
Energy companies, including FirstEnergy's utility subsidiaries, have been the subject of criticism on matters including the reliability of their distribution services and the speed with which they are able to respond to power outages, such as those caused by storm damage. Adverse publicity of this nature, as well as negative publicity associated with the operation or bankruptcy of nuclear and/or coal-fired facilities or proceedings seeking regulatory recoveries may cause less favorable legislative and regulatory outcomes and damage our reputation, which could have an adverse impact on our business.
Risks Associated with Regulation

We Have Taken a Series of Actions to Focus on Growing Our Regulated Operations, Particularly Within the Regulated Transmission Segment. Whether This Investment Strategy Will Deliver the Desired Result Is Subject to Certain Risks Which Could Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition in the Future
We focus on capitalizing on investment opportunities available to our regulated operations - particularly within our Regulated Transmission segment - as we focus on delivering enhanced customer service and reliability. The success of these efforts will depend, in part, on successful recovery of our transmission investments. Factors that may affect rate recovery of our transmission investments include: (1) FERC’s timely approval of rates to recover such investments; (2) whether the investments are included in PJM's RTEP; (3) FERC's evolving policies with respect to incentive rates for transmission assets; (4) FERC's evolving policies with respect to the calculation of the base ROE component of transmission rates, as articulated in FERC's Opinion No. 531 and related orders; (5) consideration of the objections of those who oppose such investments and their recovery; and (6) timely development, construction, and operation of the new facilities.
The success of these efforts will also depend, in part, on any future distribution rate cases or other filings seeking cost recovery for distribution system enhancements in the states where our Utilities operate and transmission rate filings at FERC. Any denial of, or delay in, the approval of any future distribution or transmission rate requests could restrict us from fully recovering our cost of service, may impose risks on the Regulated Transmission and Regulated Distribution operations, and could have a material adverse effect on our regulatory strategy and results of operations.
Our efforts also could be impacted by our ability to finance the proposed expansion projects while maintaining adequate liquidity. There can be no assurance that our efforts to reflect a more regulated business profile will deliver the desired result which could adversely affect our future results of operations and financial condition.
Any Subsequent Modifications to, Denial of, or Delay in the Effectiveness of the PUCO’s Approval of the DMR Could Impose Significant Risks on FirstEnergy’s Operations and Materially and Adversely Impact the Credit Ratings, Results of Operations and Financial Condition of FirstEnergy
On October 12, 2016, the PUCO denied the Ohio Companies’ modified Rider RRS and, in accordance with the PUCO Staff’s recommendation, approved a new DMR providing for the collection of $132.5 million annually for three years with a possible extension for an additional two years. Rider DMR will be grossed up for federal income taxes, resulting in an approved amount of approximately $168 million annually in 2018 and 2019. Various parties have appealed the PUCO’s denial of subsequent applications for rehearing to the Ohio Supreme Court. Any subsequent modification to, denial of, or delay in the effectiveness of, the PUCO’s order approving the DMR could impose risks on our operations and materially and adversely impact the credit ratings, results of operations and financial condition of FirstEnergy.
Complex and Changing Government Regulations, Including Those Associated with Rates and Rate Cases and Restrictions and Prohibitions on Certain Business Dealings Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Business, Financial Condition, Results of Operations and Cash Flows
We are subject to comprehensive regulation by various federal, state and local regulatory agencies that significantly influence our operating environment. Changes in, or reinterpretations of, existing laws or regulations, or the imposition of new laws or regulations, could require us to incur additional costs or change the way we conduct our business, and therefore could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.
Our transmission and operating utility subsidiaries currently provide service at rates approved by one or more regulatory commissions. Thus, the rates a utility is allowed to charge may be decreased as a result of actions taken by FERC or by a state regulatory commission in which the Utilities operate. Also, these rates may not be set to recover such utility's expenses at any given time. Additionally, there may also be a delay between the timing of when costs are incurred and when costs are recovered. For example, we may be unable to timely recover the costs for our energy efficiency investments or expenses and additional capital or lost


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revenues resulting from the implementation of aggressive energy efficiency programs. While rate regulation is premised on providing an opportunity to earn a reasonable return on invested capital and recovery of operating expenses, there can be no assurance that the applicable regulatory commission will determine that all of our costs have been prudently incurred or that the regulatory process in which rates are determined will always result in rates that will produce full recovery of our costs in a timely manner. Further, there can be no assurance that we will retain the expected recovery in future rate cases.
In addition, as a U.S. corporation, we are subject to U.S. laws, Executive Orders, and regulations administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Department of Justice restricting or prohibiting business dealings in or with certain nations and with certain specially designated nationals (individuals and legal entities). If any of our existing or future operations or investments, including our joint venture investment in Signal Peak, are subsequently determined to involve such prohibited parties we could be in violation of certain covenants in our financing documents and unless we cease or modify such dealings, we could also be in violation of such U.S. laws, Executive Orders and sanctions regulations, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
State Rate Regulation May Delay or Deny Full Recovery of Costs and Impose Risks on Our Operations. Any Denial of or Delay in Cost Recovery Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Results of Operations, Cash Flows and Financial Condition
Each of the Utilities' retail rates are set by its respective regulatory agency for utilities in the state in which it operates - in Maryland by the MDPSC, in Ohio by the PUCO, in New Jersey by the NJBPU, in Pennsylvania by the PPUC, in West Virginia by the WVPSC and in New York by the NYPSC - through traditional, cost-based regulated utility ratemaking. As a result, any of the Utilities may not be permitted to recover its costs and, even if it is able to do so, there may be a significant delay between the time it incurs such costs and the time it is allowed to recover them. Factors that may affect outcomes in the distribution rate cases include: (i) the value of plant in service; (ii) authorized rate of return; (iii) capital structure (including hypothetical capital structures); (iv) depreciation rates; (v) the allocation of shared costs, including consolidated deferred income taxes and income taxes payable across the Utilities; (vi) regulatory approval of rate recovery mechanisms for capital spending programs (including for example accelerated deployment of smart meters); and (vii) the accuracy of forecasts used for ratemaking purposes in "future test year" cases.
FirstEnergy can provide no assurance that any base rate request filed by any of the Utilities will be granted in whole or in part. Any denial of, or delay in, any base rate request could restrict the applicable Utility from fully recovering its costs of service, may impose risks on its operations, and may negatively impact its results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. In addition, to the extent that any of the Utilities seeks rate increases after an extended period of frozen or capped rates, pressure may be exerted on the applicable legislators and regulators to take steps to control rate increases, including through some form of rate increase moderation, reduction or freeze. Any related public discourse and debate can increase uncertainty associated with the regulatory process, the level of rates and revenues that are ultimately obtained, and the ability of the Utility to recover costs. Such uncertainty may restrict operational flexibility and resources, and reduce liquidity and increase financing costs.
Federal Rate Regulation May Delay or Deny Full Recovery of Costs and Impose Risks on Our Operations. Any Denial or Reduction of, or Delay in Cost Recovery Could Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business, Results of Operations, Cash Flows and Financial Condition
FERC policy currently permits recovery of prudently-incurred costs associated with cost-of-service-based wholesale power rates and the expansion and updating of transmission infrastructure within its jurisdiction. If FERC were to adopt a different policy regarding recovery of transmission costs if transmission needs do not continue or develop as projected or if there is any resulting delay in cost recovery, our strategy of investing in transmission could be affected. If FERC were to lower the rate of return it has authorized for FirstEnergy's cost-based wholesale power rates or transmission investments and facilities, it could reduce future earnings and cash flows, and impact our financial condition.
There are multiple matters pending before FERC. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of these proceedings and an adverse result could have an adverse impact on FirstEnergy’s results of operations and business conditions.
The Business Operations of Our Subsidiaries That Sell Wholesale Power Are Subject to Regulation by FERC and Could be Adversely Affected by Such Regulation
FERC granted the Utilities authority to sell electric energy, capacity and ancillary services at market-based rates. These orders also granted waivers of certain FERC accounting, record-keeping and reporting requirements, as well as, for certain of these subsidiaries, waivers of the requirements to obtain FERC approval for issuances of securities. FERC’s orders that grant this market-based rate authority reserve with FERC the right to revoke or revise that authority if FERC subsequently determines that these companies can exercise market power in transmission or generation, or create barriers to entry, or have engaged in prohibited affiliate transactions. In the event that one or more of FirstEnergy's market-based rate authorizations were to be revoked or adversely revised, the affected FirstEnergy subsidiaries may be subject to sanctions and penalties, and would be required to file with FERC for authorization of individual wholesale sales transactions, which could involve costly and possibly lengthy regulatory proceedings and the loss of flexibility afforded by the waivers associated with the current market-based rate authorizations.


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Energy Efficiency and Peak Demand Reduction Mandates and Energy Price Increases Could Negatively Impact Our Financial Results
A number of regulatory and legislative bodies have introduced requirements and/or incentives to reduce peak demand and energy consumption. Such conservation programs could result in load reduction and adversely impact our financial results in different ways. We currently have energy efficiency riders in place to recover the cost of these programs either at or near a current recovery time frame in the states where we operate.
Currently, only our Ohio Companies recover lost distribution revenues that result between distribution rate cases. In our regulated operations, conservation could negatively impact us depending on the regulatory treatment of the associated impacts. Should we be required to invest in conservation measures that result in reduced sales from effective conservation, regulatory lag in adjusting rates for the impact of these measures could have a negative financial impact. We have already been adversely impacted by reduced electric usage due in part to energy conservation efforts such as the use of efficient lighting products such as CFLs, halogens and LEDs. We could also be adversely impacted if any future energy price increases result in a decrease in customer usage. We are unable to determine what impact, if any, conservation and increases in energy prices will have on our financial condition or results of operations.
Additionally, failure to meet regulatory or legislative requirements to reduce energy consumption or otherwise increase energy efficiency could result in penalties that could adversely affect our financial results.
Mandatory Renewable Portfolio Requirements Could Negatively Affect Our Costs and Have an Adverse Effect on Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Where federal or state legislation mandates the use of renewable and alternative fuel sources, such as wind, solar, biomass and geothermal and such legislation does not also provide for adequate cost recovery, it could result in significant changes in our business, including material increases in REC purchase costs, purchased power costs and capital expenditures. Such mandatory renewable portfolio requirements may have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in Local, State or Federal Tax Laws Applicable to Us or Adverse Audit Results or Tax Rulings, and Any Resulting Increases in Taxes and Fees, May Adversely Affect Our Results of Operations, Financial Condition and Cash Flows
FirstEnergy is subject to various local, state and federal taxes, including income, franchise, real estate, sales and use and employment-related taxes. We exercise significant judgment in calculating such tax obligations, booking reserves as necessary to reflect potential adverse outcomes regarding tax positions we have taken and utilizing tax benefits, such as carryforwards and credits. Additionally, various tax rate and fee increases may be proposed or considered in connection with such changes in local, state or federal tax law. We cannot predict whether legislation or regulation will be introduced, the form of any legislation or regulation, or whether any such legislation or regulation will be passed by legislatures or regulatory bodies. Any such changes, or any adverse tax audit results or adverse tax rulings on positions taken by FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries could have a negative impact on its results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
In addition, in December 2017, Congress passed the Tax Act. Various state regulatory proceedings have been initiated to investigate the impact of the Tax Act on the Utilities’ rates and charges. FirstEnergy continues to work with state regulatory commissions to determine appropriate changes to customer rates and, beginning in the first quarter of 2018, began to track and apply regulatory accounting treatment for the expected rate impact of changes in current taxes resulting from the Tax Act. FERC also recently took action to address the impact of the Tax Act on FERC-jurisdictional rates, including transmission and electric wholesale rates. FirstEnergy has reflected the impact of changes to current taxes in its normal update to FERC-jurisdictional formula transmission rates and will continue to work with the commission regarding whether and how FERC should address possible changes to transmission and wholesale rates resulting from the Tax Act.
We cannot predict whether, when or to what extent new tax regulations, interpretations or rulings will be issued, nor is the short-term or long-term impact of the Tax Act clear. Any future reform of U.S. tax laws may be enacted in a manner that negatively impacts our results of operations, financial condition, business operations, earnings and is adverse to FE's shareholders. Furthermore, with respect to the Utilities and our transmission-owning affiliates, FirstEnergy cannot predict what, if any, further response state regulatory commissions or FERC may have and the potential response of such authorities regarding the rates and charges of the Utilities and our transmission-owning affiliates.
The EPA is Conducting NSR Investigations at Generating Plants that We Currently or Formerly Owned, the Results of Which Could Negatively Impact Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition
We may be subject to risks from changing or conflicting interpretations of existing laws and regulations, including, for example, the applicability of the EPA's NSR programs. Under the CAA, modification of our generation facilities in a manner that results in increased emissions could subject our existing generation facilities to the far more stringent new source standards applicable to new generation facilities.


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The EPA has taken the view that many companies, including many energy producers, have been modifying emissions sources in violation of NSR standards during work considered by the companies to be routine maintenance. The EPA has investigated alleged violations of the NSR standards at certain of our existing and former generating facilities. We intend to vigorously pursue and defend our position, but we are unable to predict their outcomes. If NSR and similar requirements are imposed on our generation facilities, in addition to the possible imposition of fines, compliance could entail significant capital investments in pollution control technology, which could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Costs of Compliance with Environmental Laws are Significant, and the Cost of Compliance with New Environmental Laws, Including Limitations on GHG Emissions, Could Adversely Affect Cash Flow and Profitability
Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations. Compliance with these legal requirements requires us to incur costs for, among other things, installation and operation of pollution control equipment, emissions monitoring and fees, remediation and permitting at our facilities. These expenditures have been significant in the past and may increase in the future. We may be forced to shut down other facilities or change their operating status, either temporarily or permanently, if we are unable to comply with these or other existing or new environmental requirements, or if the expenditures required to comply with such requirements are unreasonable.
Moreover, new environmental laws or regulations including, but not limited to CWA effluent limitations imposing more stringent water discharge regulations, or changes to existing environmental laws or regulations may materially increase our costs of compliance or accelerate the timing of capital expenditures. Our compliance strategy, including but not limited to, our assumptions regarding estimated compliance costs, although reasonably based on available information, may not successfully address future relevant standards and interpretations. If we fail to comply with environmental laws and regulations or new interpretations of longstanding requirements, even if caused by factors beyond our control, that failure could result in the assessment of civil or criminal liability and fines. In addition, any alleged violation of environmental laws and regulations may require us to expend significant resources to defend against any such alleged violations.
At the international level, the Obama Administration submitted in March 2015, a formal pledge for the U.S. to reduce its economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2025 and in September 2016, joined in adopting the agreement reached on December 12, 2015 at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meetings in Paris. However, on June 1, 2017, the Trump Administration announced that the U.S. would cease all participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement. Due to the uncertainty of control technologies available to reduce GHG emissions, any other legal obligation that requires substantial reductions of GHG emissions could result in substantial additional costs, adversely affecting cash flow and profitability, and raise uncertainty about the future viability of fossil fuels, particularly coal, as an energy source for new and existing electric generation facilities.
We Could be Exposed to Private Rights of Action Relating to Environmental Matters Seeking Damages Under Various State and Federal Law Theories Which Could Have an Adverse Impact on Our Results of Operations, Financial Condition and Business Operations
Private individuals may seek to enforce environmental laws and regulations against us and could allege personal injury, property damages or other relief. For example, claims have been made against certain energy companies alleging that CO2 emissions from power generating facilities constitute a public nuisance under federal and/or state common law. While FirstEnergy is not a party to this litigation, it, and/or one of its subsidiaries, could be named in other actions making similar allegations. An unfavorable ruling in any such case could result in the need to make modifications to our coal-fired plants or reduce emissions, suspend operations or pay money damages or penalties. Adverse rulings in these or other types of actions could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition and could significantly impact our business operations.
We Are or May Be Subject to Environmental Liabilities, Including Costs of Remediation of Environmental Contamination at Current or Formerly Owned Facilities, Which Could Have a Material Adverse effect on Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition
We may be subject to liability under environmental laws for the costs of remediating environmental contamination of property now or formerly owned or operated by us and of property contaminated by hazardous substances that we may have generated regardless of whether the liabilities arose before, during or after the time we owned or operated the facilities. We are currently involved in a number of proceedings relating to sites where hazardous substances have been released and we may be subject to additional proceedings in the future. We also have current or previous ownership interests in sites associated with the production of gas and the production and delivery of electricity for which we may be liable for additional costs related to investigation, remediation and monitoring of these sites. Remediation activities associated with our former MGP operations are one source of such costs. Citizen groups or others may bring litigation over environmental issues including claims of various types, such as property damage, personal injury, and citizen challenges to compliance decisions on the enforcement of environmental requirements, such as opacity and other air quality standards, which could subject us to penalties, injunctive relief and the cost of litigation. We cannot predict the amount and timing of all future expenditures (including the potential or magnitude of fines or penalties) related to such environmental matters, although we expect that they could be material.


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In some cases, a third party who has acquired assets from us has assumed the liability we may otherwise have for environmental matters related to the transferred property. If the transferee fails to discharge the assumed liability or disputes its responsibility, a regulatory authority or injured person could attempt to hold us responsible, and our remedies against the transferee may be limited by the financial resources of the transferee.
We Are and May Become Subject to Legal Claims Arising from the Presence of Asbestos or Other Regulated Substances at Some of Our Facilities
We have been named as a defendant in pending asbestos litigations involving multiple plaintiffs and multiple defendants, in several states. The majority of these claims arise out of alleged past exposures by contractors (and in Pennsylvania, former employees) at both currently and formerly owned electric generation plants. In addition, asbestos and other regulated substances are, and may continue to be, present at currently owned facilities where suitable alternative materials are not available. We believe that any remaining asbestos at our facilities is contained and properly identified in accordance with applicable governmental regulations, including OSHA. The continued presence of asbestos and other regulated substances at these facilities, however, could result in additional actions being brought against us. This is further complicated by the fact that many diseases, such as mesothelioma and cancer, have long latency periods in which the disease process develops, thus making it impossible to accurately predict the types and numbers of such claims in the near future. While insurance coverages exist for many of these pending asbestos litigations, others have no such coverages, resulting in FirstEnergy being responsible for all defense expenditures, as well as any settlements or verdict payouts.
The Risks Associated with Climate Change May Have an Adverse Impact on Our Business Operations, Operating Results and Cash Flows
Physical risks of climate change, such as more frequent or more extreme weather events, changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, and other related phenomena, could affect some, or all, of our operations. Severe weather or other natural disasters could be destructive, which could result in increased costs, including supply chain costs. An extreme weather event within the Utilities' service areas can also directly affect their capital assets, causing disruption in service to customers due to downed wires and poles or damage to other operating equipment. Further, as extreme weather conditions increase system stress, we may incur costs relating to additional system backup or service interruptions, and in some instances, we may be unable to recover such costs. For all of these reasons, these physical risks could have an adverse financial impact on our business operations, operating results and cash flows. Climate change poses other financial risks as well. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change, customers’ energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of the changes. Increased energy use due to weather changes may require us to invest in additional system assets and purchase additional power. Additionally, decreased energy use due to weather changes may affect our financial condition through decreased rates, revenues, margins or earnings.
Future Changes in Accounting Standards May Affect Our Reported Financial Results
The SEC, FASB or other authoritative bodies or governmental entities may issue new pronouncements or new interpretations of existing accounting standards that may require us to change our accounting policies. These changes are beyond our control, can be difficult to predict and could materially impact how we report our financial condition and results of operations. We could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, which could adversely affect our financial position.
Risks Associated with Financing and Capital Structure

In the Event of Volatility or Unfavorable Conditions in the Capital and Credit Markets, Our Business, Including the Immediate Availability and Cost of Short-Term Funds for Liquidity Requirements, Our Ability to Meet Long-Term Commitments and the Competitiveness and Liquidity of Energy Markets May be Adversely Affected, Which Could Negatively Impact Our Results of Operations, Cash Flows and Financial Condition
We rely on the capital markets to meet our financial commitments and short-term liquidity needs if internal funds are not available from our operations. We also use letters of credit provided by various financial institutions to support our hedging operations. We also deposit cash in short-term investments. In the event of volatility in the capital and credit markets, our ability to draw on our credit facilities and cash may be adversely affected. Our access to funds under those credit facilities is dependent on the ability of the financial institutions that are parties to the facilities to meet their funding commitments. Those institutions may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests within a short period of time. Any delay in our ability to access those funds, even for a short period of time, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Should there be fluctuations in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation, reduced alternatives or failures of significant foreign or domestic financial institutions or foreign governments, our access to liquidity needed for our business could be adversely affected. Unfavorable conditions could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged. Such measures could include deferring capital expenditures, changing hedging strategies to reduce collateral-posting requirements, and reducing or eliminating future dividend payments or other discretionary uses of cash.


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Energy markets depend heavily on active participation by multiple counterparties, which could be adversely affected should there be disruptions in the capital and credit markets. Reduced capital and liquidity and failures of significant institutions that participate in the energy markets could diminish the liquidity and competitiveness of energy markets that are important to our business. Perceived weaknesses in the competitive strength of the energy markets could lead to pressures for greater regulation of those markets or attempts to replace those market structures with other mechanisms for the sale of power, including the requirement of long-term contracts, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.
Interest Rates and/or a Credit Rating Downgrade Could Negatively Affect Our or Our Subsidiaries' Financing Costs, Ability to Access Capital and Requirement to Post Collateral
We have near-term exposure to interest rates from outstanding indebtedness indexed to variable interest rates, and we have exposure to future interest rates to the extent we seek to raise debt in the capital markets to meet maturing debt obligations and fund construction or other investment opportunities. Past disruptions in capital and credit markets have resulted in higher interest rates on new publicly issued debt securities, increased costs for certain of our variable interest rate debt securities and failed remarketing of variable interest rate tax-exempt debt issued to finance certain of our facilities. Similar future disruptions could increase our financing costs and adversely affect our results of operations. Also, interest rates could change as a result of economic or other events that are beyond our risk management processes. As a result, we cannot always predict the impact that our risk management decisions may have on us if actual events lead to greater losses or costs that our risk management positions were intended to hedge. Although we employ risk management techniques to hedge against interest rate volatility, significant and sustained increases in market interest rates could materially increase our financing costs and negatively impact our reported results of operations.
We rely on access to bank and capital markets as sources of liquidity for cash requirements not satisfied by cash from operations. A downgrade in our or our subsidiaries' credit ratings from the nationally recognized credit rating agencies, particularly to a level below investment grade, could negatively affect our ability to access the bank and capital markets, especially in a time of uncertainty in either of those markets, and may require us to post cash collateral to support outstanding commodity positions in the wholesale market, as well as available letters of credit and other guarantees. Furthermore, a downgrade could increase the cost of such capital by causing us to incur higher interest rates and fees associated with such capital. A rating downgrade would increase our interest expense on certain of FirstEnergy's long-term debt obligations and would also increase the fees we pay on our various existing credit facilities, thus increasing the cost of our working capital. A rating downgrade could also impact our ability to grow our regulated businesses by substantially increasing the cost of, or limiting access to, capital.
Any Default by Customers or Other Counterparties Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on Our Results of Operations and Financial Condition
We are exposed to the risk that counterparties that owe us money, power, fuel or other commodities could breach their obligations. Should the counterparties to these arrangements fail to perform, we may be forced to enter into alternative arrangements at then-current market prices that may exceed our contractual prices, which would cause our financial results to be diminished and we might incur losses. Some of our agreements contain provisions that require the counterparties to provide credit support to secure all or part of their obligations to FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries. If the counterparties to these arrangements fail to perform, we may have a right to receive the proceeds from the credit support provided, however the credit support may not always be adequate to cover the related obligations. In such event, we may incur losses in addition to amounts, if any, already paid to the counterparties, including by being forced to enter into alternative arrangements at then-current market prices that may exceed our contractual prices. Although our estimates take into account the expected probability of default by a counterparty, our actual exposure to a default by customers or other counterparties may be greater than the estimates predict, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
We Must Rely on Cash from Our Subsidiaries and Any Restrictions on Our Utility Subsidiaries' Ability to Pay Dividends or Make Cash Payments to Us May Adversely Affect Our Cash Flows and Financial Condition
We are a holding company and our investments in our subsidiaries are our primary assets. Substantially all of our business is conducted by our subsidiaries. Consequently, our cash flow, including our ability to pay dividends and service debt, is dependent on the operating cash flows of our subsidiaries and their ability to upstream cash to the holding company. Any inability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends or make cash payments to us may adversely affect our cash flows and financial condition.
Additionally, our utility and transmission subsidiaries are regulated by various state utility and federal commissions that generally possess broad powers to ensure that the needs of utility customers are being met. Those state and federal commissions could attempt to impose restrictions on the ability of our utility and transmission subsidiaries to pay dividends or otherwise restrict cash payments to us.


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Our Mandatorily Convertible Preferred Stock Will be Converted into Common Stock, at the Latest, in Two Years from the Date of Issuance and the Holders Thereof Have Registration Rights. Upon Conversion of the Preferred Shares, the Number of Common Shares Eligible for Future Resale in the Public Market Will Increase and May Result in Dilution to Common Shareholders. This May Have an Adverse Effect on the Market Price of Common Stock.
On January 22, 2018, FE issued $2.5 billion of equity, which included $1.62 billion of mandatorily convertible preferred equity with an initial conversion price of $27.42 per share and $850 million of common equity issued at $28.22 per share. The issuance of common equity created some dilution to existing common holders. The preferred shares contain an optional conversion for holders beginning in July 2018, and any remaining preferred shares will mandatorily convert in 18 months from issuance, subject to limited exceptions.
Upon the conversion of the mandatorily convertible preferred stock, additional shares, up to a maximum of 58,964,222 shares, of our common stock will be issued, which results in dilution to our common stockholders, and will increase the number of shares eligible for resale in the public market. Sales of substantial numbers of such shares in the public market could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As of September 30, 2018, 911,411 shares of preferred stock have been converted into 33,238,910 shares of common stock at the option of the holders.

We Cannot Assure Common and Preferred Shareholders that Future Dividend Payments Will be Made, or if Made, in What Amounts They May be Paid

Our Board of Directors will continue to regularly evaluate our common stock dividend and determine an appropriate dividend each quarter taking into account such factors as, among other things, our earnings, financial condition and cash flows from subsidiaries, as well as general economic and competitive conditions. We cannot assure common or preferred shareholders that dividends will be paid in the future, or that, if paid, dividends will be at the same amount or with the same frequency as in the past. Further, the terms of the outstanding preferred stock require that preferred shareholders receive dividends alongside the common shareholders on an as-converted, pro rata basis.
The Recognition of Impairments of Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets Has Adversely Affected Our Results of Operations and Additional Impairments Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on FirstEnergy’s Business, Financial Condition, Results of Operations, Liquidity and the Trading Price of FirstEnergy's Securities
We have approximately $5.6 billion of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2018. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually as of July 31 or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment may have occurred. Key assumptions incorporated in the estimated cash flows used for the impairment analysis requiring significant management judgment include: discount rates, growth rates, projected operating income, changes in working capital, projected capital expenditures, projected funding of pension plans, expected results of future rate proceedings, the impact of pending carbon and other environmental legislation and terminal multiples.
We are unable to predict whether further impairments of one or more of our long-lived assets or investments may occur in the future. The actual timing and amounts of any impairments to goodwill, or long-lived assets in the future depends on many factors, including the outcome of the strategic review, interest rates, sector market performance, our capital structure, results of future rate proceedings, operating and capital expenditure requirements, the value of comparable acquisitions, environmental regulations and other factors. A determination that goodwill, a long-lived asset, or other investments are impaired would result in a non-cash charge that could materially adversely affect our results of operations and capitalization.

ITEM 2.        UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS


Not applicable.None.
ITEM 3.        DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES


Not applicable.None.
ITEM 4.        MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


Not applicable.


ITEM 5.        OTHER INFORMATION


Amendment to Revolving Credit FacilitiesNone.

On October 19, 2018, FE and the Utilities, and FET and certain of its subsidiaries entered into amendments to their respective multiyear credit facilities (the Revolving Facilities).





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Pursuant to the Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2018 (the FE Revolving Facility Amendment), among FE, CEI, ME, OE, Penn, TE, JCP&L, MP, PN, PE and WP, as borrowers, Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as administrative agent, and the lending banks and swing line lenders identified therein, which amends the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 6, 2016 (as amended by the FE Revolving Facility Amendment, the FE Revolving Facility), the lenders agreed to provide individual commitments, as further described in the table below, until December 6, 2022. Additionally, total commitments under the FE Revolving Facility were reduced by $1.5 billion and FE’s individual borrower sublimit was also reduced by $1.5 billion. TE’s and JCP&L’s individual borrower sublimits were reduced by $200 million and $100 million, respectively. ME's and Penn’s individual borrower sublimit were increased by $200 million and $50 million, respectively.

Pursuant to the Amendment No.1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of October 19, 2018 (the FET Revolving Facility Amendment), among FET, ATSI, MAIT and TrAIL, as borrowers, and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, the banks and the fronting banks identified therein, which amends the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 6, 2016 (as amended by the FET Revolving Facility Amendment, FET Revolving Facility), the lenders agreed to provide individual commitments, as further described in the table below, until December 6, 2022.

Under the FE Revolving Facility, an aggregate amount of $2.5 billion is available to be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed under a syndicated credit facility, subject to separate borrowing sublimits for each borrower including FE and its regulated distribution subsidiaries as described in the table below. Under the FET Revolving Facility, an aggregate amount of $1.0 billion is available to be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed under a syndicated credit facility, subject to separate borrowing sublimits for each borrower including FE’s transmission subsidiaries as described in the table below:
BorrowerNew FE Revolving Facility SublimitNew FET Revolving Facility Sublimit 
 (in millions)  
FE$2,500
 $
  
FET
 1,000
  
OE500
 
  
CEI500
 
  
TE300
 
  
JCP&L500
 
  
ME500
 
  
PN300
 
  
WP200
 
  
MP500
 
  
PE150
 
  
ATSI
 500
  
Penn100
 
  
TrAIL
 400
  
MAIT
 400
  

Each of the Revolving Facilities was also amended to conform certain definitions, including the definitions of Eurodollar rate and, as applicable, representations and warranties and covenants among the Revolving Facilities and the new Term Loan Facilities referenced below.



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Pursuant to the Revolving Facilities, the banks listed below agreed to provide individual commitments as further described herein:
BankFE FacilityFET Facility
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.$157,218,750
$44,000,000 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.152,656,250
44,000,000 
PNC Bank, National Association152,656,250
44,000,000 
Bank of America, N.A.148,281,250
44,000,000 
MUFG Bank, Ltd.148,281,250
44,000,000 
Citibank, N.A.157,281,250
44,000,000 
The Bank of Nova Scotia152,656,250
44,000,000 
Barclays Bank PLC152,656,250
44,000,000 
CoBank, ACB56,312,500
175,000,000 
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, New York Branch78,125,000
100,000,000 
Royal Bank of Canada124,125,000
38,000,000 
Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.55,525,000
25,000,000 
Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc.68,600,000
13,000,000 
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation116,875,000
38,000,000 
TD Bank, N.A.116,875,000
38,000,000 
U.S. Bank National Association116,875,000
38,000,000 
KeyBank National Association107,937,500
50,000,000 
Santander Bank, N.A.95,187,500
38,000,000 
Fifth Third Bank80,625,000
32,300,000 
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, New York Branch111,437,500

 
The Bank of New York Mellon65,875,000
28,100,000 
Citizens Bank, N.A.40,312,500
16,100,000 
The Huntington National Bank29,437,500
12,900,000 
First National Bank of Pennsylvania14,187,500
5,600,000 
TOTAL$2,500,000,000
$1,000,000,000
 

The borrowers paid customary arrangement and upfront fees to the arranging banks and other lenders in connection with the closing of the FE Revolving Facility Amendment and the FET Revolving Facility Amendment. FirstEnergy maintains ordinary banking and investment banking relationships with lenders under the Revolving Facilities.

New FE Term Loan Facilities

On October 19, 2018, FE entered into two separate syndicated term loan credit agreements, the first being a $1.25 billion 364-day facility with The Bank of Nova Scotia, as administrative agent, and the lenders identified therein, and the second being a $500 million two-year facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders identified therein (collectively, the New FE Term Loan Facilities).

The loans under the New FE Term Loan Facilities (the New FE Term Loans) were fully drawn from the lenders under their respective commitments set forth in the table below and FE used the proceeds for general corporate purposes. Interest is payable on the unpaid principal amount until repaid in full. FE must repay the principal amount with respect to (i) the 364-day term loan no later than October 18, 2019, and (ii) with respect to the two-year term loan no later than October 19, 2020.

The initial borrowings of $1.75 billion under the New FE Term Loan Facilities, which took the form of Eurodollar rate advances, may be converted from time to time, in whole or in part, to alternate base rate advances or other Eurodollar rate advances. Outstanding alternate base rate advances will bear interest at a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal to the sum of an applicable margin for alternate base rate advances determined by reference to FE’s reference ratings plus the highest of (i) the administrative agent’s publicly-announced “prime rate”, (ii) the sum of 1/2 of 1% per annum plus the Federal Funds Rate in effect from time to time and (iii) the rate of interest per annum appearing on a nationally-recognized service used to ascertain such rates of interest equal to one-month LIBOR on each day plus 1%. Outstanding Eurodollar rate advances will bear interest at LIBOR for interest periods of one week or one, two, three or six months plus an applicable margin determined by reference to FE’s reference ratings. Changes in FE’s reference ratings would lower or raise its applicable margin depending on whether ratings improved or were lowered, respectively.

The New FE Term Loan Facilities contain customary representations and warranties, terms and conditions for facilities of this type, and FE is subject to certain customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations on the ability to sell, lease, transfer or dispose of assets, to grant or permit liens upon properties to secure debt, to merge or consolidate, subject to certain exceptions, the ability to enter into any prohibited transactions as defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 or the ability


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to use the proceeds of any borrowing for prohibited purposes. FE is also required to maintain a consolidated debt-to-total-capitalization ratio, as defined in the New FE Term Loan Facilities, of no more than 0.65 to 1.00. For purposes of calculating FE’s ratio, the total capitalization denominator provides for certain permitted adjustments including (i) an exclusion for certain previously incurred after-tax, non-cash write-downs and non-cash charges and other permitted charges of approximately $2.75 billion, and (ii) an exclusion for certain previously incurred after-tax, non-cash write-downs and non-cash charges up to $5.5 billion related to asset impairments attributable to the power generation assets owned by FES, AE Supply and each of their subsidiaries.

The New FE Term Loan Facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of events of default that FE considers usual and customary, including a cross-default to other indebtedness of FE or its significant subsidiaries in excess of $100 million and defaults for certain bankruptcy or insolvency events of such borrower or its significant subsidiaries. As in the Facilities, FES, AE Supply and their subsidiaries are excluded from these defaults for FE.

The following banks are parties to the New FE Term Loan Facilities with individual commitments listed below:
BankCommitment Amounts
 364-Day Term Loan Two-Year Term Loan
Bank of America, N.A.$65,468,750 $35,156,250
Mizuho Bank, Ltd.85,468,750 15,156,250
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.75,468,750 25,156,250
PNC Bank, National Association75,468,750 25,156,250
MUFG Bank, Ltd.75,468,750 25,156,250
The Bank of Nova Scotia75,468,750 25,156,250
Citibank, N.A.75,468,750 25,156,250
Barclays Bank PLC75,468,750 25,156,250
CoBank, ACB 75,000,000
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, New York Branch50,000,000 25,000,000
Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A.56,250,000 18,750,000
Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc. 
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation75,000,000 25,000,000
TD Bank, N.A.75,000,000 25,000,000
U.S. Bank National Association75,000,000 25,000,000
KeyBank National Association75,000,000 25,000,000
Santander Bank, N.A.60,000,000 20,000,000
Fifth Third Bank37,500,000 12,500,000
Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited, New York Branch37,500,000 12,500,000
The Bank of New York Mellon37,500,000 12,500,000
Citizens Bank, N.A.30,000,000 10,000,000
The Huntington National Bank15,000,000 5,000,000
First National Bank of Pennsylvania22,500,000 7,500,000
TOTAL$1,250,000,000 $500,000,000

FE paid customary arrangement and upfront fees to the arranging banks and other lenders in connection with the closing of the New FE Term Loan Facilities. FE maintains ordinary banking and investment banking relationships with lenders under the New FE Term Loan Facilities.



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ITEM 6.        EXHIBITS
Exhibit NumberDescription
    
(B)10.1 Executive Voluntary Enhanced Retirement ProgramAmendment No. 1 to Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of September 11, 2019, among FirstEnergy Corp., as borrower, the banks named therein and The Bank of Nova Scotia, as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to FE'sFE’s Form 8-K filed July 23, 2018,September 17, 2019, Exhibit 10.1, File No. 333-21011).
 10.2 SettlementAmendment No. 1 to Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of August 26, 2018, bySeptember 11, 2019, among FirstEnergy Corp., as borrower, the banks named therein and among the Debtors, the FE Non-Debtor Parties, the Ad Hoc Noteholders Group, the Bruce Mansfield Certificateholders Group and the Committee (in each case,JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as defined therein)administrative agent (incorporated by reference to FE'sFE’s Form 8-K filed August 27, 2018,September 17, 2019, Exhibit 10.1,10.2, File No. 333-21011).
(A) (B)10.3
(A)31.1 
(A)31.2 
(A)32 
 101 The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of FirstEnergy Corp. for the period ended September 30, 2018,2019, formatted in XBRL (ExtensibleiXBRL (Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) related notes to these financial statements and (v) document and entity information.
    
(A) Provided herein in electronic format as an exhibit.
(B) Management contract or compensatory plan contract or arrangement filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.


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




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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
October 25, 2018November 4, 2019
 FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 Registrant
  
 /s/ Jason J. Lisowski
 Jason J. Lisowski
 
Vice President, Controller
and Chief Accounting Officer 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  








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