Exhibit (c) 2

GPU News Release
August 31, 2001


                      NJ ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE FORWARDS
                     RECOMMENDATION IN GPU MERGER PROCEEDING


Morristown,  NJ - GPU, Inc.  announced today that the  administrative  law judge
(ALJ)  hearing the case for the New Jersey Board of Public  Utilities  (BPU) has
approved the Stipulation of Settlement  (Settlement) reached by major parties in
the merger proceeding. The Settlement addresses New Jersey regulatory conditions
for consummating  GPU's proposed merger with FirstEnergy  Corp. of Akron,  Ohio.
The ALJ issued and has filed with the BPU for its  consideration his recommended
decision,  finding  the  Settlement  to be in the public  interest.  The BPU may
adopt, reject or modify the ALJ's decision.

GPU, Inc., headquartered in Morristown, NJ, is a registered public utility
holding company providing utility and utility-related services to customers
throughout the world. GPU serves 4.6 million customers directly through its
electric companies -- GPU Energy in the US, GPU Power UK in England, and
Emdersa in Argentina. It serves an additional 1.4 million customers
indirectly through GPU GasNet, its gas transmission subsidiary in Australia.
The company's independent power project business units own interests in and
operate seven projects in five countries. GPU's 2000 revenues were $5.2
billion and its total assets were more than $19 billion. GPU's other
subsidiaries include MYR Group Inc., GPU Advanced Resources, Inc., GPU
Nuclear, Inc., GPU Service, Inc. GPU Telcom Services, Inc. and GPU
Diversified Holdings LLC. (http://www.gpu.com)




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