Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
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 June 30, 2011
OR
o 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.
  34-1843785
    (An Ohio Corporation)    
    76 South Main Street    
    Akron, OH 44308    
    Telephone (800)736-3402    
         
000-53742  
FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
  31-1560186
    (An Ohio Corporation)    
    c/o FirstEnergy Corp.    
    76 South Main Street    
    Akron, OH 44308    
    Telephone (800)736-3402    
         
1-2578  
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
  34-0437786
    (An Ohio Corporation)    
    c/o FirstEnergy Corp.    
    76 South Main Street    
    Akron, OH 44308    
    Telephone (800)736-3402    
         
1-2323  
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
  34-0150020
    (An Ohio Corporation)    
    c/o FirstEnergy Corp.    
    76 South Main Street    
    Akron, OH 44308    
    Telephone (800)736-3402    
         
1-3583  
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
  34-4375005
    (An Ohio Corporation)    
    c/o FirstEnergy Corp.    
    76 South Main Street    
    Akron, OH 44308    
    Telephone (800)736-3402    
         
1-3141  
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
  21-0485010
    (A New Jersey Corporation)    
    c/o FirstEnergy Corp.    
    76 South Main Street    
    Akron, OH 44308    
    Telephone (800)736-3402    
         
1-446  
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
  23-0870160
    (A Pennsylvania Corporation)    
    c/o FirstEnergy Corp.    
    76 South Main Street    
    Akron, OH 44308    
    Telephone (800)736-3402    
         
1-3522  
PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
  25-0718085
    (A Pennsylvania Corporation)    
    c/o FirstEnergy Corp.    
    76 South Main Street    
    Akron, OH 44308    
    Telephone (800)736-3402    
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 þ No o
  FirstEnergy Corp., FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).
     
Yes þ No o
  FirstEnergy Corp., FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, and Pennsylvania Electric Company
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
     
Large Accelerated Filer þ
  FirstEnergy Corp.
 
   
Accelerated Filer o
  N/A
 
   
Non-accelerated Filer (Do not check
if a smaller reporting company) þ
  FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company
 
   
Smaller Reporting Company o
  N/A
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
     
Yes o No þ
  FirstEnergy Corp., FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company
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 JULY 29, 2011  
FirstEnergy Corp., $.10 par value
    418,216,437  
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., no par value
    7  
Ohio Edison Company, no par value
    60  
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, no par value
    67,930,743  
The Toledo Edison Company, $5 par value
    29,402,054  
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, $10 par value
    13,628,447  
Metropolitan Edison Company, no par value
    740,905  
Pennsylvania Electric Company, $20 par value
    4,427,577  
FirstEnergy Corp. is the sole holder of FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company common stock.
This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by FirstEnergy Corp., FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company. Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant on its own behalf. No registrant makes any representation as to information relating to any other registrant, except that information relating to any of the FirstEnergy subsidiary registrants is also attributed to FirstEnergy Corp.
FirstEnergy Web Site
Each of the registrants’ Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are also made available free of charge on or through FirstEnergy’s Internet web site at www.firstenergycorp.com.
These reports are posted on the web site as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with the SEC. Additionally, the registrants routinely post important information on FirstEnergy’s Internet web site and recognize FirstEnergy’s Internet web site 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 SEC Regulation FD. Information contained on FirstEnergy’s Internet web site shall not be deemed incorporated into, or to be part of, this report.
OMISSION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company meet the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and are therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction H(2) to Form 10-Q.
 
 

 

 


Table of Contents

Forward-Looking Statements: This Form 10-Q includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements include declarations regarding management’s intents, beliefs and current expectations. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms “anticipate,” “potential,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate” 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.
Actual results may differ materially due to:
 
The speed and nature of increased competition in the electric utility industry.
 
The impact of the regulatory process on the pending matters in the various states in which we do business including, but not limited to, matters related to rates.
 
The status of the PATH project in light of PJM’s direction to suspend work on the project pending review of its planning process, its re-evaluation of the need for the project and the uncertainty of the timing and amounts of any related capital expenditures.
 
Business and regulatory impacts from ATSI’s realignment into PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.
 
Economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins.
 
Changes in markets for energy services.
 
Changing energy and commodity market prices and availability.
 
Financial derivative reforms that could increase our liquidity needs and collateral costs.
 
The continued ability of FirstEnergy’s regulated utilities to collect transition and other costs.
 
Operation and maintenance costs being higher than anticipated.
 
Other legislative and regulatory changes, and revised environmental requirements, including possible GHG emission, water intake and coal combustion residual regulations, the potential impacts of any laws, rules or regulations that ultimately replace CAIR, including the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), and the effects of the EPA’s recently released MACT proposal to establish certain mercury and other emission standards for electric generating units.
 
The uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures that may arise in connection with any NSR litigation or potential regulatory initiatives or rulemakings (including that such expenditures could result in our decision to shut down or idle certain generating units).
 
Adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes with respect to our nuclear operations (including, but not limited to the revocation or non-renewal of necessary licenses, approvals or operating permits by the NRC including as a result of the incident at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant).
 
Adverse legal decisions and outcomes related to Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s ability to recover certain transmission costs through their transmission service charge riders.
 
The continuing availability of generating units and changes in their ability to operate at or near full capacity.
 
Replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged.
 
The ability to comply with applicable state and federal reliability standards and energy efficiency mandates.
 
Changes in customers’ demand for power, including but not limited to, changes resulting from the implementation of state and federal energy efficiency mandates.
 
The ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic goals.
 
Efforts and our ability to improve electric commodity margins and the impact of, among other factors, the increased cost of coal and coal transportation on such margins.
 
The ability to experience growth in the distribution business.
 
The changing market conditions that could affect the value of assets held in FirstEnergy’s nuclear decommissioning trusts, pension trusts and other trust funds, and cause us to make additional contributions sooner, or in amounts that are larger than currently anticipated.
 
The ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with FirstEnergy’s financing plan, the cost of such capital and overall condition of the capital and credit markets affecting FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries.
 
Changes in general economic conditions affecting FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries.
 
Interest rates and any actions taken by credit rating agencies that could negatively affect FirstEnergy’s and its subsidiaries’ access to financing or their costs and increase requirements to post additional collateral to support outstanding commodity positions, LOCs and other financial guarantees.
 
The continuing uncertainty of the national and regional economy and its impact on FirstEnergy’s and its subsidiaries’ major industrial and commercial customers.
 
Issues concerning the soundness of financial institutions and counterparties with which FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries do business.
 
Issues arising from the recently completed merger of FirstEnergy and Allegheny Energy, Inc. and the ongoing coordination of their combined operations including FirstEnergy’s ability to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers, as well as the ability to successfully integrate the businesses and realize cost savings and any other synergies and the risk that the credit ratings of the combined company or its subsidiaries may be different from what the companies expect.
 
The risks and other factors discussed from time to time in the registrants’ SEC filings, and other similar factors.
Dividends declared from time to time on FirstEnergy’s common stock during any annual period may in aggregate vary from the indicated amount due to circumstances considered by FirstEnergy’s 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.
The foregoing review of factors 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 the registrants’ 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. The registrants expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
    Page  
 
       
       
 
       
    iii  
 
       
       
 
       
       
 
       
    1  
 
       
    2  
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
       
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7  
 
       
       
 
       
    8  
 
       
    9  
 
       
    10  
 
       
       
 
       
    11  
 
       
    12  
 
       
    13  
 
       
       
 
       
    14  
 
       
    15  
 
       
    16  
 
       
       
 
       
    17  
 
       
    18  
 
       
    19  
 
       
       
 
       
    20  
 
       
    21  
 
       
    22  
 
       
       
 
       
    23  
 
       
    24  
 
       
    25  

 

i


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont’d)
         
    Page  
 
       
    27  
 
       
    84  
 
       
       
 
       
    131  
 
       
    134  
 
       
    136  
 
       
    138  
 
       
    140  
 
       
    142  
 
       
    144  
 
       
    146  
 
       
    146  
 
       
       
 
       
    147  
 
       
    147  
 
       
    147  
 
       
    147  
 
       
    148  
 
       
 Exhibit 10.1
 Exhibit 12
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

 

ii


Table of Contents

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify FirstEnergy Corp. and its current and former subsidiaries:
     
AE
  Allegheny Energy, Inc., a Maryland utility holding company that merged with a subsidiary of FirstEnergy on February 25, 2011
AESC
  Allegheny Energy Service Corporation, a subsidiary of AE
AE Supply
  Allegheny Energy Supply Company LLC, an unregulated generation subsidiary of AE
AET
  Allegheny Energy Transmission, LLC, a parent of TrAIL and PATH
AGC
  Allegheny Generating Company, a generation subsidiary of AE
Allegheny
  Allegheny Energy, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries
AVE
  Allegheny Ventures, Inc.
ATSI
  American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, which owns and operates transmission facilities
CEI
  The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
FENOC
  FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company, which operates nuclear generating facilities
FES
  FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., which provides energy-related products and services
FESC
  FirstEnergy Service Company, which provides legal, financial and other corporate support services
FEV
  FirstEnergy Ventures Corp., which invests in certain unregulated enterprises and business ventures
FGCO
  FirstEnergy Generation Corp., which owns and operates non-nuclear generating facilities
FirstEnergy
  FirstEnergy Corp., a public utility holding company
Global Rail
  A joint venture between FEV and WMB Loan Ventures II LLC, that owns coal transportation operations near Roundup, Montana
GPU
  GPU, Inc., former parent of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec, that merged with FirstEnergy on November 7, 2001
JCP&L
  Jersey Central Power & Light Company, a New Jersey electric utility operating subsidiary
Met-Ed
  Metropolitan Edison Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
MP
  Monongahela Power Company, a West Virginia electric utility operating subsidiary of AE
NGC
  FirstEnergy Nuclear Generation Corp., owns nuclear generating facilities
OE
  Ohio Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
Ohio Companies
  CEI, OE and TE
PATH
  Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline LLC, a joint venture between Allegheny and a subsidiary of American Electric Power Company, Inc.
PATH-VA
  PATH Allegheny Virginia Transmission Corporation
PE
  The Potomac Edison Company, a Maryland electric operating subsidiary of AE
Penelec
  Pennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
Penn
  Pennsylvania Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary of OE
Pennsylvania Companies
  Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn and WP
PNBV
  PNBV Capital Trust, a special purpose entity created by OE in 1996
Shippingport
  Shippingport Capital Trust, a special purpose entity created by CEI and TE in 1997
Signal Peak
  A joint venture between FEV and WMB Loan Ventures LLC, that owns mining operations near Roundup, Montana
TE
  The Toledo Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
TrAIL
  Trans-Allegheny Interstate Line Company
Utilities
  OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, MP, PE and WP
Utility Registrants
  OE, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec
WP
  West Penn Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary of AE
 
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
 
ALJ
  Administrative Law Judge
AOCL
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
AEP
  American Electric Power
AQC
  Air Quality Control
ARO
  Asset Retirement Obligation
ARR
  Auction Revenue Rights
BGS
  Basic Generation Service
BMP
  Bruce Mansfield Plant
CAA
  Clean Air Act
CAIR
  Clean Air Interstate Rule
CAMR
  Clean Air Mercury Rule
CATR
  Clean Air Transport Rule
CBP
  Competitive Bid Process

 

iii


Table of Contents

GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont’d.
     
CCB
  Coal Combustion By-products
CDWR
  California Department of Water Resources
CO2
  Carbon Dioxide
CSAPR
  Cross-State Air Pollution Rule
CTC
  Competitive Transition Charge
CWA
  Clean Water Act
CWIP
  Construction Work in Progress
DCPD
  Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors
DOE
  United States Department of Energy
DOJ
  United States Department of Justice
DPA
  Department of the Public Advocate, Division of Rate Counsel (New Jersey)
DSP
  Default Service Plan
EDCP
  Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
EE&C
  Energy Efficiency and Conservation
EIS
  Energy Insurance Services, Inc.
EMP
  Energy Master Plan
ENEC
  Expanded Net Energy Cost
EPA
  United States Environmental Protection Agency
ESOP
  Employee Stock Ownership Plan
ESP
  Electric Security Plan
FASB
  Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
  Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FMB
  First Mortgage Bond
FPA
  Federal Power Act
FRR
  Fixed Resource Requirement
FTRs
  Financial Transmission Rights
GAAP
  Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States
RGGI
  Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
GHG
  Greenhouse Gases
IRS
  Internal Revenue Service
JOA
  Joint Operating Agreement
kV
  Kilovolt
KWH
  Kilowatt-hours
LBR
  Little Blue Run
LED
  Light-Emitting Diode
LOC
  Letter of Credit
LSE
  Load Serving Entity
LTIP
  Long-Term Incentive Plan
MACT
  Maximum Achievable Control Technology
MDE
  Maryland Department of the Environment
MDPSC
  Maryland Public Service Commission
MEIUG
  Met-Ed Industrial Users Group
MISO
  Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
Moody’s
  Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
MRO
  Market Rate Offer
MSHA
  Mine Safety and Health Administration
MTEP
  MISO Regional Transmission Expansion Plan
MVP
  Multi-value Project
MW
  Megawatts
MWH
  Megawatt-hours
NAAQS
  National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NDT
  Nuclear Decommissioning Trusts
NERC
  North American Electric Reliability Corporation
NJBPU
  New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
NNSR
  Non-Attainment New Source Review
NOAC
  Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition
NOPEC
  Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council
NOV
  Notice of Violation
NOX
  Nitrogen Oxide
NPDES
  National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NRC
  Nuclear Regulatory Commission

 

iv


Table of Contents

GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont’d.
     
NSR
  New Source Review
NUG
  Non-Utility Generation
NUGC
  Non-Utility Generation Charge
NYSEG
  New York State Electric and Gas
OCC
  Ohio Consumers’ Counsel
OCI
  Other Comprehensive Income
OPEB
  Other Post-Employment Benefits
OSBA
  Office of Small Business Advocate
OVEC
  Ohio Valley Electric Corporation
PA DEP
  Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
PCRB
  Pollution Control Revenue Bond
PICA
  Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority
PJM
  PJM Interconnection L. L. C.
POLR
  Provider of Last Resort; an electric utility’s obligation to provide generation service to customers whose alternative supplier fails to deliver service
PPUC
  Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PSCWV
  Public Service Commission of West Virginia
PSA
  Power Supply Agreement
PSD
  Prevention of Significant Deterioration
PUCO
  Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PURPA
  Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978
RECs
  Renewable Energy Credits
RFP
  Request for Proposal
RGGI
  Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
RPM
  Reliability Pricing Model
RTEP
  Regional Transmission Expansion Plan
RTC
  Regulatory Transition Charge
RTO
  Regional Transmission Organization
S&P
  Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SB221
  Amended Substitute Senate Bill 221
SBC
  Societal Benefits Charge
SEC
  U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
SIP
  State Implementation Plan(s) Under the Clean Air Act
SMIP
  Smart Meter Implementation Plan
SNCR
  Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction
SO2
  Sulfur Dioxide
SOS
  Standard Offer Service
TBC
  Transition Bond Charge
TDS
  Total Dissolved Solid
TMDL
  Total Maximum Daily Load
TMI-2
  Three Mile Island Unit 2
TSC
  Transmission Service Charge
VIE
  Variable Interest Entity
VSCC
  Virginia State Corporation Commission
WVDEP
  West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
WVPSC
  Public Service Commission of West Virginia

 

v


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months     Six Months  
    Ended June 30     Ended June 30  
In millions, except per share amounts   2011     2010     2011     2010  
REVENUES:
                               
Electric utilities
  $ 2,590     $ 2,373     $ 4,925     $ 4,916  
Unregulated businesses
    1,470       766       2,711       1,522  
 
                       
Total revenues*
    4,060       3,139       7,636       6,438  
 
                       
 
                               
EXPENSES:
                               
Fuel
    635       350       1,088       684  
Purchased power
    1,220       1,063       2,406       2,301  
Other operating expenses
    1,105       673       2,138       1,374  
Provision for depreciation
    282       190       502       383  
Amortization of regulatory assets
    90       161       222       373  
General taxes
    242       176       479       381  
 
                       
Total expenses
    3,574       2,613       6,835       5,496  
 
                       
 
                               
OPERATING INCOME
    486       526       801       942  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Investment income
    31       31       52       47  
Interest expense
    (265 )     (207 )     (496 )     (420 )
Capitalized interest
    20       40       38       81  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (214 )     (136 )     (406 )     (292 )
 
                       
 
                               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    272       390       395       650  
 
                               
INCOME TAXES
    101       134       179       245  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME
    171       256       216       405  
 
                               
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
    (10 )     (9 )     (15 )     (15 )
 
                       
 
                               
EARNINGS AVAILABLE TO FIRSTENERGY CORP.
  $ 181     $ 265     $ 231     $ 420  
 
                       
 
                               
EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.43     $ 0.87     $ 0.61     $ 1.38  
Diluted
  $ 0.43     $ 0.87     $ 0.61     $ 1.37  
AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:
                               
Basic
    418       304       380       304  
Diluted
    420       305       382       305  
DIVIDENDS DECLARED PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
              $ 0.55     $ 0.55  
     
*  
Includes excise tax collections of $116 million and $99 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $235 million and $208 million in the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months     Six Months  
    Ended June 30     Ended June 30  
(In millions)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 171     $ 256     $ 216     $ 405  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
                               
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    111       17       130       30  
Unrealized gain on derivative hedges
    17       6       11       10  
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
    10       6       19       12  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income
    138       29       160       52  
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income
    53       9       54       16  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    85       20       106       36  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    256       276       322       441  
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE
                               
TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
    (10 )     (9 )     (15 )     (15 )
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AVAILABLE TO FIRSTENERGY CORP.
  $ 266     $ 285     $ 337     $ 456  
 
                       
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

2


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
(In millions)   2011     2010  
ASSETS
               
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 476     $ 1,019  
Receivables-
               
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $35 in 2011 and $36 in 2010
    1,578       1,392  
Other, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $8 in 2011 and 2010
    256       176  
Materials and supplies, at average cost
    866       638  
Prepaid taxes
    474       199  
Derivatives
    265       182  
Other
    203       92  
 
           
 
    4,118       3,698  
 
           
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
               
In service
    39,568       29,451  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    11,593       11,180  
 
           
 
    27,975       18,271  
Construction work in progress
    1,465       1,517  
Property, plant and equipment held for sale, net
    502        
 
           
 
    29,942       19,788  
 
           
INVESTMENTS:
               
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
    2,051       1,973  
Investments in lease obligation bonds
    414       476  
Nuclear fuel disposal trust
    212       208  
Other
    479       345  
 
           
 
    3,156       3,002  
 
           
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
               
Goodwill
    6,456       5,575  
Regulatory assets
    2,182       1,826  
Intangible assets
    973       256  
Other
    769       660  
 
           
 
    10,380       8,317  
 
           
 
  $ 47,596     $ 34,805  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 2,058     $ 1,486  
Short-term borrowings
    656       700  
Accounts payable
    1,122       872  
Accrued taxes
    399       326  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    331       315  
Derivatives
    287       266  
Other
    691       733  
 
           
 
    5,544       4,698  
 
           
CAPITALIZATION:
               
Common stockholders’ equity-
               
Common stock, $0.10 par value, authorized 490,000,000 and 375,000,000 shares, respectively- 418,216,437 and 304,835,407 shares outstanding, respectively
    42       31  
Other paid-in capital
    9,782       5,444  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (1,433 )     (1,539 )
Retained earnings
    4,607       4,609  
 
           
Total common stockholders’ equity
    12,998       8,545  
Noncontrolling interest
    (48 )     (32 )
 
           
Total equity
    12,950       8,513  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    16,491       12,579  
 
           
 
    29,441       21,092  
 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    5,219       2,879  
Retirement benefits
    2,134       1,868  
Asset retirement obligations
    1,459       1,407  
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction
    942       959  
Adverse power contract liability
    649       466  
Other
    2,208       1,436  
 
           
 
    12,611       9,015  
 
           
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
               
 
  $ 47,596     $ 34,805  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

3


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30  
(In millions)   2011     2010  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 216     $ 405  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-
               
Provision for depreciation
    502       383  
Amortization of regulatory assets
    222       373  
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization
    92       76  
Deferred purchased power and other costs
    (168 )     (146 )
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
    552       159  
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability
    (61 )     (62 )
Accrued compensation and retirement benefits
    49       (27 )
Commodity derivative transactions, net
    (21 )     (29 )
Pension trust contribution
    (262 )      
Asset impairments
    41       21  
Cash collateral paid, net
    (31 )     (63 )
Interest rate swap transactions
          43  
Decrease (increase) in operating assets-
               
Receivables
    199       (156 )
Materials and supplies
    24       (17 )
Prepayments and other current assets
    (268 )     (81 )
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities-
               
Accounts payable
    (28 )     18  
Accrued taxes
    (66 )     (58 )
Accrued interest
    (4 )     10  
Other
    43       9  
 
           
Net cash provided from operating activities
    1,031       858  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
New Financing-
               
Long-term debt
    503        
Short-term borrowings, net
          281  
Redemptions and Repayments-
               
Long-term debt
    (1,002 )     (407 )
Short-term borrowings, net
    (44 )      
Common stock dividend payments
    (420 )     (335 )
Other
    (76 )     (23 )
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (1,039 )     (484 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Property additions
    (1,018 )     (997 )
Proceeds from asset sales
          116  
Sales of investment securities held in trusts
    1,703       1,915  
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts
    (1,807 )     (1,934 )
Customer acquisition costs
    (2 )     (105 )
Cash investments
    50       59  
Cash received in Allegheny merger
    590        
Other
    (51 )     (21 )
 
           
Net cash used for investing activities
    (535 )     (967 )
 
           
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (543 )     (593 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,019       874  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 476     $ 281  
 
           
 
               
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Non-cash transaction: merger with Allegheny, common stock issued
  $ 4,354     $  
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
(In millions)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                               
 
                               
REVENUES:
                               
Electric sales to non-affiliates
  $ 1,052     $ 729     $ 2,097     $ 1,397  
Electric sales to affiliates
    170       539       431       1,146  
Other
    70       58       156       171  
 
                       
Total revenues
    1,292       1,326       2,684       2,714  
 
                       
 
                               
EXPENSES:
                               
Fuel
    316       343       659       671  
Purchased power from affiliates
    65       69       134       130  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    329       310       626       760  
Other operating expenses
    429       304       910       608  
Provision for depreciation
    68       63       136       126  
General taxes
    30       22       60       49  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    7             20       2  
 
                       
Total expenses
    1,244       1,111       2,545       2,346  
 
                       
 
                               
OPERATING INCOME
    48       215       139       368  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Investment income
    16       13       22       14  
Miscellaneous income (expense)
    4       4       8       7  
Interest expense — affiliates
    (2 )     (2 )     (3 )     (5 )
Interest expense — other
    (52 )     (51 )     (105 )     (101 )
Capitalized interest
    10       24       20       44  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (24 )     (12 )     (58 )     (41 )
 
                       
 
                               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    24       203       81       327  
 
                               
INCOME TAXES
    4       69       25       113  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 20     $ 134     $ 56     $ 214  
 
                       
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 20     $ 134     $ 56     $ 214  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
                               
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    1       1       3       (9 )
Unrealized gain on derivative hedges
    14       3       5       4  
Change in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
    8       6       15       11  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income
    23       10       23       6  
Income taxes related to other comprehensive income
    10       4       8       2  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    13       6       15       4  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 33     $ 140     $ 71     $ 218  
 
                       
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

5


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
(In millions)   2011     2010  
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 6     $ 9  
Receivables-
               
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $18 in 2011 and $17 in 2010
    450       366  
Associated companies
    490       478  
Other, net of allowances for uncollectible accounts of $3 in 2011 and $7 in 2010
    51       90  
Notes receivable from associated companies
    490       397  
Materials and supplies, at average cost
    499       545  
Derivatives
    221       182  
Prepayments and other
    49       59  
 
           
 
    2,256       2,126  
 
           
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
               
In service
    11,455       11,321  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    4,206       4,024  
 
           
 
    7,249       7,297  
Construction work in progress
    694       1,063  
Property, plant and equipment held for sale, net
    487        
 
           
 
    8,430       8,360  
 
           
INVESTMENTS:
               
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
    1,184       1,146  
Other
    10       12  
 
           
 
    1,194       1,158  
 
           
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
               
Customer intangibles
    129       134  
Goodwill
    24       24  
Property taxes
    41       41  
Unamortized sale and leaseback costs
    76       73  
Derivatives
    135       98  
Other
    75       48  
 
           
 
    480       418  
 
           
 
  $ 12,360     $ 12,062  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 1,088     $ 1,132  
Short-term borrowings-
               
Associated companies
    541       12  
Other
    1        
Accounts payable-
               
Associated companies
    393       467  
Other
    191       241  
Derivatives
    242       266  
Other
    262       322  
 
           
 
    2,718       2,440  
 
           
CAPITALIZATION:
               
Common stockholder’s equity-
               
Common stock, without par value, authorized 750 shares- 7 shares outstanding
    1,488       1,490  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (105 )     (120 )
Retained earnings
    2,474       2,418  
 
           
Total common stockholder’s equity
    3,857       3,788  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    3,000       3,181  
 
           
 
    6,857       6,969  
 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction
    942       959  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    216       58  
Asset retirement obligations
    875       892  
Retirement benefits
    295       285  
Lease market valuation liability
    194       217  
Derivatives
    85       81  
Other
    178       161  
 
           
 
    2,785       2,653  
 
           
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
               
 
  $ 12,360     $ 12,062  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

6


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30  
(In millions)   2011     2010  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 56     $ 214  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-
               
Provision for depreciation
    136       126  
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization
    92       78  
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability
    (58 )     (59 )
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
    126       114  
Asset impairments
    28       21  
Accrued compensation and retirement benefits
    8       7  
Commodity derivative transactions, net
    (60 )     (29 )
Cash collateral paid, net
    (40 )     (38 )
Decrease (increase) in operating assets-
               
Receivables
    (36 )     (193 )
Materials and supplies
    50       (29 )
Prepayments and other current assets
    12       25  
Decrease in operating liabilities-
               
Accounts payable
    (124 )     (32 )
Accrued taxes
    (29 )     (8 )
Other
    21       21  
 
           
Net cash provided from operating activities
    182       218  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
New financing-
               
Long-term debt
    247        
Short-term borrowings, net
    530       76  
Redemptions and repayments-
               
Long-term debt
    (472 )     (295 )
Other
    (11 )     (1 )
 
           
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities
    294       (220 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Property additions
    (334 )     (566 )
Proceeds from asset sales
          116  
Sales of investment securities held in trusts
    513       957  
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts
    (545 )     (979 )
Loans to associated companies, net
    (93 )     631  
Customer acquisition costs
    (2 )     (105 )
Leasehold improvement payments to associated companies
          (51 )
Other
    (18 )     (1 )
 
           
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities
    (479 )     2  
 
           
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (3 )      
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    9        
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 6     $  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

7


Table of Contents

OHIO EDISON COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                               
 
                               
REVENUES:
                               
Electric sales
  $ 360,203     $ 415,437     $ 724,034     $ 895,362  
Excise and gross receipts tax collections
    24,941       23,949       53,136       52,424  
 
                       
Total revenues
    385,144       439,386       777,170       947,786  
 
                       
 
                               
EXPENSES:
                               
Purchased power from affiliates
    69,134       134,050       162,396       287,727  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    62,667       78,826       123,046       173,057  
Other operating expenses
    110,778       88,275       212,240       177,130  
Provision for depreciation
    22,470       22,014       44,346       43,894  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    2,405       9,424       3,179       38,769  
General taxes
    45,592       43,362       95,018       90,854  
 
                       
Total expenses
    313,046       375,951       640,225       811,431  
 
                       
 
                               
OPERATING INCOME
    72,098       63,435       136,945       136,355  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Investment income
    5,043       6,309       9,351       11,553  
Miscellaneous income (expense)
    (477 )     1,295       (187 )     1,003  
Interest expense
    (22,011 )     (22,155 )     (44,156 )     (44,465 )
Capitalized interest
    510       295       841       503  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (16,935 )     (14,256 )     (34,151 )     (31,406 )
 
                       
 
                               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    55,163       49,179       102,794       104,949  
 
                               
INCOME TAXES
    16,538       11,856       34,029       31,465  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME
    38,625       37,323       68,765       73,484  
 
                               
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    114       130       230       262  
 
                       
 
                               
EARNINGS AVAILABLE TO PARENT
  $ 38,511     $ 37,193     $ 68,535     $ 73,222  
 
                       
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 38,625     $ 37,323     $ 68,765     $ 73,484  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
                               
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    1,122       322       1,461       4,337  
Increase in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
    1,591       520       1,569       811  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income
    2,713       842       3,030       5,148  
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other
                               
comprehensive income
    386       (26 )     (1,110 )     667  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    2,327       868       4,140       4,481  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    40,952       38,191       72,905       77,965  
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO
                               
NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
    114       130       230       262  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AVAILABLE TO PARENT
  $ 40,838     $ 38,061     $ 72,675     $ 77,703  
 
                       
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

8


Table of Contents

OHIO EDISON COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 176     $ 420,489  
Receivables-
               
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $3,564 in 2011 and $4,086 in 2010
    159,393       176,591  
Associated companies
    68,709       118,135  
Other
    32,798       12,232  
Notes receivable from associated companies
    95,884       16,957  
Prepayments and other
    35,339       6,393  
 
           
 
    392,299       750,797  
 
           
UTILITY PLANT:
               
In service
    3,176,455       3,136,623  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    1,230,570       1,207,745  
 
           
 
    1,945,885       1,928,878  
Construction work in progress
    66,656       45,103  
 
           
 
    2,012,541       1,973,981  
 
           
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
               
Investment in lease obligation bonds
    177,835       190,420  
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
    133,354       127,017  
Other
    92,440       95,563  
 
           
 
    403,629       413,000  
 
           
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
               
Regulatory assets
    392,580       400,322  
Pension assets
    62,612       28,596  
Property taxes
    71,331       71,331  
Unamortized sale and leaseback costs
    27,628       30,126  
Other
    19,041       17,634  
 
           
 
    573,192       548,009  
 
           
 
  $ 3,381,661     $ 3,685,787  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 1,429     $ 1,419  
Short-term borrowings-
               
Associated companies
          142,116  
Other
    166       320  
Accounts payable-
               
Associated companies
    94,821       99,421  
Other
    41,417       29,639  
Accrued taxes
    69,364       78,707  
Accrued interest
    25,374       25,382  
Other
    79,795       74,947  
 
           
 
    312,366       451,951  
 
           
CAPITALIZATION:
               
Common stockholder’s equity-
               
Common stock, without par value, authorized 175,000,000 shares – 60 shares outstanding
    783,871       951,866  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (174,936 )     (179,076 )
Retained earnings
    110,156       141,621  
 
           
Total common stockholder’s equity
    719,091       914,411  
Noncontrolling interest
    5,313       5,680  
 
           
Total equity
    724,404       920,091  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    1,151,720       1,152,134  
 
           
 
    1,876,124       2,072,225  
 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    749,687       696,410  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    9,439       10,159  
Retirement benefits
    183,345       183,712  
Asset retirement obligations
    69,164       74,456  
Other
    181,536       196,874  
 
           
 
    1,193,171       1,161,611  
 
           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
               
 
  $ 3,381,661     $ 3,685,787  
 
           
   
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

9


Table of Contents

OHIO EDISON COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 68,765     $ 73,484  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-
               
Provision for depreciation
    44,346       43,894  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    3,179       38,769  
Purchased power cost recovery reconciliation
    (8,584 )     (1,514 )
Amortization of lease costs
    (4,696 )     (4,619 )
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
    62,216       4,964  
Accrued compensation and retirement benefits
    (8,328 )     (16,154 )
Accrued regulatory obligations
    (3,309 )     (2,309 )
Cash collateral from (to) suppliers, net
    (850 )     1,215  
Pension trust contribution
    (27,000 )      
Decrease (increase) in operating assets-
               
Receivables
    80,968       49,250  
Prepayments and other current assets
    (28,947 )     5,072  
Decrease in operating liabilities-
               
Accounts payable
    (22,253 )     (57,208 )
Accrued taxes
    (9,360 )     (25,685 )
Other
    4,261       (114 )
 
           
Net cash provided from operating activities
    150,408       109,045  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Redemptions and Repayments-
               
Long-term debt
    (707 )     (2,957 )
Short-term borrowings, net
    (142,270 )     (93,017 )
Common stock dividend payments
    (268,000 )     (250,000 )
Other
    (2,340 )     (881 )
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (413,317 )     (346,855 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Property additions
    (78,894 )     (71,698 )
Leasehold improvement payments from associated companies
          18,375  
Sales of investment securities held in trusts
    19,595       59,804  
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts
    (25,547 )     (64,063 )
Loans to associated companies, net
    (78,927 )     12,420  
Cash investments
    11,962       11,774  
Other
    (5,593 )     (1,298 )
 
           
Net cash used for investing activities
    (157,404 )     (34,686 )
 
           
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (420,313 )     (272,496 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    420,489       324,175  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 176     $ 51,679  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

10


Table of Contents

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                               
REVENUES:
                               
Electric sales
  $ 202,148     $ 280,180     $ 408,890     $ 592,677  
Excise tax collections
    15,706       15,495       33,851       33,068  
 
                       
Total revenues
    217,854       295,675       442,741       625,745  
 
                       
 
                               
EXPENSES:
                               
Purchased power from affiliates
    36,040       99,422       82,208       208,815  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    23,099       32,651       41,319       70,049  
Other operating expenses
    31,625       28,937       66,661       60,172  
Provision for depreciation
    18,488       18,336       36,914       36,447  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    18,166       30,807       41,536       75,946  
General taxes
    36,954       28,840       77,166       67,329  
 
                       
Total expenses
    164,372       238,993       345,804       518,758  
 
                       
 
                               
OPERATING INCOME
    53,482       56,682       96,937       106,987  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Investment income
    5,637       6,605       12,234       14,152  
Miscellaneous income
    1,038       675       1,674       1,257  
Interest expense
    (32,135 )     (33,262 )     (65,213 )     (66,883 )
Capitalized interest
    36       7       63       33  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (25,424 )     (25,975 )     (51,242 )     (51,441 )
 
                       
 
                               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    28,058       30,707       45,695       55,546  
 
                               
INCOME TAXES
    6,209       8,785       10,645       19,628  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME
    21,849       21,922       35,050       35,918  
 
                               
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    309       366       675       785  
 
                       
 
                               
EARNINGS AVAILABLE TO PARENT
  $ 21,540     $ 21,556     $ 34,375     $ 35,133  
 
                       
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 21,849     $ 21,922     $ 35,050     $ 35,918  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
                               
Pension and other postretirement benefits (charges)
    2,975       3,228       5,942       (19,357 )
Income tax expense (benefit) related to other comprehensive income
    860       976       398       (7,301 )
 
                       
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
    2,115       2,252       5,544       (12,056 )
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    23,964       24,174       40,594       23,862  
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
    309       366       675       785  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AVAILABLE TO PARENT
  $ 23,655     $ 23,808     $ 39,919     $ 23,077  
 
                       
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

11


Table of Contents

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 244     $ 238  
Receivables-
               
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $2,801 in 2011 and $4,589 in 2010
    97,997       183,744  
Associated companies
    32,348       77,047  
Other
    13,476       11,544  
Notes receivable from associated companies
    71,911       23,236  
Materials and supplies, at average cost
    13,784       398  
Prepayments and other
    6,431       3,258  
 
           
 
    236,191       299,465  
 
           
UTILITY PLANT:
               
In service
    2,417,031       2,396,893  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    944,379       932,246  
 
           
 
    1,472,652       1,464,647  
Construction work in progress
    59,281       38,610  
 
           
 
    1,531,933       1,503,257  
 
           
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
               
Investment in lessor notes
    286,745       340,029  
Other
    10,048       10,074  
 
           
 
    296,793       350,103  
 
           
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
               
Goodwill
    1,688,521       1,688,521  
Regulatory assets
    320,337       370,403  
Pension assets
    14,652        
Property taxes
    80,614       80,614  
Other
    12,884       11,486  
 
           
 
    2,117,008       2,151,024  
 
           
 
  $ 4,181,925     $ 4,303,849  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 188     $ 161  
Short-term borrowings from associated companies
    23,303       105,996  
Accounts payable-
               
Associated companies
    51,001       32,020  
Other
    18,700       14,947  
Accrued taxes
    83,265       84,668  
Accrued interest
    18,551       18,555  
Other
    38,685       44,569  
 
           
 
    233,693       300,916  
 
           
CAPITALIZATION:
               
Common stockholder’s equity-
               
Common stock, without par value, authorized 105,000,000 shares, 67,930,743 shares outstanding
    887,053       887,087  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (147,643 )     (153,187 )
Retained earnings
    539,280       568,906  
 
           
Total common stockholder’s equity
    1,278,690       1,302,806  
Noncontrolling interest
    15,195       18,017  
 
           
Total equity
    1,293,885       1,320,823  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    1,831,023       1,852,530  
 
           
 
    3,124,908       3,173,353  
 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    640,059       622,771  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    10,574       10,994  
Retirement benefits
    76,010       95,654  
Other
    96,681       100,161  
 
           
 
    823,324       829,580  
 
           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
               
 
  $ 4,181,925     $ 4,303,849  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

12


Table of Contents

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 35,050     $ 35,918  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-
               
Provision for depreciation
    36,914       36,447  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    41,536       75,946  
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
    17,221       (18,083 )
Accrued compensation and retirement benefits
    5,421       5,421  
Accrued regulatory obligations
    (2,001 )     (444 )
Cash collateral from suppliers, net
          685  
Pension trust contribution
    (35,000 )      
Decrease (increase) in operating assets-
               
Receivables
    140,455       51,757  
Prepayments and other current assets
    (17,469 )     5,392  
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities-
               
Accounts payable
    10,135       (34,488 )
Accrued taxes
    (346 )     (11,317 )
Other
    (4,436 )     2,023  
 
           
Net cash provided from operating activities
    227,480       149,257  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Redemptions and Repayments-
               
Long-term debt
    (74 )     (54 )
Short-term borrowings, net
    (104,228 )     (136,013 )
Common stock dividend payments
    (64,000 )     (100,000 )
Other
    (5,239 )     (3,367 )
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (173,541 )     (239,434 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Property additions
    (52,743 )     (44,373 )
Loans to associated companies, net
    (48,676 )     2,322  
Redemptions of lessor notes
    53,283       48,608  
Other
    (5,797 )     (2,365 )
 
           
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities
    (53,933 )     4,192  
 
           
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    6       (85,985 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    238       86,230  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 244     $ 245  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

13


Table of Contents

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                               
 
                               
REVENUES:
                               
Electric sales
  $ 93,048     $ 114,691     $ 199,373     $ 240,122  
Excise tax collections
    6,270       6,059       13,572       13,100  
 
                       
Total revenues
    99,318       120,750       212,945       253,222  
 
                       
 
                               
EXPENSES:
                               
Purchased power from affiliates
    17,037       47,106       52,554       101,725  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    16,114       15,223       30,102       33,713  
Other operating expenses
    32,549       25,499       69,136       51,044  
Provision for depreciation
    7,959       8,013       15,890       15,963  
Deferral of regulatory assets, net
    (7,054 )     (1,800 )     (18,532 )     (10,299 )
General taxes
    12,438       12,282       26,890       25,743  
 
                       
Total expenses
    79,043       106,323       176,040       217,889  
 
                       
 
                               
OPERATING INCOME
    20,275       14,427       36,905       35,333  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Investment income
    2,599       5,057       5,521       8,857  
Miscellaneous income (expense)
    396       (945 )     (1,233 )     (2,351 )
Interest expense
    (10,415 )     (10,455 )     (20,858 )     (20,942 )
Capitalized interest
    135       80       237       158  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (7,285 )     (6,263 )     (16,333 )     (14,278 )
 
                       
 
                               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    12,990       8,164       20,572       21,055  
 
                               
INCOME TAXES
    1,429       948       3,164       6,330  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME
    11,561       7,216       17,408       14,725  
 
                               
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest
    2       2       4       5  
 
                       
 
                               
EARNINGS AVAILABLE TO PARENT
  $ 11,559     $ 7,214     $ 17,404     $ 14,720  
 
                       
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 11,561     $ 7,216     $ 17,408     $ 14,725  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
                               
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    575       714       1,167       1,010  
Increase (decrease) in unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities
    754       (330 )     2,059       39  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income
    1,329       384       3,226       1,049  
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income
    351       65       685       235  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    978       319       2,541       814  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
    12,539       7,535       19,949       15,539  
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
    2       2       4       5  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AVAILABLE TO PARENT
  $ 12,537     $ 7,533     $ 19,945     $ 15,534  
 
                       
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

14


Table of Contents

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
ASSETS
               
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 12     $ 149,262  
Receivables-
               
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $1,142 in 2011 and $1 in 2010
    45,931       29  
Associated companies
    48,340       31,777  
Other, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $339 in 2011 and $330 in 2010
    5,272       18,464  
Notes receivable from associated companies
    128,815       96,765  
Prepayments and other
    12,052       2,306  
 
           
 
    240,422       298,603  
 
           
UTILITY PLANT:
               
In service
    955,002       947,203  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    453,517       446,401  
 
           
 
    501,485       500,802  
Construction work in progress
    17,386       12,604  
 
           
 
    518,871       513,406  
 
           
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
               
Investment in lessor notes
    82,153       103,872  
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
    79,018       75,558  
Other
    1,448       1,492  
 
           
 
    162,619       180,922  
 
           
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
               
Goodwill
    500,576       500,576  
Regulatory assets
    89,112       72,059  
Pension assets
    24,603        
Property taxes
    24,990       24,990  
Other
    42,341       23,750  
 
           
 
    681,622       621,375  
 
           
 
  $ 1,603,534     $ 1,614,306  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 188     $ 199  
Accounts payable-
               
Associated companies
    22,144       17,168  
Other
    12,524       7,351  
Accrued taxes
    23,699       24,401  
Accrued interest
    5,933       5,931  
Lease market valuation liability
    36,900       36,900  
Other
    18,060       23,145  
 
           
 
    119,448       115,095  
 
           
CAPITALIZATION:
               
Common stockholder’s equity-
               
Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 60,000,000 shares, 29,402,054 shares outstanding
    147,010       147,010  
Other paid-in capital
    178,157       178,182  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (46,642 )     (49,183 )
Retained earnings
    100,937       117,534  
 
           
Total common stockholder’s equity
    379,462       393,543  
Noncontrolling interest
    2,593       2,589  
 
           
Total equity
    382,055       396,132  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    600,524       600,493  
 
           
 
    982,579       996,625  
 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    168,429       132,019  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    5,715       5,930  
Retirement benefits
    51,764       71,486  
Asset retirement obligations
    29,737       28,762  
Lease market valuation liability
    180,850       199,300  
Other
    65,012       65,089  
 
           
 
    501,507       502,586  
 
           
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
               
 
  $ 1,603,534     $ 1,614,306  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

15


Table of Contents

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 17,408     $ 14,725  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-
               
Provision for depreciation
    15,890       15,963  
Deferral of regulatory assets, net
    (18,532 )     (10,299 )
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability
    (43,851 )     (42,264 )
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
    41,457       16,503  
Accrued compensation and retirement benefits
    1,085       2,600  
Accrued regulatory obligations
    (1,193 )     (632 )
Pension trust contribution
    (45,000 )      
Cash collateral from (to) suppliers, net
    (14 )     343  
Increase (decrease) in operating assets-
               
Receivables
    (48,807 )     52,754  
Prepayments and other current assets
    (9,758 )     3,608  
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities-
               
Accounts payable
    3,661       (61,195 )
Accrued taxes
    (701 )     (4,007 )
Other
    5,771       (8,960 )
 
           
Net cash used for operating activities
    (82,584 )     (20,861 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Redemptions and Repayments-
               
Long-term debt
    (105 )     (111 )
Short-term borrowings, net
          (225,975 )
Common stock dividend payments
    (34,000 )     (130,000 )
Other
    (1,742 )     (112 )
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (35,847 )     (356,198 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Property additions
    (17,386 )     (20,237 )
Leasehold improvement payments from associated companies
          32,829  
Loans to associated companies, net
    (32,050 )     (10,818 )
Redemptions of lessor notes
    21,739       20,485  
Sales of investment securities held in trusts
    28,401       106,814  
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts
    (30,050 )     (107,978 )
Other
    (1,473 )     (2,905 )
 
           
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities
    (30,819 )     18,190  
 
           
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (149,250 )     (358,869 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    149,262       436,712  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 12     $ 77,843  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

16


Table of Contents

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                               
REVENUES:
                               
Electric sales
  $ 576,977     $ 709,606     $ 1,211,000     $ 1,400,998  
Excise tax collections
    11,120       11,012       23,607       23,364  
 
                       
Total revenues
    588,097       720,618       1,234,607       1,424,362  
 
                       
 
                               
EXPENSES:
                               
Purchased power
    328,463       410,470       698,631       824,486  
Other operating expenses
    78,603       75,177       164,682       170,837  
Provision for depreciation
    26,773       27,093       52,087       55,064  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    40,046       81,326       121,633       150,774  
General taxes
    15,115       14,902       32,526       31,338  
 
                       
Total expenses
    489,000       608,968       1,069,559       1,232,499  
 
                       
 
                               
OPERATING INCOME
    99,097       111,650       165,048       191,863  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Miscellaneous income
    3,554       1,649       5,464       3,482  
Interest expense
    (31,125 )     (30,041 )     (61,782 )     (59,464 )
Capitalized interest
    618       156       1,045       289  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (26,953 )     (28,236 )     (55,273 )     (55,693 )
 
                       
 
                               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    72,144       83,414       109,775       136,170  
 
                               
INCOME TAXES
    30,383       33,521       48,461       57,051  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 41,761     $ 49,893     $ 61,314     $ 79,119  
 
                       
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 41,761     $ 49,893     $ 61,314     $ 79,119  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
                               
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    4,290       4,135       8,511       20,063  
Unrealized gain on derivative hedges
    69       69       138       138  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income
    4,359       4,204       8,649       20,201  
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income
    1,612       1,441       3,202       7,999  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    2,747       2,763       5,447       12,202  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 44,508     $ 52,656     $ 66,761     $ 91,321  
 
                       
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

17


Table of Contents

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
ASSETS
               
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 42     $ 4  
Receivables-
               
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $3,306 in 2011 and $3,769 in 2010
    259,313       323,044  
Associated companies
    66,069       53,780  
Other
    25,580       26,119  
Notes receivable — associated companies
    16,288       177,228  
Prepaid taxes
    135,679       10,889  
Other
    15,421       12,654  
 
           
 
    518,392       603,718  
 
           
UTILITY PLANT:
               
In service
    4,589,369       4,562,781  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    1,682,577       1,656,939  
 
           
 
    2,906,792       2,905,842  
Construction work in progress
    112,573       63,535  
 
           
 
    3,019,365       2,969,377  
 
           
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
               
Nuclear fuel disposal trust
    212,419       207,561  
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
    190,422       181,851  
Other
    2,118       2,104  
 
           
 
    404,959       391,516  
 
           
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
               
Goodwill
    1,810,936       1,810,936  
Regulatory assets
    469,490       513,395  
Other
    34,028       27,938  
 
           
 
    2,314,454       2,352,269  
 
           
 
  $ 6,257,170     $ 6,316,880  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 33,315     $ 32,402  
Short-term borrowings-
               
Associated companies
    360,917        
Other
    50,000        
Accounts payable-
               
Associated companies
    56,544       28,571  
Other
    159,720       158,442  
Accrued compensation and benefits
    35,578       35,232  
Customer deposits
    23,684       23,385  
Accrued taxes
    1,346       2,509  
Accrued interest
    18,059       18,111  
Other
    13,487       22,263  
 
           
 
    752,650       320,915  
 
           
CAPITALIZATION:
               
Common stockholder’s equity-
               
Common stock, $10 par value, authorized 16,000,000 shares- 13,628,447 shares outstanding
    136,284       136,284  
Other paid-in capital
    2,008,847       2,508,874  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (248,095 )     (253,542 )
Retained earnings
    288,484       227,170  
 
           
Total common stockholder’s equity
    2,185,520       2,618,786  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    1,754,582       1,769,849  
 
           
 
    3,940,102       4,388,635  
 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    761,844       715,527  
Power purchase contract liability
    239,943       233,492  
Nuclear fuel disposal costs
    196,868       196,768  
Retirement benefits
    71,711       182,364  
Asset retirement obligations
    111,831       108,297  
Other
    182,221       170,882  
 
           
 
    1,564,418       1,607,330  
 
           
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
               
 
  $ 6,257,170     $ 6,316,880  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

18


Table of Contents

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 61,314     $ 79,119  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-
               
Provision for depreciation
    52,087       55,064  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    121,633       150,774  
Deferred purchased power and other costs
    (70,998 )     (67,664 )
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
    51,222       (1,425 )
Accrued compensation and retirement benefits
    1,319       2,608  
Cash collateral paid, net
    (235 )     (23,400 )
Pension trust contribution
    (105,000 )      
Decrease (increase) in operating assets-
               
Receivables
    58,466       (46,788 )
Prepaid taxes
    (124,790 )     (111,968 )
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities-
               
Accounts payable
    13,856       11,924  
Accrued taxes
    (1,167 )     10,368  
Other
    612       (6,446 )
 
           
Net cash provided from operating activities
    58,319       52,166  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
New Financing-
               
Short-term borrowings, net
    410,917       57,850  
Redemptions and Repayments-
               
Long-term debt
    (14,671 )     (13,830 )
Common stock dividend payments
          (90,000 )
Equity payment to parent
    (500,000 )      
Other
    (1,452 )      
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (105,206 )     (45,980 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Property additions
    (98,153 )     (80,727 )
Loans to associated companies, net
    160,940       85,049  
Sales of investment securities held in trusts
    375,885       281,242  
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts
    (385,448 )     (289,454 )
Other
    (6,299 )     (2,224 )
 
           
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities
    46,925       (6,114 )
 
           
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    38       72  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    4       27  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 42     $ 99  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

19


Table of Contents

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
REVENUES:
                               
Electric sales
  $ 265,363     $ 422,030     $ 603,779     $ 873,590  
Gross receipts tax collections
    14,601       20,629       33,401       42,196  
 
                       
Total revenues
    279,964       442,659       637,180       915,786  
 
                       
 
                               
EXPENSES:
                               
Purchased power from affiliates
    34,935       149,000       84,824       310,080  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    100,836       85,276       253,879       177,204  
Other operating expenses
    50,075       90,151       97,307       192,134  
Provision for depreciation
    12,766       13,440       25,189       26,198  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    22,167       48,589       54,261       97,389  
General taxes
    17,152       19,894       39,302       41,634  
 
                       
Total expenses
    237,931       406,350       554,762       844,639  
 
                       
 
                               
OPERATING INCOME
    42,033       36,309       82,418       71,147  
 
                       
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Interest income
    13       880       106       2,097  
Miscellaneous income
    915       1,381       1,885       3,554  
Interest expense
    (13,130 )     (13,002 )     (26,187 )     (26,775 )
Capitalized interest
    228       159       375       285  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (11,974 )     (10,582 )     (23,821 )     (20,839 )
 
                       
 
                               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    30,059       25,727       58,597       50,308  
 
                               
INCOME TAXES
    13,281       8,618       19,232       20,884  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 16,778     $ 17,109     $ 39,365     $ 29,424  
 
                       
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 16,778     $ 17,109     $ 39,365     $ 29,424  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    2,227       2,162       4,190       11,871  
Unrealized gain on derivative hedges
    84       84       168       168  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income
    2,311       2,246       4,358       12,039  
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income
    869       724       1,632       4,901  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    1,442       1,522       2,726       7,138  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 18,220     $ 18,631     $ 42,091     $ 36,562  
 
                       
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

20


Table of Contents

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
ASSETS
               
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 157     $ 243,220  
Receivables-
               
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $3,087 in 2011 and $3,868 in 2010
    143,820       178,522  
Associated companies
    12,849       24,920  
Other
    16,437       13,007  
Notes receivable from associated companies
    10,432       11,028  
Prepaid taxes
    27,083       343  
Other
    1,443       2,289  
 
           
 
    212,221       473,329  
 
           
UTILITY PLANT:
               
In service
    2,266,437       2,247,853  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    859,055       846,003  
 
           
 
    1,407,382       1,401,850  
Construction work in progress
    42,604       23,663  
 
           
 
    1,449,986       1,425,513  
 
           
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
               
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
    301,188       289,328  
Other
    840       884  
 
           
 
    302,028       290,212  
 
           
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
               
Goodwill
    416,499       416,499  
Regulatory assets
    341,488       295,856  
Power purchase contract asset
    65,861       111,562  
Other
    54,587       31,699  
 
           
 
    878,435       855,616  
 
           
 
  $ 2,842,670     $ 3,044,670  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 28,760     $ 28,760  
Short-term borrowings-
               
Associated companies
    238,399       124,079  
Other
    50,000        
Accounts payable-
               
Associated companies
    24,377       33,942  
Other
    48,262       29,862  
Accrued taxes
    12,844       60,856  
Accrued interest
    16,011       16,114  
Other
    29,605       29,278  
 
           
 
    448,258       322,891  
 
           
CAPITALIZATION:
               
Common stockholder’s equity-
               
Common stock, without par value, authorized 900,000 shares, 740,905 and 859,500 shares outstanding, respectively
    842,023       1,197,076  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (139,657 )     (142,383 )
Retained earnings
    46,772       32,406  
 
           
Total common stockholder’s equity
    749,138       1,087,099  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    704,486       718,860  
 
           
 
    1,453,624       1,805,959  
 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    494,716       473,009  
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
    6,656       6,866  
Nuclear fuel disposal costs
    44,471       44,449  
Asset retirement obligations
    199,162       192,659  
Retirement benefits
    22,276       29,121  
Power purchase contract liability
    121,924       116,027  
Other
    51,583       53,689  
 
           
 
    940,788       915,820  
 
           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
               
  $ 2,842,670     $ 3,044,670  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

21


Table of Contents

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 39,365     $ 29,424  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-
               
Provision for depreciation
    25,189       26,198  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    54,261       97,389  
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets
    (41,699 )     (38,358 )
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
    11,972       (12,079 )
Accrued compensation and retirement benefits
    (510 )     (1,573 )
Cash collateral from suppliers, net
    174       50  
Pension trust contribution
    (35,000 )      
Decrease (increase) in operating assets-
               
Receivables
    46,240       (29,439 )
Prepaid taxes
    (26,740 )     (31,246 )
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities-
               
Accounts payable
    5,148       733  
Accrued taxes
    (47,676 )     9,519  
Accrued interest
    (103 )     (1,277 )
Other
    10,903       7,553  
 
           
Net cash provided from operating activities
    41,524       56,894  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
New Financing-
               
Short-term borrowings, net
    164,320       17,898  
Redemptions and Repayments-
               
Common stock
    (150,000 )      
Long-term debt
    (14,784 )     (100,000 )
Common stock dividend payments
    (80,000 )      
Equity payment to parent
    (150,000 )      
 
           
Net cash used for financing activities
    (230,464 )     (82,102 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Property additions
    (46,647 )     (54,405 )
Sales of investment securities held in trusts
    501,260       376,610  
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts
    (506,220 )     (381,219 )
Loans to associated companies, net
    596       85,943  
Other
    (3,112 )     (1,715 )
 
           
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities
    (54,123 )     25,214  
 
           
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (243,063 )     6  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    243,220       120  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 157     $ 126  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

22


Table of Contents

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                               
REVENUES:
                               
Electric sales
  $ 238,942     $ 350,335     $ 547,258     $ 736,271  
Gross receipts tax collections
    12,727       16,162       29,256       33,686  
 
                       
Total revenues
    251,669       366,497       576,514       769,957  
 
                       
 
                               
EXPENSES:
                               
Purchased power from affiliates
    54,635       152,945       102,119       321,345  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    64,459       86,829       205,895       178,252  
Other operating expenses
    44,570       67,070       85,898       139,464  
Provision for depreciation
    15,770       16,605       30,343       31,287  
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net
    12,608       (10,522 )     25,615       (20,488 )
General taxes
    14,665       18,647       35,401       35,181  
 
                       
Total expenses
    206,707       331,574       485,271       685,041  
 
                       
 
                               
OPERATING INCOME
    44,962       34,923       91,243       84,916  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                               
Miscellaneous income
    644       1,310       669       2,923  
Interest expense
    (17,361 )     (17,630 )     (34,595 )     (34,920 )
Capitalized interest
    41       183       63       323  
 
                       
Total other expense
    (16,676 )     (16,137 )     (33,863 )     (31,674 )
 
                       
 
                               
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    28,286       18,786       57,380       53,242  
 
                               
INCOME TAXES
    13,568       5,812       25,356       22,969  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 14,718     $ 12,974     $ 32,024     $ 30,273  
 
                       
 
                               
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
                               
 
                               
NET INCOME
  $ 14,718     $ 12,974     $ 32,024     $ 30,273  
 
                       
 
                               
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
                               
Pension and other postretirement benefits
    1,890       1,830       3,475       10,377  
Unrealized gain on derivative hedges
    17       16       33       32  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income
    1,907       1,846       3,508       10,409  
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income
    678       483       1,233       3,767  
 
                       
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
    1,229       1,363       2,275       6,642  
 
                       
 
                               
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
  $ 15,947     $ 14,337     $ 34,299     $ 36,915  
 
                       
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

23


Table of Contents

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                 
    June 30,     December 31,  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
ASSETS
               
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 2     $ 5  
Receivables-
               
Customers, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $2,856 in 2011 and $3,369 in 2010
    121,511       148,864  
Associated companies
    65,989       54,052  
Other
    11,420       11,314  
Notes receivable from associated companies
    13,498       14,404  
Prepaid taxes
    26,372       14,026  
Other
    1,423       1,592  
 
           
 
    240,215       244,257  
 
           
UTILITY PLANT:
               
In service
    2,552,303       2,532,629  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    947,315       935,259  
 
           
 
    1,604,988       1,597,370  
Construction work in progress
    62,592       30,505  
 
           
 
    1,667,580       1,627,875  
 
           
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
               
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
    162,154       152,928  
Non-utility generation trusts
    126,786       80,244  
Other
    292       297  
 
           
 
    289,232       233,469  
 
           
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
               
Goodwill
    768,628       768,628  
Regulatory assets
    222,804       163,407  
Power purchase contract asset
    4,000       5,746  
Other
    15,272       19,287  
 
           
 
    1,010,704       957,068  
 
           
 
  $ 3,207,731     $ 3,062,669  
 
           
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 45,000     $ 45,000  
Short-term borrowings-
               
Associated companies
    159,902       101,338  
Accounts payable-
               
Associated companies
    77,121       35,626  
Other
    29,217       41,420  
Accrued taxes
    3,397       5,075  
Accrued interest
    17,454       17,378  
Other
    23,280       22,541  
 
           
 
    355,371       268,378  
 
           
CAPITALIZATION:
               
Common stockholder’s equity-
               
Common stock, $20 par value, authorized 5,400,000 shares- 4,427,577 shares outstanding
    88,552       88,552  
Other paid-in capital
    913,486       913,519  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (161,251 )     (163,526 )
Retained earnings
    23,017       60,993  
 
           
Total common stockholder’s equity
    863,804       899,538  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    1,072,417       1,072,262  
 
           
 
    1,936,221       1,971,800  
 
           
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Accumulated deferred income taxes
    415,899       371,877  
Retirement benefits
    188,407       187,621  
Power purchase contract liability
    160,130       116,972  
Asset retirement obligations
    101,441       98,132  
Other
    50,262       47,889  
 
           
 
    916,139       822,491  
 
           
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)
         
 
  $ 3,207,731     $ 3,062,669  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

24


Table of Contents

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                 
    Six Months Ended  
    June 30  
(In thousands)   2011     2010  
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net Income
  $ 32,024     $ 30,273  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities-
               
Provision for depreciation
    30,343       31,287  
Amortization (deferral) of regulatory assets, net
    25,615       (20,488 )
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets
    (38,291 )     (38,955 )
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
    46,687       42,943  
Accrued compensation and retirement benefits
    4,733       4,216  
Cash collateral paid, net
    (1,276 )     (3,613 )
Decrease (increase) in operating assets-
               
Receivables
    19,561       3,266  
Prepaid taxes
    (12,346 )     (37,504 )
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities-
               
Accounts payable
    23,449       (4,603 )
Accrued taxes
    (12,373 )     (1,339 )
Other
    13,153       10,227  
 
           
Net cash provided from operating activities
    131,279       15,710  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
New Financing-
               
Long-term debt
    25,000        
Short-term borrowings, net
    58,564       25,313  
Redemptions and Repayments-
               
Long-term debt
    (25,000 )      
Common stock dividend payments
    (70,000 )      
Other
    (1,353 )     5  
 
           
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities
    (12,789 )     25,318  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Property additions
    (64,177 )     (58,293 )
Loans to associated companies, net
    906       498  
Sales of investment securities held in trusts
    265,223       133,934  
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts
    (314,738 )     (113,067 )
Other
    (5,707 )     (4,104 )
 
           
Net cash used for investing activities
    (118,493 )     (41,032 )
 
           
 
               
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (3 )     (4 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    5       14  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 2     $ 10  
 
           
The accompanying Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

25


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
COMBINED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
             
Note       Page  
Number       Number  
 
           
  Organization and Basis of Presentation     27  
 
           
  Merger     27  
 
           
  Earnings Per Share     31  
 
           
  Fair Value of Instruments     31  
 
           
  Derivative Instruments     45  
 
           
  Pension Benefits and Other Postretirement Benefits     50  
 
           
  Variable Interest Entities     52  
 
           
  Income Taxes     53  
 
           
  Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies     54  
 
           
  Regulatory Matters     61  
 
           
  Stock-Based Compensation Plans     70  
 
           
  New Accounting Standards and Interpretations     72  
 
           
  Segment Information     72  
 
           
  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets     74  
 
           
  Asset Retirement Obligations     75  
 
           
  Supplemental Guarantor Information     75  

 

26


Table of Contents

COMBINED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company that holds, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding common stock of its principal subsidiaries: OE, CEI, TE, Penn (a wholly owned subsidiary of OE), ATSI, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, FENOC, AE and its principal subsidiaries (AE Supply, AGC, MP, PE, WP and TrAIL), FES and its subsidiaries FGCO and NGC, and FESC. AE merged with a subsidiary of FirstEnergy on February 25, 2011, with AE continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy (See Note 2, Merger).
FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries follow GAAP and comply with the related regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, FERC, and, as applicable, the PUCO, the PPUC, the MDPSC, the NYPSC, the WVPSC and the NJBPU. These unaudited interim financial statements and notes were prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete annual 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 indicative of results of operations for any future period.
These unaudited interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the combined Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for FirstEnergy, FES and the Utility Registrants, as applicable. The consolidated unaudited financial statements of FirstEnergy, FES and each of the Utility Registrants reflect all normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary to fairly present results of operations for the interim periods. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Unless otherwise indicated, defined terms used herein have the meanings set forth in the accompanying Glossary of Terms.
FirstEnergy 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. FirstEnergy consolidates a VIE when it is determined that it is the primary beneficiary (see Note 7, Variable Interest Entities). Investments in affiliates over which FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries have the ability to exercise significant influence, but with respect to which are not the primary beneficiary and do not exercise control, 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 share of the entity’s earnings is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
2. MERGER
Merger
On February 25, 2011, the merger between FirstEnergy and Allegheny closed. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger among FirstEnergy, Element Merger Sub, Inc., a Maryland corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy (Merger Sub) and AE, Merger Sub merged with and into AE, with AE continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. As part of the merger, AE shareholders received 0.667 of a share of FirstEnergy common stock for each share of AE common stock outstanding as of the date the merger was completed, and all outstanding AE equity-based employee compensation awards were converted into FirstEnergy equity-based awards on the same basis.
The total consideration in the merger was based on the closing price of a share of FirstEnergy common stock on February 24, 2011, the day prior to the date the merger was completed, and was calculated as follows (in millions, except per share data):
         
Shares of Allegheny common stock outstanding on February 24, 2011
    170  
Exchange ratio
    0.667  
 
     
Number of shares of FirstEnergy common stock issued
    113  
Closing price of FirstEnergy common stock on February 24, 2011
  $ 38.16  
 
     
Fair value of shares issued by FirstEnergy
  $ 4,327  
Fair value of replacement share-based compensation awards relating to pre-merger service
    27  
 
     
Total consideration transferred
  $ 4,354  
 
     

 

27


Table of Contents

The allocation of the total consideration transferred to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed includes adjustments for the fair value of coal contracts, energy supply contracts, emission allowances, unregulated property, plant and equipment, derivative instruments, goodwill, intangible assets, long-term debt and accumulated deferred income taxes. The preliminary allocation of the purchase price is as follows:
         
(In millions)        
 
       
Current assets
  $ 1,494  
Property, plant and equipment
    9,656  
Investments
    138  
Goodwill
    881  
Other noncurrent assets
    1,347  
Current liabilities
    (716 )
Noncurrent liabilities
    (3,452 )
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    (4,994 )
 
     
 
  $ 4,354  
 
     
The allocation of purchase price in the table above reflects a refinement made during the quarter ended June 30, 2011 in the determination of the fair values of income tax benefits, certain coal contracts and an adverse purchase power contract. This resulted in an increase in noncurrent assets of approximately $85 million and decreases in current assets and goodwill of $15 million and $71 million, respectively. The impact of the refinements on the amortization of purchase accounting adjustments recorded during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 was not significant. Further modifications to the purchase price allocation may occur as a result of continuing review of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
The estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed have been determined based on the accounting guidance for fair value measurements under GAAP, which defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was recognized as goodwill. The Allegheny delivery, transmission and generation businesses have been assigned to the Regulated Distribution, Regulated Independent Transmission and Competitive Energy Services segments, respectively. The preliminary estimate of goodwill from the merger of $881 million has been assigned to the Competitive Energy Services segment based on expected synergies from the merger. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.
Total goodwill recognized by segment in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet is as follows:
                                         
            Competitive     Regulated              
    Regulated     Energy     Independent     Other/        
(In millions)   Distribution     Services     Transmission     Corporate     Consolidated  
 
                                       
Balance as of December 31, 2010
  $ 5,551     $ 24     $     $     $ 5,575  
 
                                       
Merger with Allegheny
          881                   881  
 
                             
 
                                       
Balance as of June 30, 2011
  $ 5,551     $ 905     $     $     $ 6,456  
 
                             

 

28


Table of Contents

The preliminary valuation of the additional intangible assets and liabilities recorded as result of the merger is as follows:
                 
    Preliminary     Weighted Average  
(In millions)   Valuation     Amortization Period  
Above market contracts:
               
Energy contracts
  $ 189     10 years
NUG contracts
    124     25 years
Coal supply contracts
    516     8 years
 
             
 
    829          
 
               
Below market contracts:
               
NUG contracts
    143     13 years
Coal supply contracts
    83     7 years
Transportation contract
    35     8 years
 
             
 
    261          
 
             
 
               
Net intangible assets
  $ 568          
 
             
The fair value measurements of intangible assets and liabilities were based on significant unobservable inputs and thus represent level 3 measurements as defined in accounting guidance for fair value measurements.
The fair value of Allegheny’s energy, NUG and gas transportation contracts, both above-market and below-market, were estimated based on the present value of the above/below market cash flows attributable to the contracts based on the contract type, discounted by a current market interest rate consistent with the overall credit quality of the portfolio. The above/below market cash flows were estimated by comparing the expected cash flow based on existing contracted prices and expected volumes with the cash flows from estimated current market contract prices for the same expected volumes. The estimated current market contract prices were derived considering current market prices, such as the price of energy and transmission, miscellaneous fees and a normal profit margin. The weighted average amortization period was determined based on the expected volumes to be delivered over the life of the contract.
The fair value of coal supply contracts was determined in a similar manner based on the present value of the above/below market cash flows attributable to the contracts. The fair value adjustment for these contracts is being amortized based on expected deliveries under each contract.
As of June 30, 2011, intangible assets on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet, including those recorded in connection with the merger, include the following:
         
    Intangible  
(In millions)   Assets  
Purchase contract assets
       
NUG
  $ 198  
OVEC
    54  
 
     
 
    252  
 
       
Intangible assets
       
Coal contracts
    487  
FES customer intangible assets
    129  
Energy contracts
    105  
 
     
 
    721  
 
     
 
       
Total intangible assets
  $ 973  
 
     
Acquired land easements and software with a fair value of $169 million are included in “Property, plant and equipment” on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2011.
In connection with the merger, FirstEnergy recorded merger transaction costs of approximately $7 million ($5 million net of tax) and $7 million ($5 million net of tax) during the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively and approximately $89 million ($72 million net of tax) and $21 million ($15 million net of tax) during the first six months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. These costs are included in “Other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Merger transaction costs recognized in the first six months of 2011 include $56 million ($47 net of tax) of change in control and other benefit payments to AE executives.

 

29


Table of Contents

FirstEnergy also recorded approximately $10 million ($6 million net of tax) and $85 million ($66 million net of tax) in merger integration costs during the three and six months ended June 30 2011, respectively, including an inventory valuation adjustment. In connection with the merger, FirstEnergy reviewed its inventory levels as a result of combining the inventory of both companies. Following this review, FirstEnergy management determined that the combined inventory stock contained excess and duplicative items. FirstEnergy management also adopted a consistent excess and obsolete inventory practice for the combined entity. Application of the revised practice, in conjunction with those items identified as excess and duplicative, resulted in an inventory valuation adjustment of $67 million ($42 million net of tax) in the first quarter of 2011.
Revenues and earnings of Allegheny included in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statement of Income for the periods subsequent to the February 25, 2011 merger date are as follows:
                 
  April 1 –     February 26 –  
(In millions, except per share amounts)   June 30, 2011     June 30, 2011  
 
               
Total revenues
  $ 1,181     $ 1,618  
Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp.(1)
    63       17  
 
               
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.04  
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.15     $ 0.04  
     
(1)  
Includes Allegheny’s after-tax merger costs of $4 million and $56 million, respectively.
Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information reflects the consolidated results of operations of FirstEnergy as if the merger with Allegheny had taken place on January 1, 2010. The unaudited pro forma information has been calculated after applying FirstEnergy’s accounting policies and adjusting Allegheny’s results to reflect the depreciation and amortization that would have been charged assuming fair value adjustments to property, plant and equipment, debt and intangible assets had been applied on January 1, 2010, together with the consequential tax effects.
FirstEnergy and Allegheny both incurred non-recurring costs directly related to the merger that have been included in the pro forma earnings presented below. Combined pre-tax transaction costs incurred were approximately $7 million and $11 million in the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and approximately $90 million and $39 million in the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. In addition, during the six months ended June 30, 2011, $85 million of pre-tax merger integration costs and $32 million of charges from merger settlements approved by regulatory agencies were recognized. Charges resulting from merger settlements are not expected to be material in future periods.
The unaudited pro forma financial information has been presented below for illustrative purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of results of operations that would have been achieved or the future consolidated results of operations of the combined company.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
(Pro forma amounts in millions, except   June 30     June 30  
per share amounts)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
                               
Revenues
  $ 4,062     $ 4,401     $ 8,848     $ 9,086  
Earnings available to FirstEnergy
  $ 186     $ 389     $ 323     $ 644  
 
                               
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.44     $ 0.93     $ 0.77     $ 1.54  
 
                       
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.44     $ 0.93     $ 0.77     $ 1.53  
 
                       

 

30


Table of Contents

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share of common stock are computed using the weighted average of actual common shares outstanding during the relevant period as the denominator. The denominator for diluted earnings per share of common stock reflects the weighted average of common shares outstanding plus the potential additional common shares that would be issued if dilutive securities and other agreements to issue common stock were exercised. The following table reconciles basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock:
                                 
  Three Months     Six Months  
Reconciliation of Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share   Ended June 30     Ended June 30  
of Common Stock   2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions, except per share amounts)  
 
                               
Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp.
  $ 181     $ 265     $ 231     $ 420  
 
                       
Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding(1)
    418       304       380       304  
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and awards
    2       1       2       1  
 
                       
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding(1)
    420       305       382       305  
 
                       
 
                               
Basic earnings per share of common stock
  $ 0.43     $ 0.87     $ 0.61     $ 1.38  
 
                       
Diluted earnings per share of common stock
  $ 0.43     $ 0.87     $ 0.61     $ 1.37  
 
                       
     
(1)  
Includes 113 million shares issued to AE stockholders for the periods subsequent to the merger date. (See Note 2)
4. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
(A) 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 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value, in the caption “short-term borrowings”. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations as of June 30, 2011 and December 31 2010:
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
  Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
  Value     Value     Value     Value  
  (In millions)  
FirstEnergy(1)
  $ 18,371     $ 19,436     $ 13,928     $ 14,845  
FES
    4,056       4,310       4,279       4,403  
OE
    1,158       1,367       1,159       1,321  
CEI
    1,831       2,083       1,853       2,035  
TE
    600       690       600       653  
JCP&L
    1,795       2,008       1,810       1,962  
Met-Ed
    729       828       742       821  
Penelec
    1,120       1,231       1,120       1,189  
     
(1)  
Includes debt assumed in the Allegheny merger (See Note 2) with a carrying value and a fair value as of June 30, 2011 of $4,530 million and $4,127 million, respectively.
The fair values of long-term debt and other long-term obligations reflect the present value of the cash outflows relating to those obligations 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 debt with similar characteristics offered by corporations with credit ratings similar to those of FirstEnergy, FES, the Utilities and other subsidiaries.
(B) 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 held-to-maturity securities, available-for-sale securities and notes receivable.
FES and the Utilities periodically evaluate their investments for other-than-temporary impairment. They first consider their intent and ability to hold an equity investment until recovery and then consider, among other factors, the duration and the extent to which the security’s fair value has been less than cost and the near-term financial prospects of the security issuer when evaluating an investment for impairment. For debt securities, FES and the Utilities consider their intent to hold the security, the likelihood that they will be required to sell the security before recovery of their cost basis, and the likelihood of recovery of the security’s entire amortized cost basis.

 

31


Table of Contents

Unrealized gains applicable to the decommissioning trusts of FES, OE and TE are recognized in OCI because fluctuations in fair value will eventually impact earnings while unrealized losses are recorded to earnings. The decommissioning trusts of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec are subject to regulatory accounting. Net unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities because the difference between investments held in the trust and the decommissioning liabilities will be recovered from or refunded to customers.
The investment policy for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds restricts or limits the 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, preferred stocks, securities convertible into common stock and securities of the trust funds’ custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.
Available-For-Sale Securities
FES and the Utilities hold debt and equity securities within their NDT, nuclear fuel disposal trusts and NUG trusts. These trust investments are considered as available-for-sale at fair market value. FES and the Utilities have no securities held for trading purposes.
The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, unrealized gains and losses and fair values of investments held in NDT, nuclear fuel disposal trusts and NUG trusts as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                                                                 
    June 30, 2011(1)     December 31, 2010(2)  
    Cost     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair     Cost     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Basis     Gains     Losses     Value     Basis     Gains     Losses     Value  
    (In millions)  
Debt securities
                                                               
FirstEnergy
  $ 2,015     $ 48     $     $ 2,063     $ 1,699     $ 31     $     $ 1,730  
FES
    1,023       26             1,049       980       13             993  
OE
    128       3             131       123       1             124  
TE
    52       1             53       42                   42  
JCP&L
    353       9             362       281       9             290  
Met-Ed
    249       5             254       127       4             131  
Penelec
    210       4             214       145       4             149  
 
                                                               
Equity securities
                                                               
FirstEnergy
  $ 187     $ 11     $     $ 198     $ 268     $ 69     $     $ 337  
FES
    90       6             96                          
TE
    24       2             26                          
JCP&L
    21       1             22       80       17             97  
Met-Ed
    32       1             33       125       35             160  
Penelec
    20       1             21       63       16             79  
     
(1)  
Excludes cash investments, receivables, payables, deferred taxes and accrued income: FirstEnergy – $130 million; FES – $39 million; OE – $3 million; JCP&L – $19 million; Met-Ed – $14 million and Penelec – $55 million.
 
(2)  
Excludes cash investments, receivables, payables, deferred taxes and accrued income: FirstEnergy – $193 million; FES – $153 million; OE – $3 million; TE – $34 million; JCP&L – $3 million; Met-Ed – $(3) million and Penelec – $4 million.

 

32


Table of Contents

Proceeds from the sale of investments in available-for-sale securities, realized gains and losses on those sales net of adjustments recorded to earnings and interest and dividend income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
                                 
Three Months Ended June 30,  
 
                            Interest and  
2011   Sales Proceeds     Realized Gains     Realized Losses     Dividend Income  
    (In millions)  
FirstEnergy
  $ 734     $ 22     $ (16 )   $ 28  
FES
    297       10       (7 )     17  
OE
    12                   1  
TE
    15       1       (1 )     1  
JCP&L
    159       4       (2 )     4  
Met-Ed
    165       4       (3 )     3  
Penelec
    86       3       (3 )     2  
                                 
                            Interest and  
2010   Sales Proceeds     Realized Gains     Realized Losses     Dividend Income  
    (In millions)  
FirstEnergy
  $ 1,183     $ 46     $ (36 )   $ 16  
FES
    685       41       (35 )     9  
OE
    57       2              
TE
    76       2              
JCP&L
    91                   3  
Met-Ed
    233       1       (1 )     2  
Penelec
    41                   2  
                                 
Six Months Ended June 30,  
 
                            Interest and  
2011   Sales Proceeds     Realized Gains     Realized Losses     Dividend Income  
    (In millions)  
FirstEnergy
  $ 1,703     $ 122     $ (45 )   $ 52  
FES
    513       22       (23 )     32  
OE
    20                   2  
TE
    28       1       (2 )     1  
JCP&L
    376       26       (6 )     8  
Met-Ed
    501       48       (7 )     5  
Penelec
    265       25       (7 )     4  
                                 
                            Interest and  
2010   Sales Proceeds     Realized Gains     Realized Losses     Dividend Income  
    (In millions)  
FirstEnergy
  $ 1,915     $ 83     $ (86 )   $ 37  
FES
    957       54       (58 )     22  
OE
    60       2             1  
TE
    107       3             1  
JCP&L
    281       9       (9 )     7  
Met-Ed
    377       9       (12 )     3  
Penelec
    134       6       (7 )     3  
Held-To-Maturity Securities
The following table provides the amortized cost basis, unrealized gains and losses, and approximate fair values of investments in held-to-maturity securities as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                                                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Cost     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair     Cost     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
    Basis     Gains     Losses     Value     Basis     Gains     Losses     Value  
    (In millions)  
Debt Securities
                                                               
FirstEnergy
  $ 414     $ 84     $       498     $ 476     $ 91     $     $ 567  
OE
    178       45             223       190       51             241  
CEI
    287       39             326       340       41             381  
Investments in emission allowances, employee benefits and cost and equity method investments totaling $345 million as of June 30, 2011 and $259 million as of December 31, 2010, are not required to be disclosed and are excluded from the amounts reported above.

 

33


Table of Contents

Notes Receivable
The table below provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of notes receivable as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. The fair value of notes receivable represents the present value of the cash inflows based on the yield to maturity. The yields assumed were based on financial instruments with similar characteristics and terms. The maturity dates range from 2013 to 2021.
                                 
    June 30, 2011     December 31, 2010  
    Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
    Value     Value     Value     Value  
    (In millions)  
Notes Receivable
                               
FirstEnergy
  $ 6     $ 7     $ 7     $ 8  
TE
    82       94       104       118  

 

34


Table of Contents

(C) 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 are as follows:
     
Level 1
  — Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
 
   
Level 2
  — Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets;
 
   
 
  — quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and
 
   
 
  — model-derived valuations for which all significant inputs are observable market data.
 
   
Level 3
  — Valuation inputs are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
The following tables set forth financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy. There were no significant transfers between levels during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011.

 

35


Table of Contents

FirstEnergy Corp.
The following tables summarize assets and liabilities recorded on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                                 
June 30, 2011   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 868     $     $ 868  
Derivative assets — commodity contracts
          312             312  
Derivative assets — FTRs
                13       13  
Derivative assets — interest rate swaps
          4             4  
Derivative assets — NUG contracts(1)
                75       75  
Equity securities(2)
    198                   198  
Foreign government debt securities
          206             206  
U.S. government debt securities
          673             673  
U.S. state debt securities
          306             306  
Other(4)
          146             146  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 198     $ 2,515     $ 88     $ 2,801  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — commodity contracts
  $     $ (362 )   $     $ (362 )
Derivative liabilities — FTRs
                (7 )     (7 )
Derivative liabilities — interest rate swaps
          (5 )           (5 )
Derivative liabilities — NUG contracts(1)
                (522 )     (522 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $ (367 )   $ (529 )   $ (896 )
 
                       
 
Net assets (liabilities)(3)
  $ 198     $ 2,148     $ (441 )   $ 1,905  
 
                       
                                 
December 31, 2010   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 597     $     $ 597  
Derivative assets — commodity contracts
          250             250  
Derivative assets — NUG contracts(1)
                122       122  
Equity securities(2)
    338                   338  
Foreign government debt securities
          149             149  
U.S. government debt securities
          595             595  
U.S. state debt securities
          379             379  
Other(4)
          219             219  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 338     $ 2,189     $ 122     $ 2,649  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — commodity contracts
  $     $ (348 )   $     $ (348 )
Derivative liabilities — NUG contracts(1)
                (466 )     (466 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $ (348 )   $ (466 )   $ (814 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net assets (liabilities)(3)
  $ 338     $ 1,841     $ (344 )   $ 1,835  
 
                       
     
(1)  
NUG contracts are generally subject to regulatory accounting and do not materially impact earnings.
 
(2)  
NDT funds hold equity portfolios the performance of which is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Index or Russell 3000 Index.
 
(3)  
Excludes $6 million and $(7) million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of receivables, payables, deferred taxes and accrued income associated with the financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.
 
(4)  
Primarily consists of cash and cash equivalents.

 

36


Table of Contents

Rollforward of Level 3 Measurements
The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of NUG contracts held by the Utilities and FTRs held by FirstEnergy and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy during the periods ending June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                         
    Derivative Asset(1)     Derivative Liability(1)     Net(1)  
    (In millions)  
January 1, 2011 Balance
  $ 122     $ (466 )   $ (344 )
Realized gain (loss)
                 
Unrealized gain (loss)
    (40 )     (203 )     (243 )
Purchases
    13       (3 )     10  
Issuances
                 
Sales
                 
Settlements
    (6 )     154       148  
Transfers into  Level 3
          (12 )     (12 )
 
                 
June 30, 2011 Balance
  $ 89     $ (530 )   $ (441 )
 
                 
 
                       
January 1, 2010 Balance
  $ 200     $ (643 )   $ (443 )
Realized gain (loss)
                 
Unrealized gain (loss)
    (71 )     (110 )     (181 )
Purchases
                 
Issuances
                 
Sales
                 
Settlements
    (7 )     287       280  
Transfers into  Level 3
                 
 
                 
December 31, 2010 Balance
  $ 122     $ (466 )   $ (344 )
 
                 
     
(1)  
Changes in the fair value of NUG contracts are generally subject to regulatory accounting and do not materially impact earnings.

 

37


Table of Contents

FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.
The following tables summarize assets and liabilities recorded on FES’ Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                                 
June 30, 2011   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 562     $     $ 562  
Derivative assets — commodity contracts
          283             283  
Derivative assets — FTRs
                2       2  
Equity securities(3)
    96                   96  
Foreign government debt securities
          160             160  
U.S. government debt securities
          316             316  
U.S. state debt securities
          7             7  
Other(2)
          42             42  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 96     $ 1,370     $ 2     $ 1,468  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — commodity contracts
  $     $ (327 )   $     $ (327 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $ (327 )   $     $ (327 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net assets (liabilities)(1)
  $ 96     $ 1,043     $ 2     $ 1,141  
 
                       
                                 
December 31, 2010   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 528     $     $ 528  
Derivative assets — commodity contracts
          241             241  
Foreign government debt securities
          147             147  
U.S. government debt securities
          308             308  
U.S. state debt securities
          6             6  
Other(2)
          148             148  
 
                       
Total assets
  $     $ 1,378     $     $ 1,378  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — commodity contracts
  $     $ (348 )   $     $ (348 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $ (348 )   $     $ (348 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net assets (liabilities)(1)
  $     $ 1,030     $     $ 1,030  
 
                       
     
(1)  
Excludes $7 million as of December 31, 2010 of receivables, payables, deferred taxes and accrued income associated with the financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.
 
(2)  
Primarily consists of cash and cash equivalents.
 
(3)  
NDT funds hold equity portfolios the performance of which is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Index or Russell 3000 Index.
Rollforward of Level 3 Measurements
The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of FTRs held by FES and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy during the period ending June 30, 2011:
                         
    Derivative Asset     Derivative Liability     Net  
    FTRs     FTRs     FTRs  
    (In millions)  
January 1, 2011 Balance
  $     $     $  
Realized gain (loss)
                 
Unrealized gain (loss)
    1             1  
Purchases
    2             2  
Issuances
                 
Sales
                 
Settlements
    (1 )           (1 )
Transfers in (out) of Level 3
                 
 
                 
June 30, 2011 Balance
  $ 2     $     $ 2  
 
                 

 

38


Table of Contents

Ohio Edison Company
The following tables summarize assets and liabilities recorded on OE’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                                 
June 30, 2011   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
U.S. government debt securities
  $     $ 131     $     $ 131  
Other
          2             2  
 
                       
Total assets(1)
  $     $ 133     $     $ 133  
 
                       
                                 
December 31, 2010   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
U.S. government debt securities
  $     $ 124     $     $ 124  
Other
          2             2  
 
                       
Total assets(1)
  $     $ 126     $     $ 126  
 
                       
     
(1)  
Excludes $2 million and $1 million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of receivables, payables, deferred taxes and accrued income associated with the financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.
The Toledo Edison Company
The following tables summarize assets and liabilities recorded on TE’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                                 
June 30, 2011   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 16     $     $ 16  
Equity securities(3)
    26                   26  
U.S. government debt securities
          33             33  
U.S. state debt securities
          1             1  
Other(2)
          3             3  
 
                       
Total assets(1)
  $ 26     $ 53     $     $ 79  
 
                       
                                 
December 31, 2010   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 7     $     $ 7  
U.S. government debt securities
          33             33  
U.S. state debt securities
          1             1  
Other(2)
          35             35  
 
                       
Total assets(1)
  $     $ 76     $     $ 76  
 
                       
     
(1)  
Excludes $(1) million and $2 million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively of receivables, payables, deferred taxes and accrued income associated with the financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.
 
(2)  
Primarily consists of cash and cash equivalents.
 
(3)  
NDT funds hold equity portfolios the performance of which is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Index or Russell 3000 Index.

 

39


Table of Contents

Jersey Central Power & Light Company
The following tables summarize assets and liabilities recorded on JCP&L’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                                 
June 30, 2011   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 81     $     $ 81  
Derivative assets — NUG contracts(1)
                5       5  
Equity securities(2)
    21                   21  
Foreign government debt securities
          13             13  
U.S. government debt securities
          54             54  
U.S. state debt securities
          215             215  
Other
          14             14  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 21     $ 377     $ 5     $ 403  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — NUG contracts(1)
  $     $     $ (240 )   $ (240 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $     $ (240 )   $ (240 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net assets (liabilities)(3)
  $ 21     $ 377     $ (235 )   $ 163  
 
                       
                                 
December 31, 2010   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 23     $     $ 23  
Derivative assets — commodity contracts
          2             2  
Derivative assets — NUG contracts(1)
                6       6  
Equity securities(2)
    96                   96  
U.S. government debt securities
          33             33  
U.S. state debt securities
          236             236  
Other
          4             4  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 96     $ 298     $ 6     $ 400  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — NUG contracts(1)
  $     $     $ (233 )   $ (233 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $     $ (233 )   $ (233 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net assets (liabilities)(3)
  $ 96     $ 298     $ (227 )   $ 167  
 
                       
     
(1)  
NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting and do not impact earnings.
 
(2)  
NDT funds hold equity portfolios the performance of which is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Index or Russell 3000 Index.
 
(3)  
Excludes $5 million and $(3) million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of receivables, payables, deferred taxes and accrued income associated with the financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.

 

40


Table of Contents

Rollforward of Level 3 Measurements
The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of NUG contracts held by JCP&L and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy during the periods ending June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                         
    Derivative Asset     Derivative Liability     Net  
    NUG Contracts(1)     NUG Contracts(1)     NUG Contracts(1)  
    (In millions)  
January 1, 2011 Balance
  $ 6     $ (233 )   $ (227 )
Realized gain (loss)
                 
Unrealized gain (loss)
    (1 )     (71 )     (72 )
Purchases
                 
Issuances
                 
Sales
                 
Settlements
          64       64  
Transfers in (out) of Level 3
                 
 
                 
June 30, 2011 Balance
  $ 5     $ (240 )   $ (235 )
 
                 
 
                       
January 1, 2010 Balance
  $ 8     $ (399 )   $ (391 )
Realized gain (loss)
                 
Unrealized gain (loss)
    (1 )     36       35  
Purchases
                 
Issuances
                 
Sales
                 
Settlements
    (1 )     130       129  
Transfers in (out) of Level 3
                 
 
                 
December 31, 2010 Balance
  $ 6     $ (233 )   $ (227 )
 
                 
     
(1)  
Changes in the fair value of NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting and do not impact earnings.

 

41


Table of Contents

Metropolitan Edison Company
The following tables summarize assets and liabilities recorded on Met-Ed’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                                 
June 30, 2011   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 138     $     $ 138  
Derivative assets — NUG contracts(1)
                66       66  
Equity securities(2)
    33                   33  
Foreign government debt securities
          20             20  
U.S. government debt securities
          87             87  
U.S. state debt securities
          2             2  
Other
          22             22  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 33     $ 269     $ 66     $ 368  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — NUG contracts(1)
  $     $     $ (122 )   $ (122 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $     $ (122 )   $ (122 )
 
                       
 
Net assets (liabilities)(3)
  $ 33     $ 269     $ (56 )   $ 246  
 
                       
                                 
December 31, 2010   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 32     $     $ 32  
Derivative assets — commodity contracts
          5             5  
Derivative assets — NUG contracts(1)
                112       112  
Equity securities(2)
    160                   160  
Foreign government debt securities
          1             1  
U.S. government debt securities
          88             88  
U.S. state debt securities
          2             2  
Other
          14             14  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 160     $ 142     $ 112     $ 414  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — NUG contracts(1)
  $     $     $ (116 )   $ (116 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $     $ (116 )   $ (116 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net assets (liabilities)(3)
  $ 160     $ 142     $ (4 )   $ 298  
 
                       
     
(1)  
NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting and do not impact earnings.
 
(2)  
NDT funds hold equity portfolios the performance of which is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Index or Russell 3000 Index.
 
(3)  
Excludes $(1) million and $(9) million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of receivables, payables, deferred taxes and accrued income associated with the financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.

 

42


Table of Contents

Rollforward of Level 3 Measurements
The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of NUG contracts held by Met-Ed and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy during the periods ending June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                         
    Derivative Asset     Derivative Liability     Net  
    NUG Contracts(1)     NUG Contracts(1)     NUG Contracts(1)  
    (In millions)  
January 1, 2011 Balance
  $ 112     $ (116 )   $ (4 )
Realized gain (loss)
                 
Unrealized gain (loss)
    (42 )     (36 )     (78 )
Purchases
                 
Issuances
                 
Sales
                 
Settlements
    (4 )     30       26  
Transfers in (out) of Level 3
                 
 
                 
June 30, 2011 Balance
  $ 66     $ (122 )   $ (56 )
 
                 
 
                       
January 1, 2010 Balance
  $ 176     $ (143 )   $ 33  
Realized gain (loss)
                 
Unrealized gain (loss)
    (59 )     (38 )     (97 )
Purchases
                 
Issuances
                 
Sales
                 
Settlements
    (5 )     65       60  
Transfers in (out) of Level 3
                 
 
                 
December 31, 2010 Balance
  $ 112     $ (116 )   $ (4 )
 
                 
     
(1)  
Changes in the fair value of NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting and do not impact earnings.

 

43


Table of Contents

Pennsylvania Electric Company
The following tables summarize assets and liabilities recorded on Penelec’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                                 
June 30, 2011   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 69     $     $ 69  
Derivative assets — NUG contracts(1)
                4       4  
Equity securities(2)
    20                   20  
Foreign government debt securities
            12               12  
U.S. government debt securities
          52             52  
U.S. state debt securities
          81             81  
Other
          53             53  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 20     $ 267     $ 4     $ 291  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — NUG contracts(1)
  $     $     $ (160 )   $ (160 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $     $ (160 )   $ (160 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net assets (liabilities)(3)
  $ 20     $ 267     $ (156 )   $ 131  
 
                       
                                 
December 31, 2010   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
    (In millions)  
Assets
                               
Corporate debt securities
  $     $ 8     $     $ 8  
Derivative assets — commodity contracts
          2             2  
Derivative assets — NUG contracts(1)
                4       4  
Equity securities(2)
    81                   81  
U.S. government debt securities
          9             9  
U.S. state debt securities
          133             133  
Other
          5             5  
 
                       
Total assets
  $ 81     $ 157     $ 4     $ 242  
 
                       
 
                               
Liabilities
                               
Derivative liabilities — NUG contracts(1)
  $     $     $ (117 )   $ (117 )
 
                       
Total liabilities
  $     $     $ (117 )   $ (117 )
 
                       
 
                               
Net assets (liabilities)(3)
  $ 81     $ 157     $ (113 )   $ 125  
 
                       
     
(1)  
NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting and do not impact earnings.
 
(2)  
NDT funds hold equity portfolios the performance of which is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Index or Russell 3000 Index.
 
(3)  
Excludes $1 million and $(3) million as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, of receivables, payables and accrued income associated with the financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.

 

44


Table of Contents

Rollforward of Level 3 Measurements
The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of NUG and commodity contracts held by Penelec and classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy during the periods ended June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010:
                         
    Derivative Asset     Derivative Liability     Net  
    NUG Contracts(1)     NUG Contracts(1)     NUG Contracts(1)  
    (In millions)  
January 1, 2011 Balance
  $ 4     $ (117 )   $ (113 )
Realized gain (loss)
                 
Unrealized gain (loss)
          (88 )     (88 )
Purchases
                 
Issuances
                 
Sales
                 
Settlements
          45       45  
Transfers in (out) of Level 3
                 
 
                 
June 30, 2011 Balance
  $ 4     $ (160 )   $ (156 )
 
                 
 
                       
January 1, 2010 Balance
  $ 16     $ (101 )   $ (85 )
Realized gain (loss)
                 
Unrealized gain (loss)
    (11 )     (108 )     (119 )
Purchases
                 
Issuances
                 
Sales
                 
Settlements
    (1 )     92       91  
Transfers in (out) of Level 3
                 
 
                 
December 31, 2010 Balance
  $ 4     $ (117 )   $ (113 )
 
                 
     
(1)  
Changes in the fair value of NUG contracts are subject to regulatory accounting and do not impact earnings.
5. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
FirstEnergy is exposed to financial risks resulting from fluctuating interest rates and commodity prices, including prices for electricity, natural gas, coal and energy transmission. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, FirstEnergy’s Risk Policy Committee, comprised of senior management, provides general management oversight for risk management activities throughout FirstEnergy. The 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. In addition to derivatives, FirstEnergy also enters into master netting agreements with certain third parties.
FirstEnergy accounts for derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value unless they meet the normal purchases and normal sales criteria. Derivatives that meet those criteria are accounted for under the accrual method of accounting, and their effects are included in earnings at the time of contract performance. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that qualify and are designated as cash flow hedge instruments are recorded in AOCL. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedge instruments are recorded in net income on a mark-to-market basis. FirstEnergy has contractual derivative agreements through December 2018.
Cash Flow Hedges
FirstEnergy has used cash flow hedges for risk management purposes to manage the volatility related to exposures associated with fluctuating interest rates and commodity prices. The effective portion of gains and losses on the derivative contract are reported as a component of AOCL with subsequent reclassification to earnings in the period during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.
As of December 31, 2010, commodity derivative contracts designated in cash flow hedging relationships were $104 million of assets and $101 million of liabilities. In February 2011, FirstEnergy elected to dedesignate all outstanding cash flow hedge relationships. Total net unamortized gains included in AOCL associated with dedesignated cash flow hedges totaled $8 million as of June 30, 2011. Since the forecasted transactions remain probable of occurring, these amounts will be amortized into earnings over the life of the hedging instruments. Reclassifications from AOCL into other operating expenses totaled $14 million and $19 million during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. Approximately $3 million is expected to be amortized to expense during the next twelve months.
FirstEnergy has used forward starting 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 treated 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. As of June 30, 2011, no forward starting swap agreements were outstanding. Total unamortized losses included in AOCL associated with prior interest rate cash flow hedges totaled $84 million ($55 million net of tax) as of June 30, 2011. Based on current estimates, approximately $10 million will be amortized to interest expense during the next twelve months. Reclassifications from AOCL into interest expense totaled $3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 and $6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

 

45


Table of Contents

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. These derivative instruments were treated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate, long-term debt issues, protecting against the risk of changes in the fair value of fixed-rate debt instruments due to lower interest rates. As of June 30, 2011, 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 $113 million ($73 million net of tax) as of June 30, 2011. Based on current estimates, approximately $22 million will be amortized to interest expense during the next twelve months. Reclassifications from long-term debt into interest expense totaled approximately $6 million and $2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively and $11 million and $3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Commodity Derivatives
FirstEnergy uses both physically and financially settled derivatives to manage its exposure to volatility in commodity prices. Commodity derivatives are used for risk management purposes to hedge exposures when it makes economic sense to do so, including circumstances where the hedging relationship does not qualify for hedge accounting.
Electricity forwards are used to balance expected sales with expected generation and purchased power. Natural gas futures are entered into based on expected consumption of natural gas; primarily natural gas is used in FirstEnergy’s peaking units. Heating oil futures are entered into based on expected consumption of oil and the financial risk in FirstEnergy’s coal transportation contracts. Interest rate swaps include two interest rate swap agreements that expire during 2011 with an aggregate notional value of $200 million that were entered into during 2003 to substantially offset two existing interest rate swaps with the same counterparty. The 2003 agreements effectively locked in a net liability and substantially eliminated future income volatility from the interest rate swap positions but do not qualify for cash flow hedge accounting. Derivative instruments are not used in quantities greater than forecasted needs.
As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy’s net liability position under commodity derivative contracts was $45 million, which primarily related to FES positions. Under these commodity derivative contracts, FES posted $81 million and Allegheny posted $2 million in collateral. Certain commodity derivative contracts include credit risk related contingent features that would require FES to post $49 million of additional collateral if the credit rating for its debt were to fall below investment grade.
Based on derivative contracts held as of June 30, 2011, an adverse 10% change in commodity prices would decrease net income by approximately $31 million ($20 million net of tax) during the next twelve months.
FTRs
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 an RTO that have load serving obligations and through the direct allocation of FTRs from the PJM RTO. The PJM RTO has a rule that allows directly allocated FTRs to be granted to LSEs in zones that have newly entered PJM. For the first two planning years, PJM permits the LSEs to request a direct allocation of FTRs in these new zones at no cost as opposed to receiving ARRs. The directly allocated FTRs differ from traditional FTRs in that the ownership of all or part of the FTRs may shift to another LSE if customers choose to shop with the other LSE.
The future obligations for the FTRs acquired at auction are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and have not been designated as cash flow hedge instruments. FirstEnergy initially records these FTRs at the auction price less the obligation due to the RTO, and subsequently adjusts the carrying value of remaining FTRs to their estimated fair value at the end of each accounting period prior to settlement. Changes in the fair value of FTRs held by FirstEnergy’s unregulated subsidiaries are included in other operating expenses as unrealized gains or losses. Unrealized gains or losses on FTRs held by FirstEnergy’s regulated subsidiaries are recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities. Directly allocated FTRs are accounted for under the accrual method of accounting, and their effects are included in earnings at the time of contract performance.

 

46


Table of Contents

The following tables summarize the fair value of derivative instruments in FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments as of June 30, 2011:
                 
Derivative Assets  
 
    Fair Value  
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
               
Power Contracts
               
Current Assets
  $ 210     $ 96  
Noncurrent Assets
    102       40  
FTRs
               
Current Assets
    13        
Noncurrent Assets
           
NUGs
               
Current Assets
    4       3  
Noncurrent Assets
    71       119  
Interest Rate Swaps
               
Current Assets
    4        
Noncurrent Assets
           
Other
               
Current Assets
          10  
Noncurrent Assets
           
 
           
Total Derivatives
  $ 404     $ 268  
 
           
                 
Derivative Liabilities  
 
    Fair Value  
    June 30,     December 31,  
    2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
 
               
Power Contracts
               
Current Liabilities
  $ 274     $ 209  
Noncurrent Liabilities
    88       38  
FTRs
               
Current Liabilities
    7        
Noncurrent Liabilities
           
NUGs
               
Current Liabilities
    317       229  
Noncurrent Liabilities
    205       238  
Interest Rate Swaps
               
Current Liabilities
    5        
Noncurrent Liabilities
           
Other
               
Current Liabilities
           
Noncurrent Liabilities
           
 
           
Total Derivatives
  $ 896     $ 714  
 
           
The following table summarizes the volumes associated with FirstEnergy’s outstanding derivative transactions as of June 30, 2011:
                             
    Purchases     Sales     Net     Units
    (In thousands)
Power Contracts
    45,573       (59,549 )     (13,976 )   MWH
FTRs
    53,656             53,656     MWH
Interest Rate Swaps
    200,000       (200,000 )         notional dollars
NUGs
    26,903             26,903     MWH

 

47


Table of Contents

The effect of derivative instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
                                         
    Three Months Ended June 30,  
    Power             Interest              
    Contracts     FTRs     Rate Swaps     Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
Derivatives in a Hedging Relationship
                                       
2011
                                       
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL (Effective Portion)
  $ 14     $     $     $     $ 14  
Effective Gain (Loss) Reclassified to: (1)
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
                             
Revenues
                             
 
                                       
2010
                                       
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL (Effective Portion)
  $     $     $     $ 3     $ 3  
Effective Gain (Loss) Reclassified to:(1)
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
    (3 )                       (3 )
Revenues
    (5 )                       (5 )
Fuel Expense
                      (4 )     (4 )
                                         
 
                                       
Derivatives Not in a Hedging Relationship
                                       
2011
                                       
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in:
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
  $ 33     $     $     $     $ 33  
Revenues
    (4 )                       (4 )
Other Operating Expense
    (34 )     13                   (21 )
 
                                       
Realized Gain (Loss) Reclassified to:
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
    1                         1  
Revenues
    (39 )     18                   (21 )
Other Operating Expense
          (59 )                 (59 )
 
                                       
2010
                                       
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in:
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
  $ 66     $     $     $     $ 66  
 
                                       
Realized Gain (Loss) Reclassified to:
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
    (26 )                       (26 )
                         
Derivatives Not in a Hedging   Three Months Ended June 30,  
Relationship with Regulatory Offset(2)   NUGs     Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
2011
                       
Unrealized Gain (Loss) to Derivative Instrument:
  $ (147 )   $ 2     $ (145 )
Unrealized Gain (Loss) to Regulatory Assets:
    147       (2 )     145  
 
Realized Gain (Loss) to Derivative Instrument:
    62             62  
Realized Gain (Loss) to Regulatory Assets:
    (62 )           (62 )
 
2010
                       
Unrealized Gain (Loss) to Derivative Instrument:
  $ (35 )         $ (35 )
Unrealized Gain (Loss) to Regulatory Assets:
    35             35  
 
Realized Gain (Loss) to Derivative Instrument:
    68             68  
Realized Gain (Loss) to Regulatory Assets:
    (68 )           (68 )

 

48


Table of Contents

                                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    Power             Interest              
    Contracts     FTRs     Rate Swaps     Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
Derivatives in a Hedging Relationship
                                       
2011
                                       
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL (Effective Portion)
  $ 5     $     $     $     $ 5  
Effective Gain (Loss) Reclassified to: (1)
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
    16                         16  
Revenues
    (12 )                       (12 )
 
                                       
2010
                                       
Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCL (Effective Portion)
  $ (2 )   $     $     $ 6     $ 4  
Effective Gain (Loss) Reclassified to:(1)
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
    (7 )                       (7 )
Revenues
    (5 )                       (5 )
Fuel Expense
                      (8 )     (8 )
 
                                       
Derivatives Not in a Hedging Relationship
                                       
2011
                                       
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in:
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
  $ 61     $     $     $     $ 61  
Revenues
    (3 )                       (3 )
Other Operating Expense
    (54 )     13       1             (40 )
 
                                       
Realized Gain (Loss) Reclassified to:
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
    (36 )                       (36 )
Revenues
    (29 )     26                   (3 )
Other Operating Expense
          (87 )                 (87 )
 
                                       
2010
                                       
Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized in:
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
  $ 39     $     $     $     $ 39  
 
                                       
Realized Gain (Loss) Reclassified to:
                                       
Purchase Power Expense
    (49 )                       (49 )
                         
Derivatives Not in a Hedging   Six Months Ended June 30,  
Relationship with Regulatory Offset(2)   NUGs     Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
2011
                       
Unrealized Gain (Loss) to Derivative Instrument:
  $ (236 )   $ 2     $ (234 )
Unrealized Gain (Loss) to Regulatory Assets:
    236       (2 )     234  
 
                       
Realized Gain (Loss) to Derivative Instrument:
    134       (10 )     124  
Realized Gain (Loss) to Regulatory Assets:
    (134 )     10       (124 )
 
                       
2010
                       
Unrealized Gain (Loss) to Derivative Instrument:
  $ (259 )         $ (259 )
Unrealized Gain (Loss) to Regulatory Assets:
    259             259  
 
                       
Realized Gain (Loss) to Derivative Instrument:
    146       (9 )     137  
Realized Gain (Loss) to Regulatory Assets:
    (146 )     9       (137 )
     
(1)  
The ineffective portion was immaterial.
 
(2)  
Changes in the fair value of certain contracts are deferred for future recovery from (or refund to) customers.

 

49


Table of Contents

The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the fair value of certain contracts that are deferred for future recovery from (or refund to) customers during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:
                         
    Three Months Ended June 30,  
Derivatives Not in a Hedging Relationship with Regulatory Offset(1)   NUGs     Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
Outstanding net asset (liability) as of April 1, 2011
  $ (362 )   $     $ (362 )
Additions/Change in value of existing contracts
    (147 )     2       (145 )
Settled contracts
    62             62  
 
                 
Outstanding net asset (liability) as of June 30, 2011
  $ (447 )   $ 2     $ (445 )
 
                 
 
                       
Outstanding net asset (liability) as of April 1, 2010
  $ (590 )   $ 10     $ (580 )
Additions/Change in value of existing contracts
    (35 )           (35 )
Settled contracts
    68             68  
 
                 
Outstanding net asset (liability) as of June 30, 2010
  $ (557 )   $ 10     $ (547 )
 
                 
                         
    Six Months Ended June 30,  
Derivatives Not in a Hedging Relationship with Regulatory Offset(1)   NUGs     Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
Outstanding net asset (liability) as of January 1, 2011
  $ (345 )   $ 10     $ (335 )
Additions/Change in value of existing contracts
    (236 )     2       (234 )
Settled contracts
    134       (10 )     124  
 
                 
Outstanding net asset (liability) as of June 30, 2011
  $ (447 )   $ 2     $ (445 )
 
                 
 
                       
Outstanding net asset (liability) as of January 1, 2010
  $ (444 )   $ 19     $ (425 )
Additions/Change in value of existing contracts
    (259 )           (259 )
Settled contracts
    146       (9 )     137  
 
                 
Outstanding net asset (liability) as of June 30, 2010
  $ (557 )   $ 10     $ (547 )
 
                 
     
(1)  
Changes in the fair value of certain contracts are deferred for future recovery from (or refund to) customers.
6. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
FirstEnergy provides noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees and non-qualified pension plans that cover certain employees. The plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels.
FirstEnergy provides a portion of non-contributory pre-retirement basic life insurance for employees who are eligible to retire. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and co-payments, are also available upon retirement to certain employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. FirstEnergy also has obligations to former or inactive employees after employment, but before retirement, for disability-related benefits.
FirstEnergy’s funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy made pre-tax contributions to its qualified pension plans of $105 million and $262 million, respectively. FirstEnergy intends to make additional contributions of $116 million and $2 million to its qualified pension plans and postretirement benefit plans, respectively, in the last two quarters of 2011.

 

50


Table of Contents

As result of the merger with Allegheny, FirstEnergy assumed certain pension and OPEB plans. FirstEnergy measured the funded status of the Allegheny pension plans and postretirement benefit plans other than pensions as of the merger closing date using discount rates of 5.50% and 5.25%, respectively. The fair values of plan assets for Allegheny’s pension plans and postretirement benefit plans other than pensions at the date of the merger were $954 million and $75 million, respectively, and the actuarially determined benefit obligations for such plans as of that date were $1,341 million and $272 million, respectively. The expected returns on plan assets used to calculate net periodic costs for periods in 2011 subsequent to the date of the merger are 8.25% for Allegheny’s qualified pension plan and 5.00% for Allegheny’s postretirement benefit plans other than pensions.
The components of the consolidated net periodic cost for pension and OPEB benefits (including amounts capitalized) were as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
Pension Benefit Cost (Credit)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
Service cost
  $ 34     $ 25     $ 62     $ 49  
Interest cost
    97       79       181       157  
Expected return on plan assets
    (115 )     (90 )     (216 )     (181 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    4       3       7       6  
Recognized net actuarial loss
    48       47       97       94  
Curtailments(1)
                (2 )      
Special termination benefits(1)
                9        
 
                       
Net periodic cost
  $ 68     $ 64     $ 138     $ 125  
 
                       
     
(1)  
Represents costs (credits) incurred related to change in control provision payments to certain executives who were terminated or were expected to be terminated as a result of the merger.
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
Other Postretirement Benefit Cost (Credit)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
Service cost
  $ 3     $ 3     $ 7     $ 5  
Interest cost
    12       11       23       22  
Expected return on plan assets
    (10 )     (9 )     (20 )     (18 )
Amortization of prior service cost
    (52 )     (48 )     (100 )     (96 )
Recognized net actuarial loss
    14       15       28       30  
 
                       
Net periodic cost (credit)
  $ (33 )   $ (28 )   $ (62 )   $ (57 )
 
                       
Pension and OPEB obligations are allocated to FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries employing the plan participants. The net periodic pension costs and net periodic OPEB (including amounts capitalized) recognized by FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries were as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
Pension Benefit Cost   2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
FES
  $ 22     $ 22     $ 43     $ 44  
OE
    5       6       11       11  
CEI
    5       5       10       11  
TE
    2       2       3       4  
JCP&L
    5       6       11       12  
Met-Ed
    3       3       5       5  
Penelec
    4       5       9       9  
Other FirstEnergy Subsidiaries
    22       15       46       29  
 
                       
 
  $ 68     $ 64     $ 138     $ 125  
 
                       

 

51


Table of Contents

                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
Other Postretirement Benefit Credit   2011     2010     2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
FES
  $ (8 )   $ (7 )   $ (14 )   $ (13 )
OE
    (5 )     (6 )     (12 )     (12 )
CEI
    (2 )     (1 )     (3 )     (3 )
TE
                (1 )     (1 )
JCP&L
    (2 )     (2 )     (3 )     (4 )
Met-Ed
    (2 )     (2 )     (5 )     (4 )
Penelec
    (2 )     (2 )     (5 )     (4 )
Other FirstEnergy Subsidiaries
    (12 )     (8 )     (19 )     (16 )
 
                       
 
  $ (33 )   $ (28 )   $ (62 )   $ (57 )
 
                       
7. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries perform qualitative analyses to determine whether a variable interest gives FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries a controlling financial interest in a VIE. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and 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.
VIEs included in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements are: FEV’s joint venture in the Signal Peak mining and coal transportation operations; the PNBV and Shippingport bond trusts that were created to refinance debt originally issued in connection with sale and leaseback transactions; and wholly owned limited liability companies of JCP&L created to sell transition bonds to securitize the recovery of JCP&L’s bondable stranded costs associated with the previously divested Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station, of which $295 million was outstanding as of June 30, 2011.
FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries reflect the portion of VIEs not owned by them in the caption noncontrolling interest within the consolidated financial statements. The change in noncontrolling interest within the Consolidated Balance Sheets is primarily the result of net losses of the noncontrolling interests ($15 million) and distributions to owners ($4 million) during the six months ended June 30, 2011.
In order to evaluate contracts for consolidation treatment and entities for which FirstEnergy has an interest, FirstEnergy aggregated variable interests into the following categories based on similar risk characteristics and significance.
PATH-WV
PATH, LLC was formed to construct, through its operating companies, the PATH Project, which is a high-voltage transmission line that was proposed to extend from West Virginia through Virginia and into Maryland, including modifications to an existing substation in Putnam County, West Virginia, and the construction of new substations in Hardy County, West Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland as directed by PJM. PATH, LLC 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 AE owns 100% of the Allegheny Series 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 the portion of the PATH Project to be constructed by PATH-WV.
Because of the nature of PATH-WV’s operations and its FERC approved rate mechanism, FirstEnergy’s maximum exposure to loss, through AE, consists of its equity investment in PATH-WV, which was $27 million at June 30, 2011.
Power Purchase Agreements
FirstEnergy evaluated its power purchase agreements and determined that certain NUG entities may be VIEs to the extent that they own a plant that sells substantially all of its output to the Utilities if the contract price for power is correlated with the plant’s variable costs of production. FirstEnergy, through its subsidiaries JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, PE, WP and MP, maintains 23 long-term power purchase agreements with NUG entities that were entered into pursuant to PURPA. FirstEnergy was not involved in the creation of, and has no equity or debt invested in, these entities.
FirstEnergy has determined that for all but four of these NUG entities, its subsidiaries do not have variable interests in the entities or the entities do not meet the criteria to be considered a VIE. JCP&L, PE and WP may hold variable interests in the remaining four entities; however, FirstEnergy applied the scope exception that exempts enterprises unable to obtain the necessary information to evaluate entities.

 

52


Table of Contents

Because JCP&L, PE and WP have no equity or debt interests in the NUG entities, their maximum exposure to loss relates primarily to the above-market costs incurred for power. FirstEnergy expects any above-market costs incurred by its subsidiaries to be recovered from customers, except as described further below. Purchased power costs related to the four contracts that may contain a variable interest that were held by FirstEnergy subsidiaries during the three months ended June 30, 2011, were $55 million, $47 million and $21 million for JCP&L, PE and WP, respectively and $120 million, $58 million and $26 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. Purchased power costs related to the two contracts that may contain a variable interest that were held by JCP&L during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2010 were $53 million and $117 million, respectively.
In 1998 the PPUC issued an order approving a transition plan for WP that disallowed certain costs, including an estimated amount for an adverse power purchase commitment related to the NUG entity that WP may hold a variable interest, for which WP has taken the scope exception. As of June 30, 2011, WP’s reserve for this adverse purchase power commitment was $59 million, including a current liability of $11 million, and is being amortized over the life of the commitment.
Loss Contingencies
FirstEnergy has variable interests in certain sale and leaseback transactions. FirstEnergy is not the primary beneficiary of these interests as it does not have control over the significant activities affecting the economics of the arrangement.
FES and the Ohio Companies are exposed to losses under their applicable sale and leaseback agreements upon the occurrence of certain contingent events. The maximum exposure under these provisions represents the net amount of casualty value payments due upon the occurrence of specified casualty events. Net discounted lease payments would not be payable if the casualty loss payments were made. The following table discloses each company’s net exposure to loss based upon the casualty value provisions mentioned above as of June 30, 2011:
                         
    Maximum     Discounted Lease     Net  
    Exposure     Payments, net(1)     Exposure  
    (In millions)  
FES
  $ 1,348     $ 1,156     $ 192  
OE
    635       445       190  
CEI(2)
    624       69       555  
TE(2)
    624       303       321  
     
(1)  
The net present value of FirstEnergy’s consolidated sale and leaseback operating lease commitments is $1.6 billion.
 
(2)  
CEI and TE are jointly and severally liable for the maximum loss amounts under certain sale-leaseback agreements.
8. INCOME TAXES
FirstEnergy accounts for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in its financial statements. Accounting guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a company’s tax return. As a result of the merger with Allegheny in the first quarter of 2011, FirstEnergy’s unrecognized tax benefits increased by $97 million. During the second quarter of 2011, FirstEnergy reached a settlement with the IRS on a research and development claim and recognized approximately $30 million of income tax benefits, including $5 million that favorably affected FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate for the second quarter and first six months of 2011. There were no other material changes to FirstEnergy’s unrecognized income tax benefits during the first six months of 2011. After reaching a tentative agreement with the IRS on a tax item at appeals related to the capitalization of certain costs for tax years 2005-2008, as well as reaching a settlement on an unrelated state tax matter in the second quarter of 2010, FirstEnergy recognized approximately $70 million of net income tax benefits, including $13 million that favorably affected FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2010. The remaining portion of the income tax benefit recognized in the first six months of 2010 increased FirstEnergy’s accumulated deferred income taxes for the settled temporary tax item.
As of June 30, 2011, it is reasonably possible that approximately $46 million of unrecognized income tax benefits may be resolved within the next twelve months, of which approximately $4 million, if recognized, would affect FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate. The potential decrease in the amount of unrecognized income tax benefits is primarily associated with issues related to the capitalization of certain costs and various state tax items.
FirstEnergy recognizes interest expense or income related to uncertain tax positions. That amount is computed by applying the applicable statutory interest rate to the difference between the tax position recognized and the amount previously taken or expected to be taken on the tax return. FirstEnergy includes net interest and penalties in the provision for income taxes. The interest associated with the settlement of the claim noted above favorably affected FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate by $6 million in the first half of 2011. During the first six months of 2011, there were no material changes to the amount of accrued interest, except for a $6 million increase in accrued interest as a result of the merger with Allegheny. The reversal of accrued interest associated with the recognized income tax benefits noted above favorably affected FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate by $11 million in the first six months of 2010. The net amount of interest accrued as of June 30, 2011 was $10 million, compared with $3 million as of December 31, 2010.

 

53


Table of Contents

As a result of the non-deductible portion of merger transaction costs, FirstEnergy’s effective tax rate was unfavorably impacted by $28 million in the first six months of 2011.
As a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act signed into law in March 2010, beginning in 2013 the tax deduction available to FirstEnergy will be reduced to the extent that drug costs are reimbursed under the Medicare Part D retiree subsidy program. As retiree healthcare liabilities and related tax impacts under prior law were already reflected in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements, the change resulted in a charge to FirstEnergy’s earnings in the first quarter of 2010 of approximately $13 million and a reduction in accumulated deferred tax assets associated with these subsidies. That charge reflected the anticipated increase in income taxes that will occur as a result of the change in tax law.
Allegheny is currently under audit by the IRS for tax years 2007 and 2008. The 2009 federal return was filed and is subject to review. State tax returns for tax years 2006 through 2009 remain subject to review in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia for certain subsidiaries of AE. FirstEnergy has tax returns that are under review at the audit or appeals level by the IRS (2008-2010) and state tax authorities. Tax returns for all state jurisdictions are open from 2006-2009. The IRS began auditing the year 2008 in February 2008 and the audit was completed in July 2010 with one item under appeal. The 2009 tax year audit began in February 2009 and the 2010 tax year audit began in February 2010. Management believes that adequate reserves have been recognized and final settlement of these audits is not expected to have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s financial condition or results of operations.
9. COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES
(A) GUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCES
As part of normal business activities, FirstEnergy enters into various agreements on behalf of its subsidiaries to provide financial or performance assurances to third parties. These agreements include contract guarantees, surety bonds and LOCs. As of June 30, 2011, outstanding guarantees and other assurances aggregated approximately $3.8 billion, consisting of parental guarantees ($0.8 billion), subsidiaries’ guarantees ($2.6 billion), and surety bonds and LOCs ($0.4 billion).
FirstEnergy guarantees energy and energy-related payments of its subsidiaries involved in energy commodity activities principally to facilitate or hedge normal physical transactions involving electricity, gas, emission allowances and coal. FirstEnergy also provides guarantees to various providers of credit support for the financing or refinancing by subsidiaries of costs related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. These agreements legally obligate FirstEnergy to fulfill the obligations of those subsidiaries directly involved in energy and energy-related transactions or financing where the law might otherwise limit the counterparties’ claims. If demands of a counterparty were to exceed the ability of a subsidiary to satisfy existing obligations, FirstEnergy’s guarantee enables the counterparty’s legal claim to be satisfied by other FirstEnergy assets. FirstEnergy believes the likelihood is remote that such parental guarantees of $0.2 billion (included in the $0.8 billion discussed above) as of June 30, 2011 would increase amounts otherwise payable by FirstEnergy to meet its obligations incurred in connection with financings and ongoing energy and energy-related activities.
While these types of guarantees are normally parental commitments for the future payment of subsidiary obligations, subsequent to the occurrence of a credit rating downgrade or “material adverse event,” the immediate posting of cash collateral, provision of an LOC or accelerated payments may be required of the subsidiary. As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy’s maximum exposure under these collateral provisions was $625 million, consisting of $522 million due to a below investment grade credit rating (of which $265 million is due to an acceleration of payment or funding obligation) and $103 million due to “material adverse event” contractual clauses. Additionally, stress case conditions of a credit rating downgrade or “material adverse event” and hypothetical adverse price movements in the underlying commodity markets would increase this amount to $666 million.
Most of FirstEnergy’s surety bonds are backed by various indemnities common within the insurance industry. Surety bonds and related guarantees of $136 million provide additional assurance to outside parties that contractual and statutory obligations will be met in a number of areas including construction contracts, environmental commitments and various retail transactions.
In addition to guarantees and surety bonds, contracts entered into by the Competitive Energy Services segment, including power contracts with affiliates awarded through competitive bidding processes, typically contain margining provisions that require the posting of cash or LOCs in amounts determined by future power price movements. Based on FES’ and AE Supply’s power portfolios as of June 30, 2011 and forward prices as of that date, FES and AE Supply have posted collateral of $138 million and $2 million, respectively. Under a hypothetical adverse change in forward prices (95% confidence level change in forward prices over a one-year time horizon), FES would be required to post an additional $17 million of collateral. Depending on the volume of forward contracts and future price movements, higher amounts for margining could be required to be posted.

 

54


Table of Contents

FES’ debt obligations are generally guaranteed by its subsidiaries, FGCO and NGC, and FES guarantees the debt obligations of each of FGCO and NGC. Accordingly, present and future holders of indebtedness of FES, FGCO and NGC would have claims against each of FES, FGCO and NGC, regardless of whether their primary obligor is FES, FGCO or NGC.
Signal Peak and Global Rail are borrowers under a $350 million syndicated two-year senior secured term loan facility due in October 2012. FirstEnergy, together with WMB Loan Ventures LLC and WMB Loan Ventures II LLC, the entities that share ownership in the borrowers with FEV, have provided a guaranty of the borrowers’ obligations under the facility. In addition, FEV and the other entities that directly own the equity interest in the borrowers have pledged those interests to the lenders under the term loan facility as collateral for the facility.
(B) ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Various federal, state and local authorities regulate FirstEnergy with regard to air and water quality and other environmental matters. 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.
CAA Compliance
FirstEnergy is required to meet federally-approved SO2 and NOx emissions regulations under the CAA. FirstEnergy complies with SO2 and NOx reduction requirements under the CAA and SIP(s) by burning lower-sulfur fuel, combustion controls and post-combustion controls, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants and/or using emission allowances. Violations can result in the shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties.
In July 2008, three complaints were filed against FGCO in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania seeking damages based on coal-fired Bruce Mansfield Plant air emissions. Two of these complaints also seek to enjoin the Bruce Mansfield Plant from operating except in a “safe, responsible, prudent and proper manner,” one being a complaint filed on behalf of twenty-one individuals and the other being a class action complaint seeking certification as a class action with the eight named plaintiffs as the class representatives. FGCO believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend itself against the allegations made in these three complaints.
The states of New Jersey and Connecticut filed CAA citizen suits in 2007 alleging NSR violations at the Portland Generation Station against GenOn Energy, Inc. (formerly RRI Energy, Inc. and the current owner and operator), Sithe Energy (the purchaser of the Portland Station from Met-Ed in 1999) and Met-Ed. Specifically, these suits allege that “modifications” at Portland Units 1 and 2 occurred between 1980 and 2005 without preconstruction NSR permitting in violation of the CAA’s PSD program, and seek injunctive relief, penalties, attorney fees and mitigation of the harm caused by excess emissions. In September 2009, the Court granted Met-Ed’s motion to dismiss New Jersey’s and Connecticut’s claims for injunctive relief against Met-Ed, but denied Met-Ed’s motion to dismiss the claims for civil penalties. The parties dispute the scope of Met-Ed’s indemnity obligation to and from Sithe Energy, and Met-Ed is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In January 2009, the EPA issued a NOV to GenOn Energy, Inc. alleging NSR violations at the Portland coal-fired plant based on “modifications” dating back to 1986. On March 31, 2011, the EPA proposed emissions limits and compliance schedules to reduce SO2 air emissions by approximately 81% at the Portland Plant based on an interstate pollution transport petition submitted by New Jersey under Section 126 of the CAA. The NOV also alleged NSR violations at the Keystone and Shawville coal-fired plants based on “modifications” dating back to 1984. Met-Ed, JCP&L, as the former owner of 16.67% of Keystone, and Penelec, as former owner and operator of Shawville, are unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In June 2008, the EPA issued a Notice and Finding of Violation to Mission Energy Westside, Inc. (Mission) alleging that “modifications” at the coal-fired Homer City Plant occurred from 1988 to the present without preconstruction NSR permitting in violation of the CAA’s PSD program. In May 2010, the EPA issued a second NOV to Mission, Penelec, New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and others that have had an ownership interest in Homer City containing in all material respects allegations identical to those included in the June 2008 NOV. In January 2011, the DOJ filed a complaint against Penelec in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania seeking injunctive relief against Penelec based on alleged “modifications” at Homer City between 1991 to 1994 without preconstruction NSR permitting in violation of the CAA’s PSD and Title V permitting programs. The complaint was also filed against the former co-owner, New York State Electric and Gas Corporation, and various current owners of Homer City, including EME Homer City Generation L.P. and affiliated companies, including Edison International. In January 2011, another complaint was filed against Penelec and the other entities described above in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania seeking damages based on Homer City’s air emissions as well as certification as a class action and to enjoin Homer City from operating except in a “safe, responsible, prudent and proper manner.” Penelec believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend itself against the allegations made in the complaint, but, at this time, is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. In addition, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the States of New Jersey and New York intervened and have filed separate complaints regarding Homer City seeking injunctive relief and civil penalties. Mission is seeking indemnification from Penelec, the co-owner and operator of Homer City prior to its sale in 1999. On April 21, 2011, Penelec and all other defendants filed Motions to Dismiss all of the federal claims and the various state claims. Responsive and Reply briefs were filed on May 26, 2011 and June 17, 2011, respectively. The scope of Penelec’s indemnity obligation to and from Mission is under dispute and Penelec is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.

 

55


Table of Contents

In August 2009, the EPA issued a Finding of Violation and NOV alleging violations of the CAA and Ohio regulations, including the PSD, NNSR and Title V regulations at the Eastlake, Lakeshore, Bay Shore and Ashtabula coal-fired plants. The EPA’s NOV alleges equipment replacements occurring during maintenance outages dating back to 1990 triggered the pre-construction permitting requirements under the PSD and NNSR programs. FGCO received a request for certain operating and maintenance information and planning information for these same generating plants and notification that the EPA is evaluating whether certain maintenance at the Eastlake Plant may constitute a major modification under the NSR provision of the CAA. Later in 2009, FGCO also received another information request regarding emission projections for Eastlake Plant. In June 2011, EPA issued another Finding of Violation and NOV alleging violations of the CAA and Ohio regulations, specifically opacity limitations and requirements to continuously operate opacity monitoring systems at the Eastlake, Lakeshore, Bay Shore and Ashtabula coal-fired plants. Also, in June 2011, FirstEnergy received an information request pursuant to section 114(a) of the CAA for certain operating maintenance and planning information, among other information regarding these plants. FGCO intends to comply with the CAA, including the EPA’s information requests but, at this time, is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In August 2000, AE received an information request pursuant to section 114(a) of the CAA letter from the EPA requesting that it provide information and documentation relevant to the operation and maintenance of the following ten coal-fired plants, which collectively include 22 electric generation units Albright, Armstrong, Fort Martin, Harrison, Hatfield’s Ferry, Mitchell, Pleasants, Rivesville, R. Paul Smith and Willow Island to determine compliance with the CAA and related requirements, including potential application of the NSR standards under the CAA, which can require the installation of additional air emission control equipment when the major modification of an existing facility results in an increase in emissions. AE has provided responsive information to this and a subsequent request but is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In May 2004, AE, AE Supply, MP and WP received a Notice of Intent to Sue Pursuant to CAA §7604 from the Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and from the PA DEP, alleging that Allegheny performed major modifications in violation of the PSD provisions of the CAA at the following West Virginia coal-fired plants: Albright Unit 3; Fort Martin Units 1 and 2; Harrison Units 1, 2 and 3; Pleasants Units 1 and 2 and Willow Island Unit 2. The Notice also alleged PSD violations at the Armstrong, Hatfield’s Ferry and Mitchell coal-fired plants in Pennsylvania and identifies PA DEP as the lead agency regarding those facilities. In September 2004, AE, AE Supply, MP and WP received a separate Notice of Intent to Sue from the Maryland Attorney General that essentially mirrored the previous Notice.
In June 2005, the PA DEP and the Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland filed suit against AE, AE Supply, MP, PE and WP in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania alleging, among other things, that Allegheny performed major modifications in violation of the CAA and the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act at the Hatfield’s Ferry, Armstrong and Mitchell Plants in Pennsylvania. On January 17, 2006, the PA DEP and the Attorneys General filed an amended complaint. A non-jury trial on liability only was held in September 2010. Plaintiffs filed their proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in December 2010, Allegheny made its related filings in February 2011 and plaintiffs filed their responses in April 2011. The parties are awaiting a decision from the District Court, but there is no deadline for that decision.
In September 2007, Allegheny also received a NOV from the EPA alleging NSR and PSD violations under the CAA, as well as Pennsylvania and West Virginia state laws at the Hatfield’s Ferry and Armstrong Plants in Pennsylvania and the Fort Martin and Willow Island coal-fired plants in West Virginia.
FirstEnergy intends to vigorously defend against the CAA matters described above but cannot predict their outcomes.
State Air Quality Compliance
In early 2006, Maryland passed the Healthy Air Act, which imposes state-wide emission caps on SO2 and NOX, requires mercury emission reductions and mandates that Maryland join the RGGI and participate in that coalition’s regional efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. On April 20, 2007, Maryland became the 10th state to join the RGGI. The Healthy Air Act provides a conditional exemption for the R. Paul Smith coal-fired plant for NOX, SO2 and mercury, based on a PJM declaration that the plant is vital to reliability in the Baltimore/Washington DC metropolitan area, which PJM determined in 2006. Pursuant to the legislation, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) passed alternate NOX and SO2 limits for R. Paul Smith, which became effective in April 2009. However, R. Paul Smith is still required to meet the Healthy Air Act mercury reductions of 80% beginning in 2010. The statutory exemption does not extend to R. Paul Smith’s CO2 emissions. Maryland issued final regulations to implement RGGI requirements in February 2008. Ten RGGI auctions have been held through the end of calendar year 2010. RGGI allowances are also readily available in the allowance markets, affording another mechanism by which to secure necessary allowances. On March 14, 2011, MDE requested PJM perform an analysis to determine if termination of operation at R. Paul Smith would adversely impact the reliability of electrical service in the PJM region under current system conditions. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.

 

56


Table of Contents

In January 2010, the WVDEP issued a NOV for opacity emissions at Allegheny’s Pleasants coal-fired plant. FirstEnergy is discussing with WVDEP steps to resolve the NOV including installing a reagent injection system to reduce opacity.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA’s CAIR requires reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (2009/2010 and 2015), ultimately capping SO2 emissions in affected states to 2.5 million tons annually and NOx emissions to 1.3 million tons annually. In 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated CAIR “in its entirety” and directed the EPA to “redo its analysis from the ground up.” In December 2008, the Court reconsidered its prior ruling and allowed CAIR to remain in effect to “temporarily preserve its environmental values” until the EPA replaces CAIR with a new rule consistent with the Court’s opinion. The Court ruled in a different case that a cap-and-trade program similar to CAIR, called the “NOx SIP Call,” cannot be used to satisfy certain CAA requirements (known as reasonably available control technology) for areas in non-attainment under the “8-hour” ozone NAAQS. In July 2011, the EPA finalized the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) to replace CAIR, which remains in effect until CSAPR becomes effective (60 days after publication in the Federal Register). CSAPR requires reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (2012 and 2014), 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. FGCO’s future cost of compliance may be substantial and changes to FirstEnergy’s operations may result. Management is currently assessing the impact of CSAPR, other environmental proposals and other factors on FirstEnergy’s competitive fossil generating facilities, including but not limited to, the impact on value of our emissions allowances (currently reflected at $38 million on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2011) and the operations of its coal-fired plants.
Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions
On March 16, 2011, the EPA released its MACT proposal to establish emission standards for mercury, hydrochloric acid and various metals for electric generating units. Depending on the action taken by the EPA and how any future regulations are ultimately implemented, FirstEnergy’s future cost of compliance with MACT regulations may be substantial and changes to FirstEnergy’s operations may result.
Climate Change
There are a number of initiatives to reduce GHG emissions under consideration at the federal, state and international level. At the federal level, members of Congress have introduced several bills seeking to reduce emissions of GHG in the United States, and the House of Representatives passed one such bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, in June 2009. The Senate continues to consider a number of measures to regulate GHG emissions. President Obama has announced his Administration’s “New Energy for America Plan” that includes, among other provisions, proposals to ensure that 10% of electricity used in the United States comes from renewable sources by 2012, to increase to 25% by 2025, to implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce GHG emissions by 80% by 2050. Certain states, primarily the northeastern states participating in the RGGI and western states, led by California, have coordinated efforts to develop regional strategies to control emissions of certain GHGs.
In September 2009, the EPA finalized a national GHG emissions collection and reporting rule that required FirstEnergy to measure GHG emissions commencing in 2010 and will require it to submit reports commencing in 2011. In December 2009, the EPA released its final “Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases under the Clean Air Act.” The EPA’s finding concludes that concentrations of several key GHGs increase the threat of climate change and may be regulated as “air pollutants” under the CAA. In April 2010, the EPA finalized new GHG standards for model years 2012 to 2016 passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles and clarified that GHG regulation under the CAA would not be triggered for electric generating plants and other stationary sources until January 2, 2011, at the earliest. In May 2010, the EPA finalized new thresholds for GHG emissions that define when permits under the CAA’s NSR program would be required. The EPA established an emissions applicability threshold of 75,000 tons per year (tpy) of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2) effective January 2, 2011 for existing facilities under the CAA’s PSD program. Until July 1, 2011, this emissions applicability threshold will only apply if PSD is triggered by non-CO2 pollutants.
At the international level, the Kyoto Protocol, signed by the U.S. in 1998 but never submitted for ratification by the U.S. Senate, was intended to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made GHG, including CO2, emitted by developed countries by 2012. A December 2009 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen did not reach a consensus on a successor treaty to the Kyoto Protocol, but did take note of the Copenhagen Accord, a non-binding political agreement that recognized the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be below two degrees Celsius; includes a commitment by developed countries to provide funds, approaching $30 billion over the next three years with a goal of increasing to $100 billion by 2020; and establishes the “Copenhagen Green Climate Fund” to support mitigation, adaptation, and other climate-related activities in developing countries. To the extent that they have become a party to the Copenhagen Accord, developed economies, such as the European Union, Japan, Russia and the United States, would commit to quantified economy-wide emissions targets from 2020, while developing countries, including Brazil, China and India, would agree to take mitigation actions, subject to their domestic measurement, reporting and verification.

 

57


Table of Contents

In 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed and remanded lower court decisions that had dismissed complaints alleging damage from GHG emissions on jurisdictional grounds. However, a subsequent ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reinstated the lower court dismissal of a complaint alleging damage from GHG emissions. These cases involve common law tort claims, including public and private nuisance, alleging that GHG emissions contribute to global warming and result in property damages. The U.S. Supreme Court granted a writ of certiorari to review the decision of the Second Circuit. On June 20, 2011, the U. S. Supreme Court reversed the Second Circuit. The Court remanded to the Second Circuit the issue of whether the CAA preempted state common law nuisance actions. The Court’s ruling also failed to answer the question of the extent to which actions for damages may remain viable. While FirstEnergy is not a party to this litigation, in June 2011, FirstEnergy received notice of a complaint alleging that the GHG emissions of 87 companies, including FirstEnergy, render them liable for damages to certain residents of Mississippi stemming from Hurricane Katrina. On July 27, 2011, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed FirstEnergy from this complaint.
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 significant capital and other expenditures or result in changes to its operations. The CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity generated by FirstEnergy is lower than many of its regional competitors due to its diversified generation sources, which include low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.
Clean Water Act
Various water quality regulations, the majority of which are the result of the federal Clean Water Act and its amendments, apply to FirstEnergy’s plants. In addition, the states in which FirstEnergy operates have water quality standards applicable to FirstEnergy’s operations.
In 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing electric generating plants. The regulations call for reductions in impingement mortality (when aquatic organisms are pinned against screens or other parts of a cooling water intake system) and entrainment (which occurs when aquatic life is drawn into a facility’s cooling water system). In 2007, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invalidated portions of the Section 316(b) performance standards and the EPA has taken the position that until further rulemaking occurs, permitting authorities should continue the existing practice of applying their best professional judgment to minimize impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures. In April 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed one significant aspect of the Second Circuit’s opinion and decided that Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to compare costs with benefits in determining the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact at cooling water intake structures. On March 28, 2011, the EPA released a new proposed regulation under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act generally requiring fish impingement to be reduced to a 12% annual average and studies to be conducted at the majority of our existing generating facilities to assist permitting authorities to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic life. On July 19, 2011, the EPA extended the public comment period for the new proposed Section 316(b) regulation by 30 days but stated its schedule for issuing a final rule remains July 27, 2012. FirstEnergy is studying various control options and their costs and effectiveness, including pilot testing of reverse louvers in a portion of the Bay Shore power plant’s water intake channel to divert fish away from the plant’s water intake system. In November 2010, the Ohio EPA issued a permit for the coal-fired Bay Shore Plant requiring installation of reverse louvers in its entire water intake channel by December 31, 2014. Depending on the results of such studies and the EPA’s further rulemaking and any final action taken by the states exercising best professional judgment, the future costs of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.
In April 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cleveland, Ohio advised FGCO that it is no longer considering prosecution under the Clean Water Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for three petroleum spills at the Edgewater, Lakeshore and Bay Shore plants which occurred on November 1, 2005, January 26, 2007 and February 27, 2007. This matter has been referred back to EPA for civil enforcement and FGCO is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In May 2011, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, and the Sierra Club filed a CWA citizen suit alleging violations of arsenic limits in the NPDES water discharge permit for the fly ash disposal site at the Albright coal-fired plant seeking unspecified civil penalties and injunctive relief. MP is currently seeking relief from the arsenic limits through WVDEP agency review. In June 2011, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, and the Sierra Club served another 60-Day Notice of Intent required prior to filing a citizen suit under the Clean Water Act for alleged failure to obtain a permit to construct the fly ash impoundments at the Albright Station.
FirstEnergy intends to vigorously defend against the CWA matters described above but cannot predict their outcomes.

 

58


Table of Contents

Monongahela River Water Quality
In late 2008, the PA DEP imposed water quality criteria for certain effluents, including TDS and sulfate concentrations in the Monongahela River, on new and modified sources, including the scrubber project at the Hatfield’s Ferry coal-fired plant. These criteria are reflected in the current PA DEP water discharge permit for that project. AE Supply appealed the PA DEP’s permitting decision, which would require it to incur significant costs or negatively affect its ability to operate the scrubbers as designed. Preliminary studies indicate an initial capital investment in excess of $150 million in order to install technology to meet the TDS and sulfate limits in the permit. The permit has been independently appealed by Environmental Integrity Project and Citizens Coal Council, which seeks to impose more stringent technology-based effluent limitations. Those same parties have intervened in the appeal filed by AE Supply, and both appeals have been consolidated for discovery purposes. An order has been entered that stays the permit limits that AE Supply has challenged while the appeal is pending. The hearing is scheduled to begin in September 2011, however the Court stayed all prehearing deadlines on July 15, 2011 to allow the parties additional time to work out a settlement. AE Supply intends to vigorously pursue these issues, but cannot predict the outcome of these appeals.
In a parallel rulemaking, the PA DEP recommended, and in August 2010, the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board issued, a final rule imposing end-of-pipe TDS effluent limitations. FirstEnergy could incur significant costs for additional control equipment to meet the requirements of this rule, although its provisions do not apply to electric generating units until the end of 2018, and then only if the EPA has not promulgated TDS effluent limitation guidelines applicable to such units.
In December 2010, PA DEP submitted its Clean Water Act 303(d) list to the EPA with a recommended sulfate impairment designation for an approximately 68 mile stretch of the Monongahela River north of the West Virginia border. In May 2011, the EPA agreed with PA DEP’s recommended sulfate impairment designation. PA DEP’s goal is to submit a final water quality standards regulation, incorporating the sulfate impairment designation for EPA approval by May, 2013. PA DEP will then need to develop a TMDL limit for the river, a process that will take approximately five years. Based on the stringency of the TMDL, FirstEnergy may incur significant costs to reduce sulfate discharges into the Monongahela River from its Hatfield’s Ferry and Mitchell facilities in Pennsylvania and its Fort Martin facility in West Virginia.
In October 2009, the WVDEP issued the water discharge permit for the Fort Martin generation facility. Similar to the Hatfield’s Ferry water discharge permit issued for the scrubber project, the Fort Martin permit imposes effluent limitations for TDS and sulfate concentrations. The permit also imposes temperature limitations and other effluent limits for heavy metals that are not contained in the Hatfield’s Ferry water permit. Concurrent with the issuance of the Fort Martin permit, WVDEP also issued an administrative order that sets deadlines for MP to meet certain of the effluent limits that are effective immediately under the terms of the permit. MP appealed the Fort Martin permit and the administrative order. The appeal included a request to stay certain of the conditions of the permit and order while the appeal is pending, which was granted pending a final decision on appeal and subject to WVDEP moving to dissolve the stay. The appeals have been consolidated. MP moved to dismiss certain of the permit conditions for the failure of the WVDEP to submit those conditions for public review and comment during the permitting process. An agreed-upon order that suspends further action on this appeal, pending WVDEP’s release for public review and comment on those conditions, was entered on August 11, 2010. The stay remains in effect during that process. The current terms of the Fort Martin permit would require MP to incur significant costs or negatively affect operations at Fort Martin. Preliminary information indicates an initial capital investment in excess of the capital investment that may be needed at Hatfield’s Ferry in order to install technology to meet the TDS and sulfate limits in the Fort Martin permit, which technology may also meet certain of the other effluent limits in the permit. Additional technology may be needed to meet certain other limits in the permit. MP intends to vigorously pursue these issues but cannot predict the outcome of these appeals.
Regulation of Waste Disposal
Federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated as a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. Certain fossil-fuel combustion residuals, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA’s evaluation of the need for future regulation. In February 2009, the EPA requested comments from the states on options for regulating coal combustion residuals, including whether they should be regulated as hazardous or non-hazardous waste.
In December 2009, in an advanced notice of public rulemaking, the EPA asserted that the large volumes of coal combustion residuals produced by electric utilities pose significant financial risk to the industry. In May 2010, the EPA proposed two options for additional regulation of coal combustion residuals, including the option of regulation as a special waste under the EPA’s hazardous waste management program which could have a significant impact on the management, beneficial use and disposal of coal combustion residuals. FirstEnergy’s future cost of compliance with any coal combustion residuals regulations that may be promulgated could be substantial and would depend, in part, on the regulatory action taken by the EPA and implementation by the EPA or the states.
The Little Blue Run (LBR) Coal Combustion By-products (CCB) impoundment is expected to run out of disposal capacity for disposal of CCBs from the Bruce Mansfield Plant between 2016 and 2018. In July 2011, BMP submitted a Phase I permit application to PA DEP for construction of a new dry CCB disposal facility adjacent to LBR. BMP anticipates submitting zoning applications for approval to allow construction of a new dry CCB disposal facility prior to commencing construction.

 

59


Table of Contents

The Utility Registrants have been named as potentially responsible parties at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. 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 sheet as of June 30, 2011, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Utility Registrants’ proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other unaffiliated entities to pay. Total liabilities of approximately $133 million (JCP&L — $69 million, TE — $1 million, CEI — $1 million, FGCO — $1 million and FirstEnergy — $61 million) have been accrued through June 30, 2011. Included in the total are accrued liabilities of approximately $63 million for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plants and gas holder facilities in New Jersey, which are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. On July 11, 2011, FirstEnergy was found to be a potentially responsible party under CERCLA indirectly liable for a portion of past and future clean-up costs at certain legacy MGP sites, estimated to total approximately $59 million. FirstEnergy recognized additional expense of $29 million during the second quarter of 2011; $30 million had previously been reserved prior to 2011.
(C) OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Power Outages and Related Litigation
In July 1999, the Mid-Atlantic States experienced a severe heat wave, which resulted in power outages throughout the service territories of many electric utilities, including JCP&L. Two class action lawsuits (subsequently consolidated into a single proceeding) were filed in New Jersey Superior Court in July 1999 against JCP&L, GPU and other GPU companies, seeking compensatory and punitive damages due to the outages. After various motions, rulings and appeals, the Plaintiffs’ claims for consumer fraud, common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, strict product liability and punitive damages were dismissed, leaving only the negligence and breach of contract causes of actions. On July 29, 2010, the Appellate Division upheld the trial court’s decision decertifying the class. Plaintiffs have filed, and JCP&L has opposed, a motion for leave to appeal to the New Jersey Supreme Court. In November 2010, the Supreme Court issued an order denying Plaintiffs’ motion. The Court’s order effectively ends the class action attempt, and leaves only nine (9) plaintiffs to pursue their respective individual claims. The remaining individual plaintiffs have yet to take any affirmative steps to pursue their individual claims.
Nuclear Plant Matters
Under NRC regulations, FirstEnergy must ensure that adequate funds will be available to decommission its nuclear facilities. As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy had approximately $2 billion invested in external trusts to be used for the decommissioning and environmental remediation of Davis-Besse, Beaver Valley, Perry and TMI-2. As required by the NRC, FirstEnergy annually recalculates and adjusts the amount of its parental guarantee, as appropriate. The values of FirstEnergy’s NDT fluctuate based on market conditions. If the value of the trusts decline by a material amount, FirstEnergy’s obligation 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 NDT. The NRC issued guidance anticipating an increase in low-level radioactive waste disposal costs associated with the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. On March 28, 2011, FENOC submitted its biennial report on nuclear decommissioning funding to the NRC. This submittal identified a total shortfall in nuclear decommissioning funding for Beaver Valley Unit 1 and Perry of approximately $92.5 million. On June 24, 2011, FENOC submitted a $95 million parental guarantee to the NRC for its approval.
In August 2010, FENOC submitted an application to the NRC for renewal of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station operating license for an additional twenty years, until 2037. By an order dated April 26, 2011, a NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) granted a hearing on the Davis-Besse license renewal application to a group of petitioners. By this order, the ASLB also admitted two contentions challenging whether FENOC’s Environmental Report adequately evaluated (1) a combination of renewable energy sources as alternatives to the renewal of Davis-Besse’s operating license, and (2) severe accident mitigation alternatives at Davis-Besse. On May 6, 2011, FENOC filed an appeal with the NRC Commissioners from the order granting a hearing on the Davis-Besse license renewal application.
On April 14, 2011, a group of environmental organizations petitioned the NRC Commissioners to suspend certain pending nuclear licensing proceedings, including the Davis-Besse license renewal proceeding, to ensure that any safety and environmental implications of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan are considered. By May 2, 2011, the NRC Staff, FENOC and much of the nuclear industry filed responses opposing the petition. On May 6, 2011, petitioners filed a supplemental reply.
In January 2004, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking damages in connection with costs incurred at the Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse and Perry Nuclear facilities as a result of the DOE failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel on January 31, 1998. DOE was required to so commence accepting spent nuclear fuel by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (42 USC 10101 et seq) and the contracts entered into by the DOE and the owners and operators of these facilities pursuant to the Act. On January 18, 2011, the parties, FirstEnergy and DOJ, filed a joint status report that established a schedule for the litigation of these claims. FirstEnergy filed damages schedules and disclosures with the DOJ on February 11, 2011, seeking approximately $57 million in damages for delay costs incurred through September 30, 2010. The damage claim is subject to review and audit by DOE.

 

60


Table of Contents

ICG Litigation
On December 28, 2006, AE Supply and MP filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania against International Coal Group, Inc. (ICG), Anker West Virginia Mining Company, Inc. (Anker WV), and Anker Coal Group, Inc. (Anker Coal). Anker WV entered into a long term Coal Sales Agreement with AE Supply and MP for the supply of coal to the Harrison generating facility. Prior to the time of trial, ICG was dismissed as a defendant by the Court, which issue can be the subject of a future appeal. As a result of defendants’ past and continued failure to supply the contracted coal, AE Supply and MP have incurred and will continue to incur significant additional costs for purchasing replacement coal. A non-jury trial was held from January 10, 2011 through February 1, 2011. At trial, AE Supply and MP presented evidence that they have incurred in excess of $80 million in damages for replacement coal purchased through the end of 2010 and will incur additional damages in excess of $150 million for future shortfalls. Defendants primarily claim that their performance is excused under a force majeure clause in the coal sales agreement and presented evidence at trial that they will continue to not provide the contracted yearly tonnage amounts. On May 2, 2011, the court entered a verdict in favor of AE Supply and MP for $104 million ($90 million in future damages and $14 million for replacement coal / interest). Post-trial filings occurred in May 2011, with Oral Argument on June 28, 2011. The parties expect a ruling sometime in the third quarter, at which time the judgment will be final. The parties have 30 days to appeal the final judgment. AE Supply and MP intend to vigorously pursue this matter through appeal if necessary but cannot predict its outcome.
Other Legal Matters
In February 2010, a class action lawsuit was filed in Geauga County Court of Common Pleas against FirstEnergy, CEI and OE seeking declaratory judgment and injunctive relief, as well as compensatory, incidental and consequential damages, on behalf of a class of customers related to the reduction of a discount that had previously been in place for residential customers with electric heating, electric water heating, or load management systems. The reduction in the discount was approved by the PUCO. In March 2010, the named-defendant companies filed a motion to dismiss the case due to the lack of jurisdiction of the court of common pleas. The court granted the motion to dismiss on September 7, 2010. The plaintiffs appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals of Ohio, which has not yet rendered an opinion.
There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to FirstEnergy’s normal business operations pending against FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries. The other potentially material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.
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. If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s or its subsidiaries’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
10. REGULATORY MATTERS
(A) RELIABILITY INITIATIVES
Federally-enforceable mandatory reliability standards apply to the bulk electric system and impose certain operating, record-keeping and reporting requirements on the Utilities, FES, FGCO, FENOC, ATSI and TrAIL. The NERC is the ERO charged with establishing and enforcing these reliability standards, although it has delegated day-to-day implementation and enforcement of these reliability standards to eight regional entities, including ReliabilityFirst Corporation. All of FirstEnergy’s facilities are located within the ReliabilityFirst region. FirstEnergy actively participates in the NERC and ReliabilityFirst 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 the ReliabilityFirst Corporation.
FirstEnergy believes that it generally is in compliance with all currently-effective and enforceable reliability standards. Nevertheless, in the course of operating its extensive electric utility systems and facilities, FirstEnergy occasionally learns of isolated facts or circumstances that could be interpreted as excursions from the reliability standards. If and when such items are found, FirstEnergy develops information about the item and develops a remedial response to the specific circumstances, including in appropriate cases “self-reporting” an item to ReliabilityFirst. Moreover, it is clear that the NERC, ReliabilityFirst and FERC will continue to refine existing reliability standards as well as to develop and adopt new reliability standards. The financial impact of complying with future new or amended standards cannot be determined at this time; however, 2005 amendments to the FPA provide that all prudent costs incurred to comply with the future reliability standards be recovered in rates. Still, any future inability on FirstEnergy’s part to comply with the reliability standards for its bulk power system could result in the imposition of financial penalties that could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
On December 9, 2008, a transformer at JCP&L’s Oceanview substation failed, resulting in an outage on certain bulk electric system (transmission voltage) lines out of the Oceanview and Atlantic substations resulting in customers losing power for up to eleven hours. On March 31, 2009, the NERC initiated a Compliance Violation Investigation in order to determine JCP&L’s contribution to the electrical event and to review any potential violation of NERC Reliability Standards associated with the event. NERC has submitted first and second Requests for Information regarding this and another related matter. JCP&L is complying with these requests. JCP&L is not able to predict what actions, if any, that the NERC may take with respect to this matter.

 

61


Table of Contents

On August 23, 2010, FirstEnergy self-reported to ReliabilityFirst a vegetation encroachment event on a Met-Ed 230 kV line. This event did not result in a fault, outage, operation of protective equipment, or any other meaningful electric effect on any FirstEnergy transmission facilities or systems. On August 25, 2010, ReliabilityFirst issued a Notice of Enforcement to investigate the incident. FirstEnergy submitted a data response to ReliabilityFirst on September 27, 2010. In March 2011, ReliabilityFirst submitted its proposed findings and settlement, although a final determination has not yet been made by FERC.
Allegheny has been subject to routine audits with respect to its compliance with applicable reliability standards and has settled certain related issues. In addition, ReliabilityFirst is currently conducting certain investigations with regard to certain matters of compliance by Allegheny.
(B) MARYLAND
By statute enacted in 2007, the obligation of Maryland utilities to provide standard offer service (SOS) to residential and small commercial customers, in exchange for recovery of their costs plus a reasonable profit, was extended indefinitely. The legislation also established a five-year cycle (to begin in 2008) for the MDPSC to report to the legislature on the status of SOS. PE now conducts rolling auctions to procure the power supply necessary to serve its customer load pursuant to a plan approved by the MDPSC. However, the terms on which PE will provide SOS to residential customers after the settlement beyond 2012 will depend on developments with respect to SOS in Maryland between now and then, including but not limited to possible MDPSC decisions in the proceedings discussed below.
The MDPSC opened a new docket in August 2007 to consider matters relating to possible “managed portfolio” approaches to SOS and other matters. “Phase II” of the case addressed utility purchases or construction of generation, bidding for procurement of demand response resources and possible alternatives if the TrAIL and PATH projects were delayed or defeated. It is unclear when the MDPSC will issue its findings in this and other SOS-related pending proceedings discussed below.
In September 2009, the MDPSC opened a new proceeding to receive and consider proposals for construction of new generation resources in Maryland. In December 2009, Governor Martin O’Malley filed a letter in this proceeding in which he characterized the electricity market in Maryland as a “failure” and urged the MDPSC to use its existing authority to order the construction of new generation in Maryland, vary the means used by utilities to procure generation and include more renewables in the generation mix. In August 2010, the MDPSC opened another new proceeding to solicit comments on the PJM RPM process. Public hearings on the comments were held in October 2010. In December 2010, the MDPSC issued an order soliciting comments on a model request for proposal for solicitation of long-term energy commitments by Maryland electric utilities. PE and numerous other parties filed comments, and at this time no further proceedings have been set by the MDPSC in this matter.
In September 2007, the MDPSC issued an order that required the Maryland utilities to file detailed plans for how they will meet the “EmPOWER Maryland” proposal that electric consumption be reduced by 10% and electricity demand be reduced by 15%, in each case by 2015.
The Maryland legislature in 2008 adopted a statute codifying the EmPOWER Maryland goals. In 2008, PE filed its comprehensive plans for attempting to achieve those goals, asking the MDPSC to approve programs for residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers, as well as a customer education program. The MDPSC ultimately approved the programs in August 2009 after certain modifications had been made as required by the MDPSC, and approved cost recovery for the programs in October 2009. Expenditures were estimated to be approximately $101 million and would be recovered over the following six years. Meanwhile, extensive meetings with the MDPSC Staff and other stakeholders to discuss details of PE’s plans for additional and improved programs for the period 2012-2014 began in April 2011 and those programs are to be filed by September 1, 2011.
In March 2009, the MDPSC issued an order suspending until further notice the right of all electric and gas utilities in the state to terminate service to residential customers for non-payment of bills. The MDPSC subsequently issued an order making various rule changes relating to terminations, payment plans, and customer deposits that make it more difficult for Maryland utilities to collect deposits or to terminate service for non-payment. The MDPSC is continuing to conduct hearings and collect data on payment plan and related issues and has adopted a set of proposed regulations that expand the summer and winter “severe weather” termination moratoria when temperatures are very high or very low, from one day, as provided by statute, to three days on each occurrence.

 

62


Table of Contents

On March 24, 2011, the MDPSC held an initial hearing to discuss possible new regulations relating to service interruptions, storm response, call center metrics, and related reliability standards. The proposed rules included provisions for civil penalties for non-compliance. Numerous parties filed comments on the proposed rules and participated in the hearing, with many noting issues of cost and practicality relating to implementation. The Maryland legislature passed a bill on April 11, 2011, which requires the MDPSC to promulgate rules by July 1, 2012 that address service interruptions, downed wire response, customer communication, vegetation management, equipment inspection, and annual reporting. In crafting the regulations, the legislation directs the MDPSC to consider cost-effectiveness, and provides that the MDPSC may adopt different standards for different utilities based on such factors as system design and existing infrastructure, geography, and customer density. Beginning in July 2013, the MDPSC is to assess each utility’s compliance with the standards, and may assess penalties of up to $25,000 per day per violation. The MDPSC has ordered that a working group of utilities, regulators, and other interested stakeholders meet to address the topics of the proposed rules, with proposed rules to be filed by September 15, 2011. Separately, on April 7, 2011, the MDPSC initiated a rulemaking with respect to issues related to contact voltage. On June 3, 2011, the MDPSC’s Staff issued a report and draft regulations. Comments on the draft regulations were submitted on June 17, 2011, and a hearing was held July 7, 2011. Final regulations related to contact voltage have not yet been adopted.
(C) NEW JERSEY
In March 2009 and again in February 2010, JCP&L filed annual SBC Petitions with the NJBPU that included a requested zero level of recovery of TMI-2 decommissioning costs based on an updated TMI-2 decommissioning cost analysis dated January 2009 estimated at $736 million (in 2003 dollars). In its order of June 15, 2011, the NJBPU adopted a Stipulation reached among JCP&L, the NJBPU Staff and the Division of Rate Counsel which resolved both Petitions, resulting in a net reduction in recovery of $0.8 million annually for all components of the SBC (including, as requested, a zero level of recovery of TMI-2 decommissioning costs).
(D) OHIO
The Ohio Companies operate under an ESP, which expires on May 31, 2014. The material terms of the ESP include: generation supplied through a CBP commencing June 1, 2011 (initial auctions held on October 20, 2010 and January 25, 2011); a load cap of no less than 80%, which also applies to tranches assigned post-auction; a 6% generation discount to certain low income customers provided by the Ohio Companies through a bilateral wholesale contract with FES (FES is one of the wholesale suppliers to the Ohio Companies); no increase in base distribution rates through May 31, 2014; and a new distribution rider, Delivery Capital Recovery Rider (Rider DCR), to recover a return of, and on, capital investments in the delivery system. The Ohio Companies also agreed not to recover from retail customers certain costs related to transmission cost allocations by PJM as a result of ATSI’s integration into PJM for the longer of the five-year period from June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2015 or when the amount of costs avoided by customers for certain types of products totals $360 million dependent on the outcome of certain PJM proceedings, agreed to establish a $12 million fund to assist low income customers over the term of the ESP and agreed to additional matters related to energy efficiency and alternative energy requirements.
Under the provisions of SB221, the Ohio Companies are required to implement energy efficiency programs that will achieve a total annual energy savings equivalent to approximately 166,000 MWH in 2009, 290,000 MWH in 2010, 410,000 MWH in 2011, 470,000 MWH in 2012 and 530,000 MWH in 2013, with additional savings required through 2025. Utilities were also required to reduce peak demand in 2009 by 1%, with an additional 0.75% reduction each year thereafter through 2018.
In December 2009, the Ohio Companies filed the required three year portfolio plan seeking approval for the programs they intend to implement to meet the energy efficiency and peak demand reduction requirements for the 2010-2012 period. The Ohio Companies expect that all costs associated with compliance will be recoverable from customers. The PUCO issued an Opinion and Order generally approving the Ohio Companies’ 3-year plan, and the Companies are in the process of implementing those programs included in the Plan. OE fell short of its statutory 2010 energy efficiency and peak demand reduction benchmarks and therefore, on January 11, 2011, it requested that its 2010 energy efficiency and peak demand reduction benchmarks be amended to actual levels achieved in 2010. The PUCO granted this request on May 19, 2011 for OE, finding that the motion was moot for CEI and TE. Moreover, because the PUCO indicated, when approving the 2009 benchmark request, that it would modify the Companies’ 2010 (and 2011 and 2012) energy efficiency benchmarks when addressing the portfolio plan, the Ohio Companies were not certain of their 2010 energy efficiency obligations. Therefore, CEI and TE (each of which achieved its 2010 energy efficiency and peak demand reduction statutory benchmarks) also requested an amendment if and only to the degree one was deemed necessary to bring them into compliance with their yet-to-be-defined modified benchmarks. On June 2, 2011, the Companies filed an application for rehearing to clarify the decision related to CEI and TE. Failure to comply with the benchmarks or to obtain such an amendment may subject the companies to an assessment by the PUCO of a penalty. In addition to approving the programs included in the plan, with only minor modifications, the PUCO authorized the Companies to recover all costs related to the original CFL program that the Ohio Companies had previously suspended at the request of the PUCO. Applications for Rehearing were filed on April 22, 2011, regarding portions of the PUCO’s decision, including the method for calculating savings and certain changes made by the PUCO to specific programs. On May 4, 2011, the PUCO granted applications for rehearing for the purpose of further consideration; however, no substantive ruling has been issued.
Additionally under SB221, electric utilities and electric service companies are required to serve part of their load from renewable energy resources equivalent to 0.25% of the KWH they served in 2009 and 0.50% of the KWH they served in 2010. In August and October 2009, the Ohio Companies conducted RFPs to secure RECs. The RECs acquired through these two RFPs were used to help meet the renewable energy requirements established under SB221 for 2009, 2010 and 2011. In March 2010, the PUCO found that there was an insufficient quantity of solar energy resources reasonably available in the market and reduced the Ohio Companies’ aggregate 2009 benchmark to the level of solar RECs the Ohio Companies acquired through their 2009 RFP processes, provided the Ohio Companies’ 2010 alternative energy

 

63


Table of Contents

requirements be increased to include the shortfall for the 2009 solar REC benchmark. FES also applied for a force majeure determination from the PUCO regarding a portion of their compliance with the 2009 solar energy resource benchmark. On February 23, 2011, the PUCO granted FES’ force majeure request for 2009 and increased its 2010 benchmark by the amount of SRECs that FES was short of in its 2009 benchmark. On April 15, 2011, the Ohio Companies filed an application seeking an amendment to each of their 2010 alternative energy requirements for solar RECs generated in Ohio on the basis that an insufficient quantity of solar resources are available in the market but reflecting solar RECs that they have obtained and providing additional information regarding efforts to secure solar RECs. Other parties to the proceeding filed comments asserting that the force majeure determination should not be granted, and others requesting the PUCO to review the costs the Ohio companies’ have incurred to comply with the renewable energy requirements. The PUCO has not yet acted on that application.
In February 2010, OE and CEI filed an application with the PUCO to establish a new credit for all-electric customers. In March 2010, the PUCO ordered that rates for the affected customers be set at a level that will provide bill impacts commensurate with charges in place on December 31, 2008 and authorized the Ohio Companies to defer incurred costs equivalent to the difference between what the affected customers would have paid under previously existing rates and what they pay with the new credit in place. Tariffs implementing this new credit went into effect in March 2010. In April 2010, the PUCO issued a Second Entry on Rehearing that expanded the group of customers to which the new credit would apply and authorized deferral for the associated additional amounts. The PUCO also stated that it expected that the new credit would remain in place through at least the 2011 winter season and charged its staff to work with parties to seek a long term solution to the issue. Tariffs implementing this newly expanded credit went into effect in May 2010 and the proceeding remains open. The hearing on the matter was held in February 2011. The PUCO modified and approved the companies’ application on May 25, 2011, ruling that the new credit be phased out over an eight-year period and granting authority for the companies to recover deferred costs and associated carrying charges. OCC filed applications for rehearing on June 24, 2011 and the Ohio Companies filed their responses on July 5, 2011. The PUCO has not yet acted on the applications for rehearing.
(E) PENNSYLVANIA
The PPUC entered an Order on March 3, 2010 that denied the recovery of marginal transmission losses through the TSC rider for the period of June 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008, directed Met-Ed and Penelec to submit a new tariff or tariff supplement reflecting the removal of marginal transmission losses from the TSC, and instructed Met-Ed and Penelec to work with the various intervening parties to file a recommendation to the PPUC regarding the establishment of a separate account for all marginal transmission losses collected from ratepayers plus interest to be used to mitigate future generation rate increases beginning January 1, 2011. In March 2010, Met-Ed and Penelec filed a Petition with the PPUC requesting that it stay the portion of the March 3, 2010 Order requiring the filing of tariff supplements to end collection of costs for marginal transmission losses. The PPUC granted the requested stay until December 31, 2010. Pursuant to the PPUC’s order, Met-Ed and Penelec filed plans to establish separate accounts for marginal transmission loss revenues and related interest and carrying charges. Pursuant to the plan approved by the PPUC, Met-Ed and Penelec began to refund those amounts to customers in January 2011, and the refunds will continue over a 29 month period until the full amounts previously recovered for marginal transmission loses are refunded. In April 2010, Met-Ed and Penelec filed a Petition for Review with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania appealing the PPUC’s March 3, 2010 Order. On June 14, 2011, the Commonwealth Court issued an opinion and order affirming the PPUC’s Order to the extent that it holds that line loss costs are not transmission costs and, therefore, the approximately $254 million in marginal transmission losses and associated carrying charges for the period prior to January 1, 2011, are not recoverable under Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s TSC riders. Met-Ed and Penelec filed a Petition for Allowance of Appeal with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and also a complaint seeking relief in federal district court. Although the ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time, Met-Ed and Penelec believe that they should ultimately prevail through the judicial process and therefore expect to fully recover the approximately $254 million ($189 million for Met-Ed and $65 million for Penelec) in marginal transmission losses for the period prior to January 1, 2011.
In May 2008, May 2009 and May 2010, the PPUC approved Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s annual updates to their TSC rider for the annual periods between June 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010, including marginal transmission losses as approved by the PPUC, although the recovery of marginal losses will be subject to the outcome of the proceeding related to the 2008 TSC filing as described above. The PPUC’s approval in May 2010 authorized an increase to the TSC for Met-Ed’s customers to provide for full recovery by December 31, 2010.
In February 2010, Penn filed a Petition for Approval of its Default Service Plan for the period June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2013. In July 2010, the parties to the proceeding filed a Joint Petition for Settlement of all issues. Although the PPUC’s Order approving the Joint Petition held that the provisions relating to the recovery of MISO exit fees and one-time PJM integration costs (resulting from Penn’s June 1, 2011 exit from MISO and integration into PJM) were approved, it made such provisions subject to the approval of cost recovery by FERC. Therefore, Penn may not put these provisions into effect until FERC has approved the recovery and allocation of MISO exit fees and PJM integration costs.
Pennsylvania adopted Act 129 in 2008 to address issues such as: energy efficiency and peak load reduction; generation procurement; time-of-use rates; smart meters; and alternative energy. Among other things, Act 129 required utilities to file with the PPUC an energy efficiency and peak load reduction plan, or EE&C Plan, by July 1, 2009, setting forth the utilities’ plans to reduce energy consumption by a minimum of 1% and 3% by May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2013, respectively, and to reduce peak demand by a minimum of 4.5% by May 31, 2013. Act 129 also required utilities to file with the PPUC a Smart Meter Implementation Plan (SMIP).

 

64


Table of Contents

The PPUC entered an Order in February 2010 giving final approval to all aspects of the EE&C Plans of Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn and the tariff rider with rates effective March 1, 2010. On February 18, 2011, the companies filed a petition to approve their First Amended EE&C Plans. On June 28, 2011, a hearing on the petition was held before an administrative law judge.
WP filed its original EE&C Plan in June 2009, which the PPUC approved, in large part, by Opinion and Order entered in October 2009. In November 2009, the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) filed an appeal with the Commonwealth Court of the PPUC’s October Order. The OCA contends that the PPUC’s Order failed to include WP’s costs for smart meter implementation in the EE&C Plan, and that inclusion of such costs would cause the EE&C Plan to exceed the statutory cap for EE&C expenditures. The OCA also contends that WP’s EE&C plan does not meet the Total Resource Cost Test. The appeal remains pending but has been stayed by the Commonwealth Court pending possible settlement of WP’s SMIP. In September 2010, WP filed an amended EE&C Plan that is less reliant on smart meter deployment, which the PPUC approved in January 2011.
Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn jointly filed a SMIP with the PPUC in August 2009. This plan proposed a 24-month assessment period in which Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn will assess their needs, select the necessary technology, secure vendors, train personnel, install and test support equipment, and establish a cost effective and strategic deployment schedule, which currently is expected to be completed in fifteen years. Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn estimate assessment period costs of approximately $29.5 million, which the Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn, in their plan, proposed to recover through an automatic adjustment clause. The ALJ’s Initial Decision approved the SMIP as modified by the ALJ, including: ensuring that the smart meters to be deployed include the capabilities listed in the PPUC’s Implementation Order; denying the recovery of interest through the automatic adjustment clause; providing for the recovery of reasonable and prudent costs net of resulting savings from installation and use of smart meters; and requiring that administrative start-up costs be expensed and the costs incurred for research and development in the assessment period be capitalized. The PPUC entered its Order in June 2010, consistent with the Chairman’s Motion. Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn filed a Petition for Reconsideration of a single portion of the PPUC’s Order regarding the future ability to include smart meter costs in base rates, which the PPUC granted in part by deleting language from its original order that would have precluded Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn from seeking to include smart meter costs in base rates at a later time. The costs to implement the SMIP could be material. However, assuming these costs satisfy a just and reasonable standard, they are expected to be recovered in a rider (Smart Meter Technologies Charge Rider) which was approved when the PPUC approved the SMIP.
In August 2009, WP filed its original SMIP, which provided for extensive deployment of smart meter infrastructure with replacement of all of WP’s approximately 725,000 meters by the end of 2014. In December 2009, WP filed a motion to reopen the evidentiary record to submit an alternative smart meter plan proposing, among other things, a less-rapid deployment of smart meters. In an Initial Decision dated April 29, 2010, an ALJ determined that WP’s alternative smart meter deployment plan, complied with the requirements of Act 129 and recommended approval of the alternative plan, including WP’s proposed cost recovery mechanism.
In light of the significant expenditures that would be associated with its smart meter deployment plans and related infrastructure upgrades, as well as its evaluation of recent PPUC decisions approving less-rapid deployment proposals by other utilities, WP re-evaluated its Act 129 compliance strategy, including both its plans with respect to smart meter deployment and certain smart meter dependent aspects of the EE&C Plan. In October 2010, WP and Pennsylvania’s OCA filed a Joint Petition for Settlement addressing WP’s smart meter implementation plan with the PPUC. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, WP proposed to decelerate its previously contemplated smart meter deployment schedule and to target the installation of approximately 25,000 smart meters in support of its EE&C Plan, based on customer requests, by mid-2012. The proposed settlement also contemplates that WP take advantage of the 30-month grace period authorized by the PPUC to continue WP’s efforts to re-evaluate full-scale smart meter deployment plans. WP currently anticipates filing its plan for full-scale deployment of smart meters in June 2012. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, WP would be permitted to recover certain previously incurred and anticipated smart-meter related expenditures through a levelized customer surcharge, with certain expenditures amortized over a ten-year period. Additionally, WP would be permitted to seek recovery of certain other costs as part of its revised SMIP that it currently intends to file in June 2012, or in a future base distribution rate case.
In December 2010, the PPUC directed that the SMIP proceeding be referred to the ALJ for further proceedings to ensure that the impact of the proposed merger with FirstEnergy is considered and that the Joint Petition for Settlement has adequate support in the record. On March 9, 2011, WP submitted an Amended Joint Petition for Settlement which restates the Joint Petition for Settlement filed in October 2010, adds the PPUC’s Office of Trial Staff as a signatory party, and confirms the support or non-opposition of all parties to the settlement. One party retained the ability to challenge the recovery of amounts spent on WP’s original smart meter implementation plan. The proposed settlement also obligates OCA to withdraw its November 2009 appeal of the PPUC’s Order in WP’s EE&C plan proceeding. A Joint Stipulation with the OSBA was also filed on March 9, 2011. On May 3, 2011, the ALJ issued an Initial Decision recommending that the PPUC approve the Amended Joint Petition for Full Settlement. The PPUC approved the Initial Decision by order entered June 30, 2011.

 

65


Table of Contents

By Tentative Order entered in September 2009, the PPUC provided for an additional 30-day comment period on whether the 1998 Restructuring Settlement, which addressed how Met-Ed and Penelec were going to implement direct access to a competitive market for the generation of electricity, allows Met-Ed and Penelec to apply over-collection of NUG costs for select and isolated months to reduce non-NUG stranded costs when a cumulative NUG stranded cost balance exists. In response to the Tentative Order, various parties filed comments objecting to the above accounting method utilized by Met-Ed and Penelec. Met-Ed and Penelec are awaiting further action by the PPUC.
In the PPUC Order approving the FirstEnergy and Allegheny merger, the PPUC announced that a separate statewide investigation into Pennsylvania’s retail electricity market will be conducted with the goal of making recommendations for improvements to ensure that a properly functioning and workable competitive retail electricity market exists in the state. On April 29, 2011, the PPUC entered an Order initiating the investigation and requesting comments from interested parties on eleven directed questions. Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn submitted joint comments on June 3, 2011. FES also submitted comments on June 3, 2011. On June 8, 2011, the PPUC conducted an en banc hearing on these issues at which both the Pennsylvania Companies and FES participated and offered testimony.
(F) VIRGINIA
In September 2010, PATH-VA filed an application with the VSCC for authorization to construct the Virginia portions of the PATH Project. On February 28, 2011, PATH-VA filed a motion to withdraw the application. On May 24, 2011, the VSCC granted PATH-VA’s motion to withdraw its application for authorization to construct the Virginia portions of the PATH Project. See “Transmission Expansion” in the Federal Regulation and Rate Matters section for further discussion of this matter.
(G) WEST VIRGINIA
In August 2009, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC a request to increase retail rates, which was amended through subsequent filings. MP and PE ultimately requested an annual increase in retail rates of approximately $95 million. In April 2010, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC a Joint Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement reached with the other parties in the proceeding that provided for:
   
a $40 million annualized base rate increase effective June 29, 2010;
   
a deferral of February 2010 storm restoration expenses in West Virginia over a maximum five-year period;
   
an additional $20 million annualized base rate increase effective in January 2011;
   
a decrease of $20 million in ENEC rates effective January 2011, which amount is deferred for later recovery in 2012; and
   
a moratorium on filing for further increases in base rates before December 1, 2011, except under specified circumstances.
The WVPSC approved the Joint Petition and Agreement of Settlement in June 2010.
In 2009, the West Virginia Legislature enacted the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act (Portfolio Act), which generally requires that a specified minimum percentage of electricity sold to retail customers in West Virginia by electric utilities each year be derived from alternative and renewable energy resources according to a predetermined schedule of increasing percentage targets, including ten percent by 2015, fifteen percent by 2020, and twenty-five percent by 2025. In November 2010, the WVPSC issued Rules Governing Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS Rules), which became effective on January 4, 2011. Under the RPS Rules, on or before January 1, 2011, each electric utility subject to the provisions of this rule was required to prepare an alternative and renewable energy portfolio standard compliance plan and file an application with the WVPSC seeking approval of such plan. MP and PE filed their combined compliance plan in December 2010. A hearing was held at the WVPSC on June 13, 2011. An order is expected by late September 2011.
Additionally, in January 2011, MP and PE filed an application with the WVPSC seeking to certify three facilities as Qualified Energy Resource Facilities. If the application is approved, the three facilities would then be capable of generating renewable credits which would assist the companies in meeting their combined requirements under the Portfolio Act. Further, in February 2011, MP and PE filed a petition with the WVPSC seeking an Order declaring that MP is entitled to all alternative and renewable energy resource credits associated with the electric energy, or energy and capacity, that MP is required to purchase pursuant to electric energy purchase agreements between MP and three non-utility electric generating facilities in WV. The City of New Martinsville and Morgantown Energy Associates, each the owner of one of the contracted resources, has participated in the case in opposition to the Petition.

 

66


Table of Contents

(H) FERC MATTERS
Rates for Transmission Service Between MISO and PJM
In November 2004, FERC issued an order eliminating the through and out rate for transmission service between the MISO and PJM regions. FERC also ordered MISO, PJM and the transmission owners within MISO and PJM to submit compliance filings containing a rate mechanism to recover lost transmission revenues created by elimination of this charge (referred to as SECA) during a 16-month transition period. In 2005, FERC set the SECA for hearing. The presiding ALJ issued an initial decision in August 2006, rejecting the compliance filings made by MISO, PJM and the transmission owners, and directing new compliance filings. This decision was subject to review and approval by FERC. In May 2010, FERC issued an order denying pending rehearing requests and an Order on Initial Decision which reversed the presiding ALJ’s rulings in many respects. Most notably, these orders affirmed the right of transmission owners to collect SECA charges with adjustments that modestly reduce the level of such charges, and changes to the entities deemed responsible for payment of the SECA charges. The Ohio Companies were identified as load serving entities responsible for payment of additional SECA charges for a portion of the SECA period (Green Mountain/Quest issue). FirstEnergy executed settlements with AEP, Dayton and the Exelon parties to fix FirstEnergy’s liability for SECA charges originally billed to Green Mountain and Quest for load that returned to regulated service during the SECA period. The AEP, Dayton and Exelon, settlements were approved by FERC in November 2010, and the relevant payments made. The subsidiaries of Allegheny entered into nine settlements to fix their liability for SECA charges with various parties. All of the settlements were approved by FERC and the relevant payments have been made for eight of the settlements. Payments due under the remaining settlement will be made as a part of the refund obligations of the Utilities that are under review by FERC as part of a compliance filing. Potential refund obligations of FirstEnergy and the Allegheny subsidiaries are not expected to be material. Rehearings remain pending in this proceeding.
PJM Transmission Rate
In April 2007, FERC issued an order (Opinion 494) finding that the PJM transmission owners’ existing “license plate” or zonal rate design was just and reasonable and ordered that the current license plate rates for existing transmission facilities be retained. On the issue of rates for new transmission facilities, FERC directed that costs for new transmission facilities that are rated at 500 kV or higher are to be collected from all transmission zones throughout the PJM footprint by means of a postage-stamp rate based on the amount of load served in a transmission zone. Costs for new transmission facilities that are rated at less than 500 kV, however, are to be allocated on a load flow methodology (DFAX), which is generally referred to as a “beneficiary pays” approach to allocating the cost of high voltage transmission facilities.
FERC’s Opinion 494 order was appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which issued a decision in August 2009. The court affirmed FERC’s ratemaking treatment for existing transmission facilities, but found that FERC had not supported its decision to allocate costs for new 500+ kV facilities on a load ratio share basis and, based on this finding, remanded the rate design issue back to FERC.
In an order dated January 21, 2010, FERC set the matter for a “paper hearing"— meaning that FERC called for parties to submit written comments pursuant to the schedule described in the order. FERC identified nine separate issues for comments and directed PJM to file the first round of comments on February 22, 2010, with other parties submitting responsive comments and then reply comments on later dates. PJM filed certain studies with FERC on April 13, 2010, in response to the FERC order. PJM’s filing demonstrated that allocation of the cost of high voltage transmission facilities on a beneficiary pays basis results in certain eastern utilities in PJM bearing the majority of the costs. Numerous parties filed responsive comments or studies on May 28, 2010 and reply comments on June 28, 2010. FirstEnergy and a number of other utilities, industrial customers and state commissions supported the use of the beneficiary pays approach for cost allocation for high voltage transmission facilities. Certain eastern utilities and their state commissions supported continued socialization of these costs on a load ratio share basis. This matter is awaiting action by FERC.
RTO Realignment
On June 1, 2011, ATSI and the ATSI zone entered into PJM. The move was performed as planned with no known operational or reliability issues for ATSI or for the wholesale transmission customers in the ATSI zone.
On February 1, 2011, ATSI in conjunction with PJM filed its proposal with FERC for moving its transmission rate into PJM’s tariffs. On April 1, 2011, the MISO Transmission Owners (including ATSI) filed proposed tariff language that describes the mechanics of collecting and administering MTEP costs from ATSI-zone ratepayers. From March 20, 2011 through April 1, 2011, FirstEnergy, PJM and the MISO submitted numerous filings for the purpose of effecting movement of the ATSI zone to PJM on June 1, 2011. These filings include amendments to the MISO’s tariffs (to remove the ATSI zone), submission of load and generation interconnection agreements to reflect the move into PJM, and submission of changes to PJM’s tariffs to support the move into PJM.
On May 31, 2011, FERC issued orders that address the proposed ATSI transmission rate, and certain parts of the MISO tariffs that reflect the mechanics of transmission cost allocation and collection. In its May 31, 2011 orders, FERC approved ATSI’s proposal to move the ATSI formula rate into the PJM tariff without significant change. Speaking to ATSI’s proposed treatment of the MISO’s exit fees and charges for transmission costs that were allocated to the ATSI zone, FERC required ATSI to present a cost-benefit study that demonstrates that the benefits of the move for transmission customers exceed the costs of any such move, which FERC had not previously required. Accordingly, FERC ruled that these costs must be removed from ATSI’s proposed transmission rates until such time as ATSI files and FERC approves the cost-benefit study. On June 30, 2011, ATSI submitted the compliance filing that removed the MISO exit fees and transmission cost allocation charges from ATSI’s proposed transmission rates. Also on June 30, 2011, ATSI requested rehearing of FERC’s decision to require a cost-benefit study analysis as part of FERC’s evaluation of ATSI’s proposed transmission rates. The compliance filing, and ATSI’s request for rehearing, are currently pending before FERC.

 

67


Table of Contents

From late April 2011 through June 2011, FERC issued other orders that address ATSI’s move into PJM. These orders approve ATSI’s proposed interconnection agreements for large wholesale transmission customers and generators, and revisions to the PJM and MISO tariffs that reflect ATSI’s move into PJM. In addition, FERC approved an “Exit Fee Agreement” that memorializes the agreement between ATSI and MISO with regard to ATSI’s obligation to pay certain administrative charges to the MISO upon exit. Finally, ATSI and the MISO were able to negotiate an agreement of ATSI’s responsibility for certain charges associated with long term firm transmission rights — that, according to the MISO, were payable by the ATSI zone upon its departure from the MISO. ATSI did not and does not agree that these costs should be charged to ATSI but, in order to settle the case and all claims associated with the case, ATSI agreed to a one-time payment of $1.8 million to the MISO. This settlement agreement has been submitted for FERC’s review and approval. The final outcome of those proceedings that address the remaining open issues related to ATSI’s move into PJM and their impact, if any, on FirstEnergy cannot be predicted at this time.
MISO Multi-Value Project Rule Proposal
In July 2010, MISO and certain MISO transmission owners jointly filed with FERC their proposed cost allocation methodology for certain new transmission projects. The new transmission projects—described as MVPs — are a class of transmission projects that are approved via MISO’s formal transmission planning process (the MTEP). The filing parties proposed to allocate the costs of MVPs by means of a usage-based charge that will be applied to all loads within the MISO footprint, and to energy transactions that call for power to be “wheeled through” the MISO as well as to energy transactions that “source” in the MISO but “sink” outside of MISO. The filing parties expect that the MVP proposal will fund the costs of large transmission projects designed to bring wind generation from the upper Midwest to load centers in the east. The filing parties requested an effective date for the proposal of July 16, 2011. On August 19, 2010, MISO’s Board approved the first MVP project — the “Michigan Thumb Project.” Under MISO’s proposal, the costs of MVP projects approved by MISO’s Board prior to the June 1, 2011 effective date of FirstEnergy’s integration into PJM would continue to be allocated to FirstEnergy. MISO estimated that approximately $15 million in annual revenue requirements would be allocated to the ATSI zone associated with the Michigan Thumb Project upon its completion.
In September 2010, FirstEnergy filed a protest to the MVP proposal arguing that MISO’s proposal to allocate costs of MVPs projects across the entire MISO footprint does not align with the established rule that cost allocation is to be based on cost causation (the “beneficiary pays” approach). FirstEnergy also argued that, in light of progress that had been made to date in the ATSI integration into PJM, it would be unjust and unreasonable to allocate any MVP costs to the ATSI zone, or to ATSI. Numerous other parties filed pleadings on MISO’s MVP proposal.
In December 2010, FERC issued an order approving the MVP proposal without significant change. FERC’s order was not clear, however, as to whether the MVP costs would be payable by ATSI or load in the ATSI zone. FERC stated that the MISO’s tariffs obligate ATSI to pay all charges that attached prior to ATSI’s exit but ruled that the question of the amount of costs that are to be allocated to ATSI or to load in the ATSI zone were beyond the scope of FERC’s order and would be addressed in future proceedings.
On January 18, 2011, FirstEnergy filed for rehearing of FERC’s order. In its rehearing request, FirstEnergy argued that because the MVP rate is usage-based, costs could not be applied to ATSI, which is a stand-alone transmission company that does not use the transmission system. FirstEnergy also renewed its arguments regarding cost causation and the impropriety of allocating costs to the ATSI zone or to ATSI.
As noted above, on February 1, 2011, ATSI filed proposed transmission rates related to its move into PJM. The proposed rates included line items that were intended to recover all MVP costs (if any) that might be charged to ATSI or to the ATSI zone. In its May 31, 2011 order on ATSI’s proposed transmission rates FERC ruled that ATSI must submit a cost-benefit study before ATSI can recover the MVP costs. FERC further directed that ATSI remove the line-items from ATSI’s formula rate that would recover the MVP costs until such time as ATSI submits and FERC approves the cost- benefit study. ATSI requested a rehearing of these parts of FERC’s order and, pending this further legal process, has removed the MVP line items from its transmission rates.
FirstEnergy cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings at this time.
California Claims Matters
In October 2006, several California governmental and utility parties presented AE Supply with a settlement proposal to resolve alleged overcharges for power sales by AE Supply to the California Energy Resource Scheduling division of the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) during 2001. The settlement proposal claims that CDWR is owed approximately $190 million for these alleged overcharges. This proposal was made in the context of mediation efforts by FERC and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in pending proceedings to resolve all outstanding refund and other claims, including claims of alleged price manipulation in the California energy markets during 2000 and 2001. The Ninth Circuit has since remanded one of those proceedings to FERC, which arises out of claims previously filed with FERC by the California Attorney General on behalf of certain California parties against various sellers in the California wholesale power market, including AE Supply (the Lockyer case). AE Supply and several other sellers filed motions to dismiss the Lockyer case. In March 2010, the judge assigned to the case entered an opinion that granted the motions to dismiss filed by AE Supply and other sellers and dismissed the claims of the California Parties. On May 4, 2011, FERC affirmed the judge’s ruling.

 

68


Table of Contents

In June 2009, the California Attorney General, on behalf of certain California parties, filed a second complaint with FERC against various sellers, including AE Supply (the Brown case), again seeking refunds for trades in the California energy markets during 2000 and 2001. The above-noted trades with CDWR are the basis for including AE Supply in this new complaint. AE Supply filed a motion to dismiss the Brown complaint that was granted by FERC on May 24, 2011. On June 23, 2011, the California Attorney General requested rehearing of the May 24, 2011 order. FirstEnergy cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
Transmission Expansion
TrAIL Project. TrAIL is a 500 kV transmission line extending from southwest Pennsylvania through West Virginia and into northern Virginia. Effective May 19, 2011, all segments of TrAIL were energized and in service.
PATH Project. The PATH Project is comprised of a 765 kV transmission line that was proposed to extend from West Virginia through Virginia and into Maryland, modifications to an existing substation in Putnam County, West Virginia, and the construction of new substations in Hardy County, West Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland.
PJM initially authorized construction of the PATH Project in June 2007. In December 2010, PJM advised that its 2011 Load Forecast Report included load projections that are different from previous forecasts and that may have an impact on the proposed in-service date for the PATH Project. As part of its 2011 RTEP, and in response to a January 19, 2011 directive by a Virginia Hearing Examiner, PJM conducted a series of analyses using the most current economic forecasts and demand response commitments, as well as potential new generation resources. Preliminary analysis revealed the expected reliability violations that necessitated the PATH Project had moved several years into the future. Based on those results, PJM announced on February 28, 2011 that its Board of Managers had decided to hold the PATH Project in abeyance in its 2011 RTEP and directed FirstEnergy and AEP, as the sponsoring transmission owners, to suspend current development efforts on the project, subject to those activities necessary to maintain the project in its current state, while PJM conducts more rigorous analysis of the need for the project as part of its continuing RTEP process. PJM stated that its action did not constitute a directive to FirstEnergy and AEP to cancel or abandon the PATH Project. PJM further stated that it will complete a more rigorous analysis of the PATH Project and other transmission requirements and its Board will review this comprehensive analysis as part of its consideration of the 2011 RTEP. On February 28, 2011, affiliates of FirstEnergy and AEP filed motions or notices to withdraw applications for authorization to construct the project that were pending before state commissions in West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland. Withdrawal was deemed effective upon filing the notice with the MDPSC. The WVPSC and VSCC have granted the motions to withdraw.
PATH, LLC submitted a filing to FERC to implement a formula rate tariff effective March 1, 2008. In a November 19, 2010 order addressing various matters relating to the formula rate, FERC set the project’s base return on equity for hearing and reaffirmed its prior authorization of a return on CWIP, recovery of start-up costs and recovery of abandonment costs. In the order, FERC also granted a 1.5% return on equity incentive adder and a 0.50% return on equity adder for RTO participation. These adders will be applied to the base return on equity determined as a result of the hearing. PATH, LLC is currently engaged in settlement discussions with the staff of FERC and intervenors regarding resolution of the base return on equity.
Seneca Pumped Storage Project Relicensing
The Seneca (Kinzua) Pumped Storage Project is a 451 MW hydroelectric project located in Warren County, Pennsylvania owned and operated by FGCO. FGCO holds the current FERC license that authorizes ownership and operation of the project. The current FERC license will expire on November 30, 2015. FERC’s regulations call for a five-year relicensing process. On November 24, 2010, and acting pursuant to applicable FERC regulations and rules, FGCO initiated the relicensing process by filing its notice of intent to relicense and pre-application document (PAD) in the license docket.
On November 30, 2010, the Seneca Nation of Indians filed its notice of intent to relicense and PAD documents necessary for them to submit a competing application. Section 15 of the FPA contemplates that third parties may file a ‘competing application’ to assume ownership and operation of a hydroelectric facility upon (i) relicensure and (ii) payment of net book value of the plant to the original owner/operator. Nonetheless, FGCO believes it is entitled to a statutory “incumbent preference” under Section 15.
The Seneca Nation and certain other intervenors have asked FERC to redefine the “project boundary” of the hydroelectric plant to include the dam and reservoir facilities operated by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers. On May 16, 2011, FirstEnergy filed a Petition for Declaratory Order with FERC seeking an order to exclude the dam and reservoir facilities from the project. The Seneca Nation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the U.S. Department of Interior each submitted responses to FirstEnergy’s petition, including motions to dismiss FirstEnergy’s petition. The “project boundary” issue is pending before FERC.

 

69


Table of Contents

The next steps in the relicensing process are for FirstEnergy and the Seneca Nation to define and perform certain environmental and operational studies to support their respective applications. These steps are expected to run through approximately November of 2013. FirstEnergy cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings at this time.
11. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
FirstEnergy has four types of stock-based compensation programs — LTIP, EDCP, ESOP and DCPD, as described below.
Allegheny’s stock-based awards were converted into FirstEnergy stock-based awards as of the date of the merger. These awards, referred to below as converted Allegheny awards, were adjusted in terms of the number of awards and, where applicable, the exercise price thereof, to reflect the merger’s common stock exchange ratio of 0.667 of a share of FirstEnergy common stock for each share of Allegheny common stock.
(A) LTIP
FirstEnergy’s LTIP includes four forms of stock-based compensation awards — stock options, performance shares, restricted stock and restricted stock units.
Under FirstEnergy’s LTIP, total awards cannot exceed 29.1 million shares of common stock or their equivalent. Only stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units have currently been designated to be settled in common stock, with vesting periods ranging from two months to ten years. Performance share awards are currently designated to be paid in cash rather than common stock and therefore do not count against the limit on stock-based awards. There were 5.6 million shares available for future awards as of June 30, 2011.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Restricted common stock (restricted stock) and restricted stock unit (stock unit) activity was as follows:
         
    Six Months  
    Ended  
    June 30, 2011  
 
       
Restricted stock and stock units outstanding as of January 1, 2011
    1,878,022  
Granted
    891,881  
Converted Allegheny restricted stock
    645,197  
Exercised
    (428,686 )
Forfeited
    (71,775 )
 
     
Restricted stock and stock units outstanding as of June 30, 2011
    2,914,639  
 
     
The 891,881 shares of restricted common stock granted during the six months ended June 30, 2011 had a grant-date fair value of $33.2 million and a weighted-average vesting period of 2.74 years.
Restricted stock units include awards that will be settled in a specific number of shares of common stock after the service condition has been met. Restricted stock units also include performance-based awards that will be settled after the service condition has been met in a specified number of shares of common stock based on FirstEnergy’s performance compared to annual target performance metrics.
Compensation expense recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 for restricted stock and restricted stock units, net of amounts capitalized, was approximately $27 million and $20 million, respectively.

 

70


Table of Contents

Stock Options
Stock option activity for the six months ended June 30, 2011 was as follows:
                 
            Weighted  
            Average  
    Number of     Exercise  
Stock Option Activities   Shares     Price  
 
               
Stock options outstanding as of January 1, 2011 (all exercisable)
    2,889,066     $ 35.18  
Options granted
    662,122       37.75  
Converted Allegheny options
    1,805,811       41.75  
Options exercised
    (691,304 )     31.38  
Options forfeited/expired
    (78,978 )     71.71  
 
           
Stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2011
    4,586,717     $ 38.09  
 
           
(3,924,595 options exercisable)
               
Compensation expense recognized for stock options during the six months ended June 30, 2011 was $0.3 million. No expense was recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2010. Options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2011 had a grant-date fair value of $3.3 million and an expected weighted-average vesting period of 3.79 years.
Options outstanding by exercise price as of June 30, 2011 were as follows:
                         
            Weighted     Remaining  
    Shares Under     Average     Contractual  
Exercise Prices   Options     Exercise Price     Life in Years  
 
                       
$20.02 – $30.74
    1,045,122     $ 26.54       2.02  
$30.89 – $40.93
    3,160,440       37.30       4.17  
$42.72 – $51.82
    3,883       51.02       0.70  
$53.06 – $62.97
    54,559       56.15       3.02  
$64.52 – $71.82
    9,042       67.50       5.24  
$73.39 – $80.47
    311,003       80.17       3.81  
$81.19 – $89.59
    2,668       85.39       6.09  
 
                 
Total
    4,586,717     $ 38.08       3.64  
 
                 
Performance Shares
Performance shares will be settled in cash and are accounted for as liability awards. Compensation expense (income) recognized for performance shares during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, net of amounts capitalized, totaled $2 million and $(6) million, respectively. No performance shares under the FirstEnergy LTIP were settled during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.
(B) ESOP
During 2011, shares of FirstEnergy common stock were purchased on the open market and contributed to participants’ accounts. Total ESOP-related compensation expense for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, net of amounts capitalized and dividends on common stock, were $19 million and $10 million, respectively.
(C) EDCP
There was no material compensation expense recognized on EDCP stock units during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.
(D) DCPD
DCPD expenses recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were approximately $2 million in each period. The net liability recognized for DCPD of approximately $6 million as of June 30, 2011 is included in the caption “Retirement benefits” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Of the 1.7 million stock units authorized under the EDCP and DCPD, 1,076,779 stock units were available for future awards as of June 30, 2011.

 

71


Table of Contents

12. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS
In May 2011, the FASB amended authoritative accounting guidance regarding fair value measurement. The amendment prohibits the application of block discounts for all fair value measurements, permits the fair value of certain financial instruments to be measured on the basis of the net risk exposure and allows the application of premiums or discounts to the extent consistent with the applicable unit of account. The amendment clarifies that the highest-and-best use and valuation-premise concepts are not relevant to financial instruments. Expanded disclosures are required under the amendment, including quantitative information about significant unobservable inputs used for Level 3 measurements, a qualitative discussion about the sensitivity of recurring Level 3 measurements to changes in unobservable inputs disclosed, a discussion of the Level 3 valuation processes, any transfers between Levels 1 and 2 and the classification of items whose fair value is not recorded but is disclosed in the notes. The amendment is effective for FirstEnergy in the first quarter of 2012. FirstEnergy does not expect this amendment to have a material effect on its financial statements.
In June 2011, the FASB issued new accounting guidance that revises the manner in which entities presents comprehensive income in their financial statements. The new guidance requires entities to report components of comprehensive income in either a continuous statement of comprehensive income or two separate but consecutive statements. The new guidance does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income and does not affect the calculation or reporting of earnings per share. The amendment is effective for FirstEnergy in the first quarter of 2012. This amendment will not have a material effect on FirstEnergy’s financial statements.
13. SEGMENT INFORMATION
With the completion of the Allegheny merger in the first quarter of 2011, FirstEnergy reorganized its management structure, which resulted in changes to its operating segments to be consistent with the manner in which management views the business. The new structure supports the combined company’s primary operations — distribution, transmission, generation and the marketing and sale of its products. The external segment reporting is consistent with the internal financial reporting used by FirstEnergy’s chief executive officer (its chief operating decision maker) to regularly assess the performance of the business and allocate resources. FirstEnergy now has three reportable operating segments — Regulated Distribution, Regulated Independent Transmission and Competitive Energy Services.
Prior to the change in composition of business segments, FirstEnergy’s business was comprised of two reportable operating segments. The Energy Delivery Services segment was comprised of FirstEnergy’s then eight existing utility operating companies that transmit and distribute electricity to customers and purchase power to serve their POLR and default service requirements. The Competitive Energy Services segment was comprised of FES, which supplies electric power to end-use customers through retail and wholesale arrangements. The “Other/Corporate” segment consisted of corporate items and other businesses that were below the quantifiable threshold for separate disclosure. Disclosures for FirstEnergy’s operating segments for 2010 have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
The changes in FirstEnergy’s reportable segments during 2011 consisted primarily of the following:
   
Energy Delivery Services was renamed Regulated Distribution and the operations of MP, PE and WP, which were acquired as part of the merger with Allegheny, and certain regulatory asset recovery mechanisms formerly included in the “Other” segment, were placed into this segment.
   
A new Regulated Independent Transmission segment was created consisting of ATSI, and the operations of TrAIL Company and FirstEnergy’s interest in PATH; TrAIL and PATH were acquired as part of the merger with Allegheny. The transmission assets and operations of JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, MP, PE and WP remain within the Regulated Distribution segment.
   
AE Supply, an operator of generation facilities that was acquired as part of the merger with Allegheny, was placed into the Competitive Energy Services segment.
The Regulated Distribution segment distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s ten utility operating companies, serving approximately 6 million customers within 67,000 square miles of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and New York, and purchases power for its POLR, SOS and default service requirements in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. This segment also includes the transmission operations of JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, WP, MP and PE and the regulated electric generation facilities in West Virginia and New Jersey which MP and JCP&L, respectively, own or contractually control.
The Regulated Distribution segment’s revenues are primarily derived from the delivery of electricity within FirstEnergy’s service areas, cost recovery of regulatory assets and the sale of electric generation service to retail customers who have not selected an alternative supplier (POLR, SOS or default service) in its Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania franchise areas. Its results reflect the commodity costs of securing electric generation from FES and AE Supply and from non-affiliated power suppliers and the deferral and amortization of certain fuel costs.

 

72


Table of Contents

The Regulated Independent Transmission segment transmits electricity through transmission lines and its revenues are primarily derived from the formula rate recovery of costs and a return on investment for capital expenditures in connection with TrAIL, PATH and other projects and revenues from providing transmission services to electric energy providers, power marketers and receiving transmission-related revenues from operation of a portion of the FirstEnergy transmission system. Its results reflect the net PJM and MISO transmission expenses related to the delivery of the respective generation loads. On June 1, 2011, the ATSI transmission assets previously dedicated to MISO were integrated into the PJM market. All of FirstEnergy’s assets now reside in one RTO.
The Competitive Energy Services segment, through FES, supplies electric power to end-use customers through retail and wholesale arrangements, including associated company power sales to meet a portion of the POLR and default service requirements of FirstEnergy’s Ohio and Pennsylvania utility subsidiaries and competitive retail sales to customers primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and New Jersey. FES purchases the entire output of the 18 generating facilities which it owns and operates through its FGCO subsidiary (fossil and hydroelectric generating facilities) and owns, through its NGC subsidiary, FirstEnergy’s nuclear generating facilities. FENOC, a separate subsidiary of FirstEnergy, operates and maintains NGC’s nuclear generating facilities as well as the output relating to leasehold interests of OE and TE in certain of those facilities that are subject to sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates, pursuant to full output, cost-of-service PSAs.
The Competitive Energy Services segment also includes Allegheny’s unregulated electric generation operations, including AE Supply and AE Supply’s interest in AGC. AE Supply owns, operates and controls the electric generation capacity of its 18 facilities. AGC owns and sells generation capacity to AE Supply and MP, which own approximately 59% and 41% of AGC, respectively. AGC’s sole asset is a 40% undivided interest in the Bath County, Virginia pumped-storage hydroelectric generation facility and its connecting transmission facilities. All of AGC’s revenues are derived from sales of its 1,109 MW share of generation capacity from the Bath County generation facility to AE Supply and MP.
This business segment controls approximately 20,000 MWs of capacity and also purchases electricity to meet sales obligations. The segment’s net income is primarily derived from affiliated and non-affiliated electric generation sales less the related costs of electricity generation, including purchased power and net transmission (including congestion) and ancillary costs charged by PJM and MISO (prior to June 1, 2011) to deliver energy to the segment’s customers.
The Other/Corporate segment contains corporate items and other businesses that are below the quantifiable threshold for separate disclosure as a reportable segment.
Financial information for each of FirstEnergy’s reportable segments is presented in the table below, which includes financial results for Allegheny beginning February 25, 2011. FES and the Utilities do not have separate reportable operating segments.

 

73


Table of Contents

Segment Financial Information
                                                 
            Competitive     Regulated                    
    Regulated     Energy     Independent     Other/     Reconciling        
Three Months Ended   Distribution     Services     Transmission     Corporate     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
June 30, 2011
                                               
External revenues
  $ 2,485     $ 1,495     $ 105     $ (30 )   $ (7 )   $ 4,048  
Internal revenues
          318                   (306 )     12  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    2,485       1,813       105       (30 )     (313 )     4,060  
Depreciation and amortization
    240       107       18       7             372  
Investment income (loss), net
    27       15             1       (12 )     31  
Net interest charges
    145       67       11       21       1       245  
Income taxes
    108       7       18       (30 )     (2 )     101  
Net income (loss)
    184       12       31       (51 )     (5 )     171  
Total assets
    26,932       17,146       2,339       1,179             47,596  
Total goodwill
    5,551       905                         6,456  
Property additions
    302       197       45       25             569  
 
                                               
June 30, 2010
                                               
External revenues
  $ 2,314     $ 795     $ 59     $ (21 )   $ (8 )   $ 3,139  
Internal revenues
    19       539                   (558 )      
 
                                   
Total revenues
    2,333       1,334       59       (21 )     (566 )     3,139  
Depreciation and amortization
    264       71       13       3             351  
Investment income (loss), net
    28       13                   (10 )     31  
Net interest charges
    124       33       5       9       (4 )     167  
Income taxes
    81       75       7       (12 )     (17 )     134  
Net income (loss)
    132       121       11       (20 )     12       256  
Total assets
    21,457       11,102       993       914             34,466  
Total goodwill
    5,551       24                         5,575  
Property additions
    157       290       15       27             489  
 
                                               
Six Months Ended
                                               
 
                                               
June 30, 2011
                                               
External revenues
  $ 4,753     $ 2,736     $ 172     $ (53 )   $ (16 )   $ 7,592  
Internal revenues
          661                   (617 )     44  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    4,753       3,397       172       (53 )     (633 )     7,636  
Depreciation and amortization
    485       195       31       13             724  
Investment income (loss), net
    52       21             1       (22 )     52  
Net interest charges
    276       122       20       40             458  
Income taxes
    164       10       25       (50 )     30       179  
Net income (loss)
    280       17       44       (86 )     (39 )     216  
Total assets
    26,932       17,146       2,339       1,179             47,596  
Total goodwill
    5,551       905                         6,456  
Property additions
    479       411       72       56             1,018  
 
                                               
June 30, 2010
                                               
External revenues
  $ 4,798     $ 1,514     $ 116     $ (43 )   $ (14 )   $ 6,371  
Internal revenues
    19       1,213                   (1,165 )     67  
 
                                   
Total revenues
    4,817       2,727       116       (43 )     (1,179 )     6,438  
Depreciation and amortization
    577       148       25       6             756  
Investment income (loss), net
    54       14             1       (22 )     47  
Net interest charges
    248       66       10       22       (7 )     339  
Income taxes
    143       117       14       (24 )     (5 )     245  
Net income (loss)
    235       190       23       (39 )     (4 )     405  
Total assets
    21,457       11,102       993       914             34,466  
Total goodwill
    5,551       24                         5,575  
Property additions
    309       619       29       40             997  
Reconciling adjustments primarily consist of elimination of intersegment transactions.
14. IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS
FirstEnergy reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. The recoverability of a long-lived asset is measured by comparing its carrying value to the sum of undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flows, impairment exists and a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. The following events described in the sections below occurred during for the first six months of 2011 that indicated the carrying value of certain assets may not be recoverable.

 

74


Table of Contents

Fremont Energy Center
On March 11, 2011, FirstEnergy and American Municipal Power, Inc., entered into an agreement for the sale of Fremont Energy Center, which includes two natural gas combined-cycle combustion turbines and a steam turbine capable of producing 544 MW of load-following capacity and 163 MW of peaking capacity. The execution of this agreement triggered a need to evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets associated with the Fremont Energy Center. The estimated fair value of the Fremont Energy Center was based on the purchase price outlined in the sale agreement with American Municipal Power, Inc. The result of this evaluation indicated that the carrying cost of the Fremont Energy Center was not fully recoverable. As a result of the recoverability evaluation, FirstEnergy recorded an impairment charge of $11 million to operating income during the quarter ended March 31, 2011. On July 28, 2011, FirstEnergy closed the sale of Fremont Energy Center to American Municipal Power, Inc.
Peaking Facilities
During the first six months of 2011, FirstEnergy assessed the carrying values of certain peaking facilities that will more likely than not be sold or disposed of before the end of their useful lives. The estimated fair values were based on estimated sales prices quoted in an active market. The result of this evaluation indicated that the carrying costs of the peaking facilities were not fully recoverable. FirstEnergy recorded impairment charges of $7 million and $21 million during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively, as a result of the recoverability evaluation.
15. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
FirstEnergy has recognized applicable legal obligations for AROs and their associated cost for nuclear power plant decommissioning, reclamation of sludge disposal ponds and closure of coal ash disposal sites. In addition, FirstEnergy has recognized conditional asset retirement obligations (primarily for asbestos remediation).
The ARO liabilities for FES, OE and TE primarily relate to the decommissioning of the Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear generating facilities (OE for its leasehold interest in Beaver Valley Unit 2 and Perry and TE for its leasehold interest in Beaver Valley Unit 2). The ARO liabilities for JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec primarily relate to the decommissioning of the TMI-2 nuclear generating facility. FES, OE, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec use an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of their nuclear decommissioning ARO.
During the first quarter of 2011, studies were completed to update the estimated cost of decommissioning the Perry nuclear generating facility. The cost studies resulted in a revision to the estimated cash flows associated with the ARO liabilities of FES and OE and reduced the liability for each subsidiary in the amounts of $40 million and $6 million, respectively.
During the second quarter of 2011, studies were completed to update the estimated cost of decommissioning the Davis-Besse nuclear facility. The cost studies resulted in a revision to the estimated cash flows associated with the ARO liabilities of FES and reduced the liability for FES in the amount of $5 million.
The revisions to the estimated cash flows had no significant impact on accretion of the obligation during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011 when compared to the same periods of 2010.
16. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION
In 2007, FGCO completed a sale and leaseback transaction for its 93.825% undivided interest in Bruce Mansfield Unit 1. FES has fully, unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed all of FGCO’s obligations under each of the leases. The related lessor notes and pass through certificates are not guaranteed by FES or FGCO, but the notes are secured by, among other things, each lessor trust’s undivided interest in Unit 1, rights and interests under the applicable lease and rights and interests under other related agreements, including FES’ lease guaranty. This transaction is classified as an operating lease under GAAP for FES and FirstEnergy and as a financing for FGCO.
The condensed consolidating statements of income for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, consolidating balance sheets as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and consolidating statements of cash flows for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 for FES (parent and guarantor), FGCO and NGC (non-guarantor) are presented below. Investments in wholly owned subsidiaries are accounted for by FES using the equity method. Results of operations for FGCO and NGC are, therefore, reflected in FES’ investment accounts and earnings as if operating lease treatment was achieved. The principal elimination entries eliminate investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions and the entries required to reflect operating lease treatment associated with the 2007 Bruce Mansfield Unit 1 sale and leaseback transaction.

 

75


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2011   FES     FGCO     NGC     Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
                                       
REVENUES
  $ 1,275     $ 535     $ 393     $ (911 )   $ 1,292  
 
                             
 
                                       
EXPENSES:
                                       
Fuel
    6       266       44             316  
Purchased power from affiliates
    902       9       65       (911 )     65  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    332       (3 )                 329  
Other operating expenses
    159       115       143       12       429  
Provision for depreciation
    1       32       36       (1 )     68  
General taxes
    16       8       6             30  
Impairment of long-lived assets
          7                   7  
 
                             
Total expenses
    1,416       434       294       (900 )     1,244  
 
                             
 
                                       
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    (141 )     101       99       (11 )     48  
 
                             
 
                                       
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                                       
Investment income
          1       15             16  
Miscellaneous income (expense), including net income from equity investees
    123       1             (120 )     4  
Interest expense — affiliates
          (1 )     (1 )           (2 )
Interest expense — other
    (24 )     (28 )     (16 )     16       (52 )
Capitalized interest
          5       5             10  
 
                             
Total other income (expense)
    99       (22 )     3       (104 )     (24 )
 
                             
 
                                       
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (42 )     79       102       (115 )     24  
 
                                       
INCOME TAXES (BENEFITS)
    (62 )     25       38       3       4  
 
                             
 
                                       
NET INCOME
  $ 20     $ 54     $ 64     $ (118 )   $ 20  
 
                             

 

76


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011   FES     FGCO     NGC     Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
                                       
REVENUES
  $ 2,642     $ 1,278     $ 862     $ (2,098 )   $ 2,684  
 
                             
 
                                       
EXPENSES:
                                       
Fuel
    7       560       92             659  
Purchased power from affiliates
    2,087       11       134       (2,098 )     134  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    629       (3 )                 626  
Other operating expenses
    321       233       331       25       910  
Provision for depreciation
    2       63       74       (3 )     136  
General taxes
    27       19       14             60  
Impairment charges of long-lived assets
          20                   20  
 
                             
Total expenses
    3,073       903       645       (2,076 )     2,545  
 
                             
 
                                       
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    (431 )     375       217       (22 )     139  
 
                             
 
                                       
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                                       
Investment income
    1       1       20             22  
Miscellaneous income, including net income from equity investees
    356       2             (350 )     8  
Interest expense — affiliates
    (1 )     (1 )     (1 )           (3 )
Interest expense — other
    (48 )     (56 )     (33 )     32       (105 )
Capitalized interest
          10       10             20  
 
                             
Total other income (expense)
    308       (44 )     (4 )     (318 )     (58 )
 
                             
 
                                       
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    (123 )     331       213       (340 )     81  
 
                                       
INCOME TAXES (BENEFITS)
    (179 )     119       80       5       25  
 
                             
 
                                       
NET INCOME
  $ 56     $ 212     $ 133     $ (345 )   $ 56  
 
                             

 

77


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                         
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2010   FES     FGCO     NGC     Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
                                       
REVENUES
  $ 1,307     $ 581     $ 339     $ (901 )   $ 1,326  
 
                             
 
                                       
EXPENSES:
                                       
Fuel
    7       302       34             343  
Purchased power from affiliates
    913       8       49       (901 )     69  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    310                         310  
Other operating expenses
    81       94       117       12       304  
Provision for depreciation
    1       27       36       (1 )     63  
General taxes
    6       9       7             22  
 
                             
Total expenses
    1,318       440       243       (890 )     1,111  
 
                             
 
                                       
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    (11 )     141       96       (11 )     215  
 
                             
 
                                       
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                                       
Investment income
    2             11             13  
Miscellaneous income, including net income from equity investees
    151       1             (148 )     4  
Interest expense — affiliates
          (2 )                 (2 )
Interest expense — other
    (24 )     (28 )     (15 )     16       (51 )
Capitalized interest
          20       4             24  
 
                             
Total other income (expense)
    129       (9 )           (132 )     (12 )
 
                             
 
                                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    118       132       96       (143 )     203  
 
                                       
INCOME TAXES (BENEFITS)
    (16 )     48       34       3       69  
 
                             
 
                                       
NET INCOME
  $ 134     $ 84     $ 62     $ (146 )   $ 134  
 
                             

 

78


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
                                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010   FES     FGCO     NGC     Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
REVENUES
  $ 2,674     $ 1,149     $ 765     $ (1,874 )   $ 2,714  
 
                             
 
                                       
EXPENSES:
                                       
Fuel
    12       582       77             671  
Purchased power from affiliates
    1,881       12       111       (1,874 )     130  
Purchased power from non-affiliates
    760                         760  
Other operating expenses
    134       194       256       24       608  
Provision for depreciation
    2       54       73       (3 )     126  
General taxes
    11       24       14             49  
Impairment of long-lived assets
          2                   2  
 
                             
Total expenses
    2,800       868       531       (1,853 )     2,346  
 
                             
 
                                       
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)
    (126 )     281       234       (21 )     368  
 
                             
 
                                       
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
                                       
Investment income
    4             10             14  
Miscellaneous income, including net income from equity investees
    317       1             (311 )     7  
Interest expense to affiliates
          (4 )     (1 )           (5 )
Interest expense — other
    (48 )     (54 )     (31 )     32       (101 )
Capitalized interest
          36       8             44  
 
                             
Total other income (expense)
    273       (21 )     (14 )     (279 )     (41 )
 
                             
 
                                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    147       260       220       (300 )     327  
 
                                       
INCOME TAXES (BENEFITS)
    (67 )     97       78       5       113  
 
                             
 
                                       
NET INCOME
  $ 214     $ 163     $ 142     $ (305 )   $ 214  
 
                             

 

79


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                                         
As of June 30, 2011   FES     FGCO     NGC     Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
ASSETS
                                       
CURRENT ASSETS:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 6     $     $     $ 6  
Receivables-
                                       
Customers
    450                         450  
Associated companies
    481       425       263       (679 )     490  
Other
    24       23       4             51  
Notes receivable from associated companies
    6       410       74             490  
Materials and supplies, at average cost
    54       253       192             499  
Derivatives
    221                         221  
Prepayments and other
    34       14       1             49  
 
                             
 
    1,270       1,131       534       (679 )     2,256  
 
                             
 
                                       
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
                                       
In service
    101       6,105       5,634       (385 )     11,455  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    19       2,067       2,298       (178 )     4,206  
 
                             
 
    82       4,038       3,336       (207 )     7,249  
Construction work in progress
    10       198       486             694  
Property, plant and equipment held for sale, net
          487                   487  
 
                             
 
    92       4,723       3,822       (207 )     8,430  
 
                             
 
                                       
INVESTMENTS:
                                       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
                1,184             1,184  
Investment in associated companies
    5,302                   (5,302 )      
Other
    1       9                   10  
 
                             
 
    5,303       9       1,184       (5,302 )     1,194  
 
                             
 
                                       
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
                                       
Accumulated deferred income tax benefits
    18       344             (362 )      
Customer intangibles
    129                         129  
Goodwill
    24                         24  
Property taxes
          16       25             41  
Unamortized sale and leaseback costs
          6             70       76  
Derivatives
    135                         135  
Other
    39       97       7       (68 )     75  
 
                             
 
    345       463       32       (360 )     480  
 
                             
 
  $ 7,010     $ 6,326     $ 5,572     $ (6,548 )   $ 12,360  
 
                             
 
                                       
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
                                       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
                                       
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 1     $ 436     $ 671     $ (20 )   $ 1,088  
Short-term borrowings-
                                       
Associated companies
    453       88                   541  
Other
          1                   1  
Accounts payable-
                                       
Associated companies
    665       231       165       (668 )     393  
Other
    80       111                   191  
Derivatives
    242                         242  
Other
    69       137       46       10       262  
 
                             
 
    1,510       1,004       882       (678 )     2,718  
 
                             
CAPITALIZATION:
                                       
Total equity
    3,858       2,728       2,556       (5,285 )     3,857  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    1,483       2,050       706       (1,239 )     3,000  
 
                             
 
    5,341       4,778       3,262       (6,524 )     6,857  
 
                             
 
                                       
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
                                       
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction
                      942       942  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
                504       (288 )     216  
Asset retirement obligations
          28       847             875  
Retirement benefits
    50       245                   295  
Lease market valuation liability
          194                   194  
Derivatives
    85                         85  
Other
    24       77       77             178  
 
                             
 
    159       544       1,428       654       2,785  
 
                             
 
  $ 7,010     $ 6,326     $ 5,572     $ (6,548 )   $ 12,360  
 
                             

 

80


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
                                         
As of December 31, 2010   FES     FGCO     NGC     Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
ASSETS
                                       
CURRENT ASSETS:
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 9     $     $     $ 9  
Receivables-
                                       
Customers
    366                         366  
Associated companies
    333       357       126       (338 )     478  
Other
    21       56       13             90  
Notes receivable from associated companies
    34       189       174             397  
Materials and supplies, at average cost
    41       276       228             545  
Derivatives
    182                         182  
Prepayments and other
    48       10       1             59  
 
                             
 
    1,025       897       542       (338 )     2,126  
 
                             
 
                                       
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
                                       
In service
    96       6,198       5,412       (385 )     11,321  
Less — Accumulated provision for depreciation
    17       2,020       2,162       (175 )     4,024  
 
                             
 
    79       4,178       3,250       (210 )     7,297  
Construction work in progress
    9       520       534             1,063  
 
                             
 
    88       4,698       3,784       (210 )     8,360  
 
                             
 
                                       
INVESTMENTS:
                                       
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
                1,146             1,146  
Investment in associated companies
    4,942                   (4,942 )      
Other
          12                   12  
 
                             
 
    4,942       12       1,146       (4,942 )     1,158  
 
                             
 
                                       
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS:
                                       
Accumulated deferred income tax benefits
    43       412             (455 )      
Customer intangibles
    134                         134  
Goodwill
    24                         24  
Property taxes
          16       25             41  
Unamortized sale and leaseback costs
          10             63       73  
Derivatives
    98                         98  
Other
    21       71       14       (58 )     48  
 
                             
 
    320       509       39       (450 )     418  
 
                             
 
  $ 6,375     $ 6,116     $ 5,511     $ (5,940 )   $ 12,062  
 
                             
 
                                       
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
                                       
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
                                       
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 101     $ 419     $ 632     $ (20 )   $ 1,132  
Short-term borrowings-
                                       
Associated companies
          12                   12  
Accounts payable-
                                       
Associated companies
    351       213       250       (347 )     467  
Other
    139       102                   241  
Derivatives
    266                         266  
Other
    56       183       46       37       322  
 
                             
 
    913       929       928       (330 )     2,440  
 
                             
 
                                       
CAPITALIZATION:
                                       
Common stockholder’s equity
    3,788       2,515       2,414       (4,929 )     3,788  
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    1,519       2,119       793       (1,250 )     3,181  
 
                             
 
    5,307       4,634       3,207       (6,179 )     6,969  
 
                             
 
                                       
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
                                       
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback transaction
                      959       959  
Accumulated deferred income taxes
                448       (390 )     58  
Asset retirement obligations
          27       865             892  
Retirement benefits
    48       237                   285  
Lease market valuation liability
          217                   217  
Derivatives
    81                         81  
Other
    26       72       63             161  
 
                             
 
    155       553       1,376       569       2,653  
 
                             
 
  $ 6,375     $ 6,116     $ 5,511     $ (5,940 )   $ 12,062  
 
                             

 

81


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2011   FES     FGCO     NGC     Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
                                       
NET CASH PROVIDED FROM (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ (329 )   $ 321     $ 200     $ (10 )   $ 182  
 
                             
 
                                       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                                       
New Financing-
                                       
Long-term debt
          140       107             247  
Short-term borrowings, net
    453       77                   530  
Redemptions and Repayments-
                                       
Long-term debt
    (135 )     (192 )     (155 )     10       (472 )
Other
    (9 )     (1 )     (1 )           (11 )
 
                             
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities
    309       24       (49 )     10       294  
 
                             
 
                                       
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                                       
Property additions
    (6 )     (109 )     (219 )           (334 )
Sales of investment securities held in trusts
                513             513  
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts
                (545 )           (545 )
Loans to associated companies, net
    28       (221 )     100             (93 )
Customer acquisition costs
    (2 )                       (2 )
Other
          (18 )                 (18 )
 
                             
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities
    20       (348 )     (151 )           (479 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
          (3 )                 (3 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
          9                   9  
 
                             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $     $ 6     $     $     $ 6  
 
                             

 

82


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
                                         
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2010   FES     FGCO     NGC     Eliminations     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
NET CASH PROVIDED FROM (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  $ (223 )   $ 163     $ 287     $ (9 )   $ 218  
 
                             
 
                                       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                                       
New Financing-
                                       
Short-term borrowings, net
          76                   76  
Redemptions and Repayments-
                                       
Long-term debt
          (261 )     (43 )     9       (295 )
Other
    (1 )                       (1 )
 
                             
Net cash used for financing activities
    (1 )     (185 )     (43 )     9       (220 )
 
                             
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                                       
Property additions
    (4 )     (333 )     (229 )           (566 )
Proceeds from asset sales
          116                   116  
Sales of investment securities held in trusts
                957             957  
Purchases of investment securities held in trusts
                (979 )           (979 )
Loans to associated companies, net
    332       241       58             631  
Customer acquisition costs
    (105 )                       (105 )
Leasehold improvement payments to associated companies
                (51 )           (51 )
Other
    1       (2 )                 (1 )
 
                             
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities
    224       22       (244 )           2  
 
                             
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
                             
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
                             
 
                             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $     $     $     $     $  
 
                             

 

83


Table of Contents

Item 2.  
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Registrant and Subsidiaries
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp. were $181 million, or basic and diluted earnings of $0.43 per share of common stock, compared with $265 million, or basic and diluted earnings of $0.87 per share of common stock in the second quarter of 2010. Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp. in the first six months of 2011 were $231 million or basic and diluted earnings of $0.61 per share of common stock, compared with $420 million or basic earnings of $1.38 ($1.37 diluted) per share of common stock in the first six months of 2010. The principal reasons for the decreases are summarized below.
                 
    Three Months     Six Months  
Change In Basic Earnings Per Share From Prior Year(1)   Ended June 30     Ended June 30  
Basic Earnings Per Share - 2010
  $ 0.87     $ 1.38  
Non-core asset sales/impairments
    (0.01 )     (0.04 )
Trust securities impairments
    0.01       0.02  
Mark-to-market adjustments
    (0.10 )     (0.02 )
Income tax charge from healthcare legislation - 2010
          0.04  
Regulatory charges - 2011
    (0.01 )     (0.05 )
Regulatory charges - 2010
          0.08  
Litigation resolution
    (0.06 )     (0.07 )
Merger related costs
    (0.02 )     (0.31 )
Segment operating results - (2)
               
Regulated Distribution
    0.02        
Competitive Energy Services
    (0.15 )     (0.24 )
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized
    (0.04 )     (0.08 )
Merger accounting — commodity contracts
    (0.08 )     (0.12 )
Net merger accretion(3)
    0.02       0.06  
Settlement of uncertain tax positions
    (0.03 )     (0.05 )
Other expenses
    0.01       0.01  
 
           
Basic Earnings Per Share - 2011
  $ 0.43     $ 0.61  
 
           
(1)   Amounts shown are net of income tax effect
 
 
(2)   Excludes amounts that are shown separately
(3)   Excludes merger accounting — commodity contracts, regulatory charges, mark-to-market adjustments and merger-related costs that are shown separately
Merger
On February 25, 2011, the merger between FirstEnergy and Allegheny closed. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger between FirstEnergy, Element Merger Sub, Inc., a Maryland corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy (Merger Sub) and AE, Merger Sub merged with and into AE with AE continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. As part of the merger, AE shareholders received 0.667 of a share of FirstEnergy common stock for each AE share outstanding as of the merger completion date and all outstanding AE equity-based employee compensation awards were converted into FirstEnergy equity-based awards on the same basis.
In connection with the merger, FirstEnergy recorded approximately $7 million of merger transaction costs during each of the second quarter of 2011 and 2010, and approximately $89 million and $21 million of merger transaction costs during the first six months of 2011 and 2010, respectively. These costs are included in “Other operating expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements include Allegheny’s results of operations and financial position effective February 25, 2011. In addition, during the three months ended June 30, 2011, $10 million of merger integration costs and $8 million of charges from merger settlements approved by regulatory agencies were recognized. In the first six months of 2011, $85 million of merger integration costs and $32 million of charges from merger settlements approved by regulatory agencies were recognized. Charges resulting from merger settlements are not expected to be material in future periods.
FirstEnergy expects to achieve the 2011 merger benefits target resulting from the merger with Allegheny. Through June 2011, FirstEnergy has taken actions and completed savings initiatives that will allow the company to capture merger benefits of approximately $132 million pre-tax on an annual basis, or 63% of the $210 million annual target. The $132 million realized from savings initiatives completed through June, along with the impact of initiatives still underway, will be reflected in earnings throughout 2011.

 

84


Table of Contents

Operational Matters
TrAIL
On May 19, 2011, TrAIL’s 500-kV transmission line, spanning more than 150 miles from southwestern Pennsylvania through West Virginia to northern Virginia, was completed and energized.
ATSI Integrated into PJM
On June 1, 2011, ATSI successfully integrated into PJM. With this transition, all of FirstEnergy’s generation, transmission and distribution facilities are now in PJM.
Perry Refueling
On June 7, 2011, the Perry Plant returned to service following a scheduled shutdown for refueling and maintenance which began on April 18, 2011. During the outage, 248 of the 748 fuel assemblies were replaced and safety inspections were successfully conducted. Additionally, numerous preventative maintenance activities and improvement projects were completed that we believe will result in continued safe and reliable operations, including replacement of several control rod blades, rewind of the generator, and routine work on more than 150 valves, pumps and motors.
New Nuclear Emergency Operations Facilities
In June 2011, FENOC broke ground for new Emergency Operations Facilities for the Beaver Valley Power Station and Perry Nuclear Power Plant. Each of the 12,000 square-foot facilities will house activities related to maintaining public health and safety during the unlikely event of an emergency at the plant and allow for improved coordination between the plant, state and local emergency management agencies. FENOC is expected to break ground for a similar facility for the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in August 2011.
Fremont Energy Center
On July 28, 2011, FirstEnergy closed on the previously announced sale of Fremont Energy Center to American Municipal Power, Inc. for $510 million based on 685 MW of output. The purchase price can be incrementally increased, not to exceed an additional $16 million, to reflect additional transmission export capacity up to 707 MW.
Financial Matters
On April 29, 2011, Met-Ed redeemed $13.69 million of pollution control revenue bonds at par value.
On May 4, 2011, AE terminated its $250 million credit facility due to other available funding sources following completion of the merger with FirstEnergy.
On May 31, 2011, JCP&L and Met-Ed repurchased $500 million and $150 million, respectively, of their equity from FirstEnergy to maintain an appropriate capital structure.
On June 1, 2011, FGCO repurchased $40 million of pollution control revenue bonds and is holding those bonds for future remarketing or refinancing.
On June 17, 2011, FirstEnergy and certain of its subsidiaries entered into two 5-year revolving credit facilities with a total borrowing capacity of $4.5 billion. These facilities consist of a $2 billion revolving credit facility for FirstEnergy and its regulated entities and a $2.5 billion revolving credit facility for FES and AE Supply. Prior separate facilities ($2.75 billion at FirstEnergy, $1 billion at AE Supply, $110 million at MP, $150 million at PE and $200 million at WP) were terminated.
On July 29, 2011, FGCO and NGC provided notice to the trustee for $158.1 million and $158.9 million, respectively, of PCRBs of their election to terminate applicable supporting LOCs. As a result, these PCRBs are subject to mandatory purchase on September 1, 2011. Subject to market conditions and other considerations, FGCO and NGC currently expect to hold the bonds for future remarketing or refinancing. Also, approximately $28.5 million and $98.9 million aggregate principal amount of FMBs previously delivered to certain of the LOC providers by FGCO and NGC, respectively, will be cancelled in connection with the mandatory purchases.
Regulatory Matters
NYSEG Ruling
On July 11, 2011, FirstEnergy was found to be a potentially responsible party under CERCLA indirectly liable for a portion of past and future clean-up costs at certain legacy MGP sites in New York. As a result, FirstEnergy recognized additional expense of $29 million during the second quarter of 2011; $30 million had previously been reserved prior to 2011.

 

85


Table of Contents

Marginal transmission loss recovery
On March 3, 2010, the PPUC issued an order denying Met-Ed and Penelec the ability to recover marginal transmission losses through the transmission service charge riders in their respective tariffs which applies to the periods including June 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010. Subsequently, Met-Ed and Penelec filed a Petition for Review with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania (Commonwealth Court) appealing the PPUC’s order. On June 14, 2011, the Commonwealth Court affirmed the PPUC’s decision that marginal transmission losses are not recoverable as transmission costs. On July 13, 2011, Met-Ed and Penelec filed a federal complaint with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and on the following day, filed a Petition for Allowance of Appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Met-Ed and Penelec believe the Commonwealth Court’s decision contradicts federal law and is inconsistent with prior PPUC and court decisions and therefore expect to fully recover the related regulatory assets ($189 million for Met-Ed and $65 million for Penelec). In January 2011 and continuing for 29 months, pursuant to a related PPUC order, Met-Ed and Penelec began crediting customers for the amounts at issue pending outcome of the court appeals.
FIRSTENERGY’S BUSINESS
With the completion of the Allegheny merger in the first quarter of 2011, FirstEnergy reorganized its management structure, which resulted in changes to its operating segments to be consistent with the manner in which management views the business. The new structure supports the combined company’s primary operations — distribution, transmission, generation and the marketing and sale of its products. The external segment reporting is consistent with the internal financial reporting used by FirstEnergy’s chief executive officer (its chief operating decision maker) to regularly assess the performance of the business and allocate resources. FirstEnergy now has three reportable operating segments — Regulated Distribution, Regulated Independent Transmission and Competitive Energy Services.
Prior to the change in composition of business segments, FirstEnergy’s business was comprised of two reportable operating segments. The Energy Delivery Services segment included FirstEnergy’s then eight existing utility operating companies that transmit and distribute electricity to customers and purchase power to serve their POLR and default service requirements. The Competitive Energy Services segment was comprised of FES, which supplies electric power to end-use customers through retail and wholesale arrangements. The “Other” segment consisted of corporate items and other businesses that were below the quantifiable threshold for separate disclosure. Disclosures for FirstEnergy’s operating segments for 2010 have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
The changes in FirstEnergy’s reportable segments during the first quarter of 2011 consisted primarily of the following:
   
Energy Delivery Services was renamed Regulated Distribution and the operations of MP, PE and WP, which were acquired as part of the merger with Allegheny, and certain regulatory asset recovery mechanisms formerly included in the “Other” segment, were placed into this segment.
   
A new Regulated Independent Transmission segment was created consisting of ATSI, and the operations of TrAIL Company and FirstEnergy’s interest in PATH; TrAIL and PATH were acquired as part of the merger with Allegheny. The transmission assets and operations of JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, MP, PE and WP remain within the Regulated Distribution segment.
   
AE Supply, an operator of generation facilities that was acquired as part of the merger with Allegheny, was placed into the Competitive Energy Services segment.
Financial information for each of FirstEnergy’s reportable segments is presented in the table below, which includes financial results for the Allegheny subsidiaries beginning February 25, 2011. FES and the Utilities do not have separate reportable operating segments.
The Regulated Distribution segment distributes electricity through FirstEnergy’s ten utility operating companies, serving approximately 6 million customers within 67,000 square miles of Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and New York, and purchases power for its POLR, SOS and default service requirements in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. This segment also includes the transmission operations of JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, WP, MP and PE and the regulated electric generation facilities in West Virginia and New Jersey which MP and JCP&L, respectively, own or contractually control.
The Regulated Distribution segment’s revenues are primarily derived from the delivery of electricity within FirstEnergy’s service areas, cost recovery of regulatory assets and the sale of electric generation service to retail customers who have not selected an alternative supplier (POLR, SOS or default service) in its Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania franchise areas. Its results reflect the commodity costs of securing electric generation from FES and AE Supply and from non-affiliated power suppliers and the deferral and amortization of certain fuel costs.

 

86


Table of Contents

The Regulated Independent Transmission segment transmits electricity through transmission lines. Its revenues are primarily derived from the formula rate recovery of costs and a return on investment for capital expenditures in connection with TrAIL, PATH and other projects and revenues from providing transmission services to electric energy providers, power marketers and receiving transmission-related revenues from operation of a portion of the FirstEnergy transmission system. Its results reflect the net PJM and MISO transmission expenses related to the delivery of the respective generation loads. On June 1, 2011, the ATSI transmission assets previously dedicated to MISO were integrated into the PJM market. All of FirstEnergy’s assets now reside in one RTO.
The Competitive Energy Services segment, through FES, supplies electric power to end-use customers through retail and wholesale arrangements, including associated company power sales to meet a portion of the POLR and default service requirements of FirstEnergy’s Ohio and Pennsylvania utility subsidiaries and competitive retail sales to customers primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and New Jersey. FES purchases the entire output of the 18 generating facilities which it owns and operates through its FGCO subsidiary (fossil and hydroelectric generating facilities) and owns, through its NGC subsidiary, FirstEnergy’s nuclear generating facilities. FENOC, a separate subsidiary of FirstEnergy, operates and maintains NGC’s nuclear generating facilities as well as the output relating to leasehold interests of OE and TE in certain of those facilities that are subject to sale and leaseback arrangements with non-affiliates, pursuant to full output, cost-of-service PSAs.
The Competitive Energy Services segment also includes Allegheny’s unregulated electric generation operations, including AE Supply and AE Supply’s interest in AGC. AE Supply owns, operates and controls the electric generation capacity of its 18 facilities. AGC owns and sells generation capacity to AE Supply and MP, which own approximately 59% and 41% of AGC, respectively. AGC’s sole asset is a 40% undivided interest in the Bath County, Virginia pumped-storage hydroelectric generation facility and its connecting transmission facilities. All of AGC’s revenues are derived from sales of its 1,109 MW share of generation capacity from the Bath County generation facility to AE Supply and MP.
This business segment controls approximately 20,000 MWs of capacity and also purchases electricity to meet sales obligations. The segment’s net income is primarily derived from affiliated and non-affiliated electric generation sales less the related costs of electricity generation, including purchased power and net transmission (including congestion) and ancillary costs charged by PJM and MISO (prior to June 1, 2011) to deliver energy to the segment’s customers.
The Other and Reconciling Adjustments segment contains corporate items and other businesses that are below the quantifiable threshold for separate disclosure as a reportable segment as well as reconciling adjustments for the elimination of intersegment transactions.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The financial results discussed below include revenues and expenses from transactions among FirstEnergy’s business segments. Results from the pre-merged companies have been segregated from the Allegheny companies for variance reporting and analysis. A reconciliation of segment financial results is provided in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements. Earnings available to FirstEnergy by business segment were as follows:
                                                 
    Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
    June 30     June 30  
                    Increase                     Increase  
    2011     2010     (Decrease)     2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions, except per share data)  
Earnings (Loss) By Business Segment:
                                               
Regulated Distribution
  $ 184     $ 132     $ 52     $ 280     $ 235     $ 45  
Competitive Energy Services
    12       121       (109 )     17       190       (173 )
Regulated Independent Transmission
    31       11       20       44       23       21  
Other and reconciling adjustments*
    (46 )     1       (47 )     (110 )     (28 )     (82 )
 
                                   
Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp.
  $ 181     $ 265     $ (84 )   $ 231     $ 420     $ (189 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Basic Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.43     $ 0.87     $ (0.44 )   $ 0.61     $ 1.38     $ (0.77 )
Diluted Earnings Per Share
  $ 0.43     $ 0.87     $ (0.44 )   $ 0.61     $ 1.37     $ (0.76 )
*  
Consists primarily of interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses, noncontrolling interests and the elimination of intersegment transactions.

 

87


Table of Contents

Summary of Results of Operations — Second Quarter 2011 Compared with Second Quarter 2010
Financial results for FirstEnergy’s business segments in the second quarter of 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
                                         
            Competitive     Regulated     Other and        
    Regulated     Energy     Independent     Reconciling     FirstEnergy  
Second Quarter 2011 Financial Results   Distribution     Services     Transmission     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
Revenues:
                                       
External
                                       
Electric
  $ 2,352     $ 1,394     $     $     $ 3,746  
Other
    133       101       105       (37 )     302  
Internal
          318             (306 )     12  
 
                             
Total Revenues
    2,485       1,813       105       (343 )     4,060  
 
                             
 
                                       
Expenses:
                                       
Fuel
    73       562                   635  
Purchased power
    1,144       382             (306 )     1,220  
Other operating expenses
    438       640       19       8       1,105  
Provision for depreciation
    153       107       15       7       282  
Amortization of regulatory assets
    87             3             90  
General taxes
    180       51       8       3       242  
 
                             
Total Expenses
    2,075       1,742       45       (288 )     3,574  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating Income
    410       71       60       (55 )     486  
 
                             
Other Income (Expense):
                                       
Investment income
    27       15             (11 )     31  
Interest expense
    (148 )     (79 )     (12 )     (26 )     (265 )
Capitalized interest
    3       12       1       4       20  
 
                             
Total Other Expense
    (118 )     (52 )     (11 )     (33 )     (214 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income Before Income Taxes
    292       19       49       (88 )     272  
Income taxes
    108       7       18       (32 )     101  
 
                             
Net Income (Loss)
    184       12       31       (56 )     171  
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
                      (10 )     (10 )
 
                             
Earnings (loss) available to FirstEnergy Corp.
  $ 184     $ 12     $ 31     $ (46 )   $ 181  
 
                             

 

88


Table of Contents

                                         
            Competitive     Regulated     Other and        
    Regulated     Energy     Independent     Reconciling     FirstEnergy  
Second Quarter 2010 Financial Results   Distribution     Services     Transmission     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
Revenues:
                                       
External
                                       
Electric
  $ 2,243     $ 739     $     $     $ 2,982  
Other
    71       56       59       (29 )     157  
Internal
    19       539             (558 )      
 
                             
Total Revenues
    2,333       1,334       59       (587 )     3,139  
 
                             
 
                                       
Expenses:
                                       
Fuel
          350                   350  
Purchased power
    1,291       330             (558 )     1,063  
Other operating expenses
    331       340       16       (14 )     673  
Provision for depreciation
    106       71       10       3       190  
Amortization of regulatory assets
    158             3             161  
General taxes
    138       27       7       4       176  
 
                             
Total Expenses
    2,024       1,118       36       (565 )     2,613  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating Income
    309       216       23       (22 )     526  
 
                             
Other Income (Expense):
                                       
Investment income
    28       13             (10 )     31  
Interest expense
    (125 )     (57 )     (6 )     (19 )     (207 )
Capitalized interest
    1       24       1       14       40  
 
                             
Total Other Expense
    (96 )     (20 )     (5 )     (15 )     (136 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income Before Income Taxes
    213       196       18       (37 )     390  
Income taxes
    81       75       7       (29 )     134  
 
                             
Net Income (Loss)
    132       121       11       (8 )     256  
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
                      (9 )     (9 )
 
                             
Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp.
  $ 132     $ 121     $ 11     $ 1     $ 265  
 
                             

 

89


Table of Contents

                                         
Changes Between Second Quarter 2011           Competitive     Regulated     Other and        
and Second Quarter 2010 Financial   Regulated     Energy     Independent     Reconciling     FirstEnergy  
Results Increase (Decrease)   Distribution     Services     Transmission     Adjustment     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
 
                                       
Revenues:
                                       
External
                                       
Electric
  $ 109     $ 655     $     $     $ 764  
Other
    62       45       46       (8 )     145  
Internal
    (19 )     (221 )           252       12  
 
                             
Total Revenues
    152       479       46       244       921  
 
                             
 
                                       
Expenses:
                                       
Fuel
    73       212                   285  
Purchased power
    (147 )     52             252       157  
Other operating expenses
    107       300       3       22       432  
Provision for depreciation
    47       36       5       4       92  
Amortization of regulatory assets
    (71 )                       (71 )
General taxes
    42       24       1       (1 )     66  
 
                             
Total Expenses
    51       624       9       277       961  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating Income
    101       (145 )     37       (33 )     (40 )
 
                             
Other Income (Expense):
                                       
Investment income
    (1 )     2             (1 )      
Interest expense
    (23 )     (22 )     (6 )     (7 )     (58 )
Capitalized interest
    2       (12 )           (10 )     (20 )
 
                             
Total Other Expense
    (22 )     (32 )     (6 )     (18 )     (78 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income Before Income Taxes
    79       (177 )     31       (51 )     (118 )
Income taxes
    27       (68 )     11       (3 )     (33 )
 
                             
Net Income
    52       (109 )     20       (48 )     (85 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
                      (1 )     (1 )
 
                             
Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp.
  $ 52     $ (109 )   $ 20     $ (47 )   $ (84 )
 
                             
Regulated Distribution — Second Quarter 2011 Compared with Second Quarter 2010
Net income increased by $52 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the second quarter of 2010 primarily due to earnings from the Allegheny companies and increased operating margins from the pre-merger companies as a result of reduced purchased power costs, partially offset by reduced revenues.

 

90


Table of Contents

Revenues —
The increase in total revenues resulted from the following sources:
                         
    Three Months        
    Ended June 30     Increase  
Revenues by Type of Service   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Pre-merger companies:
                       
Distribution services
  $ 810     $ 851     $ (41 )
 
                 
Generation sales:
                       
Retail
    747       1,097       (350 )
Wholesale
    104       180       (76 )
 
                 
Total generation sales
    851       1,277       (426 )
 
                 
Transmission
    51       141       (90 )
Other
    66       64       2  
 
                 
Total pre-merger companies
    1,778       2,333       (555 )
 
                 
Allegheny companies
    707             707  
 
                 
Total Revenues
  $ 2,485     $ 2,333     $ 152  
 
                 
The decrease in distribution service revenues for the pre-merger companies reflects lower transition revenues due to the completion of transition cost recovery for CEI in December 2010, partially offset by increased rates associated with the recovery of deferred distribution costs. Distribution deliveries (excluding the Allegheny companies) decreased by 1.1% in the second quarter of 2011 from the second quarter of 2010. The change in distribution deliveries by customer class is summarized in the following table:
                         
                    Increase  
Electric Distribution KWH Deliveries   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (in thousands)          
Pre-merger companies:
                       
Residential
    8,623       8,663       (0.5 )%
Commercial
    7,926       8,121       (2.4 )%
Industrial
    8,798       8,846       (0.5 )%
Other
    126       132       (4.5 )%
 
                 
Total pre-merger companies
    25,473       25,762       (1.1 )%
 
                 
Allegheny companies
    9,527              
 
                 
Total Electric Distribution KWH Deliveries
    35,000       25,762       35.9 %
 
                 
Lower deliveries to residential and commercial customers reflected decreased weather-related usage in the second quarter of 2011 as cooling degree days decreased by 17.3% from the same period in 2010, and soft economic conditions affecting the commercial sector. In the industrial sector, KWH deliveries decreased by 4% to automotive customers, partially offset by increased deliveries to steel and electrical equipment customers of 11% and 15%, respectively.
The following table summarizes the price and volume factors contributing to the $426 million decrease in generation revenues for the pre-merger companies in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the second quarter of 2010:
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Generation Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
 
       
Retail:
       
Effect of decrease in sales volumes
  $ (447 )
Change in prices
    96  
 
     
 
    (351 )
 
     
Wholesale:
       
Effect of decrease in sales volumes
    (8 )
Change in prices
    (67 )
 
     
 
    (75 )
 
     
Net Decrease in Generation Revenues
  $ (426 )
 
     

 

91


Table of Contents

The decrease in retail generation sales volume was primarily due to increased customer shopping in service territories of the pre-merger companies in the second quarter of 2011, compared with the second quarter of 2010. Total generation provided by alternative suppliers as a percentage of total KWH deliveries increased to 77% from 61% for the Ohio companies and to 55% from 10% for Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s service areas.
The decrease in wholesale generation revenues reflected lower RPM revenues for Met-Ed and Penelec in the PJM market. Transmission revenues decreased $90 million due to the termination of Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s TSC rates effective January 1, 2011. Transmission costs are now a component of the cost of generation established under Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s generation procurement plan.
The Allegheny companies added $707 million of revenues for the second quarter of 2011, including $155 million for distribution services, $486 million for generation sales and $66 million relating to transmission revenues.
Expenses —
Total expenses increased by $51 million due to the following:
   
Purchased power costs, excluding the Allegheny companies, were $483 million lower in the second quarter of 2011 due primarily to a decrease in volumes required. The decrease in power purchased from FES reflected the increase in customer shopping described above and the termination of Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s partial requirements PSA with FES at the end of 2010. The increase in volumes purchased from non-affiliates under Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s generation procurement plan effective January 1, 2011 was offset by a decrease in RPM expenses in the PJM market. The Allegheny companies added $336 million in purchased power costs in the second quarter of 2011.
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Purchased Power   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Pre-merger companies:
       
Purchases from non-affiliates:
       
Change due to decreased unit costs
  $ (161 )
Change due to increased volumes
    88  
 
     
 
    (73 )
 
     
Purchases from FES:
       
Change due to increased unit costs
    20  
Change due to decreased volumes
    (398 )
 
     
 
    (378 )
 
     
 
       
Increase in costs deferred
    (32 )
 
     
Total pre-merger companies
    (483 )
 
     
Purchases by Allegheny companies
    336  
 
     
Net Decrease in Purchased Power Costs
  $ (147 )
 
     
   
Transmission expenses decreased $29 million primarily due to lower PJM network transmission expenses and congestion costs of $70 million for Met-Ed and Penelec, partially offset by transmission expenses for the Allegheny companies of $41 million in the second quarter of 2011. Met-Ed and Penelec defer or amortize the difference between revenues from their transmission rider and transmission costs incurred with no material effect on earnings.
   
Energy Efficiency program costs, which are also recovered through rates, increased by $43 million.
   
The absence of a $7 million favorable JCP&L labor settlement that occurred in the second quarter of 2010.
   
Net amortization of regulatory assets decreased $71 million due primarily to reduced transition cost recovery and increased deferral of energy efficiency program costs.
   
Fuel expenses for MP were $73 million in the second quarter of 2011.
 
   
Operating expenses for the Allegheny companies were $95 million in the second quarter of 2011.
 
   
Depreciation expense for the Allegheny companies was $48 million in the second quarter of 2011.

 

92


Table of Contents

   
Merger-related costs increased $4 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010.
   
General taxes increased $42 million primarily due to property taxes and gross receipts taxes incurred by the Allegheny companies in the second quarter of 2011.
Other Expense —
Other expense increased $22 million in the second quarter of 2011 due to interest expense on debt of the Allegheny companies.
Regulated Independent Transmission — Second Quarter 2011 Compared with Second Quarter 2010
Net income increased by $20 million in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the second quarter of 2010 due to earnings associated with TrAIL and PATH ($22 million), partially offset by decreased earnings for ATSI ($1 million).
Revenues —
Revenues by transmission asset owner are shown in the following table:
                         
    Three Months        
Revenues by   Ended June 30     Increase  
Transmission Asset Owner   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
ATSI
  $ 54     $ 59     $ (5 )
TrAIL
    46             46  
PATH
    5             5  
 
                 
Total Revenues
  $ 105     $ 59     $ 46  
 
                 
Expenses —
Total expenses increased by $9 million principally due to TrAIL and PATH operating expenses.
Other Expense —
Other expense increased $6 million in the second quarter of 2011 due to additional interest expense associated with TrAIL.
Competitive Energy Services — Second Quarter 2011 Compared with Second Quarter 2010
Net income decreased by $109 million in the second quarter of 2011, compared to the second quarter of 2010, primarily due to reduced sales margins, non-core asset impairments and the effect of mark-to-market adjustments.
Revenues —
Total revenues increased by $479 million in the second quarter of 2011 primarily due to growth in direct and governmental aggregation sales and the inclusion of the Allegheny companies, partially offset by a decline in POLR sales.

 

93


Table of Contents

The increase in total revenues resulted from the following sources:
                         
    Three Months        
    Ended June 30     Increase  
Revenues by Type of Service   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Direct and Governmental Aggregation
  $ 925     $ 586     $ 339  
POLR and Structured Sales
    231       615       (384 )
Wholesale
    66       77       (11 )
Transmission
    30       19       11  
RECs
    12             12  
Other
    38       37       1  
Allegheny Companies
    511             511  
 
                 
Total Revenues
  $ 1,813     $ 1,334     $ 479  
 
                 
 
                       
Allegheny Companies
                       
Direct and Governmental Aggregation
  $ 26                  
POLR and Structured Sales
    185                  
Wholesale
    267                  
Transmission
    32                  
Other
    1                  
 
                     
Total Revenues
  $ 511                  
 
                     
                         
    Three Months        
    Ended June 30     Increase  
MWH Sales by Type of Service   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In thousands)          
Direct
    11,547       7,004       64.9 %
Governmental Aggregation
    3,970       2,715       46.2 %
POLR and Structured Sales
    3,718       11,600       (67.9 )%
Wholesale
    395       1,108       (64.4 )%
Allegheny Companies
    8,051              
 
                 
Total Sales
    27,681       22,427       23.4 %
 
                 
 
                       
Allegheny Companies
                       
Direct
    425                  
POLR
    2,169                  
Structured Sales
    846                  
Wholesale
    4,611                  
 
                     
Total Sales
    8,051                  
 
                     
The increase in direct and governmental aggregation revenues of $339 million resulted from the acquisition of new commercial and industrial customers as well as new governmental aggregation contracts with communities in Ohio, providing generation to approximately 1.5 million residential and small commercial customers at the end of June 2011 compared to approximately 1.1 million at the end of June 2010. Partially offsetting the increase, were sales to residential and small commercial customers that were adversely affected by weather in the market served that was 17% cooler than in 2010.
The decrease in POLR revenues of $384 million was due to lower sales volumes to Met-Ed, Penelec and the Ohio Companies, partially offset by increased sales to non-associated companies and higher unit prices to the Pennsylvania Companies consistent with our business strategy. Participation in POLR auctions and RFPs are expected to continue but the proportion of these sales will depend on our hedge positions for direct retail and aggregation sales.
Wholesale revenues decreased $11 million due to reduced generation available for sale in the wholesale market.

 

94


Table of Contents

The following tables summarize the price and volume factors contributing to changes in revenues (excluding the Allegheny companies):
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Direct and Governmental Aggregation   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Direct Sales:
       
Effect of increase in sales volumes
  $ 267  
Change in prices
    (13 )
 
     
 
    254  
 
     
Governmental Aggregation:
       
Effect of increase in sales volumes
    80  
Change in prices
    5  
 
     
 
    85  
 
     
Net Increase in Direct and Governmental Aggregation Revenues
  $ 339  
 
     
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in POLR and Structured Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
POLR:
       
Effect of decrease in sales volumes
  $ (418 )
Change in prices
    34  
 
     
 
    (384 )
 
     
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Wholesale Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Wholesale:
       
Effect of decrease in sales volumes
    (49 )
Change in prices
    38  
 
     
 
    (11 )
 
     
Transmission revenues increased by $11 million due primarily to higher PJM congestion revenue. The revenues derived from the sale of RECs increased $12 million in the second quarter of 2011.
Expenses —
Total expenses increased by $624 million in the second quarter of 2011 due to the following:
   
Fuel costs decreased by $27 million primarily due to decreased volumes ($56 million), partially offset by higher unit prices ($29 million). Volumes decreased due to lower generation at the fossil units. Higher unit prices reflect increased coal transportation costs and higher nuclear fuel unit prices following the refueling outages that occurred in 2010.
   
Purchased power costs were unchanged as higher unit costs ($70 million) were offset by lower volumes purchased ($70 million). The decrease in volume primarily relates to the absence in 2011 of a 1,300 MW third party contract associated with serving Met-Ed and Penelec.
   
Fossil operating costs increased by $18 million due primarily to higher labor, contractor and materials and equipment costs due to in increase in outages, both planned and unplanned, from the previous year.
   
Nuclear operating costs increased by $33 million due primarily to having two refueling outages, Perry and Beaver Valley 2, occurring this year. While Davis-Besse had a refueling outage last year, the work performed during the second quarter of 2010 was largely capital-related.
   
Transmission expenses increased by $66 million due primarily to increases in PJM of $91 million from higher congestion, network, and line loss expense, partially offset by lower MISO transmission expenses of $25 million due to lower network and line loss costs.
   
General taxes increased by $10 million due to an increase in revenue-related taxes.

 

95


Table of Contents

   
Other expenses increased by $36 million primarily due to: a $14 million mark-to-market adjustment; a $7 million impairment charge related to non-core assets; and an $8 million increase in intercompany billings. The intercompany billings increased due to merger related costs and increased intersegment billings for leasehold costs from the Ohio Companies.
The inclusion of the Allegheny companies’ operations contributed $488 million to expenses, including a $9 million mark-to-market adjustment relating primarily to power contracts.
Other Expense —
Total other expense in the second quarter of 2011 was $32 million higher than the second quarter of 2010, primarily due to a $34 million increase in net interest expense partially offset by an increase in investment income ($2 million). The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the inclusion of the Allegheny companies ($22 million) and lower capitalized interest ($12 million) associated with the completion of the Sammis AQC project in 2010.
         
    Increase  
Source of Expense Changes   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
 
       
Allegheny Companies
       
Fuel
  $ 238  
Purchased power
    53  
Fossil
    55  
Transmission
    75  
Mark-to-Market
    9  
General taxes
    11  
Other
    15  
Depreciation
    32  
 
     
Total Expense
  $ 488  
 
     
Other — Second Quarter of 2011 Compared with Second Quarter of 2010
Financial results from other operating segments and reconciling items, including interest expense on holding company debt and corporate support services revenues and expenses, resulted in a $47 million decrease in earnings available to FirstEnergy in the second quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The decrease resulted primarily from increased operating expenses resulting from adverse litigation resolution ($29 million), decreased capitalized interest ($10 million) resulting from completed construction projects and increased interest expense due to the 2010 termination of interest rate swap agreements ($7 million).

 

96


Table of Contents

Summary of Results of Operations — First Six Months of 2011 Compared with the First Six Months of 2010
Financial results for FirstEnergy’s business segments in the first six months of 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
                                         
            Competitive     Regulated     Other and        
    Regulated     Energy     Independent     Reconciling     FirstEnergy  
First Six Months 2011 Financial Results   Distribution     Services     Transmission     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
Revenues:
                                       
External
                                       
Electric
  $ 4,527     $ 2,556     $     $     $ 7,083  
Other
    226       180       172       (69 )     509  
Internal
          661             (617 )     44  
 
                             
Total Revenues
    4,753       3,397       172       (686 )     7,636  
 
                             
 
                                       
Expenses:
                                       
Fuel
    97       991                   1,088  
Purchased power
    2,323       700             (617 )     2,406  
Other operating expenses
    824       1,288       36       (10 )     2,138  
Provision for depreciation
    269       195       25       13       502  
Amortization of regulatory assets
    216             6             222  
General taxes
    356       95       16       12       479  
 
                             
Total Expenses
    4,085       3,269       83       (602 )     6,835  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating Income
    668       128       89       (84 )     801  
 
                             
Other Income (Expense):
                                       
Investment income
    52       21             (21 )     52  
Interest expense
    (280 )     (144 )     (21 )     (51 )     (496 )
Capitalized interest
    4       22       1       11       38  
 
                             
Total Other Expense
    (224 )     (101 )     (20 )     (61 )     (406 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income Before Income Taxes
    444       27       69       (145 )     395  
Income taxes
    164       10       25       (20 )     179  
 
                             
Net Income (Loss)
    280       17       44       (125 )     216  
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
                      (15 )     (15 )
 
                             
Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp.
  $ 280     $ 17     $ 44     $ (110 )   $ 231  
 
                             
                                         
            Competitive     Regulated     Other and        
    Regulated     Energy     Independent     Reconciling     FirstEnergy  
First Six Months 2010 Financial Results   Distribution     Services     Transmission     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
Revenues:
                                       
External
                                       
Electric
  $ 4,641     $ 1,408     $     $     $ 6,049  
Other
    157       106       116       (57 )     322  
Internal
    19       1,213             (1,165 )     67  
 
                             
Total Revenues
    4,817       2,727       116       (1,222 )     6,438  
 
                             
 
                                       
Expenses:
                                       
Fuel
          684                   684  
Purchased power
    2,686       780             (1,165 )     2,301  
Other operating expenses
    690       692       30       (38 )     1,374  
Provision for depreciation
    210       148       19       6       383  
Amortization of regulatory assets
    367             6             373  
General taxes
    292       64       14       11       381  
 
                             
Total Expenses
    4,245       2,368       69       (1,186 )     5,496  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating Income
    572       359       47       (36 )     942  
 
                             
Other Income (Expense):
                                       
Investment income
    54       14             (21 )     47  
Interest expense
    (250 )     (113 )     (11 )     (46 )     (420 )
Capitalized interest
    2       47       1       31       81  
 
                             
Total Other Expense
    (194 )     (52 )     (10 )     (36 )     (292 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income Before Income Taxes
    378       307       37       (72 )     650  
Income taxes
    143       117       14       (29 )     245  
 
                             
Net Income (Loss)
    235       190       23       (43 )     405  
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
                      (15 )     (15 )
 
                             
Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp.
  $ 235     $ 190     $ 23     $ (28 )   $ 420  
 
                             

 

97


Table of Contents

                                         
Changes Between First Six Months 2011 and           Competitive     Regulated     Other and        
First Six Months 2010 Financial Results   Regulated     Energy     Independent     Reconciling     FirstEnergy  
Increase (Decrease)   Distribution     Services     Transmission     Adjustments     Consolidated  
    (In millions)  
Revenues:
                                       
External
                                       
Electric
  $ (114 )   $ 1,148     $     $     $ 1,034  
Other
    69       74       56       (12 )     187  
Internal
    (19 )     (552 )           548       (23 )
 
                             
Total Revenues
    (64 )     670       56       536       1,198  
 
                             
 
                                       
Expenses:
                                       
Fuel
    97       307                   404  
Purchased power
    (363 )     (80 )           548       105  
Other operating expenses
    134       596       6       28       764  
Provision for depreciation
    59       47       6       7       119  
Amortization of regulatory assets
    (151 )                       (151 )
General taxes
    64       31       2       1       98  
 
                             
Total Expenses
    (160 )     901       14       584       1,339  
 
                             
 
                                       
Operating Income
    96       (231 )     42       (48 )     (141 )
 
                             
Other Income (Expense):
                                       
Investment income
    (2 )     7                   5  
Interest expense
    (30 )     (31 )     (10 )     (5 )     (76 )
Capitalized interest
    2       (25 )           (20 )     (43 )
 
                             
Total Other Expense
    (30 )     (49 )     (10 )     (25 )     (114 )
 
                             
 
                                       
Income Before Income Taxes
    66       (280 )     32       (73 )     (255 )
Income taxes
    21       (107 )     11       9       (66 )
 
                             
Net Income
    45       (173 )     21       (82 )     (189 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
                             
 
                             
Earnings available to FirstEnergy Corp.
  $ 45     $ (173 )   $ 21     $ (82 )   $ (189 )
 
                             
Regulated Distribution — First Six Months of 2011 Compared to First Six Months of 2010
Net income increased by $45 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the first six months of 2010, primarily due to the absence of a $35 million regulatory asset impairment recorded in 2010 and the earnings contribution of the Allegheny companies, partially offset by a favorable property tax settlement recognized in 2010.
Revenues —
The decrease in total revenues resulted from the following sources:
                         
    Six Months        
    Ended June 30     Increase  
Revenues by Type of Service   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Pre-merger companies:
                       
Distribution services
  $ 1,719     $ 1,733     $ (14 )
 
                 
Generation sales:
                       
Retail
    1,620       2,272       (652 )
Wholesale
    220       397       (177 )
 
                 
Total generation sales
    1,840       2,669       (829 )
 
                 
Transmission
    88       299       (211 )
Other
    123       116       7  
 
                 
Total pre-merger companies
    3,770       4,817       (1,047 )
Allegheny companies
    983             983  
 
                 
Total Revenues
  $ 4,753     $ 4,817     $ (64 )
 
                 

 

98


Table of Contents

The decrease in distribution service revenues for the pre-merger companies primarily reflects lower transition revenues due to the completion of transition cost recovery for CEI in December 2010, partially offset by increased rates associated with the recovery of deferred distribution costs. Distribution deliveries (excluding the Allegheny companies) increased approximately 360,000 KWH (0.7%), primarily driven by an increase of 443,000 KWH (2.6%) in the industrial class. Distribution deliveries by customer class are summarized in the following table:
                         
                    Increase  
Electric Distribution KWH Deliveries   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (in thousands)          
Pre-merger companies:
                       
Residential
    19,261       19,119       0.7 %
Commercial
    15,855       16,074       (1.4 )%
Industrial
    17,640       17,197       2.6 %
Other
    256       262       (2.3 )%
 
                 
Total pre-merger companies
    53,012       52,652       0.7 %
 
                 
Allegheny companies
    13,068              
 
                 
Total Electric Distribution KWH Deliveries
    66,080       52,652       25.5 %
 
                 
Lower distribution deliveries to commercial customers reflected soft economic conditions in this sector and decreased weather-related usage in the first six months of 2011 as cooling degree days were 17% below the same period in 2010. The increase in distribution deliveries to industrial customers was primarily due to recovering economic conditions in the Utilities’ service territory compared to the first six months of 2010. Industrial deliveries increased by 12% to steel customers, 16% to electrical equipment and component manufacturing customers and 10% to non-metallic mineral customers, partially offset by 2% lower sales to automotive customers.
The following table summarizes the price and volume factors contributing to the $829 million decrease in generation revenues in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010:
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Generation Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Retail:
       
Effect of decrease in sales volumes
  $ (826 )
Change in prices
    174  
 
     
 
    (652 )
 
     
Wholesale:
       
Effect of decrease in sales volumes
    (2 )
Change in prices
    (175 )
 
     
 
    (177 )
 
     
Net Decrease in Generation Revenues
  $ (829 )
 
     
The decrease in retail generation sales volume was due to increased customer shopping in the Ohio Companies’, Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s service territories in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. Total generation provided by alternative suppliers as a percentage of total KWH deliveries increased to 75% from 57% for the Ohio companies and to 48% from 9% for Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s service areas. The decrease in wholesale generation revenues reflected lower RPM revenues for Met-Ed and Penelec in the PJM market.
Transmission revenues decreased $211 million due to the termination of Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s TSC rates effective January 1, 2011. Transmission costs are now a component of the cost of generation established under Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s generation procurement plan.
The Allegheny companies added $983 million of revenues for the first six months of 2011, including $216 million for distribution services, $676 million from generation sales and $91 million relating to transmission revenues.

 

99


Table of Contents

Expenses —
Total expenses decreased by $160 million due to the following:
   
Purchased power costs, excluding the Allegheny companies, were $843 million lower in the first six months of 2011 due to a decrease in volumes required. The decrease in power purchased from FES reflected the increase in customer shopping described above and the termination of Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s partial requirements PSA with FES at the end of 2010. The increase in volumes purchased from non-affiliates under Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s generation procurement plan effective January 1, 2011 was offset by a decrease in RPM expenses in the PJM market. The Allegheny companies added $481 million in purchased power costs in the first six months of 2011.
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Purchased Power   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Pre-merger companies:
       
Purchases from non-affiliates:
       
Change due to decreased unit costs
  $ (356 )
Change due to increased volumes
    277  
 
     
 
    (79 )
 
     
Purchases from FES:
       
Change due to increased unit costs
    63  
Change due to decreased volumes
    (809 )
 
     
 
    (746 )
 
     
 
       
Increase in costs deferred
    (18 )
 
     
Total pre-merger companies
    (843 )
 
     
Purchases by Allegheny companies
    481  
 
     
Net Decrease in Purchased Power Costs
  $ (362 )
 
     
   
Transmission expenses decreased $124 million primarily due to lower PJM network transmission expenses and congestion costs of $177 million for Met-Ed and Penelec, partially offset by transmission expenses for the Allegheny companies of $53 million in the first six months of 2011. Met-Ed and Penelec defer or amortize the difference between revenues from their transmission rider and transmission costs incurred with no material effect on earnings.
   
Energy efficiency program costs, which are also recovered through rates, increased $62 million.
   
The absence of a $7 million favorable JCP&L labor settlement that occurred in the second quarter of 2010.
   
A provision for excess and obsolete material of $13 million was recognized in the first six months of 2011 due to revised inventory practices adopted in conjunction with the Allegheny merger.
   
Net amortization of regulatory assets decreased $150 million primarily due to reduced net PJM transmission cost and transition cost recovery and the absence of a $35 million regulatory asset impairment recognized in 2010 associated with the filing of the Ohio ESP on March 23, 2010, partially offset by increased energy efficiency cost recovery.
   
Fuel expenses for MP were $97 million in the first six months of 2011.
   
Operating expenses for the Allegheny companies were $131 million in the first six months of 2011.
   
Merger-related costs increased $46 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010.
   
Depreciation expense for the Allegheny companies was $64 million.
   
General taxes increased by $64 million primarily due to taxes incurred by the Allegheny companies and the absence of a favorable property tax settlement recognized in 2010.
Other Expense —
Other expense increased by $30 million in the first six months of 2011 due to interest expense on debt of the Allegheny companies.
Regulated Independent Transmission — First Six Months 2011 Compared with First Six Months 2010
Net income increased by $21 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to the first six months of 2010 due to earnings associated with TrAIL and PATH ($27 million), partially offset by decreased earnings for ATSI ($6 million).

 

100


Table of Contents

Revenues —
Revenues by transmission asset owner are shown in the following table:
                         
    Six Months        
Revenues by   Ended June 30     Increase  
Transmission Asset Owner   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
ATSI
  $ 106     $ 116     $ (10 )
TrAIL
    61             61  
PATH
    5             5  
 
                 
Total Revenues
  $ 172     $ 116     $ 56  
 
                 
Expenses —
Total expenses increased by $14 million principally due to TrAIL and PATH operating expenses.
Other Expense —
Other expense increased $10 million in the first six months of 2011 due to interest expense associated with TrAIL.
Competitive Energy Services — First Six Months of 2011 Compared to First Six Months of 2010
Net income decreased by $173 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the first six months of 2010, primarily due to lower sales margin, an inventory reserve adjustment, non-core asset impairments and the effect of mark-to-market adjustments.
Revenues —
Total revenues increased $670 million in the first six months of 2011 primarily due to growth in direct and governmental aggregation sales and the inclusion of the Allegheny companies, partially offset by a decline in POLR sales.
The increase in total revenues resulted from the following sources:
                         
    Six Months        
    Ended June 30     Increase  
Revenues by Type of Service   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Direct and Governmental Aggregation
  $ 1,765     $ 1,097     $ 668  
POLR and Structured Sales
    607       1,315       (708 )
Wholesale
    156       142       14  
Transmission
    56       36       20  
RECs
    44       67       (23 )
Other
    79       70       9  
Allegheny Companies
    690             690  
 
                 
Total Revenues
  $ 3,397     $ 2,727     $ 670  
 
                 
 
                       
Allegheny Companies
                       
Direct and Governmental Aggregation
  $ 34                  
POLR and Structured Sales
    254                  
Wholesale
    357                  
Transmission
    44                  
Other
    1                  
 
                     
Total Revenues
  $ 690                  
 
                     

 

101


Table of Contents

                         
    Six Months        
    Ended June 30     Increase  
MWH Sales by Type of Service   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In thousands)          
Direct
    21,219       12,857       65.0 %
Governmental Aggregation
    8,279       5,447       52.0 %
POLR and Structured Sales
    9,561       25,344       (62.3 )%
Wholesale
    1,380       1,538       (10.3 )%
Allegheny Companies
    10,687              
 
                 
Total Sales
    51,126       45,186       13.1 %
 
                 
 
                       
Allegheny Companies
                       
Direct
    570                  
POLR
    2,981                  
Structured Sales
    1,149                  
Wholesale
    5,987                  
 
                     
Total Sales
    10,687                  
 
                     
The increase in direct and governmental aggregation revenues of $668 million resulted from increased revenue from the acquisition of new commercial and industrial customers as well as new governmental aggregation contracts with communities in Ohio that provided generation to approximately 1.5 million residential and small commercial customers at the end of June 2011 compared to approximately 1.1 million customers at the end of June 2010.
The decrease in POLR revenues of $708 million was due to lower sales volumes to Met-Ed, Penelec and the Ohio Companies, partially offset by increased sales to non-associated companies and higher unit prices to the Pennsylvania Companies consistent with our business strategy. Participation in POLR auctions and RFPs are expected to continue but the proportion of these sales will depend on our hedge positions for our direct retail and aggregation sales.
Wholesale revenues increased by $14 million due to higher wholesale prices partially offset by decreased volumes. The lower sales volumes were the result of decreased short-term (net hourly positions) transactions in MISO. Additional capacity revenues earned by units moved to PJM were partially offset by losses on financially settled sales.
The following tables summarize the price and volume factors contributing to changes in revenues (excluding the Allegheny companies):
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Direct and Governmental Aggregation   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Direct Sales:
       
Effect of increase in sales volumes
  $ 493  
Change in prices
    (20 )
 
     
 
    473  
 
     
Governmental Aggregation:
       
Effect of increase in sales volumes
    176  
Change in prices
    19  
 
     
 
    195  
 
     
Net Increase in Direct and Governmental Aggregation Revenues
  $ 668  
 
     

 

102


Table of Contents

         
    Increase  
Source of Change in POLR Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
POLR:
       
Effect of decrease in sales volumes
  $ (819 )
Change in prices
    111  
 
     
 
    (708 )
 
     
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Wholesale Revenues   (Decrease)  
Wholesale:
       
Effect of decrease in sales volumes
    (15 )
Change in prices
    29  
 
     
 
    14  
 
     
Transmission revenues increased by $20 million due primarily to higher MISO and PJM congestion revenue. The revenues derived from the sale of RECs declined $23 million in the first six months of 2011.
Expenses —
Total expenses increased by $901 million in the first six months of 2011 due to the following:
   
Fuel costs decreased by $13 million primarily due to decreased volumes ($28 million), partially offset by higher unit prices ($15 million). Volumes decreased due to lower generation from the fossil units. Unit prices increased primarily due to increased coal transportation costs and higher nuclear fuel unit prices following the refueling outages that occurred in 2010.
   
Purchased power costs decreased by $154 million due primarily to lower volumes purchased ($248 million) partially offset by higher unit costs ($94 million). The decrease in volume primarily relates to the absence in 2011 of a 1,300 MW third party contract associated with serving Met-Ed and Penelec.
   
Fossil operating costs increased by $20 million due primarily to higher labor, contractor and material costs resulting from an increase in planned and unplanned outages.
   
Nuclear operating costs increased by $48 million due primarily to having two refueling outages, Perry and Beaver Valley 2, occurring this year. While Davis-Besse had a refueling outage last year, the work performed during the second quarter of 2010 was largely capital-related.
   
Transmission expenses increased by $176 million due primarily to increases in PJM of $198 million from higher congestion, network, and line loss expense, partially offset by lower MISO transmission expenses of $22 million.
   
General taxes increased by $12 million due to an increase in revenue-related taxes.
   
Other expenses increased by $93 million primarily due to: a $54 million provision for excess and obsolete material relating to revised inventory practices adopted in connection with the Allegheny merger; a $20 million impairment charge related to non-core assets; and a $9 million increase in intercompany billings. The intercompany billings increased due to merger related costs and increased intersegment billings for leasehold costs from the Ohio Companies.

 

103


Table of Contents

The inclusion of the Allegheny companies’ operations contributed $719 million to expenses, including a $43 million mark-to-market adjustment relating primarily to power contracts.
         
    Increase  
Source of Expense Changes   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Allegheny Companies
       
Fuel
  $ 320  
Purchased power
    74  
Fossil
    82  
Transmission
    99  
Mark-to-Market
    43  
General taxes
    15  
Other
    43  
Depreciation
    43  
 
     
Total Expense
  $ 719  
 
     
Other Expense —
Total other expense in the first six months of 2011 was $49 million higher than the first six months of 2010, primarily due to a $56 million increase in net interest expense, partially offset by an increase in nuclear decommissioning trust investment income ($7 million). The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the inclusion of the Allegheny companies ($30 million) and lower capitalized interest ($25 million) associated with the completion of the Sammis AQC project in 2010.
Other — First Six Months of 2011 Compared to First Six Months of 2010
Financial results from other operating segments and reconciling items, including interest expense on holding company debt and corporate support services revenues and expenses, resulted in an $82 million decrease in earnings available to FirstEnergy in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The decrease resulted primarily from increased operating expenses resulting from adverse litigation resolution ($29 million), decreased capitalized interest and increased depreciation expense resulting from completed construction projects placed into service ($27 million), an asset impairment charge in the first quarter of 2011 ($12 million) and increased income taxes ($9 million).
Regulatory Assets
FirstEnergy and the Utilities prepare their consolidated financial statements in accordance with the authoritative guidance for accounting for certain types of regulation. Under this guidance, 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 and the Utilities net their regulatory assets and liabilities based on federal and state jurisdictions. The following table provides the balance of net regulatory assets by company as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and changes during the six months then ended:
                         
    June 30,     December 31,     Increase  
Regulatory Assets   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
OE
  $ 393     $ 400     $ (7 )
CEI
    320       370       (50 )
TE
    89       72       17  
JCP&L
    469       513       (44 )
Met-Ed
    341       296       45  
Penelec
    222       163       59  
Other*
    348       12       336  
 
                 
Total
  $ 2,182     $ 1,826     $ 356  
 
                 
     
*  
2011 includes $337 million related to the Allegheny companies.

 

104


Table of Contents

The following tables provide information about the composition of net regulatory assets as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and the changes during the six months then ended:
                                 
                            Amount of  
                            Increase  
                            (Decrease)  
    June 30,     December 31,     Increase     Attributable  
Regulatory Assets by Source   2011     2010     (Decrease)     to AE  
    (In millions)          
Regulatory transition costs
  $ 899     $ 770     $ 129     $  
Customer receivables for future income taxes
    502       326       176       160  
Loss on reacquired debt
    53       48       5       8  
Employee postretirement benefits
    11       16       (5 )      
Nuclear decommissioning and spent fuel disposal costs
    (201 )     (184 )     (17 )      
Asset removal costs
    (228 )     (237 )     9       22  
MISO/PJM transmission costs
    292       184       108       76  
Deferred generation costs
    454       386       68       15  
Distribution costs
    284       426       (142 )      
Other
    116       91       25       56  
 
                       
Total
  $ 2,182     $ 1,826     $ 356     $ 337  
 
                       
FirstEnergy had $385 million of net regulatory liabilities as of June 30, 2011, including $376 million of net regulatory liabilities acquired as part of the merger with AE that are primarily related to customer receivables for future income taxes and asset removal costs.
Regulatory assets that do not earn a current return totaled approximately $345 million as of June 30, 2011, of which $138 million relates to purchase accounting fair value adjustments to corresponding liabilities that do not accrue interest.
Regulatory assets not earning a current return for Met-Ed and Penelec include certain regulatory transition costs and PJM transmission costs of approximately $144 million and $34 million, respectively. The regulatory transition costs are expected to be recovered by 2020.
Regulatory assets not earning a current return for JCP&L include certain storm damage costs and pension and postretirement benefits of approximately $34 million that are expected to be recovered by 2014.
Regulatory assets not earning a current return for FirstEnergy’s other utility subsidiaries include certain deferred generation and other costs of approximately $133 million that are expected to be recovered though 2026.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY
As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy had $476 million of cash and cash equivalents available to fund investments, operations and capital expenditures. In addition to internal sources to fund liquidity and capital requirements for 2011 and beyond, FirstEnergy may 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 issuances of debt and/or equity securities.
FirstEnergy expects its existing sources of liquidity to remain sufficient to meet its anticipated obligations and those of its subsidiaries. FirstEnergy’s business is capital intensive, requiring significant resources to fund operating expenses, construction expenditures, scheduled debt maturities and interest and dividend payments. FirstEnergy expects that borrowing capacity under credit facilities will continue to be available to manage working capital requirements along with continued access to long-term capital markets.
A material adverse change in operations, or in the availability of external financing sources, could impact FirstEnergy’s liquidity position and ability to fund its capital resource requirements. To mitigate risk, FirstEnergy’s business strategy stresses financial discipline and a strong focus on execution. Major elements include the expectation of: adequate cash from operations, opportunities for favorable long-term earnings growth in the competitive generation markets, operational excellence, business plan execution, well-positioned generation fleet, no speculative trading operations, appropriate long-term commodity hedging positions, manageable capital expenditure program, adequately funded pension plan, minimal near-term maturities of existing long-term debt, commitment to a secure dividend and a successful merger integration.

 

105


Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy’s net deficit in working capital (current assets less current liabilities) was principally due to the classification of certain variable interest rate PCRBs as currently payable long-term debt and short-term borrowings. Currently payable long-term debt as of June 30, 2011, included the following (in millions):
         
Currently Payable Long-term Debt        
PCRBs supported by bank LOCs (1)
  $ 949  
AE Supply unsecured note
    503  
FirstEnergy Corp. unsecured note
    250  
FGCO and NGC unsecured PCRBs (1)
    136  
WP unsecured note
    80  
NGC collateralized lease obligation bonds
    59  
Sinking fund requirements
    50  
Other notes
    31  
 
     
 
  $ 2,058  
 
     
     
(1)  
Interest rate mode permits individual debt holders to put the respective debt back to the issuer prior to maturity.
Credit Facility Borrowings and Liquidity
FirstEnergy had approximately $656 million and $700 million of short-term borrowings as of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively. FirstEnergy’s available liquidity as of July 29, 2011, is summarized in the following table:
                             
                        Available  
Company   Type   Maturity   Commitment     Liquidity  
              (In millions)  
FirstEnergy(1)
  Revolving   June 2016   $ 2,000     $ 1,751  
FES / AE Supply
  Revolving   June 2016     2,500       2,449  
TrAIL
  Revolving   Jan. 2013     450       450  
AGC
  Revolving   Dec. 2013     50        
 
                       
 
      Subtotal   $ 5,000     $ 4,650  
 
      Cash           586  
 
                       
 
      Total   $ 5,000     $ 5,236  
 
                       
     
(1)  
FirstEnergy Corp. and regulated subsidiary borrowers.
During March 2011, the accounts receivable financing arrangements for OE, TE, Penelec and Met-Ed were terminated in favor of other sources of liquidity that were deemed more economical. In May 2011, AE terminated its $250 million credit facility. AE now participates in the unregulated money pool (see FirstEnergy Money Pools below).
Revolving Credit Facilities
On June 17, 2011, FirstEnergy and certain of its subsidiaries entered into two new five-year syndicated revolving credit facilities with aggregate commitments of $4.5 billion (New Facilities).
An aggregate amount of $2 billion is available to be borrowed under a syndicated revolving credit facility (New FirstEnergy Facility), subject to separate borrowing sublimits for each borrower. The borrowers under the New FirstEnergy Facility are FirstEnergy, CEI, Met-Ed, OE, Penn, TE, ATSI, JCP&L, MP, Penelec, PE and WP. An additional $2.5 billion is available to be borrowed by FES and AE Supply under a separate syndicated revolving credit facility (New FES/AESupply Facility).
The New Facilities replaced a FirstEnergy $2.75 billion revolving credit facility, an AE Supply $1 billion revolving credit facility, a MP $110 million revolving credit facility, a PE $150 million revolving credit facility and a WP $200 million revolving credit facility, all of which were terminated as of June 17, 2011. Initial borrowings under the New Facilities were used to pay off outstanding obligations under these prior revolving credit facilities.
Commitments under each of the New Facilities will be available until June 17, 2016, unless the lenders agree, at the request of the applicable borrowers, to up to two additional one-year extensions. Generally, borrowings under each of the New Facilities are available to each borrower separately and will mature on the earlier of 364 days from the date of borrowing or the commitment termination date, as the same may be extended.
Borrowings under each of the New Facilities are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of events of default that each borrower considers usual and customary, including a cross-default for other indebtedness in excess of $100 million. Defaults by either FES or AE Supply or their respective subsidiaries under the New FES/AESupply Facility or other indebtedness generally will not cross-default to FirstEnergy under the New FirstEnergy Facility.

 

106


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the borrowing sub-limits for each borrower under the facilities, as well as the limitations on short-term indebtedness applicable to each borrower under current regulatory approvals and applicable statutory and/or charter limitations as of June 30, 2011:
                 
    New Revolving     Regulatory and  
    Credit Facility     Other Short-Term  
Borrower   Sub-Limit     Debt Limitations  
    (In millions)  
FirstEnergy
  $ 2,000       (a)
FES
  $ 1,500       (b)
AE Supply
  $ 1,000       (b)
OE
  $ 500     $ 500  
CEI
  $ 500     $ 500  
TE
  $ 500     $ 500  
JCP&L
  $ 425     $ 411 (c)
Met-Ed
  $ 300     $ 300 (c)
Penelec
  $ 300     $ 300 (c)
West Penn
  $ 200     $ 200 (c)
MP
  $ 150     $ 150 (c)
PE
  $ 150     $ 150 (c)
ATSI
  $ 100     $ 100  
Penn
  $ 50     $ 33 (c)
     
(a)  
No limitations.
 
(b)  
No limitation based upon blanket financing authorization from the FERC under existing open market tariffs.
 
(c)  
Excluding amounts which may be borrowed under the regulated companies’ money pool.
The entire amount of the New FES/AE Supply Facility and $700 million of the New FirstEnergy Facility, subject to each borrower’s sub-limit, is available for the issuance of LOCs 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 New Facilities and against the applicable borrower’s borrowing sub-limit.
Each of the New Facilities contains financial covenants requiring each borrower to maintain a consolidated debt to total capitalization ratio of no more than 65%, measured at the end of each fiscal quarter. As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy’s and its subsidiaries’ debt to total capitalization ratios (as defined under each of the New Facilities) were as follows:
         
Borrower        
FirstEnergy
    56.9 %
FES
    54.1 %
OE
    56.2 %
Penn
    34.4 %
CEI
    56.3 %
TE
    58.4 %
JCP&L
    43.9 %
Met-Ed
    53.5 %
Penelec
    55.5 %
ATSI
    54.9 %
MP
    59.3 %
PE
    60.1 %
WP
    53.9 %
AE Supply
    39.4 %
As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy could issue additional debt of approximately $7.8 billion, or recognize a reduction in equity of approximately $4.2 billion, and remain within the limitations of the financial covenants required by its credit facility.

 

107


Table of Contents

The New Facilities do not contain provisions that restrict the ability to borrow or accelerate payment of outstanding advances as a result of any change in credit ratings. Pricing is defined in “pricing grids,” whereby the cost of funds borrowed under the facilities are related to the credit ratings of the company borrowing the funds.
In addition to the New Facilities, FirstEnergy also has access to an additional $500 million of revolving credit facilities relating to the Allegheny companies (TrAIL — $450 million and AGC $50 million).
Under the terms of its credit facility, outstanding debt of AGC may not exceed 65% of the sum of its debt and equity as of the last day of each calendar quarter. Outstanding debt for TrAIL may not exceed 70% and 65% of the sum of its debt and equity as of the last day of each calendar quarter through June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2012, respectively. These provisions limit debt levels of these subsidiaries and also limit the net assets of each subsidiary that may be transferred to AE.
FirstEnergy Money Pools
FirstEnergy’s regulated companies, excluding regulated companies acquired in the Allegheny merger, also have the ability to borrow from each other and the holding company to meet their short-term working capital requirements. A similar but separate arrangement exists among FirstEnergy’s unregulated companies. FESC administers these two money pools and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and the respective regulated and unregulated subsidiaries, 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 six months of 2011 was 0.43% per annum for the regulated companies’ money pool and 0.46% per annum for the unregulated companies’ money pool. FirstEnergy and its regulated companies acquired in the Allegheny merger have filed with the appropriate regulatory commissions to receive approval to become part of the FirstEnergy regulated money pool.
Pollution Control Revenue Bonds
As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy’s currently payable long-term debt included approximately $949 million (FES — $875 million, Met-Ed — $29 million and Penelec — $45 million) of variable interest rate PCRBs, the bondholders of which are entitled to the benefit of irrevocable direct pay bank LOCs. The interest rates on the PCRBs are reset daily or weekly. Bondholders can tender their PCRBs for mandatory purchase prior to maturity with the purchase price payable from remarketing proceeds or, if the PCRBs are not successfully remarketed, by drawings on the irrevocable direct pay LOCs. The subsidiary obligor is required to reimburse the applicable LOC bank for any such drawings or, if the LOC bank fails to honor its LOC for any reason, must itself pay the purchase price.
The LOCs for FirstEnergy variable interest rate PCRBs were issued by the following banks as of June 30, 2011:
                 
    Aggregate LOC         Reimbursements of
LOC Bank   Amount(1)     LOC Termination Date   LOC Draws Due
    (In millions)          
UBS
  $ 272     April 2014   April 2014
The Bank of Nova Scotia
    178     Beginning June 2012   Multiple dates(2)
CitiBank N.A.
    165     June 2014   June 2014
Wachovia Bank
    153     March 2014   March 2014
The Royal Bank of Scotland
    131     June 2012   6 months
US Bank
    60     April 2014   6 months
 
             
Total
  $ 959          
 
             
     
(1)  
Includes approximately $10 million of applicable interest coverage.
 
(2)  
Shorter of 6 months or LOC termination date ($49 million) and shorter of one year or LOC termination date ($129 million).
On March 17, 2011, FES completed the remarketing of $207 million variable rate PCRBs. These PCRBs remained in a variable interest mode, supported by bank LOC’s. Also, on March 1, 2011, FES repurchased $50 million of non-LOC backed fixed rate PCRBs that were subject to purchase on demand by the owner on that date.
On April 1, 2011, FES completed the remarketing of an additional $97 million of non-LOC backed commercial paper rate and fixed rate PCRBs (including the $50 million repurchased on March 1) into variable rate modes with LOC support. Also on April 1, 2011, Penelec completed the remarketing of $25 million of non-LOC backed commercial paper rate PCRBs into a variable rate mode with LOC support.

 

108


Table of Contents

In connection with the remarketings, approximately $207 million aggregate principal amount of FMBs previously delivered to LOC providers were cancelled, and approximately $50 million aggregate principal amount of FMBs delivered to secure PCRBs were cancelled on May 31, 2011.
On April 29, Met-Ed redeemed $14 million of PCRBs at par value.
On June 1, 2011, FGCO repurchased $40 million of PCRBs and, subject to market conditions and other considerations, is holding those bonds for future remarketing or refinancing.
On July 29, 2011, FGCO and NGC provided notice to the trustee for $158.1 million and $158.9 million, respectively, of PCRBs of their election to terminate applicable supporting LOCs. As a result, these PCRBs are subject to mandatory purchase on September 1, 2011. Subject to market conditions and other considerations, FGCO and NGC currently expect to hold the bonds for future remarketing or refinancing. Also, approximately $28.5 million and $98.9 million aggregate principal amount of FMBs previously delivered to certain of the LOC providers by FGCO and NGC, respectively, will be cancelled in connection with the mandatory purchases.
Long-Term Debt Capacity
As of June 30, 2011, the Ohio Companies and Penn had the aggregate capability to issue approximately $2.5 billion of additional FMBs on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of their respective mortgage indentures. The issuance of FMBs by the Ohio Companies is also subject to provisions of their senior note indentures generally limiting the incurrence of additional secured debt, subject to certain exceptions that would permit, among other things, the issuance of secured debt (including FMBs) supporting pollution control notes or similar obligations, or as an extension, renewal or replacement of previously outstanding secured debt. In addition, these provisions would permit OE and CEI to incur additional secured debt not otherwise permitted by a specified exception of up to $100 million and $19 million, respectively. As a result of its indenture provisions, TE cannot incur any additional secured debt. Met-Ed and Penelec had the capability to issue secured debt of approximately $363 million and $365 million, respectively, under provisions of their senior note indentures as of June 30, 2011. In addition, based upon their respective FMB indentures, net earnings and available bondable property additions as of June 30, 2011, MP, PE and WP had the capability to issue approximately $1.0 billion of additional FMBs in the aggregate.
Based upon FGCO’s net earnings and available bondable property additions under its FMB indentures as of June 30, 2011, FGCO had the capability to issue $2.5 billion of additional FMBs under the terms of that indenture. Due to the sale of Fremont Energy Center on July 28, 2011, FGCO’s capability to issue additional FMBs was reduced by $510 million. Based upon NGC’s net earnings and available bondable property additions under its FMB indenture as of June 30, 2011, NGC had the capability to issue $1.7 billion of additional FMBs as of June 30, 2011 under the terms of that indenture.
FirstEnergy’s access to capital markets and costs of financing are influenced by the ratings of its securities. On February 25, 2011, Moody’s affirmed the ratings and stable outlook of FirstEnergy and its regulated utilities, upgraded AE’s senior unsecured ratings to Baa3 from Ba1 and placed the ratings for FES under review for possible downgrade. On March 1, 2011, Fitch affirmed the ratings and outlook of FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries. The following table displays FirstEnergy’s and its subsidiaries’ securities ratings as of July 29, 2011.
                         
    Senior Secured   Senior Unsecured
Issuer   S&P   Moody’s   Fitch   S&P   Moody’s   Fitch
FirstEnergy Corp.
        BB+   Baa3   BBB
Allegheny
        BB+   Baa3  
FES
        BBB-   Baa2   BBB
AE Supply
  BBB   Baa2   BBB   BBB-   Baa3   BBB-
AGC
        BBB-   Baa3   BBB+
ATSI
        BBB-   Baa1   A-
CEI
  BBB   Baa1   BBB   BBB-   Baa3   BBB-
JCP&L
        BBB-   Baa2   BBB+
Met-Ed
  BBB   A3   A-   BBB-   Baa2   BBB+
MP
  BBB+   Baa1   A-   BBB-   Baa3   BBB+
OE
  BBB   A3   BBB+   BBB-   Baa2   BBB
Penelec
  BBB   A3   BBB+   BBB-   Baa2   BBB
Penn
  BBB+   A3   BBB+      
PE
  BBB+   Baa1   A-   BBB-   Baa3   BBB+
TE
  BBB   Baa1   BBB      
TrAIL
        BBB-   Baa2   A-
WP
  BBB+   A3   A-   BBB-   Baa2   BBB+
Changes in Cash Position
As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy had $476 million of cash and cash equivalents compared to approximately $1 billion as of December 31, 2010. As of June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, FirstEnergy had approximately $78 million and $13 million, respectively, of restricted cash included in other current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

 

109


Table of Contents

During the first six months of 2011, FirstEnergy received $1.4 billion from cash dividends and equity repurchases by its subsidiaries and paid $420 million in cash dividends to common shareholders, including $20 million paid in March by AE to its former shareholders.
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
FirstEnergy’s consolidated net cash from operating activities is provided primarily by its competitive energy services, energy delivery services and regulated independent transmission businesses (see Results of Operations above). Net cash provided from operating activities increased by $173 million during the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010, as summarized in the following table:
                         
    Six Months        
    Ended June 30     Increase  
Operating Cash Flows   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Net income
  $ 216     $ 405     $ (189 )
Non-cash charges
    1,229       789       440  
Pension trust contribution
    (262 )           (262 )
Working capital and other
    (152 )     (336 )     184  
 
                 
 
  $ 1,031     $ 858     $ 173  
 
                 
The increase in non-cash charges and other adjustments is primarily due to increased deferred taxes and investment tax credits driven by bonus depreciation and the 2011 pension contribution ($393 million) and increased depreciation from the acquired Allegheny Companies ($119 million), partially offset by lower amortization of regulatory assets from reduced net PJM transmission cost and transition cost recovery ($151 million).
The increase in cash flows from working capital and other is primarily due to decreased receivables from higher customer collections ($355 million) and decreased materials and supplies from the inventory valuation adjustment in the first quarter of 2011 ($41 million), partially offset by increased prepayments and other current assets driven by higher prepaid taxes ($187 million).
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
In the first six months of 2011, cash used for financing activities was $1,039 million compared to $484 million in the comparable period of 2010. The following table summarizes new debt financing (net of any discounts) and redemptions:
                 
    Six Months  
    Ended June 30  
Debt Issuances and Redemptions   2011     2010  
    (In millions)  
New Issues
               
Pollution control notes
  $ 272     $  
Long-term revolving credit
    70        
Unsecured Notes
    161        
 
           
 
  $ 503     $  
 
           
 
               
Redemptions
               
Pollution control notes
  $ 312     $ 251  
Long-term revolving credit
    475        
Senior secured notes
    166       55  
First mortgage bonds
    14        
Unsecured notes
    35       100  
 
           
 
  $ 1,002     $ 406  
 
           
 
               
Short-term borrowings, net
  $ (44 )   $ 281  
 
           
In 2011, FES paid off at maturity a $100 million term loan that was secured by FMBs. In April 2011, FirstEnergy entered into a $150 million unsecured term loan with an April 2013 maturity.

 

110


Table of Contents

In 2011 FES repurchased and retired $20 million of its 6.80% unsecured senior notes and $15 million of its 6.05% unsecured senior notes. In April 2011, Met-Ed redeemed approximately $14 million of FMBs securing PCRBs.
During the remainder of 2011 FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries expect to pursue, from time to time, continued reductions in outstanding long-term debt of up to approximately $1.0 to $1.5 billion through redemptions, open market or privately negotiated purchases. Any such transactions will be subject to prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, timing of asset sales and other factors.
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities in the first six months of 2011 resulted from cash used for property additions, partially offset by the cash acquired in the Allegheny merger. The following table summarizes investing activities for the first six months of 2011 and the comparable period of 2010 by business segment:
                                 
Summary of Cash Flows   Property                    
Provided from (Used for) Investing Activities   Additions     Investments     Other     Total  
    (In millions)  
Sources (Uses)
                               
Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
                               
Regulated distribution
  $ (479 )   $ (2 )   $ (25 )   $ (506 )
Competitive energy services
    (411 )     (32 )     (335 )     (778 )
Regulated independent transmission
    (72 )     (1 )     (1 )     (74 )
Cash received in Allegheny merger
          590             590  
Other and reconciling items
    (56 )     (21 )     310       233  
 
                       
Total
  $ (1,018 )   $ 534     $ (51 )   $ (535 )
 
                       
 
                               
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
                               
Regulated distribution
  $ (309 )   $ 87     $ (18 )   $ (240 )
Competitive energy services
    (619 )     (11 )     (1 )     (631 )
Regulated independent transmission
    (29 )           (2 )     (31 )
Other and reconciling items
    (40 )     (25 )           (65 )
 
                       
Total
  $ (997 )   $ 51     $ (21 )   $ (967 )
 
                       
Net cash used in investing activities during the first six months of 2011 decreased by $432 million compared to the same period of 2010. The decrease was principally due to cash acquired in the Allegheny merger ($590 million), partially offset by a decrease in net proceeds from asset sales and higher property additions ($137 million).
During the second half of 2011, capital requirements for property additions and capital leases are expected to be approximately $1.2 billion, including approximately $122 million for nuclear fuel.
GUARANTEES AND OTHER ASSURANCES
As part of normal business activities, FirstEnergy enters into various agreements on behalf of its subsidiaries to provide financial or performance assurances to third parties. These agreements include contract guarantees, surety bonds and LOCs. Some of the guaranteed contracts contain collateral provisions that are contingent upon either FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries’ credit ratings.

 

111


Table of Contents

As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy’s maximum exposure to potential future payments under outstanding guarantees and other assurances approximated $3.8 billion, as summarized below:
         
    Maximum  
Guarantees and Other Assurances   Exposure  
    (In millions)  
FirstEnergy Guarantees on Behalf of its Subsidiaries
       
Energy and Energy-Related Contracts(1)
  $ 223  
OVEC obligations
    300  
Other(2)
    301  
 
     
 
    824  
 
     
 
       
Subsidiaries’ Guarantees
       
Energy and Energy-Related Contracts
    155  
FES’ guarantee of NGC’s nuclear property insurance
    70  
FES’ guarantee of FGCO’s sale and leaseback obligations
    2,324  
Other
    19  
 
     
 
    2,568  
 
     
 
       
Surety Bonds
    136  
LOC(3)
    269  
 
     
 
    405  
 
     
Total Guarantees and Other Assurances
  $ 3,797  
 
     
     
(1)  
Issued for open-ended terms, with a 10-day termination right by FirstEnergy.
 
(2)  
Includes guarantees of $95 million for nuclear decommissioning funding assurances, $161 million supporting OE’s sale and leaseback arrangement, and $35 million for railcar leases.
 
(3)  
Includes $105 million issued for various terms pursuant to LOC capacity available under FirstEnergy’s revolving credit facilities, $122 million pledged in connection with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 by OE and $39 million pledged in connection with the sale and leaseback of Perry by OE.
FirstEnergy guarantees energy and energy-related payments of its subsidiaries involved in energy commodity activities principally to facilitate or hedge normal physical transactions involving electricity, gas, emission allowances and coal. FirstEnergy also provides guarantees to various providers of credit support for the financing or refinancing by its subsidiaries of costs related to the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. These agreements legally obligate FirstEnergy to fulfill the obligations of those subsidiaries directly involved in energy and energy-related transactions or financings where the law might otherwise limit the counterparties’ claims. If demands of a counterparty were to exceed the ability of a subsidiary to satisfy existing obligations, FirstEnergy’s guarantee enables the counterparty’s legal claim to be satisfied by other FirstEnergy assets. FirstEnergy believes the likelihood is remote that such parental guarantees will increase amounts otherwise paid by FirstEnergy to meet its obligations incurred in connection with ongoing energy and energy-related activities.
While these types of guarantees are normally parental commitments for the future payment of subsidiary obligations, subsequent to the occurrence of a credit rating downgrade to below investment grade, an acceleration or funding obligation or a “material adverse event,” the immediate posting of cash collateral, provision of an LOC or accelerated payments may be required of the subsidiary. As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy’s maximum exposure under these collateral provisions was $625 million, as shown below:
                                 
Collateral Provisions   FES     AE Supply     Utilities     Total  
    (In millions)  
Credit rating downgrade to below investment grade (1)
  $ 440     $ 4     $ 78     $ 522  
Material adverse event (2)
    33       57       13       103  
 
                       
Total
  $ 473     $ 61     $ 91     $ 625  
 
                       
     
(1)  
Includes $206 million and $59 million that is also considered an acceleration of payment or funding obligation for FES and the Utilities, respectively.
 
(2)  
Includes $32 million that is also considered an acceleration of payment or funding obligation for FES.

 

112


Table of Contents

Stress case conditions of a credit rating downgrade or “material adverse event” and hypothetical adverse price movements in the underlying commodity markets would increase the total potential amount to $666 million, as shown below:
                                 
Collateral Provisions   FES     AE Supply     Utilities     Total  
    (In millions)  
Credit rating downgrade to below investment grade (1)
  $ 477     $ 5     $ 78     $ 560  
Material adverse event (2)
    36       57       13       106  
 
                       
Total
  $ 513     $ 62     $ 91     $ 666  
 
                       
     
(1)  
Includes $206 million and $59 million that is also considered an acceleration of payment or funding obligation for FES and the Utilities, respectively.
 
(2)  
Includes $32 million that is also considered an acceleration of payment or funding obligation for FES.
Most of FirstEnergy’s surety bonds are backed by various indemnities common within the insurance industry. Surety bonds and related guarantees of $136 million provide additional assurance to outside parties that contractual and statutory obligations will be met in a number of areas including construction contracts, environmental commitments and various retail transactions.
In addition to guarantees and surety bonds, contracts entered into by the Competitive Energy Services segment, including power contracts with affiliates awarded through competitive bidding processes, typically contain margining provisions that require the posting of cash or LOCs in amounts determined by future power price movements. Based on FES’ and AE Supply’s power portfolios as of June 30, 2011 and forward prices as of that date, FES and AE Supply have posted collateral of $138 million and $2 million, respectively. Under a hypothetical adverse change in forward prices (95% confidence level change in forward prices over a one-year time horizon), FES would be required to post an additional $17 million of collateral. Depending on the volume of forward contracts and future price movements, higher amounts for margining could be required to be posted.
FES’ debt obligations are generally guaranteed by its subsidiaries, FGCO and NGC, and FES guarantees the debt obligations of each of FGCO and NGC. Accordingly, present and future holders of indebtedness of FES, FGCO and NGC would have claims against each of FES, FGCO and NGC, regardless of whether their primary obligor is FES, FGCO or NGC.
Signal Peak and Global Rail are borrowers under a $350 million syndicated two-year senior secured term loan facility due in October 2012. FirstEnergy, together with WMB Loan Ventures LLC and WMB Loan Ventures II LLC, the entities that share ownership in the borrowers with FEV, have provided a guaranty of the borrowers’ obligations under the facility. In addition, FEV and the other entities that directly own the equity interest in the borrowers have pledged those interests to the lenders under the term loan facility as collateral for the facility.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
FES and the Ohio Companies have obligations that are not included on their Consolidated Balance Sheets related to sale and leaseback arrangements involving the Bruce Mansfield Plant, Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2, which are satisfied through operating lease payments. The total present value of these sale and leaseback operating lease commitments, net of trust investments, was $1.6 billion as of June 30, 2011.
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 is exposed to financial risks resulting from fluctuating interest rates and commodity prices, including prices for electricity, natural gas, coal and energy transmission. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, FirstEnergy established a Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, which provides general management oversight for risk management activities throughout FirstEnergy. The 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 uses a variety of derivative instruments for risk management purposes including forward contracts, options, futures contracts and swaps. In addition to derivatives, FirstEnergy also enters into master netting agreements with certain third parties.

 

113


Table of Contents

The valuation of derivative contracts is based on observable market information to the extent that such information is available. In cases where such information is not available, FirstEnergy relies on model-based information. The model provides estimates of future regional prices for electricity and an estimate of related price volatility. FirstEnergy uses these results to develop estimates of fair value for financial reporting purposes and for internal management decision making (see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements). Sources of information for the valuation of commodity derivative contracts as of June 30, 2011 are summarized by year in the following table:
                                                         
Source of Information-                                          
Fair Value by Contract Year   2011     2012     2013     2014     2015     Thereafter     Total  
    (In millions)  
Prices actively quoted(1)
  $     $     $     $     $     $     $  
Other external sources(2)
    (287 )     (169 )     (48 )     (38 )                 (542 )
Prices based on models
    9       (3 )                       44       50  
 
                                         
Total(3)
  $ (278 )   $ (172 )   $ (48 )   $ (38 )   $     $ 44     $ (492 )
 
                                         
     
(1)  
Represents exchange traded New York Mercantile Exchange futures and options.
 
(2)  
Primarily represents contracts based on broker and IntercontinentalExchange quotes.
 
(3)  
Includes $445 million in non-hedge commodity derivative contracts that are primarily related to NUG contracts. NUG contracts are generally subject to regulatory accounting and do not materially impact earnings.
FirstEnergy performs sensitivity analyses to estimate its exposure to the market risk of its commodity positions. Based on derivative contracts held as of June 30, 2011, an adverse 10% change in commodity prices would decrease net income by approximately $31 million ($20 million net of tax) during the next 12 months.
Equity Price Risk
FirstEnergy provides noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees and non-qualified pension plans that cover certain employees. The plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels.
FirstEnergy provides a portion of non-contributory pre-retirement basic life insurance for employees who are eligible to retire. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and co-payments, are also available upon retirement to certain employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. FirstEnergy also has obligations to former or inactive employees after employment, but before retirement, for disability-related benefits.
The benefit plan assets and obligations are remeasured annually using a December 31 measurement date or as significant triggering events occur. As of June 30, 2011, the FirstEnergy pension plan was invested in approximately 31% of equity securities, 46% of fixed income securities, 9% of absolute return strategies, 6% of real estate, 4% of private equity and 4% of cash. 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. During the three months and six months ended June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy made contributions to its qualified pension plans of $105 million and $262 million, respectively. FirstEnergy intends to make additional contributions of $116 million and $2 million to its qualified pension plans and postretirement benefit plans, respectively, in the last two quarters of 2011.
NDT funds have been established to satisfy NGC’s and the Utilities’ nuclear decommissioning obligations. As of June 30, 2011, approximately 87% of the funds were invested in fixed income securities, 10% of the funds were invested in equity securities and 3% 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 $1,779 million, $197 million and $69 million for fixed income securities, equity securities and short-term investments, respectively, as of June 30, 2011, excluding $6 million of receivables, payables, deferred taxes and accrued income. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $20 million reduction in fair value as of June 30, 2011. The decommissioning trusts of JCP&L and the Pennsylvania Companies are subject to regulatory accounting, with unrealized gains and losses recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities, since the difference between investments held in trust and the decommissioning liabilities will be recovered from or refunded to customers. NGC, OE and TE recognize in earnings the unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities held in their NDT as other-than-temporary impairments. A decline in the value of FirstEnergy’s NDT or a significant escalation in estimated decommissioning costs could result in additional funding requirements. During the first six months of 2011, approximately $1 million, $4 million and $1 million was contributed to NDT of JCP&L, OE and TE, respectively. On March 28, 2011, FENOC submitted its biennial report on nuclear decommissioning funding to the NRC. This submittal identified a total shortfall in nuclear decommissioning funding for Beaver Valley Unit 1 and Perry of $92 million. On June 24, 2011, FENOC submitted a $95 million parental guarantee to the NRC for its approval.
CREDIT RISK
Credit risk is the risk of an obligor’s failure to meet the terms of any investment contract, loan agreement or otherwise perform as agreed. Credit risk arises from all activities in which success depends on issuer, borrower or counterparty performance, whether reflected on or off the balance sheet. FirstEnergy engages in transactions for the purchase and sale of commodities including gas, electricity, coal and emission allowances. These transactions are often with major energy companies within the industry.

 

114


Table of Contents

FirstEnergy maintains credit policies with respect to its counterparties to manage overall credit risk. This includes performing independent risk evaluations, actively monitoring portfolio trends and using collateral and contract provisions to mitigate exposure. As part of its credit program, FirstEnergy aggressively manages the quality of its portfolio of energy contracts, evidenced by a current weighted average risk rating for energy contract counterparties of BBB (S&P). As of June 30, 2011, the largest credit concentration was with J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., which is currently rated investment grade, representing 11% of FirstEnergy’s total approved credit risk comprised of 2.4% for FES, 1.6% for JCP&L, 2.0% for Met-Ed, 3.4% for WP and a combined 2.0% for the Ohio Companies.
OUTLOOK
Reliability Initiatives
Federally-enforceable mandatory reliability standards apply to the bulk electric system and impose certain operating, record-keeping and reporting requirements on the Utilities, FES, FGCO, FENOC, ATSI and TrAIL. The NERC is the ERO charged with establishing and enforcing these reliability standards, although it has delegated day-to-day implementation and enforcement of these reliability standards to eight regional entities, including ReliabilityFirst Corporation. All of FirstEnergy’s facilities are located within the ReliabilityFirst region. FirstEnergy actively participates in the NERC and ReliabilityFirst 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 the ReliabilityFirst Corporation.
FirstEnergy believes that it generally is in compliance with all currently-effective and enforceable reliability standards. Nevertheless, in the course of operating its extensive electric utility systems and facilities, FirstEnergy occasionally learns of isolated facts or circumstances that could be interpreted as excursions from the reliability standards. If and when such items are found, FirstEnergy develops information about the item and develops a remedial response to the specific circumstances, including in appropriate cases “self-reporting” an item to ReliabilityFirst. Moreover, it is clear that the NERC, ReliabilityFirst and FERC will continue to refine existing reliability standards as well as to develop and adopt new reliability standards. The financial impact of complying with future new or amended standards cannot be determined at this time; however, 2005 amendments to the FPA provide that all prudent costs incurred to comply with the future reliability standards be recovered in rates. Still, any future inability on FirstEnergy’s part to comply with the reliability standards for its bulk power system could result in the imposition of financial penalties that could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
On December 9, 2008, a transformer at JCP&L’s Oceanview substation failed, resulting in an outage on certain bulk electric system (transmission voltage) lines out of the Oceanview and Atlantic substations resulting in customers losing power for up to eleven hours. On March 31, 2009, the NERC initiated a Compliance Violation Investigation in order to determine JCP&L’s contribution to the electrical event and to review any potential violation of NERC Reliability Standards associated with the event. NERC has submitted first and second Requests for Information regarding this and another related matter. JCP&L is complying with these requests. JCP&L is not able to predict what actions, if any, that the NERC may take with respect to this matter.
On August 23, 2010, FirstEnergy self-reported to ReliabilityFirst a vegetation encroachment event on a Met-Ed 230 kV line. This event did not result in a fault, outage, operation of protective equipment, or any other meaningful electric effect on any FirstEnergy transmission facilities or systems. On August 25, 2010, ReliabilityFirst issued a Notice of Enforcement to investigate the incident. FirstEnergy submitted a data response to ReliabilityFirst on September 27, 2010. In March 2011, ReliabilityFirst submitted its proposed findings and settlement, although a final determination has not yet been made by FERC.
Allegheny has been subject to routine audits with respect to its compliance with applicable reliability standards and has settled certain related issues. In addition, ReliabilityFirst is currently conducting certain investigations with regard to certain matters of compliance by Allegheny.
Maryland
By statute enacted in 2007, the obligation of Maryland utilities to provide standard offer service (SOS) to residential and small commercial customers, in exchange for recovery of their costs plus a reasonable profit, was extended indefinitely. The legislation also established a five-year cycle (to begin in 2008) for the MDPSC to report to the legislature on the status of SOS. PE now conducts rolling auctions to procure the power supply necessary to serve its customer load pursuant to a plan approved by the MDPSC. However, the terms on which PE will provide SOS to residential customers after the settlement beyond 2012 will depend on developments with respect to SOS in Maryland between now and then, including but not limited to possible MDPSC decisions in the proceedings discussed below.
The MDPSC opened a new docket in August 2007 to consider matters relating to possible “managed portfolio” approaches to SOS and other matters. “Phase II” of the case addressed utility purchases or construction of generation, bidding for procurement of demand response resources and possible alternatives if the TrAIL and PATH projects were delayed or defeated. It is unclear when the MDPSC will issue its findings in this and other SOS-related pending proceedings discussed below.

 

115


Table of Contents

In September 2009, the MDPSC opened a new proceeding to receive and consider proposals for construction of new generation resources in Maryland. In December 2009, Governor Martin O’Malley filed a letter in this proceeding in which he characterized the electricity market in Maryland as a “failure” and urged the MDPSC to use its existing authority to order the construction of new generation in Maryland, vary the means used by utilities to procure generation and include more renewables in the generation mix. In August 2010, the MDPSC opened another new proceeding to solicit comments on the PJM RPM process. Public hearings on the comments were held in October 2010. In December 2010, the MDPSC issued an order soliciting comments on a model request for proposal for solicitation of long-term energy commitments by Maryland electric utilities. PE and numerous other parties filed comments, and at this time no further proceedings have been set by the MDPSC in this matter.
In September 2007, the MDPSC issued an order that required the Maryland utilities to file detailed plans for how they will meet the “EmPOWER Maryland” proposal that electric consumption be reduced by 10% and electricity demand be reduced by 15%, in each case by 2015.
The Maryland legislature in 2008 adopted a statute codifying the EmPOWER Maryland goals. In 2008, PE filed its comprehensive plans for attempting to achieve those goals, asking the MDPSC to approve programs for residential, commercial, industrial, and governmental customers, as well as a customer education program. The MDPSC ultimately approved the programs in August 2009 after certain modifications had been made as required by the MDPSC, and approved cost recovery for the programs in October 2009. Expenditures were estimated to be approximately $101 million and would be recovered over the following six years. Meanwhile, extensive meetings with the MDPSC Staff and other stakeholders to discuss details of PE’s plans for additional and improved programs for the period 2012-2014 began in April 2011 and those programs are to be filed by September 1, 2011.
In March 2009, the MDPSC issued an order suspending until further notice the right of all electric and gas utilities in the state to terminate service to residential customers for non-payment of bills. The MDPSC subsequently issued an order making various rule changes relating to terminations, payment plans, and customer deposits that make it more difficult for Maryland utilities to collect deposits or to terminate service for non-payment. The MDPSC is continuing to conduct hearings and collect data on payment plan and related issues and has adopted a set of proposed regulations that expand the summer and winter “severe weather” termination moratoria when temperatures are very high or very low, from one day, as provided by statute, to three days on each occurrence.
On March 24, 2011, the MDPSC held an initial hearing to discuss possible new regulations relating to service interruptions, storm response, call center metrics, and related reliability standards. The proposed rules included provisions for civil penalties for non-compliance. Numerous parties filed comments on the proposed rules and participated in the hearing, with many noting issues of cost and practicality relating to implementation. The Maryland legislature passed a bill on April 11, 2011, which requires the MDPSC to promulgate rules by July 1, 2012 that address service interruptions, downed wire response, customer communication, vegetation management, equipment inspection, and annual reporting. In crafting the regulations, the legislation directs the MDPSC to consider cost-effectiveness, and provides that the MDPSC may adopt different standards for different utilities based on such factors as system design and existing infrastructure, geography, and customer density. Beginning in July 2013, the MDPSC is to assess each utility’s compliance with the standards, and may assess penalties of up to $25,000 per day per violation. The MDPSC has ordered that a working group of utilities, regulators, and other interested stakeholders meet to address the topics of the proposed rules, with proposed rules to be filed by September 15, 2011. Separately, on April 7, 2011, the MDPSC initiated a rulemaking with respect to issues related to contact voltage. On June 3, 2011, the MDPSC’s Staff issued a report and draft regulations. Comments on the draft regulations were submitted on June 17, 2011, and a hearing was held July 7, 2011. Final regulations related to contact voltage have not yet been adopted.
New Jersey
In March 2009 and again in February 2010, JCP&L filed annual SBC Petitions with the NJBPU that included a requested zero level of recovery of TMI-2 decommissioning costs based on an updated TMI-2 decommissioning cost analysis dated January 2009 estimated at $736 million (in 2003 dollars). In its order of June 15, 2011, the NJBPU adopted a Stipulation reached among JCP&L, the NJBPU Staff and the Division of Rate Counsel which resolved both Petitions, resulting in a net reduction in recovery of $0.8 million annually for all components of the SBC (including, as requested, a zero level of recovery of TMI-2 decommissioning costs).
Ohio
The Ohio Companies operate under an ESP, which expires on May 31, 2014. The material terms of the ESP include: generation supplied through a CBP commencing June 1, 2011 (initial auctions held on October 20, 2010 and January 25, 2011); a load cap of no less than 80%, which also applies to tranches assigned post-auction; a 6% generation discount to certain low income customers provided by the Ohio Companies through a bilateral wholesale contract with FES (FES is one of the wholesale suppliers to the Ohio Companies); no increase in base distribution rates through May 31, 2014; and a new distribution rider, Delivery Capital Recovery Rider (Rider DCR), to recover a return of, and on, capital investments in the delivery system. The Ohio Companies also agreed not to recover from retail customers certain costs related to transmission cost allocations by PJM as a result of ATSI’s integration into PJM for the longer of the five-year period from June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2015 or when the amount of costs avoided by customers for certain types of products totals $360 million dependent on the outcome of certain PJM proceedings, agreed to establish a $12 million fund to assist low income customers over the term of the ESP and agreed to additional matters related to energy efficiency and alternative energy requirements.

 

116


Table of Contents

Under the provisions of SB221, the Ohio Companies are required to implement energy efficiency programs that will achieve a total annual energy savings equivalent to approximately 166,000 MWH in 2009, 290,000 MWH in 2010, 410,000 MWH in 2011, 470,000 MWH in 2012 and 530,000 MWH in 2013, with additional savings required through 2025. Utilities were also required to reduce peak demand in 2009 by 1%, with an additional 0.75% reduction each year thereafter through 2018.
In December 2009, the Ohio Companies filed the required three year portfolio plan seeking approval for the programs they intend to implement to meet the energy efficiency and peak demand reduction requirements for the 2010-2012 period. The Ohio Companies expect that all costs associated with compliance will be recoverable from customers. The PUCO issued an Opinion and Order generally approving the Ohio Companies’ 3-year plan, and the Companies are in the process of implementing those programs included in the Plan. OE fell short of its statutory 2010 energy efficiency and peak demand reduction benchmarks and therefore, on January 11, 2011, it requested that its 2010 energy efficiency and peak demand reduction benchmarks be amended to actual levels achieved in 2010. The PUCO granted this request on May 19, 2011 for OE, finding that the motion was moot for CEI and TE. Moreover, because the PUCO indicated, when approving the 2009 benchmark request, that it would modify the Companies’ 2010 (and 2011 and 2012) energy efficiency benchmarks when addressing the portfolio plan, the Ohio Companies were not certain of their 2010 energy efficiency obligations. Therefore, CEI and TE (each of which achieved its 2010 energy efficiency and peak demand reduction statutory benchmarks) also requested an amendment if and only to the degree one was deemed necessary to bring them into compliance with their yet-to-be-defined modified benchmarks. On June 2, 2011, the Companies filed an application for rehearing to clarify the decision related to CEI and TE. Failure to comply with the benchmarks or to obtain such an amendment may subject the companies to an assessment by the PUCO of a penalty. In addition to approving the programs included in the plan, with only minor modifications, the PUCO authorized the Companies to recover all costs related to the original CFL program that the Ohio Companies had previously suspended at the request of the PUCO. Applications for Rehearing were filed on April 22, 2011, regarding portions of the PUCO’s decision, including the method for calculating savings and certain changes made by the PUCO to specific programs. On May 4, 2011, the PUCO granted applications for rehearing for the purpose of further consideration; however, no substantive ruling has been issued.
Additionally under SB221, electric utilities and electric service companies are required to serve part of their load from renewable energy resources equivalent to 0.25% of the KWH they served in 2009 and 0.50% of the KWH they served in 2010. In August and October 2009, the Ohio Companies conducted RFPs to secure RECs. The RECs acquired through these two RFPs were used to help meet the renewable energy requirements established under SB221 for 2009, 2010 and 2011. In March 2010, the PUCO found that there was an insufficient quantity of solar energy resources reasonably available in the market and reduced the Ohio Companies’ aggregate 2009 benchmark to the level of solar RECs the Ohio Companies acquired through their 2009 RFP processes, provided the Ohio Companies’ 2010 alternative energy requirements be increased to include the shortfall for the 2009 solar REC benchmark. FES also applied for a force majeure determination from the PUCO regarding a portion of their compliance with the 2009 solar energy resource benchmark. On February 23, 2011, the PUCO granted FES’ force majeure request for 2009 and increased its 2010 benchmark by the amount of SRECs that FES was short of in its 2009 benchmark. On April 15, 2011, the Ohio Companies filed an application seeking an amendment to each of their 2010 alternative energy requirements for solar RECs generated in Ohio on the basis that an insufficient quantity of solar resources are available in the market but reflecting solar RECs that they have obtained and providing additional information regarding efforts to secure solar RECs. Other parties to the proceeding filed comments asserting that the force majeure determination should not be granted, and others requesting the PUCO to review the costs the Ohio companies’ have incurred to comply with the renewable energy requirements. The PUCO has not yet acted on that application.
In February 2010, OE and CEI filed an application with the PUCO to establish a new credit for all-electric customers. In March 2010, the PUCO ordered that rates for the affected customers be set at a level that will provide bill impacts commensurate with charges in place on December 31, 2008 and authorized the Ohio Companies to defer incurred costs equivalent to the difference between what the affected customers would have paid under previously existing rates and what they pay with the new credit in place. Tariffs implementing this new credit went into effect in March 2010. In April 2010, the PUCO issued a Second Entry on Rehearing that expanded the group of customers to which the new credit would apply and authorized deferral for the associated additional amounts. The PUCO also stated that it expected that the new credit would remain in place through at least the 2011 winter season and charged its staff to work with parties to seek a long term solution to the issue. Tariffs implementing this newly expanded credit went into effect in May 2010 and the proceeding remains open. The hearing on the matter was held in February 2011. The PUCO modified and approved the companies’ application on May 25, 2011, ruling that the new credit be phased out over an eight-year period and granting authority for the companies to recover deferred costs and associated carrying charges. OCC filed applications for rehearing on June 24, 2011 and the Ohio Companies filed their responses on July 5, 2011. The PUCO has not yet acted on the applications for rehearing.

 

117


Table of Contents

Pennsylvania
The PPUC entered an Order on March 3, 2010 that denied the recovery of marginal transmission losses through the TSC rider for the period of June 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008, directed Met-Ed and Penelec to submit a new tariff or tariff supplement reflecting the removal of marginal transmission losses from the TSC, and instructed Met-Ed and Penelec to work with the various intervening parties to file a recommendation to the PPUC regarding the establishment of a separate account for all marginal transmission losses collected from ratepayers plus interest to be used to mitigate future generation rate increases beginning January 1, 2011. In March 2010, Met-Ed and Penelec filed a Petition with the PPUC requesting that it stay the portion of the March 3, 2010 Order requiring the filing of tariff supplements to end collection of costs for marginal transmission losses. The PPUC granted the requested stay until December 31, 2010. Pursuant to the PPUC’s order, Met-Ed and Penelec filed plans to establish separate accounts for marginal transmission loss revenues and related interest and carrying charges. Pursuant to the plan approved by the PPUC, Met-Ed and Penelec began to refund those amounts to customers in January 2011, and the refunds will continue over a 29 month period until the full amounts previously recovered for marginal transmission loses are refunded. In April 2010, Met-Ed and Penelec filed a Petition for Review with the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania appealing the PPUC’s March 3, 2010 Order. On June 14, 2011, the Commonwealth Court issued an opinion and order affirming the PPUC’s Order to the extent that it holds that line loss costs are not transmission costs and, therefore, the approximately $254 million in marginal transmission losses and associated carrying charges for the period prior to January 1, 2011, are not recoverable under Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s TSC riders. Met-Ed and Penelec filed a Petition for Allowance of Appeal with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and also a complaint seeking relief in federal district court. Although the ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time, Met-Ed and Penelec believe that they should ultimately prevail through the judicial process and therefore expect to fully recover the approximately $254 million ($189 million for Met-Ed and $65 million for Penelec) in marginal transmission losses for the period prior to January 1, 2011.
In May 2008, May 2009 and May 2010, the PPUC approved Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s annual updates to their TSC rider for the annual periods between June 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010, including marginal transmission losses as approved by the PPUC, although the recovery of marginal losses will be subject to the outcome of the proceeding related to the 2008 TSC filing as described above. The PPUC’s approval in May 2010 authorized an increase to the TSC for Met-Ed’s customers to provide for full recovery by December 31, 2010.
In February 2010, Penn filed a Petition for Approval of its Default Service Plan for the period June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2013. In July 2010, the parties to the proceeding filed a Joint Petition for Settlement of all issues. Although the PPUC’s Order approving the Joint Petition held that the provisions relating to the recovery of MISO exit fees and one-time PJM integration costs (resulting from Penn’s June 1, 2011 exit from MISO and integration into PJM) were approved, it made such provisions subject to the approval of cost recovery by FERC. Therefore, Penn may not put these provisions into effect until FERC has approved the recovery and allocation of MISO exit fees and PJM integration costs.
Pennsylvania adopted Act 129 in 2008 to address issues such as: energy efficiency and peak load reduction; generation procurement; time-of-use rates; smart meters; and alternative energy. Among other things, Act 129 required utilities to file with the PPUC an energy efficiency and peak load reduction plan, or EE&C Plan, by July 1, 2009, setting forth the utilities’ plans to reduce energy consumption by a minimum of 1% and 3% by May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2013, respectively, and to reduce peak demand by a minimum of 4.5% by May 31, 2013. Act 129 also required utilities to file with the PPUC a Smart Meter Implementation Plan (SMIP).
The PPUC entered an Order in February 2010 giving final approval to all aspects of the EE&C Plans of Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn and the tariff rider with rates effective March 1, 2010. On February 18, 2011, the companies filed a petition to approve their First Amended EE&C Plans. On June 28, 2011, a hearing on the petition was held before an administrative law judge.
WP filed its original EE&C Plan in June 2009, which the PPUC approved, in large part, by Opinion and Order entered in October 2009. In November 2009, the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) filed an appeal with the Commonwealth Court of the PPUC’s October Order. The OCA contends that the PPUC’s Order failed to include WP’s costs for smart meter implementation in the EE&C Plan, and that inclusion of such costs would cause the EE&C Plan to exceed the statutory cap for EE&C expenditures. The OCA also contends that WP’s EE&C plan does not meet the Total Resource Cost Test. The appeal remains pending but has been stayed by the Commonwealth Court pending possible settlement of WP’s SMIP. In September 2010, WP filed an amended EE&C Plan that is less reliant on smart meter deployment, which the PPUC approved in January 2011.
Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn jointly filed a SMIP with the PPUC in August 2009. This plan proposed a 24-month assessment period in which Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn will assess their needs, select the necessary technology, secure vendors, train personnel, install and test support equipment, and establish a cost effective and strategic deployment schedule, which currently is expected to be completed in fifteen years. Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn estimate assessment period costs of approximately $29.5 million, which the Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn, in their plan, proposed to recover through an automatic adjustment clause. The ALJ’s Initial Decision approved the SMIP as modified by the ALJ, including: ensuring that the smart meters to be deployed include the capabilities listed in the PPUC’s Implementation Order; denying the recovery of interest through the automatic adjustment clause; providing for the recovery of reasonable and prudent costs net of resulting savings from installation and use of smart meters; and requiring that administrative start-up costs be expensed and the costs incurred for research and development in the assessment period be capitalized. The PPUC entered its Order in June 2010, consistent with the Chairman’s Motion. Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn filed a Petition for Reconsideration of a single portion of the PPUC’s Order regarding the future ability to include smart meter costs in base rates, which the PPUC granted in part by deleting language from its original order that would have precluded Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn from seeking to include smart meter costs in base rates at a later time. The costs to implement the SMIP could be material. However, assuming these costs satisfy a just and reasonable standard, they are expected to be recovered in a rider (Smart Meter Technologies Charge Rider) which was approved when the PPUC approved the SMIP.

 

118


Table of Contents

In August 2009, WP filed its original SMIP, which provided for extensive deployment of smart meter infrastructure with replacement of all of WP’s approximately 725,000 meters by the end of 2014. In December 2009, WP filed a motion to reopen the evidentiary record to submit an alternative smart meter plan proposing, among other things, a less-rapid deployment of smart meters. In an Initial Decision dated April 29, 2010, an ALJ determined that WP’s alternative smart meter deployment plan, complied with the requirements of Act 129 and recommended approval of the alternative plan, including WP’s proposed cost recovery mechanism.
In light of the significant expenditures that would be associated with its smart meter deployment plans and related infrastructure upgrades, as well as its evaluation of recent PPUC decisions approving less-rapid deployment proposals by other utilities, WP re-evaluated its Act 129 compliance strategy, including both its plans with respect to smart meter deployment and certain smart meter dependent aspects of the EE&C Plan. In October 2010, WP and Pennsylvania’s OCA filed a Joint Petition for Settlement addressing WP’s smart meter implementation plan with the PPUC. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, WP proposed to decelerate its previously contemplated smart meter deployment schedule and to target the installation of approximately 25,000 smart meters in support of its EE&C Plan, based on customer requests, by mid-2012. The proposed settlement also contemplates that WP take advantage of the 30-month grace period authorized by the PPUC to continue WP’s efforts to re-evaluate full-scale smart meter deployment plans. WP currently anticipates filing its plan for full-scale deployment of smart meters in June 2012. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, WP would be permitted to recover certain previously incurred and anticipated smart-meter related expenditures through a levelized customer surcharge, with certain expenditures amortized over a ten-year period. Additionally, WP would be permitted to seek recovery of certain other costs as part of its revised SMIP that it currently intends to file in June 2012, or in a future base distribution rate case.
In December 2010, the PPUC directed that the SMIP proceeding be referred to the ALJ for further proceedings to ensure that the impact of the proposed merger with FirstEnergy is considered and that the Joint Petition for Settlement has adequate support in the record. On March 9, 2011, WP submitted an Amended Joint Petition for Settlement which restates the Joint Petition for Settlement filed in October 2010, adds the PPUC’s Office of Trial Staff as a signatory party, and confirms the support or non-opposition of all parties to the settlement. One party retained the ability to challenge the recovery of amounts spent on WP’s original smart meter implementation plan. The proposed settlement also obligates OCA to withdraw its November 2009 appeal of the PPUC’s Order in WP’s EE&C plan proceeding. A Joint Stipulation with the OSBA was also filed on March 9, 2011. On May 3, 2011, the ALJ issued an Initial Decision recommending that the PPUC approve the Amended Joint Petition for Full Settlement. The PPUC approved the Initial Decision by order entered June 30, 2011.
By Tentative Order entered in September 2009, the PPUC provided for an additional 30-day comment period on whether the 1998 Restructuring Settlement, which addressed how Met-Ed and Penelec were going to implement direct access to a competitive market for the generation of electricity, allows Met-Ed and Penelec to apply over-collection of NUG costs for select and isolated months to reduce non-NUG stranded costs when a cumulative NUG stranded cost balance exists. In response to the Tentative Order, various parties filed comments objecting to the above accounting method utilized by Met-Ed and Penelec. Met-Ed and Penelec are awaiting further action by the PPUC.
In the PPUC Order approving the FirstEnergy and Allegheny merger, the PPUC announced that a separate statewide investigation into Pennsylvania’s retail electricity market will be conducted with the goal of making recommendations for improvements to ensure that a properly functioning and workable competitive retail electricity market exists in the state. On April 29, 2011, the PPUC entered an Order initiating the investigation and requesting comments from interested parties on eleven directed questions. Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power and West Penn submitted joint comments on June 3, 2011. FES also submitted comments on June 3, 2011. On June 8, 2011, the PPUC conducted an en banc hearing on these issues at which both the Pennsylvania Companies and FES participated and offered testimony.
Virginia
In September 2010, PATH-VA filed an application with the VSCC for authorization to construct the Virginia portions of the PATH Project. On February 28, 2011, PATH-VA filed a motion to withdraw the application. On May 24, 2011, the VSCC granted PATH-VA’s motion to withdraw its application for authorization to construct the Virginia portions of the PATH Project. See “Transmission Expansion” in the Federal Regulation and Rate Matters section for further discussion of this matter.

 

119


Table of Contents

West Virginia
In August 2009, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC a request to increase retail rates, which was amended through subsequent filings. MP and PE ultimately requested an annual increase in retail rates of approximately $95 million. In April 2010, MP and PE filed with the WVPSC a Joint Stipulation and Agreement of Settlement reached with the other parties in the proceeding that provided for:
   
a $40 million annualized base rate increase effective June 29, 2010;
   
a deferral of February 2010 storm restoration expenses in West Virginia over a maximum five-year period;
   
an additional $20 million annualized base rate increase effective in January 2011;
 
   
a decrease of $20 million in ENEC rates effective January 2011, which amount is deferred for later recovery in 2012; and
   
a moratorium on filing for further increases in base rates before December 1, 2011, except under specified circumstances.
The WVPSC approved the Joint Petition and Agreement of Settlement in June 2010.
In 2009, the West Virginia Legislature enacted the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act (Portfolio Act), which generally requires that a specified minimum percentage of electricity sold to retail customers in West Virginia by electric utilities each year be derived from alternative and renewable energy resources according to a predetermined schedule of increasing percentage targets, including ten percent by 2015, fifteen percent by 2020, and twenty-five percent by 2025. In November 2010, the WVPSC issued Rules Governing Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS Rules), which became effective on January 4, 2011. Under the RPS Rules, on or before January 1, 2011, each electric utility subject to the provisions of this rule was required to prepare an alternative and renewable energy portfolio standard compliance plan and file an application with the WVPSC seeking approval of such plan. MP and PE filed their combined compliance plan in December 2010. A hearing was held at the WVPSC on June 13, 2011. An order is expected by late September 2011.
Additionally, in January 2011, MP and PE filed an application with the WVPSC seeking to certify three facilities as Qualified Energy Resource Facilities. If the application is approved, the three facilities would then be capable of generating renewable credits which would assist the companies in meeting their combined requirements under the Portfolio Act. Further, in February 2011, MP and PE filed a petition with the WVPSC seeking an Order declaring that MP is entitled to all alternative and renewable energy resource credits associated with the electric energy, or energy and capacity, that MP is required to purchase pursuant to electric energy purchase agreements between MP and three non-utility electric generating facilities in WV. The City of New Martinsville and Morgantown Energy Associates, each the owner of one of the contracted resources, has participated in the case in opposition to the Petition.
FERC Matters
Rates for Transmission Service Between MISO and PJM
In November 2004, FERC issued an order eliminating the through and out rate for transmission service between the MISO and PJM regions. FERC also ordered MISO, PJM and the transmission owners within MISO and PJM to submit compliance filings containing a rate mechanism to recover lost transmission revenues created by elimination of this charge (referred to as SECA) during a 16-month transition period. In 2005, FERC set the SECA for hearing. The presiding ALJ issued an initial decision in August 2006, rejecting the compliance filings made by MISO, PJM and the transmission owners, and directing new compliance filings. This decision was subject to review and approval by FERC. In May 2010, FERC issued an order denying pending rehearing requests and an Order on Initial Decision which reversed the presiding ALJ’s rulings in many respects. Most notably, these orders affirmed the right of transmission owners to collect SECA charges with adjustments that modestly reduce the level of such charges, and changes to the entities deemed responsible for payment of the SECA charges. The Ohio Companies were identified as load serving entities responsible for payment of additional SECA charges for a portion of the SECA period (Green Mountain/Quest issue). FirstEnergy executed settlements with AEP, Dayton and the Exelon parties to fix FirstEnergy’s liability for SECA charges originally billed to Green Mountain and Quest for load that returned to regulated service during the SECA period. The AEP, Dayton and Exelon, settlements were approved by FERC in November 2010, and the relevant payments made. The subsidiaries of Allegheny entered into nine settlements to fix their liability for SECA charges with various parties. All of the settlements were approved by FERC and the relevant payments have been made for eight of the settlements. Payments due under the remaining settlement will be made as a part of the refund obligations of the Utilities that are under review by FERC as part of a compliance filing. Potential refund obligations of FirstEnergy and the Allegheny subsidiaries are not expected to be material. Rehearings remain pending in this proceeding.
PJM Transmission Rate
In April 2007, FERC issued an order (Opinion 494) finding that the PJM transmission owners’ existing “license plate” or zonal rate design was just and reasonable and ordered that the current license plate rates for existing transmission facilities be retained. On the issue of rates for new transmission facilities, FERC directed that costs for new transmission facilities that are rated at 500 kV or higher are to be collected from all transmission zones throughout the PJM footprint by means of a postage-stamp rate based on the amount of load served in a transmission zone. Costs for new transmission facilities that are rated at less than 500 kV, however, are to be allocated on a load flow methodology (DFAX), which is generally referred to as a “beneficiary pays” approach to allocating the cost of high voltage transmission facilities.

 

120


Table of Contents

FERC’s Opinion 494 order was appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, which issued a decision in August 2009. The court affirmed FERC’s ratemaking treatment for existing transmission facilities, but found that FERC had not supported its decision to allocate costs for new 500+ kV facilities on a load ratio share basis and, based on this finding, remanded the rate design issue back to FERC.
In an order dated January 21, 2010, FERC set the matter for a “paper hearing”— meaning that FERC called for parties to submit written comments pursuant to the schedule described in the order. FERC identified nine separate issues for comments and directed PJM to file the first round of comments on February 22, 2010, with other parties submitting responsive comments and then reply comments on later dates. PJM filed certain studies with FERC on April 13, 2010, in response to the FERC order. PJM’s filing demonstrated that allocation of the cost of high voltage transmission facilities on a beneficiary pays basis results in certain eastern utilities in PJM bearing the majority of the costs. Numerous parties filed responsive comments or studies on May 28, 2010 and reply comments on June 28, 2010. FirstEnergy and a number of other utilities, industrial customers and state commissions supported the use of the beneficiary pays approach for cost allocation for high voltage transmission facilities. Certain eastern utilities and their state commissions supported continued socialization of these costs on a load ratio share basis. This matter is awaiting action by FERC.
RTO Realignment
On June 1, 2011, ATSI and the ATSI zone entered into PJM. The move was performed as planned with no known operational or reliability issues for ATSI or for the wholesale transmission customers in the ATSI zone.
On February 1, 2011, ATSI in conjunction with PJM filed its proposal with FERC for moving its transmission rate into PJM’s tariffs. On April 1, 2011, the MISO Transmission Owners (including ATSI) filed proposed tariff language that describes the mechanics of collecting and administering MTEP costs from ATSI-zone ratepayers. From March 20, 2011 through April 1, 2011, FirstEnergy, PJM and the MISO submitted numerous filings for the purpose of effecting movement of the ATSI zone to PJM on June 1, 2011. These filings include amendments to the MISO’s tariffs (to remove the ATSI zone), submission of load and generation interconnection agreements to reflect the move into PJM, and submission of changes to PJM’s tariffs to support the move into PJM.
On May 31, 2011, FERC issued orders that address the proposed ATSI transmission rate, and certain parts of the MISO tariffs that reflect the mechanics of transmission cost allocation and collection. In its May 31, 2011 orders, FERC approved ATSI’s proposal to move the ATSI formula rate into the PJM tariff without significant change. Speaking to ATSI’s proposed treatment of the MISO’s exit fees and charges for transmission costs that were allocated to the ATSI zone, FERC required ATSI to present a cost-benefit study that demonstrates that the benefits of the move for transmission customers exceed the costs of any such move, which FERC had not previously required. Accordingly, FERC ruled that these costs must be removed from ATSI’s proposed transmission rates until such time as ATSI files and FERC approves the cost-benefit study. On June 30, 2011, ATSI submitted the compliance filing that removed the MISO exit fees and transmission cost allocation charges from ATSI’s proposed transmission rates. Also on June 30, 2011, ATSI requested rehearing of FERC’s decision to require a cost-benefit study analysis as part of FERC’s evaluation of ATSI’s proposed transmission rates. The compliance filing, and ATSI’s request for rehearing, are currently pending before FERC.
From late April 2011 through June 2011, FERC issued other orders that address ATSI’s move into PJM. These orders approve ATSI’s proposed interconnection agreements for large wholesale transmission customers and generators, and revisions to the PJM and MISO tariffs that reflect ATSI’s move into PJM. In addition, FERC approved an “Exit Fee Agreement” that memorializes the agreement between ATSI and MISO with regard to ATSI’s obligation to pay certain administrative charges to the MISO upon exit. Finally, ATSI and the MISO were able to negotiate an agreement of ATSI’s responsibility for certain charges associated with long term firm transmission rights — that, according to the MISO, were payable by the ATSI zone upon its departure from the MISO. ATSI did not and does not agree that these costs should be charged to ATSI but, in order to settle the case and all claims associated with the case, ATSI agreed to a one-time payment of $1.8 million to the MISO. This settlement agreement has been submitted for FERC’s review and approval. The final outcome of those proceedings that address the remaining open issues related to ATSI’s move into PJM and their impact, if any, on FirstEnergy cannot be predicted at this time.
MISO Multi-Value Project Rule Proposal
In July 2010, MISO and certain MISO transmission owners jointly filed with FERC their proposed cost allocation methodology for certain new transmission projects. The new transmission projects—described as MVPs — are a class of transmission projects that are approved via MISO’s formal transmission planning process (the MTEP). The filing parties proposed to allocate the costs of MVPs by means of a usage-based charge that will be applied to all loads within the MISO footprint, and to energy transactions that call for power to be “wheeled through” the MISO as well as to energy transactions that “source” in the MISO but “sink” outside of MISO. The filing parties expect that the MVP proposal will fund the costs of large transmission projects designed to bring wind generation from the upper Midwest to load centers in the east. The filing parties requested an effective date for the proposal of July 16, 2011. On August 19, 2010, MISO’s Board approved the first MVP project — the “Michigan Thumb Project.” Under MISO’s proposal, the costs of MVP projects approved by MISO’s Board prior to the June 1, 2011 effective date of FirstEnergy’s integration into PJM would continue to be allocated to FirstEnergy. MISO estimated that approximately $15 million in annual revenue requirements would be allocated to the ATSI zone associated with the Michigan Thumb Project upon its completion.

 

121


Table of Contents

In September 2010, FirstEnergy filed a protest to the MVP proposal arguing that MISO’s proposal to allocate costs of MVPs projects across the entire MISO footprint does not align with the established rule that cost allocation is to be based on cost causation (the “beneficiary pays” approach). FirstEnergy also argued that, in light of progress that had been made to date in the ATSI integration into PJM, it would be unjust and unreasonable to allocate any MVP costs to the ATSI zone, or to ATSI. Numerous other parties filed pleadings on MISO’s MVP proposal.
In December 2010, FERC issued an order approving the MVP proposal without significant change. FERC’s order was not clear, however, as to whether the MVP costs would be payable by ATSI or load in the ATSI zone. FERC stated that the MISO’s tariffs obligate ATSI to pay all charges that attached prior to ATSI’s exit but ruled that the question of the amount of costs that are to be allocated to ATSI or to load in the ATSI zone were beyond the scope of FERC’s order and would be addressed in future proceedings.
On January 18, 2011, FirstEnergy filed for rehearing of FERC’s order. In its rehearing request, FirstEnergy argued that because the MVP rate is usage-based, costs could not be applied to ATSI, which is a stand-alone transmission company that does not use the transmission system. FirstEnergy also renewed its arguments regarding cost causation and the impropriety of allocating costs to the ATSI zone or to ATSI.
As noted above, on February 1, 2011, ATSI filed proposed transmission rates related to its move into PJM. The proposed rates included line items that were intended to recover all MVP costs (if any) that might be charged to ATSI or to the ATSI zone. In its May 31, 2011 order on ATSI’s proposed transmission rates FERC ruled that ATSI must submit a cost-benefit study before ATSI can recover the MVP costs. FERC further directed that ATSI remove the line-items from ATSI’s formula rate that would recover the MVP costs until such time as ATSI submits and FERC approves the cost-benefit study. ATSI requested a rehearing of these parts of FERC’s order and, pending this further legal process, has removed the MVP line items from its transmission rates.
FirstEnergy cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings at this time.
California Claims Matters
In October 2006, several California governmental and utility parties presented AE Supply with a settlement proposal to resolve alleged overcharges for power sales by AE Supply to the California Energy Resource Scheduling division of the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) during 2001. The settlement proposal claims that CDWR is owed approximately $190 million for these alleged overcharges. This proposal was made in the context of mediation efforts by FERC and the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in pending proceedings to resolve all outstanding refund and other claims, including claims of alleged price manipulation in the California energy markets during 2000 and 2001. The Ninth Circuit has since remanded one of those proceedings to FERC, which arises out of claims previously filed with FERC by the California Attorney General on behalf of certain California parties against various sellers in the California wholesale power market, including AE Supply (the Lockyer case). AE Supply and several other sellers filed motions to dismiss the Lockyer case. In March 2010, the judge assigned to the case entered an opinion that granted the motions to dismiss filed by AE Supply and other sellers and dismissed the claims of the California Parties. On May 4, 2011, FERC affirmed the judge’s ruling.
In June 2009, the California Attorney General, on behalf of certain California parties, filed a second complaint with FERC against various sellers, including AE Supply (the Brown case), again seeking refunds for trades in the California energy markets during 2000 and 2001. The above-noted trades with CDWR are the basis for including AE Supply in this new complaint. AE Supply filed a motion to dismiss the Brown complaint that was granted by FERC on May 24, 2011. On June 23, 2011, the California Attorney General requested rehearing of the May 24, 2011 order. FirstEnergy cannot predict the outcome of this matter.
Transmission Expansion
TrAIL Project. TrAIL is a 500 kV transmission line extending from southwest Pennsylvania through West Virginia and into northern Virginia. Effective May 19, 2011, all segments of TrAIL were energized and in service.
PATH Project. The PATH Project is comprised of a 765 kV transmission line that was proposed to extend from West Virginia through Virginia and into Maryland, modifications to an existing substation in Putnam County, West Virginia, and the construction of new substations in Hardy County, West Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland.

 

122


Table of Contents

PJM initially authorized construction of the PATH Project in June 2007. In December 2010, PJM advised that its 2011 Load Forecast Report included load projections that are different from previous forecasts and that may have an impact on the proposed in-service date for the PATH Project. As part of its 2011 RTEP, and in response to a January 19, 2011 directive by a Virginia Hearing Examiner, PJM conducted a series of analyses using the most current economic forecasts and demand response commitments, as well as potential new generation resources. Preliminary analysis revealed the expected reliability violations that necessitated the PATH Project had moved several years into the future. Based on those results, PJM announced on February 28, 2011 that its Board of Managers had decided to hold the PATH Project in abeyance in its 2011 RTEP and directed FirstEnergy and AEP, as the sponsoring transmission owners, to suspend current development efforts on the project, subject to those activities necessary to maintain the project in its current state, while PJM conducts more rigorous analysis of the need for the project as part of its continuing RTEP process. PJM stated that its action did not constitute a directive to FirstEnergy and AEP to cancel or abandon the PATH Project. PJM further stated that it will complete a more rigorous analysis of the PATH Project and other transmission requirements and its Board will review this comprehensive analysis as part of its consideration of the 2011 RTEP. On February 28, 2011, affiliates of FirstEnergy and AEP filed motions or notices to withdraw applications for authorization to construct the project that were pending before state commissions in West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland. Withdrawal was deemed effective upon filing the notice with the MDPSC. The WVPSC and VSCC have granted the motions to withdraw.
PATH, LLC submitted a filing to FERC to implement a formula rate tariff effective March 1, 2008. In a November 19, 2010 order addressing various matters relating to the formula rate, FERC set the project’s base return on equity for hearing and reaffirmed its prior authorization of a return on CWIP, recovery of start-up costs and recovery of abandonment costs. In the order, FERC also granted a 1.5% return on equity incentive adder and a 0.50% return on equity adder for RTO participation. These adders will be applied to the base return on equity determined as a result of the hearing. PATH, LLC is currently engaged in settlement discussions with the staff of FERC and intervenors regarding resolution of the base return on equity.
Seneca Pumped Storage Project Relicensing
The Seneca (Kinzua) Pumped Storage Project is a 451 MW hydroelectric project located in Warren County, Pennsylvania owned and operated by FGCO. FGCO holds the current FERC license that authorizes ownership and operation of the project. The current FERC license will expire on November 30, 2015. FERC’s regulations call for a five-year relicensing process. On November 24, 2010, and acting pursuant to applicable FERC regulations and rules, FGCO initiated the relicensing process by filing its notice of intent to relicense and pre-application document (PAD) in the license docket.
On November 30, 2010, the Seneca Nation of Indians filed its notice of intent to relicense and PAD documents necessary for them to submit a competing application. Section 15 of the FPA contemplates that third parties may file a ‘competing application’ to assume ownership and operation of a hydroelectric facility upon (i) relicensure and (ii) payment of net book value of the plant to the original owner/operator. Nonetheless, FGCO believes it is entitled to a statutory “incumbent preference” under Section 15.
The Seneca Nation and certain other intervenors have asked FERC to redefine the “project boundary” of the hydroelectric plant to include the dam and reservoir facilities operated by the U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers. On May 16, 2011, FirstEnergy filed a Petition for Declaratory Order with FERC seeking an order to exclude the dam and reservoir facilities from the project. The Seneca Nation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and the U.S. Department of Interior each submitted responses to FirstEnergy’s petition, including motions to dismiss FirstEnergy’s petition. The “project boundary” issue is pending before FERC.
The next steps in the relicensing process are for FirstEnergy and the Seneca Nation to define and perform certain environmental and operational studies to support their respective applications. These steps are expected to run through approximately November of 2013. FirstEnergy cannot predict the outcome of these proceedings at this time.
Environmental Matters
Various federal, state and local authorities regulate FirstEnergy with regard to air and water quality and other environmental matters. 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.
CAA Compliance
FirstEnergy is required to meet federally-approved SO2 and NOx emissions regulations under the CAA. FirstEnergy complies with SO2 and NOx reduction requirements under the CAA and SIP(s) by burning lower-sulfur fuel, combustion controls and post-combustion controls, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants and/or using emission allowances. Violations can result in the shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties.
In July 2008, three complaints were filed against FGCO in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania seeking damages based on coal-fired Bruce Mansfield Plant air emissions. Two of these complaints also seek to enjoin the Bruce Mansfield Plant from operating except in a “safe, responsible, prudent and proper manner,” one being a complaint filed on behalf of twenty-one individuals and the other being a class action complaint seeking certification as a class action with the eight named plaintiffs as the class representatives. FGCO believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend itself against the allegations made in these three complaints.

 

123


Table of Contents

The states of New Jersey and Connecticut filed CAA citizen suits in 2007 alleging NSR violations at the Portland Generation Station against GenOn Energy, Inc. (formerly RRI Energy, Inc. and the current owner and operator), Sithe Energy (the purchaser of the Portland Station from Met-Ed in 1999) and Met-Ed. Specifically, these suits allege that “modifications” at Portland Units 1 and 2 occurred between 1980 and 2005 without preconstruction NSR permitting in violation of the CAA’s PSD program, and seek injunctive relief, penalties, attorney fees and mitigation of the harm caused by excess emissions. In September 2009, the Court granted Met-Ed’s motion to dismiss New Jersey’s and Connecticut’s claims for injunctive relief against Met-Ed, but denied Met-Ed’s motion to dismiss the claims for civil penalties. The parties dispute the scope of Met-Ed’s indemnity obligation to and from Sithe Energy, and Met-Ed is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In January 2009, the EPA issued a NOV to GenOn Energy, Inc. alleging NSR violations at the Portland coal-fired plant based on “modifications” dating back to 1986. On March 31, 2011, the EPA proposed emissions limits and compliance schedules to reduce SO2 air emissions by approximately 81% at the Portland Plant based on an interstate pollution transport petition submitted by New Jersey under Section 126 of the CAA. The NOV also alleged NSR violations at the Keystone and Shawville coal-fired plants based on “modifications” dating back to 1984. Met-Ed, JCP&L, as the former owner of 16.67% of Keystone, and Penelec, as former owner and operator of Shawville, are unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In June 2008, the EPA issued a Notice and Finding of Violation to Mission Energy Westside, Inc. (Mission) alleging that “modifications” at the coal-fired Homer City Plant occurred from 1988 to the present without preconstruction NSR permitting in violation of the CAA’s PSD program. In May 2010, the EPA issued a second NOV to Mission, Penelec, New York State Electric & Gas Corporation and others that have had an ownership interest in Homer City containing in all material respects allegations identical to those included in the June 2008 NOV. In January 2011, the DOJ filed a complaint against Penelec in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania seeking injunctive relief against Penelec based on alleged “modifications” at Homer City between 1991 to 1994 without preconstruction NSR permitting in violation of the CAA’s PSD and Title V permitting programs. The complaint was also filed against the former co-owner, New York State Electric and Gas Corporation, and various current owners of Homer City, including EME Homer City Generation L.P. and affiliated companies, including Edison International. In January 2011, another complaint was filed against Penelec and the other entities described above in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania seeking damages based on Homer City’s air emissions as well as certification as a class action and to enjoin Homer City from operating except in a “safe, responsible, prudent and proper manner.” Penelec believes the claims are without merit and intends to defend itself against the allegations made in the complaint, but, at this time, is unable to predict the outcome of this matter. In addition, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the States of New Jersey and New York intervened and have filed separate complaints regarding Homer City seeking injunctive relief and civil penalties. Mission is seeking indemnification from Penelec, the co-owner and operator of Homer City prior to its sale in 1999. On April 21, 2011, Penelec and all other defendants filed Motions to Dismiss all of the federal claims and the various state claims. Responsive and Reply briefs were filed on May 26, 2011 and June 17, 2011, respectively. The scope of Penelec’s indemnity obligation to and from Mission is under dispute and Penelec is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In August 2009, the EPA issued a Finding of Violation and NOV alleging violations of the CAA and Ohio regulations, including the PSD, NNSR and Title V regulations at the Eastlake, Lakeshore, Bay Shore and Ashtabula coal-fired plants. The EPA’s NOV alleges equipment replacements occurring during maintenance outages dating back to 1990 triggered the pre-construction permitting requirements under the PSD and NNSR programs. FGCO received a request for certain operating and maintenance information and planning information for these same generating plants and notification that the EPA is evaluating whether certain maintenance at the Eastlake Plant may constitute a major modification under the NSR provision of the CAA. Later in 2009, FGCO also received another information request regarding emission projections for Eastlake Plant. In June 2011, EPA issued another Finding of Violation and NOV alleging violations of the CAA and Ohio regulations, specifically opacity limitations and requirements to continuously operate opacity monitoring systems at the Eastlake, Lakeshore, Bay Shore and Ashtabula coal-fired plants. Also, in June 2011, FirstEnergy received an information request pursuant to section 114(a) of the CAA for certain operating maintenance and planning information, among other information regarding these plants. FGCO intends to comply with the CAA, including the EPA’s information requests but, at this time, is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In August 2000, AE received an information request pursuant to section 114(a) of the CAA letter from the EPA requesting that it provide information and documentation relevant to the operation and maintenance of the following ten coal-fired plants, which collectively include 22 electric generation units Albright, Armstrong, Fort Martin, Harrison, Hatfield’s Ferry, Mitchell, Pleasants, Rivesville, R. Paul Smith and Willow Island to determine compliance with the CAA and related requirements, including potential application of the NSR standards under the CAA, which can require the installation of additional air emission control equipment when the major modification of an existing facility results in an increase in emissions. AE has provided responsive information to this and a subsequent request but is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In May 2004, AE, AE Supply, MP and WP received a Notice of Intent to Sue Pursuant to CAA §7604 from the Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut and from the PA DEP, alleging that Allegheny performed major modifications in violation of the PSD provisions of the CAA at the following West Virginia coal-fired plants: Albright Unit 3; Fort Martin Units 1 and 2; Harrison Units 1, 2 and 3; Pleasants Units 1 and 2 and Willow Island Unit 2. The Notice also alleged PSD violations at the Armstrong, Hatfield’s Ferry and Mitchell coal-fired plants in Pennsylvania and identifies PA DEP as the lead agency regarding those facilities. In September 2004, AE, AE Supply, MP and WP received a separate Notice of Intent to Sue from the Maryland Attorney General that essentially mirrored the previous Notice.

 

124


Table of Contents

In June 2005, the PA DEP and the Attorneys General of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland filed suit against AE, AE Supply, MP, PE and WP in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania alleging, among other things, that Allegheny performed major modifications in violation of the CAA and the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act at the Hatfield’s Ferry, Armstrong and Mitchell Plants in Pennsylvania. On January 17, 2006, the PA DEP and the Attorneys General filed an amended complaint. A non-jury trial on liability only was held in September 2010. Plaintiffs filed their proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in December 2010, Allegheny made its related filings in February 2011 and plaintiffs filed their responses in April 2011. The parties are awaiting a decision from the District Court, but there is no deadline for that decision.
In September 2007, Allegheny also received a NOV from the EPA alleging NSR and PSD violations under the CAA, as well as Pennsylvania and West Virginia state laws at the Hatfield’s Ferry and Armstrong Plants in Pennsylvania and the Fort Martin and Willow Island coal-fired plants in West Virginia.
FirstEnergy intends to vigorously defend against the CAA matters described above but cannot predict their outcomes.
State Air Quality Compliance
In early 2006, Maryland passed the Healthy Air Act, which imposes state-wide emission caps on SO2 and NOX, requires mercury emission reductions and mandates that Maryland join the RGGI and participate in that coalition’s regional efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. On April 20, 2007, Maryland became the 10th state to join the RGGI. The Healthy Air Act provides a conditional exemption for the R. Paul Smith coal-fired plant for NOX, SO2 and mercury, based on a PJM declaration that the plant is vital to reliability in the Baltimore/Washington DC metropolitan area, which PJM determined in 2006. Pursuant to the legislation, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) passed alternate NOX and SO2 limits for R. Paul Smith, which became effective in April 2009. However, R. Paul Smith is still required to meet the Healthy Air Act mercury reductions of 80% beginning in 2010. The statutory exemption does not extend to R. Paul Smith’s CO2 emissions. Maryland issued final regulations to implement RGGI requirements in February 2008. Ten RGGI auctions have been held through the end of calendar year 2010. RGGI allowances are also readily available in the allowance markets, affording another mechanism by which to secure necessary allowances. On March 14, 2011, MDE requested PJM perform an analysis to determine if termination of operation at R. Paul Smith would adversely impact the reliability of electrical service in the PJM region under current system conditions. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In January 2010, the WVDEP issued a NOV for opacity emissions at Allegheny’s Pleasants coal-fired plant. FirstEnergy is discussing with WVDEP steps to resolve the NOV including installing a reagent injection system to reduce opacity.
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
The EPA’s CAIR requires reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (2009/2010 and 2015), ultimately capping SO2 emissions in affected states to 2.5 million tons annually and NOx emissions to 1.3 million tons annually. In 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit vacated CAIR “in its entirety” and directed the EPA to “redo its analysis from the ground up.” In December 2008, the Court reconsidered its prior ruling and allowed CAIR to remain in effect to “temporarily preserve its environmental values” until the EPA replaces CAIR with a new rule consistent with the Court’s opinion. The Court ruled in a different case that a cap-and-trade program similar to CAIR, called the “NOx SIP Call,” cannot be used to satisfy certain CAA requirements (known as reasonably available control technology) for areas in non-attainment under the “8-hour” ozone NAAQS. In July 2011, the EPA finalized the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) to replace CAIR, which remains in effect until CSAPR becomes effective (60 days after publication in the Federal Register). CSAPR requires reductions of NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (2012 and 2014), 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. FGCO’s future cost of compliance may be substantial and changes to FirstEnergy’s operations may result. Management is currently assessing the impact of CSAPR, other environmental proposals and other factors on FirstEnergy’s competitive fossil generating facilities, including but not limited to, the impact on value of our emissions allowances (currently reflected at $38 million on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2011) and the operations of its coal-fired plants.
Hazardous Air Pollutant Emissions
On March 16, 2011, the EPA released its MACT proposal to establish emission standards for mercury, hydrochloric acid and various metals for electric generating units. Depending on the action taken by the EPA and how any future regulations are ultimately implemented, FirstEnergy’s future cost of compliance with MACT regulations may be substantial and changes to FirstEnergy’s operations may result.

 

125


Table of Contents

Climate Change
There are a number of initiatives to reduce GHG emissions under consideration at the federal, state and international level. At the federal level, members of Congress have introduced several bills seeking to reduce emissions of GHG in the United States, and the House of Representatives passed one such bill, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, in June 2009. The Senate continues to consider a number of measures to regulate GHG emissions. President Obama has announced his Administration’s “New Energy for America Plan” that includes, among other provisions, proposals to ensure that 10% of electricity used in the United States comes from renewable sources by 2012, to increase to 25% by 2025, to implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce GHG emissions by 80% by 2050. Certain states, primarily the northeastern states participating in the RGGI and western states, led by California, have coordinated efforts to develop regional strategies to control emissions of certain GHGs.
In September 2009, the EPA finalized a national GHG emissions collection and reporting rule that required FirstEnergy to measure GHG emissions commencing in 2010 and will require it to submit reports commencing in 2011. In December 2009, the EPA released its final “Endangerment and Cause or Contribute Findings for Greenhouse Gases under the Clean Air Act.” The EPA’s finding concludes that concentrations of several key GHGs increase the threat of climate change and may be regulated as “air pollutants” under the CAA. In April 2010, the EPA finalized new GHG standards for model years 2012 to 2016 passenger cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles and clarified that GHG regulation under the CAA would not be triggered for electric generating plants and other stationary sources until January 2, 2011, at the earliest. In May 2010, the EPA finalized new thresholds for GHG emissions that define when permits under the CAA’s NSR program would be required. The EPA established an emissions applicability threshold of 75,000 tons per year (tpy) of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2) effective January 2, 2011 for existing facilities under the CAA’s PSD program. Until July 1, 2011, this emissions applicability threshold will only apply if PSD is triggered by non-CO2 pollutants.
At the international level, the Kyoto Protocol, signed by the U.S. in 1998 but never submitted for ratification by the U.S. Senate, was intended to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made GHG, including CO2, emitted by developed countries by 2012. A December 2009 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen did not reach a consensus on a successor treaty to the Kyoto Protocol, but did take note of the Copenhagen Accord, a non-binding political agreement that recognized the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be below two degrees Celsius; includes a commitment by developed countries to provide funds, approaching $30 billion over the next three years with a goal of increasing to $100 billion by 2020; and establishes the “Copenhagen Green Climate Fund” to support mitigation, adaptation, and other climate-related activities in developing countries. To the extent that they have become a party to the Copenhagen Accord, developed economies, such as the European Union, Japan, Russia and the United States, would commit to quantified economy-wide emissions targets from 2020, while developing countries, including Brazil, China and India, would agree to take mitigation actions, subject to their domestic measurement, reporting and verification.
In 2009, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reversed and remanded lower court decisions that had dismissed complaints alleging damage from GHG emissions on jurisdictional grounds. However, a subsequent ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reinstated the lower court dismissal of a complaint alleging damage from GHG emissions. These cases involve common law tort claims, including public and private nuisance, alleging that GHG emissions contribute to global warming and result in property damages. The U.S. Supreme Court granted a writ of certiorari to review the decision of the Second Circuit. On June 20, 2011, the U. S. Supreme Court reversed the Second Circuit. The Court remanded to the Second Circuit the issue of whether the CAA preempted state common law nuisance actions. The Court’s ruling also failed to answer the question of the extent to which actions for damages may remain viable. While FirstEnergy is not a party to this litigation, in June 2011, FirstEnergy received notice of a complaint alleging that the GHG emissions of 87 companies, including FirstEnergy, render them liable for damages to certain residents of Mississippi stemming from Hurricane Katrina. On July 27, 2011, the plaintiff voluntarily dismissed FirstEnergy from this complaint.
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 significant capital and other expenditures or result in changes to its operations. The CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity generated by FirstEnergy is lower than many of its regional competitors due to its diversified generation sources, which include low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.
Clean Water Act
Various water quality regulations, the majority of which are the result of the federal Clean Water Act and its amendments, apply to FirstEnergy’s plants. In addition, the states in which FirstEnergy operates have water quality standards applicable to FirstEnergy’s operations.
In 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing electric generating plants. The regulations call for reductions in impingement mortality (when aquatic organisms are pinned against screens or other parts of a cooling water intake system) and entrainment (which occurs when aquatic life is drawn into a facility’s cooling water system). In 2007, the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit invalidated portions of the Section 316(b) performance standards and the EPA has taken the position that until further rulemaking occurs, permitting authorities should continue the existing practice of applying their best professional judgment to minimize impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures. In April 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed one significant aspect of the Second Circuit’s opinion and decided that Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act authorizes the EPA to compare costs with

 

126


Table of Contents

benefits in determining the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact at cooling water intake structures. On March 28, 2011, the EPA released a new proposed regulation under Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act generally requiring fish impingement to be reduced to a 12% annual average and studies to be conducted at the majority of our existing generating facilities to assist permitting authorities to determine whether and what site-specific controls, if any, would be required to reduce entrainment of aquatic life. On July 19, 2011, the EPA extended the public comment period for the new proposed Section 316(b) regulation by 30 days but stated its schedule for issuing a final rule remains July 27, 2012. FirstEnergy is studying various control options and their costs and effectiveness, including pilot testing of reverse louvers in a portion of the Bay Shore power plant’s water intake channel to divert fish away from the plant’s water intake system. In November 2010, the Ohio EPA issued a permit for the coal-fired Bay Shore Plant requiring installation of reverse louvers in its entire water intake channel by December 31, 2014. Depending on the results of such studies and the EPA’s further rulemaking and any final action taken by the states exercising best professional judgment, the future costs of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.
In April 2011, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Cleveland, Ohio advised FGCO that it is no longer considering prosecution under the Clean Water Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for three petroleum spills at the Edgewater, Lakeshore and Bay Shore plants which occurred on November 1, 2005, January 26, 2007 and February 27, 2007. This matter has been referred back to EPA for civil enforcement and FGCO is unable to predict the outcome of this matter.
In May 2011, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, and the Sierra Club filed a CWA citizen suit alleging violations of arsenic limits in the NPDES water discharge permit for the fly ash disposal site at the Albright coal-fired plant seeking unspecified civil penalties and injunctive relief. MP is currently seeking relief from the arsenic limits through WVDEP agency review. In June 2011, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, the West Virginia Rivers Coalition, and the Sierra Club served another 60-Day Notice of Intent required prior to filing a citizen suit under the Clean Water Act for alleged failure to obtain a permit to construct the fly ash impoundments at the Albright Station.
FirstEnergy intends to vigorously defend against the CWA matters described above but cannot predict their outcomes.
Monongahela River Water Quality
In late 2008, the PA DEP imposed water quality criteria for certain effluents, including TDS and sulfate concentrations in the Monongahela River, on new and modified sources, including the scrubber project at the Hatfield’s Ferry coal-fired plant. These criteria are reflected in the current PA DEP water discharge permit for that project. AE Supply appealed the PA DEP’s permitting decision, which would require it to incur significant costs or negatively affect its ability to operate the scrubbers as designed. Preliminary studies indicate an initial capital investment in excess of $150 million in order to install technology to meet the TDS and sulfate limits in the permit. The permit has been independently appealed by Environmental Integrity Project and Citizens Coal Council, which seeks to impose more stringent technology-based effluent limitations. Those same parties have intervened in the appeal filed by AE Supply, and both appeals have been consolidated for discovery purposes. An order has been entered that stays the permit limits that AE Supply has challenged while the appeal is pending. The hearing is scheduled to begin in September 2011, however the Court stayed all prehearing deadlines on July 15, 2011 to allow the parties additional time to work out a settlement. AE Supply intends to vigorously pursue these issues, but cannot predict the outcome of these appeals.
In a parallel rulemaking, the PA DEP recommended, and in August 2010, the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board issued, a final rule imposing end-of-pipe TDS effluent limitations. FirstEnergy could incur significant costs for additional control equipment to meet the requirements of this rule, although its provisions do not apply to electric generating units until the end of 2018, and then only if the EPA has not promulgated TDS effluent limitation guidelines applicable to such units.
In December 2010, PA DEP submitted its Clean Water Act 303(d) list to the EPA with a recommended sulfate impairment designation for an approximately 68 mile stretch of the Monongahela River north of the West Virginia border. In May 2011, the EPA agreed with PA DEP’s recommended sulfate impairment designation. PA DEP’s goal is to submit a final water quality standards regulation, incorporating the sulfate impairment designation for EPA approval by May, 2013. PA DEP will then need to develop a TMDL limit for the river, a process that will take approximately five years. Based on the stringency of the TMDL, FirstEnergy may incur significant costs to reduce sulfate discharges into the Monongahela River from its Hatfield’s Ferry and Mitchell facilities in Pennsylvania and its Fort Martin facility in West Virginia.
In October 2009, the WVDEP issued the water discharge permit for the Fort Martin generation facility. Similar to the Hatfield’s Ferry water discharge permit issued for the scrubber project, the Fort Martin permit imposes effluent limitations for TDS and sulfate concentrations. The permit also imposes temperature limitations and other effluent limits for heavy metals that are not contained in the Hatfield’s Ferry water permit. Concurrent with the issuance of the Fort Martin permit, WVDEP also issued an administrative order that sets deadlines for MP to meet certain of the effluent limits that are effective immediately under the terms of the permit. MP appealed the Fort Martin permit and the administrative order. The appeal included a request to stay certain of the conditions of the permit and order while the appeal is pending, which was granted pending a final decision on appeal and subject to WVDEP moving to dissolve the stay. The appeals have been consolidated. MP moved to dismiss certain of the permit conditions for the failure of the WVDEP to submit those conditions for public review and comment during the permitting process. An agreed-upon order that suspends further action on this appeal, pending WVDEP’s release for public review and comment on those conditions, was entered on August 11, 2010. The stay remains in effect during that process. The current terms of the Fort Martin permit would require MP to incur significant costs or negatively affect operations at Fort Martin. Preliminary information indicates an initial capital investment in excess of the capital investment that may be needed at Hatfield’s Ferry in order to install technology to meet the TDS and sulfate limits in the Fort Martin permit, which technology may also meet certain of the other effluent limits in the permit. Additional technology may be needed to meet certain other limits in the permit. MP intends to vigorously pursue these issues but cannot predict the outcome of these appeals.

 

127


Table of Contents

Regulation of Waste Disposal
Federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated as a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. Certain fossil-fuel combustion residuals, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA’s evaluation of the need for future regulation. In February 2009, the EPA requested comments from the states on options for regulating coal combustion residuals, including whether they should be regulated as hazardous or non-hazardous waste.
In December 2009, in an advanced notice of public rulemaking, the EPA asserted that the large volumes of coal combustion residuals produced by electric utilities pose significant financial risk to the industry. In May 2010, the EPA proposed two options for additional regulation of coal combustion residuals, including the option of regulation as a special waste under the EPA’s hazardous waste management program which could have a significant impact on the management, beneficial use and disposal of coal combustion residuals. FirstEnergy’s future cost of compliance with any coal combustion residuals regulations that may be promulgated could be substantial and would depend, in part, on the regulatory action taken by the EPA and implementation by the EPA or the states.
The Little Blue Run (LBR) Coal Combustion By-products (CCB) impoundment is expected to run out of disposal capacity for disposal of CCBs from the Bruce Mansfield Plant between 2016 and 2018. In July 2011, BMP submitted a Phase I permit application to PA DEP for construction of a new dry CCB disposal facility adjacent to LBR. BMP anticipates submitting zoning applications for approval to allow construction of a new dry CCB disposal facility prior to commencing construction.
The Utility Registrants have been named as potentially responsible parties at waste disposal sites, which may require cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. 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 sheet as of June 30, 2011, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Utility Registrants’ proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other unaffiliated entities to pay. Total liabilities of approximately $133 million (JCP&L — $69 million, TE — $1 million, CEI — $1 million, FGCO — $1 million and FirstEnergy — $61 million) have been accrued through June 30, 2011. Included in the total are accrued liabilities of approximately $63 million for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plants and gas holder facilities in New Jersey, which are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. On July 11, 2011, FirstEnergy was found to be a potentially responsible party under CERCLA indirectly liable for a portion of past and future clean-up costs at certain legacy MGP sites, estimated to total approximately $59 million. FirstEnergy recognized additional expense of $29 million during the second quarter of 2011; $30 million had previously been reserved prior to 2011.
Other Legal Proceedings
Power Outages and Related Litigation
In July 1999, the Mid-Atlantic States experienced a severe heat wave, which resulted in power outages throughout the service territories of many electric utilities, including JCP&L. Two class action lawsuits (subsequently consolidated into a single proceeding) were filed in New Jersey Superior Court in July 1999 against JCP&L, GPU and other GPU companies, seeking compensatory and punitive damages due to the outages. After various motions, rulings and appeals, the Plaintiffs’ claims for consumer fraud, common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, strict product liability and punitive damages were dismissed, leaving only the negligence and breach of contract causes of actions. On July 29, 2010, the Appellate Division upheld the trial court’s decision decertifying the class. Plaintiffs have filed, and JCP&L has opposed, a motion for leave to appeal to the New Jersey Supreme Court. In November 2010, the Supreme Court issued an order denying Plaintiffs’ motion. The Court’s order effectively ends the class action attempt, and leaves only nine (9) plaintiffs to pursue their respective individual claims. The remaining individual plaintiffs have yet to take any affirmative steps to pursue their individual claims.
Nuclear Plant Matters
Under NRC regulations, FirstEnergy must ensure that adequate funds will be available to decommission its nuclear facilities. As of June 30, 2011, FirstEnergy had approximately $2 billion invested in external trusts to be used for the decommissioning and environmental remediation of Davis-Besse, Beaver Valley, Perry and TMI-2. As required by the NRC, FirstEnergy annually recalculates and adjusts the amount of its parental guarantee, as appropriate. The values of FirstEnergy’s NDT fluctuate based on market conditions. If the value of the trusts decline by a material amount, FirstEnergy’s obligation 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 NDT. The NRC issued guidance anticipating an increase in low-level radioactive waste disposal costs associated with the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. On March 28, 2011, FENOC submitted its biennial report on nuclear decommissioning funding to the NRC. This submittal identified a total shortfall in nuclear decommissioning funding for Beaver Valley Unit 1 and Perry of approximately $92.5 million. On June 24, 2011, FENOC submitted a $95 million parental guarantee to the NRC for its approval.

 

128


Table of Contents

In August 2010, FENOC submitted an application to the NRC for renewal of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station operating license for an additional twenty years, until 2037. By an order dated April 26, 2011, a NRC Atomic Safety and Licensing Board (ASLB) granted a hearing on the Davis-Besse license renewal application to a group of petitioners. By this order, the ASLB also admitted two contentions challenging whether FENOC’s Environmental Report adequately evaluated (1) a combination of renewable energy sources as alternatives to the renewal of Davis-Besse’s operating license, and (2) severe accident mitigation alternatives at Davis-Besse. On May 6, 2011, FENOC filed an appeal with the NRC Commissioners from the order granting a hearing on the Davis-Besse license renewal application.
On April 14, 2011, a group of environmental organizations petitioned the NRC Commissioners to suspend certain pending nuclear licensing proceedings, including the Davis-Besse license renewal proceeding, to ensure that any safety and environmental implications of the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan are considered. By May 2, 2011, the NRC Staff, FENOC and much of the nuclear industry filed responses opposing the petition. On May 6, 2011, petitioners filed a supplemental reply.
In January 2004, subsidiaries of FirstEnergy filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking damages in connection with costs incurred at the Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse and Perry Nuclear facilities as a result of the DOE failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel on January 31, 1998. DOE was required to so commence accepting spent nuclear fuel by the Nuclear Waste Policy Act (42 USC 10101 et seq) and the contracts entered into by the DOE and the owners and operators of these facilities pursuant to the Act. On January 18, 2011, the parties, FirstEnergy and DOJ, filed a joint status report that established a schedule for the litigation of these claims. FirstEnergy filed damages schedules and disclosures with the DOJ on February 11, 2011, seeking approximately $57 million in damages for delay costs incurred through September 30, 2010. The damage claim is subject to review and audit by DOE.
ICG Litigation
On December 28, 2006, AE Supply and MP filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania against International Coal Group, Inc. (ICG), Anker West Virginia Mining Company, Inc. (Anker WV), and Anker Coal Group, Inc. (Anker Coal). Anker WV entered into a long term Coal Sales Agreement with AE Supply and MP for the supply of coal to the Harrison generating facility. Prior to the time of trial, ICG was dismissed as a defendant by the Court, which issue can be the subject of a future appeal. As a result of defendants’ past and continued failure to supply the contracted coal, AE Supply and MP have incurred and will continue to incur significant additional costs for purchasing replacement coal. A non-jury trial was held from January 10, 2011 through February 1, 2011. At trial, AE Supply and MP presented evidence that they have incurred in excess of $80 million in damages for replacement coal purchased through the end of 2010 and will incur additional damages in excess of $150 million for future shortfalls. Defendants primarily claim that their performance is excused under a force majeure clause in the coal sales agreement and presented evidence at trial that they will continue to not provide the contracted yearly tonnage amounts. On May 2, 2011, the court entered a verdict in favor of AE Supply and MP for $104 million ($90 million in future damages and $14 million for replacement coal / interest). Post-trial filings occurred in May 2011, with Oral Argument on June 28, 2011. The parties expect a ruling sometime in the third quarter, at which time the judgment will be final. The parties have 30 days to appeal the final judgment. AE Supply and MP intend to vigorously pursue this matter through appeal if necessary but cannot predict its outcome.
Other Legal Matters
In February 2010, a class action lawsuit was filed in Geauga County Court of Common Pleas against FirstEnergy, CEI and OE seeking declaratory judgment and injunctive relief, as well as compensatory, incidental and consequential damages, on behalf of a class of customers related to the reduction of a discount that had previously been in place for residential customers with electric heating, electric water heating, or load management systems. The reduction in the discount was approved by the PUCO. In March 2010, the named-defendant companies filed a motion to dismiss the case due to the lack of jurisdiction of the court of common pleas. The court granted the motion to dismiss on September 7, 2010. The plaintiffs appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals of Ohio, which has not yet rendered an opinion.

 

129


Table of Contents

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to FirstEnergy’s normal business operations pending against FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries. The other potentially material items not otherwise discussed above are described below.
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. If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s or its subsidiaries’ financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS
See Note 12 of the Combined Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) for discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

 

130


Table of Contents

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FES is a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. FES provides energy-related products and services, and through its subsidiaries, FGCO and NGC, owns or leases, operates and maintains FirstEnergy’s fossil and hydroelectric generation facilities (excluding the Allegheny facilities), and owns FirstEnergy’s nuclear generation facilities, respectively. FENOC, a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy, operates and maintains the nuclear generating facilities.
FES’ revenues are derived from sales to individual retail customers, sales to communities in the form of governmental aggregation programs, and participation in affiliated and non-affiliated POLR auctions. FES’ sales are primarily concentrated in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan and New Jersey. In 2010, FES also supplied the POLR default service requirements of Met-Ed and Penelec.
The demand for electricity produced and sold by FES, along with the price of that electricity, is impacted by conditions in competitive power markets, global economic activity, economic activity in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions and weather conditions.
For additional information with respect to FES, please see the information contained in FirstEnergy’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the following subheadings, which information is incorporated by reference herein: Capital Resources and Liquidity, Guarantees and Other Assurances, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Market Risk Information, Credit Risk, Outlook and New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.
Results of Operations
Net income decreased by $158 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. The decrease was primarily due to lower sales margin, an inventory reserve adjustment, non-core asset impairments and the effect of mark-to-market adjustments.
Revenues
Total revenues decreased $30 million, or 1%, in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to reduced POLR and structured sales, partially offset by growth in direct and governmental aggregation sales.
The decrease in revenues resulted from the following sources:
                         
    Six Months        
    Ended June 30     Increase  
Revenues by Type of Service   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Direct and Governmental Aggregation
  $ 1,765     $ 1,097     $ 668  
POLR and Structured Sales
    607       1,315       (708 )
Wholesale
    156       142       14  
Transmission
    56       36       20  
RECs
    44       67       (23 )
Other
    56       57       (1 )
 
                 
Total Revenues
  $ 2,684     $ 2,714     $ (30 )
 
                 
                         
    Six Months        
    Ended June 30     Increase  
MWH Sales by Type of Service   2011     2010     (Decrease)  
    (In thousands)          
Direct
    21,219       12,857       65.0 %
Governmental Aggregation
    8,279       5,447       52.0 %
POLR and Structured Sales
    9,561       25,344       (62.3 )%
Wholesale
    1,380       1,538       (10.3 )%
 
                 
Total Sales
    40,439       45,186       (10.5 )%
 
                 

 

131


Table of Contents

The increase in direct and governmental aggregation revenues of $668 million resulted from the acquisition of new commercial and industrial customers as well as new governmental aggregation contracts with communities in Ohio that provided generation to approximately 1.5 million residential and small commercial customers at the end of June 2011 compared to approximately 1.1 million customers at the end of June 2010.
The decrease in POLR revenues of $708 million was due to lower sales volumes to Met-Ed and Penelec, primarily due to the absence in 2011 of a 1,300 MW third-party contract associated with serving Met-Ed and Penelec, and reduced sales to the Ohio Companies, partially offset by increased sales to non-associated companies and higher unit prices to the Pennsylvania Companies consistent with our business strategy. Participation in POLR auctions and RFPs are expected to continue but the proportion of these sales will depend on our hedge positions for direct retail and aggregation sales.
Wholesale revenues increased by $14 million due to higher wholesale prices partially offset by decreased volumes. The lower sales volumes were the result of decreased short-term (net hourly positions) transactions in MISO. Additional capacity revenues earned by generating units were partially offset by losses on financially settled sales.
The following tables summarize the price and volume factors contributing to changes in revenues:
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Direct and Governmental Aggregation   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Direct Sales:
       
Effect of increase in sales volumes
  $ 493  
Change in prices
    (20 )
 
     
 
    473  
 
     
 
       
Governmental Aggregation:
       
Effect of increase in sales volumes
    176  
Change in prices
    19  
 
     
 
    195  
 
     
Net Increase in Direct and Governmental Aggregation Revenues
  $ 668  
 
     
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in POLR Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
POLR:
       
Effect of decrease in sales volumes
  $ (819 )
Change in prices
    111  
 
     
 
  $ (708 )
 
     
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Wholesale Revenues   (Decrease)  
Wholesale:
       
Effect of increase in sales volumes
  $ (15 )
Change in prices
    29  
 
     
 
  $ 14  
 
     
Transmission revenues increased by $20 million due primarily to higher MISO and PJM congestion revenue. The revenues derived from the sale of RECs declined $23 million in the first six months of 2011.
Expenses
Total operating expenses increased by $199 million in the first six months of 2011, compared with the same period of 2010.

 

132


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the factors contributing to the changes in fuel and purchased power costs in the first six months of 2011, compared with the same period last year:
         
    Increase  
Source of Change in Fuel and Purchased Power   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Fossil Fuel:
       
Change due to increased unit costs
  $ 2  
Change due to volume consumed
    (29 )
 
     
 
    (27 )
 
     
 
       
Nuclear Fuel:
       
Change due to increased unit costs
    14  
Change due to volume consumed
    1  
 
     
 
    15  
 
     
 
       
Non-affiliated Purchased Power:
       
Change due to increased unit costs
    108  
Change due to volume purchased
    (242 )
 
     
 
    (134 )
 
     
 
       
Affiliated Purchased Power:
       
Change due to increased unit costs
    34  
Change due to volume purchased
    (30 )
 
     
 
    4  
 
     
Net Decrease in Fuel and Purchased Power Costs
  $ (142 )
 
     
Total fuel costs decreased by $12 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, as a result of reduced generation at the fossil units, partially offset by higher fossil unit costs. Fossil unit prices increased primarily due to increased coal transportation costs. Nuclear fuel expenses increased primarily due to higher unit prices following the refueling outages that occurred in 2010.
Non-affiliated purchased power costs decreased by $134 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to lower volumes purchased partially offset by higher unit costs. The decrease in volume relates to the absence in 2011 of a 1,300 MW third-party contract associated with serving Met-Ed and Penelec in the first half of 2011. Affiliated purchased power costs increased by $4 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to higher unit costs, partially offset by decreased volumes purchased.
Other operating expenses increased by $302 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010 due to the following:
   
Transmission expenses increased by $176 million due primarily to increases in PJM of $198 million from higher congestion, network, and line loss expense, partially offset by lower MISO transmission expenses of $22 million.
   
Nuclear operating costs increased by $48 million due primarily to having two refueling outages, Perry and Beaver Valley 2, occurring this year. While Davis-Besse had a refueling outage last year, the work performed during the second quarter of 2010 was largely capital-related.
   
Fossil operating costs increased by $20 million due primarily to higher labor, contractor and material costs resulting from an increase in planned and unplanned outages.
   
A $54 million provision for excess and obsolete material related to revised inventory practices adopted in connection with the Allegheny merger.
Impairment charges of long-lived assets increased by $18 million due to impairments at certain non-core peaking facilities during the first six months of 2011.
General taxes increased by $11 million due to an increase in revenue-related taxes.
Other Expense
Total other expense increased by $17 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to a decrease in capitalized interest ($24 million) associated with the completion of the Sammis AQC project in 2010, partially offset by increased investment income ($8 million) from higher NDT income.

 

133


Table of Contents

OHIO EDISON COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OE is a wholly owned electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. OE and its wholly owned subsidiary, Penn, conduct business in portions of Ohio and Pennsylvania, providing regulated electric distribution services. OE procures generation services for those franchise customers electing to retain OE and Penn as their power supplier.
For additional information with respect to OE, please see the information contained in FirstEnergy’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the following subheadings, which information is incorporated by reference herein: Regulatory Assets, Capital Resources and Liquidity, Guarantees and Other Assurances, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Market Risk Information, Credit Risk, Outlook and New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.
Results of Operations
Earnings available to parent decreased by $5 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The decrease primarily resulted from lower revenues and higher other operating expenses, partially offset by lower purchased power costs and amortization of regulatory assets.
Revenues
Revenues decreased by $171 million, or 18%, in the first six months of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010, due to a decrease in generation revenues, partially offset by higher distribution and wholesale generation revenues.
Distribution revenues increased by $31 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, due to an increase in KWH deliveries in the residential and industrial sectors and higher average prices in all customer classes. The higher KWH deliveries in the residential class were driven by increased weather-related usage in the first six months of 2011, reflecting a 6% increase in heating degree days. The increase in distribution deliveries to industrial customers was primarily due to recovering economic conditions in OE’s and Penn’s service territory. Higher average prices in all customer classes were principally due to the recovery of deferred distribution costs.
Changes in distribution KWH deliveries and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
Distribution KWH Deliveries   Increase  
 
       
Residential
    3.0 %
Commercial
    0.2 %
Industrial
    3.5 %
 
     
Increase in Distribution Deliveries
    2.4 %
 
     
         
Distribution Revenues   Increase  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ 19  
Commercial
    7  
Industrial
    5  
 
     
Increase in Distribution Revenues
  $ 31  
 
     
Retail generation revenues decreased by $211 million primarily due to a decrease in KWH sales and lower average prices in all customer classes. Retail generation obligations are attributable to non-shopping customers and are procured through full-requirements auctions. OE defers the difference between retail generation revenues and purchased power costs, resulting in no material effect to current period earnings. Lower KWH sales were primarily the result of increased customer shopping, partially offset by increased weather-related usage in the first six months of 2011, as described above. The increase in customer shopping for residential, commercial and industrial customer classes was 23%, 14% and 8%, respectively.

 

134


Table of Contents

Decreases in retail generation KWH sales and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
Retail Generation KWH Sales   Decrease  
 
       
Residential
    (30.7 )%
Commercial
    (39.0 )%
Industrial
    (25.4 )%
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Sales
    (31.2 )%
 
     
         
Retail Generation Revenues   Decrease  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ (128 )
Commercial
    (52 )
Industrial
    (31 )
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Revenues
  $ (211 )
 
     
Wholesale revenues increased by $15 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to higher revenues from sales to NGC from OE’s leasehold interests in Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2.
Expenses
Total expenses decreased by $171 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The following table presents changes from the prior period by expense category:
         
    Increase  
Expenses - Changes   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Purchased power costs
  $ (175 )
Other operating expenses
    36  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    (36 )
General taxes
    4  
 
     
Net Decrease in Expenses
  $ (171 )
 
     
Purchased power costs decreased in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to lower KWH purchases resulting from reduced generation sales requirements in the first six months of 2011 coupled with lower unit costs. The increase in other operating expenses for the first six months of 2011 was principally due to expenses associated with refueling outages at OE’s leased Perry and Beaver Valley Unit 2 that were absent in 2010. The amortization of regulatory assets decreased primarily due to higher deferred residential generation credits in 2011. General taxes increased as a result of higher property taxes.
Other Expense
Other expense increased by $3 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010 due to lower nuclear decommissioning trust investment income.

 

135


Table of Contents

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CEI is a wholly owned electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. CEI conducts business in northeastern Ohio, providing regulated electric distribution services. CEI also procures generation services for those customers electing to retain CEI as their power supplier.
For additional information with respect to CEI, please see the information contained in FirstEnergy’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the following subheadings, which information is incorporated by reference herein: Regulatory Assets, Capital Resources and Liquidity, Guarantees and Other Assurances, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Market Risk Information, Credit Risk, Outlook and New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.
Results of Operations
Earnings available to parent decreased slightly in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The decrease in earnings was due to lower revenues, partially offset by lower purchased power and amortization of regulatory assets.
Revenues
Revenues decreased by $183 million, or 29%, in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to lower retail generation and distribution revenues.
Distribution revenues decreased by $14 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to lower average unit prices for the residential and industrial customer classes, partially offset by increased KWH deliveries to the residential and commercial customer classes. The lower average unit prices were the result of the absence of transition charges in 2011. Higher KWH deliveries to the residential class were driven by increased weather-related usage in the first six months of 2011, reflecting a 15% increase in heating degree days in CEI’s service territory. Lower distribution deliveries to industrial customers reflected softer economic conditions in this sector.
Changes in distribution KWH deliveries and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
    Increase  
Distribution KWH Deliveries   (Decrease)  
 
       
Residential
    2.2 %
Commercial
    2.9 %
Industrial
    (3.1 )%
 
     
Increase in Distribution Deliveries
    0.6 %
 
     
         
    Increase  
Distribution Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ 2  
Commercial
    17  
Industrial
    (33 )
 
     
Net Decrease in Distribution Revenues
  $ (14 )
 
     

 

136


Table of Contents

Retail generation revenues decreased by $169 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to lower KWH sales in all customer classes and lower average unit prices for the commercial and residential customer classes. Customer shopping has increased for residential, commercial and industrial classes by 22%, 13% and 36%, respectively. Retail generation obligations are attributable to non-shopping customers and are procured through full-requirements auctions. CEI defers the difference between retail generation revenues and purchased power costs, resulting in no material effect to current period earnings. Reduced KWH sales were primarily the result of increased customer shopping in the first six months of 2011, partially offset by the impact of increased weather-related usage by residential customers as described above. Lower average unit prices in the residential customer class were the result of generation credits in place for 2011.
Decreases in retail generation sales and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
Retail Generation KWH Sales   Decrease  
 
       
Residential
    (46.6 )%
Commercial
    (44.2 )%
Industrial
    (69.8 )%
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Sales
    (55.0 )%
 
     
         
Retail Generation Revenues   Decrease  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ (69 )
Commercial
    (46 )
Industrial
    (54 )
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Revenues
  $ (169 )
 
     
Expenses
Total expenses decreased by $173 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The following table presents the change from the prior period by expense category:
         
    Increase  
Expenses - Changes   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Purchased power costs
  $ (155 )
Other operating costs
    6  
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    (34 )
General taxes
    10  
 
     
Net Decrease in Expenses
  $ (173 )
 
     
Purchased power costs decreased in the first six months of 2011 due to lower KWH purchases resulting from reduced sales requirements in the first six months of 2011. Other operating expenses increased principally due to 2011 inventory valuation adjustments. Decreased amortization of regulatory assets was primarily due to the completion of transition cost recovery at the end of 2010 and deferred residential generation credits in 2011, partially offset by increased recovery of deferred distribution costs and the absence in 2011 of renewable energy credit expenses that were deferred in 2010. General taxes increased in the first six months of 2011 due to increased property taxes as compared to the same period of 2010.

 

137


Table of Contents

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
TE is a wholly owned electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. TE conducts business in northwestern Ohio, providing regulated electric distribution services. TE also procures generation services for those customers electing to retain TE as their power supplier.
For additional information with respect to TE, please see the information contained in FirstEnergy’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the following subheadings, which information is incorporated by reference herein: Regulatory Assets, Capital Resources and Liquidity, Guarantees and Other Assurances, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Market Risk Information, Credit Risk, Outlook and New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.
Results of Operations
Earnings available to parent increased by $3 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The increase primarily resulted from lower purchased power costs and higher cost deferrals, partially offset by lower revenues and higher other operating expenses.
Revenues
Revenues decreased by $40 million, or 16%, in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to a decrease in retail generation revenues, partially offset by higher distribution revenues and wholesale generation revenues.
Distribution revenues increased by $3 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to higher residential revenues, partially offset by lower industrial revenues. Residential revenues were the result of higher KWH deliveries and average unit prices. The higher KWH deliveries in the residential class were driven by increased weather-related usage in the first six months of 2011, reflecting a 14% increase in heating degree days, partially offset by a 23% decrease in cooling degree days in TE’s service territory. Industrial revenues were impacted by lower average unit prices, partially offset by higher KWH deliveries from recovering economic conditions.
Changes in distribution KWH deliveries and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
    Increase  
Distribution KWH Deliveries   (Decrease)  
 
       
Residential
    4.5 %
Commercial
    (2.5 )%
Industrial
    3.7 %
 
     
Net Increase in Distribution Deliveries
    2.6 %
 
     
         
    Increase  
Distribution Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ 5  
Commercial
     
Industrial
    (2 )
 
     
Net Increase in Distribution Revenues
  $ 3  
 
     
Retail generation revenues decreased by $53 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to lower KWH sales and lower unit prices for all customer classes. Retail generation obligations are attributable to non-shopping customers and are procured through full-requirements auctions. TE defers the difference between retail generation revenues and purchased power costs, resulting in no material effect to current period earnings. Lower KWH sales were the result of increased customer shopping, partially offset by increased weather-related usage as described above. Customer shopping has increased for residential, commercial and industrial classes by 16%, 13% and 5%, respectively.

 

138


Table of Contents

Decreases in retail generation KWH sales and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
Retail Generation KWH Sales   Decrease  
 
       
Residential
    (28.3 )%
Commercial
    (46.6 )%
Industrial
    (11.7 )%
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Sales
    (22.6 )%
 
     
         
Retail Generation Revenues   Decrease  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ (16 )
Commercial
    (13 )
Industrial
    (24 )
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Revenues
  $ (53 )
 
     
Wholesale revenues increased by $9 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to higher revenues from sales to NGC from TE’s leasehold interest in Beaver Valley Unit 2.
Expenses
Total expenses decreased by $42 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The following table presents changes from the prior period by expense category:
         
    Increase  
Expenses - Changes   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Purchased power costs
  $ (53 )
Other operating expenses
    18  
Deferral of regulatory assets, net
    (8 )
General Taxes
    1  
 
     
Net Decrease in Expenses
  $ (42 )
 
     
Purchased power costs decreased in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to lower KWH purchases resulting from reduced generation sales requirements in the first six months of 2011 coupled with lower unit costs. The increase in other operating costs for the first six months of 2011 was primarily due to expenses associated with the 2011 refueling outage at the leased Beaver Valley Unit 2 and an Ohio Supreme Court decision rendered in the second quarter of 2011 favoring a large industrial customer, both of which were absent in 2010. The deferral of regulatory assets reduced expenses due to higher PUCO-approved cost deferrals in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010.
Other Expense
Other expense increased by $2 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to lower nuclear decommissioning trust investment income.

 

139


Table of Contents

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
JCP&L is a wholly owned, electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. JCP&L conducts business in New Jersey, providing regulated electric transmission and distribution services. JCP&L also procures generation services for franchise customers electing to retain JCP&L as their power supplier. JCP&L procures electric supply to serve its BGS customers through a statewide auction process approved by the NJBPU.
As authorized by JCP&L’s Board of Directors, on May 31, 2011 JCP&L returned $500 million of capital to FirstEnergy Corp., the sole owner of all of the shares of JCP&L’s common stock.
For additional information with respect to JCP&L, please see the information contained in FirstEnergy’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the following subheadings, which information is incorporated by reference herein: Regulatory Assets, Capital Resources and Liquidity, Market Risk Information, Credit Risk, Outlook and New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.
Results of Operations
Net income decreased by $18 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The decrease was primarily due to lower revenues, partially offset by reductions in purchased power costs, other operating costs and net amortization of regulatory assets.
Revenues
Revenues decreased by $190 million, or 13%, in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. The decrease in revenues was due to lower distribution and retail generation revenues, partially offset by an increase in wholesale generation and other revenues.
Distribution revenues decreased by $71 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to an NJBPU-approved rate adjustment that became effective March 1, 2011, for all customer classes. The lower KWH deliveries to the residential class were influenced by decreased weather-related usage in the first six months of 2011, reflecting a 16% decrease in cooling degree days offsetting a 7% increase in heating degree days in JCP&L’s service territory. Lower distribution deliveries to commercial and industrial customers reflected soft economic conditions in these sectors.
Decreases in distribution KWH deliveries and revenues in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 are summarized in the following tables:
         
Distribution KWH Deliveries   Decrease  
 
       
Residential
    (2.5 )%
Commercial
    (3.3 )%
Industrial
    (1.8 )%
 
     
Decrease in Distribution Deliveries
    (2.7 )%
 
     
         
Distribution Revenues   Decrease  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ (33 )
Commercial
    (31 )
Industrial
    (7 )
 
     
Decrease in Distribution Revenues
  $ (71 )
 
     
Retail generation revenues decreased by $132 million due to lower retail generation KWH sales in all customer classes primarily due to an increase in customer shopping. Customer shopping has increased for residential, commercial and industrial classes by 10%, 11% and 4%, respectively. Retail generation obligations are attributable to non-shopping customers and are procured through full-requirements auctions. JCP&L defers the difference between retail generation revenues and purchased power costs, resulting in no material effect to current period earnings.

 

140


Table of Contents

Decreases in retail generation KWH sales and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
Retail Generation KWH Sales   Decrease  
 
       
Residential
    (12.1 )%
Commercial
    (26.2 )%
Industrial
    (24.8 )%
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Sales
    (16.7 )%
 
     
         
Retail Generation Revenues   Decrease  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ (68 )
Commercial
    (59 )
Industrial
    (5 )
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Revenues
  $ (132 )
 
     
Wholesale generation revenues increased by $6 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to an increase in PJM spot market energy sales.
Other revenues increased by $8 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to increases in PJM network transmission revenues and transition bond revenues.
Expenses
Total expenses decreased by $163 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The following table presents changes from the prior period by expense category:
         
    Increase  
Expenses - Changes   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Purchased power costs
  $ (126 )
Other operating costs
    (6 )
Provision for depreciation
    (3 )
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    (29 )
General taxes
    1  
 
     
Net Decrease in Expenses
  $ (163 )
 
     
Purchased power costs decreased by $126 million in the first six months of 2011 due to lower requirements from reduced retail generation sales. Other operating costs decreased by $6 million in the first six months of 2011 principally from lower storm restoration costs. The amortization of regulatory assets decreased by $29 million due to reduced cost recovery under the NJBPU-approved NUG tariffs that became effective March 1, 2011, partially offset by lower storm cost deferrals and the write-off of nonrecoverable NUG costs.

 

141


Table of Contents

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Met-Ed is a wholly owned electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. Met-Ed conducts business in eastern Pennsylvania, providing regulated electric transmission and distribution services. Met-Ed also procures generation service for those customers electing to retain Met-Ed as their power supplier. Met-Ed procures power under its Default Service Plan (DSP) in which full requirements products (energy, capacity, ancillary services, and applicable transmission services) are procured through descending clock auctions.
As authorized by Met-Ed’s Board of Directors, Met-Ed returned $150 million of capital to FirstEnergy Corp. on May 31, 2011, the sole owner of all of the shares of Met-Ed’s common stock.
For additional information with respect to Met-Ed, please see the information contained in FirstEnergy’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the following subheadings, which information is incorporated by reference herein: Regulatory Assets, Capital Resources and Liquidity, Guarantees and Other Assurances, Market Risk Information, Credit Risk, Outlook and New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.
Results of Operations
Net income increased by $10 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The increase was primarily due to decreased purchased power, other operating expenses and amortization of net regulatory assets partially offset by decreased revenues.
Revenues
Revenue decreased by $279 million, or 30%, in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010, reflecting lower distribution, retail generation, wholesale generation and transmission revenues.
Distribution revenues decreased by $154 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to lower rates resulting from the DSP that began in 2011 that eliminated the transmission component from the distribution rate. Slightly higher KWH deliveries reflect increased weather-related usage due to an 8% increase in heating degree days offsetting a 15% decrease in cooling degree days in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period in 2010.
Changes in distribution KWH deliveries and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
    Increase  
Distribution KWH Deliveries   (Decrease)  
 
       
Residential
    0.2 %
Commercial
    (4.1 )%
Industrial
    3.6 %
 
     
Net Increase in Distribution Deliveries
    0.5 %
 
     
         
Distribution Revenues   Decrease  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ (58 )
Commercial
    (47 )
Industrial
    (49 )
 
     
Decrease in Distribution Revenues
  $ (154 )
 
     
Retail generation revenues decreased by $10 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010, due to lower KWH sales to all customer classes resulting from increased customer shopping. Customer shopping has increased for residential, commercial and industrial classes by 1%, 42% and 87%, respectively. The impact of increased customer shopping is partially offset by higher generation rates that reflect the inclusion of transmission services under the DSP, effective January 1, 2011, for all customer classes. Retail generation obligations are attributable to non-shopping customers and are procured through full-requirements auctions. In 2011, Met-Ed began deferring the difference between retail generation revenues and purchased power costs, resulting in no material effect to current period earnings.

 

142


Table of Contents

Changes in retail generation KWH sales and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
Retail Generation KWH Sales   Decrease  
 
       
Residential
    (1.0 )%
Commercial
    (44.7 )%
Industrial
    (87.6 )%
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Sales
    (43.1 )%
 
     
         
    Increase  
Retail Generation Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ 88  
Commercial
    (14 )
Industrial
    (84 )
 
     
Net Decrease in Retail Generation Revenues
  $ (10 )
 
     
Wholesale revenues decreased by $105 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 primarily due to Met-Ed ending certain capacity purchase for resale contracts.
Transmission revenues decreased by $11 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010 primarily due to the termination of Met-Ed’s TSC rates effective January 1, 2011. Met-Ed defers the difference between transmission revenues and transmission costs incurred, resulting in no material effect to current period earnings.
Expenses
Total expenses decreased $290 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category:
         
Expenses - Changes   Decrease  
    (In millions)  
Purchased power costs
  $ (149 )
Other operating costs
    (95 )
Provision for depreciation
    (1 )
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    (43 )
General taxes
    (2 )
 
     
Decrease in Expenses
  $ (290 )
 
     
Purchased power costs decreased by $149 million in the first six months of 2011 due to a decrease in KWH purchased to source generation sales requirements, partially offset by higher unit costs. Other operating costs decreased $95 million in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 due to lower transmission congestion and transmission loss expenses that are now included in the cost of purchased power (see reference to deferral accounting above) partially offset by increased costs for energy efficiency programs. The amortization of regulatory assets decreased $43 million in the first six months of 2011 primarily due to the termination of transmission and transition tariff riders at the end of 2010. General taxes decreased by $2 million in the first six months of 2011 primarily due to lower gross receipts taxes.
Other Expense
In the first six months of 2011, interest income decreased by $2 million due to reduced CTC stranded asset balances compared to the same period of 2010.

 

143


Table of Contents

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
MANAGEMENT’S NARRATIVE
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Penelec is a wholly owned electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy. Penelec conducts business in northern and south central Pennsylvania, providing regulated electric transmission and distribution services. Penelec also procures generation service for those customers electing to retain Penelec as their power supplier. Penelec procures power under its Default Service Plan (DSP) in which full requirements products (energy, capacity, ancillary services and applicable transmission services) are procured through descending clock auctions.
For additional information with respect to Penelec, please see the information contained in FirstEnergy’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the following subheadings, which information is incorporated by reference herein: Regulatory Assets, Capital Resources and Liquidity, Guarantees and Other Assurances, Market Risk Information, Credit Risk, Outlook and New Accounting Standards and Interpretations.
Results of Operations
Net income increased by $2 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010. The increase was primarily due to lower purchased power and other operating costs, partially offset by lower revenues and higher net amortization of regulatory assets.
Revenues
Revenues decreased by $193 million, or 25%, in the first six months of 2011 compared to the same period of 2010. The decrease in revenue was primarily due to lower distribution revenues, retail and wholesale generation revenues, and transmission revenues.
Distribution revenues decreased by $5 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to lower rates resulting from the DSP that began in 2011 that eliminated the transmission component from the distribution rate, partially offset by a PPUC approved rate adjustment for NUG costs. Higher KWH deliveries to industrial customers were primarily due to recovering economic conditions in Penelec’s service territories, compared to the first six months of 2010. Lower KWH deliveries to residential and commercial customers in the first six months of 2011 reflected lower weather-related usage as cooling degree days were 10% below the same period in 2010.
Changes in distribution KWH deliveries and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
    Increase  
Distribution KWH Deliveries   (Decrease)  
 
       
Residential
    (1.2 )%
Commercial
    (4.7 )%
Industrial
    7.3 %
 
     
Net Increase in Distribution Deliveries
    1.4 %
 
     
         
    Increase  
Distribution Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ 3  
Commercial
    (14 )
Industrial
    6  
 
     
Net Decrease in Distribution Revenues
  $ (5 )
 
     
Retail generation revenues decreased by $80 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to lower KWH sales for all customer classes resulting from increased customer shopping. The increase in customer shopping for residential, commercial and industrial customer classes was 2%, 45% and 81%, respectively. The impact of customer shopping is partially offset by higher generation rates that reflect the inclusion of transmission services under the DSP, effective January 1, 2011, for all customer classes. Retail generation obligations are attributable to non-shopping customers and are procured through full-requirements auctions. In 2011, Penelec began deferring the difference between retail generation revenues and purchased power costs, resulting in no material effect to current period earnings.

 

144


Table of Contents

Changes in retail generation KWH sales and revenues in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, are summarized in the following tables:
         
Retail Generation KWH Sales   Decrease  
 
       
Residential
    (2.7 )%
Commercial
    (47.1 )%
Industrial
    (87.4 )%
 
     
Decrease in Retail Generation Sales
    (47.5 )%
 
     
         
    Increase  
Retail Generation Revenues   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Residential
  $ 52  
Commercial
    (35 )
Industrial
    (97 )
 
     
Net Decrease in Retail Generation Revenues
  $ (80 )
 
     
Wholesale generation revenues decreased by $98 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to Penelec no longer purchasing non-NUG capacity for resale to the PJM market beginning in 2011.
Transmission revenues decreased by $11 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, primarily due to the termination of Penelec’s TSC rates effective January 1, 2011. Penelec defers the difference between transmission revenues and transmission costs incurred, resulting in no material effect to current period earnings.
Expenses
Total expenses decreased by $200 million in the first six months of 2011, as compared with the same period of 2010. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category:
         
    Increase  
Expenses - Changes   (Decrease)  
    (In millions)  
Purchased power costs
  $ (192 )
Other operating costs
    (53 )
Amortization of regulatory assets, net
    46  
Provision for depreciation
    (1 )
 
     
Net Decrease in Expenses
  $ (200 )
 
     
Purchased power costs decreased by $192 million in the first six months of 2011, compared to the same period of 2010, due to decreased KWH purchased to source generation sales requirements. Other operating costs decreased by $53 million in the first six months of 2011, due to lower transmission congestion and transmission loss expenses that are now included in the cost of purchased power (see reference to deferral accounting above). The amortization of net regulatory assets increased by $46 million in the first six months of 2011, primarily due to reduced NUG deferrals as a result of a PPUC approved increase in Penelec’s NUG cost recovery rider in January 2011.

 

145


Table of Contents

ITEM 3.  
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See “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 each registrant, with the participation of each registrant’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-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 each registrant have concluded that each respective registrant’s 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 June 30, 2011, other than changes resulting from the Allegheny merger discussed below, there have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, FirstEnergy’s, FES’, OE’s, CEI’s, TE’s, JCP&L’s, Met-Ed’s and Penelec’s internal control over financial reporting.
On February 25, 2011, the merger between FirstEnergy and Allegheny closed. FirstEnergy is currently in the process of integrating Allegheny’s operations, processes, and internal controls. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in Part I, Item I for additional information relating to the merger.

 

146


Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information required for Part II, Item 1 is incorporated by reference to the discussions in Notes 9 and 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
ITEM 1A.  
RISK FACTORS
For the quarter ended June 30, 2011, there have been no material changes to the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, as modified by changes to certain risk factors disclosed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2011.
ITEM 2.  
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
(c) FirstEnergy
The table below includes information on a monthly basis regarding purchases made by FirstEnergy of its common stock during the second quarter of 2011.
                                 
    Period  
    April     May     June     Second Quarter  
 
                               
Total Number of Shares Purchased(a)
    213,550       367,422       428,966       1,009,938  
 
                               
Average Price Paid per Share
  $ 38.59     $ 42.62     $ 44.44     $ 42.54  
 
                               
Total Number of Shares Purchased As Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
                       
 
                               
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
                       
(a)  
Share amounts reflect purchases on the open market to satisfy FirstEnergy’s obligations to deliver common stock for some or all of the following: 2007 Incentive Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors, Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, Savings Plan, Director Compensation, Allegheny Energy, Inc. 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan, Allegheny Energy, Inc. 2008 Long-Term Incentive Plan, Allegheny Energy, Inc, Non-Employee Director Stock Plan, Allegheny Energy, Inc, Amended and Restated Revised Plan for Deferral of Compensation of Directors, and Stock Investment Plan.
ITEM 5.  
OTHER INFORMATION
Signal Peak Mine Safety
FirstEnergy, through its FEV wholly-owned subsidiary, has a 50% interest in Global Mining Group LLC, a joint venture that owns Signal Peak which is a company that constructed and operates the Bull Mountain Mine No. 1 (Mine), an underground coal mine near Roundup, Montana. The operation of the Mine is subject to regulation by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act).
Section 1503 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act), which was enacted on July 21, 2010, contains new reporting requirements regarding mine safety, including, to the extent applicable, disclosing in periodic reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 the receipt of certain notifications from the MSHA.

 

147


Table of Contents

Signal Peak received the following notices of violation and proposed assessments for the Mine under the Mine Act during the three months ended June 30, 2011:
         
    Signal  
    Peak  
Number of significant and substantial violations of mandatory health or safety standards under 104*
    30  
Number of orders issued under 104(b)*
     
Number of citations and orders for unwarrantable failure to comply with mandatory health or safety standards under 104(d)*
     
Number of flagrant violations under 110(b)(2)*
     
Number of imminent danger orders issued under 107(a)*
     
MSHA written notices under Mine Act section 104(e)* of a pattern of violation of mandatory health or safety standards or of the potential to have such a pattern
     
Pending Mine Safety Commission legal actions (including any contested citations issued)
    8  
Number of mining related fatalities
     
Total dollar value of proposed assessments
  $ 6,989  
*  
References to sections under Mine Act
The inclusion of this information in this report is not an admission by FirstEnergy that it controls Signal Peak or that Signal Peak is FirstEnergy’s subsidiary for purposes of Section 1503 or for any other purpose,
More detailed information about the Mine, including safety-related data, can be found at MSHA’s website, www.MSHA.gov. Signal Peak operates the Mine under the MSHA identification number 2401950.
ITEM 6.  
EXHIBITS
         
Exhibit Number    
       
 
FirstEnergy  
 
  3.1    
Amendment to the Amended Articles of Incorporation of FirstEnergy Corp. dated as of February 25, 2011 (incorporated by reference to FirstEnergy’s Form 8-K filed February 25, 2011, Exhibit 3.1, File No. 21011)
       
 
  10.1    
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2011, among FirstEnergy Corp., The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company, American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Monongahela Power Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, The Potomac Edison Company and West Penn Power Company, as borrowers, the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, and the lending banks, fronting banks and swing line lenders identified therein.
       
 
  12    
Fixed charge ratios
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  32    
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
       
 
  101 *  
The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of FirstEnergy Corp. for the period ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) related notes to these financial statements tagged as blocks of text and (v) document and entity information.

 

148


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit Number    
FES  
 
  10.1    
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2011, among FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., and Allegheny Energy Supply Company, LLC, as borrowers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lending banks, fronting banks and swing line lenders identified therein.
       
 
  12    
Fixed charge ratios
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  32    
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
       
 
  101 *  
The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. for the period ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) related notes to these financial statements tagged as blocks of text and (v) document and entity information.
       
 
OE  
 
  10.1    
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2011, among FirstEnergy Corp., The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company, American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Monongahela Power Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, The Potomac Edison Company and West Penn Power, as borrowers, the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, and the lending banks, fronting banks and swing line lenders identified therein.
       
 
  12    
Fixed charge ratios
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  32    
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
       
 
  101 *  
The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Ohio Edison Company. for the period ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) related notes to these financial statements tagged as blocks of text and (v) document and entity information.
       
 
CEI  
 
  10.1    
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2011, among FirstEnergy Corp., The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company, American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Monongahela Power Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, The Potomac Edison Company and West Penn Power, as borrowers, the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, and the lending banks, fronting banks and swing line lenders identified therein.
       
 
  12    
Fixed charge ratios
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  32    
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
       
 
  101 *  
The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company. for the period ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) related notes to these financial statements tagged as blocks of text and (v) document and entity information.

 

149


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit Number    
TE  
 
  10.1    
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2011, among FirstEnergy Corp., The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company, American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Monongahela Power Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, The Potomac Edison Company and West Penn Power, as borrowers, the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, and the lending banks, fronting banks and swing line lenders identified therein.
       
 
  12    
Fixed charge ratios
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  32    
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
       
 
  101 *  
The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of The Toledo Edison Company. for the period ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) related notes to these financial statements tagged as blocks of text and (v) document and entity information.
       
 
JCP&L  
 
  10.1    
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2011, among FirstEnergy Corp., The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company, American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Monongahela Power Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, The Potomac Edison Company and West Penn Power, as borrowers, the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, and the lending banks, fronting banks and swing line lenders identified therein.
       
 
  12    
Fixed charge ratios
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  32    
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
       
 
  101 *  
The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Jersey Central Power & Light Company. for the period ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) related notes to these financial statements tagged as blocks of text and (v) document and entity information.
       
 
Met-Ed  
 
  10.1    
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2011, among FirstEnergy Corp., The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company, American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Monongahela Power Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, The Potomac Edison Company and West Penn Power, as borrowers, the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, and the lending banks, fronting banks and swing line lenders identified therein.
       
 
  12    
Fixed charge ratios
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  32    
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

150


Table of Contents

         
Exhibit Number    
  101 *  
The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Metropolitan Edison Company. for the period ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) related notes to these financial statements tagged as blocks of text and (v) document and entity information.
       
 
Penelec  
 
  10.1    
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2011, among FirstEnergy Corp., The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company, American Transmission Systems, Incorporated, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Monongahela Power Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, The Potomac Edison Company and West Penn Power, as borrowers, the Royal Bank of Scotland plc, as administrative agent, and the lending banks, fronting banks and swing line lenders identified therein.
       
 
  12    
Fixed charge ratios
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)
       
 
  32    
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
       
 
  101 *  
The following materials from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Pennsylvania Electric Company. for the period ended June 30, 2011, formatted in XBRL (extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (ii) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) related notes to these financial statements tagged as blocks of text and (v) document and entity information.
*  
Users of these data are advised pursuant to Rule 401 of Regulation S-T that the financial information contained in the XBRL-Related Documents is unaudited and, as a result, investors should not rely on the XBRL-Related Documents in making investment decisions. Furthermore, users of these data are advised in accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission that this Interactive Data File is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
Pursuant to reporting requirements of respective financings, FirstEnergy, FES, OE, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec are required to file fixed charge ratios as an exhibit to this Form 10-Q.
Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, neither FirstEnergy, FES, OE, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed nor Penelec have 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 each hereby agrees to furnish to the SEC on request any such documents.

 

151


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
August 2, 2011
         
  FIRSTENERGY CORP.
Registrant

FIRSTENERGY SOLUTIONS CORP.
Registrant

OHIO EDISON COMPANY
Registrant

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC
ILLUMINATING COMPANY
Registrant

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
Registrant

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
Registrant

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
Registrant
 
 
     
  Harvey L. Wagner   
  Vice President, Controller
and Chief Accounting Officer 
 
 
  JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
Registrant
 
 
     
  K. Jon Taylor   
  Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer) 
 

 

152