-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, Dq9Pdqerd3cZZahHdmVxGMEEeXQzwtopfD7lcgnrUM1ESwrbkTjIlxMQx3JcOYog Tw9T/CUVS8fJgagNcx6+OQ== 0001031296-11-000004.txt : 20110216 0001031296-11-000004.hdr.sgml : 20110216 20110216090615 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001031296-11-000004 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20110216 ITEM INFORMATION: Results of Operations and Financial Condition ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20110216 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20110216 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FIRSTENERGY CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001031296 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 341843785 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OH FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-21011 FILM NUMBER: 11616128 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 76 SOUTH MAIN ST CITY: AKRON STATE: OH ZIP: 44308-1890 BUSINESS PHONE: 330-761-7837 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 76 SOUTH MAIN ST CITY: AKRON STATE: OH ZIP: 44308-1890 8-K 1 main8_k.htm FORM 8-K, DATED FEBRUARY 16, 2011 main8_k.htm
 


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

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

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

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) February 16, 2011



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
   
         
















 



Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2.):

[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition

On February 16, 2011, FirstEnergy Corp. issued two public documents, which are attached as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 hereto and incorporated by reference. FirstEnergy's Press Release and Consolidated Report to the Financial Community contain non-GAAP* financial measures. Pursuant to the requirements of Regulation G, FirstEnergy has provided quantitative reconciliations within the Press Release and Consolidated Report to the Financial Community of the non-GAAP* financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

The Press Release and Consolidated Report to the Financial Community include normalized earnings per share, which are not calculated in accordance with GAAP because they exclude the impact of "special items." Special items reflect the impact on earnings of events that are not routine or that may be related to discontinued businesses. Management believes presenting normalized earnings calculated in this manner provides useful information to investors in evaluating the ongoing results of FirstEnergy's businesses and assists investors in comparing FirstEnergy’s operating performance to the operating performance of other companies in the energy sector. Management believes presenting this non-GAAP* measure provides useful information to investors in assessing FirstEnergy's normalized operating performance. FirstEnergy's management freq uently references this non-GAAP* financial measure in its decision-making, using it to facilitate historical and ongoing performance comparisons as well as comparisons to the performance of peer companies.

The non-GAAP* information presented in the Press Release and Consolidated Report to the Financial Community should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, the most directly comparable financial measure prepared in accordance with GAAP. Also, the non-GAAP* financial measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities.


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits


(d)  
Exhibits


Exhibit No.
 
Description
99.1
 
Press release issued by FirstEnergy Corp., dated February 16, 2011
99.2
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community, dated February 16, 2011







*This Form 8-K contains non-GAAP financial measures. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's historical or future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustment that has the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP.
 


 


 
 
 
2

 

Forward-Looking Statements:  This Form 8-K 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 mat erially 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 Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, business and regulatory impacts from American Transmission Systems, Incorporated'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, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, the continued ability of FirstEnergy's regulated utilities to collect transition and other  costs, operating and maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, other legislative and regulatory changes, revised environmental requirements, including possible greenhouse gas emission and coal combustion regulations, the potential impacts of  a ny laws, rules or regulations that ultimately replace the Clean Air Interstate Rules, the uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures needed to, among other things, resolve any NSR litigation or other potential similar regulatory initiatives or rulemakings  (including that such amounts could be higher than anticipated or that certain generating units may need to be shut down), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including, but not limited to, the revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits and oversight) by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Metropolitan Edison Company's and Pennsylvania Electric Company's transmission service charge appeal at the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, any impact resulting from the receipt by Signal Peak of the Department of Labor's notice of potential pattern of violations at Bull Mountain Mine No. 1, the continuing availability of generating units and their ability to operate at or near full capacity, the ability to co mply with applicable state and federal reliability standards, the ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic goals (including employee workforce initiatives), the ability to improve electric commodity margins and the impact of, among other factors, the increased cost of coal and coal transportation on such margins and 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 it to make additional contributions sooner, or in an amount that is larger than currently anticipated, the ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with FirstEnergy's financing plan and the cost of such capital, changes in general economic conditions affecting the company, the state of the capital and credit markets affecting the company, interest rates and any actions taken by c redit rating agencies that could negatively affect FirstEnergy's access to financing or its costs or increase its requirements to post additional collateral to support outstanding commodity positions, letters of credit and other financial guarantees, the continuing uncertainty in the national and regional economy and its impact on the company's major industrial and commercial customers, issues concerning the soundness of financial institutions and counterparties with which FirstEnergy does business, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed merger with Allegheny Energy, Inc., including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the proposed merger that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the merger, the diversion of management's time and attention from our ongoing business during this time period, the 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 and the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in its Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. The foregoing review of factors should not be construed as exhaustive. 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. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor assess the impact of any such factor on FirstEnergy's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. The Regi strant expressly disclaims any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise
 
 



 
3

 

 
SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto authorized.



February 16, 2011


 
 FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 Registrant
   
   
 By:  
 
/s/ Harvey L. Wagner
 
Harvey L. Wagner
Vice President, Controller and
Chief Accounting Officer


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4

 
 
 

 
EX-99.1 2 ex99_1.htm PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY FIRSTENERGY CORP., DATED FEBRUARY 16, 2011 ex99_1.htm
 
 
    Exhibit 99.1
     
 FirstEnergy Corp.           For Release: February 16, 2011
 76 South Main Street    
 Akron, Ohio 44308    
 www.firstenergycorp.com    
     
 News Media Contact:     Investor Contact:
 Tricia Ingraham    Ron Seeholzer
 (330) 384-5247    (330) 384-5415

 

FIRSTENERGY REPORTS 2010 EARNINGS

AKRON, Ohio – FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) today reported 2010 basic earnings of $3.62 per share of common stock ($3.61 diluted) on a non-GAAP* basis.  These results exclude the special items listed in the table.  This compares to 2009 basic non-GAAP earnings of $3.77 per share ($3.75 diluted).  On a GAAP basis, 2010 basic earnings were $2.58 per share ($2.57 diluted) on net income of $760 million, and revenue of $13.34 billion.  In 2009, basic earnings were $3.31 per share ($3.29 diluted), on net income of $990 million, and revenue of $12.97 billion.  

Fourth quarter 2010 non-GAAP basic earnings were $0.71 per share of common stock ($0.70 diluted).  In the fourth quarter of 2009, non-GAAP basic and diluted earnings were $0.77 per share.  On a GAAP basis, fourth quarter 2010 basic and diluted earnings were $0.61 per share, on net income of $180 million and revenue of $3.22 billion.  This compares to basic and diluted earnings of $0.78 per share in the fourth quarter of 2009, on net income of $236 million, and revenue of $2.96 billion.  

“In a challenging year of soft power prices and a slowly recovering economy, we benefited from the continued success of our competitive strategy, which effectively tripled the retail customers for our FirstEnergy Solutions subsidiary last year,” said Anthony J. Alexander, president and chief executive officer of FirstEnergy.  “We also saw a modest recovery in industrial sales and a return to more normal weather in our service territory.  And, we continued to hold the line on costs, all of which helped us end the year within our guidance, which was revised to the upper end of the initial range in August.”
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Fourth Quarter and Full Year GAAP to Non-GAAP* Reconciliation
                                                                                                                                                         & #160;                        
   Fourth Quarter   Full Year 
   2010   2009    2010  2009
Basic Earnings Per Share (GAAP)
$0.61  
$0.78
 
$2.58
$3.31
  Excluding Special Items:
         
  Regulatory Charges
--
--
 
0.11
0.55
  Trust Securities Impairment
0.02
0.05
 
0.07
0.09
  Organizational Restructuring/
         
     Incremental Strike Costs
--
--
 
--
0.14
  Debt Redemption Premiums
  Income Taxes –
    Accounting Standards Change
--
 
--
0.01
 
--
 
--
 
--
0.31
 
(0.04)
    Income Tax Issue Resolution
--
(0.49)
 
--
(0.49)
    Legislative Change (Retiree Drug
      Subsidy)
 
--
 
--
 
 
0.04
 
--
  Merger Transaction Costs
0.07
--
 
0.15
--
  Litigation Settlement
--
--
 
(0.01)
--
  Non-Core Asset Sales/Impairments
(0.16)
--
 
(0.15)
(0.52)
  Generating Plant Charges
0.17
--
 
0.77
--
  Derivative Mark-To-Market Adjustment
--
0.42
 
0.06
0.42
Basic Earnings Per Share (Non-GAAP*)
$0.71
$0.77
 
$3.62
$3.77

 
Electric generation sales by FirstEnergy Solutions (FES) were up 26 percent for the year and 23 percent in the quarter compared to the same periods in 2009.  The sales growth in the fourth quarter reflects FES’ continued success in the direct and governmental aggregation sales channels, as well as higher wholesale sales.

Total distribution deliveries in 2010 increased by 6 percent compared to 2009, and by 2 percent in the fourth quarter.  The hot summer weather and colder weather at the end of 2010, compared with milder conditions in 2009, contributed to increased customer usage.

In addition to higher generation and distribution revenues, adjusted 2010 full-year results benefited from lower operating expenses and the impact of delivery service improvement riders in Ohio.  These factors were partially offset by higher fuel and purchased power costs, reduced transition cost recovery by Cleveland Electric Illuminating Co., the absence of an income tax adjustment that benefited 2009 results and a reduction in investment income from the company’s nuclear decommissioning trust.
 
 
 
2

 

Fourth quarter 2010 results benefited primarily from growth in FES sales margins and higher distribution deliveries.  These positive factors were offset by the absence of the 2009 income tax adjustment and higher operating costs, primarily related to the acceleration of work activities that were originally planned for future periods.

“Our accomplishments in 2010 set the stage for the continued improvement of our financial metrics and a number of exciting transitions in 2011, including the completion of our merger with Allegheny Energy,” Alexander said.

FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Report to the Financial Community – which provides highlights on company developments and financial results for the year and for the fourth quarter of 2010 – is posted on the company’s website – www.firstenergycorp.com/ir. To access the report, click on Q4 2010 Consolidated Report to the Financial Community.

The company invites investors, customers and other interested parties to listen to a live Internet webcast of its teleconference for financial analysts at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time today.  FirstEnergy management will present an overview of the company’s financial results for the quarter, followed by a question-and-answer session.  The teleconference can be accessed on the company’s website by selecting the Q4 2010 Earnings Conference Call link.  The webcast will be archived on the website.
 

 
(*)  This news release contains non-GAAP financial measures.  Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company's historical or future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP).   These non-GAAP financial measures are intended to complement, and not considered as an alternative, to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.  Also, the non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities.
 

 
 
 
 
3

 
 
Forward-Looking Statements: This news release 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 mater ially 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 Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, business and regulatory impacts from American Transmission Systems, Incorporated'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, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, the continued ability of FirstEnergy's regulated utilities to collect transition and other  costs, operating and maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, other legislative and regulatory changes, revised environmental requirements, including possible greenhouse gas emission and coal combustion regulations, the potential impacts of  any laws, rules or regulations that ultimately replace the Clean Air Interstate Rules , the uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures needed to, among other things, resolve any NSR litigation or other potential similar regulatory initiatives or rulemakings  (including that such amounts could be higher than anticipated or that certain generating units may need to be shut down) , adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including, but not limited to, the revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits and oversight) by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Metropolitan Edison Company's and Pennsylvania Electric Company's transmission service charge appeal at the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, any impact resulting from the receipt by Signal Peak of the Department of Labor's notice of a potential pattern of violations at Bull Mountain Mine No. 1, the continuing availability of generating units and their ability to operate at or near full capacity, the ability to comply with applicable state and federal reliability standards, the ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic goals (including employee workforce initiatives), the ability to improve electric commodity margins and the impact of, among other factors, the increased cost of coal and coal transportation on such margins and 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 it to make additional contributions sooner, or in an amount that is larger than currently anticipated, the ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with FirstEnergy's financing plan and the cost of such capital, changes in general economic conditions affecting the company, the state of the capital and credit markets affecting the company, interest rates and any actions taken by credit rating agencies that could negatively affect FirstEnergy's access to financing or its costs or increase its requirements to post additional collateral to support outstanding commodity positions, letters of credit and other financial guarantees, the continuing uncertainty in the national and regional economy and its impact on the company's major industrial and commercial customers, issues concerning the soundness of financial institutions and counterparties with which FirstEnergy does business, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed merger with Allegheny Energy, Inc., including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the proposed merger that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the merger, the diversion of management's time and attention from our ongoing business during this time period, the 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 and the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in its Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. 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 FirstEnergy's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. FirstEnergy expressly disclaims any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
(021611)
 
 
 
4

 
EX-99.2 3 ex99_2.htm CONSOLIDATED REPORT TO THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY, DATED FEBRUARY 16, 2011 ex99_2.htm
Exhibit 99.2
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community                                                                           
Fourth Quarter 2010
 
(Released February 16, 2011)              

         
    HIGHLIGHTS
After-Tax EPS Variance Analysis
 4th.Qtr.
   
4Q 2009 Basic EPS – GAAP Basis
$0.78
     
Special Items – 2009
  (0.01)
    Normalized non-GAAP* earnings, excluding special items, were $0.71 per
4Q 2009 Normalized Earnings – Non-GAAP Basis*
$0.77
 
share for the fourth quarter of 2010, compared with $0.77 per share for the
 
Distribution Deliveries
  0.03
  fourth quarter of 2009.  GAAP earnings for the fourth quarter of 2010 were  
Commodity Margin
  0.24
  $0.61 per share, compared with $0.78 per share for the fourth quarter of   O&M Expenses
  (0.18)
  2009.  
Depreciation
  0.01
        General Taxes    (0.05) 
         Normalized non-GAAP earnings for 2010, excluding special items, were   Investment Income - NDT 
  0.04
     $3.62 per share, within our earnings guidance of $3.60 to $3.70 per share.  
Capitalized Interest  
  0.02
  Normalized non-GAAP earnings for 2009, excluding special items, were  
Income Tax Adjustment - 2009
  (0.18)
  $3.77 per share. GAAP earnings for 2010 were $2.58 per share, compared   Other   0.01
  $3.31 per share in 2009.     4Q 2010 Normalized Earnings – Non-GAAP Basis* $0.71
      Special Items - 2010   (0.10)
        4Q 2010 Basic EPS – GAAP Basis $0.61
     4Q 2010 Results vs. 4Q 2009      
         
         Higher distribution delivery revenues increased earnings by $0.03 per share.  Electric distribution deliveries increased 524,000 MWH, or 2%, due to the improving
  economy and colder weather.  Heating-degree-days were 8% higher than the same period last year and 5% above normal.  Residential deliveries increased 115,000
  MWH, or 1%, while commercial deliveries increased by 178,000 MWH, or 2%.  Industrial deliveries increased 234,000 MWH, or 3%, due mostly to increased usage in
  the steel industry.
 
      
Commodity margin increased earnings by $0.24 per share, as a result of the factors described below.
 
 
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.’s (FES) generation sales increased 3.4 million MWH, or 23%, and increased earnings by $0.49 per share.  FES continues to successfully execute its retail strategy by gaining customers in Ohio through direct and governmental aggregation sales channels.    FES retail sales also grew significantly in all other markets it serves, with expansion into multiple new territories, including central and southern Ohio, Michigan and  Pennsylvania, and continued growth in existing territories.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
                   
  FES Generation Sales - 4Q10 vs. 4Q09                
 
(thousand MWH)
 
POLR
 
Direct
 
Aggregation
 
Total
 
 
MISO
   
(1,722)
 
2,117
 
2,137
 
2,532
 
 
PJM
       
918
     
918
 
 
Total Increase/ (Decrease)
 
(1,722)
 
3,035
 
2,137
 
3,450
 
                       
 
 
FES wholesale electricity sales increased 1.2 million MWH, or 58%, increasing earnings by $0.07 per share.
 
 
               
  FES - Wholesale Sales - 4Q10 vs. 4Q09            
 
(thousand MWH)
 
MISO
 
PJM
 
Total
 
 
Wholesale Sales Increase
     347
 
865
 
1,212
 
                   
 
 
Generation output for the quarter increased 3.6 million MWH, or 23%. Approximately 2.2 million MWH of the 2.8 million increase in fossil generation output was from the baseload units, while nuclear generation output increased 834,000 MWH.
 
 
               
  Generation Output - 4Q10 vs. 4Q09            
 
(thousand MWH)
 
Fossil
 
Nuclear
 
Total
 
 
Generation Output Increase
2,760
 
834
 
3,594
 
                   
 
 
Higher fuel expenses reduced earnings by $0.18 per share.  Fossil fuel expenses increased $0.16 per share due to increased coal consumption, higher coal transportation costs and fuel surcharges.  Nuclear fuel expenses increased $0.02 per share due to higher volume and unit prices.
 
Increased purchased power costs reduced earnings by $0.12 per share. The increase in energy purchases was primarily attributable to increased spot market purchases in PJM.  The increase in PJM energy purchases resulted from higher POLR and retail load requirements.
 
 
               
  FES - Purchased Power - 4Q10 vs. 4Q09            
 
(thousand MWH)
 
MISO
 
PJM
 
Total
 
 
Purchased Power Increase / (Decrease)
(79)
 
925
 
846
 
                   
 
 

 
 

 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
    2
 

 

 
 

 

Commodity Margin EPS Summary
 
 
 
Revenues - 4Q10 vs. 4Q09
 
       FES Generation Sales    Wholesale      
 
EPS
 
POLR
 
Direct
 
Aggregation
    Sales     Total Rev  
 
Rate
 
$0.05
 
($0.06)
 
$0.04
 
($0.02)
 
$0.01
 
 
Volume
 
($0.18)
 
$0.37
 
$0.25
 
$0.09
 
$0.53
 
 
Total
 
($0.13)
 
$0.31
 
$0.29
 
$0.07
 
$0.54
 
                         
 
 
 
 
Expenses - 4Q10 vs. 4Q09
 
           Purchased      
   EPS    Fuel    Power    Total Exp  
 
Rate
 
($0.02)
 
($0.04)
 
($0.06)
 
 
Volume
 
($0.16)
 
($0.08)
 
($0.24)
 
 
Total
 
($0.18)
 
($0.12)
 
($0.30)
 
                 
 
 
 
   
Higher O&M expenses reduced earnings by $0.18 per share.
 
 
-  
Higher generation O&M expenses reduced earnings by $0.09 per share – the result of undertaking work activities in the fourth quarter of 2010 that were originally planned for future periods.
 
 
-  
Higher operating expenses from the Energy Delivery segment decreased earnings by $0.06 per share.
 
 
-  
Higher employee-related costs reduced earnings by $0.03 per share due principally to the impact of more favorable results on incentive compensation programs.
 
 
   
Lower depreciation expense increased earnings by $0.01 per share, primarily due to reduced depreciation expense associated with the impairment of the Lake Plants in August of 2010.
 
 
   
Higher general taxes decreased earnings by $0.05 per share, primarily due to higher Ohio KWH taxes and Pennsylvania gross receipts taxes, as well as higher property taxes.
 
 
  
Higher investment income from the nuclear decommissioning trusts increased earnings by $0.04 per share.
 
 
   
Net financing costs increased earnings by $0.02 per share due to higher capitalized interest related to construction programs. Interest expense decreased slightly, as the impact of interest rate swap agreements implemented in the second quarter of 2010 more than offset higher interest costs.
 
 
   
An $0.18 per share reduction in earnings resulted from last year’s reversal of after-tax interest associated with several tax positions that were settled in the fourth quarter of 2009.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
    3
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
  
The following special items were recognized during the fourth quarter of 2010.
 
 
           
 
Special Items
 
EPS
 
 
Merger Transaction Costs
 
($0.07)
 
 
Non-Core Asset Sales
 
$0.16
 
 
Generating Plant Charges
 
($0.17)
 
 
Trust Securities Impairment
 
($0.02)
 
   
Total
 
($0.10)
 
           
 
* The 2010 GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation statements can be found on page 16 of this report and all GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation statements are available on the Investor Information section of FirstEnergy Corp.'s website at www.firstenergycorp.com/ir.
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
For additional information, please contact:
 
 
 Ronald E. Seeholzer
 Irene M. Prezelj  Rey Y. Jimenez
 Vice President, Investor Relations
 Director, Investor Relations  Manager, Investor Relations
 (330) 384-5415
 (330) 384-3859  (330) 761-4239

 
 
 

 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
    4
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Consolidated Statements of Income
 (In millions, except for per share amounts)
 
 
     
Three Months Ended December 31
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31
 
     
2010
   
2009
   
Change
   
2010
   
2009
   
Change
 
   
Revenues
                                 
(1 )
Electric utilities
$ 2,200     $ 2,389     $ (189 )   $ 9,952     $ 11,144     $ (1,192 )
(2 )
Unregulated businesses
  1,592       1,078       514       5,878       4,774       1,104  
(3 )
Intersegment revenues
  (575 )     (507 )     (68 )     (2,491 )     (2,945 )     454  
(4 )
Total Revenues
  3,217       2,960       257       13,339       12,973       366  
                                                   
   
Expenses
                                             
(5 )
Fuel
  348       263       85       1,432       1,153       279  
(6 )
Purchased power
  1,050       1,250       (200 )     4,624       4,730       (106 )
(7 )
Other operating expenses
  738       594       144       2,850       2,697       153  
(8 )
Provision for depreciation
  181       186       (5 )     746       736       10  
(9 )
Amortization of regulatory assets
  173       252       (79 )     722       1,155       (433 )
(10 )
Deferral of new regulatory assets
  -       -       -       -       (136 )     136  
(11 )
General taxes
  189       166       23       776       753       23  
(12 )
Impairment of long-lived assets
  90       6       84       384       6       378  
(13 )
Total Expenses
  2,769       2,717       52       11,534       11,094       440  
(14 )
Operating Income
  448       243       205       1,805       1,879       (74 )
                                                   
   
Other Income (Expense)
                                             
(15 )
Investment income (loss)
  24       (3 )     27       117       204       (87 )
(16 )
Interest expense
  (217 )     (223 )     6       (845 )     (978 )     133  
(17 )
Capitalized interest
  43       34       9       165       130       35  
(18 )
Total Other Expense
  (150 )     (192 )     42       (563 )     (644 )     81  
                                                   
(19 )
Income Before Income Taxes
  298       51       247       1,242       1,235       7  
(20 )
Income taxes (benefits)
  118       (185 )     303       482       245       237  
(21 )
Net Income
  180       236       (56 )     760       990       (230 )
(22 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
  (5 )     (2 )     (3 )     (24 )     (16 )     (8 )
(23 )
Earnings Available to FirstEnergy Corp.
$ 185     $ 238     $ (53 )   $ 784     $ 1,006     $ (222 )
                                                   
(24 )
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
                                         
(25 )
Basic
$ 0.61     $ 0.78     $ (0.17 )   $ 2.58     $ 3.31     $ (0.73 )
(26 )
Diluted
$ 0.61     $ 0.78     $ (0.17 )   $ 2.57     $ 3.29     $ (0.72 )
(27 )
Weighted Average Number of
                                             
   
Common Shares Outstanding
                                             
(28 )
Basic
  304       304       -       304       304       -  
(29 )
Diluted
  306       306       -       305       306       (1 )
                                                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
    5
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Consolidated Income Segments
 (In millions)
 
 
     
Three Months Ended December 31, 2010
 
                           
     
Energy
   
Competitive
   
Other &
       
     
Delivery
   
Energy
   
Reconciling
       
       Services (a)      Services (b)      Adjustments (c)      Consolidated  
   
Revenues
                     
(1 )
Electric sales
$ 2,021     $ 950     $ -     $ 2,971  
(2 )
Other
  119       141       (21 )     239  
(3 )
Internal revenues*
  60       489       (542 )     7  
(4 )
Total Revenues
  2,200       1,580       (563 )     3,217  
                                   
   
Expenses
                             
(5 )
Fuel
  -       351       (3 )     348  
(6 )
Purchased power
  1,107       485       (542 )     1,050  
(7 )
Other operating expenses
  338       405       (5 )     738  
(8 )
Provision for depreciation
  112       60       9       181  
(9 )
Amortization of regulatory assets
  173       -       -       173  
(10 )
General taxes
  172       27       (10 )     189  
(11 )
Impairment of long-lived assets
  -       90       -       90  
(12 )
Total Expenses
  1,902       1,418       (551 )     2,769  
(13 )
Operating Income (Loss)
  298       162       (12 )     448  
                                   
   
Other Income (Expense)
                             
(14 )
Investment income (loss)
  27       9       (12 )     24  
(15 )
Interest expense
  (123 )     (60 )     (34 )     (217 )
(16 )
Capitalized interest
  1       25       17       43  
(17 )
Total Other Expense
  (95 )     (26 )     (29 )     (150 )
                                   
(18 )
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
  203       136       (41 )     298  
(19 )
Income taxes (benefits)
  77       52       (11 )     118  
(20 )
Net Income (Loss)
  126       84       (30 )     180  
(21 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
  -       -       (5 )     (5 )
(22 )
Earnings Available to FirstEnergy Corp.
$ 126     $ 84     $ (25 )   $ 185  
                                   
*  
Under the accounting standard for the effects of certain types of regulation, internal revenues are not fully offset for sale of
 
   
Renewable Energy Credits by FES to the Ohio Companies that are retained in inventory.
         
                                   
(a)
 
Consists of regulated transmission and distribution operations, including transition cost recovery, and provider of last resort
 
   
generation service for FirstEnergy's electric utility subsidiaries.
                 
(b)
 
Consists of unregulated generation and commodity operations, including competitive electric sales, and generation sales to
 
   
affiliated electric utilities.
                             
(c)
 
Consists primarily of interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses
 
   
and elimination of intersegment transactions.
                         
                                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
    6
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Consolidated Income Segments
 (In millions)
 
 
     
Three Months Ended December 31, 2009
 
                           
                           
     
Energy
   
Competitive
   
Other &
       
     
Delivery
   
Energy
   
Reconciling
       
     
Services (a)
   
Services (b)
   
Adjustments (c)
   
Consolidated
 
   
Revenues
                     
(1 )
Electric sales
$ 2,263     $ 518     $ -     $ 2,781  
(2 )
Other
  126       47       (11 )     162  
(3 )
Internal revenues*
  -       494       (477 )     17  
(4 )
Total Revenues
  2,389       1,059       (488 )     2,960  
                                   
   
Expenses
                             
(5 )
Fuel
  -       263       -       263  
(6 )
Purchased power
  1,282       445       (477 )     1,250  
(7 )
Other operating expenses
  235       356       3       594  
(8 )
Provision for depreciation
  114       69       3       186  
(9 )
Amortization of regulatory assets
  252       -       -       252  
(10 )
General taxes
  155       24       (13 )     166  
(11 )
Impairment of long-lived assets
  -       6       -       6  
(12 )
Total Expenses
  2,038       1,163       (484 )     2,717  
(13 )
Operating Income (Loss)
  351       (104 )     (4 )     243  
                                   
   
Other Income (Expense)
                             
(14 )
Investment income (loss)
  28       (15 )     (16 )     (3 )
(15 )
Interest expense
  (129 )     (60 )     (34 )     (223 )
(16 )
Capitalized interest
  -       18       16       34  
(17 )
Total Other Expense
  (101 )     (57 )     (34 )     (192 )
                                   
(18 )
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
  250       (161 )     (38 )     51  
(19 )
Income taxes (benefits)
  100       (64 )     (221 )     (185 )
(20 )
Net Income (Loss)
  150       (97 )     183       236  
(21 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
  -       -       (2 )     (2 )
(22 )
Earnings Available to FirstEnergy Corp.
$ 150     $ (97 )   $ 185     $ 238  
                                   
*  
Under the accounting standard for the effects of certain types of regulation, internal revenues are not fully offset for sale of
 
   
Renewable Energy Credits by FES to the Ohio Companies that are retained in inventory.
         
                                   
(a)
 
Consists of regulated transmission and distribution operations, including transition cost recovery, and provider of last resort
 
   
generation service for FirstEnergy's electric utility subsidiaries.
                 
(b)
 
Consists of unregulated generation and commodity operations, including competitive electric sales, and generation sales to
 
   
affiliated electric utilities.
                             
(c)
 
Consists primarily of interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses
 
   
and elimination of intersegment transactions.
                         
                                   
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
7
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Consolidated Income Segments
 (In millions)
 
 
     
Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2010 vs. Three Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009
 
                           
                           
     
Energy
   
Competitive
   
Other &
       
     
Delivery
   
Energy
   
Reconciling
       
     
Services (a)
   
Services (b)
   
Adjustments (c)
   
Consolidated
 
   
Revenues
                     
(1 )
Electric sales
$ (242 )   $ 432     $ -     $ 190  
(2 )
Other
  (7 )     94       (10 )     77  
(3 )
Internal revenues*
  60       (5 )     (65 )     (10 )
(4 )
Total Revenues
  (189 )     521       (75 )     257  
                                   
   
Expenses
                             
(5 )
Fuel
  -       88       (3 )     85  
(6 )
Purchased power
  (175 )     40       (65 )     (200 )
(7 )
Other operating expenses
  103       49       (8 )     144  
(8 )
Provision for depreciation
  (2 )     (9 )     6       (5 )
(9 )
Amortization of regulatory assets
  (79 )     -       -       (79 )
(10 )
General taxes
  17       3       3       23  
(11 )
Impairment of long-lived assets
  -       84       -       84  
(12 )
Total Expenses
  (136 )     255       (67 )     52  
(13 )
Operating Income (Loss)
  (53 )     266       (8 )     205  
                                   
   
Other Income (Expense)
                             
(14 )
Investment income (loss)
  (1 )     24       4       27  
(15 )
Interest expense
  6       -       -       6  
(16 )
Capitalized interest
  1       7       1       9  
(17 )
Total Other Income
  6       31       5       42  
                                   
(18 )
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
  (47 )     297       (3 )     247  
(19 )
Income taxes (benefits)
  (23 )     116       210       303  
(20 )
Net Income (Loss)
  (24 )     181       (213 )     (56 )
(21 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
  -       -       (3 )     (3 )
(22 )
Earnings Available to FirstEnergy Corp.
$ (24 )   $ 181     $ (210 )   $ (53 )
                                   
*  
Under the accounting standard for the effects of certain types of regulation, internal revenues are not fully offset for sale of
 
   
Renewable Energy Credits by FES to the Ohio Companies that are retained in inventory.
         
                                   
(a)
 
Consists of regulated transmission and distribution operations, including transition cost recovery, and provider of last resort
 
   
generation service for FirstEnergy's electric utility subsidiaries.
                 
(b)
 
Consists of unregulated generation and commodity operations, including competitive electric sales, and generation sales to
 
   
affiliated electric utilities.
                             
(c)
 
Consists primarily of interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses
 
   
and elimination of intersegment transactions.
                         
                                   
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
    8
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Consolidated Income Segments
 (In millions)
 
 
     
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2010
 
                           
     
Energy
   
Competitive
   
Other &
       
     
Delivery
   
Energy
   
Reconciling
       
       Services (a)      Services (b)      Adjustments (c)      Consolidated  
   
Revenues
                     
(1 )
Electric sales
$ 9,271     $ 3,252     $ -     $ 12,523  
(2 )
Other
  542       292       (92 )     742  
(3 )
Internal revenues*
  139       2,301       (2,366 )     74  
(4 )
Total Revenues
  9,952       5,845       (2,458 )     13,339  
                                   
   
Expenses
                             
(5 )
Fuel
  -       1,440       (8 )     1,432  
(6 )
Purchased power
  5,266       1,724       (2,366 )     4,624  
(7 )
Other operating expenses
  1,492       1,436       (78 )     2,850  
(8 )
Provision for depreciation
  451       254       41       746  
(9 )
Amortization of regulatory assets
  722       -       -       722  
(10 )
General taxes
  653       113       10       776  
(11 )
Impairment of long-lived assets
  -       384       -       384  
(12 )
Total Expenses
  8,584       5,351       (2,401 )     11,534  
(13 )
Operating Income (Loss)
  1,368       494       (57 )     1,805  
                                   
   
Other Income (Expense)
                             
(14 )
Investment income (loss)
  102       51       (36 )     117  
(15 )
Interest expense
  (496 )     (221 )     (128 )     (845 )
(16 )
Capitalized interest
  5       92       68       165  
(17 )
Total Other Expense
  (389 )     (78 )     (96 )     (563 )
                                   
(18 )
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
  979       416       (153 )     1,242  
(19 )
Income taxes (benefits)
  372       158       (48 )     482  
(20 )
Net Income (Loss)
  607       258       (105 )     760  
(21 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
  -       -       (24 )     (24 )
(22 )
Earnings Available to FirstEnergy Corp.
$ 607     $ 258     $ (81 )   $ 784  
                                   
*  
Under the accounting standard for the effects of certain types of regulation, internal revenues are not fully offset for sale of
 
   
Renewable Energy Credits by FES to the Ohio Companies that are retained in inventory.
         
                                   
(a)
 
Consists of regulated transmission and distribution operations, including transition cost recovery, and provider of last resort
 
   
generation service for FirstEnergy's electric utility subsidiaries.
                 
(b)
 
Consists of unregulated generation and commodity operations, including competitive electric sales, and generation sales to
 
   
affiliated electric utilities.
                             
(c)
 
Consists primarily of interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses
 
   
and elimination of intersegment transactions.
                         
                                   
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
9
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Consolidated Income Segments
 (In millions)
 
 
 
     
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2009
 
                           
                           
     
Energy
   
Competitive
   
Other &
       
     
Delivery
   
Energy
   
Reconciling
       
     
Services (a)
   
Services (b)
   
Adjustments (c)
   
Consolidated
 
   
Revenues
                     
(1 )
Electric sales
$ 10,585     $ 1,447     $ -     $ 12,032  
(2 )
Other
  559       447       (82 )     924  
(3 )
Internal revenues*
  -       2,843       (2,826 )     17  
(4 )
Total Revenues
  11,144       4,737       (2,908 )     12,973  
                                   
   
Expenses
                             
(5 )
Fuel
  -       1,153       -       1,153  
(6 )
Purchased power
  6,560       996       (2,826 )     4,730  
(7 )
Other operating expenses
  1,424       1,357       (84 )     2,697  
(8 )
Provision for depreciation
  445       270       21       736  
(9 )
Amortization of regulatory assets
  1,155       -       -       1,155  
(10 )
Deferral of new regulatory assets
  (136 )     -       -       (136 )
(11 )
General taxes
  641       108       4       753  
(12 )
Impairment of long-lived assets
  -       6       -       6  
(13 )
Total Expenses
  10,089       3,890       (2,885 )     11,094  
(14 )
Operating Income (Loss)
  1,055       847       (23 )     1,879  
                                   
   
Other Income (Expense)
                             
(15 )
Investment income
  139       121       (56 )     204  
(16 )
Interest expense
  (472 )     (166 )     (340 )     (978 )
(17 )
Capitalized interest
  3       60       67       130  
(18 )
Total Other Income (Expense)
  (330 )     15       (329 )     (644 )
                                   
(19 )
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
  725       862       (352 )     1,235  
(20 )
Income taxes (benefits)
  290       345       (390 )     245  
(21 )
Net Income
  435       517       38       990  
(22 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
  -       -       (16 )     (16 )
(23 )
Earnings Available to FirstEnergy Corp.
$ 435     $ 517     $ 54     $ 1,006  
                                   
*  
Under the accounting standard for the effects of certain types of regulation, internal revenues are not fully offset for sale of
 
   
Renewable Energy Credits by FES to the Ohio Companies that are retained in inventory.
         
                                   
(a)
 
Consists of regulated transmission and distribution operations, including transition cost recovery, and provider of last resort
 
   
generation service for FirstEnergy's electric utility subsidiaries.
                 
(b)
 
Consists of unregulated generation and commodity operations, including competitive electric sales, and generation sales to
 
   
affiliated electric utilities.
                             
(c)
 
Consists primarily of interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses
 
   
and elimination of intersegment transactions.
                         
                                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
      10
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Consolidated Income Segments
 (In millions)
 
 
 
     
Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31, 2010 vs. Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31, 2009
 
                           
                           
     
Energy
   
Competitive
   
Other &
       
     
Delivery
   
Energy
   
Reconciling
       
     
Services (a)
   
Services (b)
   
Adjustments (c)
   
Consolidated
 
   
Revenues
                     
(1 )
Electric sales
$ (1,314 )   $ 1,805     $ -     $ 491  
(2 )
Other
  (17 )     (155 )     (10 )     (182 )
(3 )
Internal revenues*
  139       (542 )     460       57  
(4 )
Total Revenues
  (1,192 )     1,108       450       366  
                                   
   
Expenses
                             
(5 )
Fuel
  -       287       (8 )     279  
(6 )
Purchased power
  (1,294 )     728       460       (106 )
(7 )
Other operating expenses
  68       79       6       153  
(8 )
Provision for depreciation
  6       (16 )     20       10  
(9 )
Amortization of regulatory assets
  (433 )     -       -       (433 )
(10 )
Deferral of new regulatory assets
  136       -       -       136  
(11 )
General taxes
  12       5       6       23  
(12 )
Impairment of long-lived assets
  -       378       -       378  
(13 )
Total Expenses
  (1,505 )     1,461       484       440  
(14 )
Operating Income (Loss)
  313       (353 )     (34 )     (74 )
                                   
   
Other Income (Expense)
                             
(15 )
Investment income (loss)
  (37 )     (70 )     20       (87 )
(16 )
Interest expense
  (24 )     (55 )     212       133  
(17 )
Capitalized interest
  2       32       1       35  
(18 )
Total Other Income (Expense)
  (59 )     (93 )     233       81  
                                   
(19 )
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
  254       (446 )     199       7  
(20 )
Income taxes (benefits)
  82       (187 )     342       237  
(21 )
Net Income (Loss)
  172       (259 )     (143 )     (230 )
(22 )
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
  -       -       (8 )     (8 )
(23 )
Earnings Available to FirstEnergy Corp.
$ 172     $ (259 )   $ (135 )   $ (222 )
                                   
*  
Under the accounting standard for the effects of certain types of regulation, internal revenues are not fully offset for sale of
 
   
Renewable Energy Credits by FES to the Ohio Companies that are retained in inventory.
         
                                   
(a)
 
Consists of regulated transmission and distribution operations, including transition cost recovery, and provider of last resort
 
   
generation service for FirstEnergy's electric utility subsidiaries.
                 
(b)
 
Consists of unregulated generation and commodity operations, including competitive electric sales, and generation sales to
 
   
affiliated electric utilities.
                             
(c)
 
Consists primarily of interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses
 
   
and elimination of intersegment transactions.
                         
                                   
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
      11
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Financial Statements
 (In millions)
 
 
             
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
             
     
As of
 
As of
 
 
Assets
 
Dec. 31, 2010
 
Dec. 31, 2009
 
 
Current Assets:
         
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,019   $ 874  
 
Receivables
    1,568     1,397  
 
Other
    1,111     1,049  
 
Total Current Assets
    3,698     3,320  
                 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
    19,788     19,164  
 
Investments
    3,002     3,023  
 
Deferred Charges and Other Assets
    8,317     8,797  
 
Total Assets
  $ 34,805   $ 34,304  
                 
 
Liabilities and Capitalization
             
 
Current Liabilities:
             
 
Currently payable long-term debt
  $ 1,486   $ 1,834  
 
Short-term borrowings
    700     1,081  
 
Accounts payable
    872     829  
 
Other
    1,640     1,444  
 
Total Current Liabilities
    4,698     5,188  
                 
 
Capitalization:
             
 
Total equity
    8,513     8,557  
 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
    12,579     12,008  
 
Total Capitalization
    21,092     20,565  
 
Noncurrent Liabilities
    9,015     8,551  
 
Total Liabilities and Capitalization
  $ 34,805   $ 34,304  
                 
 
 
                         
 
General Information
 
   
Three Months Ended Dec. 31
   
Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31
 
      2010       2009       2010       2009  
 
Debt redemptions
$ (593 )   $ (397 )   $ (1,015 )   $ (2,610 )
 
New long-term debt issues
$ 848     $ 481     $ 1,099     $ 4,632  
 
Short-term borrowings decrease
$ (207 )   $ (482 )   $ (378 )   $ (1,246 )
 
Property additions
$ (496 )   $ (628 )   $ (1,963 )   $ (2,203 )
                                 
 
 
                             
 
Adjusted Capitalization
     
   
As of December 31
 
      2010       % Total         2009       % Total    
 
Total equity*
$ 8,513       36 %     $ 8,557       36 %  
 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
  12,579       55 %       12,008       50 %  
 
Currently payable long-term debt
  1,486       6 %       1,834       8 %  
 
Short-term borrowings
  700       3 %       1,081       5 %  
 
Adjustments:
                                 
 
Sale-leaseback net debt equivalents
  1,357       6 %       1,391       6 %  
 
JCP&L securitization debt and cash
  (1,295 )     -6 %       (1,189 )     -5 %  
 
Total
$ 23,340       100 %     $ 23,682       100 %  
                                     
 
*Includes $(1,539) million and $(1,415) million, respectively, of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
                                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
      12
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Financial Statements
 (In millions)
 
 
                           
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
     
Three Months Ended Dec. 31
   
Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31
 
     
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                       
 
Net income
  $ 180     $ 236     $ 760     $ 990  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
Depreciation, amortization, and deferral of regulatory assets
    354       438       1,468       1,755  
 
Deferred purchased power and other costs
    (62 )     (103 )     (254 )     (338 )
 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
    211       (37 )     470       384  
 
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability
    (33 )     (32 )     (54 )     (52 )
 
Cash collateral received (paid), net
    28       115       (26 )     30  
 
Commodity derivative transactions, net
    (41 )     203       (81 )     229  
 
Interest rate swap transactions
    -       -       129       -  
 
Impairment of long-lived assets
    90       6       384       6  
 
Pension trust contribution
    -       -       -       (500 )
 
Loss on debt redemptions
    5       4       5       146  
 
Gain on investment securities held in trusts, net
    (16 )     (4 )     (55 )     (176 )
 
Change in working capital and other
    287       175       330       (9 )
 
Cash flows provided from operating activities
    1,003       1,001       3,076       2,465  
 
Cash flows provided from (used for) financing activities
    (113 )     (568 )     (983 )     49  
 
Cash flows used for investing activities
    (503 )     (397 )     (1,948 )     (2,185 )
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 387     $ 36     $ 145     $ 329  
                                   
 
 
                                       
 
Deferrals and Amortization
 
Three Months Ended December 31
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31
 
        2010       2009    
Change
      2010       2009    
Change
 
 
Ohio Rate Certainty Plan Amortization (Deferrals)
                                           
 
   Ohio Transition costs
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 70     $ (70 )
 
   Shopping incentives & interest
    26       37       (11 )     154       265       (111 )
 
   RCP distribution reliability costs and interest
    -       -       -       -       (14 )     14  
 
   RCP fuel & interest
    (5 )     (5 )     -       (20 )     (24 )     4  
                                                   
 
Ohio ESP Amortization (Deferrals)
                                               
 
   Uncollectible customer accounts
  $ -     $ 7     $ (7 )   $ (6 )   $ 5     $ (11 )
 
   Economic development costs & interest
    (10 )     1       (11 )     -       26       (26 )
 
   Generation cost rider true-up & interest
    18       (3 )     21       19       (15 )     34  
 
   CEI fuel & interest
    -       -       -       -       (141 )     141  
 
   Distribution reliability costs (RDD/NDD)
    47       39       8       131       51       80  
                                                   
 
Ohio Transmission Amortization (Deferrals)
                                               
 
   MISO transmission costs
  $ 3     $ 9     $ (6 )   $ (34 )   $ 105     $ (139 )
                                                   
 
Ohio Other Amortization (Deferrals)
                                               
 
   Generation Related Costs
  $ (26 )   $ (9 )   $ (17 )   $ (59 )   $ (2 )   $ (57 )
 
   Distribution Related Costs
    7       5       2       25       30       (5 )
 
   All Other
    6       5       1       53       10       43  
                                                   
 
Pennsylvania Amortization (Deferrals)
                                               
 
   PJM transmission costs
  $ 6     $ 49     $ (43 )   $ 2     $ 141     $ (139 )
 
   NUG costs
    10       20       (10 )     48       84       (36 )
 
   All Other
    21       16       5       88       83       5  
                                                   
 
New Jersey Amortization (Deferrals)
                                               
 
   NUG costs
  $ 58     $ 57     $ 1     $ 265     $ 255     $ 10  
 
   All Other
    12       24       (12 )     56       90       (34 )
                                                   
 
Total Amortization, net
  $ 173     $ 252     $ (79 )   $ 722     $ 1,019     $ (297 )
                                                   
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
      13
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Statistical Summary
 
 
                                 
 
Electric Sales Statistics (kWh in millions)
               
           Three Months Ended December 31    Twelve Months Ended December 31  
   Electric Distribution Deliveries    2010    2009    Change    2010    2009    Change  
                                 
 
Ohio
- Residential
 
          4,287
 
          4,208
 
1.9%
 
        17,808
 
        16,807
 
6.0%
 
     
- Commercial
 
          3,516
 
          3,347
 
5.0%
 
        14,443
 
        14,042
 
2.9%
 
     
- Industrial
 
          5,060
 
          4,892
 
3.4%
 
        20,707
 
        18,742
 
10.5%
 
     
- Other
 
                87
 
                90
 
-3.3%
 
             348
 
             351
 
-0.9%
 
     
Total Ohio
 
        12,950
 
        12,537
 
3.3%
 
        53,306
 
        49,942
 
6.7%
 
 
Pennsylvania
- Residential
 
          2,925
 
          2,917
 
0.3%
 
        11,971
 
        11,553
 
3.6%
 
     
- Commercial
 
          2,665
 
          2,688
 
-0.9%
 
        11,285
 
        10,954
 
3.0%
 
     
- Industrial
 
          2,315
 
          2,232
 
3.7%
 
          9,221
 
          8,712
 
5.8%
 
     
- Other
 
                20
 
                20
 
0.0%
 
                82
 
                81
 
1.2%
 
     
Total Pennsylvania
          7,925
 
          7,857
 
0.9%
 
        32,559
 
        31,300
 
4.0%
 
 
New Jersey
- Residential
 
          2,118
 
          2,090
 
1.3%
 
          9,993
 
          9,214
 
8.5%
 
     
- Commercial
 
          2,295
 
          2,263
 
1.4%
 
          9,563
 
          9,323
 
2.6%
 
     
- Industrial
 
             576
 
             593
 
-2.9%
 
          2,487
 
          2,447
 
1.6%
 
     
- Other
 
                22
 
                22
 
0.0%
 
                89
 
                87
 
2.3%
 
     
Total New Jersey
          5,011
 
          4,968
 
0.9%
 
        22,132
 
        21,071
 
5.0%
 
 
Total Residential
 
          9,330
 
          9,215
 
1.2%
 
        39,772
 
        37,574
 
5.8%
 
 
Total Commercial
 
          8,476
 
          8,298
 
2.1%
 
        35,291
 
        34,319
 
2.8%
 
 
Total Industrial
 
          7,951
 
          7,717
 
3.0%
 
        32,415
 
        29,901
 
8.4%
 
 
Total Other
 
             129
 
             132
 
-2.3%
 
             519
 
             519
 
0.0%
 
 
Total Distribution Deliveries
        25,886
 
        25,362
 
2.1%
 
      107,997
 
      102,313
 
5.6%
 
                                 
 
 
Generation Sales - Franchise (kWh in millions)
 
         
Three Months Ended December 31
 
Twelve Months Ended December 31
 
         
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
 
Ohio
                             
 
FES
- POLR
   
           2,959
 
         4,681
 
-36.8%
 
      14,583
 
      30,204
 
-51.7%
 
   
- Direct
   
           4,112
 
         2,967
 
38.6%
 
      15,597
 
        4,474
 
248.6%
 
   
- Aggregation
 
           3,475
 
         1,395
 
149.1%
 
      12,574
 
        1,830
 
587.1%
 
   
Subtotal
   
         10,546
 
         9,043
 
16.6%
 
      42,754
 
      36,508
 
17.1%
 
                                 
 
3rd Party
- POLR
   
           1,173
 
         1,776
 
-34.0%
 
        5,811
 
      11,050
 
-47.4%
 
   
- Shopping
   
           1,231
 
         1,718
 
-28.3%
 
        4,741
 
        2,384
 
98.9%
 
   
Subtotal
   
           2,404
 
         3,494
 
-31.2%
 
      10,552
 
      13,434
 
-21.5%
 
     
Total - OH
 
         12,950
 
      12,537
 
3.3%
 
      53,306
 
      49,942
 
6.7%
 
                                 
 
Pennsylvania
                           
 
FES
- POLR
   
           3,692
 
         3,871
 
-4.6%
 
      16,147
 
      15,829
 
2.0%
 
   
- Direct
   
              561
 
            440
 
27.5%
 
        2,010
 
        1,645
 
22.2%
 
   
Subtotal
   
           4,253
 
         4,311
 
-1.3%
 
      18,157
 
      17,474
 
3.9%
 
                                 
 
3rd Party
- POLR
   
           3,172
 
         3,271
 
-3.0%
 
      13,028
 
      12,806
 
1.7%
 
   
- Shopping
   
              500
 
            275
 
81.8%
 
        1,374
 
        1,020
 
34.7%
 
   
Subtotal
   
           3,672
 
         3,546
 
3.6%
 
      14,402
 
      13,826
 
4.2%
 
     
Total - PA
 
           7,925
 
         7,857
 
0.9%
 
      32,559
 
      31,300
 
4.0%
 
                                 
 
New Jersey
                           
 
FES
- Direct
   
              142
 
              72
 
97.2%
 
           476
 
           206
 
131.1%
 
   
Subtotal
   
              142
 
              72
 
97.2%
 
           476
 
           206
 
131.1%
 
                                 
 
3rd Party
- POLR
   
           2,967
 
         3,323
 
-10.7%
 
      14,393
 
      15,348
 
-6.2%
 
   
- Shopping
   
           1,902
 
         1,573
 
20.9%
 
        7,263
 
        5,517
 
31.6%
 
   
Subtotal
   
           4,869
 
         4,896
 
-0.6%
 
      21,656
 
      20,865
 
3.8%
 
     
Total - NJ
 
           5,011
 
         4,968
 
0.9%
 
      22,132
 
      21,071
 
5.0%
 
                                 
 
Summary
                           
 
FES - POLR
   
           6,651
 
         8,552
 
-22.2%
 
      30,730
 
      46,033
 
-33.2%
 
 
FES - Direct
   
           4,815
 
         3,479
 
38.4%
 
      18,083
 
        6,325
 
185.9%
 
 
FES - Aggregation
   
           3,475
 
         1,395
 
149.1%
 
      12,574
 
        1,830
 
587.1%
 
     
Subtotal
 
         14,941
 
      13,426
 
11.3%
 
      61,387
 
      54,188
 
13.3%
 
                                 
 
3rd Party Suppliers - POLR
 
           7,312
 
         8,370
 
-12.6%
 
      33,232
 
      39,204
 
-15.2%
 
 
3rd Party Suppliers - Shopping
 
           3,633
 
         3,566
 
1.9%
 
      13,378
 
        8,921
 
50.0%
 
     
Subtotal
 
         10,945
 
      11,936
 
-8.3%
 
      46,610
 
      48,125
 
-3.1%
 
   
Total Franchise
 
         25,886
 
      25,362
 
2.1%
 
   107,997
 
   102,313
 
5.6%
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
      14
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Statistical Summary
 
 
Summary of Sales, Power Purchases and Generation Output (kWh in millions)
     
         
Three Months Ended December 31
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31
 
 
FES Sales
   
2010
 
2009
 
Change
   
2010
 
2009
 
Change
 
 
POLR
                             
   
- OH
   
           2,959
 
           4,681
 
       (1,722)
   
      14,583
 
      30,204
 
    (15,621)
 
   
- PA
   
           6,939
 
           4,204
 
         2,735
   
      29,604
 
      16,557
 
      13,047
 
   
- PA (ME/PN 3rd Party Contract)
         (2,735)
 
                    -
 
       (2,735)
   
    (11,044)
 
                 -
 
    (11,044)
 
     
Total POLR
           7,163
 
           8,885
 
       (1,722)
   
      33,143
 
      46,761
 
    (13,618)
 
                                   
 
Direct
                             
   
- OH
   
           5,102
 
           3,258
 
         1,844
   
      18,651
 
        4,799
 
      13,852
 
   
- PA
   
           1,373
 
              926
 
            447
   
        4,638
 
        3,583
 
        1,055
 
   
- NJ
   
              359
 
              213
 
            146
   
        1,374
 
            574
 
            800
 
   
- MI
   
              392
 
                   8
 
            384
   
        1,518
 
              19
 
        1,499
 
   
- IL
   
              551
 
              345
 
            206
   
        2,153
 
            882
 
        1,271
 
   
- MD
   
                 73
 
                 65
 
                 8
   
            281
 
            187
 
              94
 
     
Total Direct
           7,850
 
           4,815
 
         3,035
   
      28,615
 
      10,044
 
      18,571
 
                                   
 
Aggregation
                             
   
- OH
   
           3,532
 
           1,395
 
         2,137
   
      12,682
 
        1,830
 
      10,852
 
     
Total Aggregation
           3,532
 
           1,395
 
         2,137
   
      12,682
 
        1,830
 
      10,852
 
 
Total FES Sales
   
         18,545
 
         15,095
 
         3,450
   
      74,440
 
      58,635
 
      15,805
 
                                   
 
Wholesale Sales
                           
 
MISO
   
           2,366
 
           2,019
 
            347
   
        6,315
 
      10,622
 
       (4,307)
 
 
PJM
     
              943
 
                 78
 
            865
   
        2,394
 
        1,227
 
        1,167
 
 
    Total Wholesale Sales
 
           3,309
 
           2,097
 
         1,212
   
        8,709
 
      11,849
 
       (3,140)
 
                                   
 
Purchased Power
                           
 
MISO
   
                 25
 
              104
 
             (79)
   
        1,167
 
        1,511
 
          (344)
 
 
PJM
     
           3,576
 
           2,651
 
            925
   
      11,364
 
        7,433
 
        3,931
 
 
    Total Purchased Power
           3,601
 
           2,755
 
            846
   
      12,531
 
        8,944
 
        3,587
 
                                   
 
Generation Output
                           
 
Fossil
   
         11,304
 
           8,544
 
         2,760
   
      44,308
 
      36,700
 
        7,608
 
 
Nuclear
   
           7,995
 
           7,161
 
            834
   
      30,872
 
      29,216
 
        1,656
 
 
    Total Generation Output
         19,299
 
         15,705
 
         3,594
   
      75,180
 
      65,916
 
        9,264
 
                                   
 
 
   Operating Statistics    Three Months Ended Dec. 31          Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31      
         
2010
 
2009
       
2010
 
2009
     
 
Capacity Factors:
                       
   
Nuclear
 
91%
 
81%
       
88%
 
84%
     
   
Fossil - Baseload
88%
 
65%
       
76%
 
72%
     
   
Fossil - Load Following
37%
 
30%
       
52%
 
31%
     
 
Generation Output:
                       
   
Nuclear
 
42%
 
46%
       
42%
 
45%
     
   
Fossil - Baseload
45%
 
41%
       
40%
 
43%
     
   
Fossil - Load Following
13%
 
13%
       
18%
 
12%
     
                                   
           Three Months Ended Dec. 31      Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31  
       2010    2009    Normal      2010    2009    Normal  
 
Composite Heating-Degree-Days
2,052
 
1,903
 
1,958
   
5,292
 
5,533
 
5,572
 
 
Composite Cooling-Degree-Days
7
 
2
 
12
   
1,249
 
736
 
897
 
                                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
      15
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
FirstEnergy Corp.
Special Items, EPS Reconciliations and Liquidity
 (In millions, except for per share amounts)
 
 
                               
 
Special Items
         
     Three Months Ended December 31      Twelve Months Ended December 31    
        2010         2009       2010       2009    
 
Pre-tax Items - Income Increase (Decrease)
                   
 
Regulatory charges (a)
$ -       $ -     $ (52 )   $ (263 )  
 
Trust securities impairment (b)
  (11 )       (23 )     (32 )     (45 )  
 
Organizational restructuring/strike costs (c)
  -         1       -       (67 )  
 
Generating plant charges (d)
  (84 )       -       (376 )     -    
 
Non-core asset sales/impairments (d)
  80         1       71       255    
 
Merger transaction costs (c)
  (29 )       -       (65 )     -    
 
Litigation settlement (c)
  -         -       7       -    
 
Derivative mark-to-market adjustment (e)
  -         (205 )     (30 )     (205 )  
 
Debt redemption premium/hedge write-off (f)
  -         (4 )     -       (146 )  
   
Total-Pretax Items
$ (44 )     $ (230 )   $ (477 )   $ (471 )  
 
Income tax charge/Income tax resolution
$ -       $ 148     $ (13 )   $ 161    
 
EPS Effect
$ (0.10 )     $ 0.01     $ (1.04 )   $ (0.46 )  
 
(a)
For YTD 2010, $35 million included in "Amortization of regulatory assets"; $17 million included in "Other operating expenses". For YTD 2009, $216 million included in "Amortization of regulatory assets"; $37 million included in "Other operating expenses"; $10 million included in "Purchased Power"
 
(d)
 
For YTD 2010, $384 million included in "Impairment of long-lived assets"; $7 million included in "Depreciation"; ($86) million included in "Revenues - Unregulated businesses. For YTD 2009, included in "Revenues - Unregulated businesses"
 
   
(b)
 
Included in "Investment income"
     
(e)
 
For YTD 2010 $43 million included in "Purchased power"; $(13) million included in "Revenues - Unregulated businesses".
 
  (c) For YTD 2010 included in "Other operating expenses". For YTD 2009,                              
    $65 million included in "Other operating expenses"; $2 million included    (f)   Included in "Interest expense"    
    in "General taxes".      
  
   
                                       
 
                         
2010 Earnings Per Share (EPS)
 
(Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP)
 
       
   
Three Months Ended December 31
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
 
Basic EPS (GAAP basis)
$ 0.61     $ 0.78     $ 2.58     $ 3.31  
 
Excluding Special Items:
                             
 
Regulatory charges
  -       -       0.11       0.55  
 
Trust securities impairment
  0.02       0.05       0.07       0.09  
 
Organizational restructuring/strike costs
  -       -       -       0.14  
 
Debt redemption premiums
  -       0.01       -       0.31  
 
Income tax resolution
  -       (0.49 )     -       (0.53 )
 
Income tax charge - retiree drug change
  -       -       0.04       -  
 
Merger transaction costs
  0.07       -       0.15       -  
 
Litigation settlement
  -       -       (0.01 )     -  
 
Non-core asset sales/impairments
  (0.16 )     -       (0.15 )     (0.52 )
 
Generating plant charges
  0.17       -       0.77       -  
 
Derivative mark-to-market adjustment
  -       0.42       0.06       0.42  
  Basic EPS (Non-GAAP basis) $ 0.71     $ 0.77     $ 3.62     $ 3.77  
                                 
 
         
 
Liquidity position as of January 31, 2011
     
               
    Company    Type  Maturity  Amount (M)   Available (M)  
 
  FirstEnergy(1)
Revolving
Aug. 2012
$2,750
$2,245
 
 
  FirstEnergy Solutions
Term Loan
Mar. 2011
100
-
 
 
  OH & PA Utilities
Receivables Financing
Various(2)
395
237
 
 
  (1) FirstEnergy Corp. and subsidiary borrowers
Subtotal:
$3,245
$2,482
 
 
  (2) OH - $250M matures March 30, 2011; PA $145M matures June 17, 2011
Cash:
-
668
 
       
Total:
$3,245
$3,150
 
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010
      16
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Recent Developments

Merger Matters

Pennsylvania State Filing
On October 25, 2010, FirstEnergy (FE) and Allegheny Energy (AYE) filed a comprehensive settlement with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PPUC) that addresses issues raised by 18 of the parties to the merger.  On December 20, 2010 the Administrative Law Judges issued their initial decision on the merger. FE provided a five-year commitment to maintain at least 800 jobs in Greensburg and Westmoreland County for the first year after the merger close, 675 jobs for the following 12 months, 650 jobs for the next year and 600 jobs for each of the next two years, subject to certain conditions; nearly $11 million in distribution rate credits for West Penn Power customers; a distribution rate freeze for FE's current Pennsylvania utility customers and support for renewable and sustainable energy and customer choice. A PPUC decision is pen ding.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
On December 16, 2010, the companies received approval from the FERC.

West Virginia State Filing
On December 16, 2010, the West Virginia Public Service Commission approved the merger. FE committed to a regional headquarters for Allegheny Power’s West Virginia utility operations; $7.5 million rate reduction over two years for Allegheny Power’s West Virginia customers; and commitment to maintain call center operations in Fairmont for at least five years.

Department of Justice (DOJ)
On January 7, 2011, the DOJ completed its merger review process and closed its investigation.

Maryland State Filing
On January 18, 2011, the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the merger.   FE committed to locate a regional headquarters in Potomac Edison’s Maryland service territory; a one-time $6.5 million credit to be provided to Potomac Edison’s residential electric distribution customers; a reduction of $750,000 in costs to customers for EmPower Maryland Programs and a $600,000 contribution of corporate funds for the Electric Universal Service Program.

Financial Matters


Dividend
On December 21, 2010, the FE Board of Directors declared an unchanged quarterly dividend of 55 cents per share of outstanding common stock for the first quarter of 2011 and on February 15, 2011, the FE Board of Directors declared an unchanged quarterly dividend of 55 cents per share of outstanding common stock for the second quarter of 2011.  The dividend declarations provide contingent dividend payment scenarios to reflect possible timing of the completion of the pending merger with AYE.

Financing Activities
On December 3, 2010, FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. (FES) and Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec) completed the refinancing and remarketing of five series of Pollution Control Revenue Bonds totaling $178 million.  These series were converted from variable rates to fixed interest rates ranging from 2.25% to 3.75% per-annum and are subject to mandatory purchase between April 1, 2011 and December 1, 2014.
 
 
 
 
 

 
 Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010  17
 


 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Regulatory Matters


Ohio Generation Auction
On January 25, 2011, Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and The Toledo Edison Company (Ohio Utilities) conducted the second in a series of auctions to procure generation for customers who choose not to shop with an alternative supplier for delivery beginning June 1, 2011 through May 31, 2014.  The auction consisted of one, two and three-year products.  Fifty tranches in total were acquired through this auction. Seventeen tranches of the one-year product were acquired at a clearing price of $56.13 per MWh; seventeen tranches of the two-year product were acquired at a clearing price of $54.92 per MWh; and sixteen tranches of the three-year product were acquired at a clearing price of $57.47 per MWh.  There were 10 registered bidders that participated in the auction, with 7 bidders winning tranches in the auction.  FES participated and was the winning bidder for three tranches of the one-year product and three tranches of the three-year product.  On January 27, 2010, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) accepted the results of the auction. The next auction is scheduled for October 2011.

Significantly Excessive Earnings Test (SEET)
On November 22, 2010, the PUCO unanimously approved a stipulation between the parties resolving all issues related to the Ohio Utilities’ SEET application filed on September 1, 2010. The stipulation recommended that the PUCO determine that there were no significantly excessive earnings in 2009.

Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn Power Generation Procurement
On January 18-20, 2011, the Pennsylvania utilities conducted auctions to procure a portion of the default service requirements for Metropolitan Edison (Met-Ed), Penelec and Pennsylvania Power (Penn Power) customers who choose not to shop with an alternative supplier.  The January 2011 auction was the third of four auctions for Met-Ed and Penelec and the first of two auctions for Penn Power to procure commercial default service requirements for the 12-month period of June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012 and residential requirements for the 24-month period of June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2013.   For Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn Power commercial customers the tranche-weighted average price ($/MWh) was $69.97, $59.32 and $57.88, respectively, and for residential customers the tranche-weighted average price was $70.69, $59.74 and $55.39, respe ctively.  This was also the first of two auctions held to procure residential service requirements for the 12-month period of June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012.  For Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn Power residential customers the tranche-weighted average price ($/MWh) was $67.43, $58.01 and $60.29, respectively. In addition, the January 2011 auction procured supply for Met-Ed and Penelec industrial customers opting in to Hourly Price Default Service.  For Met-Ed and Penelec, the average 12-month price ($/MWh) was $9.90 and $9.91, respectively.
 
FERC Rate Filing
On February 1, 2011, American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI) and PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM) jointly filed with FERC to establish transmission rates and make PJM tariff and operating agreement changes.  The rates would be effective June 1, 2011, concurrent with ATSI’s integration into PJM.

Operational Matters


Burger Biomass
On November 17, 2010, FE announced plans to cancel the repowering of R.E. Burger units 4 and 5 (312 MW) to generate electricity principally with biomass.  The units were permanently shut down on December 31, 2010, due to current market conditions.  The avoided capital cost to retrofit Burger was estimated to be $200 million.

Beaver Valley Refueling
On November 4, 2010, Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station Unit 1 (911 MW) returned to service after completing its scheduled refueling and maintenance outage which began on October 2, 2010.  Several projects were completed to ensure continued safe and reliable operations, including replacement of one of three reactor coolant pump motors and maintenance work and inspections on various plant components. Sixty of the 157 fuel assemblies were exchanged during the outage.
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010  18
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Ohio Valley Electric Corporation (OVEC)
On December 28, 2010, FE announced the sale of FirstEnergy Generation Corp.’s  6.65% participation interest in the output of OVEC (approximately 150 MW) to Peninsula Generation Cooperative, a subsidiary of Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative, Inc.  FE’s remaining interest in OVEC is 4.85%.

Ohio Wind Power Project
On February 8, 2011, FES announced its agreement to purchase 100 MW of output from Blue Creek Wind Farm (304 MW), which is being built in western Ohio by Iberdrola Renewables. Under terms of the agreement FES will purchase 100 MW of the total output of the project for 20 years beginning in October of 2012.

Fremont Energy Center
On February 9, 2011, FE entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the sale of its Fremont Energy Center (707 MW) to American Municipal Power, Inc.  The MOU provides, among other things, for the parties to engage in exclusive negotiations toward AMP executing a definitive agreement by March 11, 2011, to purchase the facility on or about July 1, 2011.  Fremont is currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in 2011.  The plant includes two natural gas turbines and a steam turbine capable of producing 544 MW of load-following capacity and 163 MW of peaking capacity.
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010  19
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Forward-Looking Statements: This Consolidated Report to the Financial Community 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. Ac tual 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 Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, business and regulatory impacts from American Transmission Systems, Incorporated'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, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, the continued ability of FirstEnergy's regulated utilities to collect transition and other costs, operating and maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, other legislative and regulatory changes, revised environmental requirements, including possible greenhouse gas emission and coal combustion regulations, the potential impacts of any laws, rules or regulations that ultimately replace the Clean Air Interstate Rules, the uncertainty of the timing and amounts of the capital expenditures needed to, among other things, resolve any NSR litigation or other potential similar regulatory initiatives or rulemakings (including that such amounts could be higher than anticipated or that certain generating units may need to be shut down), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including, but not limited to, the revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits and oversight) by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Metropolitan Edison Company's and Pennsylvania Electric Company's transmission service charge appeal at the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, any impact resulting from the receipt by Signal Peak of the Department of Labor’s notice of potential pattern violations at Bull Mountain Mine No. 1, the continuing availability of generating units and their ability to operate at or near full capacity, the ability to compl y with applicable state and federal reliability standards, the ability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic goals (including employee workforce initiatives), the ability to improve electric commodity margins and the impact of, among other factors, the increase cost of coal and coal transportation on such margins and 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 it to make additional contributions sooner, or in an amount that is larger than currently anticipated, the ability to access the public securities and other capital and credit markets in accordance with FirstEnergy's financing plan and the cost of such capital, changes in general economic conditions affecting the company, the state of the capital and credit markets affecting the company, interest rates and any actions taken by credit rating ag encies that could negatively affect FirstEnergy's access to financing or its costs or increase its requirements to post additional collateral to support outstanding commodity positions, letters of credit and other financial guarantees, the continuing uncertainty in the national and regional economy and its impact on the company's major industrial and commercial customers, issues concerning the soundness of financial institutions and counterparties with which FirstEnergy does business, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed merger with Allegheny Energy, Inc., including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the proposed merger that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the merger, the diversion of management's time and attention from our ongoing business during this time period, the ability to maintain relationships with customers, employees or suppliers as well as the ability to successfully i ntegrate 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 and the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in its Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. The foregoing review of factors should not be construed as exhaustive. 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 actual declarations. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor assess the impact of any such factor on FirstEnergy's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. FirstEnergy expressly discl aims any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Report to the Financial Community - 4th Quarter 2010  20
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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