-----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, Tv8Na6STIwytzPedAY9oQKKT0YF3KW9mfvtuumSF9igvgWYnZwB5JnYtg2rUYsSL UKjGVVNDhLdwfXqIWQB66w== 0001031296-05-000087.txt : 20050310 0001031296-05-000087.hdr.sgml : 20050310 20050309184007 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001031296-05-000087 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 57 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20041231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20050310 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20050309 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: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-21011 FILM NUMBER: 05670488 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 76 SOUTH MAIN ST CITY: AKRON STATE: OH ZIP: 44308-1890 BUSINESS PHONE: 3303845100 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 76 SOUTH MAIN ST CITY: AKRON STATE: OH ZIP: 44308-1890 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000077227 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 250718085 STATE OF INCORPORATION: PA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-03522 FILM NUMBER: 05670489 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2800 POTTSVILLE PIKE READING STREET 2: MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP CITY: BERKS COUNTY STATE: PA ZIP: 19640-0001 BUSINESS PHONE: 6109293601 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O GPU ENERGY STREET 2: 2800 POTTSVILLE PIKE CITY: READING STATE: PA ZIP: 19605-2459 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: METROPOLITAN EDISON CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000065350 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 230870160 STATE OF INCORPORATION: PA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-00446 FILM NUMBER: 05670490 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2800 POTTSVILLE PIKE STREET 2: MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP CITY: READING STATE: PA ZIP: 19640-0001 BUSINESS PHONE: 6109293601 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O ENERGY GPU ENERGY STREET 2: 2800 POTTERVILLE CITY: READING STATE: PA ZIP: 19640-0001 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: PENNSYLVANIA POWER CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000077278 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 250718810 STATE OF INCORPORATION: PA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-03491 FILM NUMBER: 05670492 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 1 E WASHINGTON ST STREET 2: P O BOX 891 CITY: NEW CASTLE STATE: PA ZIP: 16103-0891 BUSINESS PHONE: 4126525531 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: TOLEDO EDISON CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000352049 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 344375005 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OH FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-03583 FILM NUMBER: 05670494 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 76 SOUTH MAIN STREET CITY: AKRON STATE: OH ZIP: 43308 BUSINESS PHONE: 2166229800 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000020947 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 340150020 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OH FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-02323 FILM NUMBER: 05670495 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 76 SOUTH MAIN STREET STREET 2: C/O FIRSTENERGY CORP CITY: AKRON STATE: OH ZIP: 44308 BUSINESS PHONE: 2166229800 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: OHIO EDISON CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000073960 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 340437786 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OH FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-02578 FILM NUMBER: 05670496 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 76 S MAIN ST CITY: AKRON STATE: OH ZIP: 44308 BUSINESS PHONE: 2163845100 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000053456 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 210485010 STATE OF INCORPORATION: NJ FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-03141 FILM NUMBER: 05670491 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2800 POTTSVILLE PIKE CITY: READING STATE: PA ZIP: 19640-0001 BUSINESS PHONE: 6109293601 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: C/O GPU ENERGY STREET 2: 2800 POTTSVILLE PIKE CITY: READING STATE: PA ZIP: 19640-0001 10-K 1 form10k.htm FORM 10-K - 12-30-2004 Form 10-K - 12-30-2004



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

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________________ to ___________________

Commission
Registrant; State of Incorporation;
I.R.S. Employer
File Number
Address; and Telephone Number
Identification No.
     
333-21011
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
34-1843785
 
(An Ohio Corporation)
 
 
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
 
     
1-3491
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
25-0718810
 
(A Pennsylvania 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
 






SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:




   
Name of Each Exchange
Registrant
Title of Each Class
on Which Registered
     
FirstEnergy Corp.
Common Stock, $0.10 par value
New York Stock Exchange
     
Ohio Edison Company
Cumulative Preferred Stock, $100 par value:
 
 
3.90% Series
All series registered on New
 
4.40% Series
York Stock Exchange and
 
4.44% Series
Chicago Stock Exchange
 
4.56% Series
 
     
     
The Cleveland Electric
Cumulative Serial Preferred Stock, without
 
Illuminating Company
par value:
 
 
$7.40 Series A
Both series registered on New
 
Adjustable Rate, Series L
York Stock Exchange
     
     
The Toledo Edison
Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value
 
Company
$100 per share:
 
 
4-1/4% Series
American Stock Exchange
     
 
Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value
 
 
$25 per share:
 
 
$2.365 Series
All series registered on
 
Adjustable Rate, Series A
New York Stock Exchange
 
Adjustable Rate, Series B
 
     
     
Pennsylvania Power
Cumulative Preferred Stock, $100
 
Company
par value:
 
 
4.24% Series
All series registered on
 
4.25% Series
Philadelphia Stock Exchange
 
4.64% Series
 
     
     
Jersey Central Power &
Cumulative Preferred Stock, without
 
Light Company
par value:
 
 
4% Series
New York Stock Exchange




SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

None

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 (X) No (  )

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
 

(X)
FirstEnergy Corp.
( )
Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power 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 each registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act):

Yes (X) No (  )
FirstEnergy Corp.
Yes ( ) No ()
Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, and Pennsylvania Electric Company

State the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrants: FirstEnergy Corp., $12,315,809,435 as of June 30, 2004; and for all other registrants, none.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

   
OUTSTANDING
 
CLASS
 
As of March 9, 2005
 
       
FirstEnergy Corp., $0.10 par value
   
329,836,276
 
Ohio Edison Company, no par value
   
100
 
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, no par value
   
79,590,689
 
The Toledo Edison Company, $5 par value
   
39,133,887
 
Pennsylvania Power Company, $30 par value
   
6,290,000
 
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, $10 par value
   
15,371,270
 
Metropolitan Edison Company, no par value
   
859,500
 
Pennsylvania Electric Company, $20 par value
   
5,290,596
 

FirstEnergy Corp. is the sole holder of 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; Ohio Edison Company is the sole holder of Pennsylvania Power Company common stock.


Documents incorporated by reference (to the extent indicated herein):

   
PART OF FORM 10-K INTO WHICH DOCUMENT IS INCORPORTED
 
DOCUMENT
 
       
FirstEnergy Corp. Annual Report to Stockholders for
       
  the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (Pages 4-85)
   
Part II
 
         
Proxy Statement for 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
       
  to be held May 17, 2005
   
Part III
 


This combined Form 10-K is separately filed by FirstEnergy Corp., Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power 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 seven FirstEnergy subsidiary registrants is also attributed to FirstEnergy.






GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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

ATSI
American Transmission Systems, Inc., owns and operates transmission facilities
Avon
Avon Energy Partners Holdings
CEI
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
Companies
OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec defined on page 1
EUOC
Electric Utility Operating Companies (OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, and
ATSI)
FENOC
FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company, operates nuclear generating facilities
FES
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESC
FirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FGCO
FirstEnergy Generation Corp., operates nonnuclear generating facilities
FirstCom
First Communications, LLC, provides local and long-distance telephone service
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
FSG
FirstEnergy Facilities Services Group, LLC, the parent company of several heating,
ventilation,air conditioning and energy management companies
GLEP (1)
Great Lakes Energy Partners, LLC, an oil and natural gas exploration and production venture
GPU
GPU, Inc., former parent of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec, which 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
MYR
MYR Group, Inc., a utility infrastructure construction service company
OE
Ohio Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
Ohio Companies
CEI, OE and TE
Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
Penn
Pennsylvania Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary of OE
Shippingport
Shippingport Capital Trust, a special purpose entity created by CEI and TE in 1997
TE
The Toledo Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
TEBSA
Termobarranquilla S.A., Empresa de Servicios Publicos
   
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
   
AEP
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
ALJ
Administrative Law Judge
ASLB
Atomic Safety and Licensing Board
BGS
Basic Generation Service
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
CTC
Competitive Transition Charge
DPL
Dayton Power & Light Company
ECAR
East Central Area Reliability Coordination Agreement
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency only in various other terms
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIN
FASB Interpretation
FIN 46
FIN 46 "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
FMB
First Mortgage Bonds
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning
IBEW
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
MACT
Maximum Achievable Control Technologies
MEC
Michigan Electric Coordination Systems
MISO
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
MTC
Market Transition Charge
MW
Megawatts
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Council
NEIL
Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited
NJBPU
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
NOAC
Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition
NOV
Notices of Violation
NOX
Nitrogen Oxide
NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NUG
Non-Utility Generator



i
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont.

NYSE
New York Stock Exchange
OCC
Ohio Consumers' Counsel
PJM
Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection LLC
PLR
Provider of Last Resort
PPUC
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PRP
Potentially Responsible Party
PUCO
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCA
Public Utility Holding Company Act
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SBC
Societal Benefits Charge
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71
SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 101
SFAS No. 101, "Accounting for Discontinuation of Application of SFAS 71"
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
TMI-2
Three Mile Island Unit 2





ii
.


FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Page
Part I
 
   
Item 1.    Business
1
  The Company
1
  Divestitures
2
  Risk Factors That May Affect Future Results
2
  Utility Regulation
6
  Regulatory Accounting
6
  Reliability Initiatives
7
  PUCO Rate Matters
8
  NJBPU Rate Matters
8
  PPUC Rate Matters
9
  Transmission Rate Matters
10
  Capital Requirements
11
  Nuclear Regulation
13
  Nuclear Insurance
14
  Environmental Matters
15
  Clean Air Act Compliance
15
  National Ambient Air Quality Standards
15
  Mercury Emissions
16
  W. H. Sammis Plant
16
  Regulation of Hazardous Waste
16
  Climate Change
17
  Clean Water Act
17
  Fuel Supply
17
  System Capacity and Reserves
18
  Regional Reliability
18
  Competition
19
  Research and Development
19
  Executive Officers
20
  Employees
21
  FirstEnergy Website
21
   
Item 2.     Properties
21
   
Item 3.    Legal Proceedings
23
   
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
23
   
Part II
 
   
Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
23
   
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data
24
   
Item 7.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
24
   
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
24
   
Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
24
   
Item  9.   Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
24
   
Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures
24
   
Item 9B.  Other Information
25
   
Part III
 
   
Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
27
   
Item 11.  Executive Compensation
28
   
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
28
   
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
29
   
Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services
29
   
Part IV
 
Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
29

 




PART I

ITEM   1. BUSINESS

The Company

FirstEnergy Corp. was organized under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1996. FirstEnergy's principal business is the holding, directly or indirectly, of all of the outstanding common stock of its eight principal electric utility operating subsidiaries: OE, CEI, TE, Penn, ATSI, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec. These utility operating subsidiaries are referred to throughout as the “Companies.” FirstEnergy's consolidated revenues are primarily derived from electric service provided by its utility operating subsidiaries and the revenues of its other principal subsidiaries: FES; FSG; MYR; and FirstCom. In addition, FirstEnergy holds all of the outstanding common stock of other direct subsidiaries including: FirstEnergy Properties, Inc., FirstEnergy Ventures Corp., FENOC, FirstEnergy Securities Transfer Company, GPU Diversified Holdings, LLC, GPU Telecom Services, Inc., GPU Nuclear, Inc.; and FESC.

The Companies’ combined service areas encompass approximately 36,100 square miles in Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The areas they serve have a combined population of approximately 11.2 million.

OE was organized under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1930 and owns property and does business as an electric public utility in that state. OE also has ownership interests in certain generating facilities located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (see Item 2 - Properties). OE engages in the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy to communities in a 7,500 square mile area of central and northeastern Ohio. OE also engages in the sale, purchase and interchange of electric energy with other electric companies. The area it serves has a population of approximately 2.8 million.

OE owns all of Penn's outstanding common stock. Penn was organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1930 and owns property and does business as an electric public utility in that state. Penn is also authorized to do business and owns property in the State of Ohio (see Item 2 - Properties). Penn furnishes electric service to communities in a 1,500 square mile area of western Pennsylvania. The area served by Penn has a population of approximately 0.3 million.

CEI was organized under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1892 and does business as an electric public utility in that state. CEI engages in the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy in an area of approximately 1,700 square miles in northeastern Ohio. It also has ownership interests in certain generating facilities in Pennsylvania (see Item 2 - Properties). CEI also engages in the sale, purchase and interchange of electric energy with other electric companies. The area CEI serves has a population of approximately 1.9 million.

TE was organized under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1901 and does business as an electric public utility in that state. TE engages in the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy in an area of approximately 2,500 square miles in northwestern Ohio. It also has interests in certain generating facilities in Pennsylvania (see Item 2 - Properties). TE also engages in the sale, purchase and interchange of electric energy with other electric companies. The area TE serves has a population of approximately 0.8 million.

ATSI was organized under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1998. ATSI owns transmission assets that were formerly owned by the Ohio Companies and Penn. ATSI owns and operates major, high-voltage transmission facilities, which consist of approximately 7,100 circuit miles (5,814 pole miles) of transmission lines with nominal voltages of 345 kV, 138 kV and 69 kV. There are 37 interconnections with six neighboring control areas. ATSI's transmission system offers gateways into the East through high capacity ties with PJM through Penelec, Duquesne Light Company and Allegheny Energy, Inc. into the North through multiple 345 kV high capacity ties with MEC, and into the South through ties with AEP and DPL. ATSI is the control area operator for the Ohio Companies and Penn service areas. ATSI plans, operates and maintains the transmission system in accordance with the requirements of the NERC and applicable regulatory agencies to ensure reliable service to FirstEnergy's customers (see Transmission Rate Matters for a discussion of ATSI's participation in the MISO).

JCP&L was organized under the laws of the State of New Jersey in 1925 and owns property and does business as an electric public utility in that state. JCP&L provides transmission and distribution services in northern, western and east central New Jersey. The area JCP&L serves has a population of approximately 2.5 million.

Met-Ed was organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1922 and owns property and does business as an electric public utility in that state. Met-Ed provides primarily transmission and distribution services in eastern and south central Pennsylvania. The area it serves has a population of approximately 1.2 million.

1

Penelec was organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1919 and owns property and does business as an electric public utility in that state. Penelec provides transmission and distribution services in western, northern and south central Pennsylvania. The area it serves has a population of approximately 1.7 million. Penelec, as lessee of the property of its subsidiary, The Waverly Electric Light & Power Company, also serves a population of about 13,400 in Waverly, New York and its vicinity.

FES was organized under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1997 and provides energy-related products and services, and through its FGCO subsidiary, operates FirstEnergy's nonnuclear generation businesses. FENOC was organized under the laws of the State of Ohio in 1998 and operates the Companies’ nuclear generating facilities. FSG is the parent company of several HVAC and energy management companies; MYR is a utility infrastructure construction service company. FirstCom provides telecommunication services (local and long-distance phone service). FESC provides legal, financial and other corporate support services to affiliated FirstEnergy companies.

Divestitures

FirstEnergy completed the sale of its international operations in January 2004 with the sales of its remaining 20.1 percent interest in Avon on January 16, 2004, and 28.67 percent interest in TEBSA on January 30, 2004. Impairment charges related to Avon and TEBSA were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2003 and no gain or loss was recognized upon the sales in 2004. Avon, TEBSA and other international assets sold in 2003 were originally acquired as part of FirstEnergy's November 2001 merger with GPU.

FirstEnergy sold its 50 percent interest in GLEP on June 23, 2004. Proceeds of $220 million included cash of $200 million and the right, valued at $20 million, to participate for up to a 40% interest in future wells in Ohio. This transaction produced an after-tax loss of $7 million, or $0.02 per share of common stock, including the benefits of prior tax capital losses that had been previously fully reserved, which offset the capital gain from the sale.

Risks Factors That May Affect Results

Changes in Commodity Prices Could Adversely Affect Our Margins
While much of our generation serves customers under retail rates set by regulatory bodies, we also purchase and sell electricity in the competitive wholesale and retail markets. Increases in the costs of fuel for our generation facilities (particularly coal and natural gas) can affect our profit margins in both competitive and non-competitive markets. Changes in the market prices of electricity, which are affected by changes in fuel costs and other factors, may impact our financial results and financial position by increasing the amount we pay to purchase power to supply PLR obligations in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Electricity and fuel prices may fluctuate substantially over relatively short periods of time for a variety of reasons, including:

·
  severe or unexpected weather or seasonality;
   
·
  changes in electricity usage;
   
·
  illiquidity in wholesale power and other markets;
   
·
  transmission or transportation constraints, inoperability or inefficiencies;
   
·
  availability of competitively priced alternative energy sources;
   
·
  changes in supply and demand for energy commodities;
   
·
  changes in power production capacity;
   
·
  outages at our power production facilities or those of our competitors;
   
·
  changes in production and storage levels of natural gas, lignite, coal, crude oil and refined products;
   
·
  natural disasters, wars, acts of sabotage, terrorist acts, embargoes and other catastrophic events; and
   


2

Complex and Changing Government Regulations Could Have a Negative Impact on Our Results of Operations
 
We are subject to comprehensive regulation by various federal, state and local regulatory agencies that significantly influences our operating environment. Changes in or reinterpretations of existing laws or regulations or the imposition of new laws or regulations could require us to incur additional costs or change the way we conduct our business, and therefore could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

The Continuing Availability and Operation of Generating Units is Dependent on Retaining the Necessary Licenses, Permits, and Operating Authority from Governmental Entities, Including the NRC

We are required to have numerous permits, approvals and certificates from the agencies that regulate our business. We believe the necessary permits, approvals and certificates have been obtained for our existing operations and that our business is conducted in accordance with applicable laws; however, we are unable to predict the impact on operating results from future regulatory activities of any of these agencies.

Costs of Compliance with Environmental Laws are Significant, and the Cost of Compliance with Future Environmental Laws Could Adversely Affect Cash Flow and Profitability

FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries’ operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental statutes, rules and regulations. Compliance with these legal requirements requires us to incur significant costs toward environmental monitoring, installation of pollution control equipment, emission fees, maintenance, upgrading, remediation and permitting at all of our facilities. These expenditures have been significant in the past and may increase in the future. If the cost of compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations does increase, it could adversely affect our business and results of operations, financial position and cash flows. Moreover, changes in environmental laws or regulations may materially increase our costs of compliance or accelerate the timing of capital expenditures. Because of the deregulation of generation, we might not recover through rates additional costs incurred for such compliance. Our compliance strategy, although reasonably based on available information, may not successfully address the relevant standards and interpretations in the future. If FirstEnergy fails to comply with environmental laws and regulations, even if caused by factors beyond its control or new interpretations of longstanding requirements, that failure may result in the assessment of civil or criminal liability and fines.

Risks of Nuclear Generation that Include Uncertainties Relating to Health and Safety, Additional Capital Costs, the Adequacy of Insurance Coverage and Nuclear Plant Decommissioning

FirstEnergy is subject to the risks of nuclear generation, including but not limited to the following:

·
the potential harmful effects on the environment and human health resulting from the operation of nuclear facilities and the storage, handling and disposal of radioactive materials;
   
·
limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available to cover losses that might arise in connection with our nuclear operations or those of others in the United States;
   
·
uncertainties with respect to contingencies and assessment amounts if insurance coverage is inadequate; and
   
·
uncertainties with respect to the technological and financial aspects of decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of their licensed operation.

The NRC has broad authority under federal law to impose licensing and safety-related requirements for the operation of nuclear generation facilities. In the event of non-compliance, the NRC has the authority to impose fines or shut down a unit, or both, depending upon its assessment of the severity of the situation, until compliance is achieved. Revised safety requirements promulgated by the NRC could necessitate substantial capital expenditures at nuclear plants, including ours. Unlike our fossil plants, which have been leased to and operated by FGCO since 2001, new capital costs as well as fuel, operation and maintenance expenses for the nuclear plants continue to be borne by CEI, TE, OE and Penn.

The Companies’ respective interests in nuclear facilities are insured under NEIL, policies issued for each plant. Under these policies, up to $2.75 billion is provided for property damage and decontamination and decommissioning costs. We have also obtained approximately $1.5 billion of insurance coverage for replacement power costs for the Companies’ respective interests in nuclear facilities. Under these policies, we can be assessed a maximum of approximately $67.5 million for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year which are in excess of accumulated funds available to the insurer for paying losses.

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Operational Risks Arising from the Reliability of Our Power Plants and Transmission and Distribution Equipment

Operation of power plants, transmission and distribution facilities involves many risks, including the breakdown or failure of equipment or processes, accidents, labor disputes, stray voltage and performance below expected levels. In addition, weather-related incidents and other natural disasters can disrupt generation, transmission and distribution delivery systems. Because our transmission facilities are interconnected with those of third parties, the operation of those facilities may be adversely affected by unexpected or uncontrollable events occurring on the systems of such third parties.

Operation of our power plants below expected capacity levels could result in lost revenues or increased expenses, including higher maintenance costs that we may not be able to recover from customers. Unplanned outages may require us to incur significant replacement power costs. Moreover, if we were unable to perform under contractual obligations, penalties or liability for damages may result.

We remain obligated to provide safe and reliable service to customers within our franchised service territories. Meeting this commitment requires significant capital and other resources. Failure to provide safe and reliable service due to equipment failure in the electric system could adversely affect our operating results through reduced revenues and increased capital and maintenance costs.

Human Resource Risks Associated with the Availability of Trained and Qualified Labor to Meet Our Future Staffing Requirements

Workforce demographic issues are a national phenomenon that is of particular concern to the electric utility industry. The median age of utility workers is significantly higher than the national average. Today, nearly one-half of the utility workforce is age 45 or higher. Consequently, the utility industry faces the difficult challenge of finding ways to retain its aging skilled workforce while recruiting new talent in the hopes of decreasing losses in critical knowledge and skills due to retirements. Mitigating these risks may require additional financial commitments.

Regulatory Changes in the Electric Industry Could Affect Our Competitive Position and Result in Unrecoverable Costs Adversely Affecting Our Business and Results of Operations

As a result of the actions taken by state legislative bodies over the last few years, major changes in the electric utility business have occurred and are continuing to take place in parts of the United States, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These changes have resulted in fundamental alterations in the way integrated utilities conduct their business.

Increased competition resulting from restructuring efforts could have a significant adverse financial impact on FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries and consequently on their results of operations. Increased competition could result in increased pressure to lower prices, including the price of electricity. Retail competition and the unbundling of regulated electric service could have a significant adverse financial impact on us due to potential impairment of assets, a loss of retail customers, lower profit margins or increased costs of capital. We cannot predict the extent and timing of entry by additional competitors into the electric markets.

The FERC and U.S. Congress propose from time to time significant changes in the structure and conduct of the electric utility industry. If the restructuring and deregulation efforts result in increased competition or unrecoverable costs, our business and results of operations may be adversely affected. We cannot predict the extent and timing of further efforts to restructure, deregulate or re-regulate our business or the industry.

Weather Conditions such as Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Storms and Droughts, as Well as Seasonal Temperature Variations

Weather conditions directly influence the demand for electric power. In our service areas, demand for power peaks during the hot summer months, with market prices also typically peaking at that time. As a result, overall operating results may fluctuate on a seasonal and quarterly basis. In addition, we have historically sold less power, and consequently received less revenue, when weather conditions are milder. Severe weather, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, storms and droughts, may cause outages and property damage which may require us to incur additional costs that are generally not insured and that may not be recoverable from customers. The effect of the failure of our facilities to operate as planned, as described above, would be particularly burdensome during a peak demand period.

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A Downgrade in Credit Ratings Could Negatively Affect Our Ability to Access Capital

We rely on access to capital markets as a significant source of liquidity for capital requirements not satisfied by cash flows from operations. Any inability to maintain our current credit ratings could affect, particularly during times of uncertainty in the capital markets, our ability to raise capital on favorable terms which, in turn, could impact our ability to grow our businesses. A credit rating downgrade would likely also increase our interest costs.

On July 22, 2004, S&P updated its analysis of U.S. utility FMB in response to changes in the industry. As a result of its revised methodology for evaluating default risk, S&P raised its FMB credit ratings for 20 U.S. utility companies including JCP&L and Penn. JCP&L’s FMB credit rating was upgraded to BBB+ from BBB and Penn’s FMB credit rating was upgraded to BBB from BBB-.

On August 26, 2004, S&P lowered its rating on certain Met-Ed Senior Notes to BBB- from BBB. The rationale for the ratings change was that Met-Ed’s senior secured notes, in aggregate, now comprise greater than 80% of Met-Ed’s total debt outstanding. According to the terms of the senior note indenture, once the 80% threshold is reached, the collateral mortgage bond security falls away and all senior secured notes that were secured by Met-Ed’s senior note indenture become unsecured. The one notch lower rating reflects this loss of collateral security. The BBB senior secured rating on Met-Ed’s FMB remain unchanged.

Also on August 26, 2004, S&P stated that a favorable outcome of the Ohio Rate Stabilization Plan auction process and a favorable resolution of pending environmental litigation would support a higher ratings outlook, or possibly a higher rating. On September 14, 2004, S&P stated that FirstEnergy’s $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan was credit neutral.

On December 10, 2004, S&P reaffirmed its ‘BBB-‘ corporate credit rating on FirstEnergy and kept the outlook stable. S&P noted that the stable outlook reflects FirstEnergy’s improving financial profile and cash flow certainty through 2006. S&P stated that should the two refueling outages at the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants scheduled for the first quarter of 2005 be completed successfully without any significant negative findings and delays, FirstEnergy’s outlook would be revised to positive. S&P also stated that a ratings upgrade in the next several months did not seem likely, as remaining issues of concern to S&P, primarily the outcome of environmental litigation and SEC investigations, are not likely to be resolved in the short term.

Financial Performance Risks Related to the Economic Cycles of the Electric Utility Industry

Our business follows the economic cycles of our customers. Sustained downturns or sluggishness in the economy generally affects the markets in which the Companies operate and negatively influences the Companies’ energy operations. Declines in demand for electricity as a result of economic downturns will reduce overall electricity sales and lessen our cash flows, especially as industrial customers reduce production, resulting in less consumption of electricity. Economic conditions also impact our collection rates of accounts receivable.

We May Ultimately Incur Liability in Connection with Federal Proceedings

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and the Ohio Companies, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, has become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a second subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation. If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on any of the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

In late 2003, FENOC received a subpoena from a grand jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at Davis-Besse. We are unable to predict the outcome of this investigation. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements relating to the Davis-Besse outage made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. In addition, FENOC remains subject to possible civil enforcement action by the NRC in connection with the events leading to the Davis-Besse outage in 2002.

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On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, which is either owned or leased by OE, CEI, TE and Penn. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC’s corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy’s or its subsidiaries’ financial condition.
 
Utility Regulation

As a registered public utility holding company, FirstEnergy is subject to regulation by the SEC under PUHCA. The SEC has determined that the electric facilities of the Companies constitute a single integrated public utility system under the standards of PUHCA. PUHCA regulates FirstEnergy with respect to accounting, the issuance of securities, the acquisition and sale of utility assets, securities or any other interest in any business, and entering into, and performance of, service, sales and construction contracts among its subsidiaries, and certain other matters. PUHCA also limits the extent to which FirstEnergy may engage in nonutility businesses or acquire additional utility businesses. Each of the Companies' retail rates, conditions of service, issuance of securities and other matters are subject to regulation in the state in which each operates - in Ohio by the PUCO, in New Jersey by the NJBPU and in Pennsylvania by the PPUC. With respect to their wholesale and interstate electric operations and rates, the Companies are subject to regulation, including regulation of their accounting policies and practices, by the FERC. Under Ohio law, municipalities may regulate rates, subject to appeal to the PUCO if not acceptable to the utility.

Regulatory Accounting

FirstEnergy accounts for the effects of regulation through the application of SFAS 71 to its operating utilities when their rates:

·
  are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers;
   
·
  are cost-based; and
   
·
  can be charged to and collected from customers.

An enterprise meeting all of these criteria capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. SFAS 71 is applied only to the parts of the business that meet the above criteria. If a portion of the business applying SFAS 71 no longer meets those requirements, previously recorded regulatory assets are removed from the balance sheet in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 101.

In Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, laws applicable to electric industry restructuring contain similar provisions that are reflected in the Companies' respective state regulatory plans. These provisions include:

·
  restructuring the electric generation business and allowing the Companies' customers to select a competitive electric generation supplier other than the 
  Companies;
   
·
  establishing or defining the PLR obligations to customers in the Companies' service areas;
   
·
  providing the Companies with the opportunity to recover potentially stranded investment (or transition costs) not otherwise recoverable in a competitive  
  generation market;
   
·
  itemizing (unbundling) the price of electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission, distribution and stranded costs recovery
  charges;
   
·
  continuing regulation of the Companies' transmission and distribution systems; and
   
·
  requiring corporate separation of regulated and unregulated business activities.


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The EUOC recognize, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC, PUCO, PPUC and NJBPU have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Companies' respective transition and regulatory plans. Based on those plans, the Companies continue to bill and collect cost-based rates for their transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Companies continue the application of SFAS 71 to those operations.

Reliability Initiatives
 
In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. With respect to each of these reliability enhancement initiatives, FirstEnergy submitted its response to the respective entity according to any required response dates. In 2004, we completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. Furthermore, FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted, that we had completed the recommended enhancements, policies, procedures and actions it had recommended be completed by June 30, 2004. In addition, FirstEnergy requested, and NERC provided, a technical assistance team of experts to assist in implementing and confirming timely and successful completion of various initiatives. The NERC-assembled independent verification team confirmed on July 14, 2004, that FirstEnergy had implemented the NERC Recommended Actions to Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Future Cascading Blackouts required to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as NERC recommendations contained in the Control Area Readiness Audit Report required to be completed by summer 2004, and recommendations in the U.S. - - Canada Power System Outage Task Force Report directed toward FirstEnergy and required to be completed by June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy. On December 28, 2004, FirstEnergy submitted a follow-up to its June 30, 2004 Certification and Report of Completion to NERC addressing the minor exceptions, which are now essentially complete.

FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.
 
On July 5, 2003, JCP&L experienced a series of 34.5 kilovolt sub-transmission line faults that resulted in outages on the New Jersey shore. On July 16, 2003, the NJBPU initiated an investigation into the cause of JCP&L's outages of the July 4, 2003 weekend. The NJBPU selected a Special Reliability Master (SRM) to oversee and make recommendations on appropriate courses of action necessary to ensure system-wide reliability. Additionally, pursuant to the stipulation of settlement that was adopted in the NJBPU's Order of March 13, 2003 in its docket relating to the investigation of outages in August 2002, the NJBPU, through an independent auditor working under direction of the NJBPU Staff, undertook a review and focused audit of JCP&L's Planning and Operations and Maintenance programs and practices (Focused Audit). Subsequent to the initial engagement of the auditor, the scope of the review was expanded to include the outages during July 2003.

Both the independent auditor and the SRM submitted interim reports primarily addressing improvements to be made prior to the next occurrence of peak loads in the summer of 2004. On December 17, 2003, the NJBPU adopted the SRM's interim recommendations related to service reliability. With the assistance of the independent auditor and the SRM, JCP&L and the NJBPU staff created a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that set out specific tasks to be performed by JCP&L and a timetable for completion. On March 29, 2004, the NJBPU adopted the MOU and endorsed JCP&L's ongoing actions to implement the MOU. On June 9, 2004, the NJBPU approved a Stipulation that incorporates the final report of the SRM and the Executive Summary and Recommendation portions of the final report of the Operations Audit. A Final Order in the Focused Audit docket was issued by the NJBPU on July 23, 2004. JCP&L continues to file compliance reports reflecting activities associated with the MOU and Stipulation.

In May 2004, the PPUC issued an order approving the revised reliability benchmark and standards, including revised benchmarks and standards for Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn. Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn filed a Petition for Amendment of Benchmarks with the PPUC on May 26, 2004 seeking amendment of the benchmarks and standards due to their implementation of automated outage management systems following restructuring. Evidentiary hearings have been scheduled for September 2005. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding.

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On January 16, 2004, the PPUC initiated a formal investigation of whether Met-Ed's, Penelec's and Penn's “service reliability performance deteriorated to a point below the level of service reliability that existed prior to restructuring” in Pennsylvania. Hearings were held in early August 2004. On September 30, 2004, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn filed a settlement agreement with the PPUC that addresses the issues related to this investigation. As part of the settlement, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn agreed to enhance service reliability, ongoing periodic performance reporting and communications with customers and to collectively maintain their current spending levels of at least $255 million annually on combined capital and operation and maintenance expenditures for transmission and distribution for the years 2005 through 2007. The settlement also outlines an expedited remediation process to address any alleged non-compliance with terms of the settlement and an expedited PPUC hearing process if remediation is unsuccessful. On November 4, 2004, the PPUC accepted the recommendation of the ALJ approving the settlement.

PUCO Rate Matters

In October 2003, the Ohio Companies filed an application for a Rate Stabilization Plan with the PUCO to establish generation service rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply uncertainty following the end of the Ohio Companies' transition plan market development period. On February 24, 2004, the Ohio Companies filed a revised Rate Stabilization Plan to address PUCO concerns related to the original Rate Stabilization Plan. On June 9, 2004, the PUCO issued an order approving the revised Rate Stabilization Plan, subject to conducting a competitive bid process. On August 5, 2004, the Ohio Companies accepted the Rate Stabilization Plan as modified and approved by the PUCO on August 4, 2004. In the second quarter of 2004, the Ohio Companies implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest costs deferral on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC, respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the June 9, 2004 PUCO order and associated entries on rehearing.

The revised Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues the Ohio Companies' support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the revised Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:

·
extension of the transition cost amortization period for OE from 2006 to as late as 2007; for CEI from 2008 to as late as mid-2009 and for TE from mid-2007 to as late as mid-2008;
   
·
deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and
   
·
ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.
   

On December 9, 2004, the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved revised Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. The PUCO may cause the Ohio Companies to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization Plan pricing, but not the related approved accounting, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination.

NJBPU Rate Matters

JCP&L is permitted to defer for future collection from customers the amounts by which its costs of supplying BGS to non-shopping customers and costs incurred under NUG agreements exceed amounts collected through BGS and MTC rates. As of December 31, 2004, the accumulated deferred cost balance totaled approximately $446 million. New Jersey law allows for securitization of JCP&L's deferred balance upon application by JCP&L and a determination by the NJBPU that the conditions of the New Jersey restructuring legislation are met. On February 14, 2003, JCP&L filed for approval of the securitization of the deferred balance. There can be no assurance as to the extent, if any, that the NJBPU will permit such securitization.

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In July  2003, the NJBPU announced its JCP&L base electric rate proceeding decision, which reduced JCP&L's annual revenues effective August 1, 2003 and disallowed $153 million of deferred energy costs. The NJBPU decision also provided for an interim return on equity of 9.5% on JCP&L's rate base. The decision ordered a Phase II proceeding be conducted to review whether JCP&L is in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards. The BPU also ordered that any expenditures and projects undertaken by JCP&L to increase its system's reliability will be reviewed as part of the Phase II proceeding, to determine their prudence and reasonableness for rate recovery. In that Phase II proceeding, the NJBPU could increase JCP&L’s return on equity to 9.75% or decrease it to 9.25%, depending on its assessment of the reliability of JCP&L's service. Any reduction would be retroactive to August 1, 2003. JCP&L recorded charges to net income for the year ended December 31, 2003, aggregating $185 million ($109 million net of tax) consisting of the $153 million of disallowed deferred energy costs and $32 million of other disallowed regulatory assets. In its final decision and order issued on May 17, 2004, the NJPBU clarified the method for calculating interest attributable to the cost disallowances, resulting in a $5.4 million reduction from the amount estimated in 2003. JCP&L filed an August 15, 2003 interim motion for rehearing and reconsideration with the NJBPU and a June 1, 2004 supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration. On July 7, 2004, the NJBPU granted limited reconsideration and rehearing on the following issues: (1) deferred cost disallowances, (2) the capital structure including the rate of return, (3) merger savings, including amortization of costs to achieve merger savings; and (4) decommissioning costs. Management is unable to predict when a decision may be reached by the NJBPU.

On July 16, 2004, JCP&L filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU, requesting an increase in base rates of $36 million for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% return on equity. The filing also requests an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually. The Ratepayer Advocate filed testimony on November 16, 2004 and JCP&L submitted rebuttal testimony on January 4, 2005. Settlement conferences are ongoing.
 
JCP&L sells all self-supplied energy (NUGs and owned generation) to the wholesale market with offsetting credits to its deferred energy balance with the exception of 300 MW from JCP&L's NUG committed supply currently being used to serve BGS customers pursuant to NJBPU order. The BGS auction for periods beginning June 1, 2004 was completed in February 2004 and new BGS tariffs reflecting the auction results became effective June 1, 2004. The NJBPU decision on the BGS post transition year three process was announced on October 22, 2004, approving with minor modifications the BGS procurement process filed by JCP&L and the other New Jersey electric distribution companies and authorizing the continued use of NUG committed supply to serve 300 MW of BGS load. The auction for the supply period beginning June 1, 2005 was completed in February 2005.

In accordance with an April 28, 2004 NJBPU order, JCP&L filed testimony on June 7, 2004 supporting a continuation of the current level and duration of the funding of TMI-2 decommissioning costs by New Jersey customers without a reduction, termination or capping of the funding. On September 30, 2004, JCP&L filed an updated TMI-2 decommissioning study (see Exhibit 13, Note 11 - Asset Retirement Obligations). This study resulted in an updated total decommissioning cost estimate of $729 million (in 2003 dollars) compared to the estimated $528 million (in 2003 dollars) from the prior 1995 decommissioning study. The Ratepayer Advocate filed comments on February 28, 2008. A schedule for further proceedings has not yet been set.

In response to the ongoing work stoppage by the members of IBEW System Council U-3, the NJBPU has made inquiries of JCP&L regarding its preparedness to assure service reliability and respond to storm or other emergency conditions during the strike. JCP&L has responded to these inquiries and has provided the requested information.

PPUC Rate Matters

In June 2001, the PPUC approved the Settlement Stipulation with all of the major parties in the combined merger and rate relief proceedings, which approved the FirstEnergy/GPU merger and provided Met-Ed and Penelec PLR deferred accounting treatment for energy costs. A February 2002 Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania decision affirmed the PPUC decision regarding approval of the merger, remanded the issues of quantification and allocation of merger savings to the PPUC and denied the PLR deferral accounting treatment. In October 2003, the PPUC issued an order concluding that the Commonwealth Court reversed the PPUC’s June  2001 order in its entirety. In accordance with the PPUC's direction, Met-Ed and Penelec filed supplements to their tariffs which were effective October 2003 that reflected the CTC rates and shopping credits in effect prior to the June 21, 2001 order.

In response to its October 8, 2003 petition, the PPUC approved June 30, 2004 as the date for Met-Ed's and Penelec's NUG trust fund refunds and denied their accounting request regarding the CTC rate/shopping credit swap by requiring Met-Ed and Penelec to treat the stipulated CTC rates that were in effect from January 1, 2002 on a retroactive basis. Met-Ed and Penelec subsequently filed with the Commonwealth Court, on October 31, 2003, an Application for Clarification with the judge, a Petition for Review of the PPUC's October 2 and October 16 Orders, and an application for reargument if the judge, in his clarification order, indicates that Met-Ed's and Penelec's Objection was intended to be denied on the merits. The Reargument Brief before the Commonwealth Court was filed January 28, 2005.

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In accordance with PPUC directives, Met-Ed and Penelec have been negotiating with interested parties in an attempt to resolve the merger savings issues that are the subject of remand from the Commonwealth Court. These companies' combined portion of total merger savings is estimated at approximately $31.5 million. If no settlement can be reached, Met-Ed and Penelec will take the position that any portion of such savings should be allocated to customers during each company's next rate proceeding.

Met-Ed and Penelec purchase a portion of their PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sale agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by Met-Ed and Penelec under their NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces Met-Ed's and Penelec's exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for their uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. Met-Ed and Penelec are authorized to continue deferring differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.

Transmission Rate Matters

On November 1, 2004, ATSI requested authority from the FERC to defer approximately $54 million of vegetation management costs ($13 deferred as of December 31, 2004 pending authorization) estimated to be incurred from 2004 through 2007. The FERC issued an order granting approval of the deferral on March 2, 2005.

ATSI and MISO filed with the FERC on December 2, 2004, seeking approval for ATSI to have transmission rates established based on a FERC-approved cost of service formula rate included in Attachment O under the MISO tariff. The ATSI Network Service net revenue requirement increased under the formula rate to approximately $159 million. On January 28, 2005, the FERC accepted for filing the revised tariff sheets to become effective February 1, 2005, subject to refund, and ordered a public hearing be held to address the reasonableness of the proposal to eliminate the voltage-differentiated rate design for the ATSI zone.

On December  30, 2004, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO seeking tariff adjustments to recover increases of approximately $30 million in transmission and ancillary service-related costs beginning January 1, 2006. The Ohio Companies also filed an application for authority to defer costs such as those associated with MISO Day 1, MISO Day 2, congestion fees, FERC assessment fees, and the ATSI rate increase, as applicable, from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005.

On January 12, 2005, Met-Ed and Penelec filed, before the PPUC, a request for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005, estimated to be approximately $8 million per month.
 
On September 16, 2004, the FERC issued an order that imposed additional obligations on CEI under certain pre-Open Access transmission contracts among CEI and the cities of Cleveland and Painesville. Under the FERC’s decision, CEI may be responsible for a portion of new energy market charges imposed by MISO when its energy markets begin in the spring of 2005. CEI filed for rehearing of the order from the FERC on October 18, 2004. The impact of the FERC decision on CEI is dependent upon many factors, including the arrangements made by the cities for transmission service, the startup date for the MISO energy market, and the resolution of the rehearing request, and cannot be determined at this time.

PJM and MISO were ordered by the FERC to develop a common market between the regions by October 31, 2004. The FERC also initiated a Section 206 investigation into the reasonableness of the “through-and-out” transmission rates charged by PJM and MISO. By order issued November 17, 2003, as modified by subsequent orders, MISO, PJM, and certain unaffiliated transmission owners in the Midwest were directed to eliminate rates for point-to-point service between the two RTOs effective December 1, 2004. On October 1, 2004, proponents of a Regional Pricing Plan and a Unified Plan filed competing proposals for FERC’s consideration. Protests and reply comments were filed with the FERC. On November 18, 2004, FERC issued an order conditionally accepting the Regional Pricing Plan and directing compliance filings by MISO and PJM. On November 24, 2004, compliance filings were submitted to FERC that proposed surcharges for collection of lost revenues in both MISO and PJM for December 1, 2004 through March 31, 2006. Numerous parties protested the proposed surcharges on January 7, 2005. On February 10, 2005, FERC issued an order setting the case for hearing. The outcome of this proceeding cannot be predicted.

10

On January 31, 2005, certain PJM transmission owners made filings pursuant to a settlement agreement approved by FERC in Docket ER04-156-000. JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec were parties to that proceeding. Three filings were made. First, the settling transmission owners submitted a filing justifying continuation of their existing “license plate” rate design within the PJM RTO. Second, the settling transmission owners proposed a revised Schedule 12 to the PJM Tariff designed to harmonize the rate treatment of new and existing transmission facilities. Finally, Baltimore Gas & Electric Company and certain public utility affiliates of PEPCO Holdings, Inc. made a filing to implement a transmission cost of service formula rate for their load zones within PJM. JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec did not join in this filing. Interventions and protests were due on these filings in late February, and we expect the FERC to act in late March 2005 on the filings.

On August 6, 2004, FERC issued an order conditionally approving the MISO’s proposed energy market tariff effective March 1, 2005. FERC affirmed this order on rehearing on November 6, 2004. The implementation of MISO’s energy market is subject to successful completion of market test runs and approval of certain compliance filings. On January 27, 2005, MISO announced that financially binding market activities would be postponed until April 1, 2005 to permit additional testing of systems and training. FirstEnergy affiliates have been certified as market participants and will participate in the MISO markets when they begin operation.

Capital Requirements

Capital expenditures for the Companies, FES and FirstEnergy's other subsidiaries for the years 2005 through 2007 excluding nuclear fuel, are shown in the following table. Such costs include expenditures for the betterment of existing facilities and for the construction of generating capacity, facilities for environmental compliance, transmission lines, distribution lines, substations and other assets.


   
2004
 
Capital Expenditures Forecast
 
   
Actual
 
2005
 
2006-2007
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
OE
 
$
112
 
$
133
 
$
307
 
$
440
 
Penn
   
76
   
82
   
145
   
227
 
CEI
   
93
   
103
   
265
   
368
 
TE
   
51
   
56
   
136
   
192
 
JCP&L
   
153
   
178
   
333
   
511
 
Met-Ed
   
53
   
67
   
138
   
205
 
Penelec
   
53
   
89
   
183
   
272
 
ATSI
   
22
   
74
   
225
   
299
 
FES
   
92
   
163
   
542
   
705
 
Other subsidiaries
   
26
   
34
   
69
   
103
 
Total
 
$
731
 
$
979
 
$
2,343
 
$
3,322
 


During the 2005-2007 period, maturities of, and sinking fund requirements for, long-term debt and preferred stock of FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries are:

   
Preferred Stock and Long-Term Debt
 
   
Redemption Schedule
 
   
2005
 
2006-2007
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
                  
OE
 
$
134
 
$
9
 
$
143
 
Penn
   
2
   
14
   
16
 
CEI*
   
1
   
122
   
123
 
TE
   
0
   
30
   
30
 
JCP&L
   
17
   
226
   
243
 
Met-Ed
   
30
   
151
   
181
 
Penelec
   
8
   
3
   
11
 
FirstEnergy
   
300
   
1,215
   
1,515
 
Other subsidiaries
   
5
   
23
   
28
 
Total
 
$
497
 
$
1,793
 
$
2,290
 

*    CEI has an additional $21 million due to associated companies in 2006-2007.

 
The Companies’ and FES's respective investments for additional nuclear fuel, and nuclear fuel investment reductions as the fuel is consumed, during the 2005-2007 period are presented in the following table. The table also displays the Companies’ operating lease commitments, net of capital trust cash receipts for the 2005-2007 period.

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Nuclear Fuel Forecasts
 
Net
 
   
New Investments
 
Consumption
 
Operating Lease Commitments
 
   
2005
 
2006-2007
 
Total
 
2005
 
2006-2007
 
Total
 
2005
 
2006-2007
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
                                       
OE
 
$
21
 
$
54
 
$
75
 
$
24
 
$
49
 
$
73
 
$
82
 
$
160
 
$
242
 
Penn
   
13
   
50
   
63
   
17
   
35
   
52
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
CEI
   
11
   
65
   
76
   
28
   
63
   
91
   
18
   
25
   
43
 
TE
   
8
   
46
   
54
   
20
   
44
   
64
   
80
   
158
   
238
 
JCP&L
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
2
   
3
   
5
 
Met-Ed
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
1
   
3
   
4
 
Total
 
$
53
 
$
215
 
$
268
 
$
89
 
$
191
 
$
280
 
$
183
 
$
349
 
$
532
 
 
Short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2004, consisted of $29 million of bank borrowings (OE - $25 million and HVACs - $4 million), and $142 million of OES Capital, Incorporated. OES Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of OE whose borrowings are secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from OE. OES Capital can borrow up to $170 million under a receivables financing agreement at rates based on certain bank commercial paper. FirstEnergy and OE had $1.4 billion available under $1.75 billion of revolving lines of credit as of December 31, 2004. FirstEnergy may borrow under these facilities and could transfer any of its borrowings to its subsidiaries. These revolving credit facilities, combined with an aggregate $550 million of accounts receivable financing facilities for OE, CEI, TE, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn, are intended to provide liquidity to meet our short-term working capital requirements and those of our subsidiaries. Total unused borrowing capability under existing facilities and accounts receivable financing facilities totaled $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2004. An additional source of ongoing cash for FirstEnergy, as a holding company, is cash dividends from its subsidiaries. In 2004, the holding company received $782 million of cash dividends on common stock from its subsidiaries.

Based on their present plans, the Companies could provide for their cash requirements in 2005 from the following sources: funds to be received from operations; available cash and temporary cash investments as of December 31, 2004 (Company’s nonutility subsidiaries - $51 million, and OE - $1 million); the issuance of long-term debt (for refunding purposes); and funds available under revolving credit arrangements.

The extent and type of future financings will depend on the need for external funds as well as market conditions, the maintenance of an appropriate capital structure and the ability of the Companies to comply with coverage requirements in order to issue FMB and preferred stock. The Companies will continue to monitor financial market conditions and, where appropriate, may take advantage of economic opportunities to refund debt and preferred stock to the extent that their financial resources permit.

The coverage requirements contained in the first mortgage indentures under which the Companies issue FMB provide that, except for certain refunding purposes, the Companies may not issue FMB unless applicable net earnings (before income taxes), calculated as provided in the indentures, for any period of twelve consecutive months within the fifteen calendar months preceding the month in which such additional bonds are issued, are at least twice annual interest requirements on outstanding FMB, including those being issued. At the end of 2004, the Ohio Companies and Penn had the aggregate capability to issue approximately $4.4 billion of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of their respective mortgage indentures. The issuance of FMB by OE and CEI are 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 FMB) (i) supporting pollution control notes or similar obligations, or (ii) 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 $641 million and $588 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2004. Under the provisions of its senior note indenture, JCP&L may issue additional FMB only as collateral for senior notes. As of December 31, 2004, JCP&L had the capability to issue $644 million of additional senior notes upon the basis of FMB collateral.

OE’s, Penn’s, TE’s and JCP&L's respective articles of incorporation prohibit the sale of preferred stock unless applicable gross income, calculated as provided in the articles of incorporation, is equal to at least 1-1/2 times the aggregate of the annual interest requirements on indebtedness and annual dividend requirements on preferred stock outstanding immediately thereafter. Based upon applicable earnings coverage tests in their respective charters, OE, Penn, TE and JCP&L could issue a total of $4.5 billion of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued) as of the end of 2004. CEI, Met-Ed and Penelec have no restrictions on the issuance of preferred stock.

12

To the extent that coverage requirements or market conditions restrict the Companies’ abilities to issue desired amounts of FMB or preferred stock, the Companies may seek other methods of financing. Such financings could include the sale of preferred and/or preference stock or of such other types of securities as might be authorized by applicable regulatory authorities which would not otherwise be sold and could result in annual interest charges and/or dividend requirements in excess of those that would otherwise be incurred.

As of December 31, 2004, approximately $1.0 billion was remaining under FirstEnergy's shelf registration statement, filed with the SEC in 2003, to support future securities issues. The shelf registration provides the flexibility to issue and sell various types of securities, including common stock, debt securities, and share purchase contracts and related share purchase units.

Nuclear Regulation

The construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear generating units are subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the NRC including the issuance by it of construction permits, operating licenses, and possession only licenses for decommissioning reactors. The NRC's procedures with respect to the amendment of nuclear reactor operating licenses afford opportunities for interested parties to request adjudicatory hearings on health, safety and environmental issues subject to meeting NRC "standing" requirements. The NRC may require substantial changes in operation or the installation of additional equipment to meet safety or environmental standards, subject to the backfit rule requiring the NRC to justify such new requirements as necessary for the overall protection of public health and safety. The possibility also exists for modification, denial or revocation of licenses. As a result of the merger with GPU, FirstEnergy now owns the TMI-2 and the Saxton Nuclear Experimental Facility. Both facilities are in various stages of decommissioning. TMI-2 is in a post-defueling monitored storage condition, with decommissioning planned in 2014, absent an extension of the operating license to the owner of TMI-1. Saxton is in the final stages of decommissioning, with license termination and final site restoration scheduled for the third quarter of 2005. Beaver Valley Unit 1 was placed in commercial operation in 1976, and its operating license expires in 2016. Davis-Besse was placed in commercial operation in 1977, and its operating license expires in 2017. Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2 were placed in commercial operation in 1987, and their operating licenses expire in 2026 and 2027, respectively. FirstEnergy submitted a license renewal application with the NRC seeking to extend the operation of Beaver Valley Units 1 and 2 to 2036 and 2047, respectively.

Davis-Besse, which is operated by FENOC, began its scheduled refueling outage on February 16, 2002. The plant was originally scheduled to return to service by the end of March 2002. During the refueling outage, FENOC found corrosion in the reactor vessel head near some of the control rod drive mechanism penetration nozzles, created by boric acid deposits from leaks in the nozzles. As a result, the NRC issued a confirmatory action letter stating that restart of the plant would be subject to prior NRC approval, and it established an Inspection Manual Chapter 0350 Oversight Panel to ensure close NRC oversight of Davis-Besse’s corrective actions.

On March 8, 2004, FENOC received NRC authorization to restart Davis-Besse and the plant achieved full power on April 4, 2004.

The NRC granted restart authorization in an order containing several commitments for Davis-Besse. Those requirements include ongoing independent assessments of the site’s operational performance, safety culture and safety conscious work environment, and corrective action and engineering programs for five years, as well as visual inspection of the reactor head and lower vessel during the plant’s mid-cycle outage, which took place in late January and early February of 2005.

In 2002, FENOC spent approximately $115 million in additional nuclear-related operation and maintenance costs, approximately $120 million in replacement power costs and approximately $63 million in capital expenditures related to the reactor head and restart. In 2003, FENOC spent approximately $93 million in additional nuclear-related operation and maintenance costs, approximately $196 million in replacement power costs and approximately $21 million in capital expenditures related to the reactor head and restart. In 2004, FENOC spent approximately $900,000 in additional nuclear-related operation and maintenance costs and approximately $64 million in replacement power costs during the remaining period of the outage.

13

The NRC has promulgated and continues to promulgate orders and regulations related to the safe operation of nuclear power plants and standards for decommissioning clean-up and final license termination. The Companies cannot predict what additional orders and regulations (including post-September 11, 2001 security enhancements) may be promulgated, design changes required or the effect that any such regulations or design changes or additional clean-up standards for final site release, or the consideration thereof, may have upon their nuclear plants. Although the Companies have no reason to anticipate an accident at any of their nuclear plants, if such an accident did happen, it could have a material but currently undeterminable adverse effect on FirstEnergy's consolidated financial position. In addition, such an accident at any operating nuclear plant, whether or not owned by the Companies, could result in regulations or requirements that could affect the operation, licensing, or decommissioning of plants that the Companies do own with a consequent but currently undeterminable adverse impact, and could affect the Companies’ abilities to raise funds in the capital markets.

Nuclear Insurance

The Price-Anderson Act limits the public liability which can be assessed with respect to a nuclear power plant to $10.8 billion (assuming 104 units licensed to operate) for a single nuclear incident, which amount is covered by: (i) private insurance amounting to $300 million; and (ii) $10.5 billion provided by an industry retrospective rating plan required by the NRC pursuant thereto. Under such retrospective rating plan, in the event of a nuclear incident at any unit in the United States resulting in losses in excess of private insurance, up to $100.6 million (but not more than $10 million per unit per year in the event of more than one incident) must be contributed for each nuclear unit licensed to operate in the country by the licensees thereof to cover liabilities arising out of the incident. Based on their present nuclear ownership and leasehold interests, the Companies’ maximum potential assessment under these provisions would be $402.4 million (OE-$107.5 million, Penn-$84.5 million, CEI-$121.4 million and TE-$89.0 million) per incident but not more than $40.0 million (OE-$10.7 million, Penn-$8.4 million, CEI-$12.1 million and TE-$8.8 million) in any one year for each incident.

In addition to the public liability insurance provided pursuant to the Price-Anderson Act, the Companies have also obtained insurance coverage in limited amounts for economic loss and property damage arising out of nuclear incidents. The Companies are members of NEIL which provides coverage (NEIL I) for the extra expense of replacement power incurred due to prolonged accidental outages of nuclear units. Under NEIL I, the Companies have policies, renewable yearly, corresponding to their respective nuclear interests, which provide an aggregate indemnity of up to approximately $1.488 billion (OE-$397.2 million, Penn-$280.1 million, CEI-$478.9 million and TE-$332.1 million) for replacement power costs incurred during an outage after an initial 20-week waiting period. Members of NEIL I pay annual premiums and are subject to assessments if losses exceed the accumulated funds available to the insurer. The Companies’ present maximum aggregate assessment for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year would be approximately $10.4 million (OE-$2.8 million, Penn-$2.0 million, CEI-$3.3 million and TE-$2.3 million).

The Companies are insured as to their respective nuclear interests under property damage insurance provided by NEIL to the operating company for each plant. Under these arrangements, $2.75 billion of coverage for decontamination costs, decommissioning costs, debris removal and repair and/or replacement of property is provided. The Companies pay annual premiums for this coverage and are liable for retrospective assessments of up to approximately $57.1 million (OE-$16.0 million, Penn-$11.2 million, CEI-$17.5 million, TE-$11.6 million, JCP&L-$0.2 million, Met-Ed-$0.4 million and Penelec-$0.2 million) during a policy year. On September 30, 2003, CEI and TE tendered Proofs of Loss under the Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited (NEIL) Property Damage and Accidental Outage Policies for the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station related to an outage that began in 2002 at that station. The property damage losses claimed by CEI and TE total $77.9 million and the Accidental Outage losses claimed by CEI and TE total $106.7 million. On December 18, 2004, NEIL denied CEI’s and TE’s claims. CEI and TE are considering their options with respect to pursuing an arbitration of this matter.

The Companies intend to maintain insurance against nuclear risks as described above as long as it is available. To the extent that replacement power, property damage, decontamination, decommissioning, repair and replacement costs and other such costs arising from a nuclear incident at any of the Companies’ plants exceed the policy limits of the insurance in effect with respect to that plant, to the extent a nuclear incident is determined not to be covered by the Companies’ insurance policies, or to the extent such insurance becomes unavailable in the future, the Companies would remain at risk for such costs.

14

The NRC requires nuclear power plant licensees to obtain minimum property insurance coverage of $1.06 billion or the amount generally available from private sources, whichever is less. The proceeds of this insurance are required to be used first to ensure that the licensed reactor is in a safe and stable condition and can be maintained in that condition so as to prevent any significant risk to the public health and safety. Within 30 days of stabilization, the licensee is required to prepare and submit to the NRC a cleanup plan for approval. The plan is required to identify all cleanup operations necessary to decontaminate the reactor sufficiently to permit the resumption of operations or to commence decommissioning. Any property insurance proceeds not already expended to place the reactor in a safe and stable condition must be used first to complete those decontamination operations that are ordered by the NRC. The Companies are unable to predict what effect these requirements may have on the availability of insurance proceeds to the Companies for the Companies’ bondholders.

Environmental Matters

Various federal, state and local authorities regulate the Companies with regard to air and water quality and other environmental matters. The effects of compliance on the Companies with regard to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's earnings and competitive position. These environmental regulations affect FirstEnergy's earnings and competitive position to the extent that it 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. Overall, FirstEnergy believes it is in compliance with existing regulations but is unable to predict future change in regulatory policies and what, if any, the effects of such change would be. FirstEnergy estimates additional capital expenditures for environmental compliance of approximately $430 million for 2005 through 2007, which is included in the $3.3 billion of forecasted capital expenditures for 2005 through 2007.

Clean Air Act Compliance
 
The Companies are required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. The Companies cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.

The Companies believe they are complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from the Companies' facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85 percent reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. The Companies believe their facilities are also complying with the NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIPs) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards
 
In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the Companies operate affected facilities.

15

Mercury Emissions
 
In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

W. H. Sammis Plant
 
In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities covering 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which is owned by OE and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, which included a complaint against OE and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. The ruling concludes the liability phase of the case, which deals with applicability of Prevention of Significant Deterioration provisions of the Clean Air Act. The remedy phase of the trial to address civil penalties and what, if any, actions should be taken to further reduce emissions at the plant has been delayed without rescheduling by the Court because the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement negotiations. The Court indicated, in its August 2003 ruling, that the remedies it "may consider and impose involved a much broader, equitable analysis, requiring the Court to consider air quality, public health, economic impact, and employment consequences. The Court may also consider the less than consistent efforts of the EPA to apply and further enforce the Clean Air Act." The potential penalties that may be imposed, as well as the capital expenditures necessary to comply with substantive remedial measures that may be required, could have a material adverse impact on FirstEnergy's, OE's and Penn's respective financial condition and results of operations. While the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement discussions, management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste
 
As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

The Companies have been named as PRPs 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Companies' proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. In addition, JCP&L has accrued liabilities for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plants in New Jersey; those costs are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. Included in Current Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $65 million as of December 31, 2004. The Companies accrue environmental liabilities only when they conclude that it is probable that they have an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Companies’ determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

16

Climate Change
 
In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent through 2012.

The Companies cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the Companies is lower than many regional competitors due to the Companies' 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 the Companies' plants. In addition, Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to the Companies' operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.

On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. The Companies are conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by their facilities with the performance standards. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

Fuel Supply

FirstEnergy currently has long-term coal contracts to provide approximately 18.4 million tons for the year 2005. The contracts are shared among the Companies based on various economic considerations. This contract coal is produced primarily from mines located in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Wyoming and West Virginia. The contracts expire at various times through December 31, 2021.

The Companies estimate their 2005 coal requirements to be approximately 22.4 million tons (OE - 6.7 million, Penn - 7.7 million, CEI - 6.0 million, and TE - 2.0 million) to be met from the long-term contracts discussed above and spot market purchases. See “Environmental Matters” for factors pertaining to meeting environmental regulations affecting coal-fired generating units.

CEI, TE, OE and Penn have contracts for uranium material and conversion services through 2008. The enrichment services are contracted for all of the enrichment requirements for nuclear fuel through 2006. A portion of enrichment requirements is also contracted through 2011. Fabrication services for fuel assemblies are contracted for the next two reloads for Beaver Valley Unit 1, the next two reloads for Beaver Valley Unit 2 (through approximately 2007 and 2006, respectively), the next reload for Davis-Besse (through approximately 2006) and through the operating license period for Perry (through approximately 2026). The Davis-Besse fabrication contract also has an extension provision for services through the current operating license period (about 2017). In addition to the existing commitments, the Companies intend to make additional arrangements for the supply of uranium and for the subsequent conversion, enrichment, fabrication, and waste disposal services.

17

On-site spent fuel storage facilities are expected to be adequate for Perry through 2011; facilities at Beaver Valley Units 1 and 2 are expected to be adequate through 2015 and 2008, respectively. With the plant modifications completed in 2002, Davis-Besse has adequate storage through the remainder of its current operating license period. After current on-site storage capacity is exhausted, additional storage capacity will have to be obtained either through plant modifications, interim off-site disposal, or permanent waste disposal facilities. The Federal Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 provides for the construction of facilities for the permanent disposal of high-level nuclear wastes, including spent fuel from nuclear power plants operated by electric utilities. CEI, TE, OE and Penn have contracts with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for the disposal of spent fuel for Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse and Perry. On February 15, 2002, President Bush approved the DOE's recommendation of Yucca Mountain for underground disposal of spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants and high level waste from U.S. defense programs. The approval by President Bush enables the process to proceed to the licensing phase. Based on the DOE schedule published in the July 1999 Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the Yucca Mountain Repository is currently projected to start receiving spent fuel in 2010. The Repository is expected to be delayed further as the result of an announced delay in submission of the license application. The Companies intend to make additional arrangements for storage capacity as a contingency for further delays with the DOE acceptance of spent fuel for disposal past 2010.

System Capacity and Reserves

The 2004 net maximum hourly demand for each of the Companies was: OE-5,461 MW (including an additional 273 MW of firm power sales under a contract which extends through 2005) on June 9, 2004; Penn-987 MW (including an additional 56 MW of firm power sales under a contract which extends through 2005) on June 15, 2004; CEI-4,126 MW on August 27, 2004; TE-2,032 MW on August 3, 2004; JCP&L-5,457 MW on August 20, 2004; Met-Ed-2,548 MW on August 3, 2004; and Penelec-2,830 MW on December 20, 2004. JCP&L's load was auctioned off in the New Jersey BGS Auction, transferring the full 5,100 MW load obligation to other parties for the supply period beginning June 1, 2005. FES participated in the auction and won a segment of that load.

Based on existing capacity plans, ongoing arrangements for firm purchase contracts, and anticipated term power sales and purchases, FirstEnergy has sufficient supply resources to meet load obligations. The current FirstEnergy capacity portfolio contains 13,387 MW of owned generation and approximately 1,600 MW of long-term purchases from NUGs. Any remaining load obligations will be met through a mix of multi-year forward purchases, short-term forward purchases (less than one year) and spot market purchases.

The Companies’ sources of generation during 2004 were:

   
Coal
 
Nuclear
 
           
OE
   
72.5
%
 
27.5
%
Penn
   
39.8
%
 
60.2
%
CEI
   
58.7
%
 
41.3
%
TE
   
48.1
%
 
51.9
%
Total FirstEnergy
   
60.2
%
 
39.8
%


Regional Reliability

The Ohio Companies and Penn participate with 24 other electric companies operating in nine states in ECAR, which was organized for the purpose of furthering the reliability of bulk power supply in the area through coordination of the planning and operation by the ECAR members of their bulk power supply facilities. The ECAR members have established principles and procedures regarding matters affecting the reliability of the bulk power supply within the ECAR region. Procedures have been adopted regarding: i) the evaluation and simulated testing of systems’ performance; ii) the establishment of minimum levels of daily operating reserves; iii) the development of a program regarding emergency procedures during conditions of declining system frequency; and iv) the basis for uniform rating of generating equipment.

The transmission facilities of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec are operated by PJM. PJM is the organization responsible for the operation and control of the bulk electric power system throughout major portions of five Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia. PJM is dedicated to meeting the reliability criteria and standards of NERC and the Mid-Atlantic Area Council.

18

Competition

The Companies compete with other utilities for intersystem bulk power sales and for sales to municipalities and cooperatives. The Companies also compete with suppliers of natural gas and other forms of energy in connection with their industrial and commercial sales and in the home climate control market, both with respect to new customers and conversions, and with all other suppliers of electricity. To date, there has been no substantial cogeneration by the Companies’ customers.

As a result of actions taken by state legislative bodies over the last few years, major changes in the electric utility business are occurring in parts of the United States, including Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania where FirstEnergy's utility subsidiaries operate. These changes have resulted in fundamental alterations in the way traditional integrated utilities and holding company systems, like FirstEnergy, conduct their business. In accordance with the Ohio electric utility restructuring law under which Ohio electric customers could begin choosing their electric generation suppliers starting in January 2001, FirstEnergy has further aligned its business units to accommodate its retail strategy and participate in the competitive electricity marketplace in Ohio. The organizational changes deal with the unbundling of electric utility services and new ways of conducting business. FirstEnergy’s competitive segment participates in deregulated energy markets in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Michigan.

Competition in Ohio’s electric generation began on January 1, 2001. FirstEnergy moved the operation of the generation portion of its business to its competitive business unit as reflected in its approved Ohio transition plan. The Companies continue to provide generation services to regulated franchise customers who have not chosen an alternative, competitive generation supplier, except in New Jersey where JCP&L's obligation to provide BGS has been removed through a transitional mechanism of auctioning the obligation (see "NJBPU Rate Matters"). In September 2002, Met-Ed and Penelec assigned their PLR responsibility to FES through a wholesale power sale agreement. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES assumed the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by Met-Ed and Penelec. The agreement will be automatically extended on an annual basis unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year (see "PPUC Rate Matters" for further discussion). The Ohio Companies and Penn obtain their generation through power supply agreements with FES.

Research and Development

The Companies participate in funding the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), which was formed for the purpose of expanding electric research and development under the voluntary sponsorship of the nation’s electric utility industry - public, private and cooperative. Its goal is to mutually benefit utilities and their customers by promoting the development of new and improved technologies to help the utility industry meet present and future electric energy needs in environmentally and economically acceptable ways. EPRI conducts research on all aspects of electric power production and use, including fuels, generation, delivery, energy management and conservation, environmental effects and energy analysis. The major portion of EPRI research and development projects is directed toward practical solutions and their applications to problems currently facing the electric utility industry.


19

Executive Officers

The executive officers are elected at the annual organization meeting of the Board of Directors, held immediately after the annual meeting of stockholders, and hold office until the next such organization meeting, unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise determine, or unless a resignation is submitted.


   
 
Position Held During Past Five Years
 
Name
Age
Dates
       
A. J. Alexander
53
President and Chief Executive Officer
2004-present
   
President and Chief Operating Officer
2001-2004
   
President
2000-2001
   
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
*-2000
     
 
L. M. Cavalier
53
Vice President - Human Resources
2001-present
   
President - Eastern Region
*-2001
       
M. T. Clark
54
Senior Vice President
2004-present
   
Vice President - Business Development
2000-2004
   
Managing Director - Business Development
*-2000
       
D. S. Elliott
50
Senior Vice President
2001-present
   
Vice President
*-2001
       
R. R. Grigg
56
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
2004-present
   
President and Chief Executive Officer - WE Generation
*-2004
       
C. E. Jones
49
Senior Vice President
2003-present
   
Vice President - Regional Operations
2001-2003
   
President - Northern Region
*-2001
       
K. J. Keough
45
Senior Vice President
2001-present
   
Vice President - Business Planning & Ventures
*-2001
       
G. R. Leidich
54
President and Chief Nuclear Officer - FENOC
2003-present
   
Executive Vice President - FENOC
2002-2003
   
Executive Vice President - Institute of Nuclear Power Operations
*-2002
       
R. H. Marsh
54
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
2001-present
   
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
*-2001
       
S. E. Morgan
54
President - JCP&L
2003-present
   
Vice President - Energy Delivery
2002-2003
   
President - Central Region
*-2002
       
G. L. Pipitone
54
President - FES
2004-present
   
Senior Vice President
2001-2004
   
Vice President
*-2001
       
D. R. Schneider
43
Vice President - Commodity Operations
2004-present
   
Vice President - Fossil Operations
2001-2004
   
Plant Manager
*-2001
       
C. B. Snyder
59
Senior Vice President
2001-present
   
Executive Vice President - Corporate Affairs - GPU
*-2001
       
L. L. Vespoli
45
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
2001-present
   
Vice President and General Counsel
2000-2001
   
Associate General Counsel
*-2000
       
H. L. Wagner
52
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
2001-present
   
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
*-2001
       
T. M. Welsh
55
Senior Vice President
2004-present
   
Vice President - Communications
2001-2004
   
Manager - Communications Services
*-2001


Mrs. Vespoli and Messrs. Alexander, Marsh and Wagner are the executive officers, as noted above, of OE, Penn, CEI, TE, Met-Ed and Penelec. Mrs. Vespoli and Messrs. Marsh, Morgan and Wagner are the executive officers of JCP&L.

*    Indicates position held at least since January 1, 2000.

20

Employees

As of January 1, 2005, FirstEnergy’s nonutility subsidiaries and the Companies had a total of 15,245 employees located in the United States as follows:


FESC
   
2,712
 
OE
   
1,170
 
CEI
   
905
 
TE
   
414
 
Penn
   
200
 
JCP&L
   
1,444
 
Met-Ed
   
651
 
Penelec
   
843
 
ATSI
   
33
 
FES
   
2,001
 
FENOC
   
2,756
 
FSG
   
2,023
 
First Communications
   
93
 
Total
   
15,245
 


Approximately 7,218 of the above employees (including 720 for OE, 635 for CEI, 317 for TE, 153 for Penn, 1,155 for JCP&L, 490 for Met-Ed and 605 for Penelec) are covered by collective bargaining agreements.

On December 8, 2004, employees represented by IBEW System Council U-3 began a strike against JCP&L. JCP&L continues to utilize management, other non-union personnel from around FirstEnergy's system and contractors to perform service reliability and priority maintenance work while the union members are on strike. The labor agreement between JCP&L and System Council U-3 originally expired on October 31, 2003 but was extended several times and ultimately expired on December 7, 2004. JCP&L and the leadership of System Council U-3 continue to negotiate in an attempt to reach a new agreement and end the work stoppage. It is unknown when such an agreement will be reached or when the work stoppage will end. On January 31, 2005, IBEW Local 245, ratified a three-year contract agreement with TE, FENOC, and FGCO. On February 4, 2005, IBEW Local 272, representing approximately 350 employees of the Bruce Mansfield Plant, ratified a three-year contract with FGCO.

FirstEnergy Website

Each of the registrant's 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 website at www.firstenergycorp.com. These reports are posted on the website as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with the SEC.


ITEM   2. PROPERTIES
 
The Companies’ respective first mortgage indentures constitute, in the opinion of the Companies’ counsel, direct first liens on substantially all of the respective Companies’ physical property, subject only to excepted encumbrances, as defined in the indentures. See “Leases” and “Capitalization” notes to the respective financial statements for information concerning leases and financing encumbrances affecting certain of the Companies’ properties.

The Companies own, individually or together as tenants in common, and/or lease, the generating units in service as of March 1, 2005, shown on the table below.


21
 
       
 
                                                         
    ___________  
 
   ___________    ___________    ___________   ___________     ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________    ___________  
       
NOC
 (MW)
 
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
OE
 
Penn
 
CEI
 
TE
 
JCP&L
 
Met-Ed
 
FES
 
_________________________________   
Unit
 
Total
  %   
MW
  %   
MW
  %   
MW
  %   
MW
  %   
MW
   %  
MW
  %   
MW
 
Plant - Location
                                                                                                 
                                                                                                   
Coal-Fired Units
                                                                                                 
Ashtabula-
Ashtabula, OH
   
5
   
244
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
100.00
%
 
244
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Bay Shore-
   
1-4
   
631
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
100.00
%
 
631
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Toledo, OH
                                                                                                 
R. E. Burger-
Shadyside, OH
   
3-5
   
406
   
100.00
%
 
406
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Eastlake-Eastlake, OH
   
1-5
   
1,233
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
100.00
%
 
1,233
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Lakeshore-
Cleveland, OH
   
18
   
245
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
100.00
%
 
245
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Bruce Mansfield-
   
1
   
780
   
60.00
%
 
468
   
33.50
%
 
261
   
6.50
%
 
51
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Shippingport, PA
   
2
   
780
   
43.06
%
 
336
   
9.36
%
 
73
   
30.28
%
(a) 
236
   
17.30
%
 (a)
135
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
     
3
   
800
   
49.34
%
 
395
   
6.28
%
 
50
   
24.47
%
 
196
   
19.91
%
 
159
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
W. H. Sammis-
   
1-6
   
1,620
   
100.00
%
 
1,620
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Stratton, OH
   
7
   
600
   
48.00
%
 
288
   
20.80
%
 
125
   
31.20
%
 
187
   
--
   
--
         
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Total
         
7,339
         
3,513
         
509
   
--
   
2,392
   
--
   
925
         
--
         
--
         
--
 
                                                                                                   
Nuclear Units
                                                                                                 
Beaver Valley-
   
1
   
821
   
35.00
%
 
287
   
65.00
%
 
534
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Shippingport, PA
   
2
   
831
   
41.88
%
 (b)
348
   
13.74
%
 
114
   
24.47
%
 
203
   
19.91
%
 
166
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Davis-Besse-
   
1
   
883
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
51.38
%
 
454
   
48.62
%
 
429
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Oak Harbor, OH
                                                                                                 
Perry-
N. Perry Village, OH
   
1
   
1,260
   
30.00
%
 (b)
378
   
5.24
%
 
66
   
44.85
%
 
565
   
19.91
%
 (c)
251
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Total
         
3,795
         
1,013
         
714
         
1,222
         
846
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
                                                                                                   
Oil/Gas-Fired/Pumped Storage Units
                                                                                                 
Richland-Defiance, OH
   
1-3
   
42
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
100.00
%
 
42
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
     
4-6
   
390
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
100.00
%
 
390
 
Seneca-Warren, PA
   
1-3
   
435
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
100.00
%
 
435
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Sumpter- Sumpter Twp., MI
   
1-4
   
340
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
100.00
%
 
340
 
West Lorain
   
1-1
   
120
   
100.00
%
 
120
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Lorain, OH
   
2-6
   
425
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
100.00
%
 
425
 
Yard's Creek-Blairstown
Twp., NJ
   
1-3
   
200
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
50
%
 
200
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Other
         
301
         
109
         
19
         
33
         
35
         
86
         
19
         
--
 
Total
         
2,253
         
229
         
19
         
468
         
77
         
286
         
19
         
1,155
 
Total
         
13,387
         
4,755
         
1,242
         
4,082
         
1,848
         
286
         
19
         
1,155
 


Notes:
(a)
CEI’s interests consist of 1.68% owned and 28.60% leased and TE's interests are leased.
 
(b)
OE’s interests consist of 20.22% owned and 21.66% leased for Beaver Valley Unit 2; and 17.42% owned (representing portion leased from a wholly owned subsidiary of OE) and 12.58% leased for Perry.
 
(c)
TE’s interests consist of 1.65% owned and 18.26% leased.
 
22

Prolonged outages of existing generating units might make it necessary for the Companies, depending upon the demand for electric service upon their system, to use to a greater extent than otherwise, less efficient and less economic generating units, or purchased power, and in some cases may require the reduction of load during peak periods under the Companies’ interruptible programs, all to an extent not presently determinable.

The Companies’ generating plants and load centers are connected by a transmission system consisting of elements having various voltage ratings ranging from 23 kV to 500 kV. The Companies’ overhead and underground transmission lines aggregate 14,978 pole miles.

The Companies’ electric distribution systems include 114,177  miles of overhead pole line and underground conduit carrying primary, secondary and street lighting circuits. They own substations with a total installed transformer capacity of 91,117,000 kilovolt-amperes.

The transmission facilities that are owned and operated by ATSI also interconnect with those of AEP, DPL, Duquesne, Allegheny, MEC and Penelec. The transmission facilities of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec are physically interconnected and are operated on an integrated basis as part of the PJM RTO.

FirstEnergy's distribution and transmission systems as of December 31, 2004, consist of the following:



   
Substation
         
   
Distribution
 
Transmission
 
Transformer
 
   
Lines
 
Lines
 
Capacity
 
   
(Miles)
 
(kV-amperes)
 
               
OE
   
29,402
   
550
   
8,318,000
 
Penn
   
5,636
   
44
   
1,750,000
 
CEI
   
24,860
   
2,144
   
9,300,000
 
TE
   
1,622
   
223
   
3,691,000
 
JCP&L
   
18,493
   
2,106
   
21,154,000
 
Met-Ed
   
14,424
   
1,407
   
9,985,000
 
Penelec
   
19,740
   
2,690
   
14,238,000
 
ATSI*
   
--
   
5,814
   
22,681,000
 
                     
Total
   
114,177
   
14,978
   
91,117,000
 
 

 
*
Represents transmission lines of 69kv and above in service areas of OE, Penn, CEI and TE.

ITEM   3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Reference is made to Note 13, Commitments, Guarantees and Contingencies, of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 for a description of certain legal proceedings involving FirstEnergy, OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec.

ITEM   4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

None.
PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
   MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The information required by Item 5. regarding FirstEnergy’s market information, including stock exchange listings and quarterly stock market prices, dividends and holders of common stock is included on page 5 of FirstEnergy’s 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders (Exhibit 13). The information required for OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec is not applicable because they are wholly owned subsidiaries.

23

The table below includes information on a monthly basis for the fourth quarter, regarding purchases made by FirstEnergy of its common stock.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Period
 
 
 
 
 
Total Number
Of Shares
Purchased (a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
 
 
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
As Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
Or Programs (b)
 
Maximum Number
(or Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
Or Programs
 
October 1-31, 2004
   
175,290
 
$
41.13
   
--
   
--
 
November 1-30, 2004
   
379,505
 
$
42.68
   
--
   
--
 
December 1-31, 2004
   
306,911
 
$
39.96
   
--
   
--
 
                           
Fourth Quarter
   
861,706
 
$
41.40
   
--
   
--
 


(a)
Share amounts reflect purchases on the open market to satisfy FirstEnergy’s obligations to deliver common stock under its Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors, Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, Savings Plan and Stock Investment Plan. In addition, such amounts reflect shares tendered by employees to pay the exercise price or withholding taxes upon exercise of stock options granted under the Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan.

(b)
FirstEnergy does not currently have any publicly announced plan or program for share purchases.


ITEM   6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

ITEM   7.  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM   7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM   8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

The information required for items 6 through 8 is incorporated herein by reference to Selected Financial Data, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition, and Financial Statements included on the pages shown in the following table in the respective company’s 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders (Exhibit 13).

 
Item 6
Item 7
Item 7A
Item 8
         
FirstEnergy
3
4-38
26-28
39-85
OE
3
4-16
10
17-44
Penn
3
4-13
8-9
14-35
CEI
3
4-15
9
16-41
TE
3
4-16
9-10
17-43
JCP&L
3
4-13
8-10
14-35
Met-Ed
3
4-13
8-10
14-36
Penelec
3
4-12
8-9
13-34


ITEM   9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
   AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM   9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Each registrant’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have reviewed and evaluated such registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as of the end date covered by this report. Based upon this evaluation, the respective Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that such registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

24

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of each registrant’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports included in each registrant’s 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders and incorporated by reference hereto.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the registrants’ internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants’ internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM   9B.  OTHER INFORMATION

Severance Agreements

On February 15, 2005, in response to a shareholder proposal at the 2004 Annual Meeting that received the affirmative vote of approximately 64 percent of the votes cast, the Board of Directors adopted a new policy with respect to severance agreements. The Board’s policy requires that any future severance agreement offered to any FirstEnergy employee that would be triggered by a change in control of FirstEnergy limit the multiplier of base salary and target short-term incentive compensation to 2.99 times. The Board’s policy also requires that such severance agreements only contain such other terms, conditions and provisions as may be recommended by the Compensation Committee and approved by the independent directors of the Board and, at the discretion of such independent directors, approved by the shareholders. The Board’s policy also requires that the Compensation Committee retain an independent third-party consultant to periodically review the prevailing competitive practices concerning severance agreements triggered by a change in control and report on such review to the Board.

In accordance with this policy, the Compensation Committee authorized, and FirstEnergy entered into, separate severance agreements with Guy L. Pipitone, Mark T. Clark, Lynn M. Cavalier and Richard R. Grigg on March 7, 2005, effective immediately. Severance benefits are limited to 2.99 times base salary and target short-term incentive compensation for Ms. Cavalier and Messrs. Clark and Grigg. Severance benefits are limited to 2.0 times base salary and target short-term incentive compensation for Mr. Pipitone. In addition, the Compensation Committee recommended, and the Board approved, the following additional terms. With respect to the retirement benefits of Ms. Cavalier and Messrs. Clark and Grigg, (a) three years will be added to his or her age and service at termination, (b) pension benefits will be calculated with the enhanced age and service, and (c) benefits will be paid out no earlier than an adjusted age of 55. With regard to health care, he or she will receive health care benefits on the same terms as an active employee for three years. Lastly, with regard to life insurance, he or she will receive life insurance benefits on the same terms as an active employee for three years. Mr. Pipitone’s agreement provides that, in regard to retirement plans, (a) two years will be added to his age and service at termination, (b) pension benefits will be calculated with the enhanced age and service, and (c) benefits will be paid out no earlier than an adjusted age of 55. In regard to health care, he will receive health care benefits on the same terms as an active employee for two years. Lastly, in regard to life insurance, he will receive life insurance benefits on the same terms as an active employee for two years.

Under the agreements, a change in control includes the acquisition of the beneficial ownership of 50 percent or more of the outstanding shares of common stock or other voting stock of FirstEnergy, a change in the majority of the members of the Board of Directors, or a reorganization, merger, or dissolution of FirstEnergy. The agreements are intended to ensure that the individuals are free from personal distractions in the context of a potential change in control, when the Board needs the objective assessment and advice of these executives to determine whether an offer is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The principal severance benefits may be triggered when the individual is terminated or resigns for good reason, which generally is defined as a material change, following a change of control, inconsistent with the individual’s previous job duties or compensation.

Under all of the above severance agreements, the executive would be prohibited for two years from working for or with competing entities after receiving severance benefits from this change in control agreement.

25

FirstEnergy also has in place separate severance agreements with Anthony J. Alexander, Richard H. Marsh, Carole B. Snyder, and Leila L. Vespoli, in the form applicable to Ms. Cavalier and Messrs. Clark and Grigg described above, except that such agreements provide for a benefit equal to 2.99 times the sum of the individual’s base salary plus the average of his or her annual incentive compensation awards over the past three years. Additionally, in the case of Mr. Alexander, he is eligible for the specified severance benefits if he resigns, for any reason, during a 90-day period commencing 18 months following a change in control. Because the agreements for Mr. Marsh, Ms. Vespoli, and Ms. Snyder do not become effective until January 1, 2006, they remain covered under the severance agreements that were previously in place for each of them through December 31, 2005.

FirstEnergy also has in place separate severance agreements with Kevin J. Keough and Kathryn W. Dindo in the form applicable to Mr. Pipitone as described above, except that such agreements provide for a benefit equal to 2.00 times the sum of the individual’s base salary plus the average of his or her annual incentive compensation awards over the past three years.

Executive Bonus Plan

FirstEnergy adopted an Executive Bonus Plan effective November 3, 2004. The plan was established for the purpose of providing for the purchase of personal life insurance for participants who are each deemed to be a member of a select group of highly compensated and/or management employees of FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries. The plan is part of an integrated executive compensation program that is intended to attract, retain and motivate certain key executives who are in a position to make significant contributions to the operation and profitability of FirstEnergy for the benefit of stockholders and customers. Employees of FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries who are or become subject to the provisions of Section 402 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, and are designated by the CEO or, in the case of the CEO, by the Compensation Committee of the Board, are eligible to participate in the Plan.

Policies under the plan will insure the participant’s life and shall provide a death benefit equal to the participant’s annual base salary as of a specified date.

A copy of the plan was filed as an exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004.
 

Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan Awards

On March 3, 2005, FirstEnergy notified the following executive officers that they were to receive the indicated performance-based restricted stock unit awards and restricted stock awards under the FirstEnergy Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan:

 
Restricted
Restricted
 
Stock Units(1)
Stock Shares
     
A. J. Alexander
47,954
--
     
R. H. Marsh
5,131
--
     
L. L. Vespoli
5,644
25,000(2)
   
25,000(3)
     
M. T. Clark
4,950
50,000(2)
     
G. L. Pipitone
3,863
--
     
R. R. Grigg
16,901
--

 
(1)
Period of Restriction expires upon the earlier of (i) March 1, 2008, (ii) recipient’s death, (iii) recipient’s termination
from employment due to disability and (iv) a change in control occurs.

 
(2)
Period of Restriction expires upon the earlier of (i) March 1, 2010, (ii) recipient’s death, (iii) recipient’s termination
from employment due to disability and (iv) a change in control occurs.

 
(3)
Period of Restriction expires upon the earlier of (i) March 1, 2015, (ii) recipient’s death, (iii) recipient’s termination
from employment due to disability and (iv) a change in control occurs.
 
26
 

Each award become effective upon acknowledgement by the recipient. The Plan gives recipients the right to acquire stock after the Period of Restriction indicated above, and subject to forfeiture and other provisions under the Plan and the agreements between FirstEnergy and the recipient. The forms of the respective performance-based restricted stock unit and restricted stock agreements are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
PART III

ITEM   10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

FirstEnergy

The information required by Item 10, with respect to Identification of FirstEnergy’s Directors and with respect to reports required to be filed under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is incorporated herein by reference to FirstEnergy’s 2005 Proxy Statement filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A and, with respect to Identification of Executive Officers, to “Part I, Item 1. Business - Executive Officers” herein.

The Board of Directors has determined that Ernest J. Novak, Jr., an independent director, is the audit committee financial expert.

FirstEnergy makes available on its website at http://www.firstenergycorp.com/ir its Corporate Governance Policies and the charters for each of the following committees of the Board of Directors: Audit; Corporate Governance; Compensation; Finance; and Nuclear. The Corporate Governance Policies and Board committee charters are also available in print upon written request to David W. Whitehead, Corporate Secretary, FirstEnergy Corp., 76 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308-1890.

FirstEnergy has adopted a Code of Business Conduct, which applies to all employees, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer. In addition, the Board of Directors has its own Code of Business Conduct. These Codes can be found on our website provided in the previous paragraph or upon written request to the Corporate Secretary.

Pursuant to Section 303A.12(a) of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, the Company submitted the Annual CEO Certification to the NYSE on June 16, 2004.

27

OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec

A. J. Alexander, R. H. Marsh and R. R. Grigg are the Directors of OE, Penn, CEI, TE, Met-Ed and Penelec. Information concerning these individuals is shown in the “Executive Officers” section of Item 1. S. E. Morgan, C. E. Jones, L. L. Vespoli, B. S. Ewing, M. A. Julian, G. E. Persson and S. C. Van Ness are the Directors of JCP&L.

Mr. Ewing (Age 44) has served as FirstEnergy Service Company’s Vice President - Energy Delivery since 2003. From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Ewing served as Director of Operations Services - Northern Region.

Mr. Julian (Age 48) has served as FirstEnergy Service Company’s Vice President - Energy Delivery since 2003. From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Julian served as Director of Energy Delivery Technical Services. He was Director of Operations Services - Northern Region from 2000 to 2001 and Director of Operations Support Services - Central Region from 1999-2000.

Mrs. Persson (Age 74) has served in the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs Elder Fraud Investigation Unit since 1999. She previously served as liaison (Special Assistant Director) between the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and various state boards. Prior to 1995, she was owner and President of Business Dynamics Associated of Red Bank, NJ. Mrs. Persson is a member of the United States Small Business Administration National Advisory Board, the New Jersey Small Business Advisory Council, the Board of Advisors of Brookdale Community College and the Board of Advisors of Georgian Court College.

Mr. Van Ness (Age 71) has been Of Counsel in the firm of Hubert, Van Ness, Cayci and Goodell, LP of Princeton, NJ since 1998. Prior to that he was affiliated with the law firm of Pico, Mack, Kennedy, Jaffe, Perrella and Yoskin of Trenton, NJ since 1990. He is also a director of The Prudential Insurance Company of America.

Information concerning the other Directors of JCP&L is shown in the “Executive Officers” section of Item 1.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance - OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec

Prior to February 2005, FirstEnergy and OE, Penn, CEI, TE, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec (the “Reporting Subsidiaries”) recommended to persons who were insiders of both FirstEnergy and a Reporting Subsidiary or Reporting Subsidiaries that single insider reports be filed with respect to FirstEnergy and the Reporting Subsidiaries rather than separate reports for each. This position was based in part on an instruction to the insider reporting forms that applies in the case of registered public utility holding companies. Insiders of FirstEnergy and the Reporting Subsidiaries filed Forms 3 in this manner and further, did not set forth information about any Reporting Subsidiary on grounds that they had no holdings of any such issuer.

It recently came to FirstEnergy’s attention that there is a difference of opinion as to the proper method of reporting where a subsidiary of a registered public utility holding company has equity securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as do the Reporting Subsidiaries). SEC guidance in this area is unclear, and industry practice varies. After further review, FirstEnergy and the Reporting Subsidiaries determined to recommend that their insiders follow a more conservative approach and file separate reports for each Reporting Subsidiary.

Accordingly, in March 2005, Forms 3 will be filed on behalf of the following insiders in respect of the Reporting Subsidiaries indicated: Richard H. Marsh, Leila L. Vespoli, Charles E. Jones, Harvey L. Wagner, Thomas C. Navin, in each case, for all of the Reporting Subsidiaries: Anthony J. Alexander and Richard R. Grigg, in each case, for all of the Reporting Subsidiaries except JCP&L: Gelorma E. Persson, Stanley C. Van Ness, Bradley S. Ewing, Mark A. Julian and Stephen E. Morgan, in each case, for JCP&L; Kevin J. Keough, Thomas A. Clark and Jeffrey A. Elser for OE, Ronald P. Lantzy for OE and Met-Ed; Dennis E. Chack and Paul W. Allison for CEI; and James M. Murray and Charles H. Krueger for TE. Although arguably these Forms are not required to be filed at all particularly since the reporting persons have no holdings in the Reporting Subsidiaries, the Reporting Subsidiaries nonetheless are reporting these Forms 3 as having not yet been filed for purposes of this Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

28

ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

FirstEnergy, OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec -

The information required by Items 11, 12 and 13 is incorporated herein by reference to FirstEnergy’s 2005 Proxy Statement filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A.

ITEM 14.  PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

A summary of the audit and audit-related fees rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

   
 
Audit Fees(1)
 
 
Audit-Related Fees(2)
 
Company
 
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In thousands)
 
OE
 
$
1,036
 
$
676
 
$
--
 
$
58
 
CEI
   
797
   
806
   
--
   
54
 
TE
   
650
   
684
   
--
   
48
 
Penn
   
624
   
230
   
--
   
18
 
JCP&L
   
810
   
402
   
--
   
28
 
Met-Ed
   
609
   
377
   
--
   
22
 
Penelec
   
595
   
275
   
--
   
22
 
Other subsidiaries
   
1,542
   
983
   
18
   
182
 
                           
Total FirstEnergy
 
$
6,663
 
$
4,433
 
$
18
 
$
432
 
 
 
(1)
 
 
Professional services rendered for the audits of FirstEnergy’s annual financial statements and reviews of financial statements included in FirstEnergy’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and for services in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including comfort letters and consents for financings and filings made with the SEC.
 
 
(2)
 
 
Assurance and related services principally related to: (i) audits of employee benefit plans; (ii) consultation to ensure appropriate accounting and reporting in connection with FIN 46 and the Rate Stabilization Plan (OE, CEI and TE); and (iii) assistance with Sarbanes-Oxley.
 
 
Tax and Other Fees
 
 
There were no fees billed to FirstEnergy for tax services or other services not discussed above for the years ended December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003.
 

PART IV

ITEM 15.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) 1.  Financial Statements

Included in Part II of this report and incorporated herein by reference to the respective company’s 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders (Exhibit 13 below) at the pages indicated.

   
First-
Energy
 
 
OE
 
 
Penn
 
 
CEI
 
 
TE
 
 
JCP&L
 
 
Met-Ed
 
 
Penelec
 
   
                                   
Management Report
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
1
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
2
   
2
   
2
   
2
   
2
   
2
   
2
   
2
 
Statements of Income-Three Years Ended December 31, 2004
   
39
   
17
   
14
   
16
   
17
   
14
   
14
   
13
 
Balance Sheets-December 31, 2004 and 2003
   
40
   
18
   
15
   
17
   
18
   
15
   
15
   
14
 
Statements of Capitalization-December 31, 2004 and 2003
   
41-43
   
19-20
   
16
   
18
   
19
   
16
   
16
   
15
 
Statements of Common Stockholders’ Equity-Three Years
Ended December 31, 2004
   
44
   
21
   
17
   
19
   
20
   
17
   
17
   
16
 
Statements of Preferred Stock-Three Years Ended
December 31, 2004
   
45
   
21
   
17
   
19
   
20
   
17
   
17
   
16
 
Statements of Cash Flows-Three Years Ended December 31, 2004
   
46
   
22
   
18
   
20
   
21
   
18
   
18
   
17
 
Statements of Taxes-Three Years Ended December 31, 2004
   
47
   
23
   
19
   
21
   
22
   
19
   
18
   
18
 
Notes to Financial Statements
   
48-85
   
24-44
   
20-35
   
22-41
   
23-43
   
20-35
   
20-36
   
19-34
 


29

2.    Financial Statement Schedules
    
Included in Part IV of this report:

   
First-
Energy
 
 
OE
 
 
Penn
 
 
CEI
 
 
TE
 
 
JCP&L
 
 
Met-Ed
 
 
Penelec
 
   
                                   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
   
65
   
66
   
69
   
67
   
68
   
70
   
71
   
72
 
                                                   
Schedule - Three Years Ended December 31, 2004:
II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
   
73
   
74
   
77
   
75
   
76
   
78
   
79
   
80
 

Schedules other than the schedule listed above are omitted for the reason that they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

3.    Exhibits - - FirstEnergy

Exhibit
Number

3-1
Articles of Incorporation constituting FirstEnergy Corp.’s Articles of Incorporation, dated September 17, 1996. (September 17, 1996 Form 8-K, Exhibit C)
   
3-1(a)
Amended Articles of Incorporation of FirstEnergy Corp. (Registration No. 333-21011, Exhibit (3)-1)
   
3-2
Regulations of FirstEnergy Corp. (September 17, 1996 Form 8-K, Exhibit D)
   
3-2(a)
FirstEnergy Corp. Amended Code of Regulations. (Registration No. 333-21011, Exhibit (3)-2)
   
4-1
Rights Agreement (December 1, 1997 Form 8-K, Exhibit 4.1)
   
4-2
FirstEnergy Corp. to The Bank of New York, Supplemental Indenture, dated November 7, 2001. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4-2)
   
(C)10-1
FirstEnergy Corp. Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan, revised November 15, 1999. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-1)
   
(C)10-2
Amended FirstEnergy Corp. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, revised November 15, 1999. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-2)
   
(C)10-3
Form of Employment, severance and change of control agreement between FirstEnergy Corp. and the following executive officers: L.L. Vespoli, C.B. Snyder, and R.H. Marsh, through December 31, 2005 (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-3)
   
(C)10-4
FirstEnergy Corp. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, amended January 1, 1999. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-4)
   
(C)10-5
FirstEnergy Corp. Executive Incentive Compensation Plan. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-5)
   
10-6
Restricted stock agreement between FirstEnergy Corp. and A. J. Alexander. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-6)
   
(C)10-7
FirstEnergy Corp. Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan. (1998 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-1)
   
(C)10-8
Amended FirstEnergy Corp. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, amended February 15, 1999. (1998 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-2)
   
10-9
Restricted Stock Agreement between FirstEnergy Corp. and A. J. Alexander. (2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-9)
   
10-10
Restricted Stock Agreement between FirstEnergy Corp. and H. P. Burg. (2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-10)
   
10-11
Stock Option Agreement between FirstEnergy Corp. and officers dated November 22, 2000. (2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-11)
   


30
Exhibit
Number
10-12
Stock Option Agreement between FirstEnergy Corp. and officers dated March 1, 2000. (2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-12)
   
10-13
Stock Option Agreement between FirstEnergy Corp. and director dated January 1, 2000. (2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-13)
   
10-14
Stock Option Agreement between FirstEnergy Corp. and two directors dated January 1, 2001. (2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-14)
   
(C)10-15
Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan dated May 15, 2001. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-15)
   
(C)10-16
Amended FirstEnergy Corp. Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, revised September 18, 2000. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-16)
   
10-17
Stock Option Agreements between FirstEnergy Corp. and Officers dated May 16, 2001. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-17)
   
10-18
Form of Restricted Stock Agreements between FirstEnergy Corp. and Officers.  (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-18)
   
10-19
Stock Option Agreements between FirstEnergy Corp. and One Director dated January 1, 2002. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-19)
   
(C)10-20
FirstEnergy Corp. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-20)
   
(C)10-21
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan-Tier 2. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 20-21)
   
(C)10-22
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan-Tier 3. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 20-22)
   
(C)10-23
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan-Tier 4. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-23)
   
(C)10-24
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan-Tier 5. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-24)
   
10-25
Amendment to GPU, Inc. 1990 Stock Plan for Employees of GPU, Inc. and Subsidiaries, effective April 5, 2001. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-25)
   
(C)10-26
Form of Amendment, effective November 7, 2001, to GPU, Inc. 1990 Stock Plan for Employees of GPU, Inc. and Subsidiaries, Deferred Remuneration Plan for Outside Directors of GPU, Inc., and Retirement Plan for Outside Directors of GPU, Inc. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-26)
   
10-27
GPU, Inc. Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan for MYR Group, Inc. Employees. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-27)
   
10-28
Executive and Director Stock Option Agreement dated June 11, 2002. (2002 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-28).
   
10-29
Director Stock Option Agreement. (2002 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-29).
   
(C)10-30
Executive and Director Executive Incentive Compensation Plan, Amendment dated May 21, 2002. (2002 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-30).
   
(C)10-31
Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, Revised Nov. 19, 2002. (2002 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-31).
   
(C)10-32
Executive Incentive Compensation Plan 2002. (2002 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-32).
   
10-33
GPU, Inc. 1990 Stock Plan for Employees of GPU, Inc. and Subsidiaries as amended and restated to reflect amendments through June 3, 1999. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-V, File No. 1-6047, GPU, Inc.)
   
10-34
Form of 1998 Stock Option Agreement under the GPU, Inc. 1990 Stock Plan for Employees of GPU, Inc. and Subsidiaries. (1997 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-Q, File No. 1-6047, GPU, Inc.)

31
Exhibit
Number


10-35
Form of 1999 Stock Option Agreement under the GPU, Inc. 1990 Stock Plan for Employees of GPU, Inc. and Subsidiaries. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-W, File No. 1-6047, GPU, Inc.)
   
10-36
Form of 2000 Stock Option Agreement under the GPU, Inc. 1990 Stock Plan for Employees of GPU, Inc. and Subsidiaries. (2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-W, File No. 1-6047, GPU, Inc.)
   
(C)10-37
Deferred Remuneration Plan for Outside Directors of GPU, Inc. as amended and restated effective August 8, 2000. (2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-O, File No. 1-6047, GPU, Inc.)
   
(C)10-38
Retirement Plan for Outside Directors of GPU, Inc. as amended and restated as of August 8, 2000. (2000 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-N, File No. 1-6047, GPU, Inc.)
   
(C)10-39
Forms of Estate Enhancement Program Agreements entered into by certain former GPU directors. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-JJ, File No. 1-6047, GPU, Inc.)

(A)10-40
$1Billion Three-Year Credit Agreement dated as of June 22, 2004 among FirstEnergy Corp., the Banks named therein, Citicorp USA, Inc., as Administrative and Fronting Bank and Barclays Bank PLC as Fronting Bank.
   
(A)10-41
$375,000,000 Three-Year Credit Agreement dated as of October 23, 2003 among FirstEnergy Corp., the Banks named therein, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Bank One, NA, as Fronting Bank.
   
(C)10-42
Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors, effective November 7, 2001, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(f), Form S-8, File No. 333-101472.
   
         (C)10-43 Employment Agreement between FirstEnergy and an officer dated July 20, 2004. (September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10-41).
   
         (C)10-44 Stock Option Agreement between FirstEnergy and an officer dated August 20, 2004. (September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10-42).
   
         (C)10-45 Restricted Stock Agreement between FirstEnergy and an officer dated August 20, 2004. (September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10-43). 
   
(C)10-46
Executive Bonus Plan between FirstEnergy and Officers dated October 31, 2004. (September 30, 2004 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10-44).
   
(A)(C)10-47
Form of Employment, Severance, and Change of Control Agreement, between FirstEnergy and A. J. Alexander.
   
(A)(C)10-48
Form of Employment, Severance, and Change of Control Agreement, Tier 1, between FirstEnergy and the following executive officers: C.B. Snyder, L.L. Vespoli, and R.H. Marsh (effective January 1, 2006).
   
(A)(C)10-49
Form of Employment, Severance, and Change of Control Agreement, Tier 1, between FirstEnergy and the following executive officers: L.M. Cavalier, M.T. Clark, and R.R. Grigg.
   
(A)(C)10-50
Form of Employment, Severance, and Change of Control Agreement, Tier 2, between FirstEnergy and the following executive officers: K.J. Keough and K.W. Dindo (effective January 1, 2006).
   
(A)(C)10-51
Form of Employment, Severance, and Change of Control Agreement, Tier 2, between FirstEnergy and G. L. Pipitone.
   
   (A)(C)10-52
Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan, Amendment dated January 18, 2005.
   
   (A)(C)10-53 Form of Restricted Stock Agreements, between FirstEnergy and Officers
   
   (A)(C)10-54 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreements (Performance Adjusted), between FirstEnergy and Officers
   
   (A)(C)10-55     Form of Restricted Stock Agreement, between FirstEnergy and an Officer.
   
(A)12.1
Consolidated fixed charge ratios.
 
 
32
Exhibit
Number
   
(A)13
FirstEnergy 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders. (Only those portions expressly incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K are to be deemed “filed” with the SEC.)
   
(A)21
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant at December 31, 2004.
   
(A)23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
   
(A)31.1
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e) (FirstEnergy, OE, CEI, TE, Penn, Met-Ed and Penelec).
   
(A)31.2
Certification of chief financial officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e) (FirstEnergy, OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec).
 
(A)32.1
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350 (FirstEnergy, OE, CEI, TE, Penn, Met-Ed and Penelec).
 
(A)
Provided herein in electronic format as an exhibit.
   
(C)
Management contract or compensatory plan contract or arrangement filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

(B)   3.  Exhibits - Ohio Edison

2-1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 13, 1996, between Ohio Edison Company (OE) and Centerior Energy Corporation. (September 17, 1996 Form 8-K, Exhibit 2-1)
   
3-1
Amended Articles of Incorporation, Effective June 21, 1994, constituting OE’s Articles of Incorporation. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 3-1)
   
(A)3-2
Amendment to Articles of Incorporation, Effective November 12, 1999
   
3-3
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations, amended March 15, 2002. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 3-2)
   
(B)4-1
Indenture dated as of August 1, 1930 between OE and Bankers Trust Company, (now the Bank of New York), as Trustee, as amended and supplemented by Supplemental Indentures:

   
Incorporated by
   
Reference to
Dated as of
File Reference
Exhibit No.
   March 3, 1931
2-1725
B1, B-1(a),B-1(b)
   November 1, 1935
2-2721
B-4
   January 1, 1937
2-3402
B-5
   September 1, 1937
Form 8-A
B-6
   June 13, 1939
2-5462
7(a)-7
   August 1, 1974
Form 8-A, August 28, 1974
2(b)
   July 1, 1976
Form 8-A, July 28, 1976
2(b)
   December 1, 1976
Form 8-A, December 15, 1976
2(b)
   June 15, 1977
Form 8-A, June 27, 1977
2(b)
Supplemental Indentures:
   
   September 1, 1944
2-61146
2(b)(2)
   April 1, 1945
2-61146
2(b)(2)
   September 1, 1948
2-61146
2(b)(2)
   May 1, 1950
2-61146
2(b)(2)
   January 1, 1954
2-61146
2(b)(2)
   May 1, 1955
2-61146
2(b)(2)
   August 1, 1956
2-61146
2(b)(2)
   March 1, 1958
2-61146
2(b)(2)
   April 1, 1959
2-61146
2(b)(2)
June 1, 1961
2-61146
2(b)(2)
September 1, 1969
2-34351
2(b)(2)
May 1, 1970
2-37146
2(b)(2)
 
33
Exhibit
Number
 Dated as of    
 File Reference
 Exhibit No.
September 1, 1970
2-38172
2(b)(2)
June 1, 1971
2-40379
2(b)(2)
August 1, 1972
2-44803
2(b)(2)
September 1, 1973
2-48867
2(b)(2)
May 15, 1978
2-66957
2(b)(4)
February 1, 1980
2-66957
2(b)(5)
April 15, 1980
2-66957
2(b)(6)
June 15, 1980
2-68023
(b)(4)(b)(5)
October 1, 1981
2-74059
(4)(d)
 
            October 15, 1981         2-75917                (4)(e)
February 15, 1982
2-75917
(4)(e)
July 1, 1982
2-89360
(4)(d)
March 1, 1983
2-89360
(4)(e)
March 1, 1984
2-89360
(4)(f)
September 15, 1984
2-92918
(4)(d)
September 27, 1984
33-2576
(4)(d)
 
November 8, 1984
33-2576
(4)(d)
December 1, 1984
33-2576
(4)(d)
December 5, 1984
33-2576
(4)(e)
January 30, 1985
33-2576
(4)(e)
February 25, 1985
33-2576
(4)(e)
July 1, 1985
33-2576
(4)(e)
October 1, 1985
33-2576
(4)(e)
January 15, 1986
33-8791
(4)(d)
May 20, 1986
33-8791
(4)(d)
June 3, 1986
33-8791
(4)(e)
October 1, 1986
33-29827
(4)(d)
August 25, 1989
33-34663
(4)(d)
February 15, 1991
33-39713
(4)(d)
May 1, 1991
33-45751
(4)(d)
May 15, 1991
33-45751
(4)(d)
September 15, 1991
33-45751
(4)(d)
April 1, 1992
33-48931
(4)(d)
June 15, 1992
33-48931
(4)(d)
September 15, 1992
33-48931
(4)(e)
April 1, 1993
33-51139
(4)(d)
June 15, 1993
33-51139
(4)(d)
September 15, 1993
33-51139
(4)(d)
November 15, 1993
1-2578
(4)(2)
April 1, 1995
1-2578
(4)(2)
May 1, 1995
1-2578
(4)(2)
July 1, 1995
1-2578
(4)(2)
June 1, 1997
1-2578
(4)(2)
April 1, 1998
1-2578
(4)(2)
June 1, 1998
1-2578
(4)(2)
September 29, 1999
1-2578
(4)(2)
April 1, 2000
1-2578
(4)(2)(a)
April 1, 2000
1-2578
(4)(2)(b)
June 1, 2001
1-2578
 
   February 1, 2003
1-2578
4(2)
   March 1, 2003
1-2578
4(2)
   August 1, 2003
1-2578
4(2)
  (A)June 1, 2004
1-2578
4(2)
  (A)June 1, 2004
1-2578
4(2)
  (A)December 1, 2004
1-2578
4(2)

  (B) 4-2
General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 1998 between OE and the Bank of New York, as Trustee, as amended and supplemented by Supplemental Indentures; (Registration No. 333-05277, Exhibit 4(g)).

34
Exhibit
Number
 
   
Incorporated by
   
Reference to
Dated as of
File Reference
Exhibit No.
February 1, 2003
1-2578
4-2
March 1, 2003
1-2578
4-2
August 1, 2003
1-2578
4-2
(A)June 1, 2004
1-2578
4-2
(A)June 1, 2004
1-2578
4-2
(A)December 1, 2004
1-2578
4-2
 
4-3
Indenture dated as of April 1, 2003 between OE and The Bank of New York, as Trustee.
   
10-1
Administration Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (Registration No. 2-43102, Exhibit 5(c)(2)
   
10-2
Amendment No. 1 dated January 4, 1974 to Administration Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (Registration No. 2-68906, Exhibit 5(c)(3))
 
10-3
Transmission Facilities Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (Registration No. 2-43102, Exhibit 5(c)(3))
   
10-4
Amendment No. 1 dated as of January 1, 1993 to Transmission Facilities Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-4)
   
10-5
Agreement for the Termination or Construction of Certain Agreements effective September 1, 1980 among the CAPCO Group. (Registration No. 2-68906, Exhibit 10-4)
   
10-6
Amendment dated as of December 23, 1993 to Agreement for the Termination or Construction of Certain Agreements effective September 1, 1980 among the CAPCO Group. (1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-6)
   
10-7
CAPCO Basic Operating Agreement, as amended September 1, 1980. (Registration No. 2-68906, Exhibit 10-5)
   
10-8
Amendment No. 1 dated August 1, 1981, and Amendment No. 2 dated September 1, 1982 to CAPCO Basic Operating Agreement, as amended September 1, 1980. (September 30, 1981 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 20-1 and 1982 Form 10-K, Exhibit 19-3, respectively)
   
10-9
Amendment No. 3 dated July 1, 1984 to CAPCO Basic Operating Agreement, as amended September 1, 1980. (1985 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-7)
   
10-10
Basic Operating Agreement between the CAPCO Companies as amended October 1, 1991. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-8)
   
10-11
Basic Operating Agreement between the CAPCO Companies as amended January 1, 1993. (1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-11)
   
10-12
Memorandum of Agreement effective as of September 1, 1980 among the CAPCO Group. (1982 Form 10-K, Exhibit 19-2)
   
10-13
Operating Agreement for Beaver Valley Power Station Units Nos. 1 and 2 as Amended and Restated September 15, 1987, by and between the CAPCO Companies. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-15)
   
10-14
Construction Agreement with respect to Perry Plant between the CAPCO Group dated as of July 22, 1974. (Registration No. 2-52251 of Toledo Edison Company, Exhibit 5(yy))
   
10-15
Amendment No. 3 dated as of October 31, 1980 to the Bond Guaranty dated as of October 1, 1973, as amended, with respect to the CAPCO Group. (Registration No. 2-68906 of Pennsylvania Power Company, Exhibit 10-16)
 
35
Exhibit
Number
   
10-16
Amendment No. 4 dated as of July 1, 1985 to the Bond Guaranty dated as October 1, 1973, as amended, by the CAPCO Companies to National City Bank as Bond Trustee. (1985 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-30)
   
10-17
Amendment No. 5 dated as of May 1, 1986, to the Bond Guaranty by the CAPCO Companies to National City Bank as Bond Trustee. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-33)
   
10-18
Amendment No. 6A dated as of December 1, 1991, to the Bond Guaranty dated as of October 1, 1973, by The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Duquesne Light Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company to National City Bank, as Bond Trustee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-33)
 
   
10-19
Amendment No. 6B dated as of December 30, 1991, to the Bond Guaranty dated as of October 1, 1973 by The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Duquesne Light Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company to National City Bank, as Bond Trustee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-34)
   
10-20
Bond Guaranty dated as of December 1, 1991, by The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Duquesne Light Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company to National City Bank, as Bond Trustee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-35)
 
10-21
Memorandum of Understanding dated March 31, 1985 among the CAPCO Companies. (1985 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-35)
   
(C)10-22
Ohio Edison System Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Plan. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-44)
   
(C)10-23
Ohio Edison System Executive Incentive Compensation Plan. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-45.)
   
(C)10-24
Ohio Edison System Restated and Amended Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-46.)
   
(C)10-25
Ohio Edison System Restated and Amended Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-47.)
   
(C)10-28
Severance pay agreement between Ohio Edison Company and A. J. Alexander. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-50.)
   
(D)10-30
Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 among Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule 1 Hereto, as Original Loan Participants, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-1.)
   
(D)10-31
Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 1, 1987 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 among Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule 1 thereto, as Original Loan Participants, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company (now The Bank of New York), as Indenture Trustee, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-46.)
   
(D)10-32
Amendment No. 3 dated as of May 16, 1988 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987, as amended among Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-47.)
   
(D)10-33
Amendment No. 4 dated as of November 1, 1991 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 among Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNPP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-47.)
 
36
Exhibit
Number
   
(D)10-34
Amendment No. 5 dated as of November 24, 1992 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987, as amended, among Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNPP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-49.)
   
(D)10-35
Amendment No. 6 dated as of January 12, 1993 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 among Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNPP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-50.)
 
(D)10-36
Amendment No. 7 dated as of October 12, 1994 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 as amended, among Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNPP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-54.)
 
(D)10-37
Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, Lessor, and Ohio Edison Company, Lessee. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-2.)
   
(D)10-38
Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 1, 1987 to Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1997 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Lessor and Ohio Edison Company, Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-49.)
   
(D)10-39
Amendment No. 2 dated as of November 1, 1991, to Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Lessor and Ohio Edison Company, Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-50.)
   
(D)10-40
Amendment No. 3 dated as of November 24, 1992 to Facility Lease dated as March 16, 1987 as amended, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Perry One Alpha Limited partnership, as Owner Participant and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-54.)
   
(D)10-41
Amendment No. 4 dated as of January 12, 1993 to Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 as amended, between, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-59.)
   
(D)10-42
Amendment No. 5 dated as of October 12, 1994 to Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 as amended, between, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-60.)
   
(D)10-43
Letter Agreement dated as of March 19, 1987 between Ohio Edison Company, Lessee, and The First National Bank of Boston, Owner Trustee under a Trust dated March 16, 1987 with Chase Manhattan Realty Leasing Corporation, required by Section 3(d) of the Facility Lease. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-3.)
   
(D)10-44
Ground Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between Ohio Edison Company, Ground Lessor, and The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with the Owner Participant, Tenant. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-4.)
   
(D)10-45
Trust Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, and The First National Bank of Boston. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-5.)
   
(D)10-46
Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 with Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, and Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-6.)
 
37
Exhibit
Number
   
(D)10-47
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated as of September 1, 1987 to Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston as Owner Trustee and Irving Trust Company (now The Bank of New York), as Indenture Trustee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-55.)
   
(D)10-48
Supplemental Indenture No. 2 dated as of November 1, 1991 to Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee and The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-56.)
 
(D)10-49
Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Perry One, Inc. and PARock Limited Partnership as General Partners and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-7.)
   
(D)10-50
Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 1, 1991 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Perry One, Inc. and PARock Limited Partnership and Ohio Edison Company. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-58.)
 
(D)10-51
Amendment No. 2 dated as of January 12, 1993 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Perry One, Inc. and PARock Limited Partnership and Ohio Edison Company. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-69.)
   
(D)10-52
Amendment No. 3 dated as of October 12, 1994 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Perry One, Inc. and PARock Limited Partnership and Ohio Edison Company. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-70.)
   
(D)10-53
Partial Mortgage Release dated as of March 19, 1987 under the Indenture between Ohio Edison Company and Bankers Trust Company, as Trustee, dated as of the 1st day of August 1930. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-8.)
   
(D)10-54
Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 among The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Duquesne Light Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company and Toledo Edison Company. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-9.)
   
(D)10-55
Additional Support Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, and Ohio Edison Company. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-10.)
   
(D)10-56
Bill of Sale, Instrument of Transfer and Severance Agreement dated as of March 19, 1987 between Ohio Edison Company, Seller, and The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-11.)
   
(D)10-57
Easement dated as of March 16, 1987 from Ohio Edison Company, Grantor, to The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, Grantee. (1986 Form 10-K, File Exhibit 28-12.)
   
10-58
Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 among Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule 1 Hereto, as Original Loan Participants, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1986 Form 10-K, as Exhibit 28-13.)
   
10-59
Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 1, 1987 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 among Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, The Original Loan Participants Listed in Schedule 1 thereto, as Original Loan Participants, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-65.)
 
38
Exhibit
Number
   
10-60
Amendment No. 4 dated as of November 1, 1991, to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 among Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNPP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-66.)
 
10-61
Amendment No. 5 dated as of November 24, 1992 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 as amended among Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNNP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-71.)
 
10-62
Amendment No. 6 dated as of January 12, 1993 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 as amended among Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNPP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-80.)
   
10-63
Amendment No. 7 dated as of October 12, 1994 to Participation Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 as amended among Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNPP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-81.)
   
10-64
Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, Lessor, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-14.)
   
10-65
Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 1, 1987 to Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston as Owner Trustee, Lessor and Ohio Edison Company, Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-68.)
   
10-66
Amendment No. 2 dated as of November 1, 1991 to Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston as Owner Trustee, Lessor and Ohio Edison Company, Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-69.)
   
10-67
Amendment No. 3 dated as of November 24, 1992 to Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987, as amended, between, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-75.)
   
10-68
Amendment No. 4 dated as of January 12, 1993 to Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 as amended between, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-76.)
   
10-69
Amendment No. 5 dated as of October 12, 1994 to Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 as amended between, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-87.)
   
10-70
Letter Agreement dated as of March 19, 1987 between Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee, and The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, required by Section 3(d) of the Facility Lease. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-15.)
 
39
Exhibit
Number
   
10-71
Ground Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between Ohio Edison Company, Ground Lessor, and The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, Tenant. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-16.)
   
10-72
Trust Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, and The First National Bank of Boston. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-17.)
 
10-73
Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, and Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-18.)
 
10-74
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated as of September 1, 1987 to Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee and Irving Trust Company (now The Bank of New York), as Indenture Trustee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-74.)
   
10-75
Supplemental Indenture No. 2 dated as of November 1, 1991 to Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee and The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-75.)
   
10-76
Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-19.)
   
10-77
Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 1, 1991 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation and Ohio Edison Company. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-77.)
   
10-78
Amendment No. 2 dated as of January 12, 1993 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation and Ohio Edison Company. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-96.)
   
10-79
Amendment No. 3 dated as of October 12, 1994 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation and Ohio Edison Company. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-97.)
   
10-80
Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 among The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Duquesne Light Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company and Toledo Edison Company. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-20.)
   
10-81
Additional Support Agreement dated as of March 16, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, and Ohio Edison Company. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-21.)
   
10-82
Bill of Sale, Instrument of Transfer and Severance Agreement dated as of March 19, 1987 between Ohio Edison Company, Seller, and The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, Buyer. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-22.)
   
10-83
Easement dated as of March 16, 1987 from Ohio Edison Company, Grantor, to The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of March 16, 1987, with Security Pacific Capital Leasing Corporation, Grantee. (1986 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-23.)
 
40
Exhibit
Number
   
10-84
Refinancing Agreement dated as of November 1, 1991 among Perry One Alpha Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNPP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Collateral Trust Trustee, The Bank of New York, as New Collateral Trust Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-82.)
 
10-85
Refinancing Agreement dated as of November 1, 1991 among Security Pacific Leasing Corporation, as Owner Participant, PNPP Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, PNPP II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Collateral Trust Trustee, The Bank of New York as New Collateral Trust Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-83.)
 
10-86
Ohio Edison Company Master Decommissioning Trust Agreement for Perry Nuclear Power Plant Unit One, Perry Nuclear Power Plant Unit Two, Beaver Valley Power Station Unit One and Beaver Valley Power Station Unit Two dated July 1, 1993. (1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-94.)
   
10-87
Nuclear Fuel Lease dated as of March 31, 1989, between OES Fuel, Incorporated, as Lessor, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1989 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-62.)
   
10-89
Guarantee Agreement entered into by Ohio Edison Company dated as of January 17, 1991. (1990 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-64.)
   
10-90
Transfer and Assignment Agreement among Ohio Edison Company and Chemical Bank, as trustee under the OE Power Contract Trust. (1990 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-65.)
   
10-91
Renunciation of Payments and Assignment among Ohio Edison Company, Monongahela Power Company, West Penn Power Company, and the Potomac Edison Company dated as of January 4, 1991. (1990 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-66.)
   
10-92
Transfer and Assignment Agreement dated May 20, 1994 among Ohio Edison Company and Chemical Bank, as trustee under the OE Power Contract Trust. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-110.)
   
10-93
Renunciation of Payments and Assignment among Ohio Edison Company, Monongahela Power Company, West Penn Power Company, and the Potomac Edison Company dated as of May 20, 1994. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-111.)
   
10-94
Transfer and Assignment Agreement dated October 12, 1994 among Ohio Edison Company and Chemical Bank, as trustee under the OE Power Contract Trust. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-112.)
   
10-95
Renunciation of Payments and Assignment among Ohio Edison Company, Monongahela Power Company, West Penn Power Company, and the Potomac Edison Company dated as of October 12, 1994. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-113.)
   
(E)10-96
Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, among Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule 1 Thereto, as Original Loan Participants, BVPS Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company as Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-1.)
   
(E)10-97
Amendment No. 1 dated as of February 1, 1988, to Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, among Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule 1 Thereto, as Original Loan Participants, BVPS Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-2.)
 
41
Exhibit
Number
   
(E)10-98
Amendment No. 3 dated as of March 16, 1988 to Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, among Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, BVPS Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-99.)
 
(E)10-99
Amendment No. 4 dated as of November 5, 1992 to Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, among Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, BVPS Funding Corporation, BVPS II Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-100.)
 
(E)10-100
Amendment No. 5 dated as of September 30, 1994 to Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, among Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, BVPS Funding Corporation, BVPS II Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-118.)
   
(E)10-101
Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, Lessor, and Ohio Edison Company, Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-3.)
   
(E)10-102
Amendment No. 1 dated as of February 1, 1988, to Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, Lessor, and Ohio Edison Company, Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-4.)
   
(E)10-103
Amendment No. 2 dated as of November 5, 1992, to Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-103.)
   
(E)10-104
Amendment No. 3 dated as of September 30, 1994 to Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-122.)
   
(E)10-105
Ground Lease and Easement Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Ohio Edison Company, Ground Lessor, and The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1987, with Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, Tenant. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-5.)
   
(E)10-106
Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, as Owner Participant, and The First National Bank of Boston. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-6.)
   
(E)10-107
Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, with Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, and Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-7.)
   
(E)10-108
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated as of February 1, 1988 to Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 with Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership and Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-8.)
   
(E)10-109
Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Beaver Valley Two Pi Inc. and PARock Limited Partnership as General Partners and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-9.)
 
42
Exhibit
Number
   
(E)10-110
Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 5, 1992 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Beaver Valley Two Pi Inc. and PARock Limited Partnership as General Partners and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-128.)
   
(E)10-111
Amendment No. 2 dated as of September 30, 1994 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Beaver Valley Two Pi Inc. and PARock Limited Partnership as General Partners and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-129.)
 
(E)10-112
Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between HG Power Plant, Inc., as Limited Partner and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-10.)
 
(E)10-113
Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 5, 1992 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between HG Power Plant, Inc., as Limited Partner and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-131.)
   
(E)10-114
Amendment No. 2 dated as of September 30, 1994 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between HG Power Plant, Inc., as Limited Partner and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-132.)
   
(E)10-115
Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, among The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1987, with Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Duquesne Light Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company and Toledo Edison Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-11.)
   
(E)10-116
Additional Support Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1987, with Beaver Valley Two Pi Limited Partnership, and Ohio Edison Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-12.)
   
(F)10-117
Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, among Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule 1 Thereto, as Original Loan Participants, BVPS Funding Corporation as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-13.)
   
(F)10-118
Amendment No. 1 dated as of February 1, 1988, to Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, among Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule 1 Thereto, as Original Loan Participants, BVPS Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-14.)
   
(F)10-119
Amendment No. 3 dated as of March 16, 1988 to Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, among Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, BVPS Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-114.)
   
(F)10-120
Amendment No. 4 dated as of November 5, 1992 to Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, among Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, BVPS Funding Corporation, BVPS II Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-115.)
   
(F)10-121
Amendment No. 5 dated as of January 12, 1993 to Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, among Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, BVPS Funding Corporation, BVPS II Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-139.)
 
43
Exhibit
Number
   
(F)10-122
Amendment No. 6 dated as of September 30, 1994 to Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, among Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, BVPS Funding Corporation, BVPS II Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-140.)
   
(F)10-123
Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Chrysler Consortium Corporation, Lessor, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-15.)

 
(F)10-124
Amendment No. 1 dated as of February 1, 1988, to Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Chrysler Consortium Corporation, Lessor, and Ohio Edison Company, Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-16.)
   
(F)10-125
Amendment No. 2 dated as of November 5, 1992 to Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-118.)
   
(F)10-126
Amendment No. 3 dated as of January 12, 1993 to Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1992 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-119.)
   
(F)10-127
Amendment No. 4 dated as of September 30, 1994 to Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, as amended, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, with Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-145.)
   
(F)10-128
Ground Lease and Easement Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Ohio Edison Company, Ground Lessor, and The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1987, with Chrysler Consortium Corporation, Tenant. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-17.)
   
(F)10-129
Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, and The First National Bank of Boston. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-18.)
   
(F)10-130
Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1987, with Chrysler Consortium Corporation and Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-19.)
   
(F)10-131
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 dated as of February 1, 1988 to Trust Indenture, Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 with Chrysler Consortium Corporation and Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-20.)
   
(F)10-132
Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, Lessee. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-21.)
   
(F)10-133
Amendment No. 1 dated as of November 5, 1992 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-151.)
   
(F)10-134
Amendment No. 2 dated as of January 12, 1993 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-152.)
   
(F)10-135
Amendment No. 3 dated as of September 30, 1994 to Tax Indemnification Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between Chrysler Consortium Corporation, as Owner Participant, and Ohio Edison Company, as Lessee. (1994 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-153.)
 
44
Exhibit
Number
   
(F)10-136
Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, among The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1987, with Chrysler Consortium Corporation, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Duquesne Light Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, and Toledo Edison Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-22.)
 
(F)10-137
Additional Support Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987, between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement, dated as of September 15, 1987, with Chrysler Consortium Corporation, and Ohio Edison Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-23.)
   
10-138
Operating Agreement dated March 10, 1987 with respect to Perry Unit No. 1 between the CAPCO Companies. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-24.)
   
10-139
Operating Agreement for Bruce Mansfield Units Nos. 1, 2 and 3 dated as of June 1, 1976, and executed on September 15, 1987, by and between the CAPCO Companies. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-25.)
   
10-140
Operating Agreement for W. H. Sammis Unit No. 7 dated as of September 1, 1971 by and between the CAPCO Companies. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-26.)
   
10-141
OE-APS Power Interchange Agreement dated March 18, 1987, by and among Ohio Edison Company and Pennsylvania Power Company, and Monongahela Power Company and West Penn Power Company and The Potomac Edison Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-27.)
   
10-142
OE-PEPCO Power Supply Agreement dated March 18, 1987, by and among Ohio Edison Company and Pennsylvania Power Company and Potomac Electric Power Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-28.)
   
10-143
Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 28, 1987, to the OE-PEPCO Power Supply Agreement dated March 18, 1987, by and among Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, and Potomac Electric Power Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-29.)
   
10-144
APS-PEPCO Power Resale Agreement dated March 18, 1987, by and among Monongahela Power Company, West Penn Power Company, and The Potomac Edison Company and Potomac Electric Power Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-30.)
   
(A)10-145
Electric Power Supply Agreement, between the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, the Toledo Edison Company, and First Energy Solutions Corp. (f.k.a. FirstEnergy Services Corp.), dated January 1, 2001.
   
(A)10-146
Revised Electric Power Supply Agreement, between FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, and the Toledo Edison Company, dated October 1, 2003.
   
(A)10-147
Master Facility Lease, between Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, the Toledo Edison Company, and FirstEnergy Generation Corp., dated January 1, 2001.
   
(A)10-148
$125,000,000 Three-Year Credit Agreement dated as of October 23, 2003 by and among Ohio Edison Company, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders named therein.
   
(A)10-149
$250,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of May 12, 2003 by and among Ohio Edison Company, JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, and the other lenders named therein.
   
(A)12.2
Consolidated fixed charge ratios.
   
(A)13.1
OE 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders (Only those portions expressly incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K are to be deemed “filed” with the SEC.)
   
(A)21.1
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant at December 31, 2004.
 
45
Exhibit
Number
   
(A)23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
   
(A)
Provided herein in electronic format as an exhibit.
 
(B)
Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, OE has not filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K any instrument with respect to long-term debt if the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of OE and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, but hereby agrees to furnish to the SEC on request any such instruments.
   
(C)
Management contract or compensatory plan contract or arrangement filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
   
(D)
Substantially similar documents have been entered into relating to three additional Owner Participants.
   
(E)
Substantially similar documents have been entered into relating to five additional Owner Participants.
   
(F)
Substantially similar documents have been entered into relating to two additional Owner Participants.
   
 
Note: Reports of OE on Forms 10-Q and 10-K are on file with the SEC under number 1-2578.
   
 
Pursuant to Rule 14a - 3 (10) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company will furnish any exhibit in this Report upon the payment of the Company’s expenses in furnishing such exhibit.

3.   Exhibits - Penn

3-1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended March 15, 2002. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 3-1)
   
3-2
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Penn, as amended March 15, 2002. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 3-2)
   
4-1
Indenture dated as of November 1, 1945, between Penn and The First National Bank of the City of New York (now Citibank, N.A.), as Trustee, as supplemented and amended by Supplemental Indentures dated as of May 1, 1948, March 1, 1950, February 1, 1952, October 1, 1957, September 1, 1962, June 1, 1963, June 1, 1969, May 1, 1970, April 1, 1971, October 1, 1971, May 1, 1972, December 1, 1974, October 1, 1975, September 1, 1976, April 15, 1978, June 28, 1979, January 1, 1980, June 1, 1981, January 14, 1982, August 1, 1982, December 15, 1982, December 1, 1983, September 6, 1984, December 1, 1984, May 30, 1985, October 29, 1985, August 1, 1987, May 1, 1988, November 1, 1989, December 1, 1990, September 1, 1991, May 1, 1992, July 15, 1992, August 1, 1992, and May 1, 1993, July 1, 1993, August 31, 1993, September 1, 1993, September 15, 1993, October 1, 1993, November 1, 1993, and August 1, 1994. (Physically filed and designated as Exhibits 2(b)(1)-1 through 2(b)(1)-15 in Registration Statement File No. 2-60837; as Exhibits 2(b)(2), 2(b)(3), and 2(b)(4) in Registration Statement File No. 2-68906; as Exhibit 4-2 in Form 10-K for 1981 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19-1 in Form 10-K for 1982 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19-1 in Form 10-K for 1983 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19-1 in Form 10-K for 1984 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19-1 in Form 10-K for 1985 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19-1 in Form 10-K for 1987 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19-1 in Form 10-K for 1988 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19 in Form 10-K for 1989 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19 in Form 10-K for 1990 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19 in Form 10-K for 1991 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 19-1 in Form 10-K for 1992 File No. 1-3491; as Exhibit 4-2 in Form 10-K for 1993 File No. 1-3491; and as Exhibit 4-2 in Form 10-K for 1994 File No. 1-3491.)
   
4-2
Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1995, between Penn and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4-2.)
   
4-3
Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1997, between Penn and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee. (1997 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4-3.)
 
46
Exhibit
Number
   
4-4
Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1998, between Penn and Citibank, N. A., as Trustee. (1998 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4-4.)
 
4-5
Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 29, 1999, between Penn and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4-5.)
   
4-6
Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 15, 1999, between Penn and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee. (1999 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4-6.)
   
4-7
Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2001. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 4-7)
   
(A)4-8
Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 2004.
   
10-1
Administration Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (Registration Statement of Ohio Edison Company, File No. 2-43102, Exhibit 5(c)(2).)
   
10-2
Amendment No. 1 dated January 4, 1974 to Administration Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (Registration Statement No. 2-68906, Exhibit 5 (c)(3).)
   
10-3
Transmission Facilities Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (Registration Statement of Ohio Edison Company, File No. 2-43102, Exhibit 5 (c)(3).)
   
10-4
Amendment No. 1 dated as of January 1, 1993 to Transmission Facilities Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-4, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-5
Agreement for the Termination or Construction of Certain Agreements effective September 1, 1980 among the CAPCO Group. (Registration Statement No. 2-68906, Exhibit 10-4.)
   
10-6
Amendment dated as of December 23, 1993 to Agreement for the Termination or Construction of Certain Agreements effective September 1, 1980 among the CAPCO Group. (1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-6, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-7
CAPCO Basic Operating Agreement, as amended September 1, 1980. (Registration Statement No. 2-68906, as Exhibit 10-5.)
   
10-8
Amendment No. 1 dated August 1, 1981 and Amendment No. 2 dated September 1, 1982, to CAPCO Basic Operating Agreement as amended September 1, 1980. (September 30, 1981 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 20-1 and 1982 Form 10-K, Exhibit 19-3, File No. 1-2578, of Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-9
Amendment No. 3 dated as of July 1, 1984, to CAPCO Basic Operating Agreement as amended September 1, 1980. (1985 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-7, File No. 1-2578, of Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-10
Basic Operating Agreement between the CAPCO Companies as amended October 1, 1991. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-8, File No. 1-2578, of Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-11
Basic Operating Agreement between the CAPCO Companies as amended January 1, 1993. (1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-11, Ohio Edison.)
   
10-12
Memorandum of Agreement effective as of September 1, 1980, among the CAPCO Group. (1991 Form 10-K, Exhibit 19-2, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-13
Operating Agreement for Beaver Valley Power Station Units Nos. 1 and 2 as Amended and Restated September 15, 1987, by and between the CAPCO Companies. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-15, File No. 1-2578, of Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-14
Construction Agreement with respect to Perry Plant between the CAPCO Group dated as of July 22, 1974. (Registration Statement of Toledo Edison Company, File No. 2-52251, as Exhibit 5 (yy).)
   
10-15
Memorandum of Understanding dated as of March 31, 1985, among the CAPCO Companies. (1985 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-35, File No. 1-2578, Ohio Edison Company.)

47
Exhibit
Number


(B)10-16
Ohio Edison System Executive Supplemental Life Insurance Plan. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-44, File No. 1-2578, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
(B)10-17
Ohio Edison System Executive Incentive Compensation Plan. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-45, File No. 1-2578, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
(B)10-18
Ohio Edison System Restated and Amended Executive Deferred Compensation Plan. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-46, File No. 1-2578, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
(B)10-19
Ohio Edison System Restated and Amended Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. (1995 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-47, File No. 1-2578, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-20
Operating Agreement for Perry Unit No. 1 dated March 10, 1987, by and between the CAPCO Companies. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-24, File No. 1-2578, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-21
Operating Agreement for Bruce Mansfield Units Nos. 1, 2 and 3 dated as of June 1, 1976, and executed on September 15, 1987, by and between the CAPCO Companies. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-25, File No. 1-2578, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-22
Operating Agreement for W. H. Sammis Unit No. 7 dated as of September 1, 1971, by and between the CAPCO Companies. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-26, File No. 1-2578, Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-23
OE-APS Power Interchange Agreement dated March 18, 1987, by and among Ohio Edison Company and Pennsylvania Power Company, and Monongahela Power Company and West Penn Power Company and The Potomac Edison Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-27, File No. 1-2578, of Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-24
OE-PEPCO Power Supply Agreement dated March 18, 1987, by and among Ohio Edison Company and Pennsylvania Power Company and Potomac Electric Power Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-28, File No. 1-2578, of Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-25
Supplement No. 1 dated as of April 28, 1987, to the OE-PEPCO Power Supply Agreement dated March 18, 1987, by and among Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company and Potomac Electric Power Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-29, File No. 1-2578, of Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-26
APS-PEPCO Power Resale Agreement dated March 18, 1987, by and among Monongahela Power Company, West Penn Power Company, and The Potomac Edison Company and Potomac Electric Power Company. (1987 Form 10-K, Exhibit 28-30, File No. 1-2578, of Ohio Edison Company.)
   
10-27
Pennsylvania Power Company Master Decommissioning Trust Agreement for Beaver Valley Power Station and Perry Nuclear Power Plant dated as of April 21, 1995. (Quarter ended June 30, 1995 Form 10-Q, Exhibit 10, File No. 1-3491.)
   
10-28
Nuclear Fuel Lease dated as of March 31, 1989, between OES Fuel, Incorporated, as Lessor, and Pennsylvania Power Company, as Lessee. (1989 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-39, File No. 1-3491.)
   
10-29
Electric Power Supply Agreement, between the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, the Toledo Edison Company, and First Energy Solutions Corp. (f.k.a. FirstEnergy Services Corp.), dated January 1, 2001. (Filed as Ohio Edison Exhibit 10-145 in 2004 Form 10-K)
   
10-30
Revised Electric Power Supply Agreement, between FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, and the Toledo Edison Company, dated October 1, 2003. (Filed as Ohio Edison Exhibit 10-146 in 2004 Form 10-K)

 

48
Exhibit
Number


10-31
Master Facility Lease, between Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, the Toledo Edison Company, and FirstEnergy Generation Corp., dated January 1, 2001. (Filed as Ohio Edison Exhibit 10-147 in 2004 Form 10-K)
   
(A)12.5
Fixed Charge Ratios
   
(A)13.4
Penn 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders. (Only those portions expressly incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K are to be deemed “filed” with the Securities and Exchange Commission.)
   
(A)21.4
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant at December 31, 2004.
   
(A)23.2
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
   
(A)
Provided herein in electronic format as an exhibit.
   
(B)
Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, Penn has not filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K any instrument with respect to long-term debt if the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of Penn, but hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission on request any such instruments.
   
(C)
Management contract or compensatory plan contract or arrangement filed pursuant to Item 601 of Regulation S-K.
   
 
Pursuant to Rule 14a-3(10) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company will furnish any exhibit in this Report upon the payment of the Company’s expenses in furnishing such exhibit.

3.   Exhibits - Common Exhibits to CEI and TE

Exhibit
Number

2(a)
Agreement and Plan of Merger between Ohio Edison and Centerior Energy dated as of September 13, 1996 (Exhibit (2)-1, Form S-4 File No. 333-21011, filed by FirstEnergy).
   
2(b)
Merger Agreement by and among Centerior Acquisition Corp., FirstEnergy and Centerior (Exhibit (2)-3, Form S-4 File No. 333-21011, filed by FirstEnergy).
   
4(a)
Rights Agreement (Exhibit 4, June 25, 1996 Form 8-K, File Nos. 1-9130, 1-2323 and 1-3583).
   
4(b)(1)
Form of Note Indenture between Cleveland Electric, Toledo Edison and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee dated as of June 13, 1997 (Exhibit 4(c), Form S-4 File No. 333-35931, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
4(b)(2)
Form of First Supplemental Note Indenture between Cleveland Electric, Toledo Edison and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee dated as of June 13, 1997 (Exhibit 4(d), Form S-4 File No. 333-35931, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10b(1)(a)
CAPCO Administration Agreement dated November 1, 1971, as of September 14, 1967, among the CAPCO Group members regarding the organization and procedures for implementing the objectives of the CAPCO Group (Exhibit 5(p), Amendment No. 1, File No. 2-42230, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
10b(1)(b)
Amendment No. 1, dated January 4, 1974, to CAPCO Administration Agreement among the CAPCO Group members (Exhibit 5(c)(3), File No. 2-68906, filed by Ohio Edison).
   
10b(2)
CAPCO Transmission Facilities Agreement dated November 1, 1971, as of September 14, 1967, among the CAPCO Group members regarding the installation, operation and maintenance of transmission facilities to carry out the objectives of the CAPCO Group (Exhibit 5(q), Amendment No. 1, File No. 2-42230, filed by Cleveland Electric).

49
Exhibit
Number


10b(2)(1)
Amendment No. 1 to CAPCO Transmission Facilities Agreement, dated December 23, 1993 and effective as of January 1, 1993, among the CAPCO Group members regarding requirements for payment of invoices at specified times, for payment of interest on non-timely paid invoices, for restricting adjustment of invoices after a four-year period, and for revising the method for computing the Investment Responsibility charge for use of a member’s transmission facilities (Exhibit 10b(2)(1), 1993 Form 10-K, File Nos. 1-9130, 1-2323 and 1-3583).
   
10b(3)
CAPCO Basic Operating Agreement As Amended January 1, 1993 among the CAPCO Group members regarding coordinated operation of the members’ systems (Exhibit 10b(3), 1993 Form 10-K, File Nos. 1-9130, 1-2323 and 1-3583).
   
10b(4)
Agreement for the Termination or Construction of Certain Agreement By and Among the CAPCO Group members, dated December 23, 1993 and effective as of September 1, 1980 (Exhibit 10b(4), 1993 Form 10-K, File Nos. 1-9130, 1-2323 and 1-3583).
   
10b(5)
Construction Agreement, dated July 22, 1974, among the CAPCO Group members and relating to the Perry Nuclear Plant (Exhibit 5 (yy), File No. 2-52251, filed by Toledo Edison).
   
10b(6)
Contract, dated as of December 5, 1975, among the CAPCO Group members for the construction of Beaver Valley Unit No. 2 (Exhibit 5 (g), File No. 2-52996, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
10b(7)
Amendment No. 1, dated May 1, 1977, to Contract, dated as of December 5, 1975, among the CAPCO Group members for the construction of Beaver Valley Unit No. 2 (Exhibit 5(d)(4), File No. 2-60109, filed by Ohio Edison).
   
10d(1)(a)
Form of Collateral Trust Indenture among CTC Beaver Valley Funding Corporation, Cleveland Electric, Toledo Edison and Irving Trust Company, as Trustee (Exhibit 4(a), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(1)(b)
Form of Supplemental Indenture to Collateral Trust Indenture constituting Exhibit 10d(1)(a) above, including form of Secured Lease Obligation bond (Exhibit 4(b), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(1)(c)
Form of Collateral Trust Indenture among Beaver Valley II Funding Corporation, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and The Toledo Edison Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Exhibit (4)(a), File No. 33-46665, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(1)(d)
Form of Supplemental Indenture to Collateral Trust Indenture constituting Exhibit 10d(1)(c) above, including form of Secured Lease Obligation Bond (Exhibit (4)(b), File No. 33-46665, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(2)(a)
Form of Collateral Trust Indenture among CTC Mansfield Funding Corporation, Cleveland Electric, Toledo Edison and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Trustee (Exhibit 4(a), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(2)(b)
Form of Supplemental Indenture to Collateral Trust Indenture constituting Exhibit 10d(2)(a) above, including forms of Secured Lease Obligation bonds (Exhibit 4(b), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(3)(a)
Form of Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 with the limited partnership Owner Participant named therein, Lessor, and Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison, Lessee (Exhibit 4(c), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(3)(b)
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Facility Lease constituting Exhibit 10d(3)(a) above (Exhibit 4(e), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(4)(a)
Form of Facility Lease dated as of September 15, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 with the corporate Owner Participant named therein, Lessor, and Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison, Lessees (Exhibit 4(d), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).

50
Exhibit
Number


10d(4)(b)
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Facility Lease constituting Exhibit 10d(4)(a) above (Exhibit 4(f), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(5)(a)
Form of Facility Lease dated as of September 30, 1987 between Meridian Trust Company, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, Lessor, and Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison, Lessees (Exhibit 4(c), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(5)(b)
Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Facility Lease constituting Exhibit 10d(5)(a) above (Exhibit 4(f), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(6)(a)
Form of Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 among the limited partnership Owner Participant named therein, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule 1 thereto, as Original Loan Participants, CTC Beaver Valley Fund Corporation, as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee, and Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison, as Lessees (Exhibit 28(a), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric And Toledo Edison).
   
10d(6)(b)
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Participation Agreement constituting Exhibit 10d(6)(a) above (Exhibit 28(c), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(7)(a)
Form of Participation Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 among the corporate Owner Participant named therein, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule 1 thereto, as Owner Loan Participants, CTC Beaver Valley Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee, Irving Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee, and Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison, as Lessees (Exhibit 28(b), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(7)(b)
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Participation Agreement constituting Exhibit 10d(7)(a) above (Exhibit 28(d), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(8)(a)
Form of Participation Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 among the Owner Participant named therein, the Original Loan Participants listed in Schedule II thereto, as Owner Loan Participants, CTC Mansfield Funding Corporation, Meridian Trust Company, as Owner Trustee, IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee, and Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison, as Lessees (Exhibit 28(a), File No. 33-0128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(8)(b)
Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Participation Agreement constituting Exhibit 10d(8)(a) above (Exhibit 28(b), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(9)
Form of Ground Lease dated as of September 15, 1987 between Toledo Edison, Ground Lessor, and The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, Tenant (Exhibit 28(e), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(10)
Form of Site Lease dated as of September 30, 1987 between Toledo Edison, Lessor, and Meridian Trust Company, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, Tenant (Exhibit 28(c), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(11)
Form of Site Lease dated as of September 30, 1987 between Cleveland Electric, Lessor, and Meridian Trust Company, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, Tenant (Exhibit 28(d), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(12)
Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Site Leases constituting Exhibits 10d(10) and 10d(11) above (Exhibit 4(f), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).

51
Exhibit
Number


10d(13)
Form of Assignment, Assumption and Further Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 among The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, Cleveland Electric, Duquesne, Ohio Edison, Pennsylvania Power and Toledo Edison (Exhibit 28(f), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(14)
Form of Additional Support Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 between The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, and Toledo Edison (Exhibit 28(g), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(15)
Form of Support Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 between Meridian Trust Company, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, Toledo Edison, Cleveland Electric, Duquesne, Ohio Edison and Pennsylvania Power (Exhibit 28(e), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(16)
Form of Indenture, Bill of Sale, Instrument of Transfer and Severance Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 between Toledo Edison, Seller, and The First National Bank of Boston, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 15, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, Buyer (Exhibit 28(h), File No. 33-18755, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(17)
Form of Bill of Sale, Instrument of Transfer and Severance Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 between Toledo Edison, Seller, and Meridian Trust Company, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, Buyer (Exhibit 28(f), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(18)
Form of Bill of Sale, Instrument of Transfer and Severance Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 between Cleveland Electric, Seller, and Meridian Trust Company, as Owner Trustee under a Trust Agreement dated as of September 30, 1987 with the Owner Participant named therein, Buyer (Exhibit 28(g), File No. 33-20128, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(19)
Forms of Refinancing Agreement, including exhibits thereto, among the Owner Participant named therein, as Owner Participant, CTC Beaver Valley Funding Corporation, as Funding Corporation, Beaver Valley II Funding Corporation, as New Funding Corporation, The Bank of New York, as Indenture Trustee, The Bank of New York, as New Collateral Trust Trustee, and The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and The Toledo Edison Company, as Lessees (Exhibit (28)(e)(i), File No. 33-46665, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
   
10d(20)(a)
Form of Amendment No. 2 to Facility Lease among Citicorp Lescaman, Inc., Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison (Exhibit 10(a), Form S-4 File No. 333-47651, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
10d(20)(b)
Form of Amendment No. 3 to Facility Lease among Citicorp Lescaman, Inc., Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison (Exhibit 10(b), Form S-4 File No. 333-47651, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
10d(21)(a)
Form of Amendment No. 2 to Facility Lease among US West Financial Services, Inc., Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison (Exhibit 10(c), Form S-4 File No. 333-47651, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
10d(21)(b)
Form of Amendment No. 3 to Facility Lease among US West Financial Services, Inc., Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison (Exhibit 10(d), Form S-4 File No. 333-47651, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
10d(22)
Form of Amendment No. 2 to Facility Lease among Midwest Power Company, Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison (Exhibit 10(e), Form S-4 File No. 333-47651, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
10e(1)
Centerior Energy Corporation Equity Compensation Plan (Exhibit 99, Form S-8, File No. 33-59635).

52
Exhibit
Number
 
3.  
Exhibits - Cleveland Electric Illuminating (CEI)

3a
Amended Articles of Incorporation of CEI, as amended, effective May 28, 1993 (Exhibit 3a, 1993 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
   
3b
Regulations of CEI, dated April 29, 1981, as amended effective October 1, 1988 and April 24, 1990 (Exhibit 3b, 1990 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
   
3c
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations, dated March 15, 2002, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-2, 2001 Form 10-K, File No. 1-02323.
   
(B) 4b(1)
Mortgage and Deed of Trust between CEI and Guaranty Trust Company of New York (now The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association)), as Trustee, dated July 1, 1940 (Exhibit 7(a), File No. 2-4450).
   
 
Supplemental Indentures between CEI and the Trustee, supplemental to Exhibit 4b(1), dated as follows:
   
4b(2)
July 1, 1940 (Exhibit 7(b), File No. 2-4450).
4b(3)
August 18, 1944 (Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-9887).
4b(4)
December 1, 1947 (Exhibit 7(d), File No. 2-7306).
4b(5)
September 1, 1950 (Exhibit 7(c), File No. 2-8587).
4b(6)
June 1, 1951 (Exhibit 7(f), File No. 2-8994).
4b(7)
May 1, 1954 (Exhibit 4(d), File No. 2-10830).
4b(8)
March 1, 1958 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-13839).
4b(9)
April 1, 1959 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-14753).
4b(10)
December 20, 1967 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-30759).
4b(11)
January 15, 1969 (Exhibit 2(a)(5), File No. 2-30759).
4b(12)
November 1, 1969 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-35008).
4b(13)
June 1, 1970 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-37235).
4b(14)
November 15, 1970 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-38460).
4b(15)
May 1, 1974 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-50537).
4b(16)
April 15, 1975 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-52995).
4b(17)
April 16, 1975 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-53309).
4b(18)
May 28, 1975 (Exhibit 2(c), June 5, 1975 Form 8-A, File No. 1-2323).
4b(19)
February 1, 1976 (Exhibit 3(d)(6), 1975 Form 10 K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(20)
November 23, 1976 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-57375).
4b(21)
July 26, 1977 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), File No. 2-59401).
4b(22)
September 7, 1977 (Exhibit 2(a)(5), File No. 2-67221).
4b(23)
May 1, 1978 (Exhibit 2(b), June 30, 1978 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(24)
September 1, 1979 (Exhibit 2(a), September 30, 1979 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(25)
April 1, 1980 (Exhibit 4(a)(2), September 30, 1980 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(26)
April 15, 1980 (Exhibit 4(b), September 30, 1980 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(27)
May 28, 1980 (Exhibit 2(a)(4), Amendment No. 1, File No. 2-67221).
4b(28)
June 9, 1980 (Exhibit 4(d), September 30, 1980 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(29)
December 1, 1980 (Exhibit 4(b)(29), 1980 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(30)
July 28, 1981 (Exhibit 4(a), September 30, 1981, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(31)
August 1, 1981 (Exhibit 4(b), September 30, 1981, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(32)
March 1, 1982 (Exhibit 4(b)(3), Amendment No. 1, File No. 2-76029).
4b(33)
July 15, 1982 (Exhibit 4(a), September 30, 1982 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(34)
September 1, 1982 (Exhibit 4(a)(1), September 30, 1982 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(35)
November 1, 1982 (Exhibit (a)(2), September 30, 1982 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(36)
November 15, 1982 (Exhibit 4(b)(36), 1982 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(37)
May 24, 1983 (Exhibit 4(a), June 30, 1983 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(38)
May 1, 1984 (Exhibit 4, June 30, 1984 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(39)
May 23, 1984 (Exhibit 4, May 22, 1984 Form 8-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(40)
June 27, 1984 (Exhibit 4, June 11, 1984 Form 8-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(41)
September 4, 1984 (Exhibit 4b(41), 1984 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(42)
November 14, 1984 (Exhibit 4b(42), 1984 Form 10 K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(43)
November 15, 1984 (Exhibit 4b(43), 1984 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(44)
April 15, 1985 (Exhibit 4(a), May 8, 1985 Form 8-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(45)
May 28, 1985 (Exhibit 4(b), May 8, 1985 Form 8-K, File No. 1-2323).


 

 

53
Exhibit
Number


4b(46)
August 1, 1985 (Exhibit 4, September 30, 1985 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(47)
September 1, 1985 (Exhibit 4, September 30, 1985 Form 8-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(48)
November 1, 1985 (Exhibit 4, January 31, 1986 Form 8-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(49)
April 15, 1986 (Exhibit 4, March 31, 1986 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(50)
May 14, 1986 (Exhibit 4(a), June 30, 1986 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(51)
May 15, 1986 (Exhibit 4(b), June 30, 1986 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(52)
February 25, 1987 (Exhibit 4b(52), 1986 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(53)
October 15, 1987 (Exhibit 4, September 30, 1987 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(54)
February 24, 1988 (Exhibit 4b(54), 1987 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(55)
September 15, 1988 (Exhibit 4b(55), 1988 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(56)
May 15, 1989 (Exhibit 4(a)(2)(i), File No. 33-32724).
4b(57)
June 13, 1989 (Exhibit 4(a)(2)(ii), File No. 33-32724).
4b(58)
October 15, 1989 (Exhibit 4(a)(2)(iii), File No. 33-32724).
4b(59)
January 1, 1990 (Exhibit 4b(59), 1989 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(60)
June 1, 1990 (Exhibit 4(a). September 30, 1990 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(61)
August 1, 1990 (Exhibit 4(b), September 30, 1990 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(62)
May 1, 1991 (Exhibit 4(a), June 30, 1991 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(63)
May 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4(a)(3), File No. 33-48845).
4b(64)
July 31, 1992 (Exhibit 4(a)(3), File No. 33-57292).
4b(65)
January 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4b(65), 1992 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(66)
February 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4b(66), 1992 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(67)
May 20, 1993 (Exhibit 4(a), July 14, 1993 Form 8-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(68)
June 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4(b), July 14, 1993 Form 8-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(69)
September 15, 1994 (Exhibit 4(a), September 30, 1994 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(70)
May 1, 1995 (Exhibit 4(a), September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(71)
May 2, 1995 (Exhibit 4(b), September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(72)
June 1, 1995 (Exhibit 4(c), September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(73)
July 15, 1995 (Exhibit 4b(73), 1995 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(74)
August 1, 1995 (Exhibit 4b(74), 1995 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(75)
June 15, 1997 (Exhibit 4(a), Form S-4 File No. 333-35931, filed by Cleveland Electric and Toledo Edison).
4b(76)
October 15, 1997 (Exhibit 4(a), Form S-4 File No. 333-47651, filed by Cleveland Electric).
4b(77)
June 1, 1998 (Exhibit 4b(77), Form S-4 File No. 333-72891).
4b(78)
October 1, 1998 (Exhibit 4b(78), Form S-4 File No. 333-72891).
4b(79)
October 1, 1998 (Exhibit 4b(79), Form S-4 File No. 333-72891).
4b(80)
February 24, 1999 (Exhibit 4b(80), Form S-4 File No. 333-72891).
4b(81)
September 29, 1999. (Exhibit 4b(81), 1999 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(82)
January 15, 2000. (Exhibit 4b(82), 1999 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(83)
May 15, 2002 (Exhibit 4b(83), 2002 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(84)
October 1, 2002 (Exhibit 4b(84), 2002 Form 10-K, File No. 1-2323).
4b(85)
Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 2004 (Exhibit 4-1(85), September 2004 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).
4b(86)
Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 2004 (Exhibit 4-1(86), September 2004 10-Q, File No. 1-2323).

4d
Form of Note Indenture between Cleveland Electric and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee dated as of October 24, 1997 (Exhibit 4(b), Form S-4 File No. 333-47651, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
4d(1)
Form of Supplemental Note Indenture between Cleveland Electric and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee dated as of October 24, 1997 (Exhibit 4(c), Form S-4 File No. 333-47651, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
4-1
Indenture dated as of December 1, 2003 between CEI and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Trustee, Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-8, 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-02323.
   
10-1
Administration Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (Registration No. 2-43102, Exhibit 5(c)(2).)
   
10-2
Amendment No. 1 dated January 4, 1974 to Administration Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (Registration No. 2-68906, Exhibit 5(c)(3).)

54
Exhibit
Number


10-3
Transmission Facilities Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (Registration No. 2-43102, Exhibit 5(c)(3).)
   
10-4
Amendment No. 1 dated as of January 1, 1993 to Transmission Facilities Agreement between the CAPCO Group dated as of September 14, 1967. (1993 Form 10-K, Exhibit 10-4.)
   
10-5
Agreement for the Termination or Construction of Certain Agreements effective September 1, 1980, October 15, 1997 (Exhibit 4(a), Form S-4 File No. 333-47651, filed by Cleveland Electric).
   
10-6
Electric Power Supply Agreement, between the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, the Toledo Edison Company, and First Energy Solutions Corp. (f.k.a. FirstEnergy Services Corp.), dated January 1, 2001. (Filed as Ohio Edison Exhibit 10-145 in 2004 Form 10-K)
   
10-7
Revised Electric Power Supply Agreement, between FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, and the Toledo Edison Company, dated October 1, 2003. (Filed as Ohio Edison Exhibit 10-146 in 2004 Form 10-K)
   
10-8
Master Facility Lease, between Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, the Toledo Edison Company, and FirstEnergy Generation Corp., dated January 1, 2001. (Filed as Ohio Edison Exhibit 10-147 in 2004 Form 10-K)
   
(A)12.3
Consolidated fixed charge ratios.
   
(A)13.2
CEI 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders. (Only those portions expressly incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K are to be deemed “filed” with the SEC.)
   
(A)21.2
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant at December 31, 2004.
   
(A)
Provided herein in electronic format as an exhibit.
   
(B)
Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, CEI has not filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K any instrument with respect to long-term debt if the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of CEI, but hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission on request any such instruments.

 
3.   Exhibits - Toledo Edison (TE)

Exhibit
Number
3a
Amended Articles of Incorporation of TE, as amended effective October 2, 1992 (Exhibit 3a, 1992 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
   
3b
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations, dated March 15, 2002. (2001 Form 10-K, Exhibit 3b)
   
(B)4b(1)
Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1947, between TE and The Chase National Bank of the City of New York (now The Chase Manhattan Bank (National Association)) (Exhibit 2(b), File No. 2-26908).

4b(2)
September 1, 1948 (Exhibit 2(d), File No. 2-26908).
4b(3)
April 1, 1949 (Exhibit 2(e), File No. 2-26908).
4b(4)
December 1, 1950 (Exhibit 2(f), File No. 2-26908).
4b(5)
March 1, 1954 (Exhibit 2(g), File No. 2-26908).
4b(6)
February 1, 1956 (Exhibit 2(h), File No. 2-26908).
4b(7)
May 1, 1958 (Exhibit 5(g), File No. 2-59794).
4b(8)
August 1, 1967 (Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-26908).
4b(9)
November 1, 1970 (Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-38569).
4b(10)
August 1, 1972 (Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-44873).

55
Exhibit
Number


4b(11)
November 1, 1973 (Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-49428).
4b(12)
July 1, 1974 (Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-51429).
4b(13)
October 1, 1975 (Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-54627).
4b(14)
June 1, 1976 (Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-56396).
4b(15)
October 1, 1978 (Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-62568).
4b(16)
September 1, 1979 (Exhibit 2(c), File No. 2-65350).
4b(17)
September 1, 1980 (Exhibit 4(s), File No. 2-69190).
4b(18)
October 1, 1980 (Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-69190).
4b(19)
April 1, 1981 (Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-71580).
4b(20)
November 1, 1981 (Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-74485).
4b(21)
June 1, 1982 (Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-77763).
4b(22)
September 1, 1982 (Exhibit 4(x), File No. 2-87323).
4b(23)
April 1, 1983 (Exhibit 4(c), March 31, 1983, Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3583).
4b(24)
December 1, 1983 (Exhibit 4(x), 1983 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(25)
April 1, 1984 (Exhibit 4(c), File No. 2-90059).
4b(26)
October 15, 1984 (Exhibit 4(z), 1984 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(27)
October 15, 1984 (Exhibit 4(aa), 1984 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(28)
August 1, 1985 (Exhibit 4(dd), File No. 33-1689).
4b(29)
August 1, 1985 (Exhibit 4(ee), File No. 33-1689).
4b(30)
December 1, 1985 (Exhibit 4(c), File No. 33-1689).
4b(31)
March 1, 1986 (Exhibit 4b(31), 1986 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(32)
October 15, 1987 (Exhibit 4, September 30, 1987 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3583).
4b(33)
September 15, 1988 (Exhibit 4b(33), 1988 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(34)
June 15, 1989 (Exhibit 4b(34), 1989 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(35)
October 15, 1989 (Exhibit 4b(35), 1989 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(36)
May 15, 1990 (Exhibit 4, June 30, 1990 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3583).
4b(37)
March 1, 1991 (Exhibit 4(b), June 30, 1991 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3583).
4b(38)
May 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4(a)(3), File No. 33-48844).
4b(39)
August 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4b(39), 1992 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(40)
October 1, 1992 (Exhibit 4b(40), 1992 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(41)
January 1, 1993 (Exhibit 4b(41), 1992 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(42)
September 15, 1994 (Exhibit 4(b), September 30, 1994 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3583).
4b(43)
May 1, 1995 (Exhibit 4(d), September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3583).
4b(44)
June 1, 1995 (Exhibit 4(e), September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3583).
4b(45)
July 14, 1995 (Exhibit 4(f), September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3583).
4b(46)
July 15, 1995 (Exhibit 4(g), September 30, 1995 Form 10-Q, File No. 1-3583).
4b(47)
August 1, 1997 (Exhibit 4b(47), 1998 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(48)
June 1, 1998 (Exhibit 4b (48), 1998 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(49)
January 15, 2000 (Exhibit 4b(49), 1999 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(50)
May 1, 2000 (Exhibit 4b(50), 2000 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(51)
September 1, 2000 (Exhibit 4b(51), 2002 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(52)
October 1, 2002 (Exhibit 4b(52), 2002 Form 10-K, File No. 1-3583).
4b(53)
April 1, 2003 (Exhibit 4b(53).
   
10-1
Electric Power Supply Agreement, between the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, the Toledo Edison Company, and First Energy Solutions Corp. (f.k.a. FirstEnergy Services Corp.), dated January 1, 2001.(Filed as Ohio Edison Exhibit 10-145 in 2004 Form 10-K)
   
10-2
Revised Electric Power Supply Agreement, between FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, and the Toledo Edison Company, dated October 1, 2003. (Filed as Ohio Edison Exhibit 10-146 in 2004 Form 10-K)
   
10-3
Master Facility Lease, between Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, the Toledo Edison Company, and FirstEnergy Generation Corp., dated January 1, 2001. (Filed as Ohio Edison Exhibit 10-147 in 2004 Form 10-K)
   
(A)12.4
Consolidated fixed charge ratios.
   
(A)13.3
TE 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders. (Only those portions expressly incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K are to be deemed “filed” with the SEC.)

 

 

56
Exhibit
Number


(A)21.3
List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant at December 31, 2004.
   
(A)
Provided herein in electronic format as an exhibit.
   
(B)
Pursuant to paragraph (b)(4)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K, TE has not filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K any instrument with respect to long-term debt if the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10% of the total assets of TE, but hereby agrees to furnish to the Commission on request any such instruments.

3.   Exhibits - Exhibits for Jersey Central Power & Light Company (JCP&L)

3-A
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of JCP&L, as amended - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-A, 1990 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-3141.
   
3-A-1
Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of JCP&L, dated June 19, 1992 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-2(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-7949.
   
3-A-2
Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of JCP&L, dated June 19, 1992 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-2(a)(i), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-7949.
   
3-B
By-Laws of JCP&L, as amended May 25, 1993 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-B, 1993 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-3141.
   
4-A
Indenture of JCP&L, dated March 1, 1946, between JCP&L and United States Trust Company of New York, Successor Trustee, as amended and supplemented by eight supplemental indentures dated December 1, 1948 through June 1, 1960 - Incorporated by reference to JCP&L’s Instruments of Indebtedness Nos. 1 to 7, inclusive, and 9 and 10 filed as part of Amendment No. 1 to 1959 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File Nos. 30-126 and 1-3292.
   
4-A-1
Ninth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated November 1, 1962 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-C, Registration No. 2-20732.
   
4-A-2
Tenth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated October 1, 1963 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-C, Registration No. 2-21645.
   
4-A-3
Eleventh Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated October 1, 1964 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-3, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-4
Twelfth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated November 1, 1965 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-4, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-5
Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated August 1, 1966 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-C, Registration No. 2-25124.
   
4-A-6
Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated September 1, 1967 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-6, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-7
Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated October 1, 1968 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-7, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-8
Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated October 1, 1969 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-8, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-9
Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated June 1, 1970 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-9, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-10
Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated December 1, 1970 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-10, Registration No. 2-59785.

57
Exhibit
Number


4-A-11
Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated February 1, 1971 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-11, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-12
Twentieth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated November 1, 1971 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-12, Registration No. 2-59875.
   
4-A-13
Twenty-first Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated August 1, 1972 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-13, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-14
Twenty-second Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated August 1, 1973 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-14, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-15
Twenty-third Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated October 1, 1973 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-15, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-16
Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated December 1, 1973 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-16, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-17
Twenty-fifth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated November 1, 1974 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-17, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-18
Twenty-sixth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated March 1, 1975 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-18, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-19
Twenty-seventh Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated July 1, 1975 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-19, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-20
Twenty-eighth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated October 1, 1975 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-20, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-21
Twenty-ninth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated February 1, 1976 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-21, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-22
Supplemental Indenture No. 29A of JCP&L, dated May 31, 1976 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-22, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-23
Thirtieth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated June 1, 1976 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-23, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-24
Thirty-first Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated May 1, 1977 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-24, Registration No. 2-59785.
   
4-A-25
Thirty-second Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated January 20, 1978 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5-A-25, Registration No. 2-60438.
   
4-A-26
Thirty-third Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated January 1, 1979 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-20(b), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-6242.
   
4-A-27
Thirty-fourth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated June 1, 1979 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-28, Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-6290.
   
4-A-28
Thirty-sixth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated October 1, 1979 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-30, Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-6354.
   
4-A-29
Thirty-seventh Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated September 1, 1984 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-1(cc), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-7001.
   
4-A-30
Thirty-eighth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated July 1, 1985 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-1(dd), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-7109.
   
4-A-31
Thirty-ninth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated April 1, 1988 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-1(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-7263.

58
Exhibit
Number


4-A-32
Fortieth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated June 14, 1988 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-1(ff), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-7603.
   
4-A-33
Forty-first Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated April 1, 1989 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-1(gg), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-7603.
   
4-A-34
Forty-second Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated July 1, 1989 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-1(hh), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-7603.
   
4-A-35
Forty-third Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated March 1, 1991 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A-35, Registration No. 33-45314.
   
4-A-36
Forty-fourth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated March 1, 1992 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A-36, Registration No. 33-49405.
   
4-A-37
Forty-fifth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated October 1, 1992 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A-37, Registration No. 33-49405.
   
4-A-38
Forty-sixth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated April 1, 1993 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit C-15, 1992 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File No. 30-126.
   
4-A-39
Forty-seventh Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated April 10, 1993 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit C-16, 1992 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File No. 30-126.
   
4-A-40
Forty-eighth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated April 15, 1993 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit C-17, 1992 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File No. 30-126.
   
4-A-41
Forty-ninth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated October 1, 1993 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit C-18, 1993 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File No. 30-126.
   
4-A-42
Fiftieth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated August 1, 1994 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit C-19, 1994 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File No. 30-126.
   
4-A-43
Fifty-first Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated August 15, 1996 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A-43, 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-6047.
   
4-A-44
Fifty-second Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated July 1, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-B-44, Registration No. 333-88783.
   
4-A-45
Fifty-third Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated November 1, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A-45, 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-3141.
   
4-A-46
Subordinated Debenture Indenture of JCP&L, dated May 1, 1995 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-8(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-8495.
   
4-A-47
Fifty-fourth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated May 1, 2001, Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-4, 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-3141.
   
(A)4-A-48
Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture of JCP&L, dated April 23, 2004.
   
4-D
Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of JCP&L Capital, L.P., dated May 11, 1995 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-5(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-8495.
   
4-E
Action Creating Series A Preferred Securities of JCP&L Capital, L.P., dated May 11, 1995 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-6(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-8495.
   
4-F
Payment and Guarantee Agreement of JCP&L, dated May 18, 1995 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B-1(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-8495.
   
(A) 12.6
Consolidated fixed charge ratios - JCP&L.

59
Exhibit
Number


(A) 13.5
JCP&L 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders (Only those portions expressly incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K are to be deemed "filed" with SEC.)
   
(A)21.5
List of Subsidiaries of JCP&L at December 31, 2004.
   
(A)31.3
Certification of chief executive officer, as adopted pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e).
   
(A)32.2
Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.
   
(A)
Provided herein electronic format as an exhibit.

3. Exhibits - - Exhibits for Metropolitan Edison Company (Met-Ed)

3-C
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Met-Ed, dated March 8, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-E, 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-446.
   
3-D
By-Laws of Met-Ed as amended May 16, 2000, Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-F, 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-06047.
   
4-B
Indenture of Met-Ed, dated November 1, 1944, between Met-Ed and United States Trust Company of New York, Successor Trustee, as amended and supplemented by fourteen supplemental indentures dated February 1, 1947 through May 1, 1960 - Incorporated by reference to Met-Ed’s Instruments of Indebtedness Nos. 1 to 14 inclusive, and 16, filed as part of Amendment No. 1 to 1959 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File Nos. 30-126 and 1-3292.
   
4-B-1
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated December 1, 1962 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(1), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-2
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated March 20, 1964 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(2), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-3
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated July 1, 1965 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(3), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-4
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated June 1, 1966 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-B-4, Registration No. 2-24883.
   
4-B-5
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated March 22, 1968 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-C-5, Registration No. 2-29644.
   
4-B-6
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 1, 1968 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(6), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-7
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated August 1, 1969 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(7), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-8
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated November 1, 1971 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(8), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-9
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated May 1, 1972 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(9), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-10
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated December 1, 1973 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(10), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-11
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated October 30, 1974 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(11), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-12
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated October 31, 1974 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(12), Registration No. 2-59678.

60
Exhibit
Number


4-B-13
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated March 20, 1975 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(13), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-14
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 25, 1975 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(15), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-15
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated January 12, 1976 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(16), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-16
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated March 1, 1976 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(17), Registration No. 2-59678.
   
4-B-17
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 28, 1977 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(18), Registration No. 2-62212.
   
4-B-18
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated January 1, 1978 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-E(19), Registration No. 2-62212.
   
4-B-19
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 1, 1978 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(19), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-20
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated June 1, 1979 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(20), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-21
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated January 1, 1980 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(21), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-22
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 1, 1981 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(22), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-23
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 10, 1981 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(23), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-24
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated December 1, 1982 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(24), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-25
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 1, 1983 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(25), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-26
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 1, 1984 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(26), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-27
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated March 1, 1985 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(27), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-28
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 1, 1985 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(28), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-29
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated June 1, 1988 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(29), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-30
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated April 1, 1990 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(30), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-31
Amendment dated May 22, 1990 to Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated April 1, 1990 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(31), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-32
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated September 1, 1992 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(32)(a), Registration No. 33-48937.
   
4-B-33
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated December 1, 1993 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit C-58, 1993 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File No. 30-126.

61
Exhibit
Number


4-B-34
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated July 15, 1995 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-B-35, 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-446.
   
4-B-35
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated August 15, 1996 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-B-35, 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-446.
   
4-B-36
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated May 1, 1997 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-B-36, 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-446.
   
4-B-37
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated July 1, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-B-38, 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-446.
   
4-B-38
Indenture between Met-Ed and United States Trust Company of New York, dated May 1, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-11(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-9329.
   
4-B-39
Senior Note Indenture between Met-Ed and United States Trust Company of New York, dated July 1, 1999 Incorporated by reference to Exhibit C-154 to GPU, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form U5S for the year 1999, SEC File No. 30-126.
   
4-B-40
First Supplemental Indenture between Met-Ed and United States Trust Company of New York, dated August 1, 2000 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A, June 30, 2000 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, SEC File No. 1-446.
   
4-B-41
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated May 1, 2001. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-5, 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-446.
   
4-B-42
Supplemental Indenture of Met-Ed, dated March 1,2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-10, 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-446.
   
4-G
Payment and Guarantee Agreement of Met-Ed, dated May 28, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B-1(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC No. 70-9329.
   
4-H
Amendment No. 1 to Payment and Guarantee Agreement of Met-Ed, dated November 23, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-H, 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-446.
   
(A) 12.7
Consolidated fixed charge ratios - Met-Ed.
   
(A) 13.6
Met-Ed 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders (Only those portions expressly incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K are to be deemed "filed" with SEC.)
   
(A) 21.6
List of Subsidiaries of Met-Ed at December 31, 2004.
   
(A)
Provided herein electronic format as an exhibit.
   

3.   Exhibits - Exhibits for Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec)

3-E
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Penelec, dated March 8, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-G, 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-3522.
   
3-F
By-Laws of Penelec as amended May 16, 2000, Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3-F, 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-03522.
   
4-C
Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Penelec, dated January 1, 1942, between Penelec and United States Trust Company of New York, Successor Trustee, and indentures supplemental thereto dated March 7, 1942 through May 1, 1960 - Incorporated by reference to Penelec’s Instruments of Indebtedness Nos. 1-20, inclusive, filed as a part of Amendment No. 1 to 1959 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File Nos. 30-126 and 1-3292.
   
4-C-1
Supplemental Indentures to Mortgage and Deed of Trust of Penelec, dated May 1, 1961 through December 1, 1977 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2-D(1) to 2-D(19), Registration No. 2-61502.

62
Exhibit
Number


4-C-2
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated June 1, 1978 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(2), Registration No. 33-49669.
   
4-C-3
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated June 1, 1979 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(3), Registration No. 33-49669.
   
4-C-4
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated September 1, 1984 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(4), Registration No. 33-49669.
   
4-C-5
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated December 1, 1985 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(5), Registration No. 33-49669.
   
4-C-6
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated December 1, 1986 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(6), Registration No. 33-49669.
   
4-C-7
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated May 1, 1989 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(7), Registration No. 33-49669.
   
4-C-8
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated December 1, 1990-Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(8), Registration No. 33-45312.
   
4-C-9
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated March 1, 1992 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-A(9), Registration No. 33-45312.
   
4-C-10
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated June 1, 1993 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit C-73, 1993 Annual Report of GPU on Form U5S, SEC File No. 30-126.
   
4-C-11
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated November 1, 1995 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-C-11, 1995 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-3522.
   
4-C-12
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated August 15, 1996 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-C-12, 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-3522.
   
4-C-13
Senior Note Indenture between Penelec and United States Trust Company of New York, dated April 1, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-C-13, 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-3522.
   
4-C-14
Indenture between Penelec and United States Trust Company of New York, dated June 1, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A-11(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-9327.
   
4-C-15
First Supplemental Indenture between Penelec and United States Trust Company of New York, dated August 1, 2000 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-B, June 30, 2000 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, SEC File No. 1-3522.
   
4-C-16
Supplemental Indenture of Penelec, dated May 1, 2001.
   
4-C-17
Supplemental Indenture No. 1 of Penelec, dated May 1, 2001.
   
4-I
Payment and Guarantee Agreement of Penelec, dated June 16, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B-1(a), Certificate Pursuant to Rule 24, SEC File No. 70-9327.
   
4-J
Amendment No. 1 to Payment and Guarantee Agreement of Penelec, dated November 23, 1999 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4-J, 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K, SEC File No. 1-3522.
   
(A) 12.8
Consolidated fixed charge ratios - Penelec.
   
(A) 13.7
Penelec 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders (Only those portions expressly incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K are to be deemed "filed" with SEC.)
   
(A) 21.7
List of Subsidiaries of Penelec at December 31, 2004.

63
Exhibit
Number


(A) 23.3
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Penelec.
   
(A)
Provided here in electronic format as an exhibit.

3.   Exhibits - Combined Exhibit for Met-Ed and Penelec

(A)10-1
First Amendment to Restated Partial Requirements Agreement, between Met-Ed, Penelec, and FES, dated January 1, 2003.
   
(A)
Provided here in electronic format as an exhibit.



64



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on
Financial Statement Schedules


 


To the Board of Directors of
FirstEnergy Corp.:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 7, 2005 appearing in the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders of FirstEnergy Corp. (which report, consolidated financial statements and assessment are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005



65



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on
Financial Statement Schedules
 


To the Board of Directors of
Ohio Edison Company:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 7, 2005 appearing in the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders of Ohio Edison Company (which report, consolidated financial statements and assessment are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005



66





Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on
Financial Statement Schedules





To the Board of Directors of
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 7, 2005 appearing in the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders of The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company (which report, consolidated financial statements and assessment are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005





67




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on
Financial Statement Schedules



To the Board of Directors of
The Toledo Edison Company:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 7, 2005 appearing in the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders of The Toledo Edison Company (which report, consolidated financial statements and assessment are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005



68




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on
Financial Statement Schedules



To the Board of Directors of
Pennsylvania Power Company:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 7, 2005 appearing in the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders of Pennsylvania Power Company (which report, consolidated financial statements and assessment are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005


69




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on
Financial Statement Schedules



To the Board of Directors of
Jersey Central Power
& Light Company:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 7, 2005 appearing in the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders of Jersey Central Power & Light Company (which report, consolidated financial statements and assessment are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005



70




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on
Financial Statement Schedules



To the Board of Directors of
Metropolitan Edison Company:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 7, 2005 appearing in the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders of Metropolitan Edison Company (which report, consolidated financial statements and assessment are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005





71




Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
on
Financial Statement Schedules



To the Board of Directors of
Pennsylvania Electric Company:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting referred to in our report dated March 7, 2005 appearing in the 2004 Annual Report to Stockholders of Pennsylvania Electric Company (which report, consolidated financial statements and assessment are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedules listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10-K. In our opinion, these financial statement schedules present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005







72


SCHEDULE II

FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
 
       
Additions
             
           
Charged
             
   
Beginning
 
Charged
 
to Other
         
Ending
 
Description
 
Balance
 
to Income
 
Accounts
   
Deductions
   
Balance
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
                         
                           
Accumulated provision for
                         
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
50,247
 
$
38,492
 
$
22,102
(a)
$
76,365
(b)
$
34,476
 
       - other
 
$
18,283
 
$
1,038
 
$
15,836
(a)
$
9,087
(b)
 
$
26,070
 
                                     
Loss carryforward
                                   
tax valuation reserve
 
$
470,813
 
$
(34,803
)
$
(16,032
)
 
$
--
   
$
419,978
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2003:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
52,514
 
$
63,535
 
$
15,966
(a)
$
81,768
(b)
$
50,247
 
       - other
 
$
12,851
 
$
6,516
 
$
10,002
(a)
$
11,086
(b)
$
18,283
 
                                     
                                     
Loss carryforward
                                   
tax valuation reserve
 
$
482,061
 
$
29,575
 
$
50,503
   
$
91,326
(c)
$
470,813
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2002:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
65,358
 
$
43,601
 
$
5,637
(a)
$
62,082
(b)
$
52,514
 
       - other
 
$
7,947
 
$
4,316
 
$
4,089
   
$
3,501
   
$
12,851
 
                                     
Loss carryforward
                                   
  tax valuation reserve
 
$
459,170
 
$
17,500
 
$
5,391
   
$
--
   
$
482,061
 

 


(a)  Represents recoveries and reinstatements of accounts previously written off.
(b)  Represents the write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible.
(c)  Includes a reclassification of a valuation allowance to a contingent liability.


73

SCHEDULE II

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
 
       
Additions
             
           
Charged
             
   
Beginning
 
Charged
 
to Other
         
Ending
 
Description
 
Balance
 
to Income
 
Accounts
   
Deductions
   
Balance
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
                         
                           
Accumulated provision for
                         
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
8,747
 
$
17,477
 
$
7,275
(a)
$
27,197
(b)
$
6,302
 
    - other
 
$
2,282
 
$
376
 
$
215
(a)
$
2,809
(b)
$
64
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2003:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
5,240
 
$
18,157
 
$
4,384
(a)
$
19,034
(b)
$
8,747
 
    - other
 
$
1,000
 
$
1,282
 
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
2,282
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2002:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
4,522
 
$
12,792
 
$
2,777
(a)
$
14,851
(b)
$
5,240
 
    - other
 
$
1,000
 
$
--
 
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
1,000
 


(a)  Represents recoveries and reinstatements of accounts previously written off.
(b)  Represents the write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible.

74

SCHEDULE II



THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002



       
Additions
         
           
Charged
         
   
Beginning
 
Charged
 
to Other
 
Ending
     
Description
 
Balance
 
to Income
 
Accounts
 
Deductions
 
Balance
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                       
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
                     
                       
Accumulated provision for
                     
uncollectible accounts
 
$
1,765
 
$
(1,181
)
$
12
 
$
303
 
$
293
 
                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2003:
                               
                                 
Accumulated provision for
                               
uncollectible accounts
 
$
1,015
 
$
765
 
$
--
 
$
15
 
$
1,765
 
                                 
Year Ended December 31, 2002:
                               
                                 
Accumulated provision for
                               
uncollectible accounts
 
$
1,015
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
1,015
 

 






75

SCHEDULE II
 
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
 
       
Additions
             
           
Charged
             
   
Beginning
 
Charged
 
to Other
         
Ending
 
Description
 
Balance
 
to Income
 
Accounts
   
Deductions
   
Balance
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                           
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
                         
                           
Accumulated provision for
                         
  uncollectible accounts
 
$
34
 
$
(33
)
$
2
 
(a)
$
1
 
(b)
$
2
 
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2003:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
  uncollectible accounts
 
$
2
 
$
1,160
 
$
712
 
(a)
$
1,840
 
(b) 
$
34
 
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2002:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
  uncollectible accounts
 
$
2
 
$
--
 
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
2
 
 

________________________

(a)  Represents recoveries and reinstatements of accounts previously written off.
(b)  Represents the write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible.

76

SCHEDULE II
 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
 
       
Additions
             
           
Charged
             
   
Beginning
 
Charged
 
to Other
         
Ending
 
Description
 
Balance
 
to Income
 
Accounts
   
Deductions
   
Balance
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
                         
                           
Accumulated provision for
                         
uncollectible accounts - customers
 
$
769
 
$
2,467
 
$
1,002
 
 (a)
$
3,350
 
 (b)
$
888
 
         - other
 
$
102
 
$
(93
)
$
13
 
 (a)
$
16
 
 (b)
$
6
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2003:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts - customers
 
$
702
 
$
1,931
 
$
644
 
 (a)
$
2,528
 
 (b)
$
769
 
      - other
 
$
--
 
$
102
 
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
102
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2002:
                                   
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts - customers
 
$
619
 
$
1,808
 
$
333
 
 (a)
$
2,058
 
 (b)
$
702
 
 
 



(a)  Represents recoveries and reinstatements of accounts previously written off.
(b)  Represents the write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible.


77

SCHEDULE II
 
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
 
       
Additions
             
           
Charged
             
   
Beginning
 
Charged
 
to Other
         
Ending
 
Description
 
Balance
 
to Income
 
Accounts
   
Deductions
   
Balance
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
                         
                           
Accumulated provision for
                         
uncollectible accounts - customers
 
$
4,296
 
$
6,515
 
$
3,664
 
(a)
$
10,594
 
(b)
$
3,881
 
      - other
 
$
1,183
 
$
(111
)
$
(354
)
 
$
556
   
$
162
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2003:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts - customers
 
$
4,509
 
$
7,867
 
$
2,991
 
(a)
$
11,071
 
(b)
$
4,296
 
      - other
 
$
--
 
$
1,183
 
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
1,183
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2002:
                                   
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts - customers
 
$
12,923
 
$
9,057
 
$
1,305
 
(a)
$
18,776
 
(b)
$
4,509
 
 
 


(a)  Represents recoveries and reinstatements of accounts previously written off.
(b)  Represents the write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible.

78

SCHEDULE II
 
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002

       
Additions
             
           
Charged
             
   
Beginning
 
Charged
 
to Other
         
Ending
 
Description
 
Balance
 
to Income
 
Accounts
   
Deductions
   
Balance
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                           
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
                         
                           
Accumulated provision for
                         
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
4,943
 
$
7,841
 
$
5,128
 
(a)
$
13,334
 
(b)
$
4,578
 
       - other
 
$
68
 
$
(68
)
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
--
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2003:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
4,810
 
$
8,617
 
$
4,595
 
(a) 
$
13,079
 
(b)
$
4,943
 
       - other
 
$
--
 
$
68
 
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
68
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2002:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
12,271
 
$
3,332
 
$
851
 
(a)
$
11,644
 
(b)
$
4,810
 
 
 



(a)  Represents recoveries and reinstatements of accounts previously written off.
(b)  Represents the write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible.

79

SCHEDULE II
 

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2004, 2003 AND 2002
 
       
Additions
             
           
Charged
             
   
Beginning
 
Charged
 
to Other
   
Ending
       
Description
 
Balance
 
to Income
 
Accounts
   
Deductions
   
Balance
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                           
Year Ended December 31, 2004:
                         
                           
Accumulated provision for
                         
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
5,833
 
$
5,977
 
$
5,351
 
 (a)
$
12,449
 
 (b)
$
4,712
 
       - other
 
$
399
 
$
(324
)
$
24
   
$
95
   
$
4
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2003:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
6,216
 
$
9,287
 
$
3,995
 
 (a)
$
13,665
 
 (b)
$
5,833
 
       - other
 
$
--
 
$
399
 
$
--
   
$
--
   
$
399
 
                                     
                                     
Year Ended December 31, 2002:
                                   
                                     
Accumulated provision for
                                   
uncollectible accounts  - customers
 
$
14,719
 
$
2,991
 
$
704
 
 (a)
$
12,198
 
 (b)
$
6,216
 
 
______________________

(a)  Represents recoveries and reinstatements of accounts previously written off.
(b)  Represents the write-off of accounts considered to be uncollectible.




80


SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.





 
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
   
   
 
BY:  /s/ Anthony J. Alexander
 
   Anthony J. Alexander
 
  President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:  March 9, 2005



81

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:



     
/s/  George M. Smart
 
/s/     Anthony J. Alexander
George M. Smart
 
Anthony J. Alexander
Chairman of the Board
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
   
and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
     
     
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
 
/s/     Harvey L. Wagner
Richard H. Marsh
 
Harvey L. Wagner
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
 
Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)
     
     
/s/  Paul T. Addison
 
/s/     Paul J. Powers
Paul T. Addison
 
Paul J. Powers
Director
 
Director
     
     
/s/    Carol A. Cartwright
 
/s/     Catherine A. Rein
Carol A. Cartwright
 
Catherine A. Rein
Director
 
Director
     
     
/s/  William T. Cottle
 
/s/     Robert C. Savage
William T. Cottle
 
Robert C. Savage
Director
 
Director
     
     
/s/  Russell W. Maier
 
/s/     Wes M. Taylor
Russell W. Maier
 
Wes M. Taylor
Director
 
Director
     
     
/s/  Ernest J. Novak, Jr.
 
/s/     Jesse T. Williams, Sr.
Ernest J. Novak, Jr.
 
Jesse T. Williams, Sr.
Director
 
Director
     
     
/s/  Robert N. Pokewaldt
 
/s/     Patricia K. Woolf
Robert N. Pokewaldt
 
Patricia K. Woolf
Director
 
Director
     
Date:  March 9, 2005

82


SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
   
   
 
BY: /s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
Anthony J. Alexander
 
President

Date:  March 9, 2005





Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:



/s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
/s/  Richard R. Grigg
Anthony J. Alexander
 
Richard R. Grigg
President and Director
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Operating Officer and Director
     
     
     
     
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
 
/s/     Harvey L. Wagner
Richard H. Marsh
 
Harvey L. Wagner
Senior Vice President and Chief
 
Vice President and Controller
Financial Officer and Director
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
   

Date:  March 9, 2005

83


SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


 
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
   
   
 
BY: /s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
Anthony J. Alexander
 
President
 

Date:  March 9, 2005


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:



/s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
/s/  Richard R. Grigg
Anthony J. Alexander
 
Richard R. Grigg
President and Director
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Operating Officer and Director
     
     
     
     
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
 
/s/  Harvey L. Wagner
Richard H. Marsh
 
Harvey L. Wagner
Senior Vice President and Chief
 
Vice President and Controller
Financial Officer and Director
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
   

Date:  March 9, 2005


84


SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



 
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
   
   
 
BY:  /s/ Anthony J. Alexander
 
Anthony J. Alexander
 
President

Date:  March 9, 2005



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:


/s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
/s/  Richard R. Grigg
Anthony J. Alexander
 
Richard R. Grigg
President and Director
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Operating Officer and Director
     
     
     
     
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
 
/s/  Harvey L. Wagner
Richard H. Marsh
 
Harvey L. Wagner
Senior Vice President and Chief
 
Vice President and Controller
Financial Officer and Director
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
   


Date:  March 9, 2005


85


SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



 
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
   
   
 
BY:  /s/ Stephen E. Morgan
 
Stephen E. Morgan
 
President

Date:  March 9, 2005



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:




/s/  Stephen E. Morgan
 
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
Stephen E. Morgan
 
Richard H. Marsh
President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial Officer)
     
     
     
/s/  Harvey L. Wagner
 
/s/  Leila L. Vespoli
Harvey L. Wagner
 
Leila L. Vespoli
Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
Senior Vice President and
General Counsel and Director
     
     
     
     
/s/  Charles E. Jones
 
/s/  Stanley C. Van Ness
Charles E. Jones
 
Stanley C. Van Ness
Director
 
Director
     
     
     
/s/  Gelorma E. Persson
 
/s/  Mark A. Julian
Gelorma E. Persson
 
Mark A. Julian
Director
 
Director
     
     
     
/s/  Bradley S. Ewing
   
Bradley S. Ewing
   
Director
   
     
Date:  March 9, 2005

86


SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 



 
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
   
   
 
BY:  /s/ Anthony J. Alexander
 
Anthony J. Alexander
 
President
 
Date:  March 9, 2005




Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:




/s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
/s/  Richard R. Grigg
Anthony J. Alexander
 
Richard R. Grigg
President and Director
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Operating Officer and Director
     
     
     
     
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
 
/s/     Harvey L. Wagner
Richard H. Marsh
 
Harvey L. Wagner
Senior Vice President and Chief
 
Vice President and Controller
Financial Officer and Director
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
   

Date:  March 9, 2005

 
87

SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



 
PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
   
   
 
BY:  /s/ Anthony J. Alexander
 
Anthony J. Alexander
 
President


Date:  March 9, 2005



Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:





/s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
/s/     Richard R. Grigg
Anthony J. Alexander
 
Richard R. Grigg
President and Director
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Operating Officer and Director
     
     
     
     
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
 
/s/     Harvey L. Wagner
Richard H. Marsh
 
Harvey L. Wagner
Senior Vice President and Chief
 
Vice President and Controller
Financial Officer and Director
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
   
 
Date:  March 9, 2005

88


SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.



 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
   
   
 
BY: /s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
Anthony J. Alexander
 
President

Date:  March 9, 2005


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:




/s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
/s/     Richard R. Grigg
Anthony J. Alexander
 
Richard R. Grigg
President and Director
 
Executive Vice President and Chief
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Operating Officer and Director
     
     
     
     
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
 
/s/     Harvey L. Wagner
Richard H. Marsh
 
Harvey L. Wagner
Senior Vice President and Chief
 
Vice President and Controller
Financial Officer and Director
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)
(Principal Financial Officer)
   

Date:  March 9, 2005




89





EX-10.1 2 ex10-1.htm NON-QUALIFYING STOCK OPTION Non-Qualifying Stock Option

Exhibit 10.1

U.S. $1,000,000,000

THREE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of June 22, 2004

Among

FIRSTENERGY CORP.,
as Borrower,

THE BANKS NAMED HEREIN,
as Banks,

CITICORP USA, INC.,
as Administrative Agent,

and

CITICORP USA, INC.
BARCLAYS BANK PLC,

as Fronting Banks

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
and
BARCLAYS CAPITAL
Joint Lead Arrangers

BARCLAYS BANK PLC
Syndication Agent

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,
KEY BANK, N.A.,
WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

Co-Documentation Agents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
        Page  
 
  ARTICLE I        
 
  DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS        
 
           
SECTION 1.01.
  Certain Defined Terms     1  
SECTION 1.02.
  Computation of Time Periods     10  
SECTION 1.03.
  Accounting Terms     10  
SECTION 1.04.
  Certain References     10  
 
           
 
  ARTICLE II        
 
  AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES AND LETTERS OF CREDIT        
 
           
SECTION 2.01.
  The Advances     10  
SECTION 2.02.
  Making the Advances     11  
SECTION 2.03.
  Letters of Credit     11  
SECTION 2.04.
  Fees     17  
SECTION 2.05.
  Termination or Reduction of the Commitments     18  
SECTION 2.06.
  Repayment of Advances     18  
SECTION 2.07.
  Interest on Advances     18  
SECTION 2.08.
  Additional Interest on Advances     18  
SECTION 2.09.
  Interest Rate Determination     19  
SECTION 2.10.
  Conversion of Advances     19  
SECTION 2.11.
  Prepayments     20  
SECTION 2.12.
  Increased Costs     20  
SECTION 2.13.
  Illegality     21  
SECTION 2.14.
  Payments and Computations     21  
SECTION 2.15.
  Taxes     22  
SECTION 2.16.
  Sharing of Payments, Etc.     23  
SECTION 2.17.
  Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness     24  
 
           
 
  ARTICLE III        
 
  CONDITIONS OF LENDING AND ISSUING LETTERS OF CREDIT        
 
           
SECTION 3.01.
  Conditions Precedent to Initial Extension of Credit     24  
SECTION 3.02.
  Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit     25  
SECTION 3.03.
  Conditions Precedent to Conversions     26  
SECTION 3.04.
  Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit        
 
  after December 31, 2005     26  
SECTION 3.04.
  Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit        
 
  after December 31, 2005     26  
 
           
 
  ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 27        
 
           
SECTION 4.01.
  Representations and Warranties of the Borrower     27  
 
           
 
  ARTICLE V        
 
  COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER        
 
           
SECTION 5.01.
  Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower     29  
SECTION 5.02.
  Financial Covenants of the Borrower     31  
SECTION 5.03.
  Negative Covenants of the Borrower     32  
 
           
 
  ARTICLE VI        
 
  EVENTS OF DEFAULT        
 
           
SECTION 6.01.
  Events of Default     33  

i

             
        Page  
 
  ARTICLE VII        
 
  THE AGENT        
 
           
SECTION 7.01.
  Authorization and Action     35  
SECTION 7.02.
  Agent’s Reliance, Etc.     35  
SECTION 7.03.
  CUSA, Barclays Bank PLC and Affiliates     35  
SECTION 7.04.
  Lender Credit Decision     36  
SECTION 7.05.
  Indemnification     36  
SECTION 7.06.
  Successor Agent     36  
 
           
 
  ARTICLE VIII        
 
  MISCELLANEOUS        
 
           
SECTION 8.01.
  Amendments, Etc.     36  
SECTION 8.02.
  Notices, Etc.     37  
SECTION 8.03.
  Electronic Communications     37  
SECTION 8.04.
  No Waiver; Remedies     38  
SECTION 8.05.
  Costs and Expenses; Indemnification     38  
SECTION 8.06.
  Right of Set-off     39  
SECTION 8.07.
  Binding Effect     39  
SECTION 8.08.
  Assignments and Participations     39  
SECTION 8.09.
  Governing Law     42  
SECTION 8.10.
  Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial     42  
SECTION 8.11.
  Severability     42  
SECTION 8.12.
  Entire Agreement     42  
SECTION 8.13.
  Execution in Counterparts     42  

ii

SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

                 
 
  Schedule I         List of Commitments and Lending Offices  
 
Exhibit A
        Form of Assignment and Acceptance  
 
Exhibit B
        Form of Note  
 
Exhibit C
        Form of Notice of Borrowing  
 
Exhibit D
        Form of Letter of Credit Request  
 
Exhibit E
        Form of Opinion of Gary D. Benz, Esq.  
 
Exhibit F
        Form of Opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP  
 
Exhibit G
        Form of Opinion of King & Spalding LLP  
 

iii

THREE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

     THREE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of June 22, 2004, among FIRSTENERGY CORP., an Ohio corporation (the “Borrower”), the banks (the “Banks”) listed on the signature pages hereof, Citicorp USA, Inc. (“CUSA”), as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for the Lenders hereunder, CUSA, as a fronting bank, and Barclays Bank PLC (“Barclays”), as a fronting bank.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

     (1) The Borrower has requested that the Lenders establish a three-year unsecured revolving credit facility in the amount of $1,000,000,000 in favor of the Borrower, all of which may be used for general corporate purposes and up to $250,000,000 may be used for the issuance of Letters of Credit.

     (2) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders severally, to the extent of their respective Commitments (as defined herein), are willing to establish the requested revolving credit facility in favor of the Borrower.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms.

     As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

          “Account Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).

          “Administrative Agent” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

     “Advance” means an advance by a Lender to the Borrower as part of a Borrowing and refers to an Alternate Base Rate Advance or a Eurodollar Rate Advance, each of which shall be a “Type” of Advance, subject to Conversion pursuant to Section 2.09 or 2.10.

     “Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person or is a director or officer of such Person.

     “Agreement” means this Three-Year Credit Agreement, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time.

     “Alternate Base Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum as shall be in effect from time to time, which rate per annum shall at all times be equal to the higher of (i) the rate of interest announced publicly by Citibank, N.A. in New York, New York, from time to time, as its “base rate” and (ii) the sum of 1/2 of 1% per annum plus the Federal Funds Rate in effect from time to time.

     “Alternate Base Rate Advance” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.07(a).

     “Applicable Law” means all applicable laws, statutes, treaties, rules, codes, ordinances, regulations, permits, certificates, orders, interpretations, licenses and permits of any Governmental Authority and judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, orders or like action of any court, arbitrator or other judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal of competent jurisdiction (including those pertaining to health, safety or the environment or otherwise).

2

     “Applicable Lending Office” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Domestic Lending Office in the case of an Alternate Base Rate Advance, and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

     “Applicable Margin” means, for any Alternate Base Rate Advance or any Eurodollar Rate Advance, the interest rate per annum set forth in the relevant row of the table below, determined by reference to the Reference Ratings from time to time in effect:

                                                                 
 
                                                          LEVEL 6    
                  LEVEL 2                 LEVEL 4                 Reference Ratings    
        LEVEL 1       Reference Ratings                 Reference Ratings                 lower than BB+ by    
        Reference Ratings       lower than Level 1       LEVEL 3       lower than Level 2       LEVEL 5       S&P and Ba1 by    
        at least BBB+ by       but at least BBB by       Reference Ratings       but at least BBB-       Reference Ratings       Moody’s or no    
        S&P or Baa1 by       S&P or Baa2 by       of BBB- by S&P and       by S&P or Baa3 by       of BB+ by S&P and       Reference Ratings    
  BASIS FOR PRICING     Moody’s.       Moody’s.       Baa3 by Moody’s.       Moody’s.       Ba1 by Moody’s.       exist.    
 
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances
      0.600 %       0.700 %       0.925 %       1.075 %       1.550 %       1.900 %  
 
Applicable Margin for Alternate Base Rate Advances
      0 %       0 %       0 %       0.075 %       0.550 %       0.900 %  
 
Utilization Fee
      0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.250 %       0.250 %  
 

provided, that the Applicable Margin shall be increased by the rate per annum set forth above in the row captioned “Utilization Fee” that corresponds to the Reference Ratings Level used to determine the Applicable Margin during any period in which the total amount of Outstanding Credits is greater than one-half of the aggregate amount of the Commitments.

For purposes of the foregoing, if (i) there is a difference of one level in Reference Ratings of S&P and Moody’s and the higher of such Reference Ratings falls in Level 1, Level 2 or Level 4, then the higher Reference Rating will be used to determine the pricing level (ii) there is a difference of more than one level in Reference Ratings of S&P and Moody’s, the Reference Rating that is one level above the lower of such Reference Ratings will be used to determine the pricing level, unless the lower of such Reference Ratings falls in Level 6, in which case the lower of such Reference Ratings will be used to determine the pricing level. If there exists only one Reference Rating, such Reference Rating will be used to determine the pricing level.

     “Assignment and Acceptance” means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto.

     “ATSI” means American Transmission Systems, Inc., an Ohio corporation wholly owned by the Borrower.

     “Available Commitment” means, for each Lender, the excess of such Lender’s Commitment over such Lender’s Percentage of the Outstanding Credits. “Available Commitments” shall refer to the aggregate of the Lenders’ Available Commitments hereunder.

     “Bankruptcy Code” means the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended from time to time, and any Federal law with respect to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

     “Banks” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

     “Barclays” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

3

     “Beneficiary” means any Person designated by an Account Party to whom the Fronting Bank is to make payment, or on whose order payment is to be made, under a Letter of Credit.

     “Borrower” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

     “Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Advances of the same Type made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01 or Converted pursuant to Section 2.09 or 2.10.

     “Business Day” means a day of the year on which banks are not required or authorized to close in New York City or Akron, Ohio and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

     “CEI” means The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio corporation.

     “Change of Control” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01(j).

     “Citibank” means Citibank, N.A. and its successors.

     “Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the applicable regulations thereunder.

     “Commitment” means, as to any Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule I hereto or, if such Lender has entered into any Assignment and Acceptance, set forth for such Lender in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.08(c), as such amount may be reduced pursuant to Section 2.05.

     “Consolidated Debt” means, with respect to the Borrower, at any date of determination the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but shall not include (i) Nonrecourse Indebtedness of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) obligations under leases that shall have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as operating leases in respect of which the Borrower or any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries is liable as a lessee, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries.

     “Consolidated Subsidiary” means, as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person the accounts of which are or are required to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

     “Controlled Group” means all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control that, together with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, are treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code.

     “Convert”, “Conversion” and “Converted” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of another Type or the selection of a new, or the renewal of the same, Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances pursuant to Section 2.09 or 2.10.

     “CUSA” has the meaning specified in the preamble hereto.

     “Date of Issuance” means the date of issuance by the Fronting Bank of a Letter of Credit under this Agreement.

     “Domestic Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to the Administrative Agent.

     “Drawing” means a drawing by a Beneficiary under any Letter of Credit.

4

     “Eligible Assignee” means (i) a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States, or any State thereof; (ii) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country that is a member of the OECD or has concluded special lending arrangements with the International Monetary Fund associated with its “General Arrangements to Borrow”, or a political subdivision of any such country, provided that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States; (iii) a finance company, insurance company or other financial institution or fund (whether a corporation, partnership or other entity) engaged generally in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in commercial loans in the ordinary course of its business; (iv) the central bank of any country that is a member of the OECD; or (v) any Bank; provided, however, that (A) any Person described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall also (x) have outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is in the business of rating unsecured indebtedness of entities engaged in such businesses) and (y) have combined capital and surplus (as established in its most recent report of condition to its primary regulator) of not less than $250,000,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency), (B) any Person described in clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, on the date on which it is to become a Lender hereunder, be entitled to receive payments hereunder without deduction or withholding of any United States Federal income taxes (as contemplated by Section 2.15(d)) and (C) any Person described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, in addition, be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Fronting Bank.

     “Environmental Laws” means any federal, state or local laws, ordinances or codes, rules, orders, or regulations relating to pollution or protection of the environment, including, without limitation, laws relating to hazardous substances, laws relating to reclamation of land and waterways and laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollution, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes.

     “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder, each as amended, modified and in effect from time to time.

     “Eurocurrency Liabilities” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

     “Eurodollar Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to the Administrative Agent.

     “Eurodollar Rate” means, for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, an interest rate per annum equal to the average (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the rates per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by the principal office of each of the Reference Banks in London, England, to prime banks in the London interbank market at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period in an amount substantially equal to such Reference Bank’s Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of such Borrowing and for a period equal to such Interest Period. The Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing shall be determined by the Administrative Agent on the basis of applicable rates furnished to and received by the Administrative Agent from the Reference Banks two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 2.09.

     “Eurodollar Rate Advance” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.07(b).

     “Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage” of any Lender for the Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Advance means the reserve percentage applicable during such Interest Period (or if more than one such percentage shall be so applicable, the daily average of such percentages for those days in such Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so applicable) under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental or other marginal

5

reserve requirement) for such Lender with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities having a term equal to such Interest Period.

     “Events of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

     “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, in each case as amended and in effect from time to time.

     “Existing Credit Agreements” means (i) the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2003, among the Borrower, the banks party thereto, Citibank, as administrative agent, and Bank One, NA, as fronting bank, (ii) the Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2001, among the Borrower, the banks party thereto, Citibank, as administrative agent, and Bank One, NA, as fronting bank, and (iii) the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2003, among Ohio Edison Company, the banks party thereto, and Citibank, as administrative agent.

     “Expiration Date” means, with respect to a Letter of Credit, its stated expiration date.

     “Extension of Credit” means the making of any Advance or the issuance or amendment (including, without limitation, an extension or renewal) of a Letter of Credit.

     “Federal Funds Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

     “Fee Letter” means that certain letter agreement, dated May 10, 2004, among the Borrower, CUSA, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Barclays and Barclays Capital.

     “FirstEnergy Debt to Capitalization Ratio” means with respect to any fiscal quarter of the Borrower the ratio of Consolidated Debt on the last day of such fiscal quarter to Total Capitalization on the last day of such fiscal quarter.

     “FirstEnergy Fixed Charge Ratio” means with respect to any fiscal quarter the ratio of (i) the sum of (A) consolidated net income before extraordinary items of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for the twelve-month period ended on the last day of such fiscal quarter, plus (B) depreciation, amortization, dividends paid on preferred stock of subsidiaries, interest expense, amounts paid on Trust Preferred Securities and Federal income taxes deducted in determining such net income, plus (C) the interest element of rental payments deducted in determining such net income under operating lease obligations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period, plus (D) all other non-cash charges constituting operating expenses deducted in determining such net income to (ii) the sum of (A) all interest expense (excluding the amount of any allowance for funds used during construction and amounts paid on Trust Preferred Securities) in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period, plus (B) the interest element of rental payments deducted in determining net income under operating lease obligations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period.

     “First Mortgage Indenture” means, with respect to any Significant Subsidiary, an indenture or similar instrument pursuant to which such Person may issue bonds, notes or similar instruments secured by a lien on all or substantially all of such Person’s fixed assets.

     “Fronting Bank” means CUSA, Barclays and/or any other Lender having a long-term credit rating acceptable to the Borrower that delivers an instrument in form and substance satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent whereby such other Lender agrees to act as “Fronting Bank” hereunder.

     “Fronting Bank Fee Letter” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(b).

6

     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States in effect from time to time.

     “Governmental Action” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, waivers, exceptions, variances, orders, licenses, exemptions, publications, filings, notices to and declarations of or with any Governmental Authority (other than routine reporting requirements the failure to comply with which will not affect the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document or any material rights, power or remedy of any Person thereunder or any other action in respect of any Governmental Authority).

     “Governmental Authority” means any Federal, state, county, municipal, foreign, international, regional or other governmental authority, agency, board, body, instrumentality or court.

     “Hostile Acquisition” means any Target Acquisition (as defined below) involving a tender offer or proxy contest that has not been recommended or approved by the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Person that is the subject of such Target Acquisition prior to the first public announcement or disclosure relating to such Target Acquisition. As used in this definition, the term “Target Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, by which any Person directly or indirectly (i) acquires all or substantially all of the assets or ongoing business of any other Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise, (ii) acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) control of at least a majority in ordinary voting power of the securities of any such Person that have ordinary voting power for the election of directors or (iii) otherwise acquires control of more than a 50% ownership interest in any such Person.

     “Indebtedness” of any Person means at any date, without duplication, (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (iv) all obligations under leases that shall have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases in respect of which such Person is liable as lessee, (v) liabilities in respect of unfunded vested benefits under Plans, (vi) withdrawal liability incurred under ERISA by such Person or any of its affiliates to any Multiemployer Plan, (vii) reimbursement obligations of such Person (whether contingent or otherwise) in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, surety or other bonds and similar instruments, (viii) all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person and (ix) obligations of such Person under direct or indirect guaranties in respect of, and obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to above.

     “Interest Period” means, for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Rate Advance or the date of the Conversion of any Advance into such Eurodollar Rate Advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below. The duration of each such Interest Period shall be one, two or three weeks or one, two, three or six months, in each case as the Borrower may select by notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.02(a) or Section 2.10(a); provided, however, that:

          (i) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period that ends after the Termination Date;

          (ii) Interest Periods commencing on the same date for Advances made as part of the same Borrowing shall be of the same duration;

          (iii) no more than five different Interest Periods shall apply to outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advances on any date of determination; and

          (iv) whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding Business Day, provided, that if such extension would cause the last day of such

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Interest Period to occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding Business Day.

     “L/C Commitment Amount” equals $250,000,000, as the same may be reduced permanently from time to time pursuant to Section 2.05 hereof, minus, on any date of determination, the Other Letter of Credit Liabilities existing on such date.

     “Lenders” means the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof and each Eligible Assignee that shall become a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.08.

     “Letter of Credit” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).

     “Letter of Credit Cash Cover” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

     “Letter of Credit Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(d).

     “Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to own, subject to a Lien, any asset that it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.

     “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, any Note, the Fee Letter and the Fronting Bank Fee Letter.

     “Majority Lenders” means, at any time prior to the Termination Date, Lenders having in the aggregate at least 51% of the Commitments (without giving effect to any termination in whole of the Commitments pursuant to Section 6.01) and at any time on or after the Termination Date, Lenders having at least 51% of the then aggregate Outstanding Credits of the Lenders; provided, that for purposes hereof, neither the Borrower, nor any of its Affiliates, if a Lender, shall be included in (i) the Lenders having such amount of the Commitments or the Advances or (ii) determining the total amount of the Commitments or the Outstanding Credits.

     “Margin Stock” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and as amended and in effect from time to time.

     “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

     “Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

     “Nonrecourse Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness that finances the acquisition, development, ownership or operation of an asset in respect of which the Person to which such Indebtedness is owed has no recourse whatsoever to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates other than:

  (i)   recourse to the named obligor with respect to such Indebtedness (the “Debtor”) for amounts limited to the cash flow or net cash flow (other than historic cash flow) from the asset; and
 
  (ii)   recourse to the Debtor for the purpose only of enabling amounts to be claimed in respect of such Indebtedness in an enforcement of any security interest or lien given by the Debtor over the asset or the income, cash flow or other proceeds deriving from the asset (or given by any shareholder or the like in the Debtor over its shares or like interest in the capital of the Debtor) to secure the Indebtedness, but only if the extent of the recourse to the Debtor is limited solely to the amount of any recoveries made on any such enforcement; and
 
  (iii)   recourse to the Debtor generally or indirectly to any Affiliate of the Debtor, under any form of assurance, undertaking or support, which recourse is limited to a claim for damages (other than liquidated damages and damages required to be calculated in a specified way) for a breach of an obligation (other than a payment obligation or an obligation to comply or

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      to procure compliance by another with any financial ratios or other tests of financial condition) by the Person against which such recourse is available.

     “Note” means any promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 in the form of Exhibit B hereto.

     “Notice of Borrowing” has the meaning specified in Section 2.02(a).

     “OECD” means the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

     “Other Letter of Credit Liabilities” means, on any date of determination, an amount equal to (i) the aggregate “Stated Amount” of all issued but undrawn “Letters of Credit” outstanding under the 2003 364-Day Credit Agreement on such date plus (ii) the aggregate amount of “Reimbursement Obligations” outstanding under the 2003 364-Day Credit Agreement on such date (exclusive of “Reimbursement Obligations” which, on such date of determination, are repaid with the proceeds of “Advances” made under the 2003 364-Day Credit Agreement). As used in this definition, the terms “Stated Amount,” “Letters of Credit,” “Reimbursement Obligations” and “Advances” shall have the respective meanings set forth for such terms in the 2003 364-Day Credit Agreement.

     “Other Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15(b).

     “Outstanding Credits” means, on any date of determination, an amount equal to (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Advances outstanding on such date plus (ii) the aggregate Stated Amount of all issued but undrawn Letters of Credit outstanding on such date plus (iii) the aggregate amount of Reimbursement Obligations outstanding on such date (exclusive of Reimbursement Obligations that, on such date of determination, are repaid with the proceeds of Advances made in accordance with Section 2.03 (g) and (h), to the extent the principal amount of such Advances is included in the determination of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Advances as provided in clause (i) of this definition). The “Outstanding Credits” of a Lender on any date of determination shall be an amount equal to the outstanding Advances made by such Lender plus the amount of such Lender’s participatory interest in outstanding Letters of Credit and Reimbursement Obligations included in the definition of “Outstanding Credits”.

     “Payment Date” means the date on which payment of a Drawing is made by the Fronting Bank.

     “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

     “Percentage” means, in respect of any Lender on any date of determination, the percentage obtained by dividing such Lender’s Commitment on such day by the total of the Commitments on such day, and multiplying the quotient so obtained by 100%.

     “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

     “Plan” means, at any time, an employee pension benefit plan that is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code and is either (i) maintained by a member of the Controlled Group for employees of a member of the Controlled Group or (ii) maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or any other arrangement under which more than one employer makes contributions and to which a member of the Controlled Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within the preceding five plan years made contributions.

     “PPC” means Pennsylvania Power Company, a Pennsylvania corporation.

     “Reference Banks” means Citibank and Barclays, and any Lender designated as a successor or replacement Reference Bank pursuant to Section 2.09(a).

     “Reference Ratings” means the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s to the senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt of the Borrower.

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     “Register” has the meaning specified in Section 8.08(c).

     “Reimbursement Obligation” means the absolute and unconditional obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Fronting Bank for any Drawing pursuant to Section 2.03(h).

     “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

     “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.

     “SEC Ordermeans the order of the SEC that authorizes the Borrower to obtain Extensions of Credit until December 31, 2005 and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

     “Significant Subsidiaries” means (i) each regulated energy Subsidiary of the Borrower, including, but not limited to, CEI, Ohio Edison Company, PPC, TEC, ATSI, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company and MARBEL Energy Corporation, and any successor to any of them, and (ii) each other Subsidiary of the Borrower the annual revenues of which exceed $100,000,000 or the total assets of which exceed $50,000,000.

     “Stated Amount” means the maximum amount available to be drawn by a Beneficiary under a Letter of Credit.

     “Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds” means any instruments, pass-through certificates, notes, debentures, certificates of participation, bonds, certificates of beneficial interest or other evidences of indebtedness or instruments evidencing a beneficial interest that are secured by or otherwise payable from non-bypassable cent per kilowatt hour charges authorized pursuant to an order of a state commission regulating public utilities to be applied and invoiced to customers of such utility. The charges so applied and invoiced must be deducted and stated separately from the other charges invoiced by such utility against its customers.

     “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such a Person, or one or more Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries.

     “Supplemental SEC Order” means the order of the SEC that authorizes the Borrower to obtain Extensions of Credit after December 31, 2005 and through the Termination Date and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

     “Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15(a).

     “TEC” means The Toledo Edison Company, an Ohio corporation.

     “Termination Date” means June 22, 2007, or the earlier date of termination in whole of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.05 or Section 6.01 hereof.

     “Termination Event” means (i) a Reportable Event described in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder (other than a Reportable Event not subject to the provision for 30-day notice to the PBGC under such regulations), or (ii) the withdrawal of any member of the Controlled Group from a Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, or (iii) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA, or (iv) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, or (v) any other event or condition that might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.

     “Total Capitalization” means, with respect to the Borrower at any date of determination the sum, without duplication, of (i) Consolidated Debt of the Borrower, (ii) consolidated equity of the common stockholders of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) consolidated equity of the preference stockholders of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities.

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     “Trust Preferred Securities” means (i) the issued and outstanding preferred securities of Cleveland Electric Financing Trust I, JCP&L Capital L.P., Met-Ed Capital Trust and Pennsylvania Electric Capital Trust and (ii) any other securities, however denominated, (a) issued by the Borrower or any Consolidated Subsidiary of the Borrower, (b) that are not subject to mandatory redemption or the underlying securities, if any, of which are not subject to mandatory redemption, (c) that are perpetual or mature no less than 30 years from the date of issuance, (d) the indebtedness issued in connection with which, including any guaranty, is subordinate in right of payment to the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the issuer of such indebtedness or guaranty, and (e) the terms of which permit the deferral of the payment of interest or distributions thereon to a date occurring after the Termination Date.

     “2003 364-Day Credit Agreement” means the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2003, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, as administrative agent for such lenders.

     “Type” has the meaning assigned to that term in the definition of “Advance” when used in such context.

     “Unfunded Vested Liabilities” means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the amount (if any) by which (i) the present value of all vested nonforfeitable benefits under such Plan exceeds (ii) the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such excess represents a potential liability of a member of the Controlled Group to the PBGC or the Plan under Title IV of ERISA.

     “Unmatured Default” means any event that, with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

     SECTION 1.02. Computation of Time Periods.

     In this Agreement in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

     SECTION 1.03. Accounting Terms.

     All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP consistent with those applied in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) hereof.

     SECTION 1.04. Certain References.

     Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Agreement to articles, sections, paragraphs, clauses, schedules and exhibits are to the same contained in or attached to this Agreement.

ARTICLE II
AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES AND LETTERS OF CREDIT

     SECTION 2.01. The Advances.

     Each Lender severally agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make Advances to the Borrower in U.S. dollars only from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the date hereof until the Termination Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the Available Commitment of such Lender. Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and shall consist of Advances of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, having the same Interest Period made or Converted on the same day by the Lenders ratably according to their respective Commitments. Within the limits of each Lender’s Available Commitment and subject to the conditions set forth in Article III and the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may from time to time borrow, prepay pursuant to Section 2.11 and reborrow under this Section 2.01; provided, that in no case shall any Lender be required to make an Advance hereunder if (i) the amount of such Advance would exceed such Lender’s Available Commitment or (ii) the making of such Advance, together with the making of the other Advances constituting part of the same

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Borrowing, would cause the total amount of all Outstanding Credits to exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments.

     SECTION 2.02. Making the Advances.

     (a) Each Borrowing shall be made on notice, given (i) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, and (ii) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Alternate Base Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the date of the proposed Borrowing, by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, which shall give to each Lender prompt notice thereof. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “Notice of Borrowing”) by the Borrower shall be by telecopier or cable, in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, (B) Type of Advances to be made in connection with such Borrowing, (C) aggregate amount of such Borrowing, and (D) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances, the initial Interest Period for each such Advance, which Borrowing shall be subject to the limitations stated in the definition of “Interest Period” in Section 1.01. Each Lender shall, before 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date of such Borrowing, make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Administrative Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.02, in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion (according to the Lenders’ respective Commitments) of such Borrowing. After the Administrative Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, the Administrative Agent will make such funds available to the Borrower at the Administrative Agent’s aforesaid address.

     (b) Each Notice of Borrowing delivered by the Borrower shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Notice of Borrowing delivered by the Borrower requesting Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure by the Borrower to fulfill on or before the date specified in such Notice of Borrowing the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, including, without limitation, any loss (including loss of anticipated profits), cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund the Advance to be made by such Lender as part of such Borrowing when such Advance, as a result of such failure, is not made on such date.

     (c) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice via facsimile transmission from a Lender prior to (A) 5:00 p.m. (New York time) one Business Day prior to the date of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances or (B) 12:00 noon (New York time) on the date of a Borrowing comprising Base Rate Advances that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such portion available to the Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with subsection (a) of this Section 2.02 and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made such ratable portion available to the Administrative Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Advances made in connection with such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

     (d) The failure of any Lender to make the Advance to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Advance on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

     SECTION 2.03. Letters of Credit.

     (a) Agreement of Fronting Bank. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Fronting Bank agrees to issue and amend (including, without limitation, to extend or renew) for the account of the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (each such Person, an “Account Party”) one or more standby letters of credit (individually, a “Letter of Credit” and collectively, the “Letters of Credit”) from and including the date hereof to the Termination Date, up to a maximum aggregate Stated Amount at any one time outstanding equal to the L/C Commitment Amount minus Reimbursement Obligations outstanding at such time, each having an Expiration Date of no later than the

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earlier of (x) the Termination Date and (y) the date occurring 364 days after the Date of Issuance of such Letter of Credit; provided, however, that the Fronting Bank will not issue or amend a Letter of Credit if, immediately following such issuance or amendment, (i) the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit would (A) exceed the Available Commitments or (B) when aggregated with (1) the Stated Amounts of all other outstanding Letters of Credit and (2) the outstanding Reimbursement Obligations, exceed the L/C Commitment Amount, or (ii) the total amount of all Outstanding Credits would exceed the aggregate of the Commitments. Letters of Credit shall be denominated in U.S. dollars only.

     (b) Termination. The terms of each Letter of Credit shall permit unilateral termination of such Letter of Credit by the Fronting Bank on not less than 30 days’ notice to the Beneficiary thereof. The Fronting Bank shall not terminate any Letter of Credit, however, except upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, and then the Fronting Bank shall terminate such Letter of Credit if (i) instructed to do so by the Administrative Agent, acting with the consent of, or upon the request of, the Majority Lenders or (ii) the Borrower shall have failed to provide the cash collateral, if any, required in respect of outstanding undrawn Letters of Credit upon an Event of Default. Each Letter of Credit shall also provide that upon its receipt of notice of such unilateral early termination, the Beneficiary thereof shall be entitled to make a Drawing for the Stated Amount thereof prior to the effective date of such early termination.

     (c) Forms. Each Letter of Credit shall be in a form customarily used by the Fronting Bank or in such other form as has been approved by the Fronting Bank. At the time of issuance or amendment, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the amount and the terms and conditions of each Letter of Credit shall be subject to approval by the Fronting Bank and the Borrower.

     (d) Notice of Issuance; Application. The Borrower shall give the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent written notice (or telephonic notice confirmed in writing) at least one Business Day prior to the requested Date of Issuance of a Letter of Credit, such notice to be in substantially the form of Exhibit D hereto (a “Letter of Credit Request”). The Borrower shall also execute and deliver such customary letter of credit application forms as requested from time to time by the Fronting Bank. Such application forms shall indicate the identity of the Account Party and that the Borrower is the “Applicant” or shall otherwise indicate that the Borrower is the obligor in respect of any Letter of Credit to be issued thereunder. If the terms or conditions of the application forms conflict with any provision of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.

     (e) Issuance. Provided the Borrower has given the notice prescribed by Section 2.03(d) and subject to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the satisfaction of the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Article III, the Fronting Bank shall issue the requested Letter of Credit on the requested Date of Issuance as set forth in the applicable Letter of Credit Request for the benefit of the stipulated Beneficiary and shall deliver the original of such Letter of Credit to the Beneficiary at the address specified in the notice. At the request of the Borrower, the Fronting Bank shall deliver a copy of each Letter of Credit to the Borrower within a reasonable time after the Date of Issuance thereof. Upon the request of the Borrower, the Fronting Bank shall deliver to the Borrower a copy of any Letter of Credit proposed to be issued hereunder prior to the issuance thereof.

     (f) Notice of Drawing. The Fronting Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower by telephone, facsimile or other telecommunication of any Drawing under a Letter of Credit.

     (g) Payments. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank, in the manner provided in subsection (h) below:

     (i) on each Payment Date, an amount equal to the amount paid by the Fronting Bank under any Letter of Credit; and

     (ii) if any Drawing shall be reimbursed to the Fronting Bank after 12:00 noon (New York time) on the Payment Date, interest on any and all amounts required to be paid pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (g) from and after the due date thereof until payment in full, payable on demand, at an annual rate of interest equal to 2.00% above Citibank’s “base rate” as in effect from time to time.

     (h) Method of Reimbursement. The Borrower shall reimburse the Fronting Bank for each Drawing under any Letter of Credit pursuant to subsection (g) above in the following manner:

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     (i) the Borrower shall immediately reimburse the Fronting Bank in the manner described in Section 2.14; or

     (ii) if (A) the Borrower has not reimbursed the Fronting Bank pursuant to clause (i) above, (B) the applicable conditions to Borrowing set forth in Articles II and III have been fulfilled, and (C) the Available Commitments in effect at such time exceed the amount of the Drawing to be reimbursed, the Borrower may reimburse the Fronting Bank for such Drawing with the proceeds of an Alternate Base Rate Advance or, if the conditions specified in the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C) have been satisfied and a Notice of Borrowing requesting a Eurodollar Rate Advance has been given in accordance with Section 2.02 three Business Days prior to the relevant Payment Date, with the proceeds of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

     (i) Nature of Fronting Bank’s Duties. In determining whether to honor any Drawing under any Letter of Credit, the Fronting Bank shall be responsible only to determine that the documents and certificates required to be delivered under that Letter of Credit have been delivered and that they comply on their face with the requirements of that Letter of Credit. The Borrower otherwise assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit issued by the Fronting Bank by, the respective Beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, but consistent with applicable law, the Fronting Bank shall not be responsible, absent gross negligence or willful misconduct, (i) for the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effects of any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for and issuance of any drawing honored under a Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any such Letter of Credit, or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) for errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex, facsimile or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (iv) for errors in interpretation of technical terms; (v) for any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit, or the proceeds thereof; (vi) for the misapplication by the Beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds of any drawing honored under such Letter of Credit; and (vii) for any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of the Fronting Bank. None of the above shall affect, impair or prevent the vesting of any of the Fronting Bank’s rights or powers hereunder. Not in limitation of the foregoing, any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Fronting Bank under or in connection with any Letter of Credit shall not create against the Fronting Bank any liability to the Borrower or any Lender, except for actions or omissions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Fronting Bank or any of its agents or representatives.

     (j) Obligations of Borrower Absolute. The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Fronting Bank for Drawings honored under the Letters of Credit issued by it shall be unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances including, without limitation, the following circumstances:

     (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit;

     (ii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right that the Borrower, any Account Party or any Affiliate of the Borrower or any Account Party may have at any time against a Beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Persons or entities for whom any such Beneficiary or transferee may be acting), the Fronting Bank or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction;

     (iii) any draft, demand, certificate or any other documents presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

     (iv) the surrender or impairment of any security for the performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the Loan Documents;

     (v) any non-application or misapplication by the Beneficiary of the proceeds of any Drawing under a Letter of Credit; or

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     (vi) the fact that an Event of Default, or event that would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both, shall have occurred and be continuing.

     No payment made under this Section shall be deemed to be a waiver of any claim the Borrower may have against the Fronting Bank or any other Person.

     (k) Participations by Lenders. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit and without any further action on the part of the Fronting Bank or any Lender in respect thereof, the Fronting Bank shall hereby be deemed to have granted to each Lender, and each Lender shall hereby be deemed to have acquired from the Fronting Bank, an undivided interest and participation in such Letter of Credit (including any letter of credit issued by the Fronting Bank in substitution or exchange for such Letter of Credit pursuant to the terms thereof) equal to such Lender’s Percentage of the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit, effective upon the issuance of such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank, in accordance with this subsection (k), such Lender’s Percentage of each payment made by the Fronting Bank in respect of an unreimbursed Drawing under a Letter of Credit. The Fronting Bank shall notify the Administrative Agent of the amount of such unreimbursed Drawing honored by it not later than (x) 12:00 noon (New York time) on the date of payment of a draft under a Letter of Credit, if such payment is made at or prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such day, and (y) the close of business (New York time) on the date of payment of a draft under a Letter of Credit, if such payment is made after 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such day, and the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the date and amount of such unreimbursed Drawing under such Letter of Credit honored by the Fronting Bank and the amount of such Lender’s Percentage therein no later than (1) 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on such day, if such payment is made at or prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such day, and (2) 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the next following Business Day, if such payment is made after 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such day. Not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date of receipt of a notice of an unreimbursed Drawing by a Lender, such Lender agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank an amount equal to the product of (A) such Lender’s Percentage and (B) the amount of the payment made by the Fronting Bank in respect of such unreimbursed Drawing.

     If payment of the amount due pursuant to the preceding sentence from a Lender is received by the Fronting Bank after the close of business on the date it is due, such Lender agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank, in addition to (and along with) its payment of the amount due pursuant to the preceding sentence, interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to (i) for the period from and including the date such payment is due to but excluding the second succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate, and (ii) for the period from and including the second Business Day succeeding the date such payment is due to but excluding the date on which such amount is paid in full, the Federal Funds Rate plus 2.00%.

     (l) Obligations of Lenders Absolute. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that (i) its obligation to acquire a participation in the Fronting Bank’s liability in respect of the Letters of Credit and (ii) its obligation to make the payments specified herein, and the right of the Fronting Bank to receive the same, in the manner specified herein, are absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances whatsoever, including, without limitation, (A) the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default or Unmatured Default; (B) any other breach or default by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder; (C) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or any Loan Document; (D) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right that the Lender may have at any time against the Borrower, any other Account Party, any Beneficiary, the Fronting Bank or any other Lender; (E) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right that the Borrower may have at any time against any Beneficiary, the Fronting Bank, the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement or any other documents contemplated hereby or any unrelated transactions; (F) any amendment or waiver of, or consent to any departure from, all or any of the Letters of Credit or this Agreement; (G) any statement or any document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; (H) payment by the Fronting Bank under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, so long as such payment is not the consequence of the Fronting Bank’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in determining whether documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof; (I) the occurrence of the Termination Date; or (J) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing. Nothing herein shall prevent the assertion by any Lender of a claim by separate suit or compulsory counterclaim, nor shall any payment made by a Lender under Section 2.03 hereof be deemed to be a waiver of any claim that a Lender may have against the Fronting Bank or any other Person.

     (m) Proceeds of Reimbursements. Upon receipt of a payment from the Borrower pursuant to subsection (g) hereof, the Fronting Bank shall promptly transfer to each Lender such Lender’s pro rata share (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage) of such payment based on such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as

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aforesaid) of amounts previously paid pursuant to subsection (k), above, and not previously transferred by the Fronting Bank pursuant to this subsection (m); provided, however, that if a Lender shall fail to pay to the Fronting Bank any amount required by subsection (k) above by the close of business on the Business Day following the date on which such payment was due from such Lender, and the Borrower shall not have reimbursed the Fronting Bank for such amount pursuant to subsection (g) hereof (such unreimbursed amount being hereinafter referred to as a “Transferred Amount”), the Fronting Bank shall be deemed to have purchased, on such following Business Day (a “Participation Transfer Date”) from such Lender (a “Defaulting Lender”), a participation in such Transferred Amount and shall be entitled, for the period from and including the Participation Transfer Date to the earlier of (i) the date on which the Borrower shall have reimbursed the Fronting Bank for such Transferred Amount and (ii) the date on which such Lender shall have reimbursed the Fronting Bank for such Transferred Amount (the “Participation Transfer Period”), to the rights, privileges and obligations of a “Lender” under this Agreement with respect to such Transferred Amount, and such Defaulting Lender shall not be deemed to be a Lender hereunder, and shall not have any rights or interests of a Lender hereunder, with respect to such Transferred Amount, and its Percentage shall be reduced accordingly with the amount by which such Percentage is reduced deemed held by the Fronting Bank during the Participation Transfer Period; and provided further, however, that if, at any time after the occurrence of a Participation Transfer Date with respect to any Lender and prior to the reimbursement by such Lender of the Fronting Bank with respect to the related Transferred Amount pursuant to subsection (k) above, the Fronting Bank shall receive any payment from the Borrower pursuant to subsection (g) hereof, the Fronting Bank shall not be obligated to pay any amounts to such Lender, and the Fronting Bank shall retain such amounts (including, without limitation, interest payments due from the Borrower pursuant to subsection (g) hereof) for its own account as a Lender, provided that all such amounts shall be applied in satisfaction of the unpaid amounts (including, without limitation, interest payments due from such Lender pursuant to subsection (k), above) due from such Lender with respect to such Transferred Amount.

     If at any time after the occurrence of a Participation Transfer Date with respect to any Lender, the Administrative Agent shall receive any payment from the Borrower for the account of such Lender pursuant to this Agreement, if at the time of receipt of such amounts by the Administrative Agent such Lender shall not have reimbursed the Fronting Bank with respect to the related Transferred Amount pursuant to subsection (k) above, the Administrative Agent shall not pay any such amounts to such Lender but shall pay all such amounts to the Fronting Bank and the Fronting Bank shall retain such amounts for its own account as a Lender and apply such amounts in satisfaction of the unpaid amounts (including, without limitation, interest payments due from such Lender pursuant to subsection (k) above) due from such Lender with respect to such Transferred Amount.

     All payments due to the Lenders from the Fronting Bank pursuant to this subsection (m) shall be made to the Lenders if, as, and, to the extent possible, when the Fronting Bank receives payments in respect of Drawings under the Letters of Credit pursuant to subsection (g) hereof, and in the same funds in which such amounts are received; provided that if any Lender to whom the Fronting Bank is required to transfer any such payment (or any portion thereof) pursuant to this subsection (m) does not receive such payment (or portion thereof) prior to (i) the close of business on the Business Day on which the Fronting Bank received such payment from the Borrower, if the Fronting Bank received such payment prior to 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on such day, or (ii) 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Business Day next succeeding the Business Day on which the Fronting Bank received such payment from the Borrower, if the Fronting Bank received such payment after 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on such day, the Fronting Bank agrees to pay to such Lender, along with its payment of the portion of such payment due to such Lender, interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to (1) for the period from and including the Business Day when such payment was required to be made to the Lenders to but excluding the second succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate and (ii) for the period from and including the second Business Day succeeding the Business Day when such payment was required to be made to the Lenders to but excluding the date on which such amount is paid in full, the Federal Funds Rate plus 2.00%. The provisions of this subsection (m) shall not affect or impair any of the obligations under this Agreement of any Defaulting Lender to the Fronting Bank, all of which shall remain unaffected by any default in payment by the Fronting Bank to such Defaulting Lender.

     If, in connection with any case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Borrower or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or if for any other reason whatsoever, the Fronting Bank shall be required to return to the Borrower or to a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official all or any portion of any payments to the Lenders pursuant to this subsection (m) or interest thereon (a “Returned Payment”), each Lender shall, upon demand of the Fronting Bank, forthwith return to the Fronting Bank any amounts transferred to such Lender by the Fronting Bank in respect thereof pursuant to this subsection (m) plus such Lender’s pro rata share (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage) of interest (if any) that the Fronting Bank is required to pay to such trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to any Returned Payment.

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     (n) Concerning the Fronting Bank. The Fronting Bank will exercise and give the same care and attention to the Letters of Credit as it gives to its other letters of credit and similar obligations, and each Lender agrees that the Fronting Bank’s sole liability to each Lender shall be (i) to distribute promptly, as and when received by the Fronting Bank, and in accordance with the provisions of subsection (m) above, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage) of any payments to the Fronting Bank by the Borrower pursuant to subsection (g) above in respect of Drawings under the Letters of Credit, (ii) to exercise or refrain from exercising any right or to take or to refrain from taking any action under this Agreement or any Letter of Credit as may be directed in writing by the Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, all of the Lenders) or the Administrative Agent acting at the direction and on behalf of the Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, all of the Lenders), except to the extent required by the terms hereof or thereof or by applicable law, and (iii) as otherwise expressly set forth in this Section 2.03. The Fronting Bank shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted at the request or with approval of the Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, all of the Lenders) or of the Administrative Agent acting on behalf of the Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, all of the Lenders) or for the nonperformance of the obligations of any other party under this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other document contemplated hereby or thereby. Without in any way limiting any of the foregoing, the Fronting Bank may rely upon the advice of counsel concerning legal matters and upon any written communication or any telephone conversation that it believes to be genuine or to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person and shall not be required to make any inquiry concerning the performance by the Borrower, any Beneficiary or any other Person of any of their respective obligations and liabilities under or in respect of this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other documents contemplated hereby or thereby. The Fronting Bank shall not have any obligation to make any claim, or assert any Lien, upon any property held by the Fronting Bank or assert any offset thereagainst in satisfaction of all or any part of the obligations of the Borrower hereunder; provided that the Fronting Bank shall, if so directed by the Majority Lenders or the Administrative Agent acting on behalf of and with the consent of the Majority Lenders, have an obligation to make a claim, or assert a Lien, upon property held by the Fronting Bank in connection with this Agreement, or assert an offset thereagainst.

     The Fronting Bank may accept deposits from, make loans or otherwise extend credit to, and generally engage in any kind of banking or trust business with the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, or any other Person, and receive payment on such loans or extensions of credit and otherwise act with respect thereto freely and without accountability in the same manner as if it were not the Fronting Bank hereunder.

     The Fronting Bank makes no representation or warranty and shall have no responsibility with respect to: (i) the genuineness, legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or any other documents contemplated hereby; (ii) the truthfulness, accuracy or performance of any of the representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement or any other documents contemplated hereby; (iii) the collectibility of any amounts due under this Agreement; (iv) the financial condition of the Borrower or any other Person; or (v) any act or omission of any Beneficiary with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit or the proceeds of any Drawing under any Letter of Credit.

     (o) Indemnification of Fronting Bank by Lenders. To the extent that the Fronting Bank is not reimbursed and indemnified by the Borrower under Section 8.05 hereof, each Lender agrees to reimburse and indemnify the Fronting Bank on demand, pro rata in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage, for and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Fronting Bank, in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other document contemplated hereby or thereby, or any action taken or omitted by the Fronting Bank under or in connection with this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other document contemplated hereby or thereby; provided, however, that such Lender shall not be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Fronting Bank’s gross negligence or willful misconduct; and provided further, however, that such Lender shall not be liable to the Fronting Bank or any other Lender for the failure of the Borrower to reimburse the Fronting Bank for any drawing made under a Letter of Credit with respect to which such Lender has paid the Fronting Bank such Lender’s pro rata share (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage), or for the Borrower’s failure to pay interest thereon. Each Lender’s obligations under this subsection (o) shall survive the payment in full of all amounts payable by such Lender under subsection (k) above, and the termination of this Agreement and the Letters of Credit. Nothing in this subsection (o) is intended to limit any Lender’s reimbursement obligation contained in subsection (k) above.

     (p) Representations of Lenders. As between the Fronting Bank and the Lenders, by its execution and delivery of this Agreement each Lender hereby represents and warrants solely to the Fronting Bank that (i) it is duly

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organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, and has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations to the Fronting Bank under this Agreement; and (ii) this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bank organization, moratorium, conservatorship or other laws now or hereafter in effect affecting the enforcement of creditors rights in general and the rights of creditors of banks, and except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

     (q) Multiple Fronting Banks. If there shall be more than one Fronting Bank holding Outstanding Credits at any time hereunder, each such Fronting Bank shall, with respect to the Letters of Credit issued by it and the Reimbursement Obligations owing to it, be regarded hereunder as the “Fronting Bank” and shall have all the rights, interests, protections and obligations of the “Fronting Bank” hereunder with respect to such Letters of Credit and Reimbursement Obligations and all matters relating thereto. Whenever any action may be, or is required to be, taken by the Fronting Bank hereunder, each Fronting Bank may, or shall, take such action only in respect of the Letters of Credit issued by it and the Reimbursement Obligations owing to it. Whenever the consent of the Fronting Bank is required hereunder with respect to any proposed action, the consent of each Fronting Bank holding Outstanding Credits shall be required for such proposed action to be taken. Any notice to be provided to the Fronting Bank shall be provided to each Fronting Bank holding Outstanding Credits, and each such Fronting Bank shall have the right to request any information, and take any other action, as the Fronting Bank is permitted to do hereunder. If at any time no Letters of Credit and no Reimbursement Obligations are outstanding, then CUSA, in its capacity as a Fronting Bank, shall have the sole right and/or obligation to take any action or issue any consent that the Fronting Banks may, or are required to, take or issue hereunder. The protections accorded the Fronting Bank hereunder shall inure to the benefit of each Fronting Bank holding Outstanding Credits from time to time hereunder, regardless of whether the same are outstanding at the time the benefits of such protections are asserted.

     SECTION 2.04. Fees.

     (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a facility fee on the amount of such Lender’s Commitment (whether used or unused) from the date hereof in the case of each Bank and from the effective date specified in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender in the case of each other Lender until the Termination Date, payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December during such period, and on the Termination Date, at the rate per annum set forth below determined by reference to the Reference Ratings from time to time in effect:

                                                                 
 
                                                          LEVEL 6    
                  LEVEL 2                 LEVEL 4                 Reference Ratings    
        LEVEL 1       Reference Ratings                 Reference Ratings                 lower than BB+ by    
        Reference Ratings       lower than Level 1       LEVEL 3       lower than Level 2       LEVEL 5       S&P and Ba1 by    
        at least BBB+ by       but at least BBB by       Reference Ratings       but at least BBB-       Reference Ratings       Moody’s or no    
        S&P or Baa1 by       S&P or Baa2 by       of BBB- by S&P and       by S&P or Baa3 by       of BB+ by S&P and       Reference Ratings    
  BASIS FOR PRICING     Moody’s.       Moody’s.       Baa3 by Moody’s.       Moody’s.       Ba1 by Moody’s.       exist.    
 
Facility Fee
      0.150 %       0.175 %       0.200 %       0.300 %       0.450 %       0.600 %  
 

For purposes of the foregoing, if (i) there is a difference of one level in Reference Ratings of S&P and Moody’s and the higher of such Reference Ratings falls in Level 1, Level 2 or Level 4, then the higher Reference Rating will be used to determine the Facility Fee, (ii) there is a difference of more than one level in Reference Ratings of S&P and Moody’s, the Reference Rating that is one level above the lower of such Reference Ratings will be used to determine the Facility Fee, unless the lower of such Reference Ratings falls in Level 6, in which case the lower of such Reference Ratings will be used to determine the Facility Fee. If there exists only one Reference Rating, such Reference Rating will be used to determine the Facility Fee.

     (b) The Borrower agrees to pay the Administrative Agent, for its own account, certain fees in such amounts and payable on such terms as set forth in the Fee Letter.

     (c) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Lenders, a fee in an amount equal to the then Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances multiplied by the Stated Amount of each Letter of

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Credit, in each case for the number of days that such Letter of Credit is issued but undrawn, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December and on the Termination Date.

     (d) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank, for its own account, certain fees in such amounts and payable on such terms as set forth in the Fronting Bank Fee Letter.

     SECTION 2.05. Termination or Reduction of the Commitments.

     The Borrower shall have the right, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Administrative Agent, to terminate in whole or, upon same day notice, from time to time to permanently reduce ratably in part the unused portions of the respective Commitments of the Lenders; provided that each partial reduction shall be in the aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or in an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; provided, further, that the Commitments may not be reduced to an amount that is less than the aggregate Stated Amount of outstanding Letters of Credit. Subject to the foregoing, any reduction of the Commitments to an amount below $250,000,000 shall result in a reduction of the L/C Commitment Amount to the extent of such deficit. Each such notice of termination or reduction shall be irrevocable.

     SECTION 2.06. Repayment of Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to repay the principal amount of each Advance made by each Lender on the Termination Date.

     SECTION 2.07. Interest on Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance made by each Lender from the date of such Advance until such principal amount shall be paid in full, at the following rates per annum:

     (a) Alternate Base Rate Advances. If such Advance is an Alternate Base Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the Alternate Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for such Alternate Base Rate Advance in effect from time to time, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, on the Termination Date and on the date such Alternate Base Rate Advance shall be Converted or be paid in full and as provided in Section 2.11;

     (b) Eurodollar Rate Advances. If such Advance is a Eurodollar Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times during the Interest Period for such Advance to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin for such Eurodollar Rate Advance in effect from time to time, payable on the last day of each Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advance (and, in the case of any Interest Period of six months, on the last day of the third month of such Interest Period), on the Termination Date and on the date such Eurodollar Rate Advance shall be Converted or be paid in full and as provided in Section 2.11;

provided, however, that if and for so long as an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing the unpaid principal amount of each Advance shall (to the fullest extent permitted by law) bear interest until paid in full at a rate per annum equal at all times to a rate equal to 2% above the rate then applicable to such Advance or, if higher, the Alternate Base Rate plus 2% per annum, payable upon demand.

     SECTION 2.08. Additional Interest on Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to pay to each Lender, so long as such Lender shall be required under regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Advance of such Lender, from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for such Advance from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing such Eurodollar Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage of such Lender for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Advance; provided, that no Lender shall be entitled to demand additional interest under this Section 2.08 more than 90 days following the last day of the Interest Period in respect of which such demand is made; provided further, however, that the foregoing proviso shall in no way limit the right of any Lender to demand or receive such additional interest to the extent that such additional interest relates to the retroactive

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application by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of any regulation described above if such demand is made within 90 days after the implementation of such retroactive regulation. Such additional interest shall be determined by such Lender and notified to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     SECTION 2.09. Interest Rate Determination.

     (a) Each Reference Bank agrees to furnish to the Administrative Agent timely information for the purpose of determining each Eurodollar Rate. If any one or more of the Reference Banks shall not furnish such timely information to the Administrative Agent for the purpose of determining any such interest rate, the Administrative Agent shall determine such interest rate on the basis of timely information furnished by the remaining Reference Banks. If any Reference Bank shall no longer be a Lender hereunder, shall no longer wish to serve as a Reference Bank hereunder or shall fail to perform hereunder, the Administrative Agent, upon consultation with the Borrower, may appoint another Lender to serve as a successor or replacement Reference Bank hereunder.

     (b) The Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower and the Lenders of the applicable interest rate determined by the Administrative Agent for purposes of Section 2.07(a) or (b) including the applicable rate, if any, furnished by each Reference Bank for the purpose of determining the applicable interest rate under Section 2.07(b).

     (c) If fewer than two Reference Banks furnish timely information to the Administrative Agent for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any Eurodollar Rate Advances,

     (i) the Administrative Agent shall forthwith notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the interest rate cannot be determined for such Eurodollar Rate Advances,

     (ii) each such Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into an Alternate Base Rate Advance (or if such Advance is then an Alternate Base Rate Advance, will continue as an Alternate Base Rate Advance), and

     (iii) the obligation of the Lenders to make or to Convert Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

     (d) If, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Majority Lenders notify the Administrative Agent that the Eurodollar Rate for any Interest Period for such Advances will not adequately reflect the cost to such Majority Lenders of making or funding their respective Eurodollar Rate Advances for such Interest Period, the Administrative Agent shall forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, whereupon

     (i) each Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into an Alternate Base Rate Advance, and

     (ii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

     SECTION 2.10. Conversion of Advances.

     (a) Voluntary. The Borrower may on any Business Day, upon notice given to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of any proposed Conversion into Eurodollar Rate Advances, and on the date of any proposed Conversion into Alternate Base Rate Advances, and subject to the provisions of Sections 2.09 and 2.13, Convert all Advances of one Type made to the Borrower in connection with the same Borrowing into Advances of another Type or Types or Advances of the same Type having the same or a new Interest Period; provided, however, that any Conversion of, or with respect to, any Eurodollar Rate Advances into Advances of another Type or Advances of the same Type having the same or new Interest Periods shall be made on, and only on, the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advances, unless the

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Borrower shall also reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.05(b) on the date of such Conversion. Each such notice of a Conversion shall, within the restrictions specified above, specify (i) the date of such Conversion, (ii) the Advances to be Converted, and (iii) if such Conversion is into, or with respect to, Eurodollar Rate Advances, the duration of the Interest Period for each such Advance.

     (b) Mandatory. If the Borrower shall fail to select the Type of any Advance or the duration of any Interest Period for any Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances in accordance with the provisions contained in the definition of “Interest Period” in Section 1.01 and Section 2.10(a), or if any proposed Conversion of a Borrowing that is to comprise Eurodollar Rate Advances upon Conversion shall not occur as a result of the circumstances described in paragraph (c) below, the Administrative Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, and such Advances will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into Alternate Base Rate Advances.

     (c) Failure to Convert. Each notice of Conversion given pursuant to subsection (a) above shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Borrowing that is to comprise Eurodollar Rate Advances upon Conversion, the Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure to fulfill on the date specified for such Conversion the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund such Eurodollar Rate Advances upon such Conversion, when such Conversion, as a result of such failure, does not occur. The Borrower’s obligations under this subsection (c) shall survive the repayment of all other amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments.

     SECTION 2.11. Prepayments.

     (a) Optional. The Borrower may at any time prepay the outstanding principal amounts of the Advances made as part of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part, together with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid, upon notice thereof given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) (i) on the date of any such prepayment in the case of Alternate Base Rate Advances and (ii) on the second Business Day prior to any such prepayment in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances; provided, however, that (x) each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an aggregate principal amount not less than $5,000,000 and (y) in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Advance, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.05(b) on the date of such prepayment.

     (b) Mandatory. If and to the extent that the Outstanding Credits on any date hereunder shall exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments hereunder on such date, the Borrower agrees to (i) prepay on such date a principal amount of Advances and/or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent an amount in immediately available funds (which funds shall be held as collateral pursuant to arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) equal to all or a portion of the amount available for drawing under the Letters of Credit outstanding at such time, which prepayment under clause (i) and payment under clause (ii) shall, when taken together result in the amount of Outstanding Credits minus the amount paid to the Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (ii) being less than or equal to the aggregate amount of the Commitments hereunder on such date. Any prepayment of Advances shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount prepaid to the date of such prepayment and, in the case of any such prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.05(b) on the date of such prepayment.

     SECTION 2.12. Increased Costs.

     (a) If, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change (other than any change by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements included in the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage) in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation, in each case, after the date hereof, or (ii) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) issued, promulgated or made, as the case may be, after the date hereof, there shall be any increase in the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Advances or any increase in the cost to the Fronting Bank or any Lender of issuing, maintaining or participating in Letters of Credit, then the Borrower shall from time to time, upon demand by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) for such

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increased cost. A certificate as to the amount of such increased cost and the basis therefor, submitted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be), shall constitute such demand and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     (b) If any Lender or the Fronting Bank determines that compliance with any law or regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), issued, promulgated or made (as the case may be) after the date hereof, affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) or any corporation controlling such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) and that the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of (i) such Lender’s commitment to lend or participate in Letters of Credit hereunder and other commitments of this type or (ii) the Advances made by such Lender or (iii) the participations in Letters of Credit acquired by such Lender or (iv) in the case of the Fronting Bank, the Fronting Bank’s commitment to issue, maintain and honor drawings under Letters of Credit hereunder, or (v) the honoring of Letters of Credit by the Fronting Bank hereunder, then, upon demand by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be), from time to time as specified by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be), additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender, the Fronting Bank or such corporation in the light of such circumstances, to the extent that such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) determines such increase in capital to be allocable to (i) in the case of such Lender, the existence of such Lender’s commitment to lend hereunder or the Advances made by such Lender or (ii) the participations in Letters of Credit acquired by such Lender or (iii) in the case of the Fronting Bank, the Fronting Bank’s Commitment to issue, maintain and honor drawings under Letters of Credit hereunder, or (iv) the honoring of Letters of Credit by the Fronting Bank hereunder. A certificate as to such amounts submitted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall constitute such demand and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     SECTION 2.13. Illegality.

     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent that the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its Eurodollar Lending Office to perform its obligations hereunder to make Eurodollar Rate Advances or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances hereunder, (i) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist and (ii) the Borrower shall forthwith prepay in full all Eurodollar Rate Advances of all Lenders then outstanding, together with interest accrued thereon, unless (A) the Borrower, within five Business Days of notice from the Administrative Agent, Converts all Eurodollar Rate Advances of all Lenders then outstanding into Advances of another Type in accordance with Section 2.10 or (B) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the circumstances causing such prepayment no longer exist. Any Lender that becomes aware of circumstances that would permit such Lender to notify the Administrative Agent of any illegality under this Section 2.13 shall use its best efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such change would avoid or eliminate such illegality and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

     SECTION 2.14. Payments and Computations.

     (a) The Borrower shall make each payment hereunder and under any Note not later than 12:00 noon (New York time) on the day when due in U.S. dollars to the Administrative Agent or, with respect to payments made in respect of Reimbursement Obligations, to the Fronting Bank, at its address referred to in Section 8.02 in same day funds, and any such payment to the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall constitute payment by the Borrower hereunder or under any Note, as the case may be, for all purposes, and upon such payment the Lenders shall look solely to the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) for their respective interests in such payment. The Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) will promptly after any such payment cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or facility fees or Reimbursement Obligations ratably (other than amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.02(c), 2.04, 2.08, 2.10(c), 2.12, 2.15 or 8.05(b)) (according to the Lenders’ respective Commitments) to the Lenders for the account of their respective Applicable Lending Offices, and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon its acceptance of an Assignment and Acceptance and recording

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of the information contained therein in the Register pursuant to Section 8.08(d), from and after the effective date specified in such Assignment and Acceptance, the Administrative Agent and the Fronting Bank shall make all payments hereunder and under any Note in respect of the interest assigned thereby to the Lender assignee thereunder, and the parties to such Assignment and Acceptance shall make all appropriate adjustments in such payments for periods prior to such effective date directly between themselves.

     (b) The Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender and the Fronting Bank, if and to the extent payment owed to such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) is not made by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) when due hereunder or under any Note held by such Lender, to charge from time to time against any or all of the Borrower’s accounts (other than any payroll account maintained by the Borrower with such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) if and to the extent that such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall have expressly waived its set-off rights in writing in respect of such payroll account) with such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) any amount so due.

     (c) All computations of interest based on the Alternate Base Rate (based upon Citibank’s base rate) shall be made by the Administrative Agent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and all computations of facility fees and of interest based on the Alternate Base Rate (based upon the Federal Funds Rate), the Eurodollar Rate or the Federal Funds Rate shall be made by the Administrative Agent, and all computations of interest pursuant to Section 2.08 shall be made by a Lender, on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such facility fees or interest are payable. Each determination by the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of Section 2.08, by a Lender) of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     (d) Whenever any payment hereunder or under any Note shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or facility fees, as the case may be; provided, however, if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Advances to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the next preceding Business Day.

     (e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent on such date and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent, each Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such amount to the Administrative Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

     (f) Except as provided otherwise in Section 2.07, any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder or under any Note that is not paid when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) shall (to the fullest extent permitted by law) bear interest from the date when due until paid in full at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Alternate Base Rate plus 2% per annum, payable upon demand.

     SECTION 2.15. Taxes.

     (a) Any and all payments by the Borrower hereunder and under any Note shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.14, free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding, in the case of each Lender, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent, such taxes, levies, imposts, deductions and charges in the nature of franchise taxes or taxes measured by the gross receipts or net income of any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent by any jurisdiction in which such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) is organized, located or conducts business or any political subdivision thereof and, in the case of each Lender, by the jurisdiction of such Lender’s Applicable Lending Office or any political subdivision thereof (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being herein referred to as “Taxes”). If the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any Note to any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.15) such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent (as the

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case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with Applicable Law.

     (b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies that arise from any payment made hereunder or under any Note or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any Note (herein referred to as “Other Taxes”).

     (c) The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2.15) paid by such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. This indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor.

     (d) Prior to the date of the initial Borrowing in the case of each Bank, and on the date of the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender in the case of each other Lender, and from time to time thereafter if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, each Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States shall provide the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the Borrower with the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying that such Lender is exempt from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to such Lender hereunder and under any Note. If for any reason during the term of this Agreement, any Lender becomes unable to submit the forms referred to above or the information or representations contained therein are no longer accurate in any material respect, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the Borrower in writing to that effect. Unless the Borrower, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent have received forms or other documents satisfactory to them indicating that payments hereunder or under any Note are not subject to United States withholding tax, the Borrower, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent shall withhold taxes from such payments at the applicable statutory rate in the case of payments to or for any Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.

     (e) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.15 shall use its best efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such a change would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, any such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

     (f) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in this Section 2.15 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest hereunder and under any Note.

     SECTION 2.16. Sharing of Payments, Etc.

     If any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set-off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances made by it or participations in Letters of Credit acquired by it (other than pursuant to Section 2.02(c), 2.08, 2.10(c), 2.12, 2.15 or 8.05(b)) in excess of its ratable share of payments on account of the Advances or Letters of Credit (as the case may be) obtained by all the Lenders, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Advances made by them or participations in Letters of Credit acquired by them (as the case may be) as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such recovery together with an amount equal to such Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (a) the amount of such Lender’s required repayment to (b) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.16 may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set-off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

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     SECTION 2.17. Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness.

     (a) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Advance made by such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

     (b) The Administrative Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Advance made hereunder, the Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) with respect thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder, and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof.

     (c) The entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) above shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations therein recorded; provided, however, that the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such obligations in accordance with their terms.

     (d) Any Lender may request that its Advances be evidenced by a Note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a Note payable to the order of such Lender. Thereafter, the Advances evidenced by such Note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after any assignment pursuant to Section 8.08) be represented by one or more Notes payable to the order of the payee named therein or any assignee pursuant to Section 8.08, except to the extent that any such Lender or assignee subsequently returns any such Note for cancellation and requests that such Borrowings once again be evidenced as described in subsections (a) and (b) above.

ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS OF LENDING AND ISSUING LETTERS OF CREDIT

     SECTION 3.01. Conditions Precedent to Initial Extension of Credit.

     The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Advance, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue its initial Letter of Credit, are subject to the conditions precedent that on or before the date of any such Extension of Credit:

     (a) The Administrative Agent shall have received the following, each dated the same date (except for the financial statements and information referred to in paragraphs (iv) and (v) below), in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (except for any Note) with one copy for the Fronting Bank and each Lender:

     (i) Any Note requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.17(d), duly completed and executed by the Borrower and payable to the order of each such Lender;

     (ii) Certified copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party and of all documents evidencing any other necessary corporate action with respect to this Agreement and such Loan Documents;

     (iii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying (A) the names and true signatures of the officers of the Borrower authorized to sign each Loan Document to which the Borrower is, or is to become, a party and the other documents to be delivered hereunder; (B) that attached thereto are true and correct copies of the charter and the Code of Regulations of the Borrower, in each case as in effect on such date; and (C) that attached thereto are true and correct copies of all governmental and regulatory authorizations and approvals (including the SEC Order) required for the due execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower is, or is to become, a party;

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     (iv) Copies of the consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2004 and related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the three-month period then ended, in all cases as amended and restated to the date of delivery;

     (v) An opinion of Gary D. Benz, Esq., counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit E hereto;

     (vi) An opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP, special counsel for the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit F hereto;

     (vii) A favorable opinion of King & Spalding LLP, special New York counsel for the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit G hereto; and

     (viii) Such other certifications, opinions, financial or other information, approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any Lender may reasonably request, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender (as the case may be).

     (b) The Borrower and the Fronting Bank shall have entered into an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Fronting Bank, concerning fees payable by the Borrower to the Fronting Bank for its own account (the “Fronting Bank Fee Letter”).

     (c) The Borrower shall have paid all of the fees payable in accordance with the Fee Letter, and the Borrower shall have paid all the fees payable in accordance with the Fronting Bank Fee Letter.

     (d) All amounts outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreements, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall have been paid in full, and all commitments to lend thereunder shall have been terminated.

     SECTION 3.02. Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit.

     The obligation of each Lender to make an Advance as part of any Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would increase the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue, amend, extend or renew a Letter of Credit (including the initial Letter of Credit), shall be subject to the further conditions precedent that on the date of such Extension of Credit:

     (i) The following statements shall be true (and each of the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing (in the case of a Borrowing) or Letter of Credit Request (in the case of the issuance of a Letter of Credit) and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Borrowing or the acceptance of a Letter of Credit by the Beneficiary thereof, as the case may be, shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that on the date of such Extension of Credit such statements are true):

          (A) The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 hereof are true and correct on and as of the date of such Extension of Credit, before and after giving effect to such Extension of Credit and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made on and as of such date;

          (B) No event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Extension of Credit or from the application of the proceeds therefrom, that constitutes an Event of Default or would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

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          (C) Immediately following such Extension of Credit, (1) the aggregate amount of Outstanding Credits shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments then in effect, (2) the Outstanding Credits of any Lender shall not exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment and (3) if such Extension of Credit is the issuance of a Letter of Credit, the Stated Amount thereof, when aggregated with (x) the Stated Amount of each other Letter of Credit that is outstanding or with respect to which a Letter of Credit Request has been received and (y) the outstanding Reimbursement Obligations, would not exceed the L/C Commitment Amount; and

     (ii) The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of such other approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request.

     SECTION 3.03. Conditions Precedent to Conversions.

     The obligation of each Lender to Convert any Borrowing is subject to the conditions precedent that on the date of such Conversion:

     (a) The following statements shall be true (and the giving of the notice of Conversion pursuant to Section 2.10 shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that on the date of such Conversion such statements are true):

     (i) The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 (other than subsections (f) and (g) thereof) are correct on and as of the date of such Conversion, before and after giving effect to such Conversion, as though made on and as of such date; and

     (ii) No event has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Conversion, that constitutes an Event of Default or that would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

     (b) The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of such other approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

     SECTION 3.04. Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit after December 31, 2005.

     At any time after December 31, 2005, the obligation of each Lender to make an Advance as part of any Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would increase the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue, amend, extend or renew a Letter of Credit (including the initial Letter of Credit), shall be subject to the further conditions precedent that on or prior to the date of such Extension of Credit the Administrative Agent shall have received the following, each dated the same date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and with one copy for the Fronting Bank and each Lender:

     (i) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying that attached thereto is a true and correct copy of the Supplemental SEC Order and that such order has been issued and is in full force and effect; and

     (ii) An opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP, special counsel for the Borrower, to the effect that no Governmental Action is or will be required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower, or the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party other than the Supplemental SEC Order, which has been duly issued and is in full force and effect.

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     SECTION 4.01. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower.

     The Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

     (a) Corporate Existence and Power. It is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in and is in good standing under the laws of each state in which the ownership of its properties or the conduct of its business makes such qualification necessary except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents, and has all corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.

     (b) Corporate Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by it of each Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part and do not, and will not, require the consent or approval of its shareholders, or any trustee or holder of any Indebtedness or other obligation of it, other than such consents and approvals as have been duly obtained, given or accomplished.

     (c) No Violation, Etc. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party, nor the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by it with the provisions hereof or thereof, conflicts or will conflict with, or results or will result in a breach or contravention of any of the provisions of its charter or Code of Regulations or any Applicable Law, or any indenture, mortgage, lease or any other agreement or instrument to which it or any of its Affiliates is party or by which its property or the property of any of its Affiliates is bound, or results or will result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of its property or the property of any of its Affiliates except as provided herein. There is no provision of its charter or Code of Regulations, or any Applicable Law, or any such indenture, mortgage, lease or other agreement or instrument that materially adversely affects, or in the future is likely (so far as it can now foresee) to materially adversely affect, its business, operations, affairs, condition, properties or assets or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws (including, without limitation, ERISA and Environmental Laws), regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (ii) the legality, validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents or the rights, remedies and benefits available to the parties thereunder or the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

     (d) Governmental Actions. No Governmental Action is or will be required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it, or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party other than (i) the SEC Order, which has been duly issued and is in full force and effect and (ii) the Supplemental SEC Order.

     (e) Execution and Delivery. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to become, a party have been or will be (as the case may be) duly executed and delivered by it, and this Agreement is, and upon execution and delivery thereof each other Loan Document will be, the legal, valid and binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject, however, to the application by a court of general principles of equity and to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

     (f) Litigation. Except as disclosed in the Borrower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 and its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed in 2004 prior to the date hereof (copies of which have been furnished to each Bank), there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding (including, without limitation, any proceeding relating to or arising out of Environmental Laws) affecting it or any of its Subsidiaries before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator that has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect on the business, condition (financial or otherwise),

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results of operations or prospects of it and its consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and there has been no development in the matters disclosed in such filings that has had such a material adverse effect.

     (g) Financial Statements; Material Adverse Change. The consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at March 31, 2004, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the nine months then ended, copies of each of which have been furnished to each Bank and the Fronting Bank, in all cases as amended and restated to the date hereof, present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results of the operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the periods ended on such dates, all in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. Except as disclosed in the Borrower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, its Quarterly Report on form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 and its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed in 2004 prior to the date hereof (copies of which have been furnished to each Bank), there has been no material adverse change in the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since December 31, 2003.

     (h) ERISA.

     (i) No Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan.

     (ii) Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the most recent annual report (Form 5500 Series) with respect to each Plan, copies of which have been filed with the Internal Revenue Service and furnished to the Banks, is complete and accurate and fairly presents the funding status of such Plan, and since the date of such Schedule B there has been no material adverse change in such funding status.

     (iii) Neither it nor any member of the Controlled Group has incurred nor reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan.

     (i) Taxes. It and each of its Subsidiaries has filed all tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed and paid all taxes shown thereon to be due, including interest and penalties, or provided adequate reserves for payment thereof in accordance with GAAP other than such taxes that the Borrower or such Subsidiary is contesting in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings.

     (j) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of each Extension of Credit and each Letter of Credit will be used solely for the general corporate purposes of the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries.

     (k) Margin Stock. After applying the proceeds of each Extension of Credit, not more than 25% of the value of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries subject to the restrictions of Section 5.03(a) or (b) will consist of or be represented by Margin Stock. The Borrower is not engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of any Extension of Credit will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.

     (l) Investment Company. The Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or an “investment advisor” within the meaning of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

     (m) No Event of Default. No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Event of Default or that would constitute an Event of Default (including, without limitation, an Event of Default under Section 6.01(e)) but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both.

     (n) Solvency. (i) The fair saleable value of its assets will exceed the amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of the probable liability on its existing debts and other liabilities (including contingent liabilities)

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as they mature; (ii) its assets do not constitute unreasonably small capital to carry out its business as now conducted or as proposed to be conducted; (iii) it does not intend to incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be received by it and the amounts to be payable on or in respect of its obligations); and (iv) it does not believe that final judgments against it in actions for money damages presently pending will be rendered at a time when, or in an amount such that, it will be unable to satisfy any such judgments promptly in accordance with their terms (taking into account the maximum reasonable amount of such judgments in any such actions and the earliest reasonable time at which such judgments might be rendered). Its cash flow, after taking into account all other anticipated uses of its cash (including the payments on or in respect of debt referred to in clause (iii) above), will at all times be sufficient to pay all such judgments promptly in accordance with their terms.

     (o) No Material Misstatements. The reports, financial statements and other written information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any Lender pursuant to or in connection with the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby do not contain and will not contain, when taken as a whole, any untrue statement of a material fact and do not omit and will not omit, when taken as a whole, to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were or will be made, not misleading in any material respect.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

     SECTION 5.01. Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid, any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will:

     (a) Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc. (i) Without limiting the right of the Borrower to merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other corporation or entity in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.03(c) hereof, preserve and maintain its corporate existence in the state of its incorporation and qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is reasonably necessary in view of its business and operations or the ownership of its properties and (ii) preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect the rights, privileges and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business.

     (b) Compliance with Laws, Etc. Comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any Governmental Authority, the noncompliance with which would materially and adversely affect the business or condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, such compliance to include, without limitation, compliance with Environmental Laws and ERISA and paying before the same become delinquent all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges imposed upon it or upon its property, except to the extent compliance with any of the foregoing is then being contested in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings.

     (c) Maintenance of Insurance, Etc. Maintain insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations or through its own program of self-insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as is usually carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in the same general areas in which the Borrower operates and furnish to the Administrative Agent, within a reasonable time after written request therefor, such information as to the insurance carried as any Lender or the Fronting Bank, through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably request.

     (d) Inspection Rights. At any reasonable time and from time to time as the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any Lender may reasonably request, permit the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender or any agents or representatives thereof to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and visit the properties of, the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries with any of their respective officers or directors; provided, however, that the Borrower reserves the right to restrict access to any of its Subsidiaries’ generating facilities in accordance with reasonably adopted procedures relating to safety and security. The Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and each Lender agree to use reasonable efforts to ensure that any information concerning the

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Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries obtained by the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender pursuant to this subsection (d) or subsection (g) that is not contained in a report or other document filed with the SEC, distributed by the Borrower to its security holders or otherwise generally available to the public, will, to the extent permitted by law and except as may be required by valid subpoena or in the normal course of the Administrative Agent’s, the Fronting Bank’s or such Lender’s business operations be treated confidentially by the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender, as the case may be, and will not be distributed or otherwise made available by the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender, as the case may be, to any Person, other than the Administrative Agent’s, the Fronting Bank’s or such Lender’s employees, authorized agents or representatives (including, without limitation, attorneys and accountants).

     (e) Keeping of Books. Keep, and cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of record and account in which entries shall be made of all financial transactions and the assets and business of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

     (f) Maintenance of Properties. Maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, all of its properties that are used or that are useful in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, it being understood that this covenant relates only to the good working order and condition of such properties and shall not be construed as a covenant of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not to dispose of such properties by sale, lease, transfer or otherwise.

     (g) Reporting Requirements. Furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Administrative Agent, with sufficient copies for each Lender and the Fronting Bank, the following:

     (i) promptly after the occurrence of any Event of Default, the statement of an authorized officer of the Borrower setting forth details of such Event of Default and the action that the Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto;

     (ii) as soon as available and in any event within 50 days after the close of each of the first three quarters in each fiscal year of the Borrower, consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter and consolidated statements of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of such quarter, fairly presenting the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such date and the results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period and setting forth in each case in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and duly certified (subject to year-end audit adjustments) by the chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

     (iii) as soon as available and in any event within 105 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the annual report for such year for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, containing consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such year certified in a manner acceptable to the Lenders and the Fronting Bank by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or other independent public accountants acceptable to the Lenders and the Fronting Bank, together with statements of projected financial performance prepared by management for the next fiscal year, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

     (iv) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements specified in clauses (ii) and (iii) above a certificate of the chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of the Borrower (A) stating whether he has any knowledge of the occurrence at any time prior to the date of such certificate of an Event of Default not theretofore reported pursuant to the provisions of clause (i) of this subsection (g) or of the occurrence at any time prior to such date of any such Event of Default, except Events of Default theretofore reported pursuant to the provisions of clause (i) of this subsection (g) and remedied, and, if so, stating the facts with respect thereto, and (B) setting forth in a true and correct manner, the calculation of the ratios contemplated by Section 5.02 hereof, as of the date of the most recent financial statements accompanying such certificate, to show the Borrower’s compliance with or the status of the financial covenants contained in Section 5.02 hereof;

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     (v) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all reports that the Borrower sends to any of its securityholders, and copies of all reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K that the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries files with the SEC;

     (vi) as soon as possible and in any event (A) within 30 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any Termination Event described in clause (i) of the definition of Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred and (B) within 10 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any other Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred, a statement of the chief financial officer of the Borrower describing such Termination Event and the action, if any, that the Borrower or such member of the Controlled Group, as the case may be, proposes to take with respect thereto;

     (vii) promptly and in any event within two Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from the PBGC, copies of each notice received by the Borrower or any such member of the Controlled Group of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer any Plan;

     (viii) promptly and in any event within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Internal Revenue Service, copies of each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) with respect to each Plan;

     (ix) promptly and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor, a copy of each notice received by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group concerning the imposition of withdrawal liability pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA;

     (x) promptly and in any event within five Business Days after Moody’s or S&P has changed any relevant Reference Rating, notice of such change; and

     (xi) such other information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, copies of all reports and registration statements that the Borrower or any Subsidiary files with the SEC or any national securities exchange, as the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may from time to time reasonably request.

     (h) SEC Order. Maintain the SEC Order and, on and after the date of any Extension of Credit after December 31, 2005, the Supplemental SEC Order, in full force and effect and comply with all terms and conditions thereof until all amounts outstanding under the Loan Documents shall have been repaid or paid (as the case may be) and the Termination Date has occurred.

     SECTION 5.02. Financial Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid, any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will:

     (a) FirstEnergy Fixed Charge Ratio. Maintain (determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter) a FirstEnergy Fixed Charge Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00.

     (b) FirstEnergy Debt to Capitalization Ratio. Not permit (determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter) the FirstEnergy Debt to Capitalization Ratio to exceed 0.65 to 1.00.

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     SECTION 5.03. Negative Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid, any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will not:

     (a) Sales, Etc. (i) Sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock of any of its domestic Significant Subsidiaries, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to do so or (ii) permit the Borrower or any Subsidiary to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or a series of transactions) assets located in The United States of America representing in the aggregate more than 15% (determined at the time of each such transaction) of the value of all of the consolidated fixed assets of the Borrower, as reported on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower, to any entity other than the Borrower or any of its wholly owned direct or indirect Subsidiaries.

     (b) Liens, Etc. Create or suffer to exist, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to create or suffer to exist, any Lien upon or with respect to any of its properties (including, without limitation, any shares of any class of equity security of any of its Significant Subsidiaries), in each case to secure or provide for the payment of Indebtedness, other than (i) liens consisting of (A) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure obligations under worker’s compensation laws or similar legislation, (B) deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure, or in lieu of, surety, appeal, or customs bonds to which the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary is a party, (C) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure performance in connection with bids, tenders or contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money), or (D) materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, repairmen’s or other like Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet due or currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, or deposits to obtain in the release of such Liens; (ii) purchase money liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired or held by the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, which secure the purchase price of such property or secure indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of such property; (iii) Liens existing on the property of any Person at the time that such Person becomes a direct or indirect Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary; provided that such Liens were not created to secure the acquisition of such Person; (iv) Liens in existence on the date of this Agreement; (v) Liens created by any First Mortgage Indenture, so long as (A) under the terms thereof no “event of default” (howsoever designated) in respect of any bonds issued thereunder will be triggered by reference to an Event of Default or Unmatured Default and (B) no such Liens shall apply to assets acquired from the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary if such assets were free of Liens (other than as a result of a release of such Liens in contemplation of such acquisition) immediately prior to any such acquisition; (vi) Liens on assets of ATSI to secure Indebtedness of ATSI, provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens shall not at any time exceed 60% of the depreciated book value of the property subject to such Liens; (vii) Liens securing Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds; (viii) Liens on cash (in an aggregate amount not to exceed $270,000,000) pledged to secure reimbursement obligations for letters of credit issued for the account of Ohio Edison Company and (ix) Liens created for the sole purpose of extending, renewing or replacing in whole or in part Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (viii); provided, however, that the principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby shall not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness so secured at the time of such extension, renewal or replacement, and that such extension, renewal or replacement, as the case may be, shall be limited to all or a part of the property or Indebtedness that secured the Lien so extended, renewed or replaced (and any improvements on such property); and (ix) Liens on Letter of Credit Cash Cover as contemplated by Section 6.01.

     (c) Mergers, Etc. Merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so unless (i) immediately after giving effect thereto, no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Event of Default, (ii) the consolidation or merger shall not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower (or its successor by merger or consolidation as contemplated by clause (i) of this subsection (c)) to perform its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, and (iii) in the case of any merger or consolidation to which the Borrower is a party, the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Borrower shall be merged shall assume the Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in a writing satisfactory in form and substance to the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank.

     (d) Compliance with ERISA. (i) Enter into any “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 4975 of the Code, and in ERISA) involving any Plan that may result in any liability of the Borrower to any Person that (in the opinion of the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank) is material to the financial position or operations of the Borrower or (ii) allow or suffer to exist any other event or condition known to the Borrower that results in any liability of

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the Borrower to the PBGC that (in the opinion of the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank) is material to the financial position or operations of the Borrower. For purposes of this subsection (d), “liability” shall not include termination insurance premiums payable under Section 4007 of ERISA.

     (e) Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of any Extension of Credit for any purpose other than working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Borrower may not use such proceeds in connection with any Hostile Acquisition.

ARTICLE VI

EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     SECTION 6.01. Events of Default.

     If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur and be continuing:

     (a) Any principal of, or interest on, any Advance, or any Reimbursement Obligation, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder shall not be paid when the same become due and payable; or

     (b) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower (or any of its officers) in any Loan Document or in connection with any Loan Document shall prove to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made; or

     (c) (i) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any covenant set forth in Section 5.02 or Section 5.03 on its part to be performed or observed or (ii) the Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure shall remain unremedied for 30 days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender; or

     (d) Any material provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall at any time and for any reason cease to be valid and binding upon the Borrower, except pursuant to the terms thereof, or shall be declared to be null and void, or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested by the Borrower or any Governmental Authority, or the Borrower shall deny that it has any or further liability or obligation under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

     (e) The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall fail to pay any principal of or premium or interest on any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under this Agreement) that is outstanding in a principal amount in excess of $20,000,000 in the aggregate when the same becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Indebtedness; or any other event shall occur or condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Indebtedness and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness; or any such Indebtedness shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), prior to the stated maturity thereof; or

     (f) The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition or arrangement with creditors, a readjustment of its debts, in each case under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of any such proceeding instituted against it (but not instituted or acquiesced in by it), either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days, or any of the actions sought in such

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proceeding (including, without limitation, the entry of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for, it or for any substantial part of its property) shall occur; or the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall take any corporate action to authorize or to consent to any of the actions set forth above in this subsection (f); or

     (g) Any judgment or order for the payment of money exceeding any applicable insurance coverage by more than $10,000,000 shall be rendered by a court of final adjudication against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary and either (i) valid enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall be any period of 10 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; or

     (h) Any Termination Event with respect to a Plan shall have occurred, and, 30 days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, (i) such Termination Event (if correctable) shall not have been corrected and (ii) the then Unfunded Vested Liabilities of such Plan exceed $10,000,000 (or in the case of a Termination Event involving the withdrawal of a “substantial employer” (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA), the withdrawing employer’s proportionate share of such excess shall exceed such amount), or the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group as employer under a Multiemployer Plan shall have made a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan and the Plan sponsor of such Multiemployer Plan shall have notified such withdrawing employer that such employer has incurred a withdrawal liability in an amount exceeding $10,000,000; or

     (i) Any change in Applicable Law or any Governmental Action shall occur that has the effect of making the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document unauthorized, illegal or otherwise contrary to Applicable Law; or

     (j) (i) The Borrower shall fail to own directly or indirectly 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of each domestic Significant Subsidiary, (ii) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Borrower (or other securities convertible into such securities) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of all securities of the Borrower entitled to vote in the election of directors; (iii) commencing after the date of this Agreement, individuals who as of the date of this Agreement were directors shall have ceased for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Borrower unless the Persons replacing such individuals were nominated by the stockholders or the Board of Directors of the Borrower in accordance with the Borrower’s Code of Regulations; or (iv) 90 days shall have elapsed after any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall have entered into a contract or arrangement that upon consummation will result in its or their acquisition of, or control over, securities of the Borrower (or other securities convertible into such securities) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of all securities of the Borrower entitled to vote in the election of directors (each a “Change of Control”).

then, and in any such event, the Administrative Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders, (i) by notice to the Borrower, declare the obligation of each Lender to make Advances, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue Letters of Credit, to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate, (ii) by notice to the Borrower, declare the Advances, an amount equal to the aggregate Stated Amount of all issued but undrawn Letters of Credit (such amount being the “Letter of Credit Cash Cover”) and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Advances and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, and (iii) instruct the Fronting Bank to (whereupon the Fronting Bank shall) furnish to each Beneficiary written notice of its intention to terminate such Letter of Credit pursuant to the terms thereof; provided, however, that in the event of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary under the Bankruptcy Code, (A) the obligation of each Lender to make Advances, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue Letters of Credit, shall automatically be terminated and (B) all Advances, the Letter of Credit Cash Cover and all other amounts payable under this Agreement shall automatically become and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower. In the event that the Borrower is required to pay the Letter of Credit Cash Cover pursuant to this Section, such payment shall be made in immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent, which shall hold such funds as collateral pursuant to arrangements satisfactory to

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the Administrative Agent and the Fronting Bank to secure Reimbursement Obligations in respect of Letters of Credit then outstanding.

ARTICLE VII

THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

     SECTION 7.01. Authorization and Action.

     Each Lender and the Fronting Bank hereby appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders, and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and the Fronting Bank; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or that is contrary to this Agreement or applicable law. The Administrative Agent agrees to give to each Lender and the Fronting Bank prompt notice of each notice given to it by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and to promptly forward to each Lender and the Fronting Bank the financial statements delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(g).

     SECTION 7.02. Agent’s Reliance, Etc.

     Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Borrower for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent: (i) may treat each Lender listed in the Register as a “Lender” with a Commitment in the amount recorded in the Register until the Administrative Agent receives and accepts an Assignment and Acceptance entered into by a Lender listed in the Register, as assignor, and an Eligible Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 8.08, at which time the Administrative Agent will make such recordations in the Register as are appropriate to reflect the assignment effected by such Assignment and Acceptance; (ii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or the Fronting Bank and shall not be responsible to any Lender or the Fronting Bank for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with the Loan Documents; (iv) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of the Loan Documents on the part of the Borrower or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Borrower; (v) shall not be responsible to any Lender or the Fronting Bank for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (vi) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier, telegram or cable) believed by it in good faith to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

     SECTION 7.03. CUSA, Barclays and Affiliates.

     With respect to its Commitment, the Advances made by it and any Note issued to it, each of CUSA and Barclays shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be); and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include each of CUSA and Barclays in its individual capacity. Each of CUSA and Barclays and their respective affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower, any of its respective subsidiaries and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Borrower or any such subsidiary, all as if CUSA or Barclays were not the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Fronting Bank.

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     SECTION 7.04. Lender Credit Decision.

     Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any other Lender and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement.

     SECTION 7.05. Indemnification.

     The Lenders agree to indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably according to the amounts of their respective Commitments, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement; provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable counsel fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the extent that such expenses are reimbursable by the Borrower but for which the Administrative Agent is not reimbursed by the Borrower.

     SECTION 7.06. Successor Agent.

     The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders, the Fronting Bank and the Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank. Upon any such resignation or removal, the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank shall have the right, with the prior written consent of the Borrower (unless an Event of Default or an Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Majority Lenders’ and the Fronting Bank’s removal of the retiring Administrative Agent, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Fronting Bank, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a commercial bank described in clause (i) or (ii) of the definition of “Eligible Assignee” and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $250,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article VII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no Event of Default or Unmatured Default shall have occurred and be continuing, then no successor Administrative Agent shall be appointed under this Section 7.06 without the prior written consent of the Borrower, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

     SECTION 8.01. Amendments, Etc.

     No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any Note, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all

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the Lenders, do any of the following: (a) waive any of the conditions specified in Section 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 (b) increase the Commitments of the Lenders or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations, (c) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (d) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (e) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Advances, or the number of Lenders, that shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder or (f) amend this Section 8.01; and provided, further, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement; and provided, further, that no amendment, waiver or consent that would adversely affect the rights of, or increase the obligations of, the Fronting Bank, or that would alter any provision hereof relating to or affecting Letters of Credit, shall be effective unless agreed to in writing by the Fronting Bank; and provided, further, that this Agreement may be amended and restated without the consent of any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent if, upon giving effect to such amendment and restatement, such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, shall no longer be a party to this Agreement (as so amended and restated) or have any Commitment or other obligation hereunder and shall have been paid in full all amounts payable hereunder to such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be.

     SECTION 8.02. Notices, Etc.

     Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopier, telegraphic or cable communication) and mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, cabled or delivered, if to the Borrower, at its address at 76 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308, Attention: Treasurer, Telecopy: (330) 384-3772; if to any Bank, at its Domestic Lending Office specified opposite its name on Schedule I hereto; if to any other Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender; if to the Administrative Agent, at its address at Two Penns Way, Suite 200, New Castle, Delaware 19720, Attention: Bank Loan Syndications; if to CUSA, as a Fronting Bank, as its address at Two Penns Way, Suite 200, New Castle, DE 19720, Attention: Karen Riley; and if to Barclays, as a Fronting Bank, at its address at 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166; or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties. All such notices and communications shall, when mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed or cabled, be effective when deposited in the mails, telecopied, delivered to the telegraph company or delivered to the cable company, respectively, except that notices and communications to the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank pursuant to Article II or VII shall not be effective until received by the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be).

     SECTION 8.03. Electronic Communications.

     (a) The Borrower hereby agrees that it will provide to the Administrative Agent all information, documents and other materials that it is obligated to furnish to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Sections 5.01(g)(ii) through (xi) (collectively, the “Communications”), by transmitting the Communications in an electronic/soft medium in a format acceptable to the Administrative Agent to oploanswebadmin@citigroup.com or faxing the Communications to 212-994-0848. In addition, the Borrower agrees to continue to provide the Communications to the Administrative Agent in the manner otherwise specified in this Agreement, but only to the extent requested by the Administrative Agent.

     (b) The Borrower further agrees that the Administrative Agent may make the Communications available to the Lenders by posting the Communications on Intralinks, Fixed Income Direct or a substantially similar electronic transmission systems (the “Platform”). The Borrower acknowledges that the distribution of material through an electronic medium is not necessarily secure and that there are confidentiality and other risks associated with such distribution.

     (c) THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE”. THE AGENT PARTIES (AS DEFINED BELOW) DO NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE COMMUNICATIONS, OR THE ADEQUACY OF THE PLATFORM AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM LIABILITY FOR ERRORS OR OMISSIONS IN THE COMMUNICATIONS. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT OF THIRD PARTY RIGHTS OR FREEDOM FROM VIRUSES OR OTHER CODE DEFECTS, IS MADE BY THE AGENT PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE COMMUNICATIONS OR THE PLATFORM. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, ADVISORS OR

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REPRESENTATIVES (COLLECTIVELY, “AGENT PARTIES”) HAVE ANY LIABILITY TO THE BORROWER, ANY LENDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY FOR DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DIRECT OR INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES (WHETHER IN TORT, CONTRACT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF THE BORROWER’S OR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT’S TRANSMISSION OF THE COMMUNICATIONS THROUGH THE PLATFORM, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT THE LIABILITY OF ANY AGENT PARTY IS FOUND IN A FINAL NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION TO HAVE RESULTED PRIMARILY FROM SUCH AGENT PARTY’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT.

     (d) The Administrative Agent agrees that the receipt of the Communications by the Administrative Agent at its e-mail address set forth above shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to the Administrative Agent for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender agrees that notice to it (as provided in the next sentence) specifying that the Communications have been posted to the Platform shall constitute effective delivery of the Communications to such Lender for purposes of the Loan Documents. Each Lender agrees to notify the Administrative Agent in writing (including by electronic communication) from time to time of such Lender’s e-mail address to which the foregoing notice may be sent by electronic transmission and that the foregoing notice may be sent to such e-mail address.

     (e) Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to give any notice or other communication pursuant to any Loan Document in any other manner specified in such Loan Document.

     SECTION 8.04. No Waiver; Remedies.

     No failure on the part of any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

     SECTION 8.05. Costs and Expenses; Indemnification.

     (a) The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, syndication administration, modification and amendment of this Agreement, any Note and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel for the Administrative Agent with respect thereto and with respect to advising the Administrative Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement. The Borrower further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses of counsel), incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the Lenders in connection with the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of this Agreement, any Note and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, counsel fees and expenses in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Section 8.05(a).

     (b) If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance, as a result of a payment or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.10 or 2.13 or a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11 or acceleration of the maturity of any amounts owing hereunder pursuant to Section 6.01 or upon an assignment made upon demand of the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.08(h) or for any other reason, the Borrower shall, upon demand by any Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender any amounts required to compensate such Lender for any additional losses, costs or expenses that it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance. The Borrower’s obligations under this subsection (b) shall survive the repayment of all other amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments.

     (c) The Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and hold each Lender, the Fronting Bank, the Administrative Agent and their respective Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees and professional advisors (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, whether or not such Indemnified Person is named as a party to any proceeding or is otherwise subjected to judicial or legal process arising from any such proceeding) that any of them may incur or that may be claimed against any of them by any Person (including the Borrower) by

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reason of or in connection with or arising out of any investigation, litigation or proceeding related to the Commitments or the commitment of the Fronting Bank hereunder and any use or proposed use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any Extension of Credit or the existence or use of any Letter of Credit or the amounts drawn thereunder, except to the extent such claim, damage, liability, cost or expense is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Borrower’s obligations under this Section 8.05(c) shall survive the repayment of all amounts owing to the Lenders, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments, the commitment of the Fronting Bank hereunder and any Letters of Credit. If and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.05(c) are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower agrees to make the maximum payment in satisfaction of such obligations that are not unenforceable that is permissible under Applicable Law or, if less, such amount that may be ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

     (d) To the extent permitted by law, the Borrower also agrees not to assert any claim against any Indemnified Person on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to actual or direct damages) in connection with, arising out of, or otherwise relating to this Agreement, any of the transactions contemplated herein or the actual or proposed use of the proceeds of the Advances.

     SECTION 8.06. Right of Set-off.

     Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default each Lender and the Fronting Bank is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, excluding, however, any payroll accounts maintained by the Borrower with such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) if and to the extent that such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall have expressly waived its set-off rights in writing in respect of such payroll account) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement and any Note held by such Lender, whether or not such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall have made any demand under this Agreement or such Note and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Lender and the Fronting Bank agrees promptly to notify the Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be), provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application. The rights of each Lender and the Fronting Bank under this Section 8.06 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) may have.

     SECTION 8.07. Binding Effect.

     This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Bank and the Fronting Bank that such Bank or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and each Lender and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders and the Fronting Bank.

     SECTION 8.08. Assignments and Participations.

     (a) Each Lender may, with the prior written consent of the Borrower, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent (which consents shall not unreasonably be withheld or delayed and, in the case of the Borrower, shall not be required if an Event of Default then exists), assign to one or more banks or other entities all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it); provided, however, that (i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, (ii) the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than $5,000,000 (or if less, the entire amount of such Lender’s Commitment) and shall be an integral multiple of $1,000,000, (iii) each such assignment shall be to an Eligible Assignee, and (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, an Assignment and Acceptance, together with any Note subject to such assignment and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent

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that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (y) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its continuing obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).

     (b) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of their obligations under this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank, such assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations that by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

     (c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 8.02 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Fronting Bank or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

     (d) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee representing that it is an Eligible Assignee, together with any Note subject to such assignment, the Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed and is in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower and the Borrower shall deliver any Note requested pursuant to Section 2.17 in favor of such assignee or assignor (as the case may be), after giving effect to such assignment.

     (e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other entities in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it); provided, however, that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Borrower hereunder and its obligations to the Fronting Bank hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note for all purposes of this Agreement, (iv) such Lender may not subject its ability to consent to any modification of this Agreement or any Note to the prior consent of the bank or other entity to which such participation was sold, except in the case of proposed waivers or modifications with respect to interest, principal and fees payable hereunder and under any Note and with respect to any extension of the Termination Date, and (v) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

     (f) Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 8.08, disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant, any information relating to the Borrower furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower; provided, that prior

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to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant shall agree to preserve the confidentiality of any confidential information relating to the Borrower received by it from such Lender.

     (g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Lender may assign, as collateral or otherwise, any of its rights hereunder and under any Note (including, without limitation, its rights to receive payments of principal and interest hereunder and under any Note) to (i) any Federal Reserve Bank, (ii) any Affiliate of such Lender or (iii) any other Lender, in either case, without notice to or consent of the Borrower, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent; provided, that no such assignment (other than to an Eligible Assignee under subsection (a) above) shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

     (h) If any Lender shall make demand for payment under Section 2.12(a), 2.12(b) or 2.15, or shall deliver any notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.13 resulting in the suspension of certain obligations of the Lenders with respect to Eurodollar Rate Advances, then, within 30 days of such demand (if, and only if, such payment demanded under Section 2.12(a), 2.12(b) or 2.15, as the case may be, shall have been made by the Borrower) or such notice (if such suspension is still in effect), as the case may be, the Borrower may demand that such Lender assign in accordance with this Section 8.08 to one or more Eligible Assignees designated by the Borrower all (but not less than all) of such Lender’s Commitment and the Advances owing to it within the next 15 days. If any such Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower shall fail to consummate such assignment on terms acceptable to such Lender, or if the Borrower shall fail to designate any such Eligible Assignee for all of such Lender’s Commitment or Advances, then such Lender may assign such Commitment and Advances to any other Eligible Assignee in accordance with this Section 8.08 during such 15-day period; it being understood for purposes of this Section 8.08(h) that such assignment shall be conclusively deemed to be on terms acceptable to such Lender, and such Lender shall be compelled to consummate such assignment to an Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower, if such Eligible Assignee shall agree to such assignment in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto and shall offer compensation to such Lender in an amount equal to the sum of the principal amount of all Advances outstanding to such Lender plus all interest accrued thereon to the date of such payment plus all other amounts payable by the Borrower to such Lender hereunder (whether or not then due) as of the date of such payment accrued in favor of such Lender hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender shall make any assignment at any time pursuant to this subsection (h) if, at such time, (i) an Event of Default or Unmatured Default has occurred and is continuing, (ii) the Borrower has not satisfied all of its obligations hereunder with respect to such Lender or (iii) such replacement of such Lender is not acceptable to the Administrative Agent.

     (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “Granting Lender”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “SPC”) of such Granting Lender identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, the option to provide to the Borrower all or any part of any Advance that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any such SPC to make any Advance, (ii) if such SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Advance, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Advance pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) no SPC or Granting Lender shall be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.12 than the Granting Lender would have been entitled to receive had the Granting Lender not otherwise granted such SPC the option to provide any Advance to the Borrower. The making of an Advance by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Advance were made by such Granting Lender. Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would otherwise be liable so long as, and to the extent that, the related Granting Lender provides such indemnity or makes such payment. In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPC, it will not institute against or join any other person in instituting against such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Granting Lender unconditionally agrees to indemnify the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and each Lender against all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be incurred by or asserted against the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender, as the case may be, in any way relating to or arising as a consequence of any such forbearance or delay in the initiation of any such proceeding against its SPC. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have the rights of a Lender hereunder, such rights being retained by the applicable Granting Lender. Accordingly, and without limiting the foregoing, each party hereby further acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have any voting rights hereunder and that the voting rights attributable to any Advance made by an SPC shall be exercised only by the relevant Granting Lender and that each Granting Lender shall serve as the administrative agent and attorney-in-fact for its SPC and shall on behalf of its SPC receive any and all payments made for the benefit of such SPC and

42

take all actions hereunder to the extent, if any, such SPC shall have any rights hereunder. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement any SPC may, with notice to, but without the prior written consent of, any other party hereto, assign all or a portion of its interest in any Advances to the Granting Lender. This Section may not be amended without the prior written consent of each Granting Lender, all or any part of whose Advance is being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment.

     SECTION 8.09. Governing Law.

     THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

     SECTION 8.10. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

     (a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby irrevocably (i) submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in New York City and any appellate court from any thereof in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any Letter of Credit, and (ii) agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State court or in such Federal court. The Borrower hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding. The Borrower also irrevocably consents, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to the service of any and all process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing by certified mail of copies of such process to the Borrower at its address specified in Section 8.02. The Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

     (b) THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE FRONTING BANK AND THE LENDERS HEREBY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY LETTER OF CREDIT, OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER.

     SECTION 8.11. Severability.

     Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited, unenforceable or not authorized in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition, unenforceability or non-authorization without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity, enforceability or legality of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

     SECTION 8.12. Entire Agreement.

     This Agreement and the Notes issued hereunder constitute the entire contract among the parties relative to the subject matter hereof. Any previous agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof is superseded by this Agreement, except (i) as expressly agreed in any such previous agreement and (ii) for the Fee Letter and the Fronting Bank Fee Letter. Except as is expressly provided for herein, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

     SECTION 8.13. Execution in Counterparts.

     This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

[Signatures to Follow]

S-1

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
         
  FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      

S-2
         
         
  CITICORP USA, INC., as Administrative Agent, as a Bank and as a Fronting Bank
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      

S-3
         
         
  BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as a Bank and as a Fronting Bank
 
 
  By:      
    Name:      
    Title:      

SCHEDULE I

List of Commitments and Lending Offices

                 
                Eurodollar
Lender   Allocation   Domestic Lending Office   Lending Office
Citicorp USA, Inc.
  $ 100,000,000     Two Penns Way   Same as Domestic
          Suite 200   Lending Office
          New Castle, DE 19720    
          Email: christina.m.quezon@citigroup.com    
 
               
Barclays Bank PLC
  $ 100,000,000     200 Park Avenue   Same as Domestic
          New York, NY 10166   Lending Office
 
               
Bank of America, N.A.
  $ 20,000,000     901 Main Street   Same as Domestic
          TX1-492-14-12   Lending Office
          Dallas, TX 75202-3714    
          Attn: Jackie Archuleta    
          Tel: 214-209-2135    
          Fax: 214-290-8372    
          Email: Jacqueline.archuleta@bankofamerica.com    
 
               
The Bank of New York
  $ 70,000,000          
 
               
The Bank of Nova Scotia
  $ 25,000,000     1 Liberty Plaza   Same as Domestic
          New York, NY 10006   Lending Office
          Attn: Pier Griffith    
          Tel: 212-225-5084    
          Fax: 212-225-5145    
          Email:    
 
               
Commerzbank AG, New
  $ 35,000,000     2 World Financial Center   Same as Domestic
York and Grand Cayman
          New York, NY 10281-1050   Lending Office
Branches
          jjarvis@cbkna.com    
 
               
Credit Suisse First
  $ 52,500,000     One Madison Avenue   Same as Domestic
Boston acting through its
          New York, NY 10010   Lending Office
Cayman Islands
          Attn:    
Branch
               
 
               
First Commercial Bank,
  $ 15,000,000     515 South Flower Street    
Los Angeles Branch
          Suite 1050    
          Los Angeles, CA 90071    
          fcblaloan@firstbankla.com    
 
               
JPMorgan Chase Bank
  $ 85,000,000          
 
               
Key Bank
  $ 85,000,000          
 
               
LaSalle Bank, National
  $ 20,000,000          
Association
               
 
               
Morgan Stanley Bank
  $ 70,000,000     1633 Broadway, 25th Floor   Same as Domestic
          New York, NY 10019   Lending Office
          Attn:    
          Tel: 212-537-    
          Fax: 212-537-    
          Email:    
 
               
National City Bank
  $ 20,000,000          

A-2

                 
                Eurodollar
Lender   Allocation   Domestic Lending Office   Lending Office
PNC Bank, National
  $ 20,000,000     500 First Avenue   Same as Domestic
Association
          Pittsburgh, PA 15219   Lending Office
          Attn:    
          Tel: 412-768-    
          Fax: 412-768-    
          Email:    
 
               
The Royal Bank of
  $ 52,500,000     101 Park Avenue   Same as Domestic
Scotland
          New York, NY 10178   Lending Office
          Attn: Sheila Shaw    
          Tel: 212-401-1406    
The Royal Bank of
          Fax: 212-401-1494    
Scotland
          Email: sheila.shaw@rbos.com    
 
               
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
  $ 20,000,000     13-56 11820   Same as Domestic
Corporation, New York
          277 Park Avenue, 6th Floor   Lending Office
Branch
          New York, NY 10172    
          Attn:    
          Tel: 212-    
          Fax:212-    
          Email: yabu@smbcgroup.com    
 
               
UBS AG
  $ 70,000,000     677 Washington Blvd.   Same as Domestic
          Stamford, CT 06901   Lending Office
          Attn:    
          Tel: 203-    
          Fax: 203-    
 
               
Union Bank of California
  $ 35,000,000     601 Potrero Grande Dr.   Same as Domestic
          Monterey Park, CA 91754   Lending Office
          Attn:    
          Tel: 323-720-    
          Fax: 323-724-    
 
               
U.S. Bank National
               
Association
  $ 20,000,000          
 
               
Wachovia Bank, National
  $ 85,000,000     191 Peachtree St.   Same as Domestic
Association
          Atlanta, GA 30303   Lending Office
          Attn: Loan Administration    
 
               
Total:
  $ 1,000,000,000          

EXHIBIT A
Form of Assignment and Acceptance

ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPANCE

[Date]                                        

     Reference is made to the Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2004 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among FirstEnergy Corp., an Ohio corporation (the “Borrower”), the lenders party thereto, Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”) and as a fronting bank, and Barclays Bank PLC, as a fronting bank. Capitalized terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning.

     [                    ] (the “Assignor”) and [                    ] (the “Assignee”) agree as follows:

     1. The Assignor hereby sells and assigns, without recourse, to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, without recourse to the Assignor, a portion of the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of the Effective Date (as defined in Section 5 below) which represents the percentage interest specified on Schedule 1 of all outstanding rights and obligations of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement (the “Assigned Interest”), including, without limitation, such percentage interest in the Commitment as in effect on the Effective Date, the Advances outstanding on the date hereof, the Notes (if any) held by the Assignor and in the Letters of Credit. After giving effect to such sale and assignment, the Assignee’s Commitment and the amount of outstanding credits owing to the Assignee will be as set forth in Section 2 of Schedule 1.

     2. On the Effective Date, the Assignee will pay to the Assignor, in same day funds, at such address and account as the Assignor shall advise the Assignee, the principal amount of the Advances, and the participatory interest in Reimbursement Obligations, outstanding under the Loan Documents that are being assigned hereunder, and the sale and assignment contemplated hereby shall thereupon become effective. From and after the Effective Date, the Assignor agrees that the Assignee shall be entitled to all rights, powers and privileges of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement to the extent of the Assigned Interest, including without limitation (i) the right to receive all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest for the period from and after the Effective Date, whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnities in respect of claims arising after the Effective Date (subject to Sections 8.05 and 8.08 of the Credit Agreement), increased costs, additional amounts or otherwise; (ii) the right to vote and to instruct the Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement based on the Assigned Interest; (iii) the right to set-off and to appropriate and apply deposits of the Borrower as set forth in the Credit Agreement; and (iv) the right to receive notices, requests, demands and other communications. The Assignor agrees that it will promptly remit to the Assignee any amount received by it in respect of the Assigned Interest (whether from the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or otherwise) in the same funds in which such amount is received by the Assignor.

     3. The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim; (ii) other than as provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of their obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iv) (if applicable) attaches the Notes referred to in Section 1 above and requests that the Administrative Agent exchange such Notes for a new Note payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto or new Notes payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto and the Assignor in an amount equal to the Commitment retained by the Assignor under the Credit Agreement, respectively, as specified on Schedule 1 hereto; and (v) makes no other representation or warranty with respect to the Borrower, the Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto, except as expressly set forth in clause (i) of this Section 3.

     4. The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01 thereof and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the

A-2

Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (iii) confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; [and] (vi) specifies as its Domestic Lending Office (and address for notices) and Eurodollar Lending Office the offices set forth beneath its name on the signature pages hereof [and (vi) attaches the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying that it is exempt from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to the Assignee under the Credit Agreement and the Notes].*

     5. Following the execution of this Assignment and Acceptance by the Assignor and the Assignee, it will be delivered to the Administrative Agent for acceptance and recording by the Administrative Agent. The effective date of this Assignment and Acceptance shall be the date of acceptance thereof by the Administrative Agent, unless otherwise specified on Schedule 1 hereto (the “Effective Date”); provided, however, that in no event shall this Assignment and Acceptance become effective prior to the payment for the processing and recordation fee to the Administrative Agent as provided in Section 8.08(a) of the Credit Agreement.

     6. Upon such acceptance and recording and receipt of any consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent required pursuant to Section 8.08(a) of the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement.

     7. Upon such acceptance, recording and consent, from and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes for periods prior to the Effective Date directly between themselves.

     8. THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

     This Assignment and Acceptance may be signed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Assignment and Acceptance to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written, such execution being made on Schedule 1 hereto.
         
  [NAME OF ASSIGNOR], as Assignor
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
         
  [NAME OF ASSIGNEE], as Assignee
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 


* If the Assignee is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.

A-3

     
  Domestic Lending Office (and
  address for notices):
  [Address]
 
   
  Eurodollar Lending Office:
  [Address]

Accepted and Consented this ___day
of                     , ___

CITICORP USA, INC.
as Administrative Agent and as a Fronting Bank

         
By
       
  Name:    
  Title:    

Consented to:
FIRSTENERGY CORP.

         
By
       
  Name:    
  Title:    

BARCLAYS BANK PLC
as a Fronting Bank

         
By
       
  Name:    
  Title:    

Schedule 1 to
Assignment and Acceptance

Dated __________, ____

         
Section 1.
       
 
       
Total Credit Agreement Commitments
  $  
 
       
Percentage Interest:
    %
 
       
Amount of Assigned Share
  $  
 
       
Section 2.
       
 
       
Assignee’s Commitment:
  $    
 
       
Aggregate Outstanding Commitments owing to the Assignee:
  $    
 
       
A Note payable to the order of the Assignee
       
Dated:                     , ____
       
 
       
Principal amount:
  $    
 
       
[A Note payable to the order of the Assignor
       
Dated:                     , ____
       
 
       
Principal amount:
  $ ____ ]
 
       
Section 3.
       
 
       
Effective Date *:                               , 20__
       


* This date should be no earlier than the date of acceptance by the Administrative Agent.

EXHIBIT B
Form of Note

PROMISSORY NOTE

U.S.$[                    ] June 22, 2004

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, FIRSTENERGY CORP. (an Ohio corporation) (the “Borrower”), HEREBY PROMISES TO PAY to the order of [                    ] (the “Lender”) for the account of its Applicable Lending Office (such term and other capitalized terms herein being used as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below) the principal sum of U.S.$[                    ] or, if less, the aggregate principal amount of the Advances made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement outstanding on the Termination Date, payable on the Termination Date.

     The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates, and payable at such times, as are specified in the Credit Agreement.

     Both principal and interest are payable in lawful money of the United States of America to Citicorp USA, Inc., as Administrative Agent, at Two Penns Way, Suite 200, New Castle, Delaware 19720, in same day funds. Each Advance made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and all payments made on account of principal thereof, shall be recorded by the Lender and, prior to any transfer hereof, endorsed on the grid attached hereto which is part of this Promissory Note.

     This Promissory Note is one of the Notes referred to in, and is entitled to the benefits of, the Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2004 (the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the Lender and certain other banks party thereto, Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and as a fronting bank, and Barclays Bank PLC, as a fronting bank. The Credit Agreement, among other things, (i) provides for the making of Advances by the Lender to the Borrower from time to time in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the U.S. dollar amount first above mentioned, the indebtedness of the Borrower resulting from each such Advance being evidenced by this Promissory Note, and (ii) contains provisions for acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events and also for prepayments on account of principal hereof prior to the maturity hereof upon the terms and conditions therein specified.

     The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any rights hereunder on the part of the holder hereof shall operate as a waiver of such rights.

B-2

     THIS PROMISSORY NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
         
  FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

EXHIBIT C
Form of Notice of Borrowing

Citicorp USA, Inc., as Administrative Agent
  for the Lenders party to the Credit Agreement
  referred to below

[Date]                                        

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     The undersigned refers to the Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2004 (the “Credit Agreement”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, the lenders party thereto, Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and as a fronting bank, and Barclays Bank PLC, as a fronting bank, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.02 of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the “Proposed Borrowing”) as required by Section 2.02(a) of the Credit Agreement:

     (i) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is                     , ___.

     (ii) The Type of Advance to be made in connection with the Proposed Borrowing is [Alternate Base Rate Advance] [Eurodollar Rate Advance].

     (iii) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is $                    .

     [(iv) The Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the Proposed Borrowing is ___[week[s]][month[s]].]

     The undersigned hereby certifies that the following statements are true on the date hereof, and will be true on the date of the Proposed Borrowing:

     (A) the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 of the Credit Agreement are correct, before and after giving effect to the Proposed Borrowing and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made on and as of such date;

     (B) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Proposed Borrowing or from the application of the proceeds therefrom, that constitutes an Event of Default or would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

     (C) immediately following such Proposed Borrowing, (1) the aggregate amount of Outstanding Credits shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments then in effect, and (2) the Outstanding Credits of any Lender shall not exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment.

        Very truly yours,
         
  FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

EXHIBIT D
Form of Letter of Credit Request

[Date]                                        

Citicorp USA, Inc., as Administrative Agent
[and as Fronting Bank]1
Two Penns Way
Suite 200
New Castle, Delaware 19720
Attn:                                        

[Barclays Bank PLC, as Fronting Bank
[ADDRESS]]2

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     The undersigned, a responsible officer of FirstEnergy Corp. (the “Borrower”), refers to that certain Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2004 (the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto, Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”) and as a fronting bank, and Barclays Bank PLC, as a fronting bank. Capitalized terms used herein, and not otherwise defined herein, shall have their respective defined meanings as set forth in the Credit Agreement.

     Pursuant to Section 2.03(d) of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower irrevocably requests that the Fronting Bank issue a Letter of Credit on the following terms:

     1. Date of Issuance:

     2. Expiration Date:

     3. Stated Amount:

     4. Beneficiary:

     5. Account Party:

and the terms set forth in the attached application for said Letter of Credit.

     The Borrower hereby further certifies that (i) as of the date hereof, (ii) as of the Date of Issuance and (iii) after the issuance of the Letter of Credit requested hereby:

     (A) the representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in Section 4.01 of the Credit Agreement are true and correct on and as of the date hereof, before and after giving effect to the issuance of such Letter of Credit and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made on and as of such dates;

     (B) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from the issuance of the letter of Credit requested hereby or from the application of the proceeds therefrom, that constitutes an Event of Default or would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

     (C) immediately following the issuance of such Letter of Credit, (1) the aggregate amount of Outstanding Credits shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments then in effect, (2) the Outstanding Credits of any Lender shall not exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment and (3) the Stated Amount thereof, when aggregated with (x) the Stated Amount of each other Letter of Credit that is outstanding or with respect to which a Letter of Credit Request has been received and (y) the outstanding Reimbursement Obligations, shall not exceed the L/C Commitment Amount.


1   Include bracketed language if applicable Fronting Bank is Citicorp USA, Inc.
 
2   Include bracketed language if applicable Fronting Bank is Barclays Bank PLC.

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     If notice of the request for the above referenced Letter of Credit has been given by the Borrower previously by telephone, then this notice shall be considered a written confirmation of such telephone notice as required by Section 2.03(d) of the Credit Agreement.
         
  FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      

         

EXHIBIT E
Form of Opinion of Gary D. Benz, Esq.

[TO COME]

EXHIBIT F
Form of Opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP

[TO COME]

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EXHIBIT G
Form of Opinion of
Special New York Counsel to the Administrative Agent

June 22, 2004                                        

Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent and as a
fronting bank under the Credit Agreement, the banks
party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as a fronting
bank

     Re: FirstEnergy Corp.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as special New York counsel to Citicorp USA, Inc., individually and as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of the Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2004 (the “Credit Agreement”), among FirstEnergy Corp. (the “Borrower”), the lenders party thereto (the “Lenders”), Citicorp USA, Inc., as administrative agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”) and as a fronting bank, and Barclays Bank PLC, as a fronting bank. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein defined. This opinion is being delivered pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(vii) of the Credit Agreement.

     In that connection, we have examined (i) counterparts of the Credit Agreement, executed by the Borrower, the Banks, the Administrative Agent, and the Fronting Banks (ii) a form of the Notes and (iii) the other documents furnished to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 3.01(a) of the Credit Agreement, including (without limitation) the opinions of Gary D. Benz, Esq., counsel to the Borrower, and Pillsbury Winthrop LLP, special counsel to the Borrower (such opinions referred to hereinafter, collectively, as the “Borrower’s Counsel Opinions”).

     In our examination of the documents referred to above, we have assumed the authenticity of all such documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the due authority of the parties executing such documents and the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to us as copies. We have also assumed that each of the Banks and the Administrative Agent have duly executed and delivered, with all necessary power and authority (corporate and otherwise), the Credit Agreement. We have further assumed that you have evaluated, and are satisfied with, the creditworthiness of the Borrower and the business and financial terms evidenced by the Loan Documents.

     To the extent that our opinions expressed below involve conclusions as to matters governed by law other than the law of the State of New York and the Federal law of the United States, we have relied upon the Borrower’s Counsel Opinions and have assumed without independent investigation the correctness of the matters set forth therein, our opinions expressed below being subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth in the Borrower’s Counsel Opinions. As to matters of fact, we have relied solely upon the documents we have examined.

     Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that:

  (i)   The Credit Agreement is, and each of the Notes when executed and delivered for value received will be, the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.
 
  (ii)   While we have not independently considered the matters covered by the Borrower’s Counsel Opinions to the extent necessary to enable us to express the conclusions stated therein, each of the Borrower’s Counsel Opinions and the other documents furnished to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 3.01(a) of the Credit Agreement substantially responsive to the corresponding requirements set forth in Section 3.01(a) of the Credit Agreement pursuant to which the same have been delivered.

     Our opinions are subject to the following qualifications:

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  (a)   Our opinion in paragraph (i) above is subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or similar law affecting creditors’ rights generally.
 
  (b)   Our opinion in paragraph (i) above is subject to the effect of general principles of equity, including (without limitation) concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
 
  (c)   We note further that, in addition to the application of equitable principles described above, courts have imposed an obligation on contracting parties to act reasonably and in good faith in the exercise of their contractual rights and remedies, and may also apply public policy considerations in limiting the right of parties seeking to obtain indemnification under circumstances where the conduct of such parties in the circumstances in question is determined to have constituted negligence.
 
  (d)   We express no opinion herein as to (i) Section 8.06 of the Credit Agreement, (ii) the enforceability of provisions purporting to grant to a party conclusive rights of determination, (iii) the availability of specific performance or other equitable remedies, (iv) the enforceability of rights to indemnity under Federal or state securities laws and (v) the enforceability of waivers by parties of their respective rights and remedies under law.
 
  (e)   Our opinion expressed above is limited to the law of the State of New York and the Federal law of the United States, and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, we express no opinion as to the effect of the law of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York wherein any Lender may be located or wherein enforcement of the Credit Agreement or the Notes may be sought that limits the rates of interest legally chargeable or collectible.

     The foregoing opinion is solely for your benefit and may not be relied upon by any other Person other than any Person that may become a Lender under the Credit Agreement after the date hereof.

Very truly yours,

EX-10.2 3 ex10-2.htm CREDIT AGREEMENT ($375 MILLION)

Exhibit 10.2

U.S. $375,000,000

THREE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of October 23, 2003

Among

FIRSTENERGY CORP.,
as Borrower,

THE BANKS NAMED HEREIN,
as Banks,

CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent,

and

BANK ONE, NA,
as Fronting Bank

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
and
BARCLAYS CAPITAL
Joint Lead Arrangers

BARCLAYS BANK PLC
and
BANK ONE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
Co-Syndication Agents

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
and
WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Co-Documentation Agents

MORGAN STANLEY BANK
Senior Managing Agent

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
Managing Agents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
        Page
ARTICLE I
       
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
       
 
           
SECTION 1.01.
  Certain Defined Terms     1  
SECTION 1.02.
  Computation of Time Periods     14  
SECTION 1.03.
  Accounting Terms     14  
SECTION 1.04.
  Certain References     14  
 
           
ARTICLE II
       
AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES AND LETTERS OF CREDIT
       
 
           
SECTION 2.01.
  The Advances     15  
SECTION 2.02.
  Making the Advances     15  
SECTION 2.03.
  Letters of Credit     16  
SECTION 2.04.
  Fees     24  
SECTION 2.05.
  Termination or Reduction of the Commitments     25  
SECTION 2.06.
  Repayment of Advances     25  
SECTION 2.07.
  Interest on Advances     26  
SECTION 2.08.
  Additional Interest on Advances     26  
SECTION 2.09.
  Interest Rate Determination     27  
SECTION 2.10.
  Conversion of Advances     28  
SECTION 2.11.
  Prepayments     28  
SECTION 2.12.
  Increased Costs     29  
SECTION 2.13.
  Illegality     30  
SECTION 2.14.
  Payments and Computations     30  
SECTION 2.15.
  Taxes     32  
SECTION 2.16.
  Sharing of Payments, Etc.     33  
SECTION 2.17.
  Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness     34  
 
           
ARTICLE III
       
CONDITIONS OF LENDING AND ISSUING LETTERS OF CREDIT
       
 
           
SECTION 3.01.
  Conditions Precedent to Initial Extension of Credit     34  
SECTION 3.02.
  Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit     36  
SECTION 3.03.
  Conditions Precedent to Conversions     37  
SECTION 3.04.
  Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit after December 31, 2005     37  
 
           
ARTICLE IV
       
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
       
 
           
SECTION 4.01.
  Representations and Warranties of the Borrower     38  

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        Page
ARTICLE V
       
COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER
       
 
           
SECTION 5.01.
  Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower     41  
SECTION 5.02.
  Financial Covenants of the Borrower     45  
SECTION 5.03.
  Negative Covenants of the Borrower     45  
 
           
ARTICLE VI
       
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
       
 
           
SECTION 6.01.
  Events of Default     47  
 
           
ARTICLE VII
       
THE AGENT
       
 
           
SECTION 7.01.
  Authorization and Action     49  
SECTION 7.02.
  Agent’s Reliance, Etc.     50  
SECTION 7.03.
  Citibank, Bank One and Affiliates     50  
SECTION 7.04.
  Lender Credit Decision     51  
SECTION 7.05.
  Indemnification     51  
SECTION 7.06.
  Successor Agent     51  
 
           
ARTICLE VIII
       
MISCELLANEOUS
       
 
           
SECTION 8.01.
  Amendments, Etc.     52  
SECTION 8.02.
  Notices, Etc.     53  
SECTION 8.03.
  No Waiver; Remedies     53  
SECTION 8.04.
  Costs and Expenses; Indemnification     53  
SECTION 8.05.
  Right of Set-off     54  
SECTION 8.06.
  Binding Effect     55  
SECTION 8.07.
  Assignments and Participations     55  
SECTION 8.08.
  Governing Law     59  
SECTION 8.09.
  Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial     59  
SECTION 8.10.
  Severability     59  
SECTION 8.11.
  Entire Agreement     59  
SECTION 8.12.
  Execution in Counterparts     60  

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Exhibit A
  -   Form of Note
Exhibit B
  -   Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit C
  -   Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit D
  -   Form of Opinion of Gary D. Benz, Esq.
Exhibit E
  -   Form of Opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP
Exhibit F
  -   Form of Opinion of King & Spalding LLP
Exhibit G
  -   Form of Letter of Credit Request
 
Schedule I
  -   List of Commitments and Lending Offices
Schedule II
  -   Litigation

iii

THREE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

     THREE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 23, 2003, among FIRSTENERGY CORP., an Ohio corporation (the “Borrower”), the banks (the “Banks”) listed on the signature pages hereof, Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”), as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for the Lenders hereunder, and Bank One, NA (“Bank One”), as Fronting Bank.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

     (1) The Borrower has requested that the Lenders establish a three-year unsecured revolving credit facility in the amount of $375,000,000 in favor of the Borrower, all of which may be used for general corporate purposes, and the issuance of Letters of Credit.

     (2) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Lenders severally, to the extent of their respective Commitments as defined herein, are willing to establish the requested revolving credit facility in favor of the Borrower.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms.

     As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

     “Account Party” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).

     “Advance” means an advance by a Lender to the Borrower as part of a Borrowing and refers to an Alternate Base Rate Advance or a Eurodollar Rate Advance, each of which shall be a “Type” of Advance, subject to Conversion pursuant to Section 2.09 or 2.10.

     “Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person or is a director or officer of such Person.

     “Agreement” means this Three-Year Credit Agreement, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time.

     “Alternate Base Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum as shall be in effect from time to time, which rate per annum shall at all times be

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equal to the higher of (i) the rate of interest announced publicly by Citibank in New York, New York, from time to time, as Citibank’s “base rate” and (ii) the sum of 1/2 of 1% per annum plus the Federal Funds Rate in effect from time to time.

     “Alternate Base Rate Advance” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.07(a).

     “Applicable Law” means all applicable laws, statutes, treaties, rules, codes, ordinances, regulations, permits, certificates, orders, interpretations, licenses and permits of any Governmental Authority and judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, orders or like action of any court, arbitrator or other judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal of competent jurisdiction (including those pertaining to health, safety or the environment or otherwise).

     “Applicable Lending Office” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Domestic Lending Office in the case of an Alternate Base Rate Advance, and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

     “Applicable Margin” means, for any Alternate Base Rate Advance or any Eurodollar Rate Advance, the interest rate per annum set forth in the relevant row of the table below, determined by reference to the Reference Ratings from time to time in effect:

                                                       
 
                  LEVEL 2     LEVEL 3     LEVEL 4        
                  Reference     Reference     Reference        
        LEVEL 1     Ratings less     Ratings less     Ratings less     LEVEL 5  
        Reference     than Level 1     than Level 2     than Level 3     Reference  
        Ratings at     but at least     but at least     but at least     Ratings  
        least BBB+     BBB by     BBB- by     BB+ by     lower than  
        by S&P and     S&P and     S&P and     S&P and     Level 4 or no  
        Baa1 By     Baa2 by     Baa3 by     Ba1 by     Reference  
  BASIS FOR PRICING     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Ratings exist.  
 
Applicable Margin
for Eurodollar Rate
Advances
      0.725 %       0.825 %       1.125 %       1.625 %       2.000 %  
 
Applicable Margin
for Alternate Base
Rate Advances
      0 %       0 %       0.125 %       0.625 %       1.000 %  
 
Utilization Fee for
Eurodollar Rate
Advances
      0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %  
 
Utilization Fee for
Alternate Base Rate
Advances
      0 %       0 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %  
 

provided, that (x) the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be increased by the rate per annum set forth above in the row captioned “Utilization Fee for

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Eurodollar Rate Advances” that corresponds to the Reference Ratings Level used to determine such Applicable Margin and (y) the Applicable Margin for Alternate Base Rate Advances shall be increased by the rate per annum set forth above in the row captioned “Utilization Fee for Alternate Base Rate Advances” that corresponds to the Reference Ratings Level used to determine such Applicable Margin, in any case, during any period in which the total amount of Outstanding Credits is greater than one-half of the aggregate amount of the Commitments.

For purposes of the foregoing, if the Reference Ratings assigned by Moody’s and S&P correspond to different levels (i.e., a “split rating”), the lower of such ratings shall control. Any change in the Applicable Margin will be effective as of the date on which S&P or Moody’s, as the case may be, announces the applicable change in the Reference Rating.

     “Assignment and Acceptance” means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto.

     “ATSI” means American Transmission Systems, Inc., an Ohio corporation wholly owned by the Borrower.

     “Available Commitment” means, for each Lender, the excess of such Lender’s Commitment over such Lender’s Percentage of the Outstanding Credits. “Available Commitments” shall refer to the aggregate of the Lenders’ Available Commitments hereunder.

     “Bankruptcy Code” means the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended from time to time, and any Federal law with respect to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

     “Beneficiary” means any Person designated by an Account Party to whom the Fronting Bank is to make payment, or on whose order payment is to be made, under a Letter of Credit.

     “Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Advances of the same Type made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01 or Converted pursuant to Section 2.09 or 2.10.

     “Business Day” means a day of the year on which banks are not required or authorized to close in New York City or Akron, Ohio and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

     “CEI” means The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio corporation.

     “Change of Control” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01(j).

4

     “Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the applicable regulations thereunder.

     “Commitment” means, as to any Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule I hereto or, if such Lender has entered into any Assignment and Acceptance, set forth for such Lender in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.07(c), as such amount may be reduced pursuant to Section 2.05.

     “Consolidated Debt” means, with respect to the Borrower, at any date of determination the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but shall not include (i) Nonrecourse Indebtedness of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) obligations under leases that shall have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as operating leases in respect of which the Borrower or any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries is liable as a lessee, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries.

     “Consolidated Subsidiary” means, as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person the accounts of which are or are required to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

     “Controlled Group” means all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control that, together with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, are treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code.

     “Convert”, “Conversion” and “Converted” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of another Type or the selection of a new, or the renewal of the same, Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances pursuant to Section 2.09 or 2.10.

     “Date of Issuance” means the date of issuance by the Fronting Bank of a Letter of Credit under this Agreement.

     “Domestic Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to the Administrative Agent.

     “Drawing” means a drawing by a Beneficiary under any Letter of Credit.

     “Eligible Assignee” means (i) a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States, or any State thereof; (ii) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country that is a member of the OECD or has concluded special lending

5

arrangements with the International Monetary Fund associated with its “General Arrangements to Borrow”, or a political subdivision of any such country, provided that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States; (iii) a finance company, insurance company or other financial institution or fund (whether a corporation, partnership or other entity) engaged generally in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in commercial loans in the ordinary course of its business; (iv) the central bank of any country that is a member of the OECD; or (v) any Bank; provided, however, that (A) any Person described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall also (x) have outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is in the business of rating unsecured indebtedness of entities engaged in such businesses) and (y) have combined capital and surplus (as established in its most recent report of condition to its primary regulator) of not less than $250,000,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency), (B) any Person described in clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, on the date on which it is to become a Lender hereunder, be entitled to receive payments hereunder without deduction or withholding of any United States Federal income taxes (as contemplated by Section 2.15(d)) and (C) any Person described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, in addition, be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the Fronting Bank.

     “Environmental Laws” means any federal, state or local laws, ordinances or codes, rules, orders, or regulations relating to pollution or protection of the environment, including, without limitation, laws relating to hazardous substances, laws relating to reclamation of land and waterways and laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollution, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes.

     “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder, each as amended, modified and in effect from time to time.

     “Eurocurrency Liabilities” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

     “Eurodollar Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to the Administrative Agent.

     “Eurodollar Rate” means, for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, an interest rate per annum equal to the

6

average (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the rates per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by the principal office of each of the Reference Banks in London, England, to prime banks in the London interbank market at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period in an amount substantially equal to such Reference Bank’s Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of such Borrowing and for a period equal to such Interest Period. The Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing shall be determined by the Administrative Agent on the basis of applicable rates furnished to and received by the Administrative Agent from the Reference Banks two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 2.09.

     “Eurodollar Rate Advance” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.07(b).

     “Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage” of any Lender for the Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Advance means the reserve percentage applicable during such Interest Period (or if more than one such percentage shall be so applicable, the daily average of such percentages for those days in such Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so applicable) under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) for such Lender with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities having a term equal to such Interest Period.

     “Events of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

     “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, in each case as amended and in effect from time to time.

     “Existing Credit Agreement” means the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2002, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, as administrative agent for such lenders.

     “Expiration Date” means, with respect to a Letter of Credit, its stated expiration date.

     “Extension of Credit” means the making of any Advance or the issuance or amendment (including, without limitation, an extension or renewal) of a Letter of Credit.

     “Federal Funds Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average

7

(rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

     “Fee Letter” means that certain letter agreement, dated September 23, 2003, among the Borrower, OE, Citibank, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Capital.

     “FirstEnergy Debt to Capitalization Ratio” means with respect to any fiscal quarter of the Borrower the ratio of Consolidated Debt on the last day of such fiscal quarter to Total Capitalization on the last day of such fiscal quarter.

     “FirstEnergy Fixed Charge Ratio” means with respect to any fiscal quarter the ratio of (i) the sum of (A) consolidated net income before extraordinary items of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for the twelve-month period ended on the last day of such fiscal quarter, plus (B) depreciation, amortization, dividends paid on preferred stock of subsidiaries, interest expense, amounts paid on Trust Preferred Securities and Federal income taxes deducted in determining such net income, plus (C) the interest element of rental payments deducted in determining such net income under operating lease obligations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period, plus (D) all other non-cash charges constituting operating expenses deducted in determining such net income to (ii) the sum of (A) all interest expense (excluding the amount of any allowance for funds used during construction and amounts paid on Trust Preferred Securities) in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period, plus (B) the interest element of rental payments deducted in determining net income under operating lease obligations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period.

     “First Mortgage Indenture” means, with respect to any Significant Subsidiary, an indenture or similar instrument pursuant to which such Person may issue bonds, notes or similar instruments secured by a lien on all or substantially all of such Person’s fixed assets.

     “Fronting Bank” means Bank One and/or any other Lender having a long-term credit rating acceptable to the Borrower that delivers an instrument in form and substance satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent whereby such other Lender agrees to act as “Fronting Bank” hereunder.

     “Fronting Bank Fee Letter” has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(b).

     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States in effect from time to time.

     “Governmental Action” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, waivers, exceptions, variances, orders, licenses, exemptions, publications, filings, notices to and declarations of or with any Governmental Authority (other than routine reporting

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requirements the failure to comply with which will not affect the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document or any material rights, power or remedy of any Person thereunder or any other action in respect of any Governmental Authority).

     “Governmental Authority” means any Federal, state, county, municipal, foreign, international, regional or other governmental authority, agency, board, body, instrumentality or court.

     “Hostile Acquisition” means any Target Acquisition (as defined below) involving a tender offer or proxy contest that has not been recommended or approved by the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Person that is the subject of such Target Acquisition prior to the first public announcement or disclosure relating to such Target Acquisition. As used in this definition, the term “Target Acquisition” means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, by which any Person directly or indirectly (i) acquires all or substantially all of the assets or ongoing business of any other Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise, (ii) acquires (in one transaction or as the most recent transaction in a series of transactions) control of at least a majority in ordinary voting power of the securities of any such Person that have ordinary voting power for the election of directors or (iii) otherwise acquires control of more than a 50% ownership interest in any such Person.

     “Indebtedness” of any Person means at any date, without duplication, (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (iv) all obligations under leases that shall have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases in respect of which such Person is liable as lessee, (v) liabilities in respect of unfunded vested benefits under Plans, (vi) withdrawal liability incurred under ERISA by such Person or any of its affiliates to any Multiemployer Plan, (vii) reimbursement obligations of such Person (whether contingent or otherwise) in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, surety or other bonds and similar instruments, (viii) all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person and (ix) obligations of such Person under direct or indirect guaranties in respect of, and obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to above.

     “Interest Period” means, for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Rate Advance or the date of the Conversion of any Advance into such Eurodollar Rate Advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of the period selected by the

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Borrower pursuant to the provisions below. The duration of each such Interest Period shall be one, two or three weeks or one, two, three or six months, in each case as the Borrower may select by notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.02(a) or Section 2.10(a); provided, however, that:

     (i) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period that ends after the Termination Date;

     (ii) Interest Periods commencing on the same date for Advances made as part of the same Borrowing shall be of the same duration;

     (iii) no more than five different Interest Periods shall apply to outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advances on any date of determination; and

     (iv) whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding Business Day, provided, that if such extension would cause the last day of such Interest Period to occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding Business Day.

     “L/C Commitment Amount” equals $250,000,000, as the same may be reduced permanently from time to time pursuant to Section 2.05 hereof, minus, on any date of determination, the Other Letter of Credit Liabilities existing on such date.

     “Lenders” means the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof and each Eligible Assignee that shall become a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.07.

     “Letter of Credit” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(a).

     “Letter of Credit Cash Cover” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

     “Letter of Credit Request” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(d).

     “Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to own, subject to a Lien, any asset that it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.

     “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, any Note, the Fee Letter and the Fronting Bank Fee Letter.

     “Majority Lenders” means, at any time prior to the Termination Date, Lenders having in the aggregate at least 51% of the Commitments (without giving effect to any termination in whole of the Commitments pursuant to Section 6.01) and at any time on or after the Termination Date, Lenders having at least 51% of the then aggregate

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Outstanding Credits of the Lenders; provided, that for purposes hereof, neither the Borrower, nor any of its Affiliates, if a Lender, shall be included in (i) the Lenders having such amount of the Commitments or the Advances or (ii) determining the total amount of the Commitments or the Outstanding Credits.

     “Margin Stock” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and as amended and in effect from time to time.

     “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

     “Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

     “Nonrecourse Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness that finances the acquisition, development, ownership or operation of an asset in respect of which the Person to which such Indebtedness is owed has no recourse whatsoever to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates other than:

  (i)   recourse to the named obligor with respect to such Indebtedness (the “Debtor”) for amounts limited to the cash flow or net cash flow (other than historic cash flow) from the asset; and
 
  (ii)   recourse to the Debtor for the purpose only of enabling amounts to be claimed in respect of such Indebtedness in an enforcement of any security interest or lien given by the Debtor over the asset or the income, cash flow or other proceeds deriving from the asset (or given by any shareholder or the like in the Debtor over its shares or like interest in the capital of the Debtor) to secure the Indebtedness, but only if the extent of the recourse to the Debtor is limited solely to the amount of any recoveries made on any such enforcement; and
 
  (iii)   recourse to the Debtor generally or indirectly to any Affiliate of the Debtor, under any form of assurance, undertaking or support, which recourse is limited to a claim for damages (other than liquidated damages and damages required to be calculated in a specified way) for a breach of an obligation (other than a payment obligation or an obligation to comply or to procure compliance by another with any financial ratios or other tests of financial condition) by the Person against which such recourse is available.

     “Note” means any promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

     “Notice of Borrowing” has the meaning specified in Section 2.02(a).

     “OE” means Ohio Edison Company, an Ohio corporation.

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     “OECD” means the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

     “Ohio Edison Facilitiesmeans the Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2003, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, among OE, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, as administrative agent for such lenders, and the 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of October 23, 2003, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, among OE, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, as administrative agent for such lenders.

     “Other Letter of Credit Liabilities” means, on any date of determination, an amount equal to (i) the aggregate “Stated Amount” of all issued but undrawn “Letters of Credit” outstanding under the 2001 Three-Year Credit Agreement and the 2003 364-Day Credit Agreement on such date plus (ii) the aggregate amount of “Reimbursement Obligations” outstanding under the 2001 Three-Year Credit Agreement and the 2003 364-Day Credit Agreement on such date (exclusive of “Reimbursement Obligations” which, on such date of determination, are repaid with the proceeds of “Advances” made under the 2001 Three-Year Credit Agreement and the 2003 364-Day Credit Agreement). As used in this definition, the terms “Stated Amount,” “Letters of Credit,” “Reimbursement Obligations” and “Advances” shall have the respective meanings set forth for such terms in the 2001 Three-Year Credit Agreement and the 2003 364-Day Credit Agreement.

     “Other Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15(b).

     “Outstanding Credits” means, on any date of determination, an amount equal to (i) the aggregate principal amount of all Advances outstanding on such date plus (ii) the aggregate Stated Amount of all issued but undrawn Letters of Credit outstanding on such date plus (iii) the aggregate amount of Reimbursement Obligations outstanding on such date (exclusive of Reimbursement Obligations which, on such date of determination, are repaid with the proceeds of Advances made in accordance with Section 2.03 (g) and (h), to the extent the principal amount of such Advances is included in the determination of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Advances as provided in clause (i) of this definition). The “Outstanding Credits” of a Lender on any date of determination shall be an amount equal to the outstanding Advances made by such Lender plus the amount of such Lender’s participatory interest in outstanding Letters of Credit and Reimbursement Obligations included in the definition of “Outstanding Credits”.

     “Payment Date” means the date on which payment of a Drawing is made by the Fronting Bank.

     “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

     “Percentage” means, in respect of any Lender on any date of determination, the percentage obtained by dividing such Lender’s Commitment on such day by the total of the Commitments on such day, and multiplying the quotient so obtained by 100%.

     “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association,

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joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

     “Plan” means, at any time, an employee pension benefit plan that is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code and is either (i) maintained by a member of the Controlled Group for employees of a member of the Controlled Group or (ii) maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or any other arrangement under which more than one employer makes contributions and to which a member of the Controlled Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within the preceding five plan years made contributions.

     “PPC” means Pennsylvania Power Company, a Pennsylvania corporation.

     “Reference Banks” means Citibank, Barclays Bank PLC and Bank One, and any Lender designated as a successor or replacement Reference Bank pursuant to Section 2.09(a).

     “Reference Ratings” means the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s to the senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt of the Borrower.

     “Register” has the meaning specified in Section 8.07(c).

     “Reimbursement Obligation” means the absolute and unconditional obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Fronting Bank for any Drawing pursuant to Section 2.03(h).

     “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

     “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.

     SEC Ordermeans the order of the SEC that authorizes the Borrower to obtain Extensions of Credit until December 31, 2005 and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

     “Significant Subsidiaries” means (i) each regulated energy Subsidiary of the Borrower, including, but not limited to, CEI, OE, PPC, TEC, ATSI, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company and MARBEL Energy Corporation, and any successor to any of them, and (ii) each other Subsidiary of the Borrower the annual revenues of which exceed $100,000,000 or the total assets of which exceed $50,000,000.

     “Stated Amount” means the maximum amount available to be drawn by a Beneficiary under a Letter of Credit.

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     “Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds” means any instruments, pass-through certificates, notes, debentures, certificates of participation, bonds, certificates of beneficial interest or other evidences of indebtedness or instruments evidencing a beneficial interest which are secured by or otherwise payable from non-bypassable cent per kilowatt hour charges authorized pursuant to such an order of a state commission regulating public utilities to be applied and invoiced to customers of such utility. The charges so applied and invoiced must be deducted and stated separately from the other charges invoiced by such utility against its customers.

     “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such a Person, or one or more Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries.

     “Supplemental SEC Order” means the order of the SEC that authorizes the Borrower to obtain Extensions of Credit after December 31, 2005 and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

     “Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 2.15(a).

     “TEC” means The Toledo Edison Company, an Ohio corporation.

     “Termination Date” means October 23, 2006, or the earlier date of termination in whole of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.05 or Section 6.01 hereof.

     “Termination Event” means (i) a Reportable Event described in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder (other than a Reportable Event not subject to the provision for 30-day notice to the PBGC under such regulations), or (ii) the withdrawal of any member of the Controlled Group from a Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, or (iii) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA, or (iv) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, or (v) any other event or condition that might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.

     “Total Capitalization” means, with respect to the Borrower at any date of determination the sum of (i) Consolidated Debt of the Borrower, (ii) consolidated equity of the common stockholders of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) consolidated equity of the preference stockholders of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities.

     “Trust Preferred Securities” means (i) the issued and outstanding preferred securities of Cleveland Electric Financing Trust I, JCP&L Capital L.P., Met-Ed Capital Trust and Pennsylvania Electric Capital Trust and (ii) any other securities, however denominated, (a) issued by the Borrower or any Consolidated Subsidiary of the

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Borrower, (b) that are not subject to mandatory redemption or the underlying securities, if any, of which are not subject to mandatory redemption, (c) that are perpetual or mature no less than 30 years from the date of issuance, (d) the indebtedness issued in connection with which, including any guaranty, is subordinate in right of payment to the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the issuer of such indebtedness or guaranty, and (e) the terms of which permit the deferral of the payment of interest or distributions thereon to a date occurring after the Termination Date.

     “2001 Three-Year Credit Agreementmeans the Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2001, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, as administrative agent for such lenders.

     “2003 364-Day Credit Agreementmeans the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2003, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, among the Borrower, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, as administrative agent for such lenders.

     “Type” has the meaning assigned to that term in the definition of “Advance” when used in such context.

     “Unfunded Vested Liabilities” means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the amount (if any) by which (i) the present value of all vested nonforfeitable benefits under such Plan exceeds (ii) the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such excess represents a potential liability of a member of the Controlled Group to the PBGC or the Plan under Title IV of ERISA.

     SECTION 1.02. Computation of Time Periods.

     In this Agreement in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

     SECTION 1.03. Accounting Terms.

     All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP consistent with those applied in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) hereof.

     SECTION 1.04. Certain References.

     Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Agreement to articles, sections, paragraphs, clauses, schedules and exhibits are to the same contained in or attached to this Agreement.

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ARTICLE II
AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES AND LETTERS OF CREDIT

     SECTION 2.01. The Advances.

     Each Lender severally agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make Advances to the Borrower in U.S. dollars only from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the date hereof until the Termination Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the Available Commitment of such Lender. Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and shall consist of Advances of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, having the same Interest Period made or Converted on the same day by the Lenders ratably according to their respective Commitments. Within the limits of each Lender’s Available Commitment and subject to the conditions set forth in Article III and the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may from time to time borrow, prepay pursuant to Section 2.11 and reborrow under this Section 2.01; provided, that in no case shall any Lender be required to make an Advance hereunder if (i) the amount of such Advance would exceed such Lender’s Available Commitment or (ii) the making of such Advance, together with the making of the other Advances constituting part of the same Borrowing, would cause the total amount of all Outstanding Credits to exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments.

     SECTION 2.02. Making the Advances.

     (a) Each Borrowing shall be made on notice, given (i) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, and (ii) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Alternate Base Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the date of the proposed Borrowing, by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, which shall give to each Lender prompt notice thereof. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “Notice of Borrowing”) by the Borrower shall be by telecopier or cable, in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, (B) Type of Advances to be made in connection with such Borrowing, (C) aggregate amount of such Borrowing, and (D) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances, the initial Interest Period for each such Advance, which Borrowing shall be subject to the limitations stated in the definition of “Interest Period” in Section 1.01. Each Lender shall, before 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date of such Borrowing, make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Administrative Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.02, in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion (according to the Lenders’ respective Commitments) of such Borrowing. After the Administrative Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, the Administrative Agent will make such funds available to the Borrower at the Administrative Agent’s aforesaid address.

     (b) Each Notice of Borrowing delivered by the Borrower shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Notice of Borrowing delivered by the Borrower requesting Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure by the Borrower to fulfill on or before the date specified in such Notice of Borrowing the applicable conditions set forth in Article III,

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including, without limitation, any loss (including loss of anticipated profits), cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund the Advance to be made by such Lender as part of such Borrowing when such Advance, as a result of such failure, is not made on such date.

     (c) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice via facsimile transmission from a Lender prior to (A) 5:00 p.m. (New York time) one Business Day prior to the date of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances or (B) 12:00 noon (New York time) on the date of a Borrowing comprising Base Rate Advances that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such portion available to the Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with subsection (a) of this Section 2.02 and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made such ratable portion available to the Administrative Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Advances made in connection with such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

     (d) The failure of any Lender to make the Advance to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Advance on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

     SECTION 2.03. Letters of Credit.

     (a) Agreement of Fronting Bank. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Fronting Bank agrees to issue and amend (including, without limitation, to extend or renew) for the account of the Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof (each such Person, an “Account Party”) one or more standby letters of credit (individually, a “Letter of Credit” and collectively, the “Letters of Credit”) from and including the date hereof to the Termination Date, up to a maximum aggregate Stated Amount at any one time outstanding equal to the L/C Commitment Amount minus Reimbursement Obligations outstanding at such time, each having an Expiration Date of no later than the earlier of (x) the Termination Date and (y) the date occurring 364 days after the Date of Issuance of such Letter of Credit; provided, however, that the Fronting Bank will not issue or amend a Letter of Credit if, immediately following such issuance or amendment, (i) the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit would (A) exceed the Available Commitments or (B) when aggregated with (1) the Stated Amounts of all other outstanding Letters of Credit and (2) the outstanding Reimbursement Obligations, exceed the L/C Commitment Amount, or (ii) the total amount of all Outstanding Credits would exceed the aggregate of the Commitments. Letters of Credit shall be denominated in U.S. dollars only.

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     (b) Termination. The terms of each Letter of Credit shall permit unilateral termination of such Letter of Credit by the Fronting Bank on not less than 30 days’ notice to the Beneficiary thereof. The Fronting Bank shall not terminate any Letter of Credit, however, except upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, and then the Fronting Bank shall terminate such Letter of Credit if (i) instructed to do so by the Administrative Agent, acting with the consent of, or upon the request of, the Majority Lenders or (ii) the Borrower shall have failed to provide the cash collateral, if any, required in respect of outstanding undrawn Letters of Credit upon an Event of Default. Each Letter of Credit shall also provide that upon its receipt of notice of such unilateral early termination, the Beneficiary thereof shall be entitled to make a Drawing for the Stated Amount thereof prior to the effective date of such early termination.

     (c) Forms. Each Letter of Credit shall be in a form customarily used by the Fronting Bank or in such other form as has been approved by the Fronting Bank. At the time of issuance or amendment, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the amount and the terms and conditions of each Letter of Credit shall be subject to approval by the Fronting Bank and the Borrower.

     (d) Notice of Issuance; Application. The Borrower shall give the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent written notice (or telephonic notice confirmed in writing) at least one Business Day prior to the requested Date of Issuance of a Letter of Credit, such notice to be in substantially the form of Exhibit G hereto (a “Letter of Credit Request”). The Borrower shall also execute and deliver such customary letter of credit application forms as requested from time to time by the Fronting Bank. Such application forms shall indicate the identity of the Account Party and that the Borrower is the “Applicant” or shall otherwise indicate that the Borrower is the obligor in respect of any Letter of Credit to be issued thereunder. If the terms or conditions of the application forms conflict with any provision of this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement shall govern.

     (e) Issuance. Provided the Borrower has given the notice prescribed by Section 2.03(d) and subject to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the satisfaction of the applicable conditions precedent set forth in Article III, the Fronting Bank shall issue the requested Letter of Credit on the requested Date of Issuance as set forth in the applicable Letter of Credit Request for the benefit of the stipulated Beneficiary and shall deliver the original of such Letter of Credit to the Beneficiary at the address specified in the notice. At the request of the Borrower, the Fronting Bank shall deliver a copy of each Letter of Credit to the Borrower within a reasonable time after the Date of Issuance thereof. Upon the request of the Borrower, the Fronting Bank shall deliver to the Borrower a copy of any Letter of Credit proposed to be issued hereunder prior to the issuance thereof.

     (f) Notice of Drawing. The Fronting Bank shall promptly notify the Borrower by telephone, facsimile or other telecommunication of any Drawing under a Letter of Credit.

     (g) Payments. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank, in the manner provided in subsection (h) below:

     (i) on each Payment Date, an amount equal to the amount paid by the Fronting Bank under any Letter of Credit; and

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     (ii) if any Drawing shall be reimbursed to the Fronting Bank after 12:00 noon (New York time) on the Payment Date, interest on any and all amounts required to be paid pursuant to clause (i) of this subsection (g) from and after the due date thereof until payment in full, payable on demand, at an annual rate of interest equal to 2.00% above Citibank’s “base rate” as in effect from time to time.

     (h) Method of Reimbursement. The Borrower shall reimburse the Fronting Bank for each Drawing under any Letter of Credit pursuant to subsection (g) above in the following manner:

     (i) the Borrower shall immediately reimburse the Fronting Bank in the manner described in Section 2.14; or

     (ii) if (A) the Borrower has not reimbursed the Fronting Bank pursuant to clause (i) above, (B) the applicable conditions to Borrowing set forth in Articles II and III have been fulfilled, and (C) the Available Commitments in effect at such time exceed the amount of the Drawing to be reimbursed, the Borrower may reimburse the Fronting Bank for such Drawing with the proceeds of an Alternate Base Rate Advance or, if the conditions specified in the foregoing clauses (A), (B) and (C) have been satisfied and a Notice of Borrowing requesting a Eurodollar Rate Advance has been given in accordance with Section 2.02 three Business Days prior to the relevant Payment Date, with the proceeds of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

     (i) Nature of Fronting Bank’s Duties. In determining whether to honor any Drawing under any Letter of Credit, the Fronting Bank shall be responsible only to determine that the documents and certificates required to be delivered under that Letter of Credit have been delivered and that they comply on their face with the requirements of that Letter of Credit. The Borrower otherwise assumes all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of the Letters of Credit issued by the Fronting Bank by, the respective Beneficiaries of such Letters of Credit. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, but consistent with applicable law, the Fronting Bank shall not be responsible, absent gross negligence or willful misconduct, (i) for the form, validity, sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effects of any document submitted by any party in connection with the application for and issuance of any drawing honored under a Letter of Credit, even if it should in fact prove to be in any or all respects invalid, insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (ii) for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any such Letter of Credit, or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason; (iii) for errors, omissions, interruptions or delays in transmission or delivery of any messages, by mail, cable, telegraph, telex, facsimile or otherwise, whether or not they be in cipher; (iv) for errors in interpretation of technical terms; (v) for any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under any such Letter of Credit, or the proceeds thereof; (vi) for the misapplication by the Beneficiary of any such Letter of Credit or of the proceeds of any drawing honored under such Letter of Credit; and (vii) for any consequences arising from causes beyond the control of the Fronting Bank. None of the above shall affect, impair or prevent the vesting of any of the Fronting Bank’s rights or powers hereunder. Not in limitation of the foregoing, any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Fronting Bank under or in connection with any Letter of Credit shall not create against the

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Fronting Bank any liability to the Borrower or any Lender, except for actions or omissions resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the Fronting Bank or any of its agents or representatives.

     (j) Obligations of Borrower Absolute. The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the Fronting Bank for Drawings honored under the Letters of Credit issued by it shall be unconditional and irrevocable and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances including, without limitation, the following circumstances:

     (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit;

     (ii) the existence of any claim, set-off, defense or other right which the Borrower, any Account Party or any Affiliate of the Borrower or any Account Party may have at any time against a Beneficiary or any transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any Persons or entities for whom any such Beneficiary or transferee may be acting), the Fronting Bank or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated transaction;

     (iii) any draft, demand, certificate or any other documents presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect;

     (iv) the surrender or impairment of any security for the performance or observance of any of the terms of any of the Loan Documents;

     (v) any non-application or misapplication by the Beneficiary of the proceeds of any Drawing under a Letter of Credit; or

     (vi) the fact that an Event of Default, or event that would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both, shall have occurred and be continuing.

     No payment made under this Section shall be deemed to be a waiver of any claim the Borrower may have against the Fronting Bank or any other Person.

     (k) Participations by Lenders. By the issuance of a Letter of Credit and without any further action on the part of the Fronting Bank or any Lender in respect thereof, the Fronting Bank shall hereby be deemed to have granted to each Lender, and each Lender shall hereby be deemed to have acquired from the Fronting Bank, an undivided interest and participation in such Letter of Credit (including any letter of credit issued by the Fronting Bank in substitution or exchange for such Letter of Credit pursuant to the terms thereof) equal to such Lender’s Percentage of the Stated Amount of such Letter of Credit, effective upon the issuance of such Letter of Credit. In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank, in accordance with this subsection (k), such Lender’s Percentage of each payment made by the Fronting Bank in respect of an unreimbursed Drawing under a Letter of Credit. The Fronting Bank shall notify the Administrative Agent of the amount of such unreimbursed Drawing honored by it not later than (x) 12:00 noon (New York time) on the date of payment of a draft under a Letter of Credit, if

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such payment is made at or prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such day, and (y) the close of business (New York time) on the date of payment of a draft under a Letter of Credit, if such payment is made after 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such day, and the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the date and amount of such unreimbursed Drawing under such Letter of Credit honored by the Fronting Bank and the amount of such Lender’s Percentage therein no later than (1) 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on such day, if such payment is made at or prior to 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such day, and (2) 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the next following Business Day, if such payment is made after 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on such day. Not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date of receipt of a notice of an unreimbursed Drawing by a Lender, such Lender agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank an amount equal to the product of (A) such Lender’s Percentage and (B) the amount of the payment made by the Fronting Bank in respect of such unreimbursed Drawing.

     If payment of the amount due pursuant to the preceding sentence from a Lender is received by the Fronting Bank after the close of business on the date it is due, such Lender agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank, in addition to (and along with) its payment of the amount due pursuant to the preceding sentence, interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to (i) for the period from and including the date such payment is due to but excluding the second succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate, and (ii) for the period from and including the second Business Day succeeding the date such payment is due to but excluding the date on which such amount is paid in full, the Federal Funds Rate plus 2.00%.

     (l) Obligations of Lenders Absolute. Each Lender acknowledges and agrees that (i) its obligation to acquire a participation in the Fronting Bank’s liability in respect of the Letters of Credit and (ii) its obligation to make the payments specified herein, and the right of the Fronting Bank to receive the same, in the manner specified herein, are absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances whatsoever, including, without limitation, (A) the occurrence and continuance of any Event of Default or any event that would, with the giving of notice or the passage of time or both, constitute an Event of Default; (B) any other breach or default by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder; (C) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or any Loan Document; (D) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right which the Lender may have at any time against the Borrower, any other Account Party, any Beneficiary, the Fronting Bank or any other Lender; (E) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against any Beneficiary, the Fronting Bank, the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement or any other documents contemplated hereby or any unrelated transactions; (F) any amendment or waiver of, or consent to any departure from, all or any of the Letters of Credit or this Agreement; (G) any statement or any document presented under any Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; (H) payment by the Fronting Bank under any Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, so long as such payment is not the consequence of the Fronting Bank’s gross negligence or willful misconduct in determining whether documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof; (I) the occurrence of the Termination Date; or (J) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing. Nothing herein shall prevent the assertion by any Lender of a claim by separate suit or compulsory counterclaim, nor shall any

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payment made by a Lender under Section 2.03 hereof be deemed to be a waiver of any claim that a Lender may have against the Fronting Bank or any other Person.

     (m) Proceeds of Reimbursements. Upon receipt of a payment from the Borrower pursuant to subsection (g) hereof, the Fronting Bank shall promptly transfer to each Lender such Lender’s pro rata share (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage) of such payment based on such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as aforesaid) of amounts previously paid pursuant to subsection (k), above, and not previously transferred by the Fronting Bank pursuant to this subsection (m); provided, however, that if a Lender shall fail to pay to the Fronting Bank any amount required by subsection (k) above by the close of business on the Business Day following the date on which such payment was due from such Lender, and the Borrower shall not have reimbursed the Fronting Bank for such amount pursuant to subsection (g) hereof (such unreimbursed amount being hereinafter referred to as a “Transferred Amount”), the Fronting Bank shall be deemed to have purchased, on such following Business Day (a “Participation Transfer Date”) from such Lender (a “Defaulting Lender”), a participation in such Transferred Amount and shall be entitled, for the period from and including the Participation Transfer Date to the earlier of (i) the date on which the Borrower shall have reimbursed the Fronting Bank for such Transferred Amount and (ii) the date on which such Lender shall have reimbursed the Fronting Bank for such Transferred Amount (the “Participation Transfer Period”), to the rights, privileges and obligations of a “Lender” under this Agreement with respect to such Transferred Amount, and such Defaulting Lender shall not be deemed to be a Lender hereunder, and shall not have any rights or interests of a Lender hereunder, with respect to such Transferred Amount, and its Percentage shall be reduced accordingly with the amount by which such Percentage is reduced deemed held by the Fronting Bank during the Participation Transfer Period; and provided further, however, that if, at any time after the occurrence of a Participation Transfer Date with respect to any Lender and prior to the reimbursement by such Lender of the Fronting Bank with respect to the related Transferred Amount pursuant to subsection (k) above, the Fronting Bank shall receive any payment from the Borrower pursuant to subsection (g) hereof, the Fronting Bank shall not be obligated to pay any amounts to such Lender, and the Fronting Bank shall retain such amounts (including, without limitation, interest payments due from the Borrower pursuant to subsection (g) hereof) for its own account as a Lender, provided that all such amounts shall be applied in satisfaction of the unpaid amounts (including, without limitation, interest payments due from such Lender pursuant to subsection (k), above) due from such Lender with respect to such Transferred Amount.

     If at any time after the occurrence of a Participation Transfer Date with respect to any Lender, the Administrative Agent shall receive any payment from the Borrower for the account of such Lender pursuant to this Agreement, if at the time of receipt of such amounts by the Administrative Agent such Lender shall not have reimbursed the Fronting Bank with respect to the related Transferred Amount pursuant to subsection (k) above, the Administrative Agent shall not pay any such amounts to such Lender but shall pay all such amounts to the Fronting Bank and the Fronting Bank shall retain such amounts for its own account as a Lender and apply such amounts in satisfaction of the unpaid amounts (including, without limitation, interest payments due from such Lender pursuant to subsection (k) above) due from such Lender with respect to such Transferred Amount.

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     All payments due to the Lenders from the Fronting Bank pursuant to this subsection (m) shall be made to the Lenders if, as, and, to the extent possible, when the Fronting Bank receives payments in respect of Drawings under the Letters of Credit pursuant to subsection (g) hereof, and in the same funds in which such amounts are received; provided that if any Lender to whom the Fronting Bank is required to transfer any such payment (or any portion thereof) pursuant to this subsection (m) does not receive such payment (or portion thereof) prior to (i) the close of business on the Business Day on which the Fronting Bank received such payment from the Borrower, if the Fronting Bank received such payment prior to 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on such day, or (ii) 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the Business Day next succeeding the Business Day on which the Fronting Bank received such payment from the Borrower, if the Fronting Bank received such payment after 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on such day, the Fronting Bank agrees to pay to such Lender, along with its payment of the portion of such payment due to such Lender, interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to (1) for the period from and including the Business Day when such payment was required to be made to the Lenders to but excluding the second succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate and (ii) for the period from and including the second Business Day succeeding the Business Day when such payment was required to be made to the Lenders to but excluding the date on which such amount is paid in full, the Federal Funds Rate plus 2.00%. The provisions of this subsection (m) shall not affect or impair any of the obligations under this Agreement of any Defaulting Lender to the Fronting Bank, all of which shall remain unaffected by any default in payment by the Fronting Bank to such Defaulting Lender.

     If, in connection with any case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to the Borrower or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect, or if for any other reason whatsoever, the Fronting Bank shall be required to return to the Borrower or to a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official all or any portion of any payments to the Lenders pursuant to this subsection (m) or interest thereon (a “Returned Payment”), each Lender shall, upon demand of the Fronting Bank, forthwith return to the Fronting Bank any amounts transferred to such Lender by the Fronting Bank in respect thereof pursuant to this subsection (m) plus such Lender’s pro rata share (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage) of interest (if any) that the Fronting Bank is required to pay to such trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official with respect to any Returned Payment.

     (n) Concerning the Fronting Bank. The Fronting Bank will exercise and give the same care and attention to the Letters of Credit as it gives to its other letters of credit and similar obligations, and each Lender agrees that the Fronting Bank’s sole liability to each Lender shall be (i) to distribute promptly, as and when received by the Fronting Bank, and in accordance with the provisions of subsection (m) above, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage) of any payments to the Fronting Bank by the Borrower pursuant to subsection (g) above in respect of Drawings under the Letters of Credit, (ii) to exercise or refrain from exercising any right or to take or to refrain from taking any action under this Agreement or any Letter of Credit as may be directed in writing by the Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, all of the Lenders) or the Administrative Agent acting at the direction and on behalf of the Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, all of the Lenders), except to the extent required by the terms hereof or thereof or by applicable law, and (iii) as otherwise expressly set

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forth in this Section 2.03. The Fronting Bank shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted at the request or with approval of the Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, all of the Lenders) or of the Administrative Agent acting on behalf of the Majority Lenders (or, when expressly required by the terms of this Agreement, all of the Lenders) or for the nonperformance of the obligations of any other party under this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other document contemplated hereby or thereby. Without in any way limiting any of the foregoing, the Fronting Bank may rely upon the advice of counsel concerning legal matters and upon any written communication or any telephone conversation that it believes to be genuine or to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person and shall not be required to make any inquiry concerning the performance by the Borrower, any Beneficiary or any other Person of any of their respective obligations and liabilities under or in respect of this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other documents contemplated hereby or thereby. The Fronting Bank shall not have any obligation to make any claim, or assert any Lien, upon any property held by the Fronting Bank or assert any offset thereagainst in satisfaction of all or any part of the obligations of the Borrower hereunder; provided that the Fronting Bank shall, if so directed by the Majority Lenders or the Administrative Agent acting on behalf of and with the consent of the Majority Lenders, have an obligation to make a claim, or assert a Lien, upon property held by the Fronting Bank in connection with this Agreement, or assert an offset thereagainst.

     The Fronting Bank may accept deposits from, make loans or otherwise extend credit to, and generally engage in any kind of banking or trust business with the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, or any other Person, and receive payment on such loans or extensions of credit and otherwise act with respect thereto freely and without accountability in the same manner as if it were not the Fronting Bank hereunder.

     The Fronting Bank makes no representation or warranty and shall have no responsibility with respect to: (i) the genuineness, legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement or any other documents contemplated hereby; (ii) the truthfulness, accuracy or performance of any of the representations, warranties or agreements contained in this Agreement or any other documents contemplated hereby; (iii) the collectibility of any amounts due under this Agreement; (iv) the financial condition of the Borrower or any other Person; or (v) any act or omission of any Beneficiary with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit or the proceeds of any Drawing under any Letter of Credit.

     (o) Indemnification of Fronting Bank by Lenders. To the extent that the Fronting Bank is not reimbursed and indemnified by the Borrower under Section 8.04 hereof, each Lender agrees to reimburse and indemnify the Fronting Bank on demand, pro rata in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage, for and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against the Fronting Bank, in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other document contemplated hereby or thereby, or any action taken or omitted by the Fronting Bank under or in connection with this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any other document contemplated hereby or thereby; provided, however, that such Lender shall not be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Fronting Bank’s gross negligence or willful misconduct; and provided further, however, that such Lender shall not be liable to the Fronting Bank or any other

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Lender for the failure of the Borrower to reimburse the Fronting Bank for any drawing made under a Letter of Credit with respect to which such Lender has paid the Fronting Bank such Lender’s pro rata share (determined in accordance with such Lender’s Percentage), or for the Borrower’s failure to pay interest thereon. Each Lender’s obligations under this subsection (o) shall survive the payment in full of all amounts payable by such Lender under subsection (k) above, and the termination of this Agreement and the Letters of Credit. Nothing in this subsection (o) is intended to limit any Lender’s reimbursement obligation contained in subsection (k) above.

     (p) Representations of Lenders. As between the Fronting Bank and the Lenders, by its execution and delivery of this Agreement each Lender hereby represents and warrants solely to the Fronting Bank that (i) it is duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, and has full corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations to the Fronting Bank under this Agreement; and (ii) this Agreement constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation enforceable against it in accordance with the terms hereof, except as such enforceability may be limited by applicable bank organization, moratorium, conservatorship or other laws now or hereafter in effect affecting the enforcement of creditors rights in general and the rights of creditors of banks, and except as such enforceability may be limited by general principles of equity (whether considered in a proceeding at law or in equity).

     (q) Multiple Fronting Banks. If there shall be more than one Fronting Bank holding Outstanding Credits at any time hereunder, each such Fronting Bank shall, with respect to the Letters of Credit issued by it and the Reimbursement Obligations owing to it, be regarded hereunder as the “Fronting Bank” and shall have all the rights, interests, protections and obligations of the “Fronting Bank” hereunder with respect to such Letters of Credit and Reimbursement Obligations and all matters relating thereto. Whenever any action may be, or is required to be, taken by the Fronting Bank hereunder, each Fronting Bank may, or shall, take such action only in respect of the Letters of Credit issued by it and the Reimbursement Obligations owing to it. Whenever the consent of the Fronting Bank is required hereunder with respect to any proposed action, the consent of each Fronting Bank holding Outstanding Credits shall be required for such proposed action to be taken. Any notice to be provided to the Fronting Bank shall be provided to each Fronting Bank holding Outstanding Credits, and each such Fronting Bank shall have the right to request any information, and take any other action, as the Fronting Bank is permitted to do hereunder. If at any time no Letters of Credit and no Reimbursement Obligations are outstanding, then Bank One, in its capacity as Fronting Bank, shall have the sole right and/or obligation to take any action or issue any consent that the Fronting Bank may, or is required to, take or issue hereunder. The protections accorded the Fronting Bank hereunder shall inure to the benefit of each Fronting Bank holding Outstanding Credits from time to time hereunder, regardless of whether the same are outstanding at the time the benefits of such protections are asserted.

     SECTION 2.04. Fees.

     (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a facility fee on the amount of such Lender’s Commitment (whether used or unused) from the date hereof in the case of each Bank and from the effective date specified in the

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Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender in the case of each other Lender until the Termination Date, payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December during such period, and on the Termination Date, at the rate per annum set forth below determined by reference to the Reference Ratings from time to time in effect:

                                                       
 
                  LEVEL 2     LEVEL 3     LEVEL 4        
                  Reference     Reference     Reference        
        LEVEL 1     Ratings Less     Ratings Less     Ratings Less     LEVEL 5  
        Reference     Than Level 1     Than Level 2     Than Level 3     Reference  
        Ratings at Least     but at Least     but at Least     but at Least     Ratings Lower  
        BBB+ By S&P     BBB By S&P     BBB- By S&P     BB+ By S&P     Than Level 4 or  
        And Baa1 By     And Baa2 By     And Baa3 By     And Ba1 By     no Reference  
  BASIS FOR PRICING     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Ratings exist.  
 
Facility Fee
      0.150 %       0.175 %       0.250 %       0.500 %       0.625 %  
 

For purposes of the foregoing, if the ratings assigned by Moody’s and S&P to any entity are not comparable (i.e., a “split rating”), the lower of such two ratings shall control. Any change in the facility fee will be effective as of the date on which S&P or Moody’s, as the case may be, announces the applicable change in the Reference Rating.

     (b) The Borrower agrees to pay the Administrative Agent, for its own account, certain fees in such amounts and payable on such terms as set forth in the Fee Letter.

     (c) The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Lenders, a fee in an amount equal to the then Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances multiplied by the Stated Amount of each Letter of Credit, in each case for the number of days that such Letter of Credit is issued but undrawn, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each December, March, June and September and on the Termination Date.

     (d) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Fronting Bank, for its own account, certain fees in such amounts and payable on such terms as set forth in the Fronting Bank Fee Letter.

     SECTION 2.05. Termination or Reduction of the Commitments.

     The Borrower shall have the right, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Administrative Agent, to terminate in whole or, upon same day notice, from time to time to permanently reduce ratably in part the unused portions of the respective Commitments of the Lenders; provided that each partial reduction shall be in the aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or in an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; provided, further, that the Commitments may not be reduced to an amount that is less than the aggregate Stated Amount of outstanding Letters of Credit. Subject to the foregoing, any reduction of the Commitments to an amount below $250,000,000 shall result in a reduction of the L/C Commitment Amount to the extent of such deficit. Each such notice of termination or reduction shall be irrevocable.

     SECTION 2.06. Repayment of Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to repay the principal amount of each Advance made by each Lender on the Termination Date.

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     SECTION 2.07. Interest on Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance made by each Lender from the date of such Advance until such principal amount shall be paid in full, at the following rates per annum:

     (a) Alternate Base Rate Advances. If such Advance is an Alternate Base Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the Alternate Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for such Alternate Base Rate Advance in effect from time to time, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, on the Termination Date and on the date such Alternate Base Rate Advance shall be Converted or be paid in full and as provided in Section 2.11;

     (b) Eurodollar Rate Advances. If such Advance is a Eurodollar Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times during the Interest Period for such Advance to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin for such Eurodollar Rate Advance in effect from time to time, payable on the last day of each Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advance (and, in the case of any Interest Period of six months, on the last day of the third month of such Interest Period), on the Termination Date and on the date such Eurodollar Rate Advance shall be Converted or be paid in full and as provided in Section 2.11;

provided, however, that if and for so long as an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing the unpaid principal amount of each Advance shall (to the fullest extent permitted by law) bear interest until paid in full at a rate per annum equal at all times to a rate equal to 2% above the rate then applicable to such Advance or, if higher, the Alternate Base Rate plus 2% per annum, payable upon demand.

     SECTION 2.08. Additional Interest on Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to pay to each Lender, so long as such Lender shall be required under regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Advance of such Lender, from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for such Advance from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing such Eurodollar Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage of such Lender for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Advance; provided, that no Lender shall be entitled to demand additional interest under this Section 2.08 more than 90 days following the last day of the Interest Period in respect of which such demand is made; provided further, however, that the foregoing proviso shall in no way limit the right of any Lender to demand or receive such additional interest to the extent that such additional interest relates to the retroactive application by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of any regulation described above if such demand is made within 90 days after the implementation of such retroactive regulation. Such additional interest shall be determined by such Lender and notified to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

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     SECTION 2.09. Interest Rate Determination.

     (a) Each Reference Bank agrees to furnish to the Administrative Agent timely information for the purpose of determining each Eurodollar Rate. If any one or more of the Reference Banks shall not furnish such timely information to the Administrative Agent for the purpose of determining any such interest rate, the Administrative Agent shall determine such interest rate on the basis of timely information furnished by the remaining Reference Banks. If any Reference Bank shall no longer be a Lender hereunder, shall no longer wish to serve as a Reference Bank hereunder or shall fail to perform hereunder, the Administrative Agent, upon consultation with the Borrower, may appoint another Lender to serve as a successor or replacement Reference Bank hereunder.

     (b) The Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower and the Lenders of the applicable interest rate determined by the Administrative Agent for purposes of Section 2.07(a) or (b) including the applicable rate, if any, furnished by each Reference Bank for the purpose of determining the applicable interest rate under Section 2.07(b).

     (c) If fewer than two Reference Banks furnish timely information to the Administrative Agent for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any Eurodollar Rate Advances,

     (i) the Administrative Agent shall forthwith notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the interest rate cannot be determined for such Eurodollar Rate Advances,

     (ii) each such Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into an Alternate Base Rate Advance (or if such Advance is then an Alternate Base Rate Advance, will continue as an Alternate Base Rate Advance), and

     (iii) the obligation of the Lenders to make or to Convert Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

     (d) If, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Majority Lenders notify the Administrative Agent that the Eurodollar Rate for any Interest Period for such Advances will not adequately reflect the cost to such Majority Lenders of making or funding their respective Eurodollar Rate Advances for such Interest Period, the Administrative Agent shall forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, whereupon

     (i) each Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into an Alternate Base Rate Advance, and

     (ii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

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     SECTION 2.10. Conversion of Advances.

     (a) Voluntary. The Borrower may on any Business Day, upon notice given to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of any proposed Conversion into Eurodollar Rate Advances, and on the date of any proposed Conversion into Alternate Base Rate Advances, and subject to the provisions of Sections 2.09 and 2.13, Convert all Advances of one Type made to the Borrower in connection with the same Borrowing into Advances of another Type or Types or Advances of the same Type having the same or a new Interest Period; provided, however, that any Conversion of, or with respect to, any Eurodollar Rate Advances into Advances of another Type or Advances of the same Type having the same or new Interest Periods shall be made on, and only on, the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advances, unless the Borrower shall also reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on the date of such Conversion. Each such notice of a Conversion shall, within the restrictions specified above, specify (i) the date of such Conversion, (ii) the Advances to be Converted, and (iii) if such Conversion is into, or with respect to, Eurodollar Rate Advances, the duration of the Interest Period for each such Advance.

     (b) Mandatory. If the Borrower shall fail to select the Type of any Advance or the duration of any Interest Period for any Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances in accordance with the provisions contained in the definition of “Interest Period” in Section 1.01 and Section 2.10(a), or if any proposed Conversion of a Borrowing that is to comprise Eurodollar Rate Advances upon Conversion shall not occur as a result of the circumstances described in paragraph (c) below, the Administrative Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, and such Advances will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into Alternate Base Rate Advances.

     (c) Failure to Convert. Each notice of Conversion given pursuant to subsection (a) above shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Borrowing that is to comprise Eurodollar Rate Advances upon Conversion, the Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure to fulfill on the date specified for such Conversion the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund such Eurodollar Rate Advances upon such Conversion, when such Conversion, as a result of such failure, does not occur. The Borrower’s obligations under this subsection (c) shall survive the repayment of all other amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments.

     SECTION 2.11. Prepayments.

     (a) Optional. The Borrower may at any time prepay the outstanding principal amounts of the Advances made as part of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part, together with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid, upon notice thereof given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower not later than 11:00 a.m. (New York time) (i) on the date of any such prepayment in the case of Alternate Base Rate Advances and (ii) on the second Business Day prior to any such prepayment in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances; provided, however, that (x) each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an

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aggregate principal amount not less than $5,000,000 and (y) in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Advance, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on the date of such prepayment.

     (b) Mandatory. If and to the extent that the Outstanding Credits on any date hereunder shall exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments hereunder on such date, the Borrower agrees to (i) prepay on such date a principal amount of Advances and/or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent an amount in immediately available funds (which funds shall be held as collateral pursuant to arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) equal to all or a portion of the amount available for drawing under the Letters of Credit outstanding at such time, which prepayment under clause (i) and payment under clause (ii) shall, when taken together result in the amount of Outstanding Credits minus the amount paid to the Administrative Agent pursuant to clause (ii) being less than or equal to the aggregate amount of the Commitments hereunder on such date. Any prepayment of Advances shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount prepaid to the date of such prepayment and, in the case of any such prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on the date of such prepayment.

     SECTION 2.12. Increased Costs.

     (a) If, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change (other than any change by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements included in the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage) in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation, in each case, after the date hereof, or (ii) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) issued, promulgated or made, as the case may be, after the date hereof, there shall be any increase in the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Advances or any increase in the cost to the Fronting Bank or any Lender of issuing, maintaining or participating in Letters of Credit, then the Borrower shall from time to time, upon demand by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) for such increased cost. A certificate as to the amount of such increased cost and the basis therefor, submitted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be), shall constitute such demand and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     (b) If any Lender or the Fronting Bank determines that compliance with any law or regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), issued, promulgated or made (as the case may be) after the date hereof, affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) or any corporation controlling such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) and that the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of (i) such Lender’s commitment to lend or participate in Letters of Credit hereunder and other commitments of this type or (ii) the Advances made by such Lender or (iii) the participations in Letters of Credit acquired by such Lender or (iv) in the case of the Fronting Bank, the Fronting Bank’s commitment to issue, maintain and

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honor drawings under Letters of Credit hereunder, or (v) the honoring of Letters of Credit by the Fronting Bank hereunder, then, upon demand by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be), from time to time as specified by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be), additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender, the Fronting Bank or such corporation in the light of such circumstances, to the extent that such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) determines such increase in capital to be allocable to (i) in the case of such Lender, the existence of such Lender’s commitment to lend hereunder or the Advances made by such Lender or (ii) the participations in Letters of Credit acquired by such Lender or (iii) in the case of the Fronting Bank, the Fronting Bank’s Commitment to issue, maintain and honor drawings under Letters of Credit hereunder, or (iv) the honoring of Letters of Credit by the Fronting Bank hereunder. A certificate as to such amounts submitted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall constitute such demand and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     SECTION 2.13. Illegality.

     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent that the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its Eurodollar Lending Office to perform its obligations hereunder to make Eurodollar Rate Advances or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances hereunder, (i) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist and (ii) the Borrower shall forthwith prepay in full all Eurodollar Rate Advances of all Lenders then outstanding, together with interest accrued thereon, unless (A) the Borrower, within five Business Days of notice from the Administrative Agent, Converts all Eurodollar Rate Advances of all Lenders then outstanding into Advances of another Type in accordance with Section 2.10 or (B) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the circumstances causing such prepayment no longer exist. Any Lender that becomes aware of circumstances that would permit such Lender to notify the Administrative Agent of any illegality under this Section 2.13 shall use its best efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such change would avoid or eliminate such illegality and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

     SECTION 2.14. Payments and Computations.

     (a) The Borrower shall make each payment hereunder and under any Note not later than 12:00 noon (New York time) on the day when due in U.S. dollars to the Administrative Agent or, with respect to payments made in respect of Reimbursement Obligations, to the Fronting Bank, at its address referred to in Section 8.02 in same day funds, and any such payment to the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall constitute payment by the Borrower hereunder or under any Note, as the case may be, for all purposes, and upon such

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payment the Lenders shall look solely to the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) for their respective interests in such payment. The Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) will promptly after any such payment cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or facility fees or Reimbursement Obligations ratably (other than amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.02(c), 2.04, 2.08, 2.10(c), 2.12, 2.15 or 8.04(b)) (according to the Lenders’ respective Commitments) to the Lenders for the account of their respective Applicable Lending Offices, and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon its acceptance of an Assignment and Acceptance and recording of the information contained therein in the Register pursuant to Section 8.07(d), from and after the effective date specified in such Assignment and Acceptance, the Administrative Agent and the Fronting Bank shall make all payments hereunder and under any Note in respect of the interest assigned thereby to the Lender assignee thereunder, and the parties to such Assignment and Acceptance shall make all appropriate adjustments in such payments for periods prior to such effective date directly between themselves.

     (b) The Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender and the Fronting Bank, if and to the extent payment owed to such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) is not made by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) when due hereunder or under any Note held by such Lender, to charge from time to time against any or all of the Borrower’s accounts (other than any payroll account maintained by the Borrower with such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) if and to the extent that such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall have expressly waived its set-off rights in writing in respect of such payroll account) with such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) any amount so due.

     (c) All computations of interest based on the Alternate Base Rate (based upon Citibank’s base rate) shall be made by the Administrative Agent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and all computations of facility fees and of interest based on the Alternate Base Rate (based upon the Federal Funds Rate), the Eurodollar Rate or the Federal Funds Rate shall be made by the Administrative Agent, and all computations of interest pursuant to Section 2.08 shall be made by a Lender, on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such facility fees or interest are payable. Each determination by the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of Section 2.08, by a Lender) of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     (d) Whenever any payment hereunder or under any Note shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or facility fees, as the case may be; provided, however, if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Advances to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the next preceding Business Day.

     (e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not

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make such payment in full, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent on such date and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent, each Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such amount to the Administrative Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

     (f) Except as provided otherwise in Section 2.07, any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder or under any Note that is not paid when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) shall (to the fullest extent permitted by law) bear interest from the date when due until paid in full at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Alternate Base Rate plus 2% per annum, payable upon demand.

     SECTION 2.15. Taxes.

     (a) Any and all payments by the Borrower hereunder and under any Note shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.14, free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding, in the case of each Lender, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent, such taxes, levies, imposts, deductions and charges in the nature of franchise taxes or taxes measured by the gross receipts or net income of any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent by any jurisdiction in which such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) is organized, located or conducts business or any political subdivision thereof and, in the case of each Lender, by the jurisdiction of such Lender’s Applicable Lending Office or any political subdivision thereof (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being herein referred to as “Taxes”). If the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any Note to any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.15) such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with Applicable Law.

     (b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under any Note or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement, any Letter of Credit or any Note (herein referred to as “Other Taxes”).

     (c) The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this

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Section 2.15) paid by such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. This indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor.

     (d) Prior to the date of the initial Borrowing in the case of each Bank, and on the date of the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender in the case of each other Lender, and from time to time thereafter if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, each Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States shall provide the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the Borrower with the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying that such Lender is exempt from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to such Lender hereunder and under any Note. If for any reason during the term of this Agreement, any Lender becomes unable to submit the forms referred to above or the information or representations contained therein are no longer accurate in any material respect, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the Borrower in writing to that effect. Unless the Borrower, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent have received forms or other documents satisfactory to them indicating that payments hereunder or under any Note are not subject to United States withholding tax, the Borrower, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent shall withhold taxes from such payments at the applicable statutory rate in the case of payments to or for any Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.

     (e) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.15 shall use its best efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such a change would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, any such additional amounts which may thereafter accrue and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

     (f) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in this Section 2.15 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest hereunder and under any Note.

     SECTION 2.16. Sharing of Payments, Etc.

     If any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set-off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances made by it or participations in Letters of Credit acquired by it (other than pursuant to Section 2.02(c), 2.08, 2.10(c), 2.12, 2.15 or 8.04(b)) in excess of its ratable share of payments on account of the Advances or Letters of Credit (as the case may be) obtained by all the Lenders, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Advances made by them or participations in Letters of Credit acquired by them (as the case may be) as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such Lender shall

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repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such recovery together with an amount equal to such Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (a) the amount of such Lender’s required repayment to (b) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.16 may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set-off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

     SECTION 2.17. Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness.

     (a) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Advance made by such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

     (b) The Administrative Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Advance made hereunder, the Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) with respect thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder, and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof.

     (c) The entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) above shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations therein recorded; provided, however, that the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such obligations in accordance with their terms.

     (d) Any Lender may request that its Advances be evidenced by a Note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a Note payable to the order of such Lender. Thereafter, the Advances evidenced by such Note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after any assignment pursuant to Section 8.07) be represented by one or more Notes payable to the order of the payee named therein or any assignee pursuant to Section 8.07, except to the extent that any such Lender or assignee subsequently returns any such Note for cancellation and requests that such Borrowings once again be evidenced as described in subsections (a) and (b) above.

ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS OF LENDING AND ISSUING LETTERS OF CREDIT

     SECTION 3.01. Conditions Precedent to Initial Extension of Credit.

     The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Advance, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue its initial Letter of Credit, are subject to the conditions precedent that on or before the date of any such Extension of Credit:

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     (a) The Administrative Agent shall have received the following, each dated the same date (except for the financial statements and information referred to in paragraphs (iv) and (v) below), in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (except for any Note) with one copy for the Fronting Bank and each Lender:

     (i) Any Note requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, duly completed and executed by the Borrower and payable to the order of each such Lender;

     (ii) Certified copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party and of all documents evidencing any other necessary corporate action with respect to this Agreement and such Loan Documents;

     (iii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying (A) the names and true signatures of the officers of the Borrower authorized to sign each Loan Document to which the Borrower is, or is to become, a party and the other documents to be delivered hereunder; (B) that attached thereto are true and correct copies of the charter and the Code of Regulations of the Borrower, in each case as in effect on such date; and (C) that attached thereto are true and correct copies of all governmental and regulatory authorizations and approvals (including the SEC Order) required for the due execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower is, or is to become, a party;

     (iv) Copies of the consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2003 and related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the six-month period then ended, in all cases as amended and restated to the date of delivery;

     (v) An opinion of Gary D. Benz, Esq., counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto;

     (vi) An opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP, special counsel for the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit E hereto;

     (vii) A favorable opinion of King & Spalding LLP, special New York counsel for the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto; and

     (viii) Such other certifications, opinions, financial or other information, approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any Lender may reasonably request, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender (as the case may be).

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     (b) The Borrower and the Fronting Bank shall have entered into an agreement, in form and substance satisfactory to the Fronting Bank, concerning fees payable by the Borrower to the Fronting Bank for its own account (the “Fronting Bank Fee Letter”).

     (c) The Borrower and OE shall have paid all of the fees payable in accordance with the Fee Letter, and the Borrower shall have paid all the fees payable in accordance with the Fronting Bank Fee Letter.

     (d) All amounts outstanding under the Existing Credit Agreement, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall have been paid in full, and all commitments to lend thereunder shall have been terminated.

     (e) All amounts outstanding under the Standby Bond Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2003, among OE, the purchasers party thereto and Barclays, as administrative agent, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall have been paid in full, and all commitments to lend thereunder shall have been terminated.

     (f) The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it of the execution and delivery of the Ohio Edison Facilities.

     SECTION 3.02. Conditions Precedent to Each Extension of Credit.

     The obligation of each Lender to make an Advance as part of any Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would increase the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue, amend, extend or renew a Letter of Credit (including the initial Letter of Credit), shall be subject to the further conditions precedent that on the date of such Extension of Credit:

     (i) The following statements shall be true (and each of the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing (in the case of a Borrowing) or Letter of Credit Request (in the case of the issuance of a Letter of Credit) and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Borrowing or the acceptance of a Letter of Credit by the Beneficiary thereof, as the case may be, shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that on the date of such Extension of Credit such statements are true):

     (A) The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 hereof are true and correct on and as of the date of such Extension of Credit, before and after giving effect to such Extension of Credit and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made on and as of such date;

     (B) No event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Extension of Credit or from the application of the proceeds therefrom, that constitutes an Event of Default or would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

     (C) Immediately following such Extension of Credit, (1) the aggregate amount of Outstanding Credits shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments then in effect, (2) the Outstanding Credits of any Lender shall not

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exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment and (3) if such Extension of Credit is the issuance of a Letter of Credit, the Stated Amount thereof, when aggregated with (x) the Stated Amount of each other Letter of Credit that is outstanding or with respect to which a Letter of Credit Request has been received and (y) the outstanding Reimbursement Obligations, would not exceed the L/C Commitment Amount; and

     (ii) The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of such other approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request.

     SECTION 3.03. Conditions Precedent to Conversions.

     The obligation of each Lender to Convert any Borrowing is subject to the conditions precedent that on the date of such Conversion:

     (a) The following statements shall be true (and the giving of the notice of Conversion pursuant to Section 2.10 shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that on the date of such Conversion such statements are true):

     (i) The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 (other than subsections (f) and (g) thereof) are correct on and as of the date of such Conversion, before and after giving effect to such Conversion, as though made on and as of such date; and

     (ii) No event has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Conversion, that constitutes an Event of Default or that would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

     (b) The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of such other approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

     SECTION 3.04. Conditions Precedent to Extensions of Credit after December 31, 2005.

     At any time after December 31, 2005, the obligation of each Lender to make an Advance as part of any Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would increase the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue, amend, extend or renew a Letter of Credit (including the initial Letter of Credit), shall be subject to the further conditions precedent that on or prior to the date of such Extension of Credit the Administrative Agent shall have received the following, each dated the same date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and with one copy for the Fronting Bank and each Lender:

     (i) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying that attached thereto is a true and correct copy of the Supplemental SEC Order and that such order has been issued and is in full force and effect; and

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     (ii) An opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP, special counsel for the Borrower, to the effect that no Governmental Action is or will be required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by the Borrower, or the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party other than the Supplemental SEC Order, which has been duly issued and is in full force and effect.

ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     SECTION 4.01. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower.

     The Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

     (a) Corporate Existence and Power. It is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in and is in good standing under the laws of each state in which the ownership of its properties or the conduct of its business makes such qualification necessary except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents, and has all corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.

     (b) Corporate Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by it of each Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part and do not, and will not, require the consent or approval of its shareholders, or any trustee or holder of any Indebtedness or other obligation of it, other than such consents and approvals as have been duly obtained, given or accomplished.

     (c) No Violation, Etc. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party, nor the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by it with the provisions hereof or thereof, conflicts or will conflict with, or results or will result in a breach or contravention of any of the provisions of its charter or Code of Regulations or any Applicable Law, or any indenture, mortgage, lease or any other agreement or instrument to which it or any of its Affiliates is party or by which its property or the property of any of its Affiliates is bound, or results or will result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of its property or the property of any of its Affiliates except as provided herein. There is no provision of its charter or Code of Regulations, or any Applicable Law, or any such indenture, mortgage, lease or other agreement or instrument that materially adversely affects, or in the future is likely (so far as it can now foresee) to materially adversely affect, its business, operations, affairs, condition, properties or assets or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws (including, without limitation, ERISA and Environmental Laws), regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority

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applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (ii) the legality, validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents or the rights, remedies and benefits available to the parties thereunder or the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

     (d) Governmental Actions. No Governmental Action is or will be required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it, or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party other than (i) the SEC Order, which has been duly issued and is in full force and effect and (ii) the Supplemental SEC Order.

     (e) Execution and Delivery. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to become, a party have been or will be (as the case may be) duly executed and delivered by it, and this Agreement is and upon execution and delivery thereof each other Loan Document will be the legal, valid and binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject, however, to the application by a court of general principles of equity and to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

     (f) Litigation. Except as disclosed in Schedule II, the Borrower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 filed on September 11, 2003 with the SEC, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 filed on September 11, 2003 with the SEC and its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed in 2003 prior to the date hereof (copies of which have been furnished to each Bank), there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding (including, without limitation, any proceeding relating to or arising out of Environmental Laws) affecting it or any of its Subsidiaries before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect on the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of it and its consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and there has been no development in the matters disclosed in Schedule II that has had such a material adverse effect.

     (g) Financial Statements; Material Adverse Change. The consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at June 30, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the nine months then ended, copies of each of which have been furnished to each Bank and the Fronting Bank, in all cases as amended and restated to the date hereof, present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results of the operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the periods ended on such dates, all in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. Except as disclosed in the Borrower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for

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the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 filed on September 11, 2003 with the SEC, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 filed on September 11, 2003 with the SEC and its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed in 2003 prior to the date hereof (copies of which have been furnished to each Bank), there has been no material adverse change in the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since December 31, 2002.

     (h) ERISA.

     (i) No Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan.

     (ii) Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the most recent annual report (Form 5500 Series) with respect to each Plan, copies of which have been filed with the Internal Revenue Service and furnished to the Banks, is complete and accurate and fairly presents the funding status of such Plan, and since the date of such Schedule B there has been no material adverse change in such funding status.

     (iii) Neither it nor any member of the Controlled Group has incurred nor reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan.

     (i) Taxes. It and each of its Subsidiaries has filed all tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed and paid all taxes shown thereon to be due, including interest and penalties, or provided adequate reserves for payment thereof in accordance with GAAP other than such taxes that the Borrower or such Subsidiary is contesting in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings.

     (j) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of each Extension of Credit and each Letter of Credit will be used solely for the general corporate purposes of the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries.

     (k) Margin Stock. After applying the proceeds of each Extension of Credit, not more than 25% of the value of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries subject to the restrictions of Section 5.03(a) or (b) will consist of or be represented by Margin Stock. The Borrower is not engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of any Extension of Credit will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.

     (l) Investment Company. The Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or an “investment advisor” within the meaning of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

     (m) No Event of Default. No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Event of Default or that would constitute an Event of Default (including, without limitation, an Event of Default under Section 6.01(e)) but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both.

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     (n) Solvency. (i) The fair saleable value of its assets will exceed the amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of the probable liability on its existing debts and other liabilities (including contingent liabilities) as they mature; (ii) its assets do not constitute unreasonably small capital to carry out its business as now conducted or as proposed to be conducted; (iii) it does not intend to incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be received by it and the amounts to be payable on or in respect of its obligations); and (iv) it does not believe that final judgments against it in actions for money damages presently pending will be rendered at a time when, or in an amount such that, it will be unable to satisfy any such judgments promptly in accordance with their terms (taking into account the maximum reasonable amount of such judgments in any such actions and the earliest reasonable time at which such judgments might be rendered). Its cash flow, after taking into account all other anticipated uses of its cash (including the payments on or in respect of debt referred to in clause (iii) above), will at all times be sufficient to pay all such judgments promptly in accordance with their terms.

     (o) No Material Misstatements. The reports, financial statements and other written information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any Lender pursuant to or in connection with the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby do not contain and will not contain, when taken as a whole, any untrue statement of a material fact and do not omit and will not omit, when taken as a whole, to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were or will be made, not misleading in any material respect.

ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

     SECTION 5.01. Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid, any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will:

     (a) Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc. (i) Without limiting the right of the Borrower to merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other corporation or entity in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.03(c) hereof, preserve and maintain its corporate existence in the state of its incorporation and qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is reasonably necessary in view of its business and operations or the ownership of its properties and (ii) preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect the rights, privileges and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business.

     (b) Compliance with Laws, Etc. Comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any Governmental Authority, the noncompliance with which would materially and adversely affect the business or condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, such compliance to include, without limitation, compliance with Environmental Laws and ERISA and paying

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before the same become delinquent all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges imposed upon it or upon its property, except to the extent compliance with any of the foregoing is then being contested in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings.

     (c) Maintenance of Insurance, Etc. Maintain insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations or through its own program of self-insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as is usually carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in the same general areas in which the Borrower operates and furnish to the Administrative Agent, within a reasonable time after written request therefor, such information as to the insurance carried as any Lender or the Fronting Bank, through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably request.

     (d) Inspection Rights. At any reasonable time and from time to time as the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any Lender may reasonably request, permit the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender or any agents or representatives thereof to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and visit the properties of, the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries with any of their respective officers or directors; provided, however, that the Borrower reserves the right to restrict access to any of its Subsidiaries’ generating facilities in accordance with reasonably adopted procedures relating to safety and security. The Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and each Lender agree to use reasonable efforts to ensure that any information concerning the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries obtained by the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender pursuant to this subsection (d) or subsection (g) that is not contained in a report or other document filed with the SEC, distributed by the Borrower to its security holders or otherwise generally available to the public, will, to the extent permitted by law and except as may be required by valid subpoena or in the normal course of the Administrative Agent’s, the Fronting Bank’s or such Lender’s business operations be treated confidentially by the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender, as the case may be, and will not be distributed or otherwise made available by the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender, as the case may be, to any Person, other than the Administrative Agent’s, the Fronting Bank’s or such Lender’s employees, authorized agents or representatives (including, without limitation, attorneys and accountants). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any party to this Agreement (and any employee, representative or other agent of such party) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated hereunder and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to it relating to such tax treatment and tax structure. However, no party shall disclose any information relating to such tax treatment or tax structure to the extent nondisclosure is necessary in order to comply with applicable securities laws.

     (e) Keeping of Books. Keep, and cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of record and account in which entries shall be made of all financial transactions and the assets and business of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

     (f) Maintenance of Properties. Maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, all of its properties that are used or that are useful in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, it

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being understood that this covenant relates only to the good working order and condition of such properties and shall not be construed as a covenant of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not to dispose of such properties by sale, lease, transfer or otherwise.

     (g) Reporting Requirements. Furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Administrative Agent, with sufficient copies for each Lender and the Fronting Bank, the following:

     (i) promptly after the occurrence of any Event of Default, the statement of an authorized officer of the Borrower setting forth details of such Event of Default and the action that the Borrower has taken or propose to take with respect thereto;

     (ii) as soon as available and in any event within 50 days after the close of each of the first three quarters in each fiscal year of the Borrower, consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter and consolidated statements of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of such quarter, fairly presenting the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such date and the results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period and setting forth in each case in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and duly certified (subject to year-end audit adjustments) by the chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

     (iii) as soon as available and in any event within 105 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the annual report for such year for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, containing consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such year certified in a manner acceptable to the Lenders and the Fronting Bank by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or other independent public accountants acceptable to the Lenders and the Fronting Bank, together with statements of projected financial performance prepared by management for the next fiscal year, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

     (iv) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements specified in clauses (ii) and (iii) above a certificate of the chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of the Borrower (A) stating whether he has any knowledge of the occurrence at any time prior to the date of such certificate of an Event of Default not theretofore reported pursuant to the provisions of clause (i) of this subsection (g) or of the occurrence at any time prior to such date of any such Event of Default, except Events of Default theretofore reported pursuant to the provisions of clause (i) of this subsection (g) and remedied, and, if so, stating the facts with respect thereto, and (B) setting forth in a true and correct manner, the calculation of the ratios contemplated by Section 5.02 hereof, as of the date of the most recent financial statements accompanying such certificate, to show the Borrower’s compliance with or the status of the financial covenants contained in Section 5.02 hereof;

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     (v) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all reports that the Borrower sends to any of its securityholders, and copies of all reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K that the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries files with the SEC;

     (vi) as soon as possible and in any event (A) within 30 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any Termination Event described in clause (i) of the definition of Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred and (B) within 10 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any other Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred, a statement of the chief financial officer of the Borrower describing such Termination Event and the action, if any, that the Borrower or such member of the Controlled Group, as the case may be, proposes to take with respect thereto;

     (vii) promptly and in any event within two Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from the PBGC, copies of each notice received by the Borrower or any such member of the Controlled Group of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer any Plan;

     (viii) promptly and in any event within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Internal Revenue Service, copies of each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) with respect to each Plan;

     (ix) promptly and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor, a copy of each notice received by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group concerning the imposition of withdrawal liability pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA;

     (x) promptly and in any event within five Business Days after Moody’s or S&P has changed any relevant Reference Rating, notice of such change; and

     (xi) such other information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, copies of all reports and registration statements that the Borrower or any Subsidiary files with the SEC or any national securities exchange, as the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may from time to time reasonably request.

     (h) SEC Order. Maintain the SEC Order and, on and after the date of any Extension of Credit after December 31, 2005, the Supplemental SEC Order, in full force and effect and comply with all terms and conditions thereof until all amounts outstanding under the Loan Documents shall have been repaid or paid (as the case may be) and the Termination Date has occurred.

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     SECTION 5.02. Financial Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid, any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will:

     (a) FirstEnergy Fixed Charge Ratio. Maintain (determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter) a FirstEnergy Fixed Charge Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00.

     (b) FirstEnergy Debt to Capitalization Ratio. Not permit (determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter) the FirstEnergy Debt to Capitalization Ratio to exceed 0.65 to 1.00.

     SECTION 5.03. Negative Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid, any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will not:

     (a) Sales, Etc. (i) Sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock of any of its domestic Significant Subsidiaries, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to do so or (ii) permit the Borrower or any Subsidiary to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or a series of transactions) assets located in The United States of America representing in the aggregate more than 15% (determined at the time of each such transaction) of the value of all of the consolidated fixed assets of the Borrower, as reported on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower, to any entity other than the Borrower or any of its wholly owned direct or indirect Subsidiaries.

     (b) Liens, Etc. Create or suffer to exist, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to create or suffer to exist, any Lien upon or with respect to any of its properties (including, without limitation, any shares of any class of equity security of any of its Significant Subsidiaries), in each case to secure or provide for the payment of Indebtedness, other than (i) liens consisting of (A) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure obligations under worker’s compensation laws or similar legislation, (B) deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure, or in lieu of, surety, appeal, or customs bonds to which the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary is a party, (C) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure performance in connection with bids, tenders or contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money), or (D) materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, repairmen’s or other like Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet due or currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, or deposits to obtain in the release of such Liens; (ii) purchase money liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired or held by the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, which secure the purchase price of such property or secure indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of such property; (iii) Liens existing on the property of any Person at the time that such Person becomes a direct or indirect Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary; provided that such Liens were not created to secure the acquisition of such Person; (iv) Liens in existence on the date of this Agreement; (v) Liens

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created by any First Mortgage Indenture, so long as (A) under the terms thereof no “event of default” (howsoever designated) in respect of any bonds issued thereunder will be triggered by reference to an Event of Default hereunder or an event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default hereunder and (B) no such Liens shall apply to assets acquired from the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary if such assets were free of Liens (other than as a result of a release of such Liens in contemplation of such acquisition) immediately prior to any such acquisition; (vi) Liens on assets of ATSI to secure Indebtedness of ATSI, provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness secured by such Liens shall not at any time exceed 60% of the depreciated book value of the property subject to such Liens; (vii) Liens securing Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds; (viii) Liens on cash (in an aggregate amount not to exceed $270,000,000) pledged to secure reimbursement obligations for letters of credit issued for the account of OE and (ix) Liens created for the sole purpose of extending, renewing or replacing in whole or in part Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (viii); provided, however, that the principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby shall not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness so secured at the time of such extension, renewal or replacement, and that such extension, renewal or replacement, as the case may be, shall be limited to all or a part of the property or Indebtedness that secured the Lien so extended, renewed or replaced (and any improvements on such property); and (ix) Liens on Letter of Credit Cash cover as contemplated by Section 6.01.

     (c) Mergers, Etc. Merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so unless (i) immediately after giving effect thereto, no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Event of Default, (ii) the consolidation or merger shall not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower (or its successor by merger or consolidation as contemplated by clause (i) of this subsection (c)) to perform its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, and (iii) in the case of any merger or consolidation to which the Borrower is a party, the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Borrower shall be merged shall assume the Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in a writing satisfactory in form and substance to the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank.

     (d) Compliance with ERISA. (i) Enter into any “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 4975 of the Code, and in ERISA) involving any Plan that may result in any liability of the Borrower to any Person that (in the opinion of the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank) is material to the financial position or operations of the Borrower or (ii) allow or suffer to exist any other event or condition known to the Borrower that results in any liability of the Borrower to the PBGC that (in the opinion of the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank) is material to the financial position or operations of the Borrower. For purposes of this subsection (d), “liability” shall not include termination insurance premiums payable under Section 4007 of ERISA.

     (e) Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of any Extension of Credit for any purpose other than working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries; provided, however, that the Borrower may not use such proceeds in connection with any Hostile Acquisition.

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ARTICLE VI
EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     SECTION 6.01. Events of Default.

     If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur and be continuing:

     (a) Any principal of, or interest on, any Advance, or any Reimbursement Obligation, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder shall not be paid when the same become due and payable; or

     (b) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower (or any of its officers) in any Loan Document or in connection with any Loan Document shall prove to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made; or

     (c) (i) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any covenant set forth in Section 5.02 or Section 5.03 on its part to be performed or observed or (ii) the Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure shall remain unremedied for 30 days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender; or

     (d) Any material provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall at any time and for any reason cease to be valid and binding upon the Borrower, except pursuant to the terms thereof, or shall be declared to be null and void, or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested by the Borrower or any Governmental Authority, or the Borrower shall deny that it has any or further liability or obligation under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

     (e) The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall fail to pay any principal of or premium or interest on any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under this Agreement) that is outstanding in a principal amount in excess of $20,000,000 in the aggregate when the same becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Indebtedness; or any other event shall occur or condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Indebtedness and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness; or any such Indebtedness shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), prior to the stated maturity thereof; or

     (f) The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up,

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reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition or arrangement with creditors, a readjustment of its debts, in each case under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of any such proceeding instituted against it (but not instituted or acquiesced in by it), either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days, or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including, without limitation, the entry of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for, it or for any substantial part of its property) shall occur; or the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall take any corporate action to authorize or to consent to any of the actions set forth above in this subsection (f); or

     (g) Any judgment or order for the payment of money exceeding any applicable insurance coverage by more than $10,000,000 shall be rendered by a court of final adjudication against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary and either (i) valid enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall be any period of 10 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; or

     (h) Any Termination Event with respect to a Plan shall have occurred, and, 30 days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, (i) such Termination Event (if correctable) shall not have been corrected and (ii) the then Unfunded Vested Liabilities of such Plan exceed $10,000,000 (or in the case of a Termination Event involving the withdrawal of a “substantial employer” (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA), the withdrawing employer’s proportionate share of such excess shall exceed such amount), or the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group as employer under a Multiemployer Plan shall have made a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan and the Plan sponsor of such Multiemployer Plan shall have notified such withdrawing employer that such employer has incurred a withdrawal liability in an amount exceeding $10,000,000; or

     (i) Any change in Applicable Law or any Governmental Action shall occur that has the effect of making the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document unauthorized, illegal or otherwise contrary to Applicable Law; or

     (j) (i) The Borrower shall fail to own directly or indirectly 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of each domestic Significant Subsidiary, (ii) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Borrower (or other securities convertible into such securities) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of all securities of the Borrower entitled to vote in the election of directors; (iii) commencing after the date of this Agreement, individuals who as of the date of this Agreement were directors shall have ceased for any reason to

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constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Borrower unless the Persons replacing such individuals were nominated by the stockholders or the Board of Directors of the Borrower in accordance with the Borrower’s Code of Regulations; or (iv) 90 days shall have elapsed after any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall have entered into a contract or arrangement which upon consummation will result in its or their acquisition of, or control over, securities of the Borrower (or other securities convertible into such securities) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of all securities of the Borrower entitled to vote in the election of directors (each a “Change of Control”).

then, and in any such event, the Administrative Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders, (i) by notice to the Borrower, declare the obligation of each Lender to make Advances, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue Letters of Credit, to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate, (ii) by notice to the Borrower, declare the Advances, an amount equal to the aggregate Stated Amount of all issued but undrawn Letters of Credit (such amount being the “Letter of Credit Cash Cover”) and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Advances and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower, and (iii) instruct the Fronting Bank to (whereupon the Fronting Bank shall) furnish to each Beneficiary written notice of its intention to terminate such Letter of Credit pursuant to the terms thereof; provided, however, that in the event of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary under the Bankruptcy Code, (A) the obligation of each Lender to make Advances, and the obligation of the Fronting Bank to issue Letters of Credit, shall automatically be terminated and (B) all Advances, the Letter of Credit Cash Cover and all other amounts payable under this Agreement shall automatically become and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower. In the event that the Borrower is required to pay the Letter of Credit Cash Cover pursuant to this Section, such payment shall be made in immediately available funds to the Administrative Agent, which shall hold such funds as collateral pursuant to arrangements satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the Fronting Bank to secure Reimbursement Obligations in respect of Letters of Credit then outstanding.

ARTICLE VII
THE AGENT

     SECTION 7.01. Authorization and Action.

     Each Lender and the Fronting Bank hereby appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders, and such

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instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders and the Fronting Bank; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action which exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or applicable law. The Administrative Agent agrees to give to each Lender and the Fronting Bank prompt notice of each notice given to it by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and to promptly forward to each Lender and the Fronting Bank the financial statements delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(g).

     SECTION 7.02. Agent’s Reliance, Etc.

     Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Borrower for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent: (i) may treat each Lender listed in the Register as a “Lender” with a Commitment in the amount recorded in the Register until the Administrative Agent receives and accepts an Assignment and Acceptance entered into by a Lender listed in the Register, as assignor, and an Eligible Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 8.07, at which time the Administrative Agent will make such recordations in the Register as are appropriate to reflect the assignment effected by such Assignment and Acceptance; (ii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender or the Fronting Bank and shall not be responsible to any Lender or the Fronting Bank for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with the Loan Documents; (iv) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of the Loan Documents on the part of the Borrower or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Borrower; (v) shall not be responsible to any Lender or the Fronting Bank for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (vi) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier, telegram or cable) believed by it in good faith to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

     SECTION 7.03. Citibank, Bank One and Affiliates.

     With respect to its Commitment, the Advances made by it and any Note issued to it, each of Citibank and Bank One shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be); and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include each of Citibank and Bank One in its individual capacity. Each of Citibank and Bank One and their respective affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower, any of its respective subsidiaries and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Borrower or any such subsidiary, all as if Citibank or Bank One were not the

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Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Fronting Bank.

     SECTION 7.04. Lender Credit Decision.

     Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any other Lender and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement.

     SECTION 7.05. Indemnification.

     The Lenders agree to indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably according to the amounts of their respective Commitments, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement; provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable counsel fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the extent that such expenses are reimbursable by the Borrower but for which the Administrative Agent is not reimbursed by the Borrower.

     SECTION 7.06. Successor Agent.

     The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders, the Fronting Bank and the Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank. Upon any such resignation or removal, the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank shall have the right, with the prior written consent of the Borrower (unless an Event of Default or an event that, with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders and the Fronting Bank, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Majority Lenders’ and the Fronting Bank’s removal of the retiring Administrative Agent, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Fronting Bank, appoint a successor

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Administrative Agent, which shall be a commercial bank described in clause (i) or (ii) of the definition of “Eligible Assignee” and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $250,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article VII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no Event of Default, and no event that with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, then no successor Administrative Agent shall be appointed under this Section 7.06 without the prior written consent of the Borrower, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS

     SECTION 8.01. Amendments, Etc.

     No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any Note, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders, do any of the following: (a) waive any of the conditions specified in Section 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 (b) increase the Commitments of the Lenders or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations, (c) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (d) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (e) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Advances, or the number of Lenders, that shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder or (f) amend this Section 8.01; and provided, further, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement; and provided, further, that no amendment, waiver or consent that would adversely affect the rights of, or increase the obligations of, the Fronting Bank, or that would alter any provision hereof relating to or affecting Letters of Credit, shall be effective unless agreed to in writing by the Fronting Bank; and provided, further, that this Agreement may be amended and restated without the consent of any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent if, upon giving effect to such amendment and restatement, such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, shall no longer be a party to this Agreement (as so amended and restated) or have any Commitment or other obligation hereunder and shall have been paid in full all amounts payable hereunder to such Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be.

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     SECTION 8.02. Notices, Etc.

     Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopier, telegraphic or cable communication) and mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, cabled or delivered, if to the Borrower, at its address at 76 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308, Attention: Treasurer, Telecopy: (330) 384-3772; if to any Bank, at its Domestic Lending Office specified opposite its name on Schedule I hereto; if to any other Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender; if to the Administrative Agent, at its address at Two Penns Way, Suite 200, New Castle, Delaware 19720, Attention: Bank Loan Syndications; and if to the Fronting Bank, as its address at 300 S. Riverside, Suite IL1-0236, Chicago, IL 60606, Attention: Victor DeGuzman, Telecopy: (312) 954-5603; or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties. All such notices and communications shall, when mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed or cabled, be effective when deposited in the mails, telecopied, delivered to the telegraph company or delivered to the cable company, respectively, except that notices and communications to the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank pursuant to Article II or VII shall not be effective until received by the Administrative Agent or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be).

     SECTION 8.03. No Waiver; Remedies.

     No failure on the part of any Lender, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

     SECTION 8.04. Costs and Expenses; Indemnification.

     (a) The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, syndication administration, modification and amendment of this Agreement, any Note and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel for the Administrative Agent with respect thereto and with respect to advising the Administrative Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement. The Borrower further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses of counsel), incurred by the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the Lenders in connection with the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of this Agreement, any Note and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, counsel fees and expenses in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Section 8.04(a).

     (b) If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance, as a result of a payment or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.10 or 2.13 or a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.11 or

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acceleration of the maturity of any amounts owing hereunder pursuant to Section 6.01 or upon an assignment made upon demand of the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.07(h) or for any other reason, the Borrower shall, upon demand by any Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender any amounts required to compensate such Lender for any additional losses, costs or expenses which it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance. The Borrower’s obligations under this subsection (b) shall survive the repayment of all other amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments.

     (c) The Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and hold each Lender, the Fronting Bank, the Administrative Agent and their respective Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees and professional advisors (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, whether or not such Indemnified Person is named as a party to any proceeding or is otherwise subjected to judicial or legal process arising from any such proceeding) that any of them may incur or that may be claimed against any of them by any Person by reason of or in connection with or arising out of any investigation, litigation or proceeding related to the Commitments or the commitment of the Fronting Bank hereunder and any use or proposed use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any Extension of Credit or the existence or use of any Letter of Credit or the amounts drawn thereunder, except to the extent such claim, damage, liability, cost or expense is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Borrower’s obligations under this Section 8.04(c) shall survive the repayment of all amounts owing to the Lenders, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments, the commitment of the Fronting Bank hereunder and any Letters of Credit. If and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.04(c) are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower agrees to make the maximum payment in satisfaction of such obligations that are not unenforceable that is permissible under Applicable Law or, if less, such amount that may be ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

     (d) To the extent permitted by law, the Borrower also agrees not to assert any claim against any Indemnified Person on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to actual or direct damages) in connection with, arising out of, or otherwise relating to this Agreement, any of the transactions contemplated herein or the actual or proposed use of the proceeds of the Advances.

     SECTION 8.05. Right of Set-off.

     Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default each Lender and the Fronting Bank is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, excluding, however, any payroll accounts maintained by the Borrower with such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) if and to the extent that such Lender or

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the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall have expressly waived its set-off rights in writing in respect of such payroll account) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement and any Note held by such Lender, whether or not such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) shall have made any demand under this Agreement or such Note and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Lender and the Fronting Bank agrees promptly to notify the Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be), provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application. The rights of each Lender and the Fronting Bank under this Section 8.05 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Lender or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) may have.

     SECTION 8.06. Binding Effect.

     This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Bank and the Fronting Bank that such Bank or the Fronting Bank (as the case may be) has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and each Lender and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders and the Fronting Bank.

     SECTION 8.07. Assignments and Participations.

     (a) Each Lender may, with the prior written consent of the Borrower, the Fronting Bank and the Administrative Agent (which consents shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and, in the case of the Borrower, shall not be required if an Event of Default then exists), assign to one or more banks or other entities all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it); provided, however, that (i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, (ii) the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than $5,000,000 (or if less, the entire amount of such Lender’s Commitment) and shall be an integral multiple of $1,000,000, (iii) each such assignment shall be to an Eligible Assignee, and (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, an Assignment and Acceptance, together with any Note subject to such assignment and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (y) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it

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pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its continuing obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).

     (b) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of their obligations under this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank, such assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

     (c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 8.02 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, the Fronting Bank or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

     (d) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee representing that it is an Eligible Assignee, together with any Note subject to such assignment, the Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed and is in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower and the Borrower shall deliver any Note requested pursuant to Section 2.17 in favor of such assignee or assignor (as the case may be), after giving effect to such assignment.

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     (e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other entities in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it); provided, however, that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Borrower hereunder and its obligations to the Fronting Bank hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note for all purposes of this Agreement, (iv) such Lender may not subject its ability to consent to any modification of this Agreement or any Note to the prior consent of the bank or other entity to which such participation was sold, except in the case of proposed waivers or modifications with respect to interest, principal and fees payable hereunder and under any Note and with respect to any extension of the Termination Date, and (v) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

     (f) Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 8.07, disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant, any information relating to the Borrower furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower; provided, that prior to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant shall agree to preserve the confidentiality of any confidential information relating to the Borrower received by it from such Lender.

     (g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Lender may assign, as collateral or otherwise, any of its rights hereunder and under any Note (including, without limitation, its rights to receive payments of principal and interest hereunder and under any Note) to (i) any Federal Reserve Bank or (ii) any Affiliate of such Lender, in either case, without notice to or consent of the Borrower, the Fronting Bank or the Administrative Agent; provided, that no such assignment (other than to an Eligible Assignee under subsection (a) above) shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

     (h) If any Lender shall make demand for payment under Section 2.12(a), 2.12(b) or 2.13, or shall deliver any notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.13 resulting in the suspension of certain obligations of the Lenders with respect to Eurodollar Rate Advances, then, within 30 days of such demand (if, and only if, such payment demanded under Section 2.12(a), 2.12(b) or 2.13, as the case may be, shall have been made by the Borrower) or such notice (if such suspension is still in effect), as the case may be, the Borrower may demand that such Lender assign in accordance with this Section 8.07 to one or more Eligible Assignees designated by the Borrower all (but not less than all) of such Lender’s Commitment and the Advances owing to it within the next 15 days. If any such Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower shall fail to consummate such assignment on terms acceptable to such Lender, or if the Borrower shall fail to designate any such Eligible Assignee for all of such Lender’s Commitment or Advances, then such Lender may assign such Commitment and Advances to any other Eligible Assignee in accordance with this Section 8.07 during such 15-day period; it being understood for purposes of this Section 8.07(h) that such assignment shall be conclusively deemed to be on terms acceptable to such Lender, and such Lender shall be compelled to consummate such assignment to an Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower, if such Eligible Assignee shall

58

agree to such assignment in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto and shall offer compensation to such Lender in an amount equal to the sum of the principal amount of all Advances outstanding to such Lender plus all interest accrued thereon to the date of such payment plus all other amounts payable by the Borrower to such Lender hereunder (whether or not then due) as of the date of such payment accrued in favor of such Lender hereunder.

     (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “Granting Lender”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “SPC”) of such Granting Lender identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, the option to provide to the Borrower all or any part of any Advance that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any such SPC to make any Advance, (ii) if such SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Advance, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Advance pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) no SPC or Granting Lender shall be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.12 than the Granting Lender would have been entitled to receive had the Granting Lender not otherwise granted such SPC the option to provide any Advance to the Borrower. The making of an Advance by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Advance were made by such Granting Lender. Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would otherwise be liable so long as, and to the extent that, the related Granting Lender provides such indemnity or makes such payment. In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPC, it will not institute against or join any other person in instituting against such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Granting Lender unconditionally agrees to indemnify the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank and each Lender against all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be incurred by or asserted against the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Fronting Bank or such Lender, as the case may be, in any way relating to or arising as a consequence of any such forbearance or delay in the initiation of any such proceeding against its SPC. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have the rights of a Lender hereunder, such rights being retained by the applicable Granting Lender. Accordingly, and without limiting the foregoing, each party hereby further acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have any voting rights hereunder and that the voting rights attributable to any Advance made by an SPC shall be exercised only by the relevant Granting Lender and that each Granting Lender shall serve as the administrative agent and attorney-in-fact for its SPC and shall on behalf of its SPC receive any and all payments made for the benefit of such SPC and take all actions hereunder to the extent, if any, such SPC shall have any rights hereunder. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement any SPC may, with notice to, but without the prior written consent of, any other party hereto, assign all or a portion of its interest in any Advances to the Granting Lender. This Section may not be amended without the prior written consent of each Granting Lender, all or any part of whose Advance is being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment.

59

     SECTION 8.08. Governing Law.

     THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

     SECTION 8.09. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

     (a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby irrevocably (i) submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in New York City and any appellate court from any thereof in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any Letter of Credit, and (ii) agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State court or in such Federal court. The Borrower hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding. The Borrower also irrevocably consents, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to the service of any and all process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing by certified mail of copies of such process to the Borrower at its address specified in Section 8.02. The Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

     (b) THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, THE FRONTING BANK AND THE LENDERS HEREBY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY LETTER OF CREDIT, OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER.

     SECTION 8.10. Severability.

     Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited, unenforceable or not authorized in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition, unenforceability or non-authorization without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity, enforceability or legality of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

     SECTION 8.11. Entire Agreement.

     This Agreement and the Notes issued hereunder constitute the entire contract among the parties relative to the subject matter hereof. Any previous agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof is superseded by this Agreement, except (i) as expressly agreed in any such previous agreement and (ii) for the Fee Letter and the Fronting Bank Fee Letter. Except as is expressly provided for herein, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

60

     SECTION 8.12. Execution in Counterparts.

     This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

S-1

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
         
 
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 
  By:   _______________________________    
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
         
  CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
 
 
  By:   ___________________________    
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
         
  BANK ONE, NA
as Fronting Bank
 
 
  By:   _____________________    
    Name:      
    Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-2
         
  Banks


CITIBANK, N.A.
 
 
  By:   __________________    
    Name:      
    Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-3
         
  BARCLAYS BANK PLC
 
 
  By:   ________________________    
    Name:      
    Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-4
         
  BANK ONE, NA
 
 
  By:   ______________________    
    Name:      
    Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-5
         
  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
  By:   __________________    
    Name:      
    Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-6
         
  U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
  By:   __________________________    
    Name:      
    Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-7
         
  KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
  By:   ___________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-8
         
  WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
  By:   ________________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-9
         
  MORGAN STANLEY BANK
 
 
  By:   ______________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-10
         
  THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC
 
 
  By:   ______________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-11
         
  CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON,
CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
 
 
  By:   ______________________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      
 
         
     
  By:   _________________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-12
         
  FLEET NATIONAL BANK
 
 
  By:   _________________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-13
         
  UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.
 
 
  By:   __________________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-14
         
  THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
 
  By:   _________________________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-15
         
  NATIONAL CITY BANK
 
 
  By:   ______________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-16
         
  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK
 
 
  By:   _____________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-17
         
  FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK,
LOS ANGELES BRANCH
 
 
  By:   _______________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

         

S-18
         
  UBS LOAN FINANCE LLC
 
 
  By:   _____________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-19
         
  LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.
 
 
  By:   ____________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-20
         
  LASALLE BANK
 
 
  By:   ________________________    
  Name:      
  Title:      

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE I

List of Commitments and Lending Offices

                 
Lender   Allocation   Domestic Lending Office   Eurodollar Lending Office
Barclays Bank PLC
  $ 36,187,500.00     Barclays Bank PLC
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Citibank, N.A.
  $ 36,187,500.00     One Court Square
7th floor, Zone 2
Long Island City, NY 11120
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Bank One, NA
  $ 32,962,500.00     1 Bank One Plaza
Suite IL1-0010
Chicago, IL 60670
Attn: Brenda De Los Reyes
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Wachovia Bank, National
Association
  $ 32,962,500.00     301 South College Street
5th Floor
One Wachovia Center
Charlotte, NC 28288-0251
  Same as Domestic
 
               
JPMorgan Chase Bank
  $ 32,962,500.00     1 Chase Manhattan Plaza
New York, NY 10081
  Same as Domestic
 
               
The Bank of New York
  $ 22,500,000.00     One Wall Street
New York, NY 10286
  Same as Domestic
 
               
KeyBank National Association
  $ 22,500,000.00     127 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44114
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Morgan Stanley Bank
  $ 30,000,000.00     1633 Broadway - 25th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Attn: James Morgan
  Same as Domestic
 
               
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
  $ 16,875,000.00     101 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10178
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Fleet National Bank
  $ 12,487,500.00     100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Union Bank of California, N.A.
  $ 9,375,000.00     445 South Figueroa St.
15th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
  Same as Domestic

SCHEDULE I TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

                 
Lender   Allocation   Domestic Lending Office   Eurodollar Lending Office
The Bank of Nova Scotia
  $ 9,375,000.00     The Bank of Nova Scotia,
New York Agency
One Liberty Plaza
New York, NY 10006
  Same as Domestic
 
               
National City Bank
  $ 9,375,000.00     One Cascade Plaza
Akron, OH 44308
  Same as Domestic
 
               
U.S. Bank National Association
  $ 9,375,000.00     U.S. Bank Tower
425 Walnut Street
ML CNOHW8
Cincinnati, OH 45201
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Credit Suisse First Boston
  $ 16,875,000.00     One Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
  Same as Domestic
 
               
UBS Loan Finance LLC
  $ 16,875,000.00     677 Washington Boulevard
6th Floor South
Stamford, CT 06901
  Same as Domestic
 
               
LaSalle Bank
  $ 9,375,000.00     135 S. LaSalle Street
Suite 1425
Chicago, IL 60603
  Same as Domestic
 
               
First Commercial Bank,
Los Angeles Branch
  $ 9,375,000.00     515 South Flower Street
Suite 1050
Los Angeles, CA 90071
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.
  $ 9,375,000.00     745 7th Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Attn: Marie Cowell
  Same as Domestic

SCHEDULE I TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE II

Litigation

On August 14, 2003, eight states in the Northeast U.S. and southern Canada, covering a geographic area reportedly having approximately 50 million people, experienced a widespread power outage. That outage affected approximately 1.4 million customers in the Borrower’s service area. The causes of the outage have not yet been determined, although various industry, media and other reports initially alleged that the outage began in the Borrower’s system. More recent reports point to a wide range of contributing factors. The Borrower is in the process of accumulating data and evaluating the status of its electrical system prior to and during the outage event and understands that the same effort is under way at utilities and transmission operators across the region.

Congressional committees, state utility commissions and others have commenced investigations and inquiries into the causes and implications of the outage. In addition, a joint U.S.-Canada Task Force has been formed to investigate the events, with the U.S. Department of Energy coordinating the U.S. portion of this investigation. The consensus of the investigating entities is that extensive data needs to be gathered and analyzed in order to determine with any degree of certainty the circumstances that led to the outage. The Borrower has been working closely with the U.S.-Canada Task Force and other appropriate groups involved to determine exactly what events led to the outage. The various inquiries could take many months to complete, given the complexity of the issues involved, the number of parties involved and the amount of data to be collected and analyzed.

A number of lawsuits have been filed against the Borrower in connection with the August 14th regional outage by individuals seeking court certification to represent a class of similarly situated persons who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the outage.

A number of individual shareholder-plaintiffs have filed separate complaints against the Borrower, its Board of Directors and certain of its executive officers alleging that the Borrower and the named officers reported materially false and misleading financial results over the relevant periods in violation of federal securities laws in connection with the recent restatement of earnings, the August 14th regional outage and the on-going outage at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant. In each case, the plaintiffs are seeking certification from the court to represent a class of similarly situated shareholders.

In addition, the Borrower has been served with a derivative complaint filed by an individual shareholder on behalf of other shareholders against the Borrower and its Board of Directors, alleging a series of breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and certain officers of the Borrower relating to the issues surrounding the regional power outage, the recent restatement of earnings and the on-going outage at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant.

In addition to these legal proceedings and depending upon the outcomes of the governmental and other investigations of the outage, it is possible that additional regulatory proceedings or legal

SCHEDULE II TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

actions may be instituted against the Borrower. Two such proceedings have already been initiated at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). One such complaint, made by a local congressman, alleges that certain Significant Subsidiaries failed to provide reasonable and adequate service under applicable Ohio law. The complaint seeks the authorization for another electric supplier to furnish electric service within the Ohio-based franchise territory of those Significant Subsidiaries. The other PUCO matter relates to a private advocacy group seeking to intervene in the first proceeding.

SCHEDULE II TO FIRSTENERGY 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

EX-10.3 4 ex10-3.htm EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR INCENTIVE COMP PLAN - REVISED JAN. 18, 2005 Executive and Director Incentive Comp Plan - Revised Jan. 18, 2005
Exhibit 10-3






FIRSTENERGY CORP.

EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN







 
FE Plan effective May 1, 1998
Revised November 16, 1998
Revised November 16, 1999
Amendment to Plan approved by
Shareholders on May 15, 2001
Amendment to Plan approved by
Shareholders on May 21, 2002
Revised on January 18, 2005






 
FirstEnergy Corp.Executive and Director Incentive Compensation PlanEffective May 1, 1998


Table of Contents
     Page
Article 1
Establishment, Purpose, and Duration
 
1.1
Establishment of the Plan
 1
1.2
Purpose of the Plan
 1
1.3
Duration of the Plan
 1
     
Article 2
Definitions and Construction
 
2.1
Definitions
 
 
2.1.1
Award
 1
 
2.1.2
Beneficial Owner
 1
 
2.1.3
Black-Scholes Value
 1
 
2.1.4
Board or Board of Directors
 1
 
2.1.5
Cash Award
 1
 
2.1.6
Cause
 1
 
2.1.7
Change in Control
 2
 
2.1.8
Code
 3
 
2.1.9
Committee
 3
 
2.1.10
Company
 3
 
2.1.11
Covered Employee
 3
 
2.1.12
Directors’ Award
 4
 
2.1.13
Disability
 4
 
2.1.14
Exchange Act
 4
 
2.1.15
Fair Market Value
 4
 
2.1.16
Incentive Stock Option or ISO
 4
 
2.1.17
Key Employee
 4
 
2.1.18
Nonqualified Stock Option or NSO
 4
 
2.1.19
Option
 4
 
2.1.20
Outside Director
 4
 
2.1.21
Participant
 4
 
2.1.22
Performance Share
 4
 
2.1.23
Period of Restriction
 4
 
2.1.24
Person
 4
 
2.1.25
Plan
 4
 
2.1.26
Restricted Stock
 4
 
2.1.27
Restricted Stock Unit
 4
 
2.1.28
Subsidiary
 5
 
2.1.29
Standard Rate
 5
 
2.1.30
Stock or Shares
 5
 
2.1.31
Stock Appreciation Right or SAR
 5
 
2.1.32
Voting Stock
 5
2.2
Gender and Number
 5
2.3
Severability
 5

FirstEnergy Corp.
Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan


Table of Contents
     
Article 3
Administration
 
3.1
The Committee
 5
3.2
Authority of the Committee
 5
3.3
Selection of Participants
 6
3.4
Decisions Binding
 6
3.5
Delegation of Certain Responsibilities
 6
3.6
Procedures of the Committee
 6
3.7
Award Agreements
 6
3.8
Conditions on Awards
 6
3.9
Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
 7
     
Article 4
Stock Subject to the Plan
 
4.1
Number of Shares
 7
4.2
Lapsed Awards
 7
4.3
Adjustments in Authorized Shares
 7
 
Article 5
Eligibility and Participation
 
5.1
Eligibility
 8
5.2
Actual Participation
 8
     
Article 6
Stock Options
 
6.1
Grant of Options
 8
6.2
Option Agreement
 8
6.3
Option Price
 8
6.4
Duration of Options
 9
6.5
Exercise of Options
 9
6.6
Payment
 9
6.7
Restrictions on Stock Transferability
 9
6.8
Termination of Employment Due to Death, Disability, or Retirement
 9
6.9
Termination of Employment for Other Reasons
10
6.10
Nontransferability of Options
10

FirstEnergy Corp.
Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan


Table of Contents
 
     
Article 7
Stock Appreciation Rights
 
7.1
Grant of Stock Appreciation Rights
 10
7.2
Exercise of SARS in Lieu of Options
 10
7.3
Exercise of SARS in Addition to Options
 11
7.4
Exercise of SARS Independent of Options
 11
7.5
Payment of SAR Amount
 11
7.6
Form and Timing of Payment
 11
7.7
Term of SAR
 11
7.8
Termination of Employment
 11
7.9
Nontransferability of SARs
 11
       
Article 8
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
 
8.1
Grant of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
 12
8.2
Award Agreement
 12
8.3
Transferability
 12
8.4
Other Restrictions
 12
8.5
Certificate Legend
 12
8.6
Removal of Restrictions
 13
8.7
Voting Rights
 13
8.8
Dividends and Other Distributions
 13
8.9
Termination of Employment Due to Retirement
 13
8.10
Termination of Employment Due to Death or Disability
 13
8.11
Termination of Employment for Other Reasons
 13
       
Article 9
Performance Shares
 
9.1
Grant of Performance Shares
 14
9.2
Value of Performance Shares
 14
9.3
Payment of Performance Shares
 14
9.4
Committee Discretion to Adjust Awards
 15
9.5
Form and Timing of Payment
 15
9.6
Termination of Employment Due to Death, Disability, or Retirement
 15
9.7
Termination of Employment for Other Reasons
 15
9.8
Nontransferability
 15
       
Article 10
Cash Awards
 
10.1
Grant of Cash Award
 15
10.2
Cash Award Performance Criteria
 15
10.3
Payout of Cash awards
 16
10.4
Conversion of Cash Award Payout to Restricted Stock
 16

FirstEnergy Corp.
Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan


Table of Contents
 
   
Article 11
Directors’ Awards
 
11.1
Grant of Director’s Awards
 16
11.2
Conversion of Retainer to Stock
 16
11.3
Conversion of Retainer to Restricted Stock
 16
11.4
Conversion of Retainer to Stock Options
 17
   
Article 12
Beneficiary Designation
 17
   
Article 13
Rights of Employees
 
13.1
Employment
 17
13.2
Participation
 17
13.3
No Implied Rights; Rights on Termination of Service
 17
13.4
No Right to Company Assets
 17
     
Article 14
Change in Control
 
14.1
Stock Based Awards
 18
14.2
All Awards Other than Stock Based Awards
 18
   
Article 15
Amendment, Modification, and Termination
 
15.1
Amendment, Modification, and Termination
 18
15.2
Awards Previously Granted
 18
15.3
Deferral of Payments and Distributions
 18
   
Article 16
Withholding and Deferral
 
16.1
Tax Withholding
 18
16.2
Stock Delivery or Withholding
 19
     
Article 17
Successors
 19
     
Article 18
Requirements of Law
 
18.1
Requirements of Law
 19
18.2
Governing Law
 19




FirstEnergy Corp.Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan


ARTICLE 1 ESTABLISHMENT, PURPOSE, AND DURATION

1.1
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PLAN. FirstEnergy Corp. (hereinafter referred to as "FirstEnergy"), established, effective May 1, 1998, an incentive compensation plan known as the "Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan" (hereinafter referred to as the "Plan"), which permits the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Non-qualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares, Cash Awards and Directors’ Awards.

1.2
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN. The purpose of the Plan is to promote the success of the Company and its Subsidiaries by providing incentives to Key Employees and Directors that will link their personal interests to the long-term financial success of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and to growth in shareholder value. The Plan is designed to provide flexibility to the Company and its Subsidiaries in their ability to motivate, attract, and retain the services of Key Employees upon whose judgment, interest, and special effort the successful conduct of their operations is largely dependent. The Plan is intended to preserve maximum deductibility of all awards made under the plan within the structure of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended “the Code”.

1.3
DURATION OF THE PLAN. The Plan will commence on May 1, 1998, as described in Section 1.1 herein. The Plan shall remain in effect, subject to the right of the Board of Directors to terminate the Plan at any time, until all Shares subject to it shall have been purchased or acquired according to the provisions herein.


ARTICLE 2 DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION

2.1.
DEFINITIONS. Whenever used in the Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below and, when the meaning is intended, the initial letter of the word is capitalized:

 
2.1.1
"Award" means, individually or collectively, a grant under this Plan of Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares, Cash Awards or Directors’ Awards.
 
2.1.2
"Beneficial Owner" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange Act.
 
2.1.3
“Black-Scholes Value” means the value of one stock option as calculated by the Black-Scholes Valuation Model as prescribed under Financial Accounting Standard 123.
 
2.1.4
"Board" or "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
 
2.1.5
“Cash Award” means an award in the form of cash that is a bonus made pursuant to the terms of Article 10.
 
2.1.6
"Cause" shall mean the occurrence of any one of the following:
(i)  the willful and continued failure by a Participant to substantially perform his/her duties (other than any such failure resulting from the Participant's Disability), after a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Participant that specifically identifies the manner in which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, believes that the Participant has not substantially performed his/her duties, and the Participant has failed to remedy the situation within ten (10) business days of receiving such notice; or
(ii)   the Participant's conviction for committing a felony or a crime involving an act of moral turpitude, dishonesty or misfeasance; or
(iii)  the willful engaging by the Participant in gross misconduct materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. However, no act, or failure to act, on the Participant's part shall be considered "willful" unless done, or omitted to be done, by the Participant not in good faith and without reasonable belief that his/her action or omission was in the best interest of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.


 
2.1.7
"Change in Control" shall mean:
(i)  The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% (25% if such Person proposes any individual for election to the Board or any member of the Board is the representative of such Person) or more of either
(a)  the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or
(b)  the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control:
(1)  any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege),
(2)  
any acquisition by the Company,
(3)  
any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company, or
(4)
any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a reorganization, merger or consolidation, if, following such reorganization,
 merger or consolidation, the conditions described in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of subsection (iii) of this subsection 2.1.7 are satisfied; or
(ii)  Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company’s shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of solicitations subject to Rule 14a-12(c) of  Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act or any such successor rule) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or
(iii) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case, unless, following such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets,
(a)  more than 75% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be,


(b) no Person (excluding the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation or acquiring such assets and any Person beneficially owning, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and
(c) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets; or
(iv)  Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

However, in no event shall a Change in Control be deemed to have occurred, with respect to a Participant, if the Participant is part of a purchasing group, which consummates the Change in Control transaction. The Participant shall be deemed "part of a purchasing group. . . " for purposes of the preceding sentence if the Participant is an equity participant or has agreed to become an equity participant in the purchasing company or group (except for (i) passive ownership of less than 5% of the voting securities of the purchasing company or (ii) ownership of equity participation in the purchasing company or group which is otherwise not deemed to be significant, as determined prior to the Change in Control by a majority of the non-employee continuing members of the Board).
 
2.1.8
"Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
 
2.1.9
"Committee" means the Compensation Committee of the Board.
 
2.1.10
"Company" means FirstEnergy Corp., an Ohio corporation, or any successor thereto as provided in Article 17 herein.
 
2.1.11
"Covered Employee" means any Participant designated prior to the grant of Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Cash Award by the Committee who is or may be a "covered employee" within the meaning of Section 162(m)(3) of the Code in the year in which such Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares or Cash Award are taxable to such Participant.


 
2.1.12
“Directors’ Award” means an Award made pursuant to Article 11 of this Plan.
 
2.1.13
“Disability” means permanent and total disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
 
2.1.14
"Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time.
 
2.1.15
"Fair Market Value" means the average of the high and low sale prices of the common stock as reported on the composite tape of the New York Stock Exchange for the date in which the determination of the fair market value is made, or, if there are no sales of common stock on that date, then on the next preceding date on which there were sales of common stock.
 
2.1.16
"Incentive Stock Option" or "ISO" means an option to purchase Stock, granted under Article 6 herein, which is designated as an incentive stock option and is intended to meet the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.
 
2.1.17
"Key Employee" means an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including an employee who is an officer or a director of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, who, in the opinion of the Committee, can contribute significantly to the growth and profitability of the Company and its Subsidiaries. "Key Employee" also may include any other employee, identified by the Committee, in special situations involving extraordinary performance, promotion, retention, or recruitment. The granting of an Award under this Plan shall be deemed a determination by the Committee that such employee is a Key Employee, but shall not create a right to remain a Key Employee.
 
2.1.18
"Nonqualified Stock Option" or "NSO" means an option to purchase Stock, granted under Article 6 herein, which is not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option.
 
2.1.19
"Option" means an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option.
 
2.1.20
"Outside Director" means any director who qualifies as an "outside director" as that term is defined in Code Section 162(m) and the regulations issued thereunder.
 
2.1.21
"Participant" means a Key Employee or Director who has been granted an Award under the Plan.
 
2.1.22
"Performance Share" means an Award, designated as a Performance Share, granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 9 herein.
 
2.1.23
"Period of Restriction" means the period during which the transfer or sale of Shares of Restricted Stock by the Participant or the issuance of Shares subject to Restricted Stock Units to the Participant is restricted.
 
2.1.24
"Person" shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 3(a)(9) of the Exchange Act and used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) thereof, including a "group" as defined in Section 13(d) thereof.
 
2.1.25
"Plan" means this Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan of FirstEnergy Corp., as herein described and as hereafter from time to time amended.
 
2.1.26
"Restricted Stock" means an Award of Stock granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 8 herein.
 
2.1.27
"Restricted Stock Unit" means an Award, designated as a Restricted Stock Unit, granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 8 herein under which Stock will be issued to a Participant if specified conditions are satisfied.


 
2.1.28
"Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation of which more than 50% (by number of votes) of the Voting Stock at the time outstanding is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company.
 
2.1.29
“Standard Rate” means the electric utility median base salary level for a given position as determined in the judgment of the Committee.
 
2.1.30
"Stock" or "Shares" means the common stock with a 10 cent par value of the Company.
 
2.1.31
"Stock Appreciation Right" or "SAR" means an Award, designated as a Stock Appreciation Right, granted to a Participant pursuant to Article 7 herein.
 
2.1.32
"Voting Stock" shall mean securities of any class or classes of stock of a corporation, the holders of which are ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, entitled to elect a majority of the corporate directors.

2.2
GENDER AND NUMBER. Except where otherwise indicated by the context, any masculine term used herein also shall include the feminine, the plural shall include the singular, and the singular shall include the plural.

2.3.
SEVERABILITY. In the event any provision of the Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan, and the Plan shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.


ARTICLE 3 ADMINISTRATION

3.1
THE COMMITTEE. The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which consists of not less than three Directors who shall be appointed from time to time by, and shall serve at the discretion of, the Board of Directors. To the extent required to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, each member of the Committee shall qualify as a "Non-Employee Director” as defined in Rule 16b-3 or any successor definition adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Te extent required to comply with Code Section 162(m), each member of the Committee shall also be an Outside Director.

3.2
AUTHORITY OF THE COMMITTEE. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee shall have full power to construe and interpret the Plan; to establish, amend or waive rules and regulations for its administration; to accelerate the exercisability of any Award or the end of a performance period or the termination of any Period of Restriction or any award agreement, or any other instrument relating to an Award under the Plan; and (subject to the provisions of Article 15 herein) to amend the terms and conditions of any outstanding Option, Stock Appreciation Right or other Award to the extent such terms and conditions are within the discretion of the Committee as provided in the Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee shall have no authority to adjust upwards the amount payable to a Covered Employee with respect to a particular Award, to take any of the foregoing actions, or to take any other action to the extent that such action or the Committee's ability to take such action would cause any Award under the Plan to any Covered Employee to fail to qualify as "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Code Section 162(m)(4) and the regulations issued thereunder. Subject to section 4.3, in no event shall the Committee have the right to i) cancel outstanding Options or SARs for the purpose of replacing or regranting such Options or SARs with an exercise price that is less than the original exercise price of the Option or SAR, or ii) change the Option Price of an Option or SAR to an exercise price that is less than the original Option or SAR exercise price, without first obtaining the approval of shareholders. Also notwithstanding the foregoing, no action of the Committee (other than pursuant to Section 4.3 hereof or Section 9.4 hereof) may, without the consent of the person or persons entitled to exercise any outstanding Option or Stock Appreciation Right or to receive payment of any other outstanding Award, adversely affect the rights of such person or persons.



3.3
SELECTION OF PARTICIPANTS. The Committee shall have the authority to grant Awards under the Plan, from time to time, to such Key Employees and Directors as may be selected by it. The Committee shall select Participants from among those who they have identified as being Key Employees or Directors.

3.4
DECISIONS BINDING. All determinations and decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of the Plan and all related orders or resolutions of the Board of Directors shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company and its Subsidiaries, its stockholders, employees, and Participants and their estates and beneficiaries, and such determinations and decisions shall not be reviewable.

3.5
DELEGATION OF CERTAIN RESPONSIBILITIES. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, delegate to an officer or officers of the Company the administration of the Plan under this Article 3; provided, however, that no such delegation by the Committee shall be made with respect to the administration of the Plan as it affects Directors of the Company or Covered Employees and provided further that the Committee may not delegate its authority to correct errors, omissions or inconsistencies in the Plan. The Committee may delegate to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company its authority under this Article 3 to grant Awards to Key Employees who are not Covered Employees. All authority delegated by the Committee under this Section 3.5 shall be exercised in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and any guidelines for the exercise of such authority that may from time to time be established by the Committee.

3.6
PROCEDURES OF THE COMMITTEE. All determinations of the Committee shall be made by not less than a majority of its members present at the meeting (in person or otherwise) at which a quorum is present. A majority of the entire Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Committee may be taken without a meeting if a unanimous written consent, which sets forth the action, is signed by each member of the Committee and filed with the minutes for proceedings of the Committee. Service on the Committee shall constitute service as a director of the Company so that members of the Committee shall be entitled to indemnification, limitation of liability and reimbursement of expenses with respect to their services as members of the Committee to the same extent that they are entitled under the Company's Articles of Incorporation and Ohio law for their services as directors of the Company.



3.7
AWARD AGREEMENTS. Stock-based Awards under the Plan shall be evidenced by an award agreement, which shall be signed by an authorized officer of the Company or delegate and by the Participant, and shall contain such terms and conditions as may be approved by the Committee. Such terms and conditions need not be the same in all cases.

3.8
CONDITIONS ON AWARDS. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, the Board or the Committee may impose such conditions on any Award (including, without limitation, the right of the Board or the Committee to limit the time of exercise to specified periods).

Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, all Awards under this Plan shall be subject to the following conditions:

(i) Except in the case of death, no SAR, ISO, NSO or other option granted pursuant to Article 6 shall be exercisable for at least six months after its grant; and
(ii) Except in the case of death, no Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Share (or a Share issued in payment thereof) shall be sold for at least six months after its grant.

3.9
SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS. When a date referenced in an award Agreement falls on a Saturday, Sunday or other day when the FirstEnergy General Office is closed, the date reference will revert back to the day prior to such date.


ARTICLE 4 STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN

4.1
NUMBER OF SHARES. Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.3 herein, the aggregate number of Shares that may be delivered under the Plan at any time shall not exceed 22,500,000 Shares of common stock of the Company. No more than three-quarters of such aggregate number of such Shares shall be issued as Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units under Article 8 of the Plan or as Performance Shares under Article 9. Stock delivered under the Plan may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares purchased on the open market. The exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, whether paid in cash or Stock, shall be deemed to be an issuance of Stock under the Plan.

4.2
LAPSED AWARDS. If any Award granted under this Plan terminates, expires, or lapses for any reason, any Stock subject to such Award again shall be available for the grant of an Award under the Plan, subject to Section 7.2 herein. If the value of any Performance Shares issued under Article 9 are paid in cash after a Performance Period has ended, such stock subject to such award shall again be available for the grant of an award under the Plan.



4.3
ADJUSTMENTS IN AUTHORIZED SHARES. In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, separation, liquidation, stock dividend, split-up, share combination, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Stock, such adjustment shall be made in the number and class of shares which may be delivered under the Plan, and in the number and class of and/or price of shares subject to outstanding Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares, granted under the Plan, as may be determined to be appropriate and equitable by the Committee, in its sole discretion, to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights; and provided that the number of shares subject to any Award shall always be a whole number. Any adjustment of an Incentive Stock Option under this paragraph shall be made in such a manner so as not to constitute a modification within the meaning of Section 425(h)(3) of the Code.


ARTICLE 5 ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

5.1
ELIGIBILITY. Persons eligible to receive Awards under all Articles of this Plan except Article 11 include all employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries who, in the opinion of the Committee, are Key Employees. Key Employees may include employees who are members of the Board, but may not include Directors who are not employees. Directors who are not employees may receive Awards under this Plan exclusively under Articles 6 and 8, subject to Article 11.

5.2
ACTUAL PARTICIPATION. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Committee may from time to time select those Key Employees to whom Awards shall be granted and determine the nature and amount of each Award. No employee shall have any right to be granted an Award under this Plan even if previously granted an Award.


ARTICLE 6 STOCK OPTIONS

6.1
GRANT OF OPTIONS. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, Options may be granted to Participants at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee. The maximum number of Shares subject to Options granted to any individual Participant in any calendar year shall be five hundred thousand (500,000) Shares. The Committee shall have the sole discretion, subject to the requirements of the Plan, to determine the actual number of Shares subject to Options granted to any Participant. The Committee may grant any type of Option to purchase Stock that is permitted by law at the time of grant, including, but not limited to, ISO’s and NSO’s. However, no employee may receive an Award of Incentive Stock Options that are first exercisable during any calendar year to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Stock (determined at the time the options are granted) exceeds $100,000. Nothing in this Article 6 shall be deemed to prevent the grant of NSO’s in excess of the maximum established by Section 422 of the Code. Unless otherwise expressly provided at the time of grant, Options granted under the Plan will be NSO’s. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, no ISO shall be granted after May 1, 2008.

6.2
OPTION AGREEMENT. Each Option grant shall be evidenced by an Option agreement that shall specify the type of Option granted, the Option price, the duration of the Option, the number of Shares to which the Option pertains, and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine. The Option agreement shall specify whether the Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code, or a Nonqualified Stock Option whose grant is not intended to be subject to the provisions of Code Section 422.



6.3
OPTION PRICE. The purchase price per share of Stock covered by an Option shall be determined by the Committee but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such Stock on the date the Option is granted.

An Incentive Stock Option granted to an Employee who, at the time of grant, owns (within the meaning of Section 425(d) of the Code) Stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, shall have an exercise price which is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of the Stock subject to the Option.

6.4
DURATION OF OPTIONS. Each Option shall expire at such time as the Committee shall determine at the time of grant; provided, however, that no Option shall be exercisable later than the tenth (10th) anniversary date of its grant.

6.5
EXERCISE OF OPTIONS. Subject to Section 3.8 herein, Options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable at such times and be subject to such restrictions and conditions as the Committee shall in each instance approve, which need not be the same for all Participants. All options within a single grant need not be exercised at one time.

6.6
PAYMENT. Options shall be exercised by the delivery of a written notice to the Company setting forth the number of Shares with respect to which the Option is to be exercised, accompanied by full payment for the Shares. The Option price upon exercise of any Option shall be payable to the Company in full either:
(a) in cash or its equivalent;
(b) by tendering Shares of previously acquired Stock having a Fair Market Value at the time of exercise equal to the
                      total Option price,
(c) by foregoing compensation under rules established by the Committee,
(d)
 by delivery by the Participant of irrevocable instructions to an approved broker to promptly deliver to the Company the
 amount of the sale  or loan proceeds to pay the exercise price, or
(e) such other consideration as the Committee may deem appropriate.

The proceeds from such a payment shall be added to the general funds of the Company and shall be used for general corporate purposes. As soon as practicable, after the Company’s receipt of written notification and payment, the Participant shall receive either:
(i) stock certificates in an appropriate amount based upon the number of Options exercised, issued in the Participant's name:
(ii) cash in an amount equal to the difference between the sale price of such Shares and the Option price less taxes and administrative expenses; or
(iii) a combination of the foregoing.

6.7
RESTRICTIONS ON STOCK TRANSFERABILITY. The Committee shall impose such restrictions on any Shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Option under the Plan as it may deem advisable, including, without limitation, restrictions under applicable Federal securities law, under the requirements of any stock exchange upon which such Shares are then listed and under any blue sky or state securities laws applicable to such Shares.



6.8  
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DUE TO DEATH, DISABILITY, OR RETIREMENT. In the event the employment of a Participant is terminated by reason of death, any of such Participant's outstanding Options shall become immediately exercisable at any time prior to the expiration date of the Options or within one year after such date of termination of employment, whichever period is shorter, by such person or persons as shall have acquired the Participant's rights under the Option pursuant to Article 12 hereof or by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.

In the event the employment of a Participant is terminated by reason of Disability or retirement, including early retirement, (as defined under the then established rules of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be), any of such Participant's outstanding Options shall continue to vest per the vesting schedule of the Participant’s Option Agreement; provided, however, that if the Participant subsequently dies with unexercised options, the vesting and exerciseability will be governed by the first sentence of 6.8.

Notwithstanding the foregoing to the contrary, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, lengthen the exercise period up to the expiration date for an individual participant if it deems this is in the best interest of the Company. In the case of Incentive Stock Options, the favorable tax treatment prescribed under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of l986, as amended, may not be available if the Options are not exercised within the Code Section 422 prescribed time period after termination of employment for death, disability, or retirement.

6.9
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR OTHER REASONS. If the employment of a Participant shall terminate for any reason other than death, Disability, retirement (including early retirement) or for Cause, the Participant shall have the right to exercise such Participant's outstanding Options within 90 days after the date of his termination, but in no event beyond the expiration of the term of the Options and only to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise the Options at the date of his termination of employment. In its sole discretion, the Committee may extend the 90 days to up to one year but, however, in no event beyond the expiration date of the Option.

If the employment of the Participant shall terminate for Cause, all of the Participant's outstanding Options shall be immediately forfeited back to the Company.

6.10
NONTRANSFERABILITY OF OPTIONS. No Option granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, all Options granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during his lifetime only by such Participant.


 
ARTICLE 7 STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS

7.1
GRANT OF STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted to Participants, at the discretion of the Committee, in any of the following forms:
(a)  
in lieu of Options;
(b)  
in addition to Options;
(c)  
independent of Options; or
(d)  
in any combination of (a), (b), or (c).

The maximum numbers of Shares subject to SARs granted to any individual Participant in any calendar year shall be five hundred thousand (500,000) Shares. Subject to the immediately preceding sentence, the Committee shall have the sole discretion, subject to the requirements of the Plan, to determine the actual number of Shares subject to SARs granted to any Participant.

7.2
EXERCISE OF SARS IN LIEU OF OPTIONS. SARs granted in lieu of Options may be exercised for all or part of the Shares subject to the related Option upon the surrender of the related Options representing the right to purchase an equivalent number of Shares. The SAR may be exercised only with respect to the Shares of Stock for which its related Option is then exercisable. Option Stock with respect to which the SAR shall have been exercised may not be subject again to an Award under the Plan.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the contrary, with respect to a SAR granted in lieu of an Incentive Stock Option:
(i)  
the SAR will expire no later than the expiration of the underlying Incentive Stock Option;
(ii)  
the SAR amount may be for no more than one hundred percent (100%) of the difference between the exercise price of the underlying Incentive Stock Option and the Fair Market Value of the Stock subject to the underlying Incentive Stock Option at the time the SAR is exercised; and
(iii)  
the SAR may be exercised only when the Fair Market Value of the Stock subject to the Incentive Stock Option exceeds the exercise price of the Incentive Stock Option.

7.3
EXERCISE OF SARS IN ADDITION TO OPTIONS. SARs granted in addition to Options shall be deemed to be exercised upon the exercise of the related Options. The deemed exercise of SARs granted in addition to Options shall not necessitate a reduction in the number of related Options.

7.4
EXERCISE OF SARS INDEPENDENT OF OPTIONS. Subject to Section 3.8 herein and Section 7.5 herein, SARs granted independently of Options may be exercised upon whatever terms and conditions the Committee, in its sole discretion, imposes upon the SARs, including, but not limited to, a corresponding proportional reduction in previously granted Options.

7.5
PAYMENT OF SAR AMOUNT. Upon exercise of the SAR, the holder shall be entitled to receive payment of an amount determined by multiplying:
(a)  
The difference between the market price of a Share on the date of exercise over the price fixed by the Committee at the date of grant (which price shall not be less than 100% of the market price of a Share on the date of grant) (the Exercise Price); by
(b)  
The number of Shares with respect to which the SAR is exercised.

7.6
FORM AND TIMING OF PAYMENT. Payment to a Participant, upon SAR exercise, will be made in cash or stock, at the discretion of the Committee, as soon as administratively possible after exercise.



7.7
TERM OF SAR. The term of an SAR granted under the Plan shall not exceed ten years.

7.8
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT. In the event the employment of a Participant is terminated by reason of death, Disability, retirement (including early retirement), or any other reason, the exercisability of any outstanding SAR granted in lieu of or in addition to an Option shall terminate in the same manner as its related Option as specified under Sections 6.8 and 6.9 herein. The exercisability of any outstanding SARs granted independent of Options also shall terminate in the manner provided under Sections 6.8 and 6.9 hereof.

7.9
NONTRANSFERABILITY OF SARS. No SAR granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Further, all SARs granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during his lifetime only by such Participant.


ARTICLE 8 RESTRICTED STOCK AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS

8.1
GRANT OF RESTRICTED STOCK AND RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, the Committee, at any time and from time to time, may grant Shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units under the Plan to such Participants and in such amounts, as it shall determine. The Committee may condition the vesting or lapse of the Period of Restriction established pursuant to Section 8.3 upon the attainment of one or more of the performance goals utilized for purposes of Performance Shares pursuant to Article 9 hereof. As required for valuation of grants under the Plan, Restricted Stock and Stock subject to Restricted Stock Units will be valued at its Fair Market Value. The maximum number of Shares subject to issuance as Restricted Stock or pursuant to Restricted Stock Units granted, in the aggregate, to any individual Participant in any calendar year is two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) Shares.

8.2
AWARD AGREEMENT. Each Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit grant shall be evidenced by a Restricted Stock agreement or Restricted Stock Unit agreement, as the case may be, that shall specify the Period of Restriction, or periods, performance goals, as applicable, the number of Shares of Restricted Stock granted or subject to the Restricted Stock Units granted, as applicable, and such other provisions as the Committee shall determine.

8.3
TRANSFERABILITY. Except as provided in this Article 8 or in Section 3.8 herein, the Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may not be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, and Stock subject to a Restricted Stock Unit agreement will not be issued, until the termination of the applicable Period of Restriction or for such period of time as shall be established by the Committee and as shall be specified in the Restricted Stock agreement or Restricted Stock Unit agreement, as the case may be, or upon satisfaction of other conditions (including any performance goals) as specified by the Committee in its sole discretion and set forth in such Restricted Stock agreement or Restricted Stock Unit agreement. No Restricted Stock Unit granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. All rights with respect to the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during his lifetime only by such Participant.


8.4
OTHER RESTRICTIONS. The Committee shall impose such other restrictions on any Shares of Restricted Stock granted pursuant to the Plan as it may deem advisable including, without limitation, vesting or forfeiture restrictions under applicable Federal or state securities laws, and the Committee may legend certificates representing Restricted Stock to give appropriate notice of such restrictions.

8.5
CERTIFICATE LEGEND. In addition to any legends placed on certificates pursuant to Section 8.4 herein, each certificate representing Shares of Restricted Stock granted pursuant to the Plan shall bear the following legend:

“The sale or other transfer of the shares of stock represented by this certificate, whether voluntary, involuntary, or by operation of law, is subject to certain restrictions on transfer set forth in the Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan of FirstEnergy Corp., in the rules and administrative procedures adopted pursuant to such Plan, and in a Restricted Stock Agreement dated __________. A copy of the Plan, such rules and procedures, and such Restricted Stock agreement may be obtained from the Secretary of FirstEnergy Corp."

8.6
 REMOVAL OF RESTRICTIONS. Except as otherwise provided in this Article, Shares of Restricted Stock covered by each Restricted Stock grant made under the Plan shall become freely transferable by the Participant, and Shares subject to each Restricted Stock Unit grant made under the Plan shall be issued to the Participant, after the last day of the Period of Restriction, subject to satisfying applicable tax withholding requirements. In the case of a Restricted Stock grant, once the Shares are released from the restrictions, the Participant shall be entitled to have the legend required by Section 8.5 removed from his Stock certificate.

8.7
VOTING RIGHTS. During the Period of Restriction, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder may exercise full voting rights with respect to those Shares, but no Participant shall have any voting rights with respect to Shares subject to Restricted Stock Units before the issuance of those Shares to the Participant.

8.8
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS. During the Period of Restriction, Participants holding Shares of Restricted Stock granted hereunder shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to those Shares while they are so held. If any such dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability as the Shares of Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid. The Committee may provide for the crediting of dividend equivalents on Restricted Stock Units during the Period of Restriction on such terms as the Committee may specify.

8.9
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DUE TO RETIREMENT (including early retirement). In the event that a Participant terminates his employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries because of retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be), the Committee in its sole discretion (subject to Section 3.8 herein) may waive or modify the restrictions remaining on any or all Shares of Restricted Stock or remaining on Shares subject to Restricted Stock Units as it deems appropriate.

8.10
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DUE TO DEATH OR DISABILITY. In the event a Participant's employment is terminated because of death or Disability during the Period of Restriction, any remaining Period of Restriction applicable to the Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units shall automatically terminate and, except as otherwise provided in Section 8.4 herein, the Shares of Restricted Stock shall thereby be free of restrictions and be fully transferable and Shares subject to Restricted Stock Units shall become issuable free of restrictions, subject to satisfying applicable tax withholding requirements.



8.11
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR OTHER REASONS. In the event that a Participant terminates his employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any reason other than for death, Disability, or retirement (including early retirement), as set forth in Sections 8.9 and 8.10 herein, during the Period of Restriction, then any Shares of Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units still subject to restrictions as of the date of such termination shall automatically be forfeited and returned to the Company; provided, however, that in the event of a termination of the employment of a Participant by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than for Cause, the Committee, in its sole discretion (subject to Section 3.8 herein), may waive or modify the automatic forfeiture of any or all such Shares or units as it deems appropriate.

ARTICLE 9 PERFORMANCE SHARES

9.1
GRANT OF PERFORMANCE SHARES. Subject to the terms and provisions of the Plan, Performance Shares may be granted to Participants at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee. The maximum number of Shares that may be issued to any Participant in a calendar year shall not exceed two hundred fifty thousand (250,000), subject to adjustment as provided in Section 4.3.

9.2
VALUE OF PERFORMANCE SHARES. The Committee shall set performance goals over certain periods to be determined in advance by the Committee ("Performance Periods"). Prior to each grant of Performance Shares, the Committee shall establish an initial number of Shares for each Performance Share granted to each Participant for that Performance Period. Prior to each grant of Performance Shares, the Committee also shall set the performance goals that will be used to determine the extent to which the Participant receives a payment of the number of Shares for the Performance Shares awarded for such Performance Period. These goals will be based on the attainment by the Company or its Subsidiaries of certain objective performance measures, which may include, but are not limited to one or more of the following: total shareholder return, return on equity, return on capital, earnings per share, market share, stock price, sales, costs, net income, cash flow, retained earnings, results of customer satisfaction surveys, aggregate product price and other product price measures, safety record, service reliability, demand-side management (including conservation and load management), operating and maintenance cost management, and energy production availability performance measures. Such performance goals also may be based upon the attainment of specified levels of performance of the Company or one or more Subsidiaries under one or more of the measures described above, relative to the performance of other corporations. The Committee may provide for the crediting of dividend equivalents during the performance period. With respect to each such performance measure utilized during a Performance Period, the Committee shall assign percentages to various levels of performance which shall be applied to determine the extent to which the Participant shall receive a payout of the number of Performance Shares awarded. With respect to Covered Employees, all performance goals shall be objective performance goals satisfying the requirements for "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m)(4) of the Code, and shall be set by the Committee within the time period prescribed by Section 162(m) of the Code and related regulations.



9.3
PAYMENT OF PERFORMANCE SHARES. After a Performance Period has ended, the holder of a Performance Share shall be entitled to receive the value thereof as determined by the Committee. The Committee shall make this determination by first determining the extent to which the performance goals set pursuant to Section 9.2 have been met. It will then determine the applicable percentage (which may exceed 100%) to be applied to, and will apply such percentage to, the number of Performance Shares to determine the payout to be received by the Participant. In addition, with respect to Performance Shares granted to any Covered Employee, no payout shall be made hereunder except upon written certification by the Committee that the applicable performance goal or goals have been satisfied to a particular extent. The amount payable in cash in a calendar year to any Participant with respect to any Performance Period pursuant to any Performance Share award shall not exceed $2,000,000.

9.4
COMMITTEE DISCRETION TO ADJUST AWARDS. Subject to Section 3.2 regarding Awards to Covered Employees, the Committee shall have the authority to modify, amend or adjust the terms and conditions of any Performance Share award, at any time or from time to time, including but not limited to the performance goals.

9.5
FORM AND TIMING OF PAYMENT. The payment described in Section 9.3 herein shall be made in cash, Stock, or a combination thereof as determined by the Committee. Payment may be made in a lump sum or installments as prescribed by the Committee. If any payment is to be made on a deferred basis, the Committee may provide for the payment of dividend equivalents or interest during the deferral period. Any stock issued in payment of a Performance Share shall be subject to the restrictions on transfer in Section 3.8 herein.

9.6
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DUE TO DEATH, DISABILITY, OR RETIREMENT (including early retirement). In the case of death, Disability, or retirement (as defined under the established rules of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as the case may be), the holder of a Performance Share shall receive a prorated payment based on the Participant's number of full months of service during the Performance Period, further adjusted based on the achievement of the performance goals, as computed by the Committee. The Committee may require that a Participant have a minimum number of full months of service during the Performance Period to qualify for an Award payout.

9.7
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR OTHER REASONS. In the event that a Participant terminates employment with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for any reason other than death, Disability, or retirement (including early retirement), all Performance Shares shall be forfeited; provided, however, that in the event of a termination of the employment of the Participant by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries other than for Cause, the Committee in its sole discretion may waive the automatic forfeiture provisions.

9.8
NONTRANSFERABILITY. No Performance Shares granted under the Plan may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned, or otherwise alienated or hypothecated, other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution until the termination of the applicable Performance Period. All rights with respect to Performance Shares granted to a Participant under the Plan shall be exercisable during his/her lifetime only by such Participant.



 
ARTICLE 10 CASH AWARDS

10.1
GRANT OF CASH AWARD. Subject to the terms of this Plan, Cash Awards may be made to Participants at any time and from time to time as shall be determined by the Committee. The Committee shall have complete discretion in the determining the form of the Cash Awards granted to Participants

10.2
CASH AWARD PERFORMANCE CRITERIA. All Cash Awards made under this Plan shall be subject to pre-established, objective, business-related Performance Measures. The performance measures shall be approved for use by the Committee and the Committee shall certify their attainment and the resulting payout of Cash Awards. Performance Measures for Cash Awards may be measurable for periods of one year to five years (allowing for prorated periods for new Participants). The Performance Measures may include, but shall not be limited to: operational measures (e.g. attaining merger milestones, customer satisfaction, service reliability, safety and tactical objectives), financial measures (e.g. expense control, revenue, margins and shareholder value added levels “SVA”) and individual measures. Performance Measures can be made on overlapping cycles, (i.e. one-year cycles could emphasize operational measures and three-year cycles could emphasize SVA Performance Measures.) Each cycle of Performance Measures could have a distinct Cash Award associated with it.

10.3
PAYOUT OF CASH AWARDS. Payouts of Cash Awards are made in relationship to a target payout level determined prior to each cycle on a per Participant basis. Target levels under multiple cycles will be calibrated to provide, in total, an annualized level of incentives consistent with the Company’s compensation philosophy as set by the Committee. Actual payouts of Cash Awards will vary with performance results as follows: actual payouts based upon operational or individual Performance Measures will vary from 50% (if threshold performance is attained) to 150% of the target level; actual payouts based upon Company SVA and other corporate financial measures will vary from 50% (if threshold performance is attained) up to 200% of the target level. The maximum Cash Award payable in a calendar year to any Participant with respect to any Performance Period shall not exceed $2,000,000.

10.4
CONVERSION OF CASH AWARD PAYOUT TO RESTRICTED STOCK. At the request of the Participant, but subject to the discretion of the Committee, any Cash Award payout may be converted to Restricted Stock at a discount. The conversion to Restricted Stock will occur by multiplying the Cash Award by a premium, but in no event more than 120% and dividing the product by the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Stock on the date of conversion, which shall be chosen by the Committee at least 10 days in advance, to determine the number of shares of Restricted Stock that will be provided as full settlement of the Cash Award. The shares of Restricted Stock provided to Participants in settlement of Cash Awards shall be Restricted Stock subject to Article 8.


ARTICLE 11 DIRECTORS’ AWARDS

11.1
GRANT OF DIRECTORS’ AWARDS. In lieu of a portion of their retainer, Directors’ Awards can be made in the form of Stock Options or Restricted Stock under Articles 6 and 8 respectively. No other Awards may be made to Directors under the Plan.

11.2
CONVERSION OF RETAINER TO STOCK. At the request of a Director but subject to the election of the Committee, a Director may convert any retainer otherwise due to be paid by the Company in cash to an aggregate equivalent value of either Stock Options, Restricted Stock or both.



11.3
CONVERSION OF RETAINER TO RESTRICTED STOCK. Retainer, otherwise payable in cash may be converted to Restricted Stock under Article 8. The conversion to Restricted Stock will occur by multiplying the retainer by a premium, but in no event more than 120% and dividing the product by the Fair Market Value of the Restricted Stock on the date of conversion, which shall be chosen by the Committee at least 10 days in advance, into the amount of the retainer to determine the number of shares of Restricted Stock that will be provided as full settlement of the retainer.

11.4
CONVERSION OF RETAINER TO STOCK OPTIONS. Retainer otherwise due to be paid in cash may be converted to Stock Options under Article 6 at the request of the Participant but subject to the election of the Committee. Retainer shall be converted by multiplying the retainer by a premium, but in no event more than 120% and dividing the product by the amount equal to the Black-Scholes Value of the Stock Option on the date of conversion. The quotient of which is the number of Stock Options that shall be awarded.


ARTICLE 12 BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION

Each Participant under the Plan may, from time to time, name any beneficiary or beneficiaries (who may be named contingently or successively and who may include a trustee under a will or living trust) to whom any benefit under the Plan is to be paid in case of his/her death before he receives any or all of such benefit. Each designation will revoke all prior designations by the same Participant, shall be in a form prescribed by the Committee, and will be effective only when filed by the Participant in writing with the Committee during his lifetime. In the absence of any such designation or if all designated beneficiaries predecease the Participant, benefits remaining unpaid at the Participant's death shall be paid to the Participant's estate.


ARTICLE 13 RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEES

13.1
EMPLOYMENT. Nothing in the Plan shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to terminate any Participant's employment at any time, nor confer upon any Participant any right to continue in the employ of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

13.2
PARTICIPATION. No employee shall have a right to be selected as a Participant, or, having been so selected, to be selected again as a Participant.

13.3
NO IMPLIED RIGHTS; RIGHTS ON TERMINATION OF SERVICE. Neither the establishment of the Plan nor any amendment thereof shall be construed as giving any Participant, beneficiary, or any other person any legal or equitable right unless such right shall be specifically provided for in the Plan or conferred by specific action of the Committee in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Plan. Except as expressly provided in this Plan, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required or be liable to make any payment under the Plan.

13.4
NO RIGHT TO COMPANY ASSETS. Neither the Participant nor any other person shall acquire, by reason of the Plan, any right in or title to any assets, funds or property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries whatsoever including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, any specific funds, assets, or other property which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in its sole discretion, may set aside in anticipation of a liability hereunder. Any benefits which become payable hereunder shall be paid from the general assets of the Company or the applicable subsidiary. The Participant shall have only a contractual right to the amounts, if any, payable hereunder unsecured by any asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Nothing contained in the Plan constitutes a guarantee by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that the assets of the Company or the applicable subsidiary shall be sufficient to pay any benefit to any person.




ARTICLE 14 CHANGE IN CONTROL

14.1
STOCK BASED AWARDS. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, in the event of a Change in Control, all Stock based awards granted under this Plan shall immediately vest 100% in each Participant (subject to Section 3.8 herein), including Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units.

14.2
ALL AWARDS OTHER THAN STOCK BASED AWARDS. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan, in the event of a Change in Control, all Awards other than Stock Based Awards granted under this Plan shall be immediately paid out in cash, including Performance Shares. The amount of the payout shall be based on the higher of: (i) the extent, as determined by the Committee, to which performance goals, established for the Performance Period then in progress have been met up through and including the effective date of the Change in Control or (ii) 100% of the value on the date of grant of the number of Performance Shares.


ARTICLE 15 AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION

15.1
AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION. At any time and from time to time, the Board or Committee may terminate, amend, or modify the Plan. However, without the approval of the stockholders of the Company if required by the Code, by the insider trading rules of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, by any national securities exchange or system on which the Stock is then listed or reported, or by any regulatory body having jurisdiction with respect hereto, no such termination, amendment, or modification may:

(a)  
Increase the total amount of Stock which may be issued under this Plan, except as provided in Section 4.3 herein; or
(b)  
Change the class of Employees eligible to participate in the Plan;
(c)  
Materially increase the cost of the Plan or materially increase the benefits to Participants; or
(d)  
Extend the maximum period after the date of grant during which Options or Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised.

15.2
AWARDS PREVIOUSLY GRANTED. No termination, amendment or modification of the Plan other than pursuant to Section 4.3 hereof shall in any manner adversely affect any Award theretofore granted under the Plan, without the written consent of the Participant.

15.3
DEFERRAL OF PAYMENTS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. Cash Awards pursuant to Article 10 may be eligible for deferral by any plan(s) offered by the company, subject to the approval of the Committee and any administrative requirements imposed by the Committee.




ARTICLE 16 WITHHOLDING AND DEFERRAL

16.1
TAX WITHHOLDING. The Company and any of its Subsidiaries shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, an amount sufficient to satisfy Federal, state and local taxes (including the Participant's FICA obligation) required by law to be withheld with respect to any grant, exercise, or payment made under or as a result of this Plan.

16.2         
STOCK DELIVERY OR WITHHOLDING. With respect to withholding required upon the exercise of Stock Options, or upon the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units, participants may elect, subject to the approval of the Committee, to satisfy the withholding requirement, in whole or in part, by tendering to the Company Shares of previously acquired Stock or by having the Company withhold Shares of Stock, in each such case in an amount having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations described in Section 16.1. The value of the Shares to be tendered or withheld is to be based on the Fair Market Value of the Stock on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined.

All Stock withholding elections shall be irrevocable and made in writing, signed by the Participant on forms approved by the Committee in advance of the day that the transaction becomes taxable.

Stock withholding elections made by Participants who are subject to the short-swing profit restrictions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act must comply with the additional restrictions of Section 16 and Rule 16b-3 in making their elections.


ARTICLE 17 SUCCESSORS

All obligations of the Company under the Plan, with respect to Awards granted hereunder, shall be binding on any successor to the Company, whether the existence of such successor is the result of a direct or indirect purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company.


ARTICLE 18 REQUIREMENTS OF LAW

18.1
REQUIREMENTS OF LAW. The granting of Awards and the issuance of Shares of Stock under this Plan shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by any governmental agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required.

18.2        
GOVERNING LAW. The Plan, and all agreements hereunder, shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Ohio without giving effect to the principles of the conflicts of laws.

EX-10.4 5 ex10-4.htm RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT NO. 1 - MARCH 1, 2005 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement No. 1 - March 1, 2005
Exhibit 10-4
FirstEnergy Corp.
Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Performance Adjusted)


Restricted Stock Unit Agreement No.: ____
Number of Restricted Stock
Units Awarded:   XXX units

Date of Grant: ________,. 20__

 
This Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (the Agreement”) is entered into as of the ____ day of _______, 20__, between FirstEnergy Corp. and _____________ (the “Grantee). For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “Company or “FE” means FirstEnergy Corp. and/or its subsidiaries, singularly or collectively.


SECTION ONE - - AWARD

As of the date of this Agreement, in accordance with the FirstEnergy Corp. Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Company grants to the Grantee the right to receive, at the end of the Period of Restriction (as defined below) a number of shares common stock of the Company (“Common Stock”) equal to number of restricted stock units set forth above (the “Restricted Stock Units”), subject to adjustment based on FE’s performance as described below.


SECTION TWO - - GENERAL TERMS

This agreement is subject to the Plan and the following terms and conditions:

Period of Restriction

For the purposes of this Agreement, “Period of Restriction” means the period beginning on the Date of Grant set forth above and ending on the earliest of:

a)  
5:00 p.m. Akron Time on ________, 20__;
b)  
The date of the Grantee’s death;
c)  
The date that the Grantee’s employment is terminated due to Disability;
d)  
The date that a Change in Control occurs, but if this Award is part of a nonqualified deferred compensation plan within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code, then the Period of Restriction will end on the date of that Change in Control only to the extent that the event giving rise to that Change in Control also would qualify as a change in control event under Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Code.

In addition, to the extent described under the caption “Forfeiture” below, the Period of Restriction will end with respect to a pro rata portion of the Restricted Stock Units if the Grantee’s employment is terminated as a result of involuntary termination or retirement under certain conditions. Neither the Restricted Stock Units nor the right to receive the Common Stock issuable under the Restricted Stock Units may be sold, transferred, pledged or assigned by the Grantee until the end of the Period of Restriction, except as set forth in Section Three of this Agreement.
1


Performance Adjusted Restricted Stock Units

If the Period of Restriction ends on the time and date set forth in clause “a” of the provisions under the caption “Period of Restriction” above, at the end of the Period of Restriction, the actual number of shares issuable under the Restricted Stock Units awarded pursuant to this Agreement may be adjusted upward or downward by twenty-five percent (25%) from the base number of shares issuable under the Restricted Stock Units (as set forth in Section One of this Agreement), based on FE’s performance against three key metrics. The Committee has identified the three performance metrics as Earnings Per Share, Safety Record, and Operational Performance Index.

FE’s performance against the three performance metrics will be evaluated, with respect to each performance metric, by comparing the average of FE’s actual annual performance over the three years beginning in the year of grant of this Award to the average of the annual target performance levels established over the same period to determine whether the Company has exceeded, met or fallen below the target performance level for that particular performance metric. The annual target performance level relating to each metric for each year will be set by the Committee in February of that year. The following guidelines will be used to adjust the number of shares issuable under the Restricted Stock Units awarded pursuant to this Agreement:

·  
If the Company’s average annual performance meets or exceeds the average of the target performance levels established by the Committee with respect to all three of the performance metrics identified above, the base number of shares issuable under the Restricted Stock Units (as set forth in Section One of this Agreement) will be increased by twenty-five percent (25%).
·  
If the Company’s average annual performance falls below the average of the target performance levels established by the Committee with respect to all three of the performance metrics identified above, the base number of shares issuable under the Restricted Stock Units (as set forth in Section One of this Agreement) will be decreased by twenty-five percent (25%).
·  
If the Company’s average annual performance meets or exceeds the average of the target performance levels established by the Committee with respect to one or more of the performance metrics identified above, but falls below the average of the target performance levels with respect to one or more of the other performance metrics, the base number of shares issuable under the Restricted Stock Units (as set forth in Section One of this Agreement) will not be increased or decreased.


Withholding Tax
 
The Company shall have the right to deduct, withhold, or require the Grantee to surrender an amount sufficient to satisfy federal (including FICA and Medicare), state, and/or local taxes required by law to be withheld in connection with the grant of the Restricted Stock Units or the issuance of shares of Common Stock subject to the Restricted Stock Units. Under the terms of the Plan, taxes can be paid by check, by payroll withholding, or by withholding shares issuable under the Restricted Stock Units awarded under this Agreement, as elected by the Grantee.
 

2
Delivery of Common Stock

Upon payment of tax obligations and as soon as practicable after the end of the Period of Restriction, the Company shall issue to the Grantee shares of FE Common Stock under the Restricted Stock Units. The Company will issue a number of shares of Common Stock equal to the number of Restricted Stock Units awarded under this Agreement, as adjusted, less any shares withheld to cover the tax obligations in accordance with the preceding paragraph; provided that, no fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued under the Restricted Stock Units and any fractional shares to which the Grantee would otherwise be entitled will be rounded up to the next full share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Grantee is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code and the Period of Restriction ends as a result of Grantee’s separation from service (other than as a result of Grantee’s death or Disability), no issuance of shares of FE Common Stock under the Restricted Stock Units will be made to the Grantee prior to the date which is six months after the date of the Grantee’s separation from service within the meaning of that Section, or, if earlier, the date of the Grantee’s death. All shares issued will be registered in the name of the Grantee and will be held in safekeeping with FE.

Forfeiture

The Grantee shall forfeit all of the Restricted Stock Units and any right under this Agreement to receive Common Stock upon the occurrence of any the following events before the expiration of the Period of Restriction:

·  
Termination of employment with the Company or its subsidiaries for any reason other than death, Disability, involuntary termination under conditions in which the Grantee qualifies for and elects benefits under the Company’s Severance Benefits Plan, or retirement (as defined under the then established rules of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as the case may be).

·  
Any attempt to sell, transfer, pledge, or assign the Restricted Stock Units or the right to receive the Common Stock issuable under the Restricted Stock Units in violation of this Agreement.

If the Grantee’s employment is involuntary terminated under conditions in which the Grantee qualifies for and elects benefits under the Company’s Severance Benefits Plan, or if the Grantee retires (as defined under the then established rules of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as the case may be), the Restricted Stock Units in this Agreement will not be adjusted for performance in accordance with the provisions under the caption “Performance Adjusted Restricted Stock Units” above and will be forfeited and payable as follows, subject to Section 3.8 of the Plan:

·  
If the Grantee’s employment terminates prior to a full year after the Date of Grant, all Restricted Stock Units and any Restricted Stock Units earned as Dividend Equivalents will be forfeited.
·  
If the Grantee’s employment terminates a full year or more after the Date of Grant, the Grantee will be entitled to a prorated number Restricted Stock Units. The prorated number of Restricted Stock Units will be determined by multiplying the number of shares initially awarded by the number of full months served after the date of grant, divided by thirty-six months. Additionally, the Grantee will be entitled to all Restricted Stock Units earned as Dividend Equivalents on this Award, as of the date of termination. The remaining portion of Restricted Stock Units initially granted will be forfeited. The prorated portion will be issued as soon as practicable after the termination, subject to satisfying the applicable tax withholding requirements.

Upon the occurrence of any of the above before the expiration of the Period of Restriction, the Restricted Stock Units shall be forfeited by the Grantee to the Company and the Grantee’s interest in the Restricted Stock Units and the Common Stock issuable under the Restricted Stock Units, including the right to receive Dividend Equivalents (as defined below) shall terminate immediately in accordance with the foregoing, unless such forfeiture is waived in the sole discretion of the Committee.

3

Continuing Transfer Restrictions

 
Should Grantee’s employment with FE continue after expiration of the Period of Restriction, until such time as Grantee’s employment with FE and its subsidiaries terminates, the Grantee will not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge, or assign (collectively, “Transfer”) shares of Common Stock issued under this Agreement (the “Transfer Restricted Securities”) to the extent prohibited in this paragraph. If Grantee is subject to the employee share ownership guidelines established by the Committee, then Grantee may not Transfer any Transfer Restricted Securities to the extent that Grantee’s aggregate ownership of FE stock immediately before and after the Transfer does not meet or exceed the ownership level that applies to Grantee under those share ownership guidelines. In addition, if Grantee is subject to the employee share ownership guidelines established by the Committee, in no case may Grantee Transfer any Transfer Restricted Securities to the extent that the Transfer, when aggregated with all of Grantee’s other Transfers, would cause Grantee to cease to own directly at least one-half of the Transfer Restricted Securities. Any attempt to Transfer any Transfer Restricted Securities in violation of the foregoing shall be void, and FE shall not record such transfer on its books or treat any purported transferee of the Transfer Restricted Securities as the owner of such shares for any purpose. The Committee may, however, in its sole discretion waive the foregoing transfer restrictions in whole or in part. In addition, the Grantee will be permitted to tender shares issuable under the Restricted Stock Units to FE under Section 16.2 of the Plan in the amount necessary to satisfy tax withholding obligations associated with the Restricted Stock Units, and those shares tendered to FE will not be considered to be Transfer Restricted Securities.
 
Grantee agrees that FE may maintain custody of the certificate or certificates evidencing the Transfer Restricted Securities until the expiration of Grantee’s employment with FE and its subsidiaries in order to enforce the restrictions provided in this Agreement. Upon the termination of Grantee’s employment with FE and its subsidiaries for any reason after (or contemporaneous with) termination of the Period of Restriction, the Grantee’s shares will be free of all encumbrances, provided that the Grantee has made the necessary arrangements with FE to satisfy any withholding obligations.


Dividend Equivalents

With respect to the Restricted Stock Units granted pursuant to this Agreement, the Grantee will be credited on the books and records of the Company with an amount per unit (the “Dividend Equivalent”) equal to the amount per share of any cash dividends declared by the Board on the outstanding Common Stock of the Company. Such Dividend Equivalents will be credited in the form of an additional number of Restricted Stock Units (which Restricted Stock Units, from the time of crediting, will be deemed to be in addition to and part of the base number of Restricted Stock Units awarded in Section One for all purposes hereunder, except that such Restricted Stock Units will not be subject to performance adjustments or pro rata forfeiture) equal to the aggregate amount of Dividend Equivalents credited on this Award on the respective dividend payment date divided by the average of the high and low price per share of Common Stock on the respective dividend payment date. Until the Period of Restriction lapses or any forfeiture of the Restricted Stock Units occurs pursuant to the terms and conditions described above, the Company will credit, in additional Restricted Stock Units, to the Grantee’s Restricted Stock Unit award, an amount equal to the Dividend Equivalents in the manner set forth above.


4
Shareholder Rights

The Grantee shall have no rights as a shareholder of the Company, including voting rights, with respect to the Restricted Stock Units until the issuance of FE Common Stock upon expiration of the Period of Restriction.


Effect on the Employment Relationship

Nothing in this Agreement guarantees employment with the Company or any Subsidiary, nor does it confer any special rights or privileges to the Grantee as to the terms of employment.

Adjustments

In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, separation, liquidation, stock dividend, stock split, combination, distribution, or other change in corporate structure of the Company affecting the Common Stock, the Committee will adjust the number and class of securities granted under this Agreement in a manner determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion, to be appropriate to prevent dilution or enlargement of the Restricted Stock Units granted under this Agreement.

Administration

1.  
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Ohio without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws.
 
2.  
The terms and conditions of this Award may be modified by the Committee
 
(a)  
In any case permitted by the terms of the Plan or this Agreement,
(b)  
with the written consent of the Grantee, or
(c)  
without the consent of the Grantee if the amendment is either not materially adverse to the interests of the Grantee or is necessary or appropriate in the view of the Committee to conform with, or to take into account, applicable law.
 
3.  
The administration of this Agreement and the Plan will be performed in accordance with Article 3 of the Plan. All determinations and decisions made by the Committee, the Board, or any delegate of the Committee as to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons.

4.  
The terms of this Agreement are governed at all times by the official text of the Plan and in no way alter or modify the Plan.

5.  
If a term is capitalized but not defined in this Agreement, it has the meaning given to it in the Plan.

6.  
To the extent a conflict exists between the terms of this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern.


5
SECTION THREE - TRANSFER OF AWARD
 
Neither the Restricted Stock Units nor the right to receive the Common Stock issuable under the Restricted Stock Units are transferable during the life of the Grantee. Only the Grantee shall have the right to receive the Common Stock issuable under the Restricted Stock Units, unless the Grantee is deceased, at which time the Common Stock issuable under the Restricted Stock Units may be received by the Grantee’s beneficiary (as designated under Article 12 of the Plan) or by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.
 

 


6

     
  FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:  
 
                             Corporate Secretary
 


 
I acknowledge receipt of this Restricted Stock Unit Agreement and I accept and agree with the terms and conditions stated above.


     
 
 
 __________________________
 
 
 
 
                    (Date:)    
 
                             (Signature of Recipient)
 



(This is XXX’s  1st RSU Grant under the FE Stock Option Program.
 
7
EX-10.5 6 ex10-5.htm RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (AWARD 32) - MARCH 1, 2005 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Award 32) - March 1, 2005
Exhibit 10-5
FirstEnergy Corp.
Executive and Directors Incentive Compensation Plan
Restricted Stock Agreement


           
Award No.:
             
           
Number of Shares Awarded: _____ shares
             
           
Date of Grant: __________, 20___
             
           
Closing Date: __________, 20___


This Restricted Stock Agreement (Agreement”) is entered into as of ________,. 20__, between FirstEnergy Corp. (“FE”) and _________ the (“Recipient”).

AWARD

On February 17, 1998, The Board of Directors (“Directors”) of FE adopted the FE Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan (“Plan”), which was approved by the common stock shareholders on April 30, 1998, and became effective May 1, 1998. As of the date of this Agreement, per the terms of the Plan, FE grants to the Recipient the above number of restricted shares of FE Common Stock (“Restricted Shares”) per the terms and conditions of Article 8 of the Plan.


GENERAL TERMS

This Agreement is subject to the following terms and conditions as outlined in the Plan:

Restricted Period

1.  
Restricted Shares shall not be sold, transferred, pledged, or assigned, until the earliest of:

a)  
________,. 20__,;
b)  
The date of the Recipient’s death;
c)  
The date that the Recipient’s employment is terminated due to Disability (as defined under Section 8.10 of the Plan); or
d)  
The date that a Change in Control occurs.


Registration and Certificate Legend

FE shall register a certificate(s) in the name of the Recipient for the number of Restricted Shares specified above. Each certificate will bear the following legend until the time that the restrictions lapse:

1

“The sale or transfer of the shares of stock represented by this certificate, whether voluntary, involuntary, or by operation of law, is subject to certain restrictions on transfer set forth in the Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan of the FirstEnergy Corp., in the rules and administrative procedures adopted pursuant to such Plan, and in a Restricted Stock Agreement dated March 1, 2005. A copy of the Plan, such rules and procedures, and such Restricted Stock Agreement may be obtained from the Corporate Secretary of FirstEnergy Corp.”

Forfeiture

The Recipient shall forfeit all of the Restricted Stock and any right to dividends on the Restricted Stock upon the occurrence of any the following events before the expiration of the Period of Restriction:

·  
Termination of employment with the Company or its subsidiaries for any reason other than death or Disability (as defined under the then established rules of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, as the case may be).

·  
Any attempt to sell, transfer, pledge, or assign the Restricted Shares in violation of the above.

Upon the occurrence of any of the above before the expiration of the Period of Restriction, the Restricted Stock shall be forfeited by the Recipient to the Company and the Recipient’s interest in the Restricted Stock and dividends earned on the Restricted Stock shall terminate immediately in accordance with the foregoing, unless such forfeiture is waived in the sole discretion of the Committee.

Voting and Dividend Rights

Subject to the above restrictions, the Recipient shall be entitled to all other rights of ownership, including, but not limited to, the right to vote the Restricted Shares and to receive dividends. Dividends payable during the Restricted Period will be automatically reinvested in restricted shares that are subject to the same restrictions above.

Expiration of Restricted Period

Should Recipient’s employment with FE continue after expiration of the Restricted Period, until such time as the Recipient’s employment with FE and its subsidiaries terminates, the Recipient will not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge, or assign (collectively, “Transfer”) the Restricted Shares issued under this Agreement or any shares received as (or through the reinvestment of) dividends upon or adjustments to those shares (collective, the “Transfer Restricted Securities”) to the extent prohibited in this paragraph. If the Recipient is subject to the employee share ownership guidelines established by the Committee, then the Recipient may not Transfer any Transfer Restricted Securities to the extent that the Recipient’s aggregate ownership of FE stock immediately before and after the Transfer does not meet or exceed the ownership level that applies to the Recipient under those share ownership guidelines. In addition, if the Recipient is subject to the employee share ownership guidelines established by the Committee, in no case may the Recipient Transfer any Transfer Restricted Securities to the extent that the Transfer, when aggregated with all of Recipient’s other Transfers, would cause the Recipient to cease to own directly at least one-half of the Transfer Restricted Securities. Any attempt to Transfer any Transfer Restricted Securities in violation of the foregoing will be void, and FE shall not record such transfer on its books or treat any purported transferee of the Transfer Restricted Securities as the owner of such shares for any purpose. The Committee may, however, in its sole discretion waive the foregoing transfer restrictions in whole or in part. In addition, the Recipient will be permitted to tender Restricted Shares to FE under Section 16.2 of the Plan in the amount necessary to satisfy tax withholding obligations associated with the Restricted Shares and those shares tendered to FE will not be considered to be Transfer Restricted Securities.

2

Recipient agrees that FE may maintain custody of the certificate or certificates evidencing the Transfer Restricted Securities until the expiration of Recipient’s employment with FE and its subsidiaries in order to enforce the restrictions provided in this Agreement. Upon the termination of Recipient’s employment with FE and its subsidiaries for any reason after (or contemporaneous with) termination of the Restricted Period, Recipient shall be entitled to have the legend removed from the certificate or certificates, provided that the Recipient has made the necessary arrangements with FE to satisfy any withholding obligations.

Effect on the Employment Relationship

Nothing in this Agreement guarantees employment with FE, nor does it confer any special rights or privileges to the Recipient as to the terms of employment.

Adjustments

In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, separation, liquidation, stock dividend, stock split, combination, distribution, or other change in corporate structure of FE affecting the Common Stock, the Committee will adjust the number and class of securities in this restricted stock grant in a manner determined appropriate to prevent dilution or diminution of the stock grant under this Agreement.

Administration

1.  
The administration of this Agreement and the Plan will be performed in accordance with Article 3 of the Plan. All determinations and decisions made by the Committee, the Board, or any delegate of the Committee as to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons.

2.  
The terms of this Agreement are governed at all times by the official text of the Plan and in no way alter or modify the Plan.

3.  
If a term is capitalized but not defined in this Agreement, it has the meaning given to it in the Plan.

4.  
To the extent a conflict exists between the terms of this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern.

5.  
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Ohio without giving effect to the principles of the conflicts of laws.
 
 
     
  FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:  
  

                                    Corporate Secretary
   

I acknowledge receipt of this Restricted Stock Agreement and I accept and agree with the terms and conditions stated above.

 
     
 
 
___________________ 
 
 
 
 
            Date: 
   
 
                                         (Signature of Recipient)
 
 
(This is XXX’s Yst Restricted Stock Grant)
2/21/2005

3


EX-10.6 7 ex10-6.htm RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT (AWARD 33) - MARCH 1, 2005 Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-6


FirstEnergy Corp.
Executive and Directors Incentive Compensation Plan
Restricted Stock Agreement


Award No.: 24
 
Number of Shares Awarded: 35,000 shares

Date of Grant: September 20, 2004

 
This Restricted Stock Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of September 20, 2004 between FirstEnergy Corp. ("FE") and Guy L. Pipitone ("Recipient").


AWARD

On February 17, 1998, The Board of Directors ("Directors") of FE adopted the FE Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan ("Plan"), which was approved by the common stock shareholders on April 30, 1998, and became effective May 1, 1998. As of the date of this Agreement, per the terms of the Plan, FE grants to the Recipient the above number of restricted shares of FE Common Stock ("Restricted Shares") per the terms and conditions of Article 8 of the Plan.


GENERAL TERMS

This Agreement is subject to the following terms and conditions as outlined in the Plan:

Restricted Period

1.  
Restricted Shares shall not be sold, transferred, pledged, or assigned, until the earliest of:

a)  
September 20, 2007;
b)  
The date of the Recipient’s death;
c)  
The date that the Recipient’s employment is terminated due to Disability (as defined under Section 8.10 of the Plan); or
d)  
The date that a Change in Control occurs.

The period from the date of this Agreement until the earliest of the above dates is referred to as the åRestricted Period.æ

Registration and Certificate Legend
 

 
1
 
FE shall register a certificate(s) in the name of the Recipient for the number of Restricted Shares specified above. Each certificate will bear the following legend until the time that Recipient’s employment terminates:

"The sale or transfer of the shares of stock represented by this certificate, whether voluntary, involuntary, or by operation of law, is subject to certain restrictions on transfer set forth in the Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan of the FirstEnergy Corp., in the rules and administrative procedures adopted pursuant to such Plan, and in a Restricted Stock Agreement dated September 20, 2004. A copy of the Plan, such rules and procedures, and such Restricted Stock Agreement may be obtained from the Corporate Secretary of FirstEnergy Corp."

Forfeiture

Recipient shall forfeit the Restricted Shares upon the occurrence of any of the following events at any time before the expiration of the Restricted Period:

·  
     Termination of employment with FE or its subsidiaries for any reason other than death, Disability, involuntary termination under conditions in which the Recipient
     qualifies for and elects benefits under the FE Severance Benefits Plan, or unless the restrictions are waived or modified in the sole discretion of the Committee.

·  
     Any attempt to sell, transfer, pledge, or assign the Restricted Shares in violation of the above.

Under the occurrence of any of the above before the expiration of the Restricted Period, the Restricted Shares shall be forfeited to FE and the Recipient’s interest in the Restricted Shares, including the right to vote and receive dividends, shall terminate immediately.

Voting and Dividend Rights

Subject to the above restrictions, the Recipient shall be entitled to all other rights of ownership, including, but not limited to, the right to vote the Restricted Shares and to receive dividends. Dividends payable during the Restricted Period will be automatically reinvested in restricted shares that are subject to the same restrictions above.

Expiration of Restricted Period

Should Recipient’s employment with FE continue after expiration of the Restricted Period, Recipient will not be permitted to sell, transfer, pledge, or assign the Restricted Shares or any shares received as (or through the reinvestment of) dividends upon or adjustments to those shares (collective, the "Transfer Restricted Securities") until such time as Recipient’s employment with FE and its subsidiaries terminates. Any attempt to sell transfer, pledge, or assign any such transfer on its books or teat any purported transferee of the Transfer Restricted Securities as the owner of such shares for any purpose. The Committee may, however, in its sole discretion waive the foregoing transfer restrictions in whole or in part, and, in addition, the Recipient will be permitted to tender Restricted Shares to FE under Section 16.2 of the Plan to the minimum amount necessary to satisfy tax withholding obligations associated with the Restricted Shares.
 
 

 
2
 
 
Recipient agrees that FE may maintain custody of the certificate or certificates evidencing the Transfer Restricted Securities until the expiration of Recipient’s employment with FE and its subsidiaries in order to enforce the restrictions provided in this Agreement. Upon the termination of Recipient’s employment with FE and its subsidiaries for any reason after (or contemporaneous with) termination of the Restricted Period, Recipient shall be entitled to have the legend removed from the certificate or certificates. FE’s obligation to remove the legend is subject to Recipient making the necessary arrangements with FE to satisfy any withholding obligations.

Effect on the Employment Relationship

Nothing in this Agreement guarantees employment with FE, nor does it confer any special rights or privileges to the Recipient as to the terms of employment.

Adjustments

In the event of any merger, reorganization, consolidation, recapitalization, separation, liquidation, stock dividend, stock split, combination, distribution, or other change in corporate structure of FE affecting the Common Stock, the Committee will adjust the number and class of securities in this restricted stock grant in a manner determined appropriate to prevent dilution or diminution of the stock grant under this Agreement.


Administration

1.  
     The administration of this Agreement and the Plan will be performed in accordance with Article 3 of the Plan. All determinations and decisions made by
     the Committee, the Board, or any delegate of the Committee as to the provisions of the Plan shall be final, conclusive, and binding on all persons.

2.  
     The terms of this Agreement are governed at all times by the official text of the Plan and in no way alter or modify the Plan.

3.  
     If a term is capitalized but not defined in this Agreement, it has the meaning given to it in the Plan.

4.  
     To the extent a conflict exists between the terms of this Agreement and the provisions of the Plan, the provisions of the Plan shall govern.

5.  
     This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Ohio without giving effect to the principles of the conflicts of laws.
 
 

 
     
  FirstEnergy Corp.
 
 
 
 
 
 
  By:  
 

                           Corporate Secretary
 

 

 
3
 
 
 
I acknowledge receipt of this Restricted Stock Agreement and I accept and agree with the terms and conditions stated above.


     
 

 
 
 
 
 
 ____________________ By:  
 (Date)
                     (Signature of Recipient)
   

 
 
(This is GLP’s 1st Restricted Stock Grant)
9/14/04
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
4
EX-10.12 8 ex10-12.htm SEVERANCE AGREEMENT ( A. J. ALEXANDER) Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-12




February 17, 2004

Mr. Anthony J. Alexander
2936 Ironwood Drive
Akron, OH 44312
Special Severance Agreement

Dear Tony:

The Board of Directors (the "Board") of FirstEnergy Corp. (the "Company") recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, there always exists the possibility of a change in control of the Company. This possibility and the uncertainty it creates may result in the loss or distraction of members of management of the Company and its subsidiaries to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

The Board considers the establishment, maintenance, and continuity of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Board also believes that when a change in control is perceived as imminent, or is occurring, the Board should be able to receive and rely on disinterested advice from management regarding the best interests of the Company and its shareholders without concern that members of management might be distracted or concerned by the personal uncertainties and risks created by their perception of an imminent or occurring change in control.

Accordingly, the Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to assure the Company of the continued employment and attention and dedication to duty of certain members of management of the Company and to ensure the availability of their disinterested advice, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a change in control.

Therefore, in order to fulfill the above purposes, the Board has designated you as eligible for severance benefits as set forth below.

1.  
Offer

In order to induce you to remain in the employ of the Company and to provide continued services to the Company now and in the event that a Change in Control is imminent or occurring, this letter agreement (the "Agreement") sets forth severance benefits which the Company offers to pay to you in the event of a termination of your employment (in the manner described in Section 5 below) subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company (as defined in Section 4 below).

2.  
Operation

This Agreement shall become effective immediately upon its execution, but anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither this Agreement nor any of its provisions shall be operative unless and until there has been a Change in Control while you are still an employee of the Company, nor shall this Agreement govern or affect your employment relationship with the Company except as explicitly set forth herein. Upon a Change in Control, if you are still employed by the Company, this Agreement and all of its provisions shall become operative immediately. If your employment relationship with the Company is terminated before a Change in Control, you shall have no rights or obligations under this Agreement.
 
 
 
3.   Term

(a) Term of Agreement: The term of this Agreement shall commence immediately upon the date hereof and continue until December 31, 2006. This Agreement supersedes all other agreements of a like or similar nature, including those Special Severance Agreements that you signed on November 11, 1997 and December 31, 2003 (the “Prior Agreements”). Such former agreements are considered null and void.

(b) One-Year Evergreen Provision: Subject to Subsection (c) below, this Agreement shall be reviewed annually commencing in 2004 by the Board at a regular meeting held between October 1 and December 31 of each year. At such yearly review, the Board shall consider whether or not to extend the term of this Agreement for an additional year. Unless the Board affirmatively votes not to extend this Agreement at such yearly review, the term of this Agreement shall be extended for a period of one year from the previous termination date. In the event the Board so votes not to extend this Agreement, the termination date of this Agreement shall be the later of December 31, 2006 or thirty-six full calendar months from December 31st of the year in which this Agreement was last extended.

(c)  Subsection (b) above notwithstanding, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, this Agreement shall be automatically extended for a period of thirty-six full calendar months commencing on the date of such Change in Control. At the end of such thirty-six month period, this Agreement shall terminate.

4.  Change in Control

For the purpose of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" shall mean:

(a)  The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% (25% if such Person proposes any individual for election to the Board or any member of the Board is the representative of such Person) or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege), (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a reorganization, merger or consolidation, if, following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, the conditions described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of Subsection (c) of this Section 4 are satisfied; or

2
(b)  Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of solicitations subject to Rule 14a-12(c) of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act or any such successor rule) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

(c)  Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case, unless, following such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, (i) more than 75% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation or acquiring such assets and any Person beneficially owning, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets; or

(d)  Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

5.  Termination

(a)  Termination Following Change in Control: If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control (as defined above) of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason (each as defined below), you shall be entitled to the benefits provided by this Agreement as set forth in Section 6 below.
 
3
 
(b)  Good Reason: If any of the following events occurs without your express consent and within thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control, you may voluntarily terminate your employment within 30 days of the occurrence of such event and be entitled to the severance benefits set forth in Section 6 below:

(1)  The Company assigns any duties to you which are inconsistent with your position, duties, offices, titles, status (including membership on the Board of Directors) responsibilities or reporting requirements in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control, or your removal from or any failure to re-elect you to any of such positions or offices, except in connection with termination of your employment for Cause, Disability, death or Normal Retirement (as such terms are defined below), or by you other than for Good Reason; or

(2)  Changes to your base salary are inconsistent with your annual performance review and the salary program applicable to other senior executives of the Company; or

(3)  The Company discontinues any bonus or other compensation plans or any other benefit, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, stock option plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan (as the same existed immediately prior to the Change in Control) in which you participated or were eligible to participate in immediately prior to the Change in Control and such discontinuation is not generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or

(4)  The Company takes action which adversely affects your participation in, or eligibility for, or materially reduces your benefits otherwise earned or payable under, any of the plans described in (3) above (unless such action is required by law), or which deprives you of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by you immediately prior to the Change in Control, or fails to provide you with the number of paid vacation days to which you were entitled in accordance with normal vacation policy immediately prior to the Change in Control unless such action by the Company is generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or

(5)  The Company requires you to be based at any office or location other than one within a 50 mile radius of the office or location at which you were based immediately prior to the Change in Control (except for required travel on the Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with your business travel obligations as they existed at the time of a Change in Control of the Company); or, in the event you consent to being based anywhere more than fifty miles from such location, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse you for) all reasonable moving expenses incurred by you relating to a change of your principal residence in connection with such relocation and to indemnify you against any loss (defined as the difference between the actual sale price of such residence after the deduction of all real estate brokerage charges and related selling expenses and the higher of (1) your aggregate investment in such residence or (2) the fair market value of such residence (as determined by a real estate appraiser designated by you and reasonably satisfactory to the Company)) realized upon the sale of such residence in connection with any such change of residence; or
 
4
 
(6)  The Company's requiring you to perform duties or services which necessitate absence overnight from your place of residence, because of travel involving the business or affairs of the Company, to a degree not substantially consistent with the extent of such absence necessitated by such travel during the period of twelve months immediately preceding a Change in Control of the Company; or

(7)  The Company purports to terminate your employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(8)  The Company fails to comply with and satisfy Section 10 below, provided that such successor has received at least ten days prior written notice from the Company or from you of the requirements of Section 10 below.

You shall have the sole right to determine, in good faith, whether any of the above events has occurred.

(c)  For a period of 90 days following the eighteen (18) month anniversary of a Change in Control, you may elect to terminate employment at your discretion. In the event of such termination at your discretion, you shall receive all benefits under this Agreement that you would have received if you resigned for Good Reason and you will be deemed, for purposes of this Agreement, as having resigned for Good Reason.

(d)  Cause: Cause shall mean: conviction of a felony or crime involving an act of moral turpitude, dishonesty, or misfeasance.

(e)  Notice of Termination: Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination.

(f)  Date of Termination: "Date of Termination" means (1) if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or without Cause, or by you for Good Reason or other than for Good Reason, the date of receipt by the other party hereto of the Notice of Termination, and (2) if your employment is terminated by reason of death, Disability or Normal Retirement (as defined below), the Date of Termination shall be the date of your death, the date of your receipt of Notice of Termination, or the first of the month following the month you reach the normal retirement age for employees in your position, respectively.

(g)  Normal Retirement: If your employment is terminated due to Normal Retirement, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. A termination by Normal Retirement shall have occurred where your termination is caused by the fact that you have reached normal retirement age for employees in your position.
 
5
 
(h)  Termination for Cause: If subsequent to a Change in Control, your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall pay you your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, and you shall also receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled throughout the Date of Termination (as defined in Subsection (f) of this Section 5), and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.

(i)  Disability or Death: If termination of your employment results from your Disability or death, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. You or your designated beneficiary, in the case of your death, shall receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled through the Date of Termination, and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.

"Disability" shall mean, for the purposes of this Agreement, your total and permanent disability such that you would be entitled to receive Disability Retirement Income under the Company's qualified pension plans, except for purposes of this provision you need not have completed ten (10) years of service with the Company, followed by the Company giving you thirty days written notice of its intention to terminate your employment by reason thereof, and your failure because of your Disability to resume the full-time performance of your duties within such period of thirty days and thereafter perform the same for a period of two consecutive months.

6.  Severance Benefits

If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, the following shall be applicable:

(a)  The Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination a lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in the amounts determined as provided below:

(1)  Your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given.

(2)  In lieu of further salary payments to you for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, an amount equal to 2.99 multiplied by the sum of your annual base salary at the rate in effect as of the Date of Termination (or, if higher, at the rate in effect as of the time of the Change in Control) plus the average annual short-term incentive amount awarded to you under the FirstEnergy System Executive Incentive Compensation Plan ("EICP") for the three years immediately preceding the year during which the Date of Termination occurs whether or not fully paid.

(b)  For purposes of the EICP, you shall be considered to have retired and will be paid the pro rata portion of any incentive award earned, if any, and any long-term deferred incentive awards earned, if any, per the terms of the plan.
 
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(c)  For purposes of FirstEnergy stock options issued pursuant to the FirstEnergy Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan, all outstanding options will follow the terms of the option agreement(s).

(d)  For purposes of the Company's group health and life insurance plans:

(1)  If, on the Date of Termination, the addition of three (3) years to your age would make you eligible to qualify for retiree health or life insurance coverage under the Company’s then-in-effect group health or life insurance plans, then you shall be considered as having retired for purposes of retiree health or life insurance coverage under such plan or plans for which the addition of three (3) years to your age would make you so eligible and for purposes of such coverage you shall be credited with three (3) additional years of age and service. You shall be responsible for paying the normal retiree share of the applicable premiums for retiree coverage under the group health and life insurance plans.

(2)  If you are not entitled to retiree health or life insurance coverage under Subsection (d)(1), then you shall be entitled to continue to participate, on the same terms and conditions as active employee participants, in such plan or plans for which you are not so entitled to retiree coverage for a period of three (3) years after the Date of Termination. During such continuation period, you shall be responsible for paying the normal employee share of the applicable premiums for coverage under the health and life insurance plans.

(3)  The Company shall have the right to modify, amend or discontinue the Company’s group health and life insurance plans following the Date of Termination and your continued participation therein, and the continued participation of any other person therein under Subsection (h) below, shall be subject to such modification, amendment or discontinuation if such modification, amendment or discontinuation applies generally to the then-current participants in such plan.

(4)  If the Company is not permitted to provide continuing coverage under the terms of the Company’s group health and life insurance plans and related trusts, then the Company may purchase health and/or life insurance for you for the period specified in Subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2), as applicable, with coverage comparable to the applicable coverage under the Company’s group health or life insurance plan, as applicable, then in effect, as the same may have been modified amended or discontinued in accordance with the terms and provisions of the applicable plan under this Subsection (d).

(5)  The health benefit continuation provided under this Subsection (d) shall satisfy the Company’s obligations to provide, and any rights that you may have to, COBRA coverage continuation under the health care continuation requirements under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, as amended, Part VI of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and Section 4980B(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or any successor provisions thereto.
 
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(e)  For purposes of the FirstEnergy Corp. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("Deferred Compensation Plan"), you shall be credited with three (3) additional years of age and service.

(f)  For all purposes under the FirstEnergy Corp. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"), you shall be credited with three (3) additional years of age and service, and your accrued benefit, if any, shall be fully vested. If you are eligible on the Date of Termination under the SERP and with such additional age and service credit to commence your benefit under the SERP, your benefit under the SERP will commence on the first of the month following the Date of Termination and your monthly benefit from the SERP shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of the SERP and this Subsection (f) except that (1) until you reach age 55, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by any compensation earned by you from a subsequent employer as provided in paragraph (j) below, (2) at age 55 and until you reach age 62, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by the monthly amounts to which you will be entitled at age 55 from the Company's tax-qualified pension plan, the supplementary pension make-up benefit under the Deferred Compensation Plan and/or the tax-qualified pension plan of any previous employers (collectively, "Pension Income"), irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time, and, (3) at age 62 and thereafter such SERP benefit shall be offset only by Pension Income and the monthly primary Social Security Benefit to which you will be entitled at age 62, irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time.

(g) In addition to the payment required by Subsection (a), the Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination a special lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in an amount equal to $33,000.

(h)  In the event that because of their relationship to you, members of your family or other individuals are covered by any plan, program, or arrangement described in Subsection (d) above immediately prior to the Date of Termination, the provisions set forth in Subsection (d) shall apply equally to require the continued coverage of such persons; provided, however, that if under the terms of any such plan, program or arrangement, any such person would have ceased to be eligible for coverage other than because of your termination of employment during the period in which the Company is obligated to continue coverage for you, nothing set forth herein shall obligate the Company to continue to provide coverage which would have ceased even if you had remained an employee of the Company.

(i)  Other Benefits Payable: The severance benefits described in Subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) above shall be payable in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other accrued or vested or earned but deferred compensation, rights, options or other benefits which may be owed to you following your discharge or resignation (and are not contingent on any Change in Control preceding such termination), including but not limited to, accrued and/or banked vacation, amounts or benefits payable, if any, under any bonus or other compensation plans, stock option plan, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan.
 
                          (j)  Payment Obligations: Other than as set forth in the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP, upon a Change in Control the Company's obligations to pay the severance benefits or make any other payments described in this Section 6 shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company or any of its subsidiaries may have against you or anyone else. If you are less than age 55 at the time of your discharge without Cause or your resignation for Good Reason, then, commencing 24 months after the Date of Termination, you shall be required to seek employment elsewhere and thereby mitigate the amount of SERP benefit payable under Subsection (f)(1). You shall not be required to accept a position other than as a senior executive of an entity comparable in size to the Company and having duties, responsibilities and authority substantially similar in scope and nature to your position with the Company immediately prior to the Date of Termination. Upon obtaining such employment, you shall promptly notify the Company of the compensation and benefits you received or will receive from such new employer and of any changes therein.
 
 
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(k)  Legal Fees and Expenses: Subject to and contingent upon the occurrence of a Change in Control the Company agrees to pay promptly as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which you may reasonably thereafter incur as a result of any contest, litigation or arbitration (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, you or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, or the SERP (including any contest by you about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the rate of 150% of the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal in the Money Rates Table on the business day immediately preceding the conclusion of any such contest, litigation or arbitration.
(l)  Certain Additional Payments by the Company:

(1)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that you become entitled to severance benefits under this Section 6 hereof, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise, and it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to you or for your benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise (a "Payment"), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then you shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by you of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, you retain an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

(2)  All determinations required to be made under this Subsection (l), including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, shall be made in good faith by the Company which shall provide detailed supporting calculations to you within 15 business days after the date of termination of your employment, if applicable, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by you, it shall furnish you with an opinion of counsel that you have substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on your federal income tax return. Except as hereinafter provided, any determination by the Company shall be binding upon the Company and you. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Company hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that you are required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Company shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to you or for your benefit.

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7.  Assignability

This Agreement is binding on and is for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives. Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation hereunder may be assigned by the Company (except to any subsidiary or affiliate) or by you.

8.  Non-Competition

If, subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, then for a period of two years after the Date of Termination, you shall not on your own account without the consent of the Company, or as a shareholder, employee, officer, director, consultant or otherwise, engage directly or indirectly in any business or enterprise which is in competition with the Company. For all purposes of this agreement the words "competition with the Company" shall mean:

(a)  
Directly participate or engage, on the behalf of other parties, in the purchase of products, supplies or services of the kind, nature or description of those sold by the Company,

(b)  
Solicit, divert, take away or attempt to take away any of the Company’s Customers or the business or patronage of any such Customers of the Company;

(c)  
Solicit, entice, lure, employ or endeavor to employ any of the Company’s employees;

(d)  
Divulge to others or use for your own benefit any confidential information obtained during the course of your employment with Company relative to sales, services, processes, methods, machines, manufacturers, compositions, ideas, improvements, patents, trademarks, or inventions belonging to or relating to the affairs of Company;

(e)  
Divulge to others or use to your own benefit any trade secrets belonging to the Company obtained during the course of your employment or that you became aware of as a consequence of your employment.

The term “Customer” shall mean any person, firm, association, corporation or other entity to which you or the Company has sold the Company’s products or services within the twenty-four (24) month period immediately preceding the termination of your employment with the Company or to which you or the Company is in the process of selling its products or services, or to which you or the Company has submitted a bid, or is in the process of submitting a bid to sell the Company’s products or services.

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However, nothing herein contained shall prevent you from purchasing and holding for investment less than 5% of the shares of any corporation the shares of which are regularly traded either on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, and notwithstanding any provision hereof, you may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and any facts that may be relevant to the tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than any information for which nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable federal or state securities laws, and except that, with respect to any document or other information that in either case contains information concerning the tax treatment or tax structure of such transactions as well as other information, this paragraph shall apply only to such portions of the document or similar item that is relevant to an understanding of such tax treatment or tax structure.

9.  
Non-Disparagement

You and the Company agree that neither party shall disparage the other nor shall either party communicate to any person and/or entity in a manner that is disrespectful, demeaning, and/or insulting toward the other party.

10.  Successor


The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as herein before defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle you to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as you would be entitled hereunder if you terminated your employment for Good Reason, except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If you should die while any amounts would still be payable to you hereunder if you had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to such beneficiary or beneficiaries as you shall have designated by written notice delivered to the Company prior to your death or, failing such written notice, to your estate.

11.  Amendment; Waiver

This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto, and any provision hereof may be waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought. The failure of either party hereto at any time to require the performance by the other party hereto of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the full right to require such performance at any time thereafter, nor shall the waiver by either party hereto of a breach of any provision hereof be taken or held to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of such provision or a waiver of the provision itself or a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement.

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12.   Notices

All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to you:
 
Mr. Anthony J. Alexander
2936 Ironwood Drive
Akron, OH 44312

If to the Company:

Secretary
FirstEnergy
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

13.  Validity

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect, nor shall the invalidity or unenforceability of a portion of any provision of this Agreement affect the validity or enforceability of the balance of such provision. If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof is so broad, in scope or duration, as to be unenforceable, such provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

14.  Withholding

The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

15.  Entire Agreement

This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company and you with respect to the subject matter hereof and supercedes all other agreements of like or similar nature, including the Prior Agreements.

16.  Applicable Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive internal law and not the conflict of law provisions of the State of Ohio.
 

 
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If the terms of the foregoing Agreement are acceptable to you, please sign and return to the Company the enclosed copy of this Agreement whereupon this Agreement shall become a valid and legally binding contract between you and the Company.


Very truly yours,
 
     
 
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:   /s/ Lynn M. Cavalier
 

 Lynn M. Cavalier
 
  Vice President, Human Resources
 
 

Accepted and Agreed as of the date first above written:


__________________________________________
Anthony J. Alexander

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EX-10.13 9 ex10-13.htm SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (VESPOLI, SNYDER, MARSH) Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-13
DRAFT OF 3/2/04


December 31, 2003
TIER 1 TEMPLATE
[Executive]
[Address]
Special Severance Agreement

Dear [Executive]:

The Board of Directors (the "Board") of FirstEnergy Corp. (the "Company") recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, there always exists the possibility of a change in control of the Company. This possibility and the uncertainty it creates may result in the loss or distraction of members of management of the Company and its subsidiaries to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

The Board considers the establishment, maintenance, and continuity of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Board also believes that when a change in control is perceived as imminent, or is occurring, the Board should be able to receive and rely on disinterested advice from management regarding the best interests of the Company and its shareholders without concern that members of management might be distracted or concerned by the personal uncertainties and risks created by their perception of an imminent or occurring change in control.

Accordingly, the Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to assure the Company of the continued employment and attention and dedication to duty of certain members of management of the Company and to ensure the availability of their disinterested advice, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a change in control.

Therefore, in order to fulfill the above purposes, the Board has designated you as eligible for severance benefits as set forth below.

1.  
Offer

In order to induce you to remain in the employ of the Company and to provide continued services to the Company now and in the event that a Change in Control is imminent or occurring, this letter agreement (the "Agreement") sets forth severance benefits which the Company offers to pay to you in the event of a termination of your employment (in the manner described in Section 5 below) subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company (as defined in Section 4 below).

2.  
Operation

This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of commencement of the term set forth in Section 3 below, but anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither this Agreement nor any of its provisions shall be operative unless and until there has been a Change in Control while you are still an employee of the Company, nor shall this Agreement govern or affect your employment relationship with the Company except as explicitly set forth herein. Upon a Change in Control, if you are still employed by the Company, this Agreement and all of its provisions shall become operative immediately on the later of (a) the date of the Change in Control or (b) the first day of the term of this Agreement. If your employment relationship with the Company is terminated before a Change in Control, you shall have no rights or obligations under this Agreement.



3.   Term
 
                          (a) Term of Agreement: The term of this Agreement shall commence immediately upon the current expiration date of the Special Severance Agreement you signed on ___________, that expiration date being December 31, 2005, and continue until December 31, 2006. As of the date on which the term of this Agreement commences this Agreement shall supersede all other agreements of a like or similar nature. Such former agreements are considered null and void as of the date on which the term of this Agreement commences.

(b) One-Year Evergreen Provision: Subject to Subsection (c) below, this Agreement shall be reviewed annually commencing in 2004 by the Board at a regular meeting held between October 1 and December 31 of each year. At such yearly review, the Board shall consider whether or not to extend the term of this Agreement for an additional year. Unless the Board affirmatively votes not to extend this Agreement at such yearly review, the term of this Agreement shall be extended for a period of one year from the previous termination date. In the event the Board so votes not to extend this Agreement, the termination date of this Agreement shall be the later of December 31, 2006 or thirty-six full calendar months from December 31st of the year in which this Agreement was last extended.

(c) Subsection (b) above notwithstanding, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, this Agreement shall be automatically extended for a period of thirty-six full calendar months commencing on the date of such Change in Control. At the end of such thirty-six month period, this Agreement shall terminate.
 
4   Change in Control

      For the purpose of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" shall mean:

(a) The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% (25% if such Person proposes any individual for election to the Board or any member of the Board is the representative of such Person) or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege), (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a reorganization, merger or consolidation, if, following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, the conditions described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of Subsection (c) of this Section 4 are satisfied; or

(b) Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of solicitations subject to Rule 14a-12(c) of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act or any such successor rule) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or



(c) Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case, unless, following such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, (i) more than 75% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation or acquiring such assets and any Person beneficially owning, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets; or

(d) Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

5   Termination
 
(a) Termination Following Change in Control: If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control (as defined above) of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason (each as defined below), you shall be entitled to the benefits provided by this Agreement as set forth in Section 6 below.

(b) Good Reason: If any of the following events occurs without your express consent and within thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control, you may voluntarily terminate your employment within 30 days of the occurrence of such event and be entitled to the severance benefits set forth in Section 6 below:



(1) The Company assigns any duties to you which are inconsistent with your position, duties, offices, titles, status (including membership on the Board of Directors) responsibilities or reporting requirements in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control, or your removal from or any failure to re-elect you to any of such positions or offices, except in connection with termination of your employment for Cause, Disability, death or Normal Retirement (as such terms are defined below), or by you other than for Good Reason, or;

(2) Changes to your base salary are inconsistent with your annual performance review and the salary program applicable to other senior executives of the Company; or

(3) The Company discontinues any bonus or other compensation plans or any other benefit, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, stock option plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan (as the same existed immediately prior to the Change in Control) in which you participated or were eligible to participate in immediately prior to the Change in Control and such discontinuation is not generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or

(4) The Company takes action which adversely affects your participation in, or eligibility for, or materially reduces your benefits otherwise earned or payable under, any of the plans described in (3) above (unless such action is required by law), or which deprives you of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by you immediately prior to the Change in Control, or fails to provide you with the number of paid vacation days to which you were entitled in accordance with normal vacation policy immediately prior to the Change in Control unless such action by the Company is generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or

(5) The Company requires you to be based at any office or location other than one within a 50 mile radius of the office or location at which you were based immediately prior to the Change in Control (except for required travel on the Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with your business travel obligations as they existed at the time of a Change in Control of the Company); or, in the event you consent to being based anywhere more than fifty miles from such location, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse you for) all reasonable moving expenses incurred by you relating to a change of your principal residence in connection with such relocation and to indemnify you against any loss (defined as the difference between the actual sale price of such residence after the deduction of all real estate brokerage charges and related selling expenses and the higher of (1) your aggregate investment in such residence or (2) the fair market value of such residence (as determined by a real estate appraiser designated by you and reasonably satisfactory to the Company)) realized upon the sale of such residence in connection with any such change of residence; or

(6) The Company's requiring you to perform duties or services which necessitate absence overnight from your place of residence, because of travel involving the business or affairs of the Company, to a degree not substantially consistent with the extent of such absence necessitated by such travel during the period of twelve months immediately preceding a Change in Control of the Company; or



(7) The Company purports to terminate your employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(8) The Company fails to comply with and satisfy Section 10 below, provided that such successor has received at least ten days prior written notice from the Company or from you of the requirements of Section 10 below.

You shall have the sole right to determine, in good faith, whether any of the above events has occurred.
 
(c) Cause: Cause shall mean: conviction of a felony or crime involving an act of moral turpitude, dishonesty, or misfeasance.

(d) Notice of Termination: Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination.

(e) Date of Termination: "Date of Termination" means (1) if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or without Cause, or by you for Good Reason or other than for Good Reason, the date of receipt by the other party hereto of the Notice of Termination, and (2) if your employment is terminated by reason of death, Disability or Normal Retirement (as defined below), the Date of Termination shall be the date of your death, the date of your receipt of Notice of Termination, or the first of the month following the month you reach the normal retirement age for employees in your position, respectively.

(f) Normal Retirement: If your employment is terminated due to Normal Retirement, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. A termination by Normal Retirement shall have occurred where your termination is caused by the fact that you have reached normal retirement age for employees in your position.

(g) Termination for Cause: If subsequent to a Change in Control, your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall pay you your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, and you shall also receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled throughout the Date of Termination (as defined in Subsection (e) of this Section 5), and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.

(h) Disability or Death: If termination of your employment results from your Disability or death, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. You or your designated beneficiary, in the case of your death, shall receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled through the Date of Termination, and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.



"Disability" shall mean, for the purposes of this Agreement, your total and permanent disability such that you would be entitled to receive Disability Retirement Income under the Company's qualified pension plans, except for purposes of this provision you need not have completed ten (10) years of service with the Company, followed by the Company giving you thirty days written notice of its intention to terminate your employment by reason thereof, and your failure because of your Disability to resume the full-time performance of your duties within such period of thirty days and thereafter perform the same for a period of two consecutive months.
 
 6.  
Severance Benefits

 
If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, the following shall be applicable:

(a) The Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination a lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in the amounts determined as provided below:

(1) Your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given.

(2) In lieu of further salary payments to you for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, an amount equal to 2.99 multiplied by the sum of your annual base salary at the rate in effect as of the Date of Termination (or, if higher, at the rate in effect as of the time of the Change in Control) plus the average annual short-term incentive amount awarded to you under the FirstEnergy System Executive Incentive Compensation Plan ("EICP") for the three years immediately preceding the year during which the Date of Termination occurs whether or not fully paid.

(b) For purposes of the EICP, you shall be considered to have retired and will be paid the pro rata portion of any incentive award earned, if any, and any long-term deferred incentive awards earned, if any, per the terms of the plan.

(c) For purposes of FirstEnergy stock options issued pursuant to the FirstEnergy Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan, all outstanding options will follow the terms of the option agreement(s).

(d) For purposes of the Company's group health and life insurance plans:

(1) If, on the Date of Termination, the addition of three (3) years to your age would make you eligible to qualify for retiree health or life insurance coverage under the Company’s then-in-effect group health or life insurance plans, then you shall be considered as having retired for purposes of retiree health or life insurance coverage under such plan or plans for which the addition of three (3) years to your age would make you so eligible and for purposes of such coverage you shall be credited with three (3) additional years of age and service. You shall be responsible for paying the normal retiree share of the applicable premiums for retiree coverage under the group health and life insurance plans.



(2) If you are not entitled to retiree health or life insurance coverage under Subsection (d)(1), then you shall be entitled to continue to participate, on the same terms and conditions as active employee participants, in such plan or plans for which you are not so entitled to retiree coverage for a period of three (3) years after the Date of Termination. During such continuation period, you shall be responsible for paying the normal employee share of the applicable premiums for coverage under the health and life insurance plans.

(3) The Company shall have the right to modify, amend or discontinue the Company’s group health and life insurance plans following the Date of Termination and your continued participation therein, and the continued participation of any other person therein under Subsection (h) below, shall be subject to such modification, amendment or discontinuation if such modification, amendment or discontinuation applies generally to the then-current participants in such plan.

(4) If the Company is not permitted to provide continuing coverage under the terms of the Company’s group health and life insurance plans and related trusts, then the Company may purchase health and/or life insurance for you for the period specified in Subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2), as applicable, with coverage comparable to the applicable coverage under the Company’s group health or life insurance plan, as applicable, then in effect, as the same may have been modified amended or discontinued in accordance with the terms and provisions of the applicable plan under this Subsection (d).

(5) The health benefit continuation provided under this Subsection (d) shall satisfy the Company’s obligations to provide, and any rights that you may have to, COBRA coverage continuation under the health care continuation requirements under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, as amended, Part VI of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and Section 4980B(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or any successor provisions thereto.

(e) For purposes of the FirstEnergy Corp. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("Deferred Compensation Plan"), you shall be credited with three (3) additional years of age and service.

(f) For all purposes under the FirstEnergy Corp. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"), you shall be credited with three (3) additional years of age and service, and your accrued benefit, if any, shall be fully vested. If you are eligible on the Date of Termination under the SERP and with such additional age and service credit to commence your benefit under the SERP, your benefit under the SERP will commence on the first of the month following the Date of Termination and your monthly benefit from the SERP shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of the SERP and this Subsection (f) except that (1) until you reach age 55, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by any compensation earned by you from a subsequent employer as provided in paragraph (j) below, (2) at age 55 and until you reach age 62, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by the monthly amounts to which you will be entitled at age 55 from the Company's tax-qualified pension plan, the supplementary pension make-up benefit under the Deferred Compensation Plan and/or the tax-qualified pension plan of any previous employers (collectively, "Pension Income"), irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time, and, (3) at age 62 and thereafter such SERP benefit shall be offset only by Pension Income and the monthly primary Social Security Benefit to which you will be entitled at age 62, irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time.



  (g) In addition to the payment required by Subsection (a), the Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination a special lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in an amount equal to [__________________].

(h) In the event that because of their relationship to you, members of your family or other individuals are covered by any plan, program, or arrangement described in Subsection (d) above immediately prior to the Date of Termination, the provisions set forth in Subsection (d) shall apply equally to require the continued coverage of such persons; provided, however, that if under the terms of any such plan, program or arrangement, any such person would have ceased to be eligible for coverage other than because of your termination of employment during the period in which the Company is obligated to continue coverage for you, nothing set forth herein shall obligate the Company to continue to provide coverage which would have ceased even if you had remained an employee of the Company.

(i) Other Benefits Payable: The severance benefits described in Subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) above shall be payable in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other accrued or vested or earned but deferred compensation, rights, options or other benefits which may be owed to you following your discharge or resignation (and are not contingent on any Change in Control preceding such termination), including but not limited to, accrued and/or banked vacation, amounts or benefits payable, if any, under any bonus or other compensation plans, stock option plan, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan.

(j) Payment Obligations: Other than as set forth in the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP, upon a Change in Control the Company's obligations to pay the severance benefits or make any other payments described in this Section 6 shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company or any of its subsidiaries may have against you or anyone else. If you are less than age 55 at the time of your discharge without Cause or your resignation for Good Reason, then, commencing 24 months after the Date of Termination, you shall be required to seek employment elsewhere and thereby mitigate the amount of SERP benefit payable under Subsection (f)(1). You shall not be required to accept a position other than as a senior executive of an entity comparable in size to the Company and having duties, responsibilities and authority substantially similar in scope and nature to your position with the Company immediately prior to the Date of Termination. Upon obtaining such employment, you shall promptly notify the Company of the compensation and benefits you received or will receive from such new employer and of any changes therein.
 
k) Legal Fees and Expenses: Subject to and contingent upon the occurrence of a Change in Control the Company agrees to pay promptly as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which you may reasonably thereafter incur as a result of any contest, litigation or arbitration (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, you or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, or the SERP (including any contest by you about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the rate of 150% of the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal in the Money Rates Table on the business day immediately preceding the conclusion of any such contest, litigation or arbitration.



(l) Certain Additional Payments by the Company:

(1) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that you become entitled to severance benefits under this Section 6 hereof, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise, and it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to you or for your benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise (a "Payment"), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then you shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by you of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, you retain an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.

(2) All determinations required to be made under this Subsection (l), including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, shall be made in good faith by the Company which shall provide detailed supporting calculations to you within 15 business days after the date of termination of your employment, if applicable, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by you, it shall furnish you with an opinion of counsel that you have substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on your federal income tax return. Except as hereinafter provided, any determination by the Company shall be binding upon the Company and you. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Company hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that you are required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Company shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to you or for your benefit.

7.   Assignability
 
This Agreement is binding on and is for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives. Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation hereunder may be assigned by the Company (except to any subsidiary or affiliate) or by you.
 

  8.   Non-Competition
 
 If, subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, then for a period of two years after the Date of Termination, you shall not on your own account without the consent of the Company, or as a shareholder, employee, officer, director, consultant or otherwise, engage directly or indirectly in any business or enterprise which is in competition with the Company. For all purposes of this agreement the words "competition with the Company" shall mean:


 

(a)  
Directly participate or engage, on the behalf of other parties, in the purchase of products, supplies or services of the kind, nature or description of those sold by the Company,

(b)  
Solicit, divert, take away or attempt to take away any of the Company’s Customers or the business or patronage of any such Customers of the Company;

(c)  
Solicit, entice, lure, employ or endeavor to employ any of the Company’s employees;

(d)  
Divulge to others or use for your own benefit any confidential information obtained during the course of your employment with Company relative to sales, services, processes, methods, machines, manufacturers, compositions, ideas, improvements, patents, trademarks, or inventions belonging to or relating to the affairs of Company;

(e)  
Divulge to others or use to your own benefit any trade secrets belonging to the Company obtained during the course of your employment or that you became aware of as a consequence of your employment.

The term åCustomeræ shall mean any person, firm, association, corporation or other entity to which you or the Company has sold the Company’s products or services within the twenty-four (24) month period immediately preceding the termination of your employment with the Company or to which you or the Company is in the process of selling its products or services, or to which you or the Company has submitted a bid, or is in the process of submitting a bid to sell the Company’s products or services.

However, nothing herein contained shall prevent you from purchasing and holding for investment less than 5% of the shares of any corporation the shares of which are regularly traded either on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, and notwithstanding any provision hereof, you may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and any facts that may be relevant to the tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than any information for which nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable federal or state securities laws, and except that, with respect to any document or other information that in either case contains information concerning the tax treatment or tax structure of such transactions as well as other information, this paragraph shall apply only to such portions of the document or similar item that is relevant to an understanding of such tax treatment or tax structure.

9.  
Non-Disparagement

You and the Company agree that neither party shall disparage the other nor shall either party communicate to any person and/or entity in a manner that is disrespectful, demeaning, and/or insulting toward the other party.

10.   Successor

The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as herein before defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle you to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as you would be entitled hereunder if you terminated your employment for Good Reason, except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If you should die while any amounts would still be payable to you hereunder if you had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to such beneficiary or beneficiaries as you shall have designated by written notice delivered to the Company prior to your death or, failing such written notice, to your estate.
 
 
 
  11.   Amendment Waiver
 
This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto, and any provision hereof may be waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought. The failure of either party hereto at any time to require the performance by the other party hereto of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the full right to require such performance at any time thereafter, nor shall the waiver by either party hereto of a breach of any provision hereof be taken or held to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of such provision or a waiver of the provision itself or a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement.
  12.   Notices
 
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to you:

[Executive]
[Address]

If to the Company:

Secretary
FirstEnergy
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.


  13.   Validity
 
The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect, nor shall the invalidity or unenforceability of a portion of any provision of this Agreement affect the validity or enforceability of the balance of such provision. If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof is so broad, in scope or duration, as to be unenforceable, such provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.


  14.   Withholding
 
The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.


 
  15.   Entire Agreement
 
This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company and you with respect to the subject matter hereof and, upon the date this Agreement becomes effective pursuant to Section 3, supercedes all other agreements of like or similar nature.


  16.   Applicable Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive internal law and not the conflict of law provisions of the State of Ohio.

If the terms of the foregoing Agreement are acceptable to you, please sign and return to the Company the enclosed copy of this Agreement whereupon this Agreement shall become a valid and legally binding contract between you and the Company.
 
 
     
 
Very truly yours,
 
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:    
 
         Anthony J. Alexander
 
         President and Chief Operating Officer
 
Accepted and Agreed as of the date first above written:
 

[Executive]
 
 
 

 
EX-10.14 10 ex10-14.htm SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (CAVALIER, CLARK, GRIGG) Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-14




March 7, 2005
TIER 1 TEMPLATE
[Executive]
[Address]
Special Severance Agreement

Dear [Executive]:

The Board of Directors (the "Board") of FirstEnergy Corp. (the "Company") recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, there always exists the possibility of a change in control of the Company. This possibility and the uncertainty it creates may result in the loss or distraction of members of management of the Company and its subsidiaries to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

The Board considers the establishment, maintenance, and continuity of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Board also believes that when a change in control is perceived as imminent, or is occurring, the Board should be able to receive and rely on disinterested advice from management regarding the best interests of the Company and its shareholders without concern that members of management might be distracted or concerned by the personal uncertainties and risks created by their perception of an imminent or occurring change in control.

Accordingly, the Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to assure the Company of the continued employment and attention and dedication to duty of certain members of management of the Company and to ensure the availability of their disinterested advice, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a change in control.

Therefore, in order to fulfill the above purposes, the Board has designated you as eligible for severance benefits as set forth below.

1.    Offer
 
In order to induce you to remain in the employ of the Company and to provide continued services to the Company now and in the event that a Change in Control is imminent or occurring, this letter agreement (the "Agreement") sets forth severance benefits which the Company offers to pay to you in the event of a termination of your employment (in the manner described in Section 5 below) subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company (as defined in Section 4 below).
 
2.    Operation
 
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of commencement of the term set forth in Section 3 below, but anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither this Agreement nor any of its provisions shall be operative unless and until there has been a Change in Control while you are still an employee of the Company, nor shall this Agreement govern or affect your employment relationship with the Company except as explicitly set forth herein. Upon a Change in Control, if you are still employed by the Company, this Agreement and all of its provisions shall become operative immediately on the later of (a) the date of the Change in Control or (b) the first day of the term of this Agreement. If your employment relationship with the Company is terminated before a Change in Control, you shall have no rights or obligations under this Agreement.



3.    Term
            
                   (a)  Term of Agreement: The term of this Agreement shall commence immediately upon the date hereof and continue until December 31, 2007. This Agreement shall supersede all other agreements of a like or similar nature. Such former agreements are considered null and void as of the date on which the term of this Agreement commences.
           
                   (b)  One-Year Evergreen Provision: Subject to Subsection (c) below, this Agreement shall be reviewed annually commencing in 2005 by the Board at a regular meeting held between October 1 and December 31 of each year. At such yearly review, the Board shall consider whether or not to extend the term of this Agreement for an additional year. Unless the Board affirmatively votes not to extend this Agreement at such yearly review, the term of this Agreement shall be extended for a period of one year from the previous termination date. In the event the Board so votes not to extend this Agreement, the termination date of this Agreement shall be the later of December 31, 2007 or thirty-six full calendar months from December 31st of the year in which this Agreement was last extended.
           
          (c)  Subsection (b) above notwithstanding, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, this Agreement shall be automatically extended for a period of thirty-six full calendar months commencing on the date of such Change in Control. At the end of such thirty-six month period, this Agreement shall terminate.

       4.    Change in Control
 
For the purpose of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" shall mean:
 
                     (a)  The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% (25% if such Person proposes any individual for election to the Board or any member of the Board is the representative of such Person) or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege), (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a reorganization, merger or consolidation, if, following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, the conditions described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of Subsection (c) of this Section 4 are satisfied; or
 
               (b)  Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of solicitations subject to Rule 14a-12(c) of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act or any such successor rule) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or



 
              (c)  Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case, unless, following such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, (i) more than 75% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation or acquiring such assets and any Person beneficially owning, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets; or
 
              (d)  Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.
     
              5.    Termination
          
                    (a)  Termination Following Change in Control: If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control (as defined above) of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason (each as defined below), you shall be entitled to the benefits provided by this Agreement as set forth in Section 6 below.
 
              (b)  Good Reason: If any of the following events occurs without your express consent and within thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control, you may voluntarily terminate your employment within 30 days of the occurrence of such event and be entitled to the severance benefits set forth in Section 6 below:



              (1)  Company assigns any duties to you which are inconsistent with your position, duties, offices, titles, status (including membership on the Board of Directors) responsibilities or reporting requirements in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control, or your removal from or any failure to re-elect you to any of such positions or offices, except in connection with termination of your employment for Cause, Disability, death or Normal Retirement (as such terms are defined below), or by you other than for Good Reason, or;
 
     (2)   Changes to your base salary are inconsistent with your annual performance review and the salary program applicable to other senior executives of the Company; or
 
    (3)   The Company discontinues any bonus or other compensation plans or any other benefit, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, stock option plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan (as the same existed immediately prior to the Change in Control) in which you participated or were eligible to participate in immediately prior to the Change in Control and such discontinuation is not generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or
 
    (4)   The Company takes action which adversely affects your participation in, or eligibility for, or materially reduces your benefits otherwise earned or payable under, any of the plans described in (3) above (unless such action is required by law), or which deprives you of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by you immediately prior to the Change in Control, or fails to provide you with the number of paid vacation days to which you were entitled in accordance with normal vacation policy immediately prior to the Change in Control unless such action by the Company is generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or
 
     (5)   The Company requires you to be based at any office or location other than one within a 50 mile radius of the office or location at which you were based immediately prior to the Change in Control (except for required travel on the Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with your business travel obligations as they existed at the time of a Change in Control of the Company); or, in the event you consent to being based anywhere more than fifty miles from such location, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse you for) all reasonable moving expenses incurred by you relating to a change of your principal residence in connection with such relocation and to indemnify you against any loss (defined as the difference between the actual sale price of such residence after the deduction of all real estate brokerage charges and related selling expenses and the higher of (1) your aggregate investment in such residence or (2) the fair market value of such residence (as determined by a real estate appraiser designated by you and reasonably satisfactory to the Company)) realized upon the sale of such residence in connection with any such change of residence; or
 
   (6)   The Company's requiring you to perform duties or services which necessitate absence overnight from your place of residence, because of travel involving the business or affairs of the Company, to a degree not substantially consistent with the extent of such absence necessitated by such travel during the period of twelve months immediately preceding a Change in Control of the Company; or


     (7)   The Company purports to terminate your employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or
 
        (8)   The Company fails to comply with and satisfy Section 10 below, provided that such successor has received at least ten days prior written notice from the Company or from you of the requirements of Section 10 below.

You shall have the sole right to determine, in good faith, whether any of the above events has occurred.
 
 (c)    Cause: Cause shall mean: conviction of a felony or crime involving an act of moral turpitude, dishonesty, or misfeasance.
 
       (d)   Notice of Termination: Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination.
 
        (e)   Date of Termination: "Date of Termination" means (1) if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or without Cause, or by you for Good Reason or other than for Good Reason, the date of receipt by the other party hereto of the Notice of Termination, and (2) if your employment is terminated by reason of death, Disability or Normal Retirement (as defined below), the Date of Termination shall be the date of your death, the date of your receipt of Notice of Termination, or the first of the month following the month you reach the normal retirement age for employees in your position, respectively.
 
        (f)   Normal Retirement: If your employment is terminated due to Normal Retirement, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. A termination by Normal Retirement shall have occurred where your termination is caused by the fact that you have reached normal retirement age for employees in your position.
 
        (g)   Termination for Cause: If subsequent to a Change in Control, your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall pay you your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, and you shall also receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled throughout the Date of Termination (as defined in Subsection (e) of this Section 5), and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.
 
        (h)   Disability or Death: If termination of your employment results from your Disability or death, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. You or your designated beneficiary, in the case of your death, shall receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled through the Date of Termination, and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.




"Disability" shall mean, for the purposes of this Agreement, your total and permanent disability such that you would be entitled to receive Disability Retirement Income under the Company's qualified pension plans, except for purposes of this provision you need not have completed ten (10) years of service with the Company, followed by the Company giving you thirty days written notice of its intention to terminate your employment by reason thereof, and your failure because of your Disability to resume the full-time performance of your duties within such period of thirty days and thereafter perform the same for a period of two consecutive months.
 
  6.    Severance Benefits

        If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, the following shall be applicable:
          
          (a)   The Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination a lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in the amounts determined as provided below:
 
                 (1)  Your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given.
 
        (2)  In lieu of further salary payments to you for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, an amount equal to 2.99 multiplied by the sum of your annual base salary at the rate in effect as of the Date of Termination (or, if higher, at the rate in effect as of the time of the Change in Control) plus the target annual short-term incentive amount in effect for you under the FirstEnergy System Executive Incentive Compensation Plan ("EICP") in the year during which the Date of Termination occurs whether or not fully paid.
 
          (b)  For purposes of the EICP, you shall be considered to have retired and will be paid the pro rata portion of any incentive award earned, if any, and any long-term deferred incentive awards earned, if any, per the terms of the plan.
    
            (c)   For purposes of FirstEnergy stock options issued pursuant to the FirstEnergy Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan, all outstanding options will follow the terms of the option agreement(s).
 
            (d)   For purposes of the Company's group health and life insurance plans:

      (1)   If, on the Date of Termination, the addition of three (3) years to your age would make you eligible to qualify for retiree health or life insurance coverage under the Company’s then-in-effect group health or life insurance plans, then you shall be considered as having retired for purposes of retiree health or life insurance coverage under such plan or plans for which the addition of three (3) years to your age would make you so eligible and for purposes of such coverage you shall be credited with three (3) additional years of age and service. You shall be responsible for paying the normal retiree share of the applicable premiums for retiree coverage under the group health and life insurance plans.




    (2)  If you are not entitled to retiree health or life insurance coverage under Subsection (d)(1), then you shall be entitled to continue to participate, on the same terms and conditions as active employee participants, in such plan or plans for which you are not so entitled to retiree coverage for a period of three (3) years after the Date of Termination. During such continuation period, you shall be responsible for paying the normal employee share of the applicable premiums for coverage under the health and life insurance plans.

    (3)  The Company shall have the right to modify, amend or discontinue the Company’s group health and life insurance plans following the Date of Termination and your continued participation therein, and the continued participation of any other person therein under Subsection (h) below, shall be subject to such modification, amendment or discontinuation if such modification, amendment or discontinuation applies generally to the then-current participants in such plan.

   (4)   If the Company is not permitted to provide continuing coverage under the terms of the Company’s group health and life insurance plans and related trusts, then the Company may purchase health and/or life insurance for you for the period specified in Subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2), as applicable, with coverage comparable to the applicable coverage under the Company’s group health or life insurance plan, as applicable, then in effect, as the same may have been modified amended or discontinued in accordance with the terms and provisions of the applicable plan under this Subsection (d).

   (5)  The health benefit continuation provided under this Subsection (d) shall satisfy the Company’s obligations to provide, and any rights that you may have to, COBRA coverage continuation under the health care continuation requirements under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, as amended, Part VI of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and Section 4980B(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or any successor provisions thereto.

   (e)   For purposes of the FirstEnergy Corp. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("Deferred Compensation Plan"), you shall be credited with three (3) additional years of age and service.

   (f)   For all purposes under the FirstEnergy Corp. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"), you shall be credited with three (3) additional years of age and service, and your accrued benefit, if any, shall be fully vested. If you are eligible on the Date of Termination under the SERP and with such additional age and service credit to commence your benefit under the SERP, your benefit under the SERP will commence on the first of the month following the Date of Termination and your monthly benefit from the SERP shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of the SERP and this Subsection (f) except that (1) until you reach age 55, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by any compensation earned by you from a subsequent employer as provided in paragraph (j) below, (2) at age 55 and until you reach age 62, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by the monthly amounts to which you will be entitled at age 55 from the Company's tax-qualified pension plan, the supplementary pension make-up benefit under the Deferred Compensation Plan and/or the tax-qualified pension plan of any previous employers (collectively, "Pension Income"), irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time, and, (3) at age 62 and thereafter such SERP benefit shall be offset only by Pension Income and the monthly primary Social Security Benefit to which you will be entitled at age 62, irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time.




    (g)  In addition to the payment required by Subsection (a), the Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination a special lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in an amount equal to [__________________].

 (h)  In the event that because of their relationship to you, members of your family or other individuals are covered by any plan, program, or arrangement described in Subsection (d) above immediately prior to the Date of Termination, the provisions set forth in Subsection (d) shall apply equally to require the continued coverage of such persons; provided, however, that if under the terms of any such plan, program or arrangement, any such person would have ceased to be eligible for coverage other than because of your termination of employment during the period in which the Company is obligated to continue coverage for you, nothing set forth herein shall obligate the Company to continue to provide coverage which would have ceased even if you had remained an employee of the Company.

 (i)  Other Benefits Payable: The severance benefits described in Subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) above shall be payable in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other accrued or vested or earned but deferred compensation, rights, options or other benefits which may be owed to you following your discharge or resignation (and are not contingent on any Change in Control preceding such termination), including but not limited to, accrued and/or banked vacation, amounts or benefits payable, if any, under any bonus or other compensation plans, stock option plan, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan.

(j)  Payment Obligations: Other than as set forth in the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP, upon a Change in Control the Company's obligations to pay the severance benefits or make any other payments described in this Section 6 shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company or any of its subsidiaries may have against you or anyone else. If you are less than age 55 at the time of your discharge without Cause or your resignation for Good Reason, then, commencing 24 months after the Date of Termination, you shall be required to seek employment elsewhere and thereby mitigate the amount of SERP benefit payable under Subsection (f)(1). You shall not be required to accept a position other than as a senior executive of an entity comparable in size to the Company and having duties, responsibilities and authority substantially similar in scope and nature to your position with the Company immediately prior to the Date of Termination. Upon obtaining such employment, you shall promptly notify the Company of the compensation and benefits you received or will receive from such new employer and of any changes therein.

(k)  Legal Fees and Expenses: Subject to and contingent upon the occurrence of a Change in Control the Company agrees to pay promptly as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which you may reasonably thereafter incur as a result of any contest, litigation or arbitration (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, you or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, or the SERP (including any contest by you about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the rate of 150% of the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal in the Money Rates Table on the business day immediately preceding the conclusion of any such contest, litigation or arbitration.




 (l)  Certain Additional Payments by the Company:
 
        (1)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in the event that you become entitled to severance benefits under this Section 6 hereof, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise, and it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to you or for your benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise (a "Payment"), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then you shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by you of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, you retain an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payments.
 
   (2)  All determinations required to be made under this Subsection (l), including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required and the amount of such Gross-Up Payment, shall be made in good faith by the Company which shall provide detailed supporting calculations to you within 15 business days after the date of termination of your employment, if applicable, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by you, it shall furnish you with an opinion of counsel that you have substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on your federal income tax return. Except as hereinafter provided, any determination by the Company shall be binding upon the Company and you. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Company hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that you are required to make a payment of any Excise Tax, the Company shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to you or for your benefit.
 
7.   Assignability
 
This Agreement is binding on and is for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives. Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation hereunder may be assigned by the Company (except to any subsidiary or affiliate) or by you.
 
            8.   Non-Competition
 
       If, subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, then for a period of two years after the Date of Termination, you shall not on your own account without the consent of the Company, or as a shareholder, employee, officer, director, consultant or otherwise, engage directly or indirectly in any business or enterprise which is in competition with the Company. For all purposes of this agreement the words "competition with the Company" shall mean:




(a)  
Directly participate or engage, on the behalf of other parties, in the purchase of products, supplies or services of the kind, nature or description of those sold by the Company,

(b)  
Solicit, divert, take away or attempt to take away any of the Company’s Customers or the business or patronage of any such Customers of the Company;

(c)  
Solicit, entice, lure, employ or endeavor to employ any of the Company’s employees;

(d)  
Divulge to others or use for your own benefit any confidential information obtained during the course of your employment with Company relative to sales, services, processes, methods, machines, manufacturers, compositions, ideas, improvements, patents, trademarks, or inventions belonging to or relating to the affairs of Company;

(e)  
Divulge to others or use to your own benefit any trade secrets belonging to the Company obtained during the course of your employment or that you became aware of as a consequence of your employment.

The term Customer shall mean any person, firm, association, corporation or other entity to which you or the Company has sold the Company’s products or services within the twenty-four (24) month period immediately preceding the termination of your employment with the Company or to which you or the Company is in the process of selling its products or services, or to which you or the Company has submitted a bid, or is in the process of submitting a bid to sell the Company’s products or services.

However, nothing herein contained shall prevent you from purchasing and holding for investment less than 5% of the shares of any corporation the shares of which are regularly traded either on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, and notwithstanding any provision hereof, you may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and any facts that may be relevant to the tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than any information for which nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable federal or state securities laws, and except that, with respect to any document or other information that in either case contains information concerning the tax treatment or tax structure of such transactions as well as other information, this paragraph shall apply only to such portions of the document or similar item that is relevant to an understanding of such tax treatment or tax structure.
 
9.   Non-Disparagement
 
You and the Company agree that neither party shall disparage the other nor shall either party communicate to any person and/or entity in a manner that is disrespectful, demeaning, and/or insulting toward the other party.



10.   Successor

            The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as herein before defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle you to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as you would be entitled hereunder if you terminated your employment for Good Reason, except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If you should die while any amounts would still be payable to you hereunder if you had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to such beneficiary or beneficiaries as you shall have designated by written notice delivered to the Company prior to your death or, failing such written notice, to your estate.
 
            11.   Amendment; Waiver

            This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto, and any provision hereof may be waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought. The failure of either party hereto at any time to require the performance by the other party hereto of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the full right to require such performance at any time thereafter, nor shall the waiver by either party hereto of a breach of any provision hereof be taken or held to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of such provision or a waiver of the provision itself or a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement.
 
12.    Notices
 
All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to you:

[Executive]
[Address]

If to the Company:

Secretary
FirstEnergy
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.




13.    Validity

            The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect, nor shall the invalidity or unenforceability of a portion of any provision of this Agreement affect the validity or enforceability of the balance of such provision. If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof is so broad, in scope or duration, as to be unenforceable, such provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

14.    Withholding

The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

15.    Entire Agreement

This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company and you with respect to the subject matter hereof and, upon the date this Agreement becomes effective pursuant to Section 3, supercedes all other agreements of like or similar nature.

16.    Applicable Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive internal law and not the conflict of law provisions of the State of Ohio.

If the terms of the foregoing Agreement are acceptable to you, please sign and return to the Company the enclosed copy of this Agreement whereupon this Agreement shall become a valid and legally binding contract between you and the Company.

                                       Very Truly yours,
 

 
     
  FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
By:   /s/ 
 

Anthony J. Alexander
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
                                            
    
           Accepted and Agreed as of the date first above written:
 

 
                                                                      
                          [Executive]




EX-10.15 11 ex10-15.htm SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (KEOUGH, DINDO) Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-15
DRAFT OF 3/4/04



December 31, 2003
 
 
TIER 2 TEMPLATE
[Executive]
[Address]
Special Severance Agreement

Dear [Executive]:

The Board of Directors (the "Board") of FirstEnergy Corp. (the "Company") recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, there always exists the possibility of a change in control of the Company. This possibility and the uncertainty it creates may result in the loss or distraction of members of management of the Company and its subsidiaries to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

The Board considers the establishment, maintenance, and continuity of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Board also believes that when a change in control is perceived as imminent, or is occurring, the Board should be able to receive and rely on disinterested advice from management regarding the best interests of the Company and its shareholders without concern that members of management might be distracted or concerned by the personal uncertainties and risks created by their perception of an imminent or occurring change in control.

Accordingly, the Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to assure the Company of the continued employment and attention and dedication to duty of certain members of management of the Company and to ensure the availability of their disinterested advice, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a change in control.

Therefore, in order to fulfill the above purposes, the Board has designated you as eligible for severance benefits as set forth below.

1.  
Offer

In order to induce you to remain in the employ of the Company and to provide continued services to the Company now and in the event that a Change in Control is imminent or occurring, this letter agreement (the "Agreement") sets forth severance benefits which the Company offers to pay to you in the event of a termination of your employment (in the manner described in Section 5 below) subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company (as defined in Section 4 below).

2.  
Operation

This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of commencement of the term set forth in Section 3 below, but anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither this Agreement nor any of its provisions shall be operative unless and until there has been a Change in Control while you are still an employee of the Company, nor shall this Agreement govern or affect your employment relationship with the Company except as explicitly set forth herein. Upon a Change in Control, if you are still employed by the Company, this Agreement and all of its provisions shall become operative immediately on the later of (a) the date of the Change in Control or (b) the first day of the term of this Agreement. If your employment relationship with the Company is terminated before a Change in Control, you shall have no rights or obligations under this Agreement.
 
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3.  Term

(a) Term of Agreement: The term of this Agreement shall commence immediately upon the current expiration date of the Special Severance Agreement you signed on ___________ , that expiration date being December 31, 2005, and continue until December 31, 2006. As of the date on which the term of this Agreement commences this Agreement shall supersede all other agreements of a like or similar nature. Such former agreements are considered null and void as of the date on which the term of this Agreement commences.

(b) One-Year Evergreen Provision: Subject to Subsection (c) below, this Agreement shall be reviewed annually commencing in 2004 by the Board at a regular meeting held between October 1 and December 31 of each year. At such yearly review, the Board shall consider whether or not to extend the term of this Agreement for an additional year. Unless the Board affirmatively votes not to extend this Agreement at such yearly review, the term of this Agreement shall be extended for a period of one year from the previous termination date. In the event the Board so votes not to extend this Agreement, the termination date of this Agreement shall be the later of December 31, 2006 or thirty-six full calendar months from December 31st of the year in which this Agreement was last extended.

(c)  Subsection (b) above notwithstanding, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, this Agreement shall be automatically extended for a period of thirty-six full calendar months commencing on the date of such Change in Control. At the end of such thirty-six month period, this Agreement shall terminate.

4.  Change in Control

For the purpose of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" shall mean:

(a)  The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% (25% if such Person proposes any individual for election to the Board or any member of the Board is the representative of such Person) or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege), (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a reorganization, merger or consolidation, if, following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, the conditions described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of Subsection (c) of this Section 4 are satisfied; or
 
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(b)  Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of solicitations subject to Rule 14a-12(c) of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act or any such successor rule) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

(c)  Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case, unless, following such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, (i) more than 75% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation or acquiring such assets and any Person beneficially owning, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets; or

(d)  Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

5.  Termination

(a)  Termination Following Change in Control: If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control (as defined above) of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason (each as defined below), you shall be entitled to the benefits provided by this Agreement as set forth in Section 6 below.

(b)  Good Reason: If any of the following events occurs without your express consent and within thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control, you may voluntarily terminate your employment within 30 days of the occurrence of such event and be entitled to the severance benefits set forth in Section 6 below:

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(1)  The Company assigns any duties to you which are inconsistent with your position, duties, offices, titles, status (including membership on the Board of Directors) responsibilities or reporting requirements in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control, or your removal from or any failure to re-elect you to any of such positions or offices, except in connection with termination of your employment for Cause, Disability, death or Normal Retirement (as such terms are defined below), or by you other than for Good Reason, or;

(2)  Changes to your base salary are inconsistent with your annual performance review and the salary program applicable to other senior executives of the Company; or

(3)  The Company discontinues any bonus or other compensation plans or any other benefit, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, stock option plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan (as the same existed immediately prior to the Change in Control) in which you participated or were eligible to participate in immediately prior to the Change in Control and such discontinuation is not generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or

(4)  The Company takes action which adversely affects your participation in, or eligibility for, or materially reduces your benefits otherwise earned or payable under, any of the plans described in (3) above (unless such action is required by law), or which deprives you of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by you immediately prior to the Change in Control, or fails to provide you with the number of paid vacation days to which you were entitled in accordance with normal vacation policy immediately prior to the Change in Control unless such action by the Company is generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or

(5)  The Company requires you to be based at any office or location other than one within a 50 mile radius of the office or location at which you were based immediately prior to the Change in Control (except for required travel on the Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with your business travel obligations as they existed at the time of a Change in Control of the Company); or, in the event you consent to being based anywhere more than fifty miles from such location, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse you for) all reasonable moving expenses incurred by you relating to a change of your principal residence in connection with such relocation and to indemnify you against any loss (defined as the difference between the actual sale price of such residence after the deduction of all real estate brokerage charges and related selling expenses and the higher of (1) your aggregate investment in such residence or (2) the fair market value of such residence (as determined by a real estate appraiser designated by you and reasonably satisfactory to the Company)) realized upon the sale of such residence in connection with any such change of residence; or

(6)  The Company's requiring you to perform duties or services which necessitate absence overnight from your place of residence, because of travel involving the business or affairs of the Company, to a degree not substantially consistent with the extent of such absence necessitated by such travel during the period of twelve months immediately preceding a Change in Control of the Company; or

4
(7)  The Company purports to terminate your employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(8)  The Company fails to comply with and satisfy Section 10 below, provided that such successor has received at least ten days prior written notice from the Company or from you of the requirements of Section 10 below.

You shall have the sole right to determine, in good faith, whether any of the above events has occurred.

(c)  Cause: Cause shall mean: conviction of a felony or crime involving an act of moral turpitude, dishonesty, or misfeasance.

(d)  Notice of Termination: Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination.

(e)  Date of Termination: "Date of Termination" means (1) if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or without Cause, or by you for Good Reason or other than for Good Reason, the date of receipt by the other party hereto of the Notice of Termination, and (2) if your employment is terminated by reason of death, Disability or Normal Retirement (as defined below), the Date of Termination shall be the date of your death, the date of your receipt of Notice of Termination, or the first of the month following the month you reach the normal retirement age for employees in your position, respectively.

(f)  Normal Retirement: If your employment is terminated due to Normal Retirement, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. A termination by Normal Retirement shall have occurred where your termination is caused by the fact that you have reached normal retirement age for employees in your position.

(g)  Termination for Cause: If subsequent to a Change in Control, your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall pay you your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, and you shall also receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled throughout the Date of Termination (as defined in Subsection (e) of this Section 5), and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.

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(h) Disability or Death: If termination of your employment results from your Disability or death, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. You or your designated beneficiary, in the case of your death, shall receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled through the Date of Termination, and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.

"Disability" shall mean, for the purposes of this Agreement, your total and permanent disability such that you would be entitled to receive Disability Retirement Income under the Company's qualified pension plans, except for purposes of this provision you need not have completed ten (10) years of service with the Company, followed by the Company giving you thirty days written notice of its intention to terminate your employment by reason thereof, and your failure because of your Disability to resume the full-time performance of your duties within such period of thirty days and thereafter perform the same for a period of two consecutive months.

6.  Severance Benefits

If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, the following shall be applicable:

(a)  The Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination (subject to delay under Subsection 6(l)) a lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in the amounts determined as provided below:

(1)  Your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given.

(2)  In lieu of further salary payments to you for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, an amount equal to 2.00 multiplied by the sum of your annual base salary at the rate in effect as of the Date of Termination (or, if higher, at the rate in effect as of the time of the Change in Control) plus the average annual short-term incentive amount awarded to you under the FirstEnergy System Executive Incentive Compensation Plan ("EICP") for the three years immediately preceding the year during which the Date of Termination occurs whether or not fully paid.

(b)  For purposes of the EICP, you shall be considered to have retired and will be paid the pro rata portion of any incentive award earned, if any, and any long-term deferred incentive awards earned, if any, per the terms of the plan.

(c)  For purposes of FirstEnergy stock options issued pursuant to the FirstEnergy Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan, all outstanding options will follow the terms of the option agreement(s).

(d)  For purposes of the Company's group health and life insurance plans:

(1)  If, on the Date of Termination, the addition of two (2) years to your age would make you eligible to qualify for retiree health or life insurance coverage under the Company’s then-in-effect group health or life insurance plans, then you shall be considered as having retired for purposes of retiree health or life insurance coverage under such plan or plans for which the addition of two (2) years to your age would make you so eligible and for purposes of such coverage you shall be credited with two (2) additional years of age and service. You shall be responsible for paying the normal retiree share of the applicable premiums for retiree coverage under the group health and life insurance plans.

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(2)  If you are not entitled to retiree health or life insurance coverage under Subsection (d)(1), then you shall be entitled to continue to participate, on the same terms and conditions as active employee participants, in such plan or plans for which you are not so entitled to retiree coverage for a period of two (2) years after the Date of Termination. During such continuation period, you shall be responsible for paying the normal employee share of the applicable premiums for coverage under the health and life insurance plans.

(3)  The Company shall have the right to modify, amend or discontinue the Company’s group health and life insurance plans following the Date of Termination and your continued participation therein, and the continued participation of any other person therein under Subsection (h) below, shall be subject to such modification, amendment or discontinuation if such modification, amendment or discontinuation applies generally to the then-current participants in such plan.

(4)  If the Company is not permitted to provide continuing coverage under the terms of the Company’s group health and life insurance plans and related trusts, then the Company may purchase health and/or life insurance for you for the period specified in Subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2), as applicable, with coverage comparable to the applicable coverage under the Company’s group health or life insurance plan, as applicable, then in effect, as the same may have been modified amended or discontinued in accordance with the terms and provisions of the applicable plan under this Subsection (d).

(5)  The health benefit continuation provided under this Subsection (d) shall satisfy the Company’s obligations to provide, and any rights that you may have to, COBRA coverage continuation under the health care continuation requirements under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, as amended, Part VI of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and Section 4980B(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or any successor provisions thereto.

(e)  For purposes of the FirstEnergy Corp. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("Deferred Compensation Plan"), you shall be credited with two (2) additional years of age and service.

(f)  For all purposes under the FirstEnergy Corp. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"), you shall be credited with two (2) additional years of age and service, and your accrued benefit, if any, shall be fully vested. If you are eligible on the Date of Termination under the SERP and with such additional age and service credit to commence your benefit under the SERP, your benefit under the SERP will commence on the first of the month following the Date of Termination and your monthly benefit from the SERP shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of the SERP and this Subsection (f) except that (1) until you reach age 55, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by any compensation earned by you from a subsequent employer as provided in paragraph (j) below, (2) at age 55 and until you reach age 62, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by the monthly amounts to which you will be entitled at age 55 from the Company's tax-qualified pension plan, the supplementary pension make-up benefit under the Deferred Compensation Plan and/or the tax-qualified pension plan of any previous employers (collectively, "Pension Income"), irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time, and, (3) at age 62 and thereafter such SERP benefit shall be offset only by Pension Income and the monthly primary Social Security Benefit to which you will be entitled at age 62, irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time.

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 (g)   In addition to the payment required by Subsection (a), the Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination a special lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in an amount equal to [__________________].
 
 (h)   In the event that because of their relationship to you, members of your family or other individuals are covered by any plan, program, or arrangement described in Subsection (d) above immediately prior to the Date of Termination, the provisions set forth in Subsection (d) shall apply equally to require the continued coverage of such persons; provided, however, that if under the terms of any such plan, program or arrangement, any such person would have ceased to be eligible for coverage other than because of your termination of employment during the period in which the Company is obligated to continue coverage for you, nothing set forth herein shall obligate the Company to continue to provide coverage which would have ceased even if you had remained an employee of the Company.
 
  (i)  Other Benefits Payable: The severance benefits described in Subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) above shall be payable in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other accrued or vested or earned but deferred compensation, rights, options or other benefits which may be owed to you following your discharge or resignation (and are not contingent on any Change in Control preceding such termination), including but not limited to, accrued and/or banked vacation, amounts or benefits payable, if any, under any bonus or other compensation plans, stock option plan, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan.
 
  (j)   Payment Obligations: Other than as set forth in the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP, upon a Change in Control the Company's obligations to pay the severance benefits or make any other payments described in this Section 6 shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company or any of its subsidiaries may have against you or anyone else. If you are less than age 55 at the time of your discharge without Cause or your resignation for Good Reason, then, commencing 24 months after the Date of Termination, you shall be required to seek employment elsewhere and thereby mitigate the amount of SERP benefit payable under Subsection (f)(1). You shall not be required to accept a position other than as a senior executive of an entity comparable in size to the Company and having duties, responsibilities and authority substantially similar in scope and nature to your position with the Company immediately prior to the Date of Termination. Upon obtaining such employment, you shall promptly notify the Company of the compensation and benefits you received or will receive from such new employer and of any changes therein.
 
  (k)  Legal Fees and Expenses: Subject to and contingent upon the occurrence of a Change in Control the Company agrees to pay promptly as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which you may reasonably thereafter incur as a result of any contest, litigation or arbitration (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, you or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, or the SERP (including any contest by you about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the rate of 150% of the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal in the Money Rates Table on the business day immediately preceding the conclusion of any such contest, litigation or arbitration.

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(l)  Certain Additional Payments by the Company:

(1)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, but subject to the next paragraph of this Subsection (6)(l)(1), in the event that you become entitled to severance benefits under this Section 6 hereof, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise, and it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to you or for your benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise (a "Payment"), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then you shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by you of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, you retain an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment.

If it is determined that the Payment is subject to the Excise Tax and that the Payment is not more than 120% of the greatest amount that can be paid to you without requiring payment of the Excise Tax (the “Safe Harbor Amount”), then (a) no Gross-Up Payment shall be made to you, (b) the Company shall notify you within 15 business days after the date of termination of your employment of the Safe Harbor Amount, and (c) unless you direct the Company otherwise in writing within 10 business days after your receipt of such notice, the Payment, in the aggregate, shall be reduced to the Safe Harbor Amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if the Payment is more than 120% of the Safe Harbor Amount, then you will receive the Gross-Up Payment.

(2)  All determinations required to be made under this Subsection (l), including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required, the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the amount of any reduction in the Payments, shall be made in good faith by the Company which shall provide detailed supporting calculations to you within 15 business days after the date of termination of your employment, if applicable, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by you, it shall furnish you with an opinion of counsel that you have substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on your federal income tax return. Except as hereinafter provided, any determination by the Company shall be binding upon the Company and you. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Company hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that you are required to make a payment of any Excise Tax (other than as a result of your direction under the preceding paragraph), the Company shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to you or for your benefit.

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(3)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections 6(a) and 6(g), if the Company preliminarily determines in good faith that the Payments are subject to reduction under this Subsection 6(l), then the payments required under Subsections 6(a) and 6(g) may be delayed until five business days after a final determination is made under this Subsection 6(l) as to whether the Payments will be reduced.

7.  Assignability

This Agreement is binding on and is for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives. Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation hereunder may be assigned by the Company (except to any subsidiary or affiliate) or by you.

8.  Non-Competition

 If, subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, then for a period of two years after the Date of Termination, you shall not on your own account without the consent of the Company, or as a shareholder, employee, officer, director, consultant or otherwise, engage directly or indirectly in any business or enterprise which is in competition with the Company. For all purposes of this agreement the words "competition with the Company" shall mean:

(a)  
Directly participate or engage, on the behalf of other parties, in the purchase of products, supplies or services of the kind, nature or description of those sold by the Company,

(b)  
Solicit, divert, take away or attempt to take away any of the Company’s Customers or the business or patronage of any such Customers of the Company;

(c)  
Solicit, entice, lure, employ or endeavor to employ any of the Company’s employees;

(d)  
Divulge to others or use for your own benefit any confidential information obtained during the course of your employment with Company relative to sales, services, processes, methods, machines, manufacturers, compositions, ideas, improvements, patents, trademarks, or inventions belonging to or relating to the affairs of Company;

(e)  
Divulge to others or use to your own benefit any trade secrets belonging to the Company obtained during the course of your employment or that you became aware of as a consequence of your employment.

The term “Customer” shall mean any person, firm, association, corporation or other entity to which you or the Company has sold the Company’s products or services within the twenty-four (24) month period immediately preceding the termination of your employment with the Company or to which you or the Company is in the process of selling its products or services, or to which you or the Company has submitted a bid, or is in the process of submitting a bid to sell the Company’s products or services.

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However, nothing herein contained shall prevent you from purchasing and holding for investment less than 5% of the shares of any corporation the shares of which are regularly traded either on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, and notwithstanding any provision hereof, you may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and any facts that may be relevant to the tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than any information for which nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable federal or state securities laws, and except that, with respect to any document or other information that in either case contains information concerning the tax treatment or tax structure of such transactions as well as other information, this paragraph shall apply only to such portions of the document or similar item that is relevant to an understanding of such tax treatment or tax structure.

9.  
Non-Disparagement

You and the Company agree that neither party shall disparage the other nor shall either party communicate to any person and/or entity in a manner that is disrespectful, demeaning, and/or insulting toward the other party.

10.  Successor

The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as herein before defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle you to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as you would be entitled hereunder if you terminated your employment for Good Reason, except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If you should die while any amounts would still be payable to you hereunder if you had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to such beneficiary or beneficiaries as you shall have designated by written notice delivered to the Company prior to your death or, failing such written notice, to your estate.

11.  Amendment; Waiver

This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto, and any provision hereof may be waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought. The failure of either party hereto at any time to require the performance by the other party hereto of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the full right to require such performance at any time thereafter, nor shall the waiver by either party hereto of a breach of any provision hereof be taken or held to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of such provision or a waiver of the provision itself or a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement.

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12.  Notices

All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to you:

[Executive]
[Address]

If to the Company:

Secretary
FirstEnergy
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

13.  Validity

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect, nor shall the invalidity or unenforceability of a portion of any provision of this Agreement affect the validity or enforceability of the balance of such provision. If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof is so broad, in scope or duration, as to be unenforceable, such provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

14.  Withholding

The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

15.  Entire Agreement

This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company and you with respect to the subject matter hereof and, upon the date this Agreement becomes effective pursuant to Section 3, supercedes all other agreements of like or similar nature.

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16.  Applicable Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive internal law and not the conflict of law provisions of the State of Ohio.


If the terms of the foregoing Agreement are acceptable to you, please sign and return to the Company the enclosed copy of this Agreement whereupon this Agreement shall become a valid and legally binding contract between you and the Company.


Very truly yours,


FIRSTENERGY CORP.



By:  /s/ Anthony J. Alexander    
Anthony J. Alexander
President and Chief Operating Officer

Accepted and Agreed as of the date first above written:



__________________________________________

[Executive]
 
 
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EX-10.16 12 ex10-16.htm SEVERANCE AGREEMENT (PIPITONE) Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-16

March 7, 2005
TIER 2 TEMPLATE
[Executive]
[Address]
Special Severance Agreement

Dear [Executive]:

The Board of Directors (the "Board") of FirstEnergy Corp. (the "Company") recognizes that, as is the case with many publicly held corporations, there always exists the possibility of a change in control of the Company. This possibility and the uncertainty it creates may result in the loss or distraction of members of management of the Company and its subsidiaries to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders.

The Board considers the establishment, maintenance, and continuity of a sound and vital management to be essential to protecting and enhancing the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. The Board also believes that when a change in control is perceived as imminent, or is occurring, the Board should be able to receive and rely on disinterested advice from management regarding the best interests of the Company and its shareholders without concern that members of management might be distracted or concerned by the personal uncertainties and risks created by their perception of an imminent or occurring change in control.

Accordingly, the Board has determined that appropriate steps should be taken to assure the Company of the continued employment and attention and dedication to duty of certain members of management of the Company and to ensure the availability of their disinterested advice, notwithstanding the possibility, threat or occurrence of a change in control.

Therefore, in order to fulfill the above purposes, the Board has designated you as eligible for severance benefits as set forth below.

1.  
Offer

In order to induce you to remain in the employ of the Company and to provide continued services to the Company now and in the event that a Change in Control is imminent or occurring, this letter agreement (the "Agreement") sets forth severance benefits which the Company offers to pay to you in the event of a termination of your employment (in the manner described in Section 5 below) subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company (as defined in Section 4 below).

2.  
Operation

This Agreement shall become effective as of the date of commencement of the term set forth in Section 3 below, but anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, neither this Agreement nor any of its provisions shall be operative unless and until there has been a Change in Control while you are still an employee of the Company, nor shall this Agreement govern or affect your employment relationship with the Company except as explicitly set forth herein. Upon a Change in Control, if you are still employed by the Company, this Agreement and all of its provisions shall become operative immediately on the later of (a) the date of the Change in Control or (b) the first day of the term of this Agreement. If your employment relationship with the Company is terminated before a Change in Control, you shall have no rights or obligations under this Agreement.

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  3.   Term

(a) Term of Agreement: The term of this Agreement shall commence immediately upon the date hereof and continue until December 31, 2007. This Agreement shall supersede all other agreements of a like or similar nature. Such former agreements are considered null and void as of the date on which the term of this Agreement commences.

(b) One-Year Evergreen Provision: Subject to Subsection (c) below, this Agreement shall be reviewed annually commencing in 2005 by the Board at a regular meeting held between October 1 and December 31 of each year. At such yearly review, the Board shall consider whether or not to extend the term of this Agreement for an additional year. Unless the Board affirmatively votes not to extend this Agreement at such yearly review, the term of this Agreement shall be extended for a period of one year from the previous termination date. In the event the Board so votes not to extend this Agreement, the termination date of this Agreement shall be the later of December 31, 2007 or thirty-six full calendar months from December 31st of the year in which this Agreement was last extended.

(c)  Subsection (b) above notwithstanding, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, this Agreement shall be automatically extended for a period of thirty-six full calendar months commencing on the date of such Change in Control. At the end of such thirty-six month period, this Agreement shall terminate.

 4.    Change in Control

For the purpose of this Agreement, a "Change in Control" shall mean:

(a)  The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 50% (25% if such Person proposes any individual for election to the Board or any member of the Board is the representative of such Person) or more of either (i) the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the "Outstanding Company Common Stock") or (ii) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the "Outstanding Company Voting Securities"); provided, however, that the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (i) any acquisition directly from the Company (excluding an acquisition by virtue of the exercise of a conversion privilege), (ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation controlled by the Company or (iv) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to a reorganization, merger or consolidation, if, following such reorganization, merger or consolidation, the conditions described in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) of Subsection (c) of this Section 4 are satisfied; or


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(b)  Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board (the "Incumbent Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board; provided, however, that any individual becoming a director subsequent to the date hereof whose election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, was approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then comprising the Incumbent Board shall be considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent Board, but excluding, for this purpose, any such individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest (within the meaning of solicitations subject to Rule 14a-12(c) of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act or any such successor rule) or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board; or

(c)  Consummation of a reorganization, merger or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, in each case, unless, following such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, (i) more than 75% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets and the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors is then beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners, respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets in substantially the same proportions as their ownership, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding the Company, any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger, consolidation or acquiring such assets and any Person beneficially owning, immediately prior to such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of the Outstanding Company Common Stock or Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 25% or more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common stock of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the corporation resulting from such reorganization, merger or consolidation or acquiring such assets were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement providing for such reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale or other disposition of assets; or

(d)   Approval by the shareholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

5.       Termination

(a)   Termination Following Change in Control: If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control (as defined above) of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason (each as defined below), you shall be entitled to the benefits provided by this Agreement as set forth in Section 6 below.


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(b)   Good Reason: If any of the following events occurs without your express consent and within thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control, you may voluntarily terminate your employment within 30 days of the occurrence of such event and be entitled to the severance benefits set forth in Section 6 below:

(1)  The Company assigns any duties to you which are inconsistent with your position, duties, offices, titles, status (including membership on the Board of Directors) responsibilities or reporting requirements in effect immediately prior to a Change in Control, or your removal from or any failure to re-elect you to any of such positions or offices, except in connection with termination of your employment for Cause, Disability, death or Normal Retirement (as such terms are defined below), or by you other than for Good Reason, or;

(2)  Changes to your base salary are inconsistent with your annual performance review and the salary program applicable to other senior executives of the Company; or

(3)  The Company discontinues any bonus or other compensation plans or any other benefit, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, stock option plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan (as the same existed immediately prior to the Change in Control) in which you participated or were eligible to participate in immediately prior to the Change in Control and such discontinuation is not generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or

(4)  The Company takes action which adversely affects your participation in, or eligibility for, or materially reduces your benefits otherwise earned or payable under, any of the plans described in (3) above (unless such action is required by law), or which deprives you of any material fringe benefit enjoyed by you immediately prior to the Change in Control, or fails to provide you with the number of paid vacation days to which you were entitled in accordance with normal vacation policy immediately prior to the Change in Control unless such action by the Company is generally applicable to all participants in any such plan; or

(5)  The Company requires you to be based at any office or location other than one within a 50 mile radius of the office or location at which you were based immediately prior to the Change in Control (except for required travel on the Company's business to an extent substantially consistent with your business travel obligations as they existed at the time of a Change in Control of the Company); or, in the event you consent to being based anywhere more than fifty miles from such location, the failure by the Company to pay (or reimburse you for) all reasonable moving expenses incurred by you relating to a change of your principal residence in connection with such relocation and to indemnify you against any loss (defined as the difference between the actual sale price of such residence after the deduction of all real estate brokerage charges and related selling expenses and the higher of (1) your aggregate investment in such residence or (2) the fair market value of such residence (as determined by a real estate appraiser designated by you and reasonably satisfactory to the Company)) realized upon the sale of such residence in connection with any such change of residence; or


4

(6)  The Company's requiring you to perform duties or services which necessitate absence overnight from your place of residence, because of travel involving the business or affairs of the Company, to a degree not substantially consistent with the extent of such absence necessitated by such travel during the period of twelve months immediately preceding a Change in Control of the Company; or

(7)  The Company purports to terminate your employment otherwise than as expressly permitted by this Agreement; or

(8)  The Company fails to comply with and satisfy Section 10 below, provided that such successor has received at least ten days prior written notice from the Company or from you of the requirements of Section 10 below.

You shall have the sole right to determine, in good faith, whether any of the above events has occurred.

(c)  Cause: Cause shall mean: conviction of a felony or crime involving an act of moral turpitude, dishonesty, or misfeasance.

(d)  Notice of Termination: Any termination by the Company for Cause, or by you for Good Reason, shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to the other party hereto given in accordance with Section 12 hereof. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of Termination" means a written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of your employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such notice, specifies the Date of Termination.

(e)  Date of Termination: "Date of Termination" means (1) if your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or without Cause, or by you for Good Reason or other than for Good Reason, the date of receipt by the other party hereto of the Notice of Termination, and (2) if your employment is terminated by reason of death, Disability or Normal Retirement (as defined below), the Date of Termination shall be the date of your death, the date of your receipt of Notice of Termination, or the first of the month following the month you reach the normal retirement age for employees in your position, respectively.

(f)  Normal Retirement: If your employment is terminated due to Normal Retirement, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. A termination by Normal Retirement shall have occurred where your termination is caused by the fact that you have reached normal retirement age for employees in your position.

(g)  Termination for Cause: If subsequent to a Change in Control, your employment is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Company shall pay you your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given, and you shall also receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled throughout the Date of Termination (as defined in Subsection (e) of this Section 5), and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.

5


(h)  Disability or Death: If termination of your employment results from your Disability or death, you shall not be entitled to severance benefits under this Agreement, regardless of the occurrence of a Change in Control. You or your designated beneficiary, in the case of your death, shall receive all accrued or vested benefits of any kind to which you are, or would otherwise have been, entitled through the Date of Termination, and the Company shall thereupon have no further obligation to you under this Agreement.

"Disability" shall mean, for the purposes of this Agreement, your total and permanent disability such that you would be entitled to receive Disability Retirement Income under the Company's qualified pension plans, except for purposes of this provision you need not have completed ten (10) years of service with the Company, followed by the Company giving you thirty days written notice of its intention to terminate your employment by reason thereof, and your failure because of your Disability to resume the full-time performance of your duties within such period of thirty days and thereafter perform the same for a period of two consecutive months.

6.  Severance Benefits

If, within a period of thirty-six full calendar months after a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, the following shall be applicable:

(a)  The Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination (subject to delay under Subsection 6(l)) a lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in the amounts determined as provided below:

(1)  Your full base salary through the Date of Termination at the rate in effect at the time Notice of Termination is given.

(2)  In lieu of further salary payments to you for periods subsequent to the Date of Termination, an amount equal to 2.00 multiplied by the sum of your annual base salary at the rate in effect as of the Date of Termination (or, if higher, at the rate in effect as of the time of the Change in Control) plus the target annual short-term incentive amount in effect for you under the FirstEnergy System Executive Incentive Compensation Plan ("EICP") in the year which the Date of Termination occurs whether or not fully paid.

(b)  For purposes of the EICP, you shall be considered to have retired and will be paid the pro rata portion of any incentive award earned, if any, and any long-term deferred incentive awards earned, if any, per the terms of the plan.

(c)  For purposes of FirstEnergy stock options issued pursuant to the FirstEnergy Executive and Director Incentive Compensation Plan, all outstanding options will follow the terms of the option agreement(s).

(d)  For purposes of the Company's group health and life insurance plans:


6

(1)  If, on the Date of Termination, the addition of two (2) years to your age would make you eligible to qualify for retiree health or life insurance coverage under the Company’s then-in-effect group health or life insurance plans, then you shall be considered as having retired for purposes of retiree health or life insurance coverage under such plan or plans for which the addition of two (2) years to your age would make you so eligible and for purposes of such coverage you shall be credited with two (2) additional years of age and service. You shall be responsible for paying the normal retiree share of the applicable premiums for retiree coverage under the group health and life insurance plans.

(2)  If you are not entitled to retiree health or life insurance coverage under Subsection (d)(1), then you shall be entitled to continue to participate, on the same terms and conditions as active employee participants, in such plan or plans for which you are not so entitled to retiree coverage for a period of two (2) years after the Date of Termination. During such continuation period, you shall be responsible for paying the normal employee share of the applicable premiums for coverage under the health and life insurance plans.

(3)  The Company shall have the right to modify, amend or discontinue the Company’s group health and life insurance plans following the Date of Termination and your continued participation therein, and the continued participation of any other person therein under Subsection (h) below, shall be subject to such modification, amendment or discontinuation if such modification, amendment or discontinuation applies generally to the then-current participants in such plan.

(4)  If the Company is not permitted to provide continuing coverage under the terms of the Company’s group health and life insurance plans and related trusts, then the Company may purchase health and/or life insurance for you for the period specified in Subsection (d)(1) or (d)(2), as applicable, with coverage comparable to the applicable coverage under the Company’s group health or life insurance plan, as applicable, then in effect, as the same may have been modified amended or discontinued in accordance with the terms and provisions of the applicable plan under this Subsection (d).

(5)  The health benefit continuation provided under this Subsection (d) shall satisfy the Company’s obligations to provide, and any rights that you may have to, COBRA coverage continuation under the health care continuation requirements under the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, as amended, Part VI of Subtitle B of Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and Section 4980B(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or any successor provisions thereto.

(e)  For purposes of the FirstEnergy Corp. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan ("Deferred Compensation Plan"), you shall be credited with two (2) additional years of age and service.


7

(f)  For all purposes under the FirstEnergy Corp. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP"), you shall be credited with two (2) additional years of age and service, and your accrued benefit, if any, shall be fully vested. If you are eligible on the Date of Termination under the SERP and with such additional age and service credit to commence your benefit under the SERP, your benefit under the SERP will commence on the first of the month following the Date of Termination and your monthly benefit from the SERP shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of the SERP and this Subsection (f) except that (1) until you reach age 55, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by any compensation earned by you from a subsequent employer as provided in paragraph (j) below, (2) at age 55 and until you reach age 62, such SERP benefit shall be offset only by the monthly amounts to which you will be entitled at age 55 from the Company's tax-qualified pension plan, the supplementary pension make-up benefit under the Deferred Compensation Plan and/or the tax-qualified pension plan of any previous employers (collectively, "Pension Income"), irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time, and, (3) at age 62 and thereafter such SERP benefit shall be offset only by Pension Income and the monthly primary Social Security Benefit to which you will be entitled at age 62, irrespective of whether you receive such benefits at that time.

  (g)  In addition to the payment required by Subsection (a), the Company shall pay to you within ten business days following the Date of Termination a special lump sum severance benefit, payable in cash, in an amount equal to [__________________].

(h)  In the event that because of their relationship to you, members of your family or other individuals are covered by any plan, program, or arrangement described in Subsection (d) above immediately prior to the Date of Termination, the provisions set forth in Subsection (d) shall apply equally to require the continued coverage of such persons; provided, however, that if under the terms of any such plan, program or arrangement, any such person would have ceased to be eligible for coverage other than because of your termination of employment during the period in which the Company is obligated to continue coverage for you, nothing set forth herein shall obligate the Company to continue to provide coverage which would have ceased even if you had remained an employee of the Company.

(i)  Other Benefits Payable: The severance benefits described in Subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g) and (h) above shall be payable in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other accrued or vested or earned but deferred compensation, rights, options or other benefits which may be owed to you following your discharge or resignation (and are not contingent on any Change in Control preceding such termination), including but not limited to, accrued and/or banked vacation, amounts or benefits payable, if any, under any bonus or other compensation plans, stock option plan, stock ownership plan, stock purchase plan, life insurance plan, health plan, disability plan or similar plan.


8

(j)   Payment Obligations: Other than as set forth in the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP, upon a Change in Control the Company's obligations to pay the severance benefits or make any other payments described in this Section 6 shall not be affected by any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which the Company or any of its subsidiaries may have against you or anyone else. If you are less than age 55 at the time of your discharge without Cause or your resignation for Good Reason, then, commencing 24 months after the Date of Termination, you shall be required to seek employment elsewhere and thereby mitigate the amount of SERP benefit payable under Subsection (f)(1). You shall not be required to accept a position other than as a senior executive of an entity comparable in size to the Company and having duties, responsibilities and authority substantially similar in scope and nature to your position with the Company immediately prior to the Date of Termination. Upon obtaining such employment, you shall promptly notify the Company of the compensation and benefits you received or will receive from such new employer and of any changes therein.

(k)  Legal Fees and Expenses: Subject to and contingent upon the occurrence of a Change in Control the Company agrees to pay promptly as incurred, to the full extent permitted by law, all legal fees and expenses which you may reasonably thereafter incur as a result of any contest, litigation or arbitration (regardless of the outcome thereof) by the Company, you or others of the validity or enforceability of, or liability under, any provision of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, or the SERP (including any contest by you about the amount of any payment pursuant to this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan or the SERP), plus in each case interest on any delayed payment at the rate of 150% of the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal in the Money Rates Table on the business day immediately preceding the conclusion of any such contest, litigation or arbitration.

(l)   Certain Additional Payments by the Company:

(1)  Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, but subject to the next paragraph of this Subsection (6)(l)(1), in the event that you become entitled to severance benefits under this Section 6 hereof, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise, and it shall be determined that any payment or distribution by the Company to you or for your benefit, whether paid or payable or distributed or distributable pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Deferred Compensation Plan, the SERP or otherwise (a "Payment"), would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax (such excise tax, together with any such interest and penalties, are hereinafter collectively referred to as the "Excise Tax"), then you shall be entitled to receive an additional payment (a "Gross-Up Payment") in an amount such that after payment by you of all taxes (including any interest or penalties imposed with respect to such taxes), including any Excise Tax, imposed upon the Gross-Up Payment, you retain an amount of the Gross-Up Payment equal to the Excise Tax imposed upon the Payment.


9

If it is determined that the Payment is subject to the Excise Tax and that the Payment is not more than 120% of the greatest amount that can be paid to you without requiring payment of the Excise Tax (the Safe Harbor Amount” ), then (a) no Gross-Up Payment shall be made to you, (b) the Company shall notify you within 15 business days after the date of termination of your employment of the Safe Harbor Amount, and (c) unless you direct the Company otherwise in writing within 10 business days after your receipt of such notice, the Payment, in the aggregate, shall be reduced to the Safe Harbor Amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, if the Payment is more than 120% of the Safe Harbor Amount, then you will receive the Gross-Up Payment.

(2)  All determinations required to be made under this Subsection (l), including whether a Gross-Up Payment is required, the amount of such Gross-Up Payment and the amount of any reduction in the Payments, shall be made in good faith by the Company which shall provide detailed supporting calculations to you within 15 business days after the date of termination of your employment, if applicable, or such earlier time as is requested by the Company. If the Company determines that no Excise Tax is payable by you, it shall furnish you with an opinion of counsel that you have substantial authority not to report any Excise Tax on your federal income tax return. Except as hereinafter provided, any determination by the Company shall be binding upon the Company and you. As a result of the uncertainty in the application of Section 4999 of the Code at the time of the initial determination by the Company hereunder, it is possible that Gross-Up Payments which will not have been made by the Company should have been made ("Underpayment"), consistent with the calculations required to be made hereunder. In the event that you are required to make a payment of any Excise Tax (other than as a result of your direction under the preceding paragraph), the Company shall determine the amount of the Underpayment that has occurred and any such Underpayment shall be promptly paid by the Company to you or for your benefit.

(3)  Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections 6(a) and 6(g), if the Company preliminarily determines in good faith that the Payments are subject to reduction under this Subsection 6(l), then the payments required under Subsections 6(a) and 6(g) may be delayed until five business days after a final determination is made under this Subsection 6(l) as to whether the Payments will be reduced.

7.   Assignability

This Agreement is binding on and is for the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, heirs, executors, administrators and other legal representatives. Neither this Agreement nor any right or obligation hereunder may be assigned by the Company (except to any subsidiary or affiliate) or by you.


10

8.   Non-Competition

 If, subsequent to a Change in Control of the Company, you are discharged without Cause or resign for Good Reason, then for a period of two years after the Date of Termination, you shall not on your own account without the consent of the Company, or as a shareholder, employee, officer, director, consultant or otherwise, engage directly or indirectly in any business or enterprise which is in competition with the Company. For all purposes of this agreement the words "competition with the Company" shall mean:

(a)  
Directly participate or engage, on the behalf of other parties, in the purchase of products, supplies or services of the kind, nature or description of those sold by the Company,

(b)  
Solicit, divert, take away or attempt to take away any of the Company’s Customers or the business or patronage of any such Customers of the Company;

(c)  
Solicit, entice, lure, employ or endeavor to employ any of the Company’s employees;

(d)  
Divulge to others or use for your own benefit any confidential information obtained during the course of your employment with Company relative to sales, services, processes, methods, machines, manufacturers, compositions, ideas, improvements, patents, trademarks, or inventions belonging to or relating to the affairs of Company;

(e)  
Divulge to others or use to your own benefit any trade secrets belonging to the Company obtained during the course of your employment or that you became aware of as a consequence of your employment.

The term Customer shall mean any person, firm, association, corporation or other entity to which you or the Company has sold the Company’s products or services within the twenty-four (24) month period immediately preceding the termination of your employment with the Company or to which you or the Company is in the process of selling its products or services, or to which you or the Company has submitted a bid, or is in the process of submitting a bid to sell the Company’s products or services.

However, nothing herein contained shall prevent you from purchasing and holding for investment less than 5% of the shares of any corporation the shares of which are regularly traded either on a national securities exchange or in the over-the-counter market, and notwithstanding any provision hereof, you may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and any facts that may be relevant to the tax structure of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than any information for which nondisclosure is reasonably necessary in order to comply with applicable federal or state securities laws, and except that, with respect to any document or other information that in either case contains information concerning the tax treatment or tax structure of such transactions as well as other information, this paragraph shall apply only to such portions of the document or similar item that is relevant to an understanding of such tax treatment or tax structure.
 
11

9.  
Non-Disparagement

You and the Company agree that neither party shall disparage the other nor shall either party communicate to any person and/or entity in a manner that is disrespectful, demeaning, and/or insulting toward the other party.

10.  Successor

The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company to assume expressly and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. As used in this Agreement, "Company" shall mean the Company as herein before defined and any successor to its business and/or assets as aforesaid which assumes and agrees to perform this Agreement by operation of law, or otherwise. Failure of the Company to obtain such agreement prior to the effectiveness of such succession shall be a breach of this Agreement and shall entitle you to compensation from the Company in the same amount and on the same terms as you would be entitled hereunder if you terminated your employment for Good Reason, except that for purposes of implementing the foregoing, the date on which any such succession becomes effective shall be deemed the Date of Termination.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by your personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees. If you should die while any amounts would still be payable to you hereunder if you had continued to live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided herein, shall be paid to such beneficiary or beneficiaries as you shall have designated by written notice delivered to the Company prior to your death or, failing such written notice, to your estate.

11.  Amendment; Waiver

This Agreement may be amended only by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto, and any provision hereof may be waived only by an instrument in writing signed by the party or parties against whom or which enforcement of such waiver is sought. The failure of either party hereto at any time to require the performance by the other party hereto of any provision hereof shall in no way affect the full right to require such performance at any time thereafter, nor shall the waiver by either party hereto of a breach of any provision hereof be taken or held to be a waiver of any succeeding breach of such provision or a waiver of the provision itself or a waiver of any other provision of this Agreement.

12.  Notices

All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by hand delivery to the other party or by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:


12

If to you:

[Executive]
[Address]

If to the Company:

Secretary
FirstEnergy
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

or to such other address as either party shall have furnished to the other in writing in accordance herewith. Notice and communications shall be effective when actually received by the addressee.

13.  Validity

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision or provisions of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect, nor shall the invalidity or unenforceability of a portion of any provision of this Agreement affect the validity or enforceability of the balance of such provision. If any provision of this Agreement, or portion thereof is so broad, in scope or duration, as to be unenforceable, such provision or portion thereof shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

14.  Withholding

The Company may withhold from any amounts payable under this Agreement such Federal, state or local taxes as shall be required to be withheld pursuant to any applicable law or regulation.

15.  Entire Agreement

This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the Company and you with respect to the subject matter hereof and, upon the date this Agreement becomes effective pursuant to Section 3, supercedes all other agreements of like or similar nature.

16.  Applicable Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive internal law and not the conflict of law provisions of the State of Ohio.



13

If the terms of the foregoing Agreement are acceptable to you, please sign and return to the Company the enclosed copy of this Agreement whereupon this Agreement shall become a valid and legally binding contract between you and the Company.

 

     
 
Very truly yours,
 
FIRSTENERGY CORP.
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:    
 

Anthony J. Alexander
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Accepted and Agreed as of the date first above written:
 
 

                                             [Executive]
 
 
 
14


EX-12.1 13 ex12-1.htm FE - FIXED CHARGE RATIO FE - Fixed Charge Ratio


EXHIBIT 12.1
 
FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                       
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                     
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
598,970
 
$
654,946
 
$
618,385
 
$
424,249
 
$
873,779
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
amounts capitalized
   
556,194
   
591,192
   
980,344
   
841,280
   
692,358
 
Provision for income taxes
   
376,802
   
474,457
   
514,134
   
407,524
   
670,922
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
271,471
   
258,561
   
246,416
   
247,222
   
248,499
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
1,803,437
 
$
1,979,156
 
$
2,359,279
 
$
1,920,275
 
$
2,485,558
 
                                 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                               
Interest expense
 
$
493,473
 
$
519,131
 
$
904,697
 
$
798,911
 
$
670,945
 
Subsidiaries’ preferred stock dividend requirements
   
62,721
   
72,061
   
75,647
   
42,369
   
21,413
 
Adjustments to subsidiaries’ preferred stock dividends
to state on a pre-income tax basis
   
32,098
   
41,349
   
28,426
   
22,519
   
16,442
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
271,471
   
258,561
   
246,416
   
247,222
   
248,499
 
Fixed charges as defined
 
$
859,763
 
$
891,102
 
$
1,255,186
 
$
1,111,021
 
$
957,299
 
                                 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED
CHARGES
   
2.10
   
2.22
   
1.88
   
1.73
   
2.60
 
 
___________________

(a) Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.




EX-13 14 ex13.htm FE - ANNUAL REPORT Unassociated Document

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

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

ATSI
American Transmission Systems, Inc., owns and operates transmission facilities
Avon
Avon Energy Partners Holdings
CEI
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
CFC
Centerior Funding Corporation, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of CEI
Companies
OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec
Emdersa
Empresa Distribuidora Electrica Regional S.A.
EUOC
Electric Utility Operating Companies (OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed, Penelec, and ATSI)
FENOC
FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company, operates nuclear generating facilities
FES
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESC
FirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FGCO
FirstEnergy Generation Corp., operates nonnuclear generating facilities
FirstCom
First Communications, LLC, provides local and long-distance telephone service
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
FSG
FirstEnergy Facilities Services Group, LLC, the parent company of several heating, ventilation,
air conditioning and energy management companies
GLEP
Great Lakes Energy Partners, LLC, an oil and natural gas exploration and production venture
GPU
GPU, Inc., former parent of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec, which merged with FirstEnergy on
November 7, 2001
GPU Capital
GPU Capital, Inc., owned and operated electric distribution systems in foreign countries
GPU Power
GPU Power, Inc., owned and operated generation facilities in foreign countries
JCP&L
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, a New Jersey electric utility operating subsidiary
MARBEL
MARBEL Energy Corporation, previously held FirstEnergy's interest in GLEP
Met-Ed
Metropolitan Edison Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
MYR
MYR Group, Inc., a utility infrastructure construction service company
NEO
Northeast Ohio Natural Gas Corp., formerly a MARBEL subsidiary
OE
Ohio Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
Ohio Companies
CEI, OE and TE
Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary
Penn
Pennsylvania Power Company, a Pennsylvania electric utility operating subsidiary of OE
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
TE
The Toledo Edison Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
TEBSA
Termobarranquilla S.A., Empresa de Servicios Publicos
     
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
     
ALJ
Administrative Law Judge
AOCL
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
APB
Accounting Principles Board
APB 25
APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
APB 29
APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions"
ARB 43
Accounting Research Bulletin No. 43, "Restatement and Revision of Accounting Research Bulletins"
ARO
Asset Retirement Obligation
ASLB
Atomic Safety and Licensing Board
BGS
Basic Generation Service
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
CTC
Competitive Transition Charge
ECAR
East Central Area Reliability Coordination Agreement
EITF
Emerging Issues Task Force
EITF 03-1
EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary and Its Application to Certain
Investments”
EITF 03-16
EITF Issue No. 03-16, “Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies”
EITF 97-4
EITF Issue No. 97-4 "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101"
EITF 99-19
EITF Issue No. 99-19, "Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent"
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency

 
i
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont.
 
 

FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIN
FASB Interpretation
FIN 46R
FIN 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
FMB
First Mortgage Bonds
FSP
FASB Staff Position
FSP EITF 03-1-1
FASB Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue
No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments"
FSP 106-1
FASB Staff Position No.106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 106-2
FASB Staff Position No.106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug,
   Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 109-1
FASB Staff Position No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the
   Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"
GAAP
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and Air-conditioning
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
ISO
Independent System Operator
KWH
Kilowatt-hours
LOC
Letter of Credit
MACT
Maximum Achievable Control Technologies
Medicare Act
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
MISO
Midwest Independent System Transmission Operator, Inc.
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
MTC
Market Transition Charge
MW
Megawatts
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Council
NJBPU
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
NOAC
Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition
NOV
Notices of Violation
NOX
Nitrogen Oxide
NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NUG
Non-Utility Generation
OCC
Ohio Consumers' Counsel
OCI
Other Comprehensive Income
OPEB
Other Post-Employment Benefits
PCAOB
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
PJM
PJM Interconnection L. L. C.
PLR
Provider of Last Resort
PPUC
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PRP
Potentially Responsible Party
PUCO
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCA
Public Utility Holding Company Act
RTC
Regulatory Transition Charge
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SBC
Societal Benefits Charge
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71
SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 87
SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions"
SFAS 101
SFAS No. 101, "Accounting for Discontinuation of Application of SFAS 71"
SFAS 106
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"
SFAS 115
SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities"
SFAS 123
SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"
SFAS 123(R)
SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payment"
SFAS 131
SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"
SFAS 133
SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”
SFAS 140
SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishment of Liabilities”

ii
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont.



SFAS 142
SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets"
SFAS 143
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
SFAS 144
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"
SFAS 150
SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity"
SFAS 151
SFAS No. 151, "Inventory costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4"
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
TBC
Transition Bond Charge
TMI-1
Three Mile Island Unit 1
TMI-2
Three Mile Island Unit 2
VIE
Variable Interest Entity


iii


MANAGEMENT REPORTS

Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management who takes responsibility for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent with other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements.

FirstEnergy Corp.’s internal auditors, who are responsible to the Audit Committee of FirstEnergy’s Board of Directors, review the results and performance of operating units within the Company for adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of accounting and reporting systems, as well as managerial and operating controls.

FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee consists of five independent directors whose duties include: consideration of the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company and the objectivity of financial reporting; inquiry into the number, extent, adequacy and validity of regular and special audits conducted by independent auditors and the internal auditors; and reporting to the Board of Directors the Committee’s findings and any recommendation for changes in scope, methods or procedures of the auditing functions. The Committee is directly responsible for appointing the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and is charged with reviewing and approving all services performed for the Company by the independent registered public accounting firm and for reviewing and approving the related fees. The Committee reviews the independent registered public accounting firm's report on internal quality control and reviews all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Company, in order to assess the independent registered public accounting firm's independence. The Committee also reviews management’s programs to monitor compliance with the Company’s policies on business ethics and risk management. The Committee establishes procedures to receive and respond to complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and allows for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2004.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page 2.




 
1

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors of FirstEnergy Corp.:

We have completed an integrated audit of FirstEnergy Corp.’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholders’ equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of FirstEnergy Corp. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2(K) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003. As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.




PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005


 
2


FIRSTENERGY CORP.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
2000
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
                       
Revenues
 
$
12,453,046
 
$
11,674,888
 
$
11,453,354
 
$
7,237,011
 
$
6,470,488
 
Income Before Discontinued
Operations and Cumulative Effect of
Accounting Changes
 
$
873,779
 
$
424,249
 
$
618,385
 
$
654,946
 
$
598,970
 
Net Income
 
$
878,175
 
$
422,764
 
$
552,804
 
$
646,447
 
$
598,970
 
Basic Earnings per Share of Common Stock:
                               
Before Discontinued Operations and
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes
 
$
2.67
 
$
1.40
 
$
2.11
 
$
2.85
 
$
2.69
 
After Discontinued Operations and
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes
 
$
2.68
 
$
1.39
 
$
1.89
 
$
2.82
 
$
2.69
 
Diluted Earnings per Share of Common Stock:
                               
Before Discontinued Operations and
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes
 
$
2.66
 
$
1.40
 
$
2.10
 
$
2.84
 
$
2.69
 
After Discontinued Operations and
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Changes
 
$
2.67
 
$
1.39
 
$
1.88
 
$
2.81
 
$
2.69
 
Dividends Declared per Share of Common Stock*
 
$
1.9125
 
$
1.50
 
$
1.50
 
$
1.50
 
$
1.50
 
Total Assets
 
$
31,067,944
 
$
32,909,948
 
$
34,386,353
 
$
37,351,513
 
$
17,941,294
 
Capitalization as of December 31:
                               
Common Stockholders’ Equity
 
$
8,589,294
 
$
8,289,341
 
$
7,050,661
 
$
7,398,599
 
$
4,653,126
 
Preferred Stock:
                               
Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
335,123
   
335,123
   
335,123
   
480,194
   
648,395
 
Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
--
   
--
   
428,388
   
594,856
   
161,105
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term
                               
Obligations
   
10,013,349
   
9,789,066
   
10,872,216
   
12,865,352
   
5,742,048
 
Total Capitalization
 
$
18,937,766
 
$
18,413,530
 
$
18,686,388
 
$
21,339,001
 
$
11,204,674
 

*
Dividends declared in each year include four quarterly dividends of $0.375 per share paid in those years. In addition, a quarterly dividend of $0.4125 was declared in 2004 payable March 1, 2005, increasing the indicated annual dividend rate from $1.50 to $1.65 per share.


PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK

The Common Stock of FirstEnergy Corp. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FE" and is traded on other registered exchanges.

   
2004
 
2003
 
First Quarter High-Low
 
$
39.37
 
$
35.24
 
$
35.19
 
$
27.04
 
Second Quarter High-Low
 
$
39.73
 
$
36.73
 
$
38.90
 
$
30.57
 
Third Quarter High-Low
 
$
42.23
 
$
37.04
 
$
38.75
 
$
25.82
 
Fourth Quarter High-Low
 
$
43.41
 
$
38.35
 
$
35.95
 
$
31.66
 
Yearly High-Low
 
$
43.41
 
$
35.24
 
$
38.90
 
$
25.82
 

Prices are based on reports published in The Wall Street Journal for New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions.


HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK

There were 143,111 and 142,825 holders of 329,836,276 shares of FirstEnergy's Common Stock as of December 31, 2004 and January 31, 2005, respectively. Information regarding retained earnings available for payment of cash dividends is given in Note 10(A) to the consolidated financial statements.

 
3

FIRSTENERGY CORP.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

This discussion includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "believe," "estimate" and similar words. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition and deregulation in the electric utility industry, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, legislative and regulatory changes (including revised environmental requirements), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits, fines or other enforcement actions and remedies) of governmental investigations and oversight, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the United States Attorney's Office and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, generally, and with respect to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station outage in particular, the availability and cost of capital, the continuing availability and operation of generating units, our inability to accomplish or realize anticipated benefits from strategic goals, our ability to improve electric commodity margins and to experience growth in the distribution business, our ability to access the public securities and other capital markets, further investigation into the causes of the August 14, 2003, regional power outage and the outcome, cost and other effects of present and potential legal and administrative proceedings and claims related to the outage, the final outcome in the proceeding related to FirstEnergy's Application for a Rate Stabilization Plan in Ohio, the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

On a non-GAAP basis, earnings in 2004 increased to $991 million, or basic earnings of $3.03 per share of common stock, from earnings of $736 million (basic earnings of $2.42 per share) in 2003 and $889 million (basic earnings of $3.03 per share) in 2002. On a GAAP basis, net income increased to $878 million, or basic earnings of $2.68 per share in 2004 from $423 million (basic earnings of $1.39 per share) in 2003 and $553 million (basic earnings of $1.89 per share) in 2002. The following Non-GAAP Reconciliation displays the unusual items resulting in the difference between GAAP and non-GAAP earnings.

Non-GAAP Reconciliation
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
After-tax
 
Basic
 
After-tax
 
Basic
 
After-tax
 
Basic
 
   
Amount
 
Earnings
 
Amount
 
Earnings
 
Amount
 
Earnings
 
   
(Millions)
 
Per Share
 
(Millions)
 
Per Share
 
(Millions)
 
Per Share
 
                           
Earnings Before Unusual Items (Non-GAAP)
 
$
991
 
$
3.03
 
$
736
 
$
2.42
 
$
889
 
$
3.03
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
               
102
   
0.33
             
Discontinued international operations
               
(101
)
 
(0.33
)
 
(80
)
 
(0.27
)
Non-core asset sales/impairments
   
(60
)
 
(0.19
)
 
(125
)
 
(0.41
)
 
(62
)
 
(0.21
)
Davis-Besse impacts
   
(38
)
 
(0.12
)
 
(170
)
 
(0.56
)
 
(139
)
 
(0.47
)
JCP&L disallowance
               
(109
)
 
(0.36
)
           
Litigation settlement
   
(11
)
 
(0.03
)
                       
Lake plants transaction
                           
(17
)
 
(0.06
)
NRG settlement
               
99
   
0.33
             
Long-term derivative contract adjustment
                           
(11
)
 
(0.04
)
Generation project cancellation
                           
(10
)
 
(0.04
)
Other
   
(4
)
 
(0.01
)
 
(9
)
 
(0.03
)
 
(17
)
 
(0.05
)
Net Income (GAAP)
 
$
878
 
$
2.68
 
$
423
 
$
1.39
 
$
553
 
$
1.89
 


The Non-GAAP measure above, earnings before unusual items, is not calculated in accordance with GAAP because it excludes the impact of "unusual items." Unusual items reflect the impact on earnings of events that are not routine, are related to discontinued businesses or are the cumulative effect of an accounting change. We believe presenting normalized earnings calculated in this manner provides useful information to investors in evaluating the ongoing results of our businesses and assists investors in comparing our operating performance to the operating performance of others in the energy sector.

 
4

Under our debt paydown and refinancing program, we retired, refinanced, or restructured more than $2.8 billion in long-term debt during the year. These financing activities contributed to the $143 million decrease in interest charges in 2004.

Sales for 2004 were up over the previous year, driven primarily by strong sales in the wholesale power market. This increase is largely reflective of a stronger economy and the return of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station to active status. Despite milder weather experienced over much of our service area in 2004, our generating fleet produced a record 76 billion KWH. Our fossil fleet produced 46 billion KWH and our nuclear fleet produced a record 30 billion KWH.

The Company made a voluntary $500 million contribution to its pension plan in order to help add security to future plan benefits. The net after-tax cost of the contribution was approximately $300 million. This contribution is expected to reduce our overall risk profile, because it reduces uncertainty regarding the plan’s unfunded liability.

We continue to participate in meaningful settlement negotiations with the parties to the New Source Review case involving our W. H. Sammis Plant (see Environmental Matters). As a result, the U.S. District Court judge hearing the case has delayed without rescheduling the remedy phase of the trial, originally scheduled to begin in January 2005.

In November 2004, the Board of Directors increased our indicated annual dividend to $1.65 per share, payable quarterly at a rate of $0.4125 per share. This action represents a 10% increase over the previous quarterly rate and is the first dividend increase since FirstEnergy was formed in 1997. The Board also adopted a dividend policy that will target sustainable annual dividend increases after 2005 that generally reflect an annual growth rate within the range of 4% to 5%, and an earnings payout ratio generally within the range of 50% to 60%.

At the end of December 2004, accrued dividends of approximately $135 million were included in other current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Dividends declared in 2004 were $1.9125 which included quarterly dividends of $0.375 per share paid in each quarter of 2004 and a dividend of $0.4125 payable in the first quarter of 2005. The amount and timing of all dividend declarations are subject to the discretion of the Board and its consideration of business conditions, results of operations, financial condition and other factors.

FIRSTENERGY’S BUSINESS

FirstEnergy is a registered public utility holding company headquartered in Akron, Ohio that provides regulated and competitive energy services (see Results of Operations - Business Segments). Our eight EUOC provide transmission and distribution services and comprise the nation’s fifth largest investor-owned electric system - - based on serving 4.4 million customers within 36,100 square miles of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. ATSI provides transmission services to our Ohio Companies and Penn. The service areas of our EUOC are highlighted below.


Operating Company
Area Served
Customers Served
OE
Central and northeastern Ohio
1,031,066
     
Penn
Western Pennsylvania
157,411
     
CEI
Northeastern Ohio
757,889
     
TE
Northwestern Ohio
311,225
     
JCP&L
Northern, western and east
central New Jersey
1,061,764
     
Met-Ed
Eastern Pennsylvania
526,380
     
Penelec
Western Pennsylvania
588,066
     
ATSI
Service areas of OE, Penn,
CEI and TE
 


Competitive energy services are principally provided by FES. FSG and MYR provide heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, refrigeration, process piping, plumbing, electrical and facility control systems and high-efficiency electrotechnologies. While competitive revenues have increased since 2001, regulated energy services continue to provide the majority of our revenues and earnings.


5

Beginning in 2001, Ohio utilities that offered both competitive and regulated retail electric services were required to implement a corporate separation plan approved by the PUCO - one which provided a clear separation between regulated and competitive operations. FES provides generation services while the EUOC provide regulated transmission and distribution services. FGCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of FES, leases and operates fossil and hydroelectric plants owned by the Ohio Companies and Penn. Under the terms of the Ohio Rate Stabilization Plan, the deadline for achieving structural separation by transferring the ownership of applicable EUOC generating assets to a competitive affiliate was extended until twelve months after the termination of the Rate Stabilization Plan, unless otherwise extended further by the PUCO, or until December 31, 2008, whichever is earlier. All of the power supply requirements for the Ohio Companies and Penn are provided through FES.

FirstEnergy acquired international assets in the merger with GPU in November 2001. GPU Capital and its subsidiaries had provided electric distribution services in foreign countries (see Results of Operations - Discontinued Operations). GPU Power and its subsidiaries owned and operated generation facilities in foreign countries. As of January 30, 2004, all of the international operations had been divested because those assets were inconsistent with our vision for FirstEnergy.

STRATEGY

We continue to pursue our goal of being the leading regional supplier of energy and related services in the northeast quadrant of the United States, where we see the best opportunities for growth. Our fundamental business strategy remains stable and unchanged. While we continue to build a strong regional presence, key elements for our strategy are in place and management's focus continues to be on execution. We intend to continue providing competitively priced, high-quality products and value-added services - energy sales and services, energy delivery, power supply and supplemental services related to our core business.

Our current focus includes: (1) minimizing unplanned extended generation outages; (2) enhancing our system reliability; (3) optimizing our generation portfolio; (4) effectively managing commodity supplies and risks; (5) preserving and enhancing appropriate margins; (6) enhancing our credit profile and financial flexibility; and (7) managing the skills and diversity of our workforce.

RISKS

We face a number of industry and enterprise risks and challenges, including:

·
Changes in commodity prices, which could adversely affect our margins;
   
·
Complex and changing government regulations, which could have a negative impact on results of operations;
   
·
Costs of compliance with environmental laws, which are significant, and the cost of compliance with future environmental
 laws, which could adversely affect cash flow and profitability;
   
·
Financial performance risks related to the economic cycles of the electric utility industry;
   
·
The continuing availability and operation of generating units, which is dependent on retaining the necessary licenses, permits, and
operating authority from governmental entities, including the NRC;
   
·
Risks of nuclear generation, including uncertainties relating to health and safety, additional capital costs, the adequacy of insurance
coverage and nuclear plant decommissioning;
   
·
Operational risks arising from the reliability of our power plants and transmission and distribution equipment;
   
·
Regulatory changes in the electric industry, which could affect our competitive position and result in unrecoverable costs adversely
affecting our business and results of operations;
   
·
Human resource risks associated with the availability of trained and qualified labor to meet our future staffing requirements;
   
·
Weather conditions such as tornadoes, hurricanes, storms and droughts, as well as seasonal temperature variations;
   
·
A downgrade in credit ratings, which could negatively affect our ability to access capital; and
   
·
We may ultimately incur liability in connection with federal proceedings described in Note 13 to the consolidated
financial statements.


 
6

RECLASSIFICATIONS

As discussed in Notes 1 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Revenues related to transmission activities previously recorded as wholesale electric sales revenues were reclassified as transmission revenues. Expenses (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets to conform to the current year presentation of generation commodity costs. As further discussed in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements, segment reporting in 2003 and 2002 was reclassified to conform to the 2004 business segment organizations and operations. These reclassifications did not change previously reported earnings in 2003 and 2002.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The 2004 increase in net income of $455 million from the prior year resulted from several factors. First, the number of unusual charges incurred in 2004 decreased as certain initiatives began to reach their conclusion in 2003 and early 2004. Second, adverse operating results at FSG led to impairment of its goodwill in 2003. Its remaining goodwill and certain other assets were further impaired in 2004 as we prepared to sell the FSG operations. Finally, a positive turn in the economy, moderation in the rate at which alternative suppliers expanded their presence in our franchise areas, and reduced expenses enhanced 2004 financial results. Moderating those positive results was the absence in 2004 of the NRG settlement gain recorded in 2003 and the cumulative effect of an accounting change which offset some of the negative 2003 factors described above.

The $130 million decrease in net income in 2003 compared with 2002 reflected many of the factors described above. Additional costs were being incurred during the extended outage at Davis-Besse for replacement power, accelerated maintenance, extended-scope enhancements to plant design and human performance and safety issues. Also, losses were being recorded on international operations, alternative suppliers were expanding more rapidly in our franchise areas, the economy negatively influenced financial results and we recorded our first impairment of goodwill. In 2003, the NRG settlement gain and cumulative effect of an accounting change offset the negative factors.

The financial results in 2004, 2003 and 2002 are summarized in the table below.


FirstEnergy
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
Total revenues
 
$
12,453
 
$
11,675
 
$
11,453
 
Income before discontinued operations
and cumulative effect of accounting change
   
874
   
424
   
618
 
Discontinued operations
   
4
   
(103
)
 
(65
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
102
   
--
 
Net Income
 
$
878
 
$
423
 
$
553
 
                     
Basic Earnings Per Share:
                   
Income before discontinued operations and
cumulative effect of accounting change
 
$
2.67
 
$
1.40
 
$
2.11
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.01
   
(0.34
)
 
(0.22
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
0.33
   
--
 
Net Income
 
$
2.68
 
$
1.39
 
$
1.89
 
                     
Diluted Earnings Per Share:
                   
Income before discontinued operations and
cumulative effect of accounting change
 
$
2.66
 
$
1.40
 
$
2.10
 
Discontinued operations
   
0.01
   
(0.34
)
 
(0.22
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
0.33
   
--
 
Net Income
 
$
2.67
 
$
1.39
 
$
1.88
 


 
7

Results of Operations - 2004 Compared With 2003

Sources of changes in total revenues are summarized in the following table:

           
Increase
 
Sources of Revenue Changes
 
2004
 
2003
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Retail Electric Sales:
             
EUOC  -  Wires
 
$
4,701
 
$
4,787
 
$
(86
)
  -  Generation
   
3,158
   
3,139
   
19
 
FES
   
637
   
566
   
71
 
Wholesale Electric Sales:
                   
EUOC
   
512
   
570
   
(58
)
FES
   
1,823
   
1,143
   
680
 
Total Electric Sales
   
10,831
   
10,205
   
626
 
Transmission Revenues:
                   
EUOC
   
333
   
23
   
310
 
FES
   
39
   
59
   
(20
)
Other Revenues:
                   
EUOC
   
361
   
443
   
(82
)
FES - Generation
   
35
   
10
   
25
 
FSG
   
398
   
327
   
71
 
International
   
--
   
25
   
(25
)
Miscellaneous
   
456
   
583
   
(127
)
Total Revenues
 
$
12,453
 
$
11,675
 
$
778
 


Changes in electric generation sales and distribution deliveries in 2004 are summarized in the following table:

   
Increase
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
(Decrease)
 
Electric Generation Sales:
     
Retail:
     
EUOC
   
(1.5
)%
FES
   
4.9
%
Wholesale
   
26.7
%
         
Total Electric Generation Sales
   
7.7
%
         
EUOC Distribution Deliveries:
       
Residential
   
2.0
%
Commercial
   
2.6
%
Industrial
   
0.6
%
Total Distribution Deliveries
   
1.6
%


Retail sales by our EUOC remain the largest source of revenues, contributing more than 70% of electric revenues and over 60% of total revenues. The following major factors contributed to the $67 million decrease in retail electric revenues from our EUOC in 2004.


Sources of the Changes in EUOC Retail Electric Revenue
     
   
(In millions)
 
Increase (Decrease)
     
Changes in Customer Consumption:
     
Alternative suppliers
 
$
(77
)
Economy, weather and other
   
109
 
     
32
 
Changes in Price:
       
Rate changes
   
(19
)
Shopping incentives
   
(51
)
Rate mix and other
   
(29
)
     
(99
)
Net Decrease
 
$
(67
)


 
8

Lower prices were partially offset by increased energy use due to a strengthening economy. Although the demand for energy increased in all three customer groups - residential, commercial and industrial - milder weather in 2004 moderated the energy needs of residential and commercial customers. Customers shopping in our franchise areas for alternative energy suppliers remained a major factor contributing to lower EUOC revenues with alternative suppliers providing a larger portion of franchise customer energy requirements.

Alternative suppliers provided 24.3% of the total energy delivered to retail customers in our franchise areas in 2004, compared to 21.8% in 2003. Lower prices resulted from three factors - a shopping credit rate increase, a change in the mix of sales with fewer retail customers receiving EUOC generation in Ohio, and lower base distribution rates at JCP&L. Partially offsetting JCP&L's lower base distribution rates were higher energy, MTC and SBC rates.

Additional credits provided to customers (primarily under the Ohio transition plan) to promote customer shopping for alternative suppliers reduced regulated retail electric sales revenues. Reductions from shopping incentives are deferred for future recovery under our Ohio transition plan and do not affect current period earnings.

Electric sales by FES increased by $751 million primarily from additional sales to the wholesale market that increased $680 million in 2004. Higher electric sales to the wholesale market were possible due in part to a 13% increase in generation resulting from record production from our generating fleet. Retail sales increased $71 million, with nearly half of the revenue increase from customers within our franchise areas switching to FES.

The gross generation margin in 2004 improved by $402 million compared to 2003, with electric generation revenue increasing more rapidly than the costs of fuel and purchased power. Excluding the unusual charge resulting from the July 2003 JCP&L rate decision, the gross generation margin improved by $249 million and the ratio of gross generation margin to revenue increased from 26.1% to 27.1%, primarily reflecting additional lower-cost nuclear generation, offset in part by higher purchased power prices.


Gross Generation Margin
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase
 
   
(In millions)
 
Electric generation revenue
 
$
6,130
 
$
5,418
 
$
712
 
Fuel and purchased power costs
   
4,469
   
4,159
   
310
 
Gross Generation Margin
 
$
1,661
 
$
1,259
 
$
402
 

Income before discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of an accounting change increased $450 million in 2004. In addition to the impact of improved gross generation margin discussed above, the following factors contributed to the change in earnings:

 
·
Lower nuclear expenses of $169 million primarily as a result of one scheduled refueling outage at Beaver Valley
Unit 1 in 2004 compared to three scheduled refueling outages in 2003 (Beaver Valley Unit 1, Beaver Valley Unit 2
and Perry) and reduced incremental maintenance costs at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station related to its restart;
   
·
Lower energy delivery expenses of $94 million due to reduced storm restoration costs in 2004, a higher level of
construction activities in 2004 compared to a higher level of maintenance activities in the prior year and
additional distribution reliability expenses incurred in the third quarter of 2003;
   
·
Reduced fossil generation expenses of $49 million due to less maintenance in 2004 compared to the prior year;
   
·
A net $51 million decrease in employee benefits expense primarily as a result of reduced postretirement benefit plan
expenses (see Postretirement Plans below), offset in part by higher incentive compensation and severance costs;
   
·
Lower interest charges of $143 million primarily due to debt and preferred stock redemption and refinancing activities and
pollution control note repricings;
   
·
A net $81 million reduction in goodwill impairment charges for FSG with $36 million (see Note 2(H)) and $117 million
recognized in 2004 and 2003, respectively; and
   
·
Additional deferrals of regulatory assets of $63 million, due principally to Ohio shopping incentives.


 
9

Partially offsetting the above sources of improved earnings were five factors:
 

·
Reduced revenues of $86 million from distribution deliveries due to lower prices;
   
·
Increased amortization of regulatory assets of $87 million primarily from additional Ohio transition plan amortization
and a change in amortization resulting from the July 2003 JCP&L rate decision;
   
·
The absence in 2004 of the 2003 earnings benefit of $168 million realized from the settlement of our claim against
NRG for the terminated sale of four fossil plants;
   
·
An aggregate increase in Ohio property tax expense and other state taxes of $40 million; and
   
·
Increased income taxes of $263 million primarily reflecting higher taxable earnings.

Results of Operations - 2003 Compared With 2002

Sources of changes in total revenues are summarized in the following table:


           
Increase
 
Sources of Revenue Changes
 
2003
 
2002
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Retail Electric Sales:
             
EUOC  -  Wires
 
$
4,787
 
$
4,872
 
$
(85
)
              -  Generation
   
3,139
   
3,357
   
(218
)
FES
   
566
   
348
   
218
 
Wholesale Electric Sales:
                   
EUOC
   
570
   
511
   
59
 
FES
   
1,143
   
568
   
575
 
Total Electric Sales
   
10,205
   
9,656
   
549
 
Transmission Revenues:
                   
EUOC
   
23
   
39
   
(16
)
FES
   
59
   
2
   
57
 
Other Revenues:
                   
EUOC
   
443
   
387
   
56
 
FES - Generation
   
10
   
39
   
(29
)
FSG
   
327
   
383
   
(56
)
International
   
25
   
294
   
(269
)
Miscellaneous
   
583
   
653
   
(70
)
Total Revenues
 
$
11,675
 
$
11,453
 
$
222
 


Changes in electric generation sales and distribution deliveries in 2003 are summarized in the following table:


   
Increase
 
Changes in KWH Sales
 
(Decrease)
 
Electric Generation Sales:
     
Retail:
     
EUOC
   
(7.2
)%
FES
   
53.0
%
Wholesale
   
40.2
%
         
Total Electric Generation Sales
   
8.3
%
         
EUOC Distribution Deliveries:
       
Residential
   
(0.7
)%
Commercial
   
1.2
%
Industrial
   
(0.4
)%
         
Total Distribution Deliveries
   
--
%



 
10

Retail sales by our EUOC contributed more than 70% of electric revenues and over 60% of total revenues. The following major factors contributed to the $303 million decrease in retail electric revenues from our EUOC in 2003:


Sources of the Changes in EUOC Retail Electric Revenue
     
Increase (Decrease)
 
(In millions)
 
Changes in Customer Consumption:
     
Alternative suppliers
 
$
(295
)
Economy, weather and other
   
(16
)
     
(311
)
Changes in Price:
       
Rate changes
   
(11
)
Shopping incentives
   
(6
)
Rate mix and other
   
25
 
     
8
 
Net Decrease
 
$
(303
)


The lower retail electric revenues resulted principally from increased sales by alternative suppliers in our franchise areas. Alternative suppliers provided 21.8% of the total energy delivered to retail customers in our franchise areas in 2003, compared to 15.7% in 2002. As a result, generation kilowatt-hour sales to retail customers of our regulated services were 7.2% lower. Additional credits provided to customers (primarily under the Ohio transition plan) to promote customer shopping for alternative suppliers further reduced regulated retail electric sales revenues. Reductions from shopping incentives are deferred for future recovery under our Ohio transition plan and do not materially affect current period earnings. The NJBPU decision in July 2003 that lowered JCP&L's base electric rates effective August 1, 2003 contributed to lower rates.

Electric sales by FES increased by $793 million primarily from additional sales to the wholesale market that increased $575 million in 2003 on a 75% increase in kilowatt-hour sales. A majority of the increase was due to sales by our competitive electric energy services segment for a portion of New Jersey's BGS requirements and sales in the spot market. Retail sales by FES increased by $218 million as a result of a 53% increase in kilowatt-hour sales. That increase primarily resulted from retail customers within our Ohio franchise areas switching to FES under Ohio's electricity choice program and from growth in competitive retail sales outside our franchise areas.

The gross generation margin in 2003 declined by $215 million compared to the same period in 2002. Excluding the unusual charge of $153 million of power costs that were disallowed in the July 2003 JCP&L rate decision referred to above, our gross generation margin decreased $62 million and the ratio of gross generation margin to revenue decreased from 30.8% to 26.1%. Higher electric generation sales resulted principally from the additional sales in the wholesale market and were more than offset by increased fuel and purchased power costs. Purchased power costs increased by $879 million due to higher unit costs and additional quantities purchased. Increased volumes were required to supply obligations assumed by FES for BGS sales in New Jersey, as well as other wholesale commitments, and additional supplies were required to replace reduced nuclear generation (down 14%). Reduced nuclear generation output resulted from additional refueling outage work performed at the Perry and Beaver Valley plants in 2003 and the Davis-Besse extended outage.


           
Increase
 
Gross Generation Margin
 
2003
 
2002
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Electric generation revenue
 
$
5,418
 
$
4,784
 
$
634
 
Fuel and purchased power costs
   
4,159
   
3,310
   
849
 
Gross Generation Margin
 
$
1,259
 
$
1,474
 
$
(215
)


Income before discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of an accounting change decreased $194 million in 2003. In addition to the impact of reduced gross generation margin and lower revenues from distribution deliveries discussed above, the following factors contributed to the decrease in earnings:

·
Asset impairment charges of $56 million incurred in 2003 including a $26 million non-cash charge related to the
divestiture of our interest in TEBSA; a $13 million impairment on the monetization of the note received from the
sale of our 79.9% interest in Avon; an additional $5 million impairment upon the divestiture of our remaining
interest in Avon; and $12 million related to the disposition of NEO and the write down of our investment
in Pantellos, an internet business-to-business marketplace serving the utility sector;
   

 
11


·
A non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $117 million recorded in the third quarter of 2003 reducing the carrying value
of FSG;
   
·
Increased energy delivery costs of $36 million principally due to storm restoration expenses and an accelerated
reliability program within JCP&L's service territory;
   
·
Higher nuclear expenses of $54 million as a result of an additional scheduled nuclear refueling outage in 2003
and unplanned work performed during the scheduled refueling outages at the Perry Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 1.
The higher production costs were partially offset by lower maintenance costs at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station;
   
·
Planned maintenance outages at three of our fossil generating plants during the fourth quarter of 2003 increased
non-nuclear operating expenses by approximately $25 million;
   
·
Increased postretirement plan expenses (see Postretirement Plans below) offset in part by lower incentive compensation
costs contributed to a net cost increase of $94 million;
   
·
Revenues less operating expenses for energy-related services declined $17 million due to general declines associated
with economic conditions;
   
·
An estimated environmental liability of $15 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2003; and
   
·
Increased amortization of regulatory assets of $138 million due principally to additional Ohio transition plan amortization
and a July 2003 JCP&L rate case disallowance.
   
 
Partially offsetting these higher costs were five factors:
   
·
A settlement of our claim against NRG for the terminated sale of four fossil plants resulted in a $168 million gain;
   
·
Reduced depreciation resulting from several factors -- lower charges resulting from the implementation of
SFAS 143 ($61 million), revised service life assumptions for nuclear generating plants ($28 million) and reduced
depreciation rates resulting from the JCP&L rate case ($18 million);
   
·
Lower interest charges of $146 million primarily due to debt and preferred stock redemption and refinancing activities
and pollution control note repricings;
   
·
The absence of unusual charges recognized in 2002 resulted in a further net reduction of other operating expenses
($181 million) in 2003; and
   
·
Reduced income taxes of $106 million primarily reflecting lower taxable earnings.
   

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

Results in 2003 included an after-tax credit to net income of $102 million recorded upon the adoption of SFAS 143 in January 2003 (see discussion below). We identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning, reclamation of a sludge disposal pond at the Bruce Mansfield Plant and two coal ash disposal sites. As a result of adopting SFAS 143 in January 2003, asset retirement costs of $602 million were recorded as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset, offset by accumulated depreciation of $415 million. The ARO liability at the date of adoption was $1.11 billion, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. As of December 31, 2002, we had recorded decommissioning liabilities of $1.24 billion.  We expect substantially all of our nuclear decommissioning costs for Met-Ed, Penelec, JCP&L and Penn to be recoverable in rates over time. Therefore, we recognized a regulatory liability of $185 million upon adoption of SFAS 143 for the transition amounts related to establishing the ARO for nuclear decommissioning for those companies. The remaining cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation and accretion, offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and the reversal of accumulated estimated removal costs for non-regulated generation assets, was a $175 million increase to income, or $102 million net of income taxes. The application of SFAS 143 (excluding the cumulative adjustment described above) resulted in the following changes to expense categories and net income in 2003:


 
12


   
Increase
 
Effect of SFAS 143
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Other operating expense:
     
Cost of removal expenditures (previously included
in depreciation)
 
$
10
 
         
Depreciation:
       
Elimination of decommissioning expense
   
(89
)
Depreciation of asset retirement cost
   
2
 
Accretion of asset retirement liability
   
42
 
Elimination of removal cost component
   
(16
)
Net decrease to depreciation
   
(61
)
         
Income taxes
   
21
 
         
Net income effect
 
$
30
 


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

Discontinued operations for 2004, 2003 and 2002 include FES’ natural gas business (see Note 2(J)) which management expects to sell within one year. In 2003 and 2002, discontinued operations were reflected for Emdersa and EGSA, as we substantially completed our exit from foreign operations acquired through the merger with GPU in 2001. In addition, the results for the FSG subsidiaries, Colonial Mechanical, Webb Technologies and Ancoma, Inc. and the MARBEL subsidiary, NEO, which were divested in 2003, have been reported as discontinued operations for the years 2003 and 2002. The following table summarizes the sources of income (losses) from discontinued operations:


Discontinued Operations (Net of tax)
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Emdersa - abandonment
 
$
--
 
$
(67
)
$
--
 
EGSA - loss on sale
   
--
   
(33
)
 
--
 
Ancoma - loss on sale
   
--
   
(3
)
 
--
 
Total losses
   
--
   
(103
)
 
--
 
Reclassification of operating income (loss)
to discontinued operations:
                   
FES’ natural gas business
   
4
   
(2
)
 
15
 
Emdersa, EGSA, Colonial, Webb, Ancoma and NEO
   
--
   
2
   
(80
)
                     
Total
 
$
4
 
$
(103
)
$
(65
)


POSTRETIREMENT PLANS

Strengthened equity markets (reducing pension costs), as well as amendments to our health care benefits plan in the first quarter of 2004 and the Medicare Act signed by President Bush in December 2003 (reducing OPEB costs) combined to reduce postretirement benefits expenses by $109 million in 2004 from the prior year. A $191 million increase in benefits expenses in 2003 from 2002 resulted from declines in equity markets in 2001 and 2002 and a reduction in our assumed discount rate in 2002 which increased pension expenses. Also, higher health care payments and a related increase in projected trend rates led to higher OPEB expenses in 2003. The following table reflects the portion of postretirement costs that were charged to expense in 2004, 2003 and 2002.


Postretirement Expenses (Income)
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Pension
 
$
83
 
$
123
 
$
(14
)
OPEB
   
87
   
156
   
102
 
Total
 
$
170
 
$
279
 
$
88
 


 
13

Pension and OPEB expenses are included in various cost categories and have contributed to cost decreases in 2004, discussed above. The $500 million voluntary contribution made in 2004 is expected to result in a reduction in pension costs in 2005, 2006 and 2007 compared to the level they would have been without the voluntary contribution. Including the effect of higher interest costs resulting from funding the voluntary contribution, earnings per share are expected to benefit by approximately $0.06 in each of the next three years. See "Critical Accounting Policies - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting" for a discussion of the impact of underlying assumptions on postretirement expenses.

SUPPLY PLAN

Our affiliates are obligated to provide generation service with an estimated power supply of 99.5 billion KWH for 2005. These obligations arise from customers who have elected to continue to receive generation service from our EUOCs under regulated retail rate tariffs and from customers who have selected FES as their alternate generation provider. Geographically, approximately 63% of the total generation service obligation is for customers located in the MISO market area and 37% for customers located in the PJM market area. Included in the PJM market area are obligations of FES to provide power to electric distribution companies in the state of New Jersey, including JCP&L. FES incurred this obligation as a successful bidder in the State of New Jersey’s auction of BGS.

Within the franchise territories of the EUOC, alternative energy suppliers currently provide generation service for approximately 1,800 MW (summer peak) of load with an estimated energy requirement of eight billion KWH. If these alternate suppliers fail to deliver power to their customers located in the EUOC’s service areas, the EUOC must procure replacement power in the role of PLR (see Note 2(D) for discussion of the auction of JCP&L's PLR obligation). JCP&L's costs for any replacement power would be recovered under the applicable state regulatory rules.

To meet these generation service obligations, our affiliates own and operate 13,387 MW of installed generating capacity, which for 2005 is expected to provide approximately 75% of the required power supply. The balance has been secured through a mix of long-term purchases (term of contract greater than one year) and short-term purchases (term of contract less than one year). Changes in power supply requirements will be met through spot market transactions.

PJM INTERCONNECTION TRANSACTIONS

FES engages in purchase and sale transactions in the PJM Market (see Note 2 (D)) to support the supply of end-use customers, including its BGS obligation in New Jersey and PLR requirements in Pennsylvania. FES meets its supply commitments by transmitting energy into the PJM control area and through bilateral purchased power contracts with counterparties in PJM. FES schedules purchase and sale transactions for each hour in PJM on a day-ahead basis with system balancing occurring real-time. FES sells energy to the PJM Market at the location of its supply (transmitted and contracted energy) and purchases energy from the PJM Market at the location of its demand (end-use customer load).

FES accounts for energy transactions in the PJM Market in accordance with EITF 99-19, recognizing purchases and sales on a gross basis by recording each discrete transaction (see Note 2(D)). This presentation may not be comparable to other energy companies that have dedicated generating capacity in ISOs or fail to meet the criteria for gross presentation in EITF 99-19.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - BUSINESS SEGMENTS

We have three reportable segments: regulated services, competitive electric energy services and facilities (HVAC) services. The aggregate “Other” segments do not individually meet the criteria to be considered a reportable segment. “Other” consists of international businesses that have subsequently been divested, MYR (a construction service company); natural gas operations and telecommunications services. The assets and revenues for the other business operations are below the quantifiable threshold for operating segments for separate disclosure as “reportable segments.” FirstEnergy's primary segment is its regulated services segment, whose operations include the regulated sale of electricity and distribution and transmission services by its eight EUOC in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The competitive electric energy services business segment primarily consists of the subsidiaries (FES, FGCO and FENOC) that sell electricity in deregulated markets and operate the generation facilities of OE, CEI, TE and Penn resulting from the deregulation of the Companies' electric generation business (see Note 2(A) - Accounting for the Effects of Regulation).

The regulated services segment designs, constructs, operates and maintains our regulated transmission and distribution systems. Its revenues are primarily derived from electricity delivery and transition costs recovery. The regulated services segment assets include generating units that are leased to the competitive electric energy services. Its internal revenues represent the rental revenues for the generating unit leases.


 
14

The competitive electric energy services segment has responsibility for our generation operations as discussed under Note 2(A) to the consolidated financial statements. Its net income is primarily derived from revenues from all electric generation sales consisting of generation services to regulated franchise customers who have not chosen an alternative generation supplier, retail sales in deregulated markets and all domestic unregulated electricity sales in the retail and wholesale markets and the related costs of electricity generation and sourcing of commodity requirements. Its net income also reflects the expense of the intersegment generating unit leases discussed above and property tax amounts related to those generating units.

Segment reporting for 2003 and 2002 was reclassified to conform with the current year business segment organization and operations emphasizing our regulated electric businesses and competitive electric energy operations. A previous reportable segment was the more expansive competitive services segment whose aggregate operations consisted of our generation operations, natural gas commodity sales, providing local and long-distance phone service and other competitive energy related businesses such as facilities services and construction service (MYR) which was viewed as offering a comprehensive menu of energy related services. Management's focus is now on our core electric business. This has resulted in a change in performance review analysis from an aggregate view of all competitive services operations to a focus on its competitive electric energy operations. During our periodic review of reportable segments under SFAS 131, that change resulted in the revision of reportable segments to the separate reporting of competitive electric energy operations, facilities services and including all other competitive services operations in the "Other" segment. Facilities services is being disclosed as a reporting segment due to the subsidiaries qualifying as held for sale (see Note 2 (J)). In addition, certain amounts (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and depreciation and amortization to conform with the current year presentation of generation commodity costs. Interest expense on holding company debt and corporate support services revenues and expenses are now included in "Reconciling Items" and "Other" includes those operating segment results discussed above.

Financial results discussed below include revenues and expenses from transactions among our business segments. A reconciliation of segment financial results to consolidated financial results is provided in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements. Net income (loss) by business segment was as follows:


Net Income (Loss)
             
By Business Segment
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Segments:
             
Regulated services
 
$
1,015
 
$
1,164
 
$
962
 
Competitive electric energy services
   
104
   
(320
)
 
(170
)
Facilities services
   
(36
)
 
(81
)
 
3
 
Other
   
45
   
(160
)
 
(47
)
Reconciling items*
   
(250
)
 
(180
)
 
(195
)
Total
 
$
878
 
$
423
 
$
553
 

*    Includes interest expense on holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses and other reconciling items.


Regulated Services - 2004 versus 2003

Financial results of the regulated services segment were as follows:


           
Increase
 
Regulated Services
 
2004
 
2003
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Total revenues
 
$
5,713
 
$
5,572
 
$
141
 
Income before cumulative effect of accounting change
   
1,015
   
1,063
   
(48
)
Net income
   
1,015
   
1,164
   
(149
)



 
15

The change in operating revenues resulted from the following sources:

           
Increase
 
Sources of Revenue Changes
 
2004
 
2003
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Electric sales
 
$
4,701
 
$
4,787
 
$
(86
)
Other revenues:
                   
External sales
   
694
   
466
   
228
 
Internal sales
   
318
   
319
   
(1
)
Total Revenues
 
$
5,713
 
$
5,572
 
$
141
 


The net increase in operating revenues resulted from:

·
A decrease of $86 million in retail sales - a $60 million reduction in revenues from distribution deliveries and a
$26 million increase in the credits for shopping incentives to customers; and
   
·
A $228 million increase in other revenues primarily due to higher transmission revenues and, to a lesser extent,
earnings recognized on decommissioning trust investments (see Note 5 - Investments).

Income before discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of an accounting change decreased $48 million. In addition to the above changes in revenue, the following factors contributed to the change:

·
The absence in 2004 of the earnings benefit of the 2003 settlement of our claim against NRG for the terminated sale
of four fossil plants, which resulted in a $168 million gain;
   
·
An aggregate increase in Ohio property tax expense and other state taxes of $32 million; and
   
·
Additional MISO and PJM transmission costs of $238 million related to the transmission component of other
revenue discussed above.

Partially offsetting those factors were:

·
Lower energy delivery expenses (net of refunds to third-party suppliers) of $71 million due to reduced storm
restoration costs in 2004, a higher level of construction activities in 2004 compared to a higher level of maintenance
activities in the prior year and distribution reliability expenses incurred in the third quarter of 2003;
   
·
Lower interest charges of $130 million primarily related to debt and preferred stock redemption and refinancing activities
and pollution control note repricings; and
   
·
Reduced income taxes of $38 million primarily reflecting reduced taxable earnings.
   

Regulated Services - 2003 versus 2002

Financial results for regulated services were as follows:


     
Increase
Regulated Services
2003
2002
(Decrease)
 
(In millions)
Total revenues
$5,572
$5,616
$ (44)
Income before cumulative effect of accounting
     
Change
1,063
962
101
Net income
1,164
962
202


 
16

The change in operating revenues resulted from the following sources:


           
Increase
 
Sources of Revenue Changes
 
2003
 
2002
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Electric sales
 
$
4,787
 
$
4,872
 
$
(85
)
Other revenues:
                   
External sales
   
466
   
426
   
40
 
Internal sales
   
319
   
318
   
1
 
Total Revenues
 
$
5,572
 
$
5,616
 
$
(44
)

The net decrease in operating revenues resulted from:

·
A decrease of $85 million in retail sales - a $40 million reduction in revenues from distribution deliveries and a $45 million
increase in the credits for shopping incentives to customers; and
   
·
A net $40 million increase in other revenues due in part to JCP&L TBC revenue and jobbing and contracting revenue.

Income before discontinued operations and the cumulative effect of an accounting change increased $101 million. The following factors offset the lower revenues and contributed to the net increase in income:

·
Settlement of our claim against NRG for the terminated sale of four fossil plants which resulted in our recording a
$168 million pre-tax credit to earnings;
   
·
Lower interest charges of $95 million primarily related to debt and preferred stock redemption and refinancing activities
and pollution control note repricings; and
   
·
The absence of unusual charges recognized in 2002 of $6 million.

Partially offsetting the above sources of improved earnings were four factors:

·
Increased energy delivery costs of $41 million principally due to storm restoration expenses and an accelerated
reliability program within JCP&L’s service territory;
   
·
A net increase in depreciation and amortization expense of $9 million resulting from additional amortization of regulatory
assets offset in part by reduced depreciation;
   
·
Additional MISO and PJM transmission costs of $29 million related to the transmission component of other revenue; and
   
·
Increased income taxes of $57 million primarily reflecting higher taxable earnings.


Competitive Electric Energy Services - 2004 versus 2003

Financial results for competitive electric energy services were as follows:

Competitive Electric Energy Services
2004
2003
Increase
 
(In millions)
Total revenues
$6,204
$5,487
$717
Net income (loss)
104
(320)
424


The change in total revenues resulted from the following sources:


Sources of Revenue Changes
2004
2003
Increase
 
(In millions)
Electric sales
$6,130
$5,418
$712
Other revenues
74
69
5
Total Revenues
$6,204
$5,487
$717
 
 
17
The net increase in electric sales resulted from:

·
Higher retail generation sales from customer choice programs ($71 million) and EUOC regulated customers
($19 million); and
   
·
Increased FES wholesale revenues of $680 million offset in part by a $58 million decrease in sales to EUOC
wholesale customers.


The gross generation margin increased $402 million as electric generation revenues increased at a greater rate than the related costs of fuel and purchased power. Higher electric generation revenues resulted from increased sales to both retail and wholesale customers. Excluding the impact of the July 2003 JCP&L rate decision, the gross generation margin increased $249 million, reflecting the benefit of increased sales and the availability of additional lower-cost nuclear generation.

Net income increased $424 million. In addition to the improved gross generation margin discussed above, the following factors contributed to the increase in earnings:

·
Lower nuclear expenses of $169 million primarily as a result of one scheduled refueling outage at Beaver
Valley Unit 1 in 2004 compared to three scheduled refueling outages in 2003 (Beaver Valley Unit 1, Beaver
Valley Unit 2 and Perry) and reduced incremental maintenance costs at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power
Station related to its restart; and
   
·
Reduced fossil generation expenses of $49 million due to less maintenance in 2004 compared to the
prior year.


Partially offsetting the above sources of improved earnings were increased income taxes of $294 million reflecting higher taxable earnings.

Competitive Electric Energy Services - 2003 versus 2002

Financial results for competitive electric energy services were as follows:


Competitive Electric Energy Services
 
2003
 
2002
 
Increase
 
   
(In millions)
 
Total revenues
 
$
5,487
 
$
4,825
 
$
662
 
Net loss
   
320
   
170
   
150
 


The change in total revenues resulted from the following sources:


Sources of Revenue Changes
 
2003
 
2002
 
Increase
 
   
(In millions)
 
Electric sales
 
$
5,418
 
$
4,784
 
$
634
 
Other revenues
   
69
   
41
   
28
 
   
$
5,487
 
$
4,825
 
$
662
 


The net increase in electric sales resulted from increased FES wholesale revenues of $575 million and increased sales to EUOC wholesale customers of $59 million.

The gross generation margin decreased $215 million as fuel and purchased power costs increased more rapidly than related electric generation revenue. Excluding the unusual charge from the July 2003 JCP&L rate decision, the gross generation margin decreased $62 million, reflecting higher fuel and purchased power costs. Purchased power costs increased due to higher unit costs and additional quantities purchased. Increased volumes were required to supply obligations assumed and to replace reduced nuclear generation.

 
18

In addition to the reduced gross generation margin discussed above, the following factors contributed to the increase in the net loss:

·
Higher nuclear expenses of $54 million as a result of an additional scheduled nuclear refueling outage in 2003
and unplanned work performed during the scheduled refueling outages at the Perry Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 1.
The higher production costs were partially offset by lower maintenance costs at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power
Station; and
   
·
Planned maintenance outages at three of our fossil generating plants during the fourth quarter of 2003
increased non-nuclear operating expenses by approximately $25 million.

Partially offsetting the above sources of lower earnings were reduced income taxes of $134 million reflecting lower taxable income.

Facilities Services - 2004 versus 2003

Financial results for facilities services were as follows:

           
Increase
 
Facilities Services
 
2004
 
2003
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Total revenues
 
$
398
 
$
327
 
$
71
 
Net loss
   
36
   
81
   
(45
)
 
Revenue increased $71 million or 22% in 2004 compared to 2003 reflecting stronger market conditions. Losses from FSG goodwill impairment dominated financial results in 2004 and 2003 resulting in non-cash, pre-tax charges to earnings of $36 million and $117 million, respectively (see Note 2 (H)). The impairment in 2003 was identified during our annual assessment of goodwill and in 2004 from an analysis performed at year-end when a firm decision was made to divest all FSG assets. Excluding the after-tax impact of the goodwill impairments FSG experienced net income in 2004 of $1 million, following a $255,000 loss in 2003.

Facilities Services - 2003 versus 2002

Financial results for facilities services were as follows:


Facilities Services
2003
2002
(Decrease)
 
(In millions)
Total revenues
$327
$383
$(56)
Net income (loss)
(81)
3
(84)


Revenues decreased $56 million or 15% in 2003 primarily reflecting depressed market conditions and reduced customer maintenance services due to mild weather. The loss in 2003 resulted principally from the effect of the $117 million pre-tax charge (discussed above). Excluding the effect of the goodwill impairment, after-tax earnings decreased $3 million in 2003 compared to 2002.

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

Our cash requirements in 2004 for operating expenses, construction expenditures, scheduled debt maturities and preferred stock redemptions were met without increasing our net debt and preferred stock outstanding. During 2005, we expect to meet our contractual obligations primarily with cash from operations. Thereafter, we expect to use a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

The primary source of ongoing cash for FirstEnergy, as a holding company, is cash dividends from its subsidiaries. The holding company also has access to $1.375 billion through revolving credit facilities. In 2004, FirstEnergy received $782 million of cash dividends on common stock from its subsidiaries and paid $491 million in cash dividends on common stock to its shareholders. There are no material restrictions on the payments of cash dividends by our subsidiaries.

As of December 31, 2004, we had $53 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared with $114 million as of December 31, 2003. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2003 included $32 million received in December 2003 from the NRG settlement claim sold in January 2004. The major sources for changes in these balances are summarized below.

 
19

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Our consolidated net cash from operating activities is provided primarily by our regulated and competitive electric energy businesses (see Results of Operations - Business Segments above). Net cash provided from operating activities was $1.877 billion in 2004, $1.755 billion in 2003 and $1.932 billion in 2002, summarized as follows:

Operating Cash Flows
2004
2003
2002
 
(In millions)
Increase (Decrease)
     
Cash earnings (1)
$2,168
$1,825
$1,640
Pension trust contribution(2)
(300)
--
--
Working capital and other
9
(70)
292
Total
$1,877
$1,755
$1,932

(1)   Cash earnings are a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2)   Pension trust contribution net of $200 million of income tax benefits.

Cash earnings (in the table above) is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating our cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.


Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Net Income (GAAP)
 
$
878
 
$
423
 
$
553
 
Non-Cash Charges (Credits):
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
590
   
607
   
722
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
1,166
   
1,079
   
941
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(257
)
 
(194
)
 
(184
)
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization
   
96
   
66
   
81
 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets
   
(417
)
 
(427
)
 
(544
)
Deferred income taxes*
   
58
   
54
   
77
 
Goodwill impairment
   
36
   
117
   
--
 
Disallowed regulatory assets
   
--
   
153
   
--
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
(175
)
 
--
 
Other non-cash expenses
   
18
   
122
   
(6
)
Cash Earnings (Non-GAAP)
 
$
2,168
 
$
1,825
 
$
1,640
 

*  Excludes $200 million of deferred tax benefit from pension contribution in 2004.

Net cash provided from operating activities increased $122 million in 2004 compared to 2003 due to a $343 million increase in cash earnings as described under "Results of Operations" and a $79 million increase from changes in working capital, partially offset by a $300 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution. The working capital increase resulted in part from changes of $88 million in receivables, $78 million in prepayments and other current assets, $59 million in payables and a $53 million NUG power contract restructuring transaction, partially offset by a $237 million decrease in accrued tax balances. Net cash provided from operating activities decreased $177 million in 2003 compared to 2002 due to a $362 million decrease in working capital partially offset by a $185 million increase in cash earnings, as described above under "Results of Operations." The working capital decrease primarily resulted from changes of $388 million in payables and $165 million in prepayments and other current assets, partially offset by a $196 million increase in accrued tax balances.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

In 2004, 2003 and 2002, net cash used for financing activities of $1.457 billion, $1.298 billion and $1.138 billion, respectively, primarily reflected the redemptions of debt and preferred stock shown below. The following table provides details regarding new issues and redemptions during 2004, 2003 and 2002:

 
20


Securities Issued or Redeemed
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
New Issues
             
Common stock
 
$
--
 
$
934
 
$
--
 
Pollution control notes
   
261
   
--
   
158
 
Senior secured notes
   
300
   
400
   
370
 
Unsecured notes
   
400
   
627
   
140
 
   
$
961
 
$
1,961
 
$
668
 
Redemptions
                   
First mortgage bonds
 
$
589
 
$
1,483
 
$
728
 
Pollution control notes
   
80
   
238
   
93
 
Senior secured notes
   
471
   
323
   
278
 
Long-term revolving credit
   
95
   
85
   
--
 
Unsecured notes
   
337
   
--
   
210
 
Preferred stock
   
2
   
127
   
522
 
   
$
1,574
 
$
2,256
 
$
1,831
 
                     
Short-term borrowings, net
 
$
(351
)
$
(575
)
$
479
 


Net cash used for financing activities increased by $159 million in 2004 from 2003. The increase resulted primarily from the absence of a $934 million common equity financing in 2003 and a $37 million increase in common stock dividends partially offset by an $840 million decrease in net redemption of preferred securities and debt. Net cash used for financing activities in 2003 increased $160 million from 2002. The increase in cash used for financing activities resulted primarily from an increase in net redemptions of debt and preferred securities of $1.1 billion partially offset by the common equity financing in 2003.

We had approximately $170 million of short-term indebtedness at the end of 2004 compared to approximately $522 million at the end of 2003. Available borrowing capability as of December 31, 2004 included the following:


Borrowing Capability
 
FirstEnergy
 
OE
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
Long-term revolving credit
 
$
1,375
 
$
375
 
$
1,750
 
Utilized
   
(215
)
 
--
   
(215
)
Letters of credit
   
(135
)
 
--
   
(135
)
Net
   
1,025
   
375
   
1,400
 
                     
Short-term bank facilities
   
--
   
34
   
34
 
Utilized
   
--
   
(21
)
 
(21
)
Net
   
--
   
13
   
13
 
Total Unused Borrowing Capability
 
$
1,025
 
$
388
 
$
1,413
 

At the end of 2004, the Ohio Companies and Penn had the aggregate capability to issue approximately $4.4 billion of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of their respective mortgage indentures. The issuance of FMB by OE and CEI are 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 FMB) (i) supporting pollution control notes or similar obligations, or (ii) 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 $641 million and $588 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2004. Under the provisions of its senior note indenture, JCP&L may issue additional FMB only as collateral for senior notes. As of December 31, 2004, JCP&L had the capability to issue $644 million of additional senior notes upon the basis of FMB collateral. Based upon applicable earnings coverage tests in their respective charters, OE, Penn, TE and JCP&L could issue a total of $4.5 billion of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued) as of the end of 2004. CEI, Met-Ed and Penelec have no restrictions on the issuance of preferred stock (see Note 10(C) - Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Obligations for a discussion of debt covenants).

As of December 31, 2004, approximately $1.0 billion remained under FirstEnergy's shelf registration statement, filed with the SEC in 2003, to support future securities issues. The shelf registration provides the flexibility to issue and sell various types of securities, including common stock, debt securities, and share purchase contracts and related share purchase units.

At the end of 2004 and 2003, our common equity as a percentage of capitalization stood at 45% compared to 38% at the end of 2002. The higher common equity percentage in 2004 and 2003 compared to 2002 reflects net redemptions of preferred stock and long-term debt, and the increase in retained earnings.

 
21

     Our working capital and short-term borrowing needs are met principally with a syndicated $1 billion three-year revolving credit facility maturing in June 2007. Combined with our syndicated $375 million three-year facility maturing in October 2006, a $125 million three-year facility for OE maturing in October 2006, and a syndicated $250 million two-year facility for OE maturing in May 2005, our primary syndicated credit facilities total $1.75 billion. These revolving credit facilities, combined with an aggregate $550 million of accounts receivable financing facilities for OE, CEI, TE, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn, are intended to provide liquidity to meet our short-term working capital requirements and those of our subsidiaries. Total unused borrowing capability under existing facilities and accounts receivable financing facilities totaled $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2004.

Borrowings under these facilities are conditioned on maintaining compliance with certain financial covenants in the agreements. FirstEnergy and OE are each required to maintain a debt to total capitalization ratio of no more than 0.65 to 1 and a contractually defined fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 2 to 1. As of December 31, 2004, FirstEnergy’s and OE’s fixed charge coverage ratios, as defined under the credit agreements, were 4.48 to 1 and 7.15 to 1, respectively. FirstEnergy's and OE's debt to total capitalization ratios, as defined under the credit agreements, were 0.55 to 1 and 0.39 to 1, respectively. FirstEnergy and OE are in compliance with these financial covenants. The ability to draw on each of these facilities is also conditioned upon FirstEnergy or OE making certain representations and warranties to the lending banks prior to drawing on their respective facilities, including a representation that there has been no material adverse change in their business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, or prospects.

Neither FirstEnergy's nor OE’s primary credit facilities contain any provisions that either restrict their ability to borrow or accelerate repayment of outstanding advances as a result of any change in their credit ratings. Each primary facility does contain “pricing grids”, whereby the cost of funds borrowed under the facility is related to the credit ratings of the company borrowing the funds.

Our regulated companies 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 our 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. For the regulated companies, available bank borrowings include $1.75 billion from FirstEnergy's and OE’s revolving credit facilities. For the unregulated companies, available bank borrowings include only FirstEnergy’s $1.375 billion of revolving credit facilities. 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 2004 was 1.43% for the regulated companies’ money pool and 1.55% for the unregulated companies' money pool.

Our access to capital markets and costs of financing are influenced by the ratings of our securities. The following table shows our securities ratings as of December 31, 2004. The ratings outlook from the ratings agencies on all securities is stable.

 
22


Ratings of Securities
       
 
Securities
S&P
Moody’s
Fitch
         
FirstEnergy
Senior unsecured
BB+
Baa3
BBB-
         
OE
Senior secured
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
 
Senior unsecured
BB+
Baa2
BBB
 
Preferred stock
BB
Ba1
BBB-
         
CEI
Senior secured
BBB-
Baa2
BBB-
 
Senior unsecured
BB+
Baa3
BB
 
Preferred stock
BB
Ba2
BB-
         
TE
Senior secured
BBB-
Baa2
BBB-
 
Senior unsecured
BB+
Baa3
BB
 
Preferred stock
BB
Ba2
BB-
         
Penn
Senior secured
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
 
Senior unsecured (1)
BB+
Baa2
BBB
 
Preferred stock
BB
Ba1
BBB-
         
JCP&L
Senior secured
BBB+
Baa1
BBB+
 
Preferred stock
BB
Ba1
BBB
         
Met-Ed
Senior secured
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
 
Senior unsecured
BBB-
Baa2
BBB
         
Penelec
Senior secured
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
 
Senior unsecured
BBB-
Baa2
BBB
         
(1)  Penn's only senior unsecured debt obligations are notes underlying pollution control revenue refunding bonds issued by the Ohio
    Air Quality Development Authority to which bonds this rating applies.

On December 10, 2004, S&P reaffirmed our ‘BBB-' corporate credit rating and kept the outlook stable. S&P noted that the stable outlook reflects our improving financial profile and cash flow certainty through 2006. S&P stated that should the two refueling outages at the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants scheduled for the first quarter of 2005 be completed successfully without any significant negative findings and delays, our outlook would be revised to positive. S&P also stated that a ratings upgrade in the next several months did not seem likely, as remaining issues of concern to S&P, primarily the outcome of environmental litigation and SEC investigations, are not likely to be resolved in the short term.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Net cash flows used in investing activities resulted principally from property additions. Regulated services expenditures for property additions primarily include expenditures supporting the distribution of electricity. Capital expenditures by the competitive electric energy services segment are principally generation-related. The following table summarizes 2004 investments by our regulated services and competitive services segments:

 
23



Summary of Cash Flows
 
Property
             
Used for Investing Activities
 
Additions
 
Investments
 
Other
 
Total
 
2004 Sources (Uses)
 
(In millions)
 
Regulated services
 
$
(572
)
$
181
 
$
(88
)
$
(479
)
Competitive electric energy services
   
(246
)
 
16
   
(2
)
 
(232
)
Facilities services
   
(3
)
 
--
   
2
   
(1
)
Other
   
(4
)
 
184
   
(6
)
 
174
 
Reconciling items
   
(21
)
 
(22
)
 
100
   
57
 
Total
 
$
(846
)
$
359
 
$
6
 
$
(481
)
                           
2003 Sources (Uses)
                         
Regulated services
 
$
(434
)
$
105
 
$
16
 
$
(313
)
Competitive electric energy services
   
(335
)
 
(32
)
 
8
   
(359
)
Facilities services
   
(4
)
 
61
   
(70
)
 
(13
)
Other
   
(9
)
 
46
   
116
   
153
 
Reconciling items
   
(74
)
 
28
   
9
   
(37
)
Total
 
$
(856
)
$
208
 
$
79
 
$
(569
)
                           
2002 Sources (Uses)
                         
Regulated services
 
$
(490
)
$
27
 
$
2
 
$
(461
)
Competitive electric energy services
   
(391
)
 
--
   
(25
)
 
(416
)
Facilities services
   
(6
)
 
--
   
--
   
(6
)
Other
   
(9
)
 
96
   
43
   
130
 
Reconciling items
   
(102
)
 
(40
)
 
62
   
(80
)
Total
 
$
(998
)
$
83
 
$
82
 
$
(833
)

Net cash used for investing activities in 2004 decreased by $88 million from 2003. The decrease was primarily due to $278 million in cash proceeds from certificates of deposit received in the third quarter of 2004 partially offset by a $117 million change in NUG trust activity. Net cash used for investing activities in 2003 decreased by $264 million from 2002. The decrease was primarily due to a $142 million decrease in property additions and a $174 million increase in cash payments on long-term notes receivable.

Our capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $3.3 billion (excluding nuclear fuel), of which $979 million applies to 2005. Investments for additional nuclear fuel during the 2005-2007 period are estimated to be approximately $268 million, of which about $53 million applies to 2005. During the same period, our nuclear fuel investments are expected to be reduced by approximately $280 million and $90 million, respectively, as the nuclear fuel is consumed.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2004, our estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations that we consider firm obligations are as follows:

           
2006-
 
2008-
     
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
2005
 
2007
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
   
(In millions)
 
Long-term debt(5)
 
$
10,890
 
$
710
 
$
1,565
 
$
622
 
$
7,993
 
Short-term borrowings
   
170
   
170
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Preferred stock(1)
   
17
   
2
   
14
   
1
   
--
 
Capital leases (2)
   
19
   
5
   
6
   
2
   
6
 
Operating leases(2)
   
2,362
   
183
   
349
   
376
   
1,454
 
Pension funding (3)
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
       
Fuel and purchased power(4)
   
13,765
   
2,464
   
4,184
   
3,148
   
3,969
 
Total
 
$
27,223
 
$
3,534
 
$
6,118
 
$
4,149
 
$
13,422
 
 
 

(1)     Subject to mandatory redemption.
(2)     See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.
(3)
 We estimate that no further pension contributions will be required through 2009 to maintain our defined benefit pension plan's funding at 
 a minimum required level as determined by government regulations. We are unable to estimate projected contributions beyond 2009.
 See  Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
(4)     Amounts under contract with fixed or minimum quantities and approximate timing.
(5)     Amounts reflected do not include interest or long-term debt
 

 
 
 
 


 
24

Guarantees and Other Assurances

As part of normal business activities, we enter into various agreements on behalf of our subsidiaries to provide financial or performance assurances to third parties. Such agreements include contract guarantees, surety bonds, and LOCs. Some of the guaranteed contracts contain ratings contingent collateralization provisions.

As of December 31, 2004, our maximum exposure to potential future payments under outstanding guarantees and other assurances totaled approximately $2.4 billion, as summarized below:

   
Maximum
 
Guarantees and Other Assurances
 
Exposure
 
   
(In millions)
 
FirstEnergy Guarantees of Subsidiaries
     
Energy and Energy-Related Contracts (1) 
 
$
878
 
Other (2)
   
149
 
     
1,027
 
         
Surety Bonds
   
279
 
LOC (3)(4)
   
1,098
 
         
Total Guarantees and Other Assurances
 
$
2,404
 

 
(1)
  Issued for a one-year term, with a 10-day termination right by FirstEnergy.
 
(2)
  Issued for various terms.
 
(3)
  Includes $135 million issued for various terms under LOC capacity available in FirstEnergy’s revolving credit
  agreement and $299 million outstanding in support of pollution control revenue bonds issued with various maturities.
 
(4)
  Includes approximately $216 million pledged in connection with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley
  Unit 2 by CEI and TE, $294 million pledged in connection with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 by
  OE and $154 million pledged in connection with the sale and leaseback of Perry Unit 1 by OE.


We guarantee energy and energy-related payments of our subsidiaries involved in energy commodity activities - principally to facilitate normal physical transactions involving electricity, gas, emission allowances and coal. We also provide guarantees to various providers of subsidiary financing principally for the acquisition of property, plant and equipment. These agreements legally obligate us to fulfill the obligations of our subsidiaries directly involved in these 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, our guarantee enables the counterparty's legal claim to be satisfied by our other assets. The likelihood that such parental guarantees will increase amounts otherwise paid by us to meet our obligations incurred in connection with ongoing energy and energy-related contracts is remote.

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 or provision of an LOC may be required of the subsidiary. The following table summarizes collateral provisions in effect as of December 31, 2004:


   
Total
 
Collateral Paid
 
Remaining
 
Collateral Provisions
 
Exposure
 
Cash
 
LOC
 
  Exposure (1)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Credit rating downgrade
 
$
349
 
$
162
 
$
18
 
$
169
 
Adverse event
   
135
   
--
   
22
   
113
 
Total
 
$
484
 
$
162
 
$
40
 
$
282
 

 
(1)
  As of February 7, 2005, our total exposure decreased to $476 million and the remaining exposure increased to
  $290 million - net of $146 million of cash collateral and $40 million of LOC collateral provided to counterparties.


Most of our surety bonds are backed by various indemnities common within the insurance industry. Surety bonds and related guarantees 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.

 
25

We have guaranteed the obligations of the operators of the TEBSA project up to a maximum of $6.0 million (subject to escalation) under the project's operations and maintenance agreement. In connection with the sale of TEBSA in January 2004, the purchaser indemnified FirstEnergy against any loss under this guarantee. We have also provided an LOC (currently at $47 million), which is renewable and declines yearly based upon the senior outstanding debt of TEBSA.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We have obligations that are not included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the sale and leaseback arrangements involving Perry Unit 1, Beaver Valley Unit 2 and the Bruce Mansfield Plant, which are reflected as part of the operating lease payments disclosed above (see Notes 6 and 7). The present value of these sale and leaseback operating lease commitments, net of trust investments, total $1.4 billion as of December 31, 2004.

CEI and TE sell substantially all of their retail customer receivables to CFC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CEI. CFC subsequently transfers the receivables to a trust (a "qualified special purpose entity" under SFAS 140) under an asset-backed securitization agreement. This arrangement provided $84 million of off-balance sheet financing as of December 31, 2004. See Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding this arrangement.

We have equity ownership interests in various businesses that are accounted for using the equity method. There are no undisclosed material contingencies related to these investments. Certain guarantees that we do not expect to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, liquidity or results of operations are disclosed above as contractual obligations.

MARKET RISK INFORMATION

We use various market risk sensitive instruments, including derivative contracts, primarily to manage the risk of price and interest rate fluctuations. Our Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout the company. They are responsible for promoting the effective design and implementation of sound risk management programs. They also oversee compliance with corporate risk management policies and established risk management practices.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to market risk primarily due to fluctuations in electricity, natural gas, coal, nuclear fuel and emission allowance prices. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, we use a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including forward contracts, options, futures contracts and swaps. The derivatives are used principally for hedging purposes and, to a much lesser extent, for trading purposes. Most of our non-hedge derivative contracts represent non-trading positions that do not qualify for hedge treatment under SFAS 133. The change in the fair value of commodity derivative contracts related to energy production during 2004 is summarized in the following table:

Increase (Decrease) in the Fair Value of Derivative Contracts
 
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
Change in the fair value of commodity derivative contracts
             
Outstanding net asset as of January 1, 2004
 
$
67
 
$
12
 
$
79
 
New contract value when entered
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Additions/change in value of existing contracts
   
(4
)
 
6
   
2
 
Change in techniques/assumptions
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Settled contracts
   
(1
)
 
(16
)
 
(17
)
                     
Outstanding net asset as of December 31, 2004 (1)
   
62
   
2
   
64
 
                     
Non-commodity net assets as of December 31, 2004:
                   
Interest rate swaps (2)
   
--
   
4
   
4
 
Net Assets - Derivatives Contracts as of December 31, 2004
 
$
62
 
$
6
 
$
68
 
                     
Impact of Changes in Commodity Derivative Contracts (3)
                   
Income Statement Effects (Pre-Tax)
 
$
(5
)
$
--
 
$
(5
)
Balance Sheet Effects:
                   
OCI (Pre-Tax)
 
$
--
 
$
(10
)
$
(10
)

 
(1)
  Includes $61 million in non-hedge commodity derivative contracts, which are offset by a regulatory liability.
 
(2)
  Interest rate swaps are primarily treated as fair value hedges. Changes in derivative values of the fair value
  hedges are offset by changes in the hedged debts' premium or discount (see Interest Rate Swap Agreements
  below).
 
(3)
  Represents the increase in value of existing contracts, settled contracts and changes in
  techniques/assumptions.

 
26

Derivatives are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 as follows:

   
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
Current-
             
Other assets
 
$
2
 
$
2
 
$
4
 
Other liabilities
   
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(3
)
                     
Non-Current-
                   
Other deferred charges
   
62
   
15
   
77
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
   
--
   
(10
)
 
(10
)
Net assets
 
$
62
 
$
6
 
$
68
 


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, we rely on model-based information. The model provides estimates of future regional prices for electricity and an estimate of related price volatility. We use these results to develop estimates of fair value for financial reporting purposes and for internal management decision making. Sources of information for the valuation of commodity derivative contracts by year are summarized in the following table:


Source of Information
                         
- Fair Value by Contract Year
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
Prices actively quoted(1)
 
$
2
 
$
1
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
3
 
Other external sources(2)
   
17
   
10
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
27
 
Prices based on models
   
--
   
--
   
10
   
9
   
15
   
34
 
Total(3)
 
$
19
 
$
11
 
$
10
 
$
9
 
$
15
 
$
64
 

(1)   Exchange traded.
(2)  Broker quote sheets.
(3)  Includes $61 million from an embedded option that is offset by a regulatory liability and does not affect earnings.
 

 
We perform sensitivity analyses to estimate our exposure to the market risk of our commodity positions. A hypothetical 10% adverse shift in quoted market prices in the near term on both our trading and nontrading derivative instruments would not have had a material effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows as of December 31, 2004. We estimate that if energy commodity prices experienced an adverse 10% change, net income for the next twelve months would decrease by approximately $3 million.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates is reduced since a significant portion of our debt has fixed interest rates, as noted in the table below.

Comparison of Carrying Value to Fair Value

                       
There-
     
Fair
 
Year of Maturity
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
after
 
Total
 
Value
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
Assets
                                 
Investments other than Cash and Cash
                                 
Equivalents-Fixed Income
 
$
73
 
$
82
 
$
77
 
$
57
 
$
68
 
$
1,729
 
$
2,086
 
$
2,243
 
Average interest rate
   
6.8
%
 
7.8
%
 
7.9
%
 
7.7
%
 
7.8
%
 
6.0
%
 
6.3
%
     
                                                   
Liabilities
                                                 
Long-term Debt and Other
                                                 
Long-term Obligations:
                                                 
Fixed rate (1)
 
$
495
 
$
1,327
 
$
238
 
$
338
 
$
284
 
$
6,674
 
$
9,356
 
$
9,915
 
Average interest rate
   
7.4
%
 
5.7
%
 
6.6
%
 
5.3
%
 
6.8
%
 
6.5
%
 
6.4
%
     
Variable rate (1)
 
$
215
                         
$
1,319
 
$
1,534
 
$
1,538
 
Average interest rate
   
3.6
%
                         
2.2
%
 
2.4
%
     
Preferred Stock Subject to
                                                 
Mandatory Redemption
 
$
2
 
$
2
 
$
12
 
$
1
             
$
17
 
$
16
 
Average dividend rate
   
7.5
%
 
7.5
%
 
7.6
%
 
7.4
%
             
7.6
%
     
Short-term Borrowings
 
$
170
                               
$
170
 
$
170
 
Average interest rate
   
2.4
%
                               
2.4
%
     

(1)    Balances and rates do not reflect the fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements discussed below.

 
27

We are subject to the inherent interest rate risks related to refinancing maturing debt by issuing new debt securities. As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, our investments in capital trusts effectively reduce future lease obligations, also reducing interest rate risk. While fluctuations in the fair value of our Ohio Companies' decommissioning trust balances will eventually affect earnings (affecting OCI initially) based on the guidance provided by SFAS 115, our non-Ohio EUOC have the opportunity to recover from customers, or refund to customers, the difference between the investments held in trust and their decommissioning obligations. Thus, there is not expected to be an earnings effect from fluctuations in their decommissioning trust balances. As of December 31, 2004, decommissioning trust balances totaled $1.583 billion, with $975 million held by our Ohio Companies and the balance held by our non-Ohio EUOC. As of year-end 2004, trust balances of our Ohio Companies were comprised of 64% equity securities and 36% debt instruments.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

We have utilized fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements, as part of our ongoing effort to manage the interest rate risk of our debt portfolio. These derivatives are 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. Swap maturities, call options, fixed interest rates and interest payment dates match those of the underlying obligations. During the fourth quarter of 2004, in a period of declining interest rates, we unwound swaps with a total notional amount of $400 million. We received $12 million in cash gains from unwinding the swaps and interest expense will be reduced by that amount over the term of the related hedged debt. Due to the differences between fixed and variable debt rates, interest expense in 2004 and 2003 was reduced by $37 million and $27 million, respectively. We increased the total notional amount of outstanding interest rate swaps to $1.65 billion as of December 31, 2004, from $1.15 billion at the end of 2003 from cumulative swap activities. As of December 31, 2004, the debt underlying the interest rate swaps had a weighted average fixed interest rate of 5.53%, which the swaps have effectively converted to a current weighted average variable interest rate of 3.42%.


Fixed to Floating Rate
 
December 31, 2004
 
December 31, 2003
 
Interest Rate Swaps
 
Notional
 
Maturity
 
Fair
 
Notional
 
Maturity
 
Fair
 
(Fair value hedges)
 
Amount
 
Date
 
Value
 
Amount
 
Date
 
Value
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
                           
   
$
200
   
2006
 
$
(1
)
$
200
   
2006
 
$
1
 
     
100
   
2008
   
(1
)
 
50
   
2008
   
--
 
     
100
   
2010
   
1
   
100
   
2010
   
1
 
     
100
   
2011
   
2
   
100
   
2011
   
1
 
     
400
   
2013
   
4
   
350
   
2013
   
(1
)
     
100
   
2014
   
2
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
     
150
   
2015
   
(7
)
 
150
   
2015
   
(10
)
     
200
   
2016
   
1
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
     
150
   
2018
   
5
   
150
   
2018
   
1
 
     
50
   
2019
   
2
   
50
   
2019
   
1
 
     
100
   
2031
   
(4
)
 
--
   
--
   
--
 
                                       


Equity Price Risk

Included in nuclear decommissioning trusts are marketable equity securities carried at their current fair value of approximately $951 million and $779 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $95 million reduction in fair value as of December 31, 2004 (see Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

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. We engage 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.

We maintain credit policies with respect to our 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 our credit program, we aggressively manage the quality of our portfolio of energy contracts, evidenced by a current weighted average risk rating for energy contract counterparties of BBB (S&P). As of December 31, 2004, the largest credit concentration was with one party, currently rated investment grade that represented 7% of our total credit risk. Within our unregulated energy subsidiaries, 99% of credit exposures, net of collateral and reserve, were with investment-grade counterparties as of December 31, 2004.

 
28

REGULATORY MATTERS

In Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, laws applicable to electric industry restructuring contain similar provisions that are reflected in the Companies' respective state regulatory plans. These provisions include:

·
restructuring the electric generation business and allowing the Companies' customers to select a competitive electric
generation supplier other than the Companies;
   
·
establishing or defining the PLR obligations to customers in the Companies' service areas;
   
·
providing the Companies with the opportunity to recover potentially stranded investment (or transition costs) not
otherwise recoverable in a competitive generation market;
   
·
itemizing (unbundling) the price of electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission,
distribution and stranded costs recovery charges;
   
·
continuing regulation of the Companies' transmission and distribution systems; and
   
·
requiring corporate separation of regulated and unregulated business activities.

The EUOC recognize, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC, PUCO, PPUC and NJBPU have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Companies' respective transition and regulatory plans. Based on those plans, the Companies continue to bill and collect cost-based rates for their transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Companies continue the application of SFAS 71 to those operations. Regulatory assets that do not earn a current return totaled approximately $240 million as of December 31, 2004.


Regulatory Assets
   
Increase
As of December 31
2004
2003
(Decrease)
 
(In millions)
OE
$1,116
$1,451
$ (335)
CEI
959
1,056
(97)
TE
375
459
(84)
Penn*
--
28
(28)
JCP&L
2,176
2,558
(382)
Met-Ed
693
1,028
(335)
Penelec
200
497
(297)
ATSI
13
--
13
Total
$5,532
$7,077
$(1,545)

*    Changes in Penn's net regulatory asset components in 2004 resulted in net  regulatory liabilities of
     approximately $18 million included in Other Noncurrent  Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
     as of December 31, 2004.


 
29

Regulatory assets by source are as follows:


Regulatory Assets By Source
         
Increase
 
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
(Decrease)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Regulatory transition costs
 
$
4,889
 
$
6,427
 
$
(1,538
)
Customer shopping incentives*
   
612
   
371
   
241
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
   
246
   
340
   
(94
)
Societal benefits charge
   
51
   
81
   
(30
)
Loss on reacquired debt
   
89
   
75
   
14
 
Employee postretirement benefits costs
   
65
   
77
   
(12
)
Nuclear decommissioning, decontamination
                   
and spent fuel disposal costs
   
(169
)
 
(96
)
 
(73
)
Asset removal costs
   
(340
)
 
(321
)
 
(19
)
Property losses and unrecovered plant costs
   
50
   
70
   
(20
)
Other
   
39
   
53
   
(14
)
Total
 
$
5,532
 
$
7,077
 
$
(1,545
)


*
 The Ohio Companies are deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in
 accordance with the transition and rate stabilization plans. These regulatory assets, totaling $612 million as of
 December 31, 2004, will be recovered through a surcharge rate equal to the RTC rate in effect when the transition
 costs have been fully recovered. Recovery of the new regulatory assets will begin at that time and amortization
 of the regulatory assets for each accounting period will be equal to the surcharge revenue recognized during
 that period.

Ohio

On February 24, 2004, the Ohio Companies filed a revised Rate Stabilization Plan to address PUCO concerns related to the original Rate Stabilization Plan that the Ohio Companies filed in October 2003. On June 9, 2004, the PUCO issued an order approving the revised Rate Stabilization Plan, subject to conducting a competitive bid process. On August 5, 2004, the Ohio Companies accepted the Rate Stabilization Plan as modified and approved by the PUCO on August 4, 2004. In the second quarter of 2004, the Ohio Companies implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest cost deferrals on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC, respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the June 9, 2004 PUCO order and associated entries on rehearing.

The revised Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues the Ohio Companies' support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the revised Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:

·
extension of the amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC for OE from 2006 to as
late as 2007; for CEI from 2008 to as late as mid-2009 and for TE from mid-2007 to as late as mid-2008;
   
·
deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and
   
·
ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions,
for increases in fuel costs and taxes.

On December 9, 2004, the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved revised Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. The PUCO may cause the Ohio Companies to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization Plan pricing, but not the related approved accounting, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination.

On December 30, 2004, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO seeking tariff adjustments to recover increases of approximately $30 million in transmission- and ancillary service-related costs beginning January 1, 2006. The Ohio Companies also filed an application for authority to defer costs such as those associated with MISO Day 1, MISO Day 2, congestion fees, FERC assessment fees, and the ATSI rate increase (described below), as applicable, from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005.

 
30

See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Ohio.

New Jersey

In July 2003, the NJBPU announced its JCP&L base electric rate proceeding decision, which reduced JCP&L's annual revenues effective August 1, 2003 and disallowed $153 million of deferred energy costs. The NJBPU decision also provided for an interim return on equity of 9.5% on JCP&L's rate base. The decision ordered  a Phase II proceeding be conducted to review whether JCP&L is in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards. The BPU also ordered that any expenditures and projects undertaken by JCP&L to increase its system's reliability be reviewed as part of the Phase II proceeding, to determine their prudence and reasonableness for rate recovery. In that Phase II proceeding, the NJBPU could increase JCP&L’s return on equity to 9.75% or decrease it to 9.25%, depending on its assessment of the reliability of JCP&L's service. Any reduction would be retroactive to August 1, 2003. JCP&L recorded charges to net income for the year ended December 31, 2003, aggregating $185 million ($109 million net of tax) consisting of the $153 million of disallowed deferred energy costs and $32 million of other disallowed regulatory assets. In its final decision and order issued on May 17, 2004, the NJPBU clarified the method for calculating interest attributable to the cost disallowances, resulting in a $5.4 million reduction from the amount estimated in 2003. JCP&L filed an August 15, 2003 interim motion for rehearing and reconsideration with the NJBPU and a June 1, 2004 supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration. On July 7, 2004, the NJBPU granted limited reconsideration and rehearing on the following issues: (1) deferred cost disallowances (2) the capital structure including the rate of return (3) merger savings, including amortization of costs to achieve merger savings; and (4) decommissioning. Management is unable to predict when a decision may be reached by the NJBPU.

On July 16, 2004, JCP&L filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU requesting an increase in base rates of $36 million for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% return on equity. The filing also requests an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually. The Ratepayer Advocate filed testimony on November 16, 2004, JCP&L submitted rebuttal testimony on January 4, 2005. Settlement conferences are ongoing.

 
See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in New Jersey.

Pennsylvania

Met-Ed and Penelec purchase a portion of their PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sale agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by Met-Ed and Penelec under their NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces Met-Ed's and Penelec's exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for their uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. Met-Ed and Penelec are authorized to continue deferring differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.

On January 12, 2005, Met-Ed and Penelec filed, before the PPUC, a request for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005 estimated to be approximately $8 million per month.

See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for further details and a complete discussion of regulatory matters in Pennsylvania.

Transmission

On September 16, 2004, the FERC issued an order that imposed additional obligations on CEI under certain pre-Open Access transmission contracts among CEI and the cities of Cleveland and Painesville. Under the FERC’s decision, CEI may be responsible for a portion of new energy market charges imposed by MISO when its energy markets begin in the spring of 2005. CEI filed for rehearing of the order from the FERC on October 18, 2004. The impact of the FERC decision on CEI is dependent upon many factors, including the arrangements made by the cities for transmission service, the startup date for the MISO energy market, and the resolution of the rehearing request, and cannot be determined at this time.

On November 1, 2004, ATSI requested authority from the FERC to defer approximately $54 million of vegetation management costs ($13 million deferred as of December 31, 2004 pending authorization) estimated to be incurred from 2004 through 2007. The FERC approved ATSI's request to defer those costs on March 4, 2005. 

 
31

ATSI and MISO filed with the FERC on December 2, 2004, seeking approval for ATSI to have transmission rates established based on a FERC-approved cost of service formula rate included in Attachment O under the MISO tariff. The ATSI Network Service net revenue requirement increased under the formula rate to approximately $159 million. On January 28, 2005, the FERC accepted for filing the revised tariff sheets to become effective February 1, 2005, subject to refund, and ordered a public hearing be held to address the reasonableness of the proposal to eliminate the voltage-differentiated rate design for the ATSI zone.

Reliability Initiatives

In 2004, we completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended by various governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) for completion in 2004. We certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, that we had completed our initiatives with minor exceptions noted, and an independent team led by NERC verified the implementation. Further, we reported to NERC on December 28, 2004 that the minor exceptions were essentially complete.

We are proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades to existing equipment. We note, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review our filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed discussion of reliability initiatives, including actions by the PPUC that impact Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn.

On July 5, 2003, JCP&L experienced a series of 34.5 kilovolt sub-transmission line faults that resulted in outages on the New Jersey shore. As a result of an investigation into these outages, the NJBPU issued an order to JCP&L on July 23, 2004 to implement actions to improve reliability in accordance with a Special Reliability Master (SRM) report findings and an operations audit.

See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed discussion of reliability initiatives, including actions by the PPUC, that impact Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS 

We believe we are in compliance with current SO2 and NOx reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. In 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from the Companies' Ohio and Pennsylvania facilities. Various regulatory and judicial actions have since sought to further define NOx reduction requirements (see Note 13(C) - Environmental Matters). We continue to evaluate our compliance plans and other compliance options.

Clean Air Act Compliance

The Companies are required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. The Companies cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.

The Companies believe they are complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from the Companies' facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85% reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. The Companies believe their facilities are also complying with NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIP) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

 
32

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the Companies operate affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions

In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a "cap-and-trade" program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury "cap-and-trade" program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

W. H. Sammis Plant

In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities covering 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which is owned by OE and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, which included a complaint against OE and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. The ruling concludes the liability phase of the case, which deals with applicability of Prevention of Significant Deterioration provisions of the Clean Air Act. The remedy phase of the trial to address any civil penalties and what, if any, actions should be taken to further reduce emissions at the plant has been delayed without rescheduling by the Court because the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement negotiations. The Court indicated, in its August 2003 ruling, that the remedies it "may consider and impose involved a much broader, equitable analysis, requiring the Court to consider air quality, public health, economic impact, and employment consequences. The Court may also consider the less than consistent efforts of the EPA to apply and further enforce the Clean Air Act." The potential penalties that may be imposed, as well as the capital expenditures necessary to comply with substantive remedial measures that may be required, could have a material adverse impact on FirstEnergy's, OE's and Penn's respective financial condition and results of operations. While the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement discussions, management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste

As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash, as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

 
33
 

The Companies have been named as PRPs 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2004, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Companies' proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. In addition, JCP&L has accrued liabilities for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plants in New Jersey; those costs are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. Included in Current Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $65 million as of December 31, 2004. The Companies accrue environmental liabilities only when they can conclude that it is probable that they have an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Companies’ determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.
 
       Climate Change

In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18% through 2012.


The Companies cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the Companies is lower than many regional competitors due to the Companies' diversified generation sources which includes 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 the Companies' plants. In addition, Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to the Companies' operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.

On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. The Companies are conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by their facilities with the performance standards. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Power Outages and Related Litigation

Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio state courts by plaintiffs seeking to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All three cases were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. One case was refiled at the PUCO. The other two cases were appealed. One case was dismissed and no further appeal was sought. The remaining case is pending. In addition to the one case that was refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages.

One complaint has been filed against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed a motion to dismiss with the Court on October 22, 2004. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thus potential liability has not been determined.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

 
34

Nuclear Plant Matters
 
In late 2003, FENOC received a subpoena from a grand jury in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. First Energy is unable to predict the outcome of this investigation. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements relating to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station outage made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. In addition, FENOC remains subject to possible civil enforcement action by the NRC in connection with the events leading to the Davis-Besse outage in 2002.

 
On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, which is either owned or leased by OE, CEI, TE and Penn. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.

Other Legal Matters

Various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to FirstEnergy's normal business operations are pending against FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries. The most significant not otherwise discussed above are described below.
 
On July 27, 2004, FirstEnergy announced that it had reached an agreement to resolve pending lawsuits alleging violations of federal securities laws and related state laws filed against FirstEnergy in connection with, among other things, the restatements in August 2003 by FirstEnergy and the Ohio Companies of previously reported results, the August 14, 2003 power outages and the extended outage at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. The settlement agreement, which does not constitute any admission of wrongdoing, provides for a total settlement payment of $89.9 million. Of that amount, FirstEnergy's insurance carriers paid $71.92 million, based on a contractual pre-allocation, and FirstEnergy paid $17.98 million, which resulted in an after-tax charge against FirstEnergy's second quarter earnings of $11 million or $0.03 per share of common stock (basic and diluted). On December 30, 2004, the court approved the settlement.

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and the Ohio Companies, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a second subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation. If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on the above matter, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these principles often requires a high degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions that affect financial results. All of our assets are subject to their own specific risks and uncertainties and are regularly reviewed for impairment. Our more significant accounting policies are described below.

Regulatory Accounting

Our regulated services segment is subject to regulation that sets the prices (rates) we are permitted to charge our customers based on costs that the regulatory agencies determine we are permitted to recover. At times, regulators permit the future recovery through rates of costs that would be currently charged to expense by an unregulated company. This ratemaking process results in the recording of regulatory assets based on anticipated future cash inflows. We regularly review these assets to assess their ultimate recoverability within the approved regulatory guidelines. Impairment risk associated with these assets relates to potentially adverse legislative, judicial or regulatory actions in the future.

 
35

Revenue Recognition

We follow the accrual method of accounting for revenues, recognizing revenue for electricity that has been delivered to customers but not yet billed through the end of the accounting period. The determination of electricity sales to individual customers is based on meter readings, which occur on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, electricity delivered to customers since the last meter reading is estimated and a corresponding accrual for unbilled sales is recognized. The determination of unbilled sales requires management to make estimates regarding electricity available for retail load, transmission and distribution line losses, demand by customer class, weather-related impacts, prices in effect for each customer class and electricity provided by alternative suppliers.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting

Our reported costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and postemployment benefits other than pensions are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and certain assumptions.
 
Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions we make to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs are also affected by changes to key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations for pension and OPEB costs.

In accordance with SFAS 87, changes in pension and OPEB obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs on the income statement, but generally are recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 delay recognition of changes due to the long-term nature of pension and OPEB obligations and the varying market conditions likely to occur over long periods of time. As such, significant portions of pension and OPEB costs recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of cash benefits provided to plan participants and are significantly influenced by assumptions about future market conditions and plan participants' experience.

In selecting an assumed discount rate, we consider currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Due to recent declines in corporate bond yields and interest rates in general, we reduced the assumed discount rate as of December 31, 2004 to 6.00% from 6.25% and 6.75% used as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Our assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by our pension trusts. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, plan assets actually earned 11.1%, 24.2% and (11.3)%, respectively. Our pension costs in 2004 were computed assuming a 9.0% rate of return on plan assets based upon projections of future returns and our pension trust investment allocation of approximately 68% equities, 29% bonds, 2% real estate and 1% cash.

In the third quarter of 2004, we made a $500 million voluntary contribution to our pension plan. Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. Our election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement.

As a result of our voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, we reduced our accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $424 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, we reduced our additional minimum liability by $15 million, recording a decrease in an intangible asset of $9 million and crediting OCI by $6 million. The balance in AOCL of $296 million (net of $208 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Health care cost trends have significantly increased and will affect future OPEB costs. The 2004 and 2005 composite health care trend rate assumptions are approximately 10%-12% and 9%-11%, respectively, gradually decreasing to 5% in later years. In determining our trend rate assumptions, we included the specific provisions of our health care plans, the demographics and utilization rates of plan participants, actual cost increases experienced in our health care plans, and projections of future medical trend rates. The effect on our pension and OPEB costs and liabilities from changes in key assumptions are as follows:

Increase in Costs from Adverse Changes in Key Assumptions
 
Assumption
 
Adverse Change
 
Pension
 
OPEB
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
Discount rate
   
Decrease by 0.25
%
$
10
 
$
5
 
$
15
 
Long-term return on assets
   
Decrease by 0.25
%
$
10
 
$
1
 
$
11
 
Health care trend rate
   
Increase by 1
%
 
na
 
$
19
 
$
19
 
                           
Increase in Minimum Liability
                         
Discount rate
   
Decrease by 0.25
%
$
110
   
na
 
$
110
 


 
36

Ohio Transition Cost Amortization

In connection with the Ohio Companies' transition plan, the PUCO determined allowable transition costs based on amounts recorded on the regulatory books of the Ohio Companies. These costs exceeded those deferred or capitalized on FirstEnergy's balance sheet prepared under GAAP since they included certain costs which had not yet been incurred or that were recognized on the regulatory financial statements (fair value purchase accounting adjustments). FirstEnergy uses an effective interest method for amortizing its transition costs, often referred to as a "mortgage-style" amortization. The interest rate under this method is equal to the rate of return authorized by the PUCO in the transition plan for each respective company. In computing the transition cost amortization, FirstEnergy includes only the portion of the transition revenues associated with transition costs included on the balance sheet prepared under GAAP. Revenues collected for the off-balance sheet costs and the return associated with these costs are recognized as income when received.

Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with SFAS 144, we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to determine whether conditions exist that would indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be fully recoverable. The accounting standard requires that if the sum of future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from an asset is less than the carrying value of the asset, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset (discounted future net cash flows).

The calculation of future cash flows is based on assumptions, estimates and judgment about future events. The aggregate amount of cash flows determines whether an impairment is indicated. The timing of the cash flows is critical in determining the amount of the impairment.

Nuclear Decommissioning

In accordance with SFAS 143, we recognize an ARO for the future decommissioning of our nuclear power plants. The ARO liability represents an estimate of the fair value of our current obligation related to nuclear decommissioning and the retirement of other assets. A fair value measurement inherently involves uncertainty in the amount and timing of settlement of the liability. We used an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. This approach applies probability weighting to discounted future cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes. The scenarios consider settlement of the ARO at the expiration of the nuclear power plants' current license and settlement based on an extended license term.

Goodwill

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, we evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and make such evaluations more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment is indicated we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. Our annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004 with no impairment indicated.

SFAS 142 requires the goodwill of a reporting unit to be tested for impairment if there is a more-likely-than-not expectation that the reporting unit or a significant asset group within the reporting unit will be sold. In December 2004, the FSG subsidiaries qualified as held for sale in accordance with SFAS 144. As required by SFAS 142, the goodwill of FSG was tested for impairment, resulting in a non-cash charge of $36 million in the fourth quarter of 2004.

The forecasts used in our evaluations of goodwill reflect operations consistent with our general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on our future evaluations of goodwill.

 
37

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

SFAS 123 (revised 2004) “Share-Based Payment”

In December 2004, the FASB issued this revision to SFAS 123, which requires expensing stock options in the financial statements. Important to applying the new standard is understanding how to (1) measure the fair value of stock-based compensation awards and (2) recognize the related compensation cost for those awards. For an award to qualify for equity classification, it must meet certain criteria in SFAS 123(R). An award that does not meet those criteria will be classified as a liability and remeasured each period. SFAS 123(R) retains SFAS 123's requirements on accounting for income tax effects of stock-based compensation. The effective date for FirstEnergy is July 1, 2005 and the Company will be applying modified prospective application, without restatement of prior interim periods. Any potential cumulative adjustments have not been determined. FirstEnergy uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value options and will continue to do so upon adoption of SFAS 123(R). The impacts of the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 on FirstEnergy’s net income and earnings per share for 2002 through 2004 are disclosed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. FirstEnergy is considering alternative compensation strategies in conjunction with the adoption of SFAS 123(R).

 
EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for EITF 03-1, which provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, FirstEnergy will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.


 
38


FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


For the Years Ended December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
REVENUES:
                 
Electric utilities
$
9,064,853
 
$
8,962,201
 
$
9,165,805
 
Unregulated businesses
 
3,388,193
   
2,712,687
   
2,287,549
 
Total revenues
 
12,453,046
   
11,674,888
   
11,453,354
 
                   
EXPENSES:
                 
Fuel and purchased power
 
4,469,484
   
4,159,143
   
3,309,658
 
Other operating expenses
 
3,558,676
   
3,796,062
   
3,927,370
 
Provision for depreciation
 
589,652
   
606,436
   
721,493
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
 
1,166,323
   
1,079,337
   
940,991
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
 
(256,795
)
 
(194,261
)
 
(183,947
)
Goodwill impairment (Note 2(H))
 
36,471
   
116,988
   
--
 
General taxes
 
677,757
   
637,967
   
649,400
 
Total expenses
 
10,241,568
   
10,201,672
   
9,364,965
 
                   
CLAIM SETTLEMENT (Note 8)
 
--
   
167,937
   
--
 
                   
INCOME BEFORE INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES
 
2,211,478
   
1,641,153
   
2,088,389
 
                   
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                 
Interest expense
 
670,945
   
798,911
   
904,697
 
Capitalized interest
 
(25,581
)
 
(31,900
)
 
(24,474
)
Subsidiaries’ preferred stock dividends
 
21,413
   
42,369
   
75,647
 
Net interest charges
 
666,777
   
809,380
   
955,870
 
                   
INCOME TAXES
 
670,922
   
407,524
   
514,134
 
                   
INCOME BEFORE DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS AND CUMULATIVE
                 
EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE
 
873,779
   
424,249
   
618,385
 
Discontinued operations (net of income taxes (benefit) of $3,038,000,
                 
($3,064,000) and $14,560,000, respectively) (Note 2(J))
 
4,396
   
(103,632
)
 
(65,581
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change (net of income taxes of
                 
$72,516,000) (Note 2(K))
 
--
   
102,147
   
--
 
                   
NET INCOME
$
878,175
 
$
422,764
 
$
552,804
 
                   
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
                 
Income before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of
                 
accounting change
$
2.67
 
$
1.40
 
$
2.11
 
Discontinued operations (Note 2(J))
 
0.01
   
(0.34
)
 
(0.22
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Note 2(K))
 
--
   
0.33
   
--
 
Net income
$
2.68
 
$
1.39
 
$
1.89
 
                   
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF BASIC SHARES OUTSTANDING
 
327,387
   
303,582
   
293,194
 
                   
DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
                 
Income before discontinued operations and cumulative effect of
                 
accounting change
$
2.66
 
$
1.40
 
$
2.10
 
Discontinued operations (Note 2(J))
 
0.01
   
(0.34
)
 
(0.22
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Note 2(K))
 
--
   
0.33
   
--
 
Net income
$
2.67
 
$
1.39
 
$
1.88
 
                   
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF DILUTED SHARES OUTSTANDING
 
328,982
   
304,972
   
294,421
 


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



 
39

FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

         
As of December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
 
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
           
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
$
52,941
 
$
113,975
 
Receivables-
           
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $34,476,000 and $50,247,000,
           
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)
 
979,242
   
1,000,259
 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $26,070,000 and $18,283,000,
           
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)
 
377,195
   
505,241
 
Materials and supplies, at average cost-
           
Owned
 
363,547
   
325,303
 
Under consignment
 
94,226
   
95,719
 
Prepayments and other
 
145,196
   
202,814
 
   
2,012,347
   
2,243,311
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
           
In service
 
22,213,218
   
21,594,746
 
Less--Accumulated provision for depreciation
 
9,413,730
   
9,105,303
 
   
12,799,488
   
12,489,443
 
Construction work in progress
 
678,868
   
779,479
 
   
13,478,356
   
13,268,922
 
INVESTMENTS:
           
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
 
1,582,588
   
1,351,650
 
Investments in lease obligation bonds (Note 6)
 
951,352
   
989,425
 
Certificates of deposit (Note 10(C))
 
--
   
277,763
 
Other
 
740,026
   
878,853
 
   
3,273,966
   
3,497,691
 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
           
Regulatory assets
 
5,532,087
   
7,076,923
 
Goodwill
 
6,050,277
   
6,127,883
 
Other
 
720,911
   
695,218
 
   
12,303,275
   
13,900,024
 
 
$
31,067,944
 
$
32,909,948
 
LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION
           
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Currently payable long-term debt
$
940,944
 
$
1,754,197
 
Short-term borrowings (Note 12)
 
170,489
   
521,540
 
Accounts payable
 
610,589
   
725,239
 
Accrued taxes
 
657,219
   
669,529
 
Other
 
929,194
   
801,662
 
   
3,308,435
   
4,472,167
 
             
CAPITALIZATION (See Consolidated Statement of Capitalization):
           
Common stockholders’ equity
 
8,589,294
   
8,289,341
 
Preferred stock of consolidated subsidiaries not subject to mandatory redemption
 
335,123
   
335,123
 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
 
10,013,349
   
9,789,066
 
   
18,937,766
   
18,413,530
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Accumulated deferred income taxes
 
2,324,097
   
2,178,075
 
Asset retirement obligations (Note 11)
 
1,077,557
   
1,179,493
 
Power purchase contract loss liability
 
2,001,006
   
2,727,892
 
Retirement benefits
 
1,238,973
   
1,591,006
 
Lease market valuation liability
 
936,200
   
1,021,000
 
Other
 
1,243,910
   
1,326,785
 
   
8,821,743
   
10,024,251
 
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 6 and 13)
           
 
$
31,067,944
 
$
32,909,948
 
             

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.

 
40

FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION


As of December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
           
Common stock, $0.10 par value -authorized 375,000,000 shares-
           
329,836,276 shares outstanding
$
32,984
 
$
32,984
 
Other paid-in capital
 
7,055,676
   
7,062,825
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 2(I))
 
(313,112
)
 
(352,649
)
Retained earnings (Note 10(A))
 
1,856,863
   
1,604,385
 
Unallocated employee stock ownership plan common stock-
           
2,032,800 and 2,896,951 shares, respectively (Note 4(B))
 
(43,117
)
 
(58,204
)
Total common stockholders’ equity
 
8,589,294
   
8,289,341
 


 
Number of Shares
Outstanding
 
Optional
Redemption Price
         
 
2004
 
2003
 
Per Share
 
Aggregate
         
PREFERRED STOCK OF CONSOLIDATED
                                   
SUBSIDIARIES NOT SUBJECT TO
                                   
MANDATORY REDEMPTION (Note 10(B)):
                                   
Ohio Edison Company
                                   
Cumulative, $100 par value-
                                   
Authorized 6,000,000 shares
                                   
3.90%
 
152,510
   
152,510
 
$
103.63
 
$
15,804
   
15,251
   
15,251
 
4.40%
 
176,280
   
176,280
   
108.00
   
19,038
   
17,628
   
17,628
 
4.44%
 
136,560
   
136,560
   
103.50
   
14,134
   
13,656
   
13,656
 
4.56%
 
144,300
   
144,300
   
103.38
   
14,917
   
14,430
   
14,430
 
Total
 
609,650
   
609,650
         
63,893
   
60,965
   
60,965
 
                                     
Pennsylvania Power Company
                                   
Cumulative, $100 par value-
                                   
Authorized 1,200,000 shares
                                   
4.24%
 
40,000
   
40,000
   
103.13
   
4,125
   
4,000
   
4,000
 
4.25%
 
41,049
   
41,049
   
105.00
   
4,310
   
4,105
   
4,105
 
4.64%
 
60,000
   
60,000
   
102.98
   
6,179
   
6,000
   
6,000
 
7.75%
 
250,000
   
250,000
   
100.00
   
25,000
   
25,000
   
25,000
 
Total
 
391,049
   
391,049
         
39,614
   
39,105
   
39,105
 
                                     
Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company
                                   
Cumulative, without par value-
                                   
Authorized 4,000,000 shares
                                   
$ 7.40 Series A
 
500,000
   
500,000
   
101.00
   
50,500
   
50,000
   
50,000
 
Adjustable Series L
 
474,000
   
474,000
   
100.00
   
47,400
   
46,404
   
46,404
 
Total
 
974,000
   
974,000
         
97,900
   
96,404
 
 
96,404
 
                                     
Toledo Edison Company
                                   
Cumulative, $100 par value-
                                   
Authorized 3,000,000 shares
                                   
$ 4.25
 
160,000
   
160,000
   
104.63
   
16,740
   
16,000
   
16,000
 
$ 4.56
 
50,000
   
50,000
   
101.00
   
5,050
   
5,000
   
5,000
 
$ 4.25
 
100,000
   
100,000
   
102.00
   
10,200
   
10,000
   
10,000
 
   
310,000
   
310,000
         
31,990
   
31,000
   
31,000
 
                                     
Cumulative, $25 par value-
                                   
Authorized 12,000,000 shares
                                   
$2.365
 
1,400,000
   
1,400,000
   
27.75
   
38,850
   
35,000
   
35,000
 
Adjustable Series A
 
1,200,000
   
1,200,000
   
25.00
   
30,000
   
30,000
   
30,000
 
Adjustable Series B
 
1,200,000
   
1,200,000
   
25.00
   
30,000
   
30,000
   
30,000
 
   
3,800,000
   
3,800,000
         
98,850
   
95,000
   
95,000
 
                                     
Total
 
4,110,000
   
4,110,000
         
130,840
   
126,000
   
126,000
 
                                     
Jersey Central Power & Light Company
                                   
Cumulative, $100 stated value-
                                   
Authorized 15,600,000 shares
                                   
4.00% Series
 
125,000
   
125,000
   
106.50
   
13,313
   
12,649
   
12,649
 

 
41

FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION (Cont’d)

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Cont'd)                                                                                                                                                     (In thousands)
(Interest rates reflect weighted average rates)

                                                                   
    
 
FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS
 
SECURED NOTES
 
UNSECURED NOTES
 
TOTAL
 
As of December 31,
   
2004
 
2003
     
2004
 
2003
     
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
                                                                   
Ohio Edison Co.-
                                                                 
Due 2004-2009
 
6.88
%
$
80,000
 
$
80,000
   
7.61
%
$
67,476
 
$
229,257
   
4.46
%
$
175,000
 
$
526,725
             
Due 2010-2014
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
7.16
%
 
1,257
   
1,256
   
3.70
%
 
50,000
   
--
             
Due 2015-2019
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
3.80
%
 
156,725
   
59,000
   
5.04
%
 
206,000
   
150,000
             
Due 2020-2024
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
7.01
%
 
60,443
   
60,443
   
3.87
%
 
50,000
   
--
             
Due 2025-2029
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
5.75
%
 
119,734
   
13,522
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Due 2030-2034
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
2.19
%
 
359,800
   
308,012
   
3.35
%
 
30,000
   
--
             
Total-Ohio Edison
       
80,000
   
80,000
         
765,435
   
671,490
         
511,000
   
676,725
 
$
1,356,435
 
$
1,428,215
 
                                                                   
                                                                   
Cleveland Electric
                                                                 
Illuminating Co.-
                                                                 
Due 2004-2009
 
6.86
%
 
125,000
   
125,000
   
7.29
%
 
271,700
   
622,485
   
--
   
--
   
27,700
             
Due 2010-2014
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
5.72
%
 
378,700
   
378,700
             
Due 2015-2019
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
6.23
%
 
412,630
   
412,630
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Due 2020-2024
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
5.35
%
 
180,560
   
186,660
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Due 2025-2029
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
7.59
%
 
148,843
   
148,843
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Due 2030-2034
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
2.79
%
 
180,995
   
30,000
   
7.87
%
 
130,793
   
103,093
             
Total-Cleveland Electric
       
125,000
   
125,000
         
1,194,728
   
1,400,618
         
509,493
   
509,493
   
1,829,221
   
2,035,111
 
                                                                   
                                                                   
Toledo Edison Co.-
                                                                 
Due 2004-2009
 
--
   
--
   
145,000
   
7.13
%
 
30,000
   
100,000
   
--
   
--
   
85,250
             
Due 2020-2024
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
5.37
%
 
166,300
   
144,500
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Due 2025-2029
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
5.90
%
 
13,851
   
13,851
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Due 2030-2034
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
2.01
%
 
81,600
   
51,100
   
3.90
%
 
90,950
   
--
             
Total-Toledo Edison
       
--
   
145,000
         
291,751
   
309,451
         
90,950
   
85,250
   
382,701
   
539,701
 
                                                                   
                                                                   
Pennsylvania Power Co.-
                                                                 
Due 2004-2009
 
9.74
%
 
4,870
   
40,344
   
--
   
--
   
10,300
   
--
   
--
   
19,700
             
Due 2010-2014
 
9.74
%
 
4,870
   
4,870
   
5.40
%
 
1,000
   
1,000
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Due 2015-2019
 
9.74
%
 
4,903
   
4,903
   
4.24
%
 
45,325
   
45,325
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Due 2020-2024
 
7.63
%
 
6,500
   
33,750
   
3.94
%
 
27,182
   
27,182
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Due 2025-2029
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
4.93
%
 
33,472
   
23,172
   
3.38
%
 
14,500
   
--
             
Due 2030-2034
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
2.04
%
 
5,200
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
             
Total-Penn Power
       
21,143
   
83,867
         
112,179
   
106,979
         
14,500
   
19,700
   
147,822
   
210,546
 
                                                                   
                                                                   
Jersey Central Power & Light Co.-
                                                                 
Due 2004-2009
 
6.89
%
 
45,985
   
256,300
   
5.79
%
 
240,391
   
255,980
   
--
   
--
   
124
             
Due 2010-2014
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
5.84
%
 
117,735
   
117,735
   
--
   
--
   
155
             
Due 2015-2019
 
7.10
%
 
12,200
   
12,200
   
5.46
%
 
522,486
   
222,486
   
--
   
--
   
224
             
Due 2020-2024
 
7.50
%
 
125,000
   
205,000
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
325
             
Due 2025-2029
 
7.18
%
 
200,000
   
200,000
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
471
             
Due 2030-2034
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
682
             
Due 2035-2039
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
987
             
Total-Jersey Central
       
383,185
   
673,500
         
880,612
   
596,201
         
--
   
2,968
   
1,263,797
   
1,272,669
 
                                                                   
                                                                   
Metropolitan Edison Co.-
                                                                 
Due 2004-2009
 
6.61
%
 
37,830
   
128,265
   
--
   
--
   
150,000
   
5.79
%
 
150,000
   
248
             
Due 2010-2014
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
250,000
   
4.81
%
 
500,000
   
310
             
Due 2015-2019
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
449
             
Due 2020-2024
 
6.10
%
 
28,500
   
28,500
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
650
             
Due 2025-2029
 
5.95
%
 
13,690
   
13,690
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
941
             
Due 2030-2034
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
1,364
             
Due 2035-2039
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
97,685
             
Total-Metropolitan Edison
       
80,020
   
170,455
         
--
   
400,000
         
650,000
   
101,647
   
730,020
   
672,102
 
                                                                   


 
42

FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION (Cont’d)



LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Note 10(C))                                                                                                                                                (In thousands)
(Interest rates reflect weighted average rates)

 
FIRST MORTGAGE
BONDS
     
SECURED NOTES
     
UNSECURED NOTES
 
TOTAL
 
As of December 31,
2004
 
2003
     
2004
 
2003
     
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
Pennsylvania Electric Co.-
                                                             
Due 2004-2009     6.12%
$
3,495
 
$
3,700
   
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
   
6.23
%
$
108,000
 
$
233,124
             
Due 2010-2014     5.35%
 
24,310
   
24,310
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
5.63
%
 
185,000
   
35,155
             
Due 2015-2019     --
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
6.63
%
 
125,000
   
125,224
             
Due 2020-2024     5.80%
 
20,000
   
20,000
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
325
             
Due 2025-2029     6.05%
 
25,000
   
25,000
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
470
             
Due 2030-2034     --
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
682
             
Due 2035-2039     --
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
96,508
             
Total-Pennsylvania Electric
 
72,805
   
73,010
         
--
   
--
         
418,000
   
491,488
 
$
490,805
 
$
564,498
 
                                                             
                                                             
FirstEnergy Corp.-
                                                           
Due 2004-2009    --
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
5.98
%
 
1,515,000
   
1,570,000
             
Due 2010-2014    --
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
6.45
%
 
1,500,000
   
1,500,000
             
Due 2030-2034    --
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
7.38
%
 
1,500,000
   
1,500,000
             
Total-FirstEnergy
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
         
4,515,000
   
4,570,000
   
4,515,000
   
4,570,000
 
                                                             
                                                             
Bay Shore Power
 
--
   
--
   
6.24
%
 
137,500
   
140,600
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
137,500
   
140,600
 
Facilities Services Group
 
--
   
--
   
5.94
%
 
7,340
   
7,754
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
7,340
   
7,754
 
FirstEnergy Generation
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
5.00
%
 
15,000
   
15,000
   
15,000
   
15,000
 
FirstEnergy Properties
 
--
   
--
   
7.89
%
 
9,182
   
9,438
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
9,182
   
9,438
 
Warrenton River Terminal
 
--
   
--
   
6.00
%
 
220
   
410
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
220
   
410
 
First Communications
 
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
6.26
%
 
5,000
   
5,407
   
5,000
   
5,407
 
Total
 
762,153
   
1,350,832
         
3,398,947
   
3,642,941
         
6,728,943
   
6,477,678
   
10,890,043
   
11,471,451
 
Preferred stock subject to mandatory
redemption
                                                 
16,759
   
18,514
 
Capital lease obligations
                                                 
10,732
   
13,313
 
Net unamortized premium on debt
                                                 
36,759
   
39,985
 
Long-term debt due within one year
                                                 
(940,944
)
 
(1,754,197
)
Total long-term debt and other
long-term obligations
                                                 
10,013,349
   
9,789,066
 
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
                                               
$
18,937,766
 
$
18,413,530
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.



 
43


FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 

                   
Accumulated
     
Unallocated
 
               
Other
 
Other
     
ESOP
 
   
Comprehensive
 
Number
 
Par
 
Paid-In
 
Comprehensive
 
Retained
 
Common
 
   
Income
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
Capital
 
Income (Loss)
 
Earnings
 
Stock
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
Balance, January 1, 2002
         
297,636,276
 
$
29,764
 
$
6,113,260
 
$
(169,003
)
$
1,521,805
 
$
(97,227
)
Net income
 
$
552,804
                           
552,804
       
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
                                           
benefits, net of $(316,681,000) of
                                           
income taxes
   
(449,615
)
                   
(449,615
)
           
Unrealized gain on derivative hedges, net
                                           
of $37,458,000 of income taxes
   
59,187
                     
59,187
             
Unrealized loss on investments, net of
                                           
$(3,796,000) of income taxes
   
(5,269
)
                   
(5,269
)
           
Currency translation adjustments
   
(91,448
)
                   
(91,448
)
           
Comprehensive income
 
$
65,659
                                     
Stock options exercised
                     
(8,169
)
                 
Allocation of ESOP shares
                     
15,250
               
18,950
 
Cash dividends on common stock
                                 
(439,628
)
     
Balance, December 31, 2002
         
297,636,276
   
29,764
   
6,120,341
   
(656,148
)
 
1,634,981
   
(78,277
)
Net income
 
$
422,764
                           
422,764
       
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
                                           
benefits, net of $101,950,000 of
                                           
income taxes
   
144,236
                     
144,236
             
Unrealized loss on derivative hedges, net
                                           
of $(241,000) of income taxes
   
(347
)
                   
(347
)
           
Unrealized gain on investments, net of
                                           
$53,431,000 of income taxes
   
68,162
                     
68,162
             
Currency translation adjustments
   
91,448
                     
91,448
             
Comprehensive income
 
$
726,263
                                     
Stock options exercised
                     
(3,502
)
                 
Common stock issued
         
32,200,000
   
3,220
   
930,918
                   
Allocation of ESOP shares
                     
15,068
               
20,073
 
Cash dividends on common stock
                                 
(453,360
)
     
Balance, December 31, 2003
         
329,836,276
   
32,984
   
7,062,825
   
(352,649
)
 
1,604,385
   
(58,204
)
Net income
 
$
878,175
                           
878,175
       
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
                                           
benefits, net of $(4,698,000) of
                                           
income taxes
   
(6,256
)
                   
(6,256
)
           
Unrealized gain on derivative hedges, net
                                           
of $9,638,000 of income taxes
   
19,031
                     
19,031
             
Unrealized gain on investments, net of
                                           
$19,783,000 of income taxes
   
26,762
                     
26,762
             
Comprehensive income
 
$
917,712
                                     
Stock options exercised
                     
(24,174
)
                 
Allocation of ESOP shares
                     
17,025
               
15,087
 
Common stock dividends declared in 2004
                                           
payable in 2005
                                 
(135,168
)
     
Cash dividends on common stock
                                 
(490,529
)
     
Balance, December 31, 2004
         
329,836,276
 
$
32,984
 
$
7,055,676
 
$
(313,112
)
$
1,856,863
 
$
(43,117
)
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.


 
44

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK

 
Not Subject to
 
Subject to
 
 
Mandatory Redemption
 
Mandatory Redemption
 
     
Par or
     
Par or
 
 
Number
 
Stated
 
Number
 
Stated
 
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Balance, January 1, 2002
 
12,449,699
 
$
661,044
   
22,552,751
 
$
624,449
 
Redemptions-
                       
7.75% Series
 
(4,000,000
)
 
(100,000
)
           
$7.56 Series B
 
(450,000
)
 
(45,071
)
           
$42.40 Series T
 
(200,000
)
 
(96,850
)
           
$8.32 Series
 
(100,000
)
 
(10,000
)
           
$7.76 Series
 
(150,000
)
 
(15,000
)
           
$7.80 Series
 
(150,000
)
 
(15,000
)
           
$10.00 Series
 
(190,000
)
 
(19,000
)
           
$2.21 Series
 
(1,000,000
)
 
(25,000
)
           
7.625% Series
             
(7,500
)
 
(750
)
$7.35 Series C
             
(10,000
)
 
(1,000
)
$90.00 Series S
             
(17,750
)
 
(17,010
)
8.65% Series J
             
(250,001
)
 
(26,750
)
7.52% Series K
             
(265,000
)
 
(28,951
)
9.00% Series
             
(4,800,000
)
 
(120,000
)
Amortization of fair market
                       
value adjustments-
                       
$ 7.35 Series C
                   
(9
)
$90.00 Series S
                   
(258
)
8.56% Series
                   
(6
)
7.35% Series
                   
209
 
7.34% Series
                   
214
 
Balance, December 31, 2002
 
6,209,699
   
335,123
   
17,202,500
   
430,138
 
Redemptions-
                       
7.625% Series
             
(7,500
)
 
(750
)
$7.35 Series C
             
(10,000
)
 
(1,000
)
8.56% Series
             
(5,000,000
)
 
(125,242
)
FIN 46 Deconsolidation-
                       
9.00% Series
             
(4,000,000
)
 
(100,000
)
7.35% Series
             
(4,000,000
)
 
(92,618
)
7.34% Series
             
(4,000,000
)
 
(92,428
)
Amortization of fair market
                       
value adjustments-
                       
$ 7.35 Series C
                   
(7
)
8.56% Series
                   
(2
)
7.35% Series
                   
209
 
7.34% Series
                   
214
 
Balance, December 31, 2003
 
6,209,699
 
$
335,123
   
185,000
   
18,514
 *
Redemptions-
                       
7.625% Series
             
(7,500
)
 
(750
)
$7.35 Series C
             
(10,000
)
 
(1,000
)
Amortization of fair market
                       
value adjustments-
                       
$7.35 Series C
                   
(5
)
Balance, December 31, 2004
 
6,209,699
 
$
335,123
   
167,500
 
$
16,759
 *


*   The December 31, 2003 and 2004 balances for Preferred Stock subject to mandatory redemption are classifed as debt under SFAS 150.


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


 
45


FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net Income
$
878,175
 
$
422,764
 
$
552,804
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
                 
cash from operating activities:
                 
Provision for depreciation
 
589,652
   
606,436
   
721,493
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
 
1,166,323
   
1,079,337
   
940,991
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
 
(256,795
)
 
(194,261
)
 
(183,947
)
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization
 
96,084
   
66,072
   
80,507
 
Other amortization, net
 
(19,436
)
 
(16,278
)
 
(16,593
)
Deferred purchased power and other costs
 
(416,617
)
 
(427,092
)
 
(543,644
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
 
258,263
   
53,639
   
76,786
 
Goodwill impairment (Note 2(H))
 
36,471
   
116,988
   
--
 
Disallowed regulatory assets
 
--
   
152,500
   
--
 
Investment impairments (Note 2(H))
 
17,897
   
43,803
   
50,000
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
 
--
   
(174,663
)
 
--
 
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability
 
(84,696
)
 
(119,398
)
 
(84,800
)
Revenue credits to customers
 
--
   
(71,984
)
 
(43,016
)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations
 
137,742
   
287,112
   
124,678
 
Accrued compensation, net
 
18,397
   
(84,503
)
 
(92,197
)
Tax refund related to pre-merger period
 
--
   
51,073
   
--
 
Commodity derivative transactions, net
 
(48,840
)
 
(70,498
)
 
(8,682
)
Loss (income) from discontinued operations (Note 2(J))
 
(4,396
)
 
103,632
   
65,581
 
Pension trust contribution
 
(500,000
)
 
--
   
--
 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
                 
Receivables
 
154,053
   
66,311
   
(73,392
)
Materials and supplies
 
(36,751
)
 
5,399
   
(29,134
)
Prepayments and other current assets
 
47,010
   
(31,155
)
 
133,677
 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable
 
(110,947
)
 
(169,652
)
 
218,226
 
Accrued taxes
 
(15,011
)
 
221,500
   
25,183
 
Accrued interest
 
(41,656
)
 
(59,782
)
 
(29,693
)
NUG power contract restructuring
 
52,800
   
--
   
--
 
Other
 
(40,872
)
 
(102,445
)
 
47,466
 
Net cash provided from operating activities
 
1,876,850
   
1,754,855
   
1,932,294
 
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                 
New Financing-
                 
Common stock
 
--
   
934,138
   
--
 
Long-term debt
 
961,474
   
1,027,312
   
668,676
 
Short-term borrowings, net
 
--
   
--
   
478,520
 
Redemptions and Repayments-
                 
Preferred stock
 
(1,750
)
 
(127,087
)
 
(522,223
)
Long-term debt
 
(1,572,080
)
 
(2,128,567
)
 
(1,308,814
)
Short-term borrowings, net
 
(351,051
)
 
(575,391
)
 
--
 
Net controlled disbursement activity
 
(2,740
)
 
24,689
   
(14,083
)
Common stock dividend payments
 
(490,529
)
 
(453,360
)
 
(439,628
)
Net cash used for financing activities
 
(1,456,676
)
 
(1,298,266
)
 
(1,137,552
)
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Property additions
 
(846,221
)
 
(856,316
)
 
(997,723
)
Proceeds from asset sales
 
214,258
   
78,743
   
155,034
 
Proceeds from certificates of deposit
 
277,763
   
--
   
--
 
Nonutility generation trusts withdrawals (contributions)
 
(50,614
)
 
66,327
   
49,044
 
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts
 
(101,483
)
 
(101,218
)
 
(103,143
)
Avon cash and cash equivalents (Note 8)
 
--
   
--
   
31,326
 
Net assets held for sale
 
--
   
--
   
(31,326
)
Long-term note receivable
 
--
   
82,250
   
(91,335
)
Cash investments (Note 5)
 
27,082
   
52,884
   
81,349
 
Asset retirements and transfers
 
9,513
   
37,580
   
29,619
 
Other investments
 
(7,993
)
 
29,137
   
(7,944
)
Other
 
(3,513
)
 
42,067
   
52,397
 
Net cash used for investing activities
 
(481,208
)
 
(568,546
)
 
(832,702
)
                   
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(61,034)
   
(111,957)
   
(37,960)
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
113,975
   
225,932
   
263,892
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
52,941
 
$
113,975
 
$
225,932
 
                   
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
                 
Cash Paid During the Year-
                 
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
$
704,067
 
$
730,277
 
$
881,515
 
Income taxes
$
512,419
 
$
161,915
 
$
389,180
 


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

 
46

FIRSTENERGY CORP.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TAXES

For the Years Ended December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
             
GENERAL TAXES:
                 
Kilowatt-hour excise*
$
236,398
 
$
228,216
 
$
219,970
 
State gross receipts*
 
139,616
   
130,244
   
132,622
 
Real and personal property
 
207,504
   
183,694
   
218,683
 
Social security and unemployment
 
75,898
   
68,019
   
46,345
 
Other
 
18,436
   
28,292
   
32,709
 
Total general taxes
$
677,852
 
$
638,465
 
$
650,329
 
                   
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Currently payable-
                 
Federal
$
283,341
 
$
306,347
 
$
326,417
 
State
 
132,356
   
118,155
   
104,867
 
Foreign
 
--
   
(1,165
)
 
20,624
 
   
415,697
   
423,337
   
451,908
 
                   
Deferred, net-
                 
Federal
 
245,967
   
71,910
   
81,934
 
State
 
38,968
   
8,133
   
7,759
 
Foreign
 
--
   
--
   
13,600
 
   
284,935
   
80,043
   
103,293
 
Investment tax credit amortization
 
(26,672
)
 
(26,404
)
 
(26,507
)
Total provision for income taxes
$
673,960
 
$
476,976
 
$
528,694
 
                   
                   
RECONCILIATION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX EXPENSE AT
                 
STATUTORY RATE TO TOTAL PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Book income before provision for income taxes
$
1,552,135
 
$
899,740
 
$
1,081,498
 
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
$
543,247
 
$
314,909
 
$
378,524
 
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from-
                 
Amortization of investment tax credits
 
(26,672
)
 
(26,404
)
 
(26,507
)
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
 
111,361
   
82,088
   
73,207
 
Amortization of tax regulatory assets
 
32,683
   
31,909
   
29,296
 
Preferred stock dividends
 
7,495
   
7,202
   
13,634
 
Reserve for foreign operations
 
--
   
44,305
   
48,587
 
Other, net
 
5,846
   
22,967
   
11,953
 
Total provision for income taxes
$
673,960
 
$
476,976
 
$
528,694
 
                   
                   
ACCUMULATED DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AT DECEMBER 31:
                 
Property basis differences
$
2,451,213
 
$
2,293,209
 
$
2,052,594
 
Regulatory transition charge
 
785,312
   
1,084,871
   
1,408,232
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
 
103,149
   
139,335
   
144,073
 
Deferred sale and leaseback costs
 
(92,417
)
 
(95,474
)
 
(99,647
)
Nonutility generation costs
 
(174,174
)
 
(221,063
)
 
(228,476
)
Unamortized investment tax credits
 
(61,267
)
 
(70,054
)
 
(78,227
)
Other comprehensive income
 
(219,020
)
 
(243,743
)
 
(398,883
)
Lease market valuation liability
 
(420,078
)
 
(455,074
)
 
(490,698
)
Retirement Benefits
 
(185,573
)
 
(359,038
)
 
(223,065
)
Oyster Creek securitization (Note 10(C))
 
184,245
   
193,558
   
202,447
 
Loss carryforwards
 
(463,106
)
 
(495,254
)
 
(507,690
)
Loss carryforward valuation reserve
 
419,978
   
470,813
   
482,061
 
Purchase accounting basis differences
 
(2,657
)
 
(2,657
)
 
(2,657
)
Sale of generating assets
 
(9,539
)
 
(11,785
)
 
(11,786
)
Provision for rate refund
 
--
   
--
   
(29,370
)
All other
 
8,031
   
(49,569
)
 
(149,226
)
Net deferred income tax liability
$
2,324,097
 
$
2,178,075
 
$
2,069,682
 

*    Collected from customers through regulated rates and included in revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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

 
47

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

FirstEnergy's principal business is the holding, directly or indirectly, of all of the outstanding common stock of its eight principal electric utility operating subsidiaries: OE, CEI, TE, Penn, ATSI, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec. Penn is a wholly owned subsidiary of OE. FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements also include its other subsidiaries: FENOC, FES and its subsidiary FGCO, FESC, FirstCom, FSG, GPU Capital, GPU Power and MYR.

FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries follow GAAP and comply with the regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, FERC and, as applicable, the PUCO, PPUC and NJBPU. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make periodic estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

FirstEnergy consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for on the equity basis.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Revenue amounts related to transmission activities previously recorded as wholesale electric sales revenues were reclassified as transmission revenues. Expenses (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets to conform to the current year presentation of generation commodity costs. FES' natural gas business has been classified as discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income (See Note 2(J)). As discussed in Note 14, segment reporting in 2003 and 2002 was reclassified to conform to the 2004 business segment organization and operations.

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

2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

(A)   ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF REGULATION

FirstEnergy accounts for the effects of regulation through the application of SFAS 71 to its operating utilities when their rates:

·
are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers;
   
·
are cost-based; and
   
·
can be charged to and collected from customers.
   
An enterprise meeting all of these criteria capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. SFAS 71 is applied only to the parts of the business that meet the above criteria. If a portion of the business applying SFAS 71 no longer meets those requirements, previously recorded regulatory assets are removed from the balance sheet in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 101.

 
48

In Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, laws applicable to electric industry restructuring contain similar provisions, that are reflected in the Companies' respective state regulatory plans. These provisions include:

·
restructuring the electric generation business and allowing the Companies' customers to select a competitive
electric generation supplier other than the Companies;
   
·
establishing or defining the PLR obligations to customers in the Companies' service areas;
   
·
providing the Companies with the opportunity to recover potentially stranded investment (or transition costs) not
otherwise recoverable in a competitive generation market;
   
·
itemizing (unbundling) the price of electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission,
distribution and stranded costs recovery charges;
   
·
continuing regulation of the Companies' transmission and distribution systems; and
   
·
requiring corporate separation of regulated and unregulated business activities.

Regulatory Assets

The EUOC recognize, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC, PUCO, PPUC and NJBPU have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Companies' respective transition and regulatory plans. Based on those plans, the Companies continue to bill and collect cost-based rates for their transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Companies continue the application of SFAS 71 to those operations. Regulatory assets that do not earn a current return totaled approximately $240 million as of December 31, 2004.

Net regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Regulatory transition costs
 
$
4,889
 
$
6,427
 
Customer shopping incentives
   
612
   
371
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
   
246
   
340
 
Societal benefits charge
   
51
   
81
 
Loss on reacquired debt
   
89
   
75
 
Employee postretirement benefit costs
   
65
   
77
 
Nuclear decommissioning, decontamination
             
and spent fuel disposal costs
   
(169
)
 
(96
)
Asset removal costs
   
(340
)
 
(321
)
Property losses and unrecovered plant costs
   
50
   
70
 
Other
   
39
   
53
 
Total
 
$
5,532
 
$
7,077
 


The Ohio Companies are deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in accordance with the transition and rate stabilization plans. These regulatory assets (OE - $228 million, CEI - $295 million, TE - $89 million, as of December 31, 2004) will be recovered through a surcharge rate equal to the RTC rate in effect when the transition costs have been fully recovered. Recovery of the new regulatory assets will begin at that time and amortization of the regulatory assets for each accounting period will be equal to the surcharge revenue recognized during that period. OE, TE and CEI expect to recover these deferred customer shopping incentives by August 31, 2008, September 30, 2008 and August 31, 2010, respectively.

 
49

Transition Cost Amortization

OE, CEI and TE amortize transition costs (see Regulatory Matters - Ohio) using the effective interest method. Under the Rate Stabilization Plan, total transition cost amortization is expected to approximate the following for 2005 through 2009.

   
FirstEnergy
 
OE
 
CEI
 
TE
 
   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
828
 
$
467
 
$
222
 
$
139
 
2006
   
404
   
193
   
126
   
85
 
2007
   
327
   
93
   
139
   
95
 
2008
   
159
   
--
   
159
   
--
 
2009
   
54
   
--
   
54
   
--
 
                           


The decrease in amortization beginning in 2006 results from the termination of generation-related transition cost recovery under the Ohio transition plan.

Regulatory transition costs as of December 31, 2004 for JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec are approximately $2.2 billion, $0.7 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively. Deferral of above-market costs from power supplied by NUGs to JCP&L are approximately $1.2 billion and are being recovered through BGS and MTC revenues. Met-Ed and Penelec have deferred above-market NUG costs totaling approximately $0.5 billion and $0.1 billion, respectively. These costs are being recovered through CTC revenues. The regulatory asset for above-market NUG costs and a corresponding liability are adjusted to fair value at the end of each quarter. Recovery of the remaining regulatory transition costs is expected to continue under the provisions of the various regulatory proceedings for New Jersey and Pennsylvania discussed in Note 9.

Accounting for Generation Operations

The application of SFAS 71 was discontinued prior to 2001 with respect to the Companies' generation operations. The SEC's interpretive guidance regarding asset impairment measurement provided that any supplemental regulated cash flows such as a CTC should be excluded from the cash flows of assets in a portion of the business not subject to regulatory accounting practices. If those assets are impaired, a regulatory asset should be established if the costs are recoverable through regulatory cash flows. Consistent with the SEC guidance and EITF 97-4, $1.8 billion of impaired plant investments ($1.2 billion, $227 million, $304 million and $53 million for OE, Penn, CEI and TE, respectively) were recognized as regulatory assets recoverable as transition costs through future regulatory cash flows. The following summarizes net assets included in property, plant and equipment relating to operations for which the application of SFAS 71 was discontinued, compared with the respective company's total assets as of December 31, 2004.

   
SFAS 71
     
   
Discontinued
     
   
Net Assets
 
Total Assets
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
OE
 
$
1,059
 
$
5,814
 
CEI
   
1,263
   
6,690
 
TE
   
652
   
2,834
 
Penn
   
263
   
921
 
JCP&L
   
39
   
7,291
 
Met-Ed
   
13
   
3,245
 


 
(B)
CASH AND SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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.

 
(C)
REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES

The Companies' principal business is providing electric service to customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The Companies' retail customers are metered on a cycle basis. Electric revenues are recorded based on energy delivered through the end of the calendar month. An estimate of unbilled revenues is calculated to recognize electric service provided between the last meter reading and the end of the month. This estimate includes many factors including estimated weather impacts, customer shopping activity, historical line loss factors and prices in effect for each class of customer. In each accounting period, the Companies accrue the estimated unbilled amount receivable as revenue and reverse the related prior period estimate.

 
50

Receivables from customers include sales to residential, commercial and industrial customers and sales to wholesale customers. There was no material concentration of receivables as of December 31, 2004 or 2003, with respect to any particular segment of FirstEnergy's customers. Total customer receivables were $979 million (billed - $672 million and unbilled - $307 million) and $1.0 billion (billed - $664 million and unbilled - $336 million) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
 
Other receivables include amounts due from customers for unregulated sales and CEI's retained interest in customer receivables sold to CFC (see Note 12).

 
(D)
ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN WHOLESALE ENERGY TRANSACTIONS

FES engages in purchase and sale transactions in the PJM Market to support the supply of end-use customers, including its BGS obligation in New Jersey and PLR requirements in Pennsylvania. FES meets its supply commitments by transmitting energy into the PJM control area and through bilateral purchased power contracts with counterparties in PJM. FES schedules purchase and sale transactions for each hour in PJM on a day-ahead basis with system balancing occurring real-time. FES sells energy to the PJM Market at the location of its supply (transmitted and contracted energy) and purchases energy from the PJM Market at the location of its demand (end-use customer load).

FES accounts for energy transactions in the PJM Market in accordance with EITF 99-19, recognizing purchases and sales on a gross basis by recording each discrete transaction. This presentation may not be comparable to other energy companies that have dedicated generating capacity in ISOs or fail to meet the criteria for gross presentation in EITF 99-19.

FES' purchase and sale transactions in the PJM Market for the three years ended December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:


 
2004
2003
2002
 
(In millions)
Sales
$ 1,182
$ 665
$ 272
Purchases
1,107
826
376


(E)   EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed using the weighted average of actual common shares outstanding during the respective period as the denominator. The denominator for diluted earnings per share reflects the weighted average of common shares outstanding plus the potential additional common shares that could result if dilutive securities and other agreements to issue common stock were exercised. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, stock-based awards to purchase shares of common stock totaling 0.1 million, 3.3 million and 3.4 million, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share of common stock because their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of common shares during the period. The following table reconciles the denominators for basic and diluted earnings per share from Income Before Discontinued Operations and Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change:


Reconciliation of Basic and
     
Diluted Earnings per Share
2004
2003
2002
 
(In thousands)
Income Before Discontinued Operations and
     
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
$873,779
$424,249
$618,385
Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding:
     
Denominator for basic earnings per share
     
(weighted average shares outstanding)
327,387
303,582
293,194
       
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options and awards
1,595
1,390
1,227
       
Denominator for diluted earnings per share
328,982
304,972
294,421
       
Income Before Discontinued Operations and Cumulative
     
Effect of Accounting Change, per common share:
     
Basic
$2.67
$1.40
$2.11
Diluted
$2.66
$1.40
$2.10


 
51

 
(F)
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment reflects original cost (except for nuclear generating assets which were adjusted to fair value), including payroll and related costs such as taxes, employee benefits, administrative and general costs, and interest costs incurred to place the assets in service. The costs of normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are expensed as incurred. FirstEnergy's accounting policy for planned major maintenance projects is to recognize liabilities as they are incurred.

The Companies provide for depreciation on a straight-line basis at various rates over the estimated lives of property included in plant in service. The respective annual composite rates for the Companies' electric plant in 2004, 2003 and 2002 are shown in the following table:


   
Annual Composite
 
   
Depreciation Rate
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
               
OE
   
2.3
%
 
2.2
%
 
2.4
%
CEI
   
2.8
   
2.8
   
3.6
 
TE
   
2.8
   
2.8
   
3.8
 
Penn
   
2.2
   
2.2
   
2.3
 
JCP&L
   
2.1
   
2.8
   
3.5
 
Met-Ed
   
2.4
   
2.6
   
3.0
 
Penelec
   
2.5
   
2.7
   
3.0
 


Jointly-Owned Generating Stations

JCP&L holds a 50 percent ownership interest in Yards Creek Pumped Storage Facility - its net book value was approximately $19.2 million as of December 31, 2004. All other generating units are owned and/or leased by the Companies individually or together as tenants in common.

Asset Retirement Obligations

FirstEnergy recognizes a liability for retirement obligations associated with tangible assets in accordance with SFAS 143. This standard requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the long-lived asset and depreciated over time, as described further in Note 11, "Asset Retirement Obligations".

Nuclear Fuel

Property, plant and equipment includes nuclear fuel recorded at original cost, which includes material, enrichment, fabrication and interest costs incurred prior to reactor load. The Companies amortize the cost of nuclear fuel based on the units of production method.

 
(G)
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

FirstEnergy applies the recognition and measurement principles of APB 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans (see Note 4). No material stock-based employee compensation expense is reflected in net income for options as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the grant date, resulting in substantially no intrinsic value. FirstEnergy will apply the recognition and measurement principles of SFAS 123R effective July 1, 2005 (see Note 15).

(H)   ASSET IMPAIRMENTS

Long-Lived Assets

FirstEnergy evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In accordance with SFAS 144, the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment exists, a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated by using available market valuations or the long-lived asset's expected future net discounted cash flows. The calculation of expected cash flows is based on estimates and assumptions about future events.
 
 
52

Goodwill

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, FirstEnergy evaluates its goodwill for impairment at least annually and makes such evaluations more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment is indicated, FirstEnergy recognizes a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill.

FirstEnergy's 2003 annual review resulted in a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $122 million in the third quarter of 2003, reducing the carrying value of FSG. Of this amount, $117 million was reported as an operating expense and $5 million was included in the results from discontinued operations. The impairment charge reflected the slow down in the development of competitive retail markets and depressed economic conditions that affected the value of FSG. The fair value of FSG was estimated using primarily its expected discounted future cash flows.

FirstEnergy's 2004 annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004 with no impairment indicated. In December 2004, the FSG subsidiaries qualified as held for sale in accordance with SFAS 144. SFAS 142 requires the goodwill of a reporting unit to be tested for impairment if there is a more-likely-than-not expectation that the reporting unit or a significant asset group within the reporting unit will be sold. As required by SFAS 142, the goodwill of FSG was tested for impairment, resulting in a non-cash charge of $36 million in the fourth quarter of 2004. FSG's fair value was estimated using current market valuations. 

The forecasts used in FirstEnergy's evaluations of goodwill reflect operations consistent with its general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on FirstEnergy's future evaluations of goodwill. FirstEnergy's goodwill primarily relates to its regulated services segment. In the year ended December 31, 2004, FirstEnergy adjusted goodwill related to the former GPU companies for interest received on a pre-merger income tax refund and for the reversal of tax valuation allowances related to income tax benefits realized attributable to prior period capital loss carryforwards that were used to offset capital gains generated in 2004. The impairment analysis includes a significant source of cash representing the Companies' recovery of transition costs as described in Note 9. FirstEnergy estimates that completion of transition cost recovery will not result in an impairment of goodwill relating to its regulated business segment.

A summary of the changes in FirstEnergy's goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 is shown below by segment (See Note 14 - Segment Information):

       
Competitive
             
       
Electric
             
   
Regulated
 
Energy
 
Facilities
         
   
Services
 
Services
 
Services
 
Other
 
Consolidated
 
            (In millions)           
Balance as of January 1, 2003
 
$
5,993
 
$
24
 
$
196
 
$
65
 
$
6,278
 
Impairment charges
               
(122
)
       
(122
)
FSG divestitures
               
(41
)
       
(41
)
Other
               
3
   
10
   
13
 
Balance as of December 31, 2003
   
5,993
   
24
   
36
   
75
   
6,128
 
Impairment charges
               
(36
)
       
(36
)
Adjustments related to GPU acquisition
   
(42
)
                   
(42
)
Balance as of December 31, 2004
 
$
5,951
 
$
24
 
$
--
 
$
75
 
$
6,050
 


Investments

The Companies periodically evaluate for impairment investments that include available-for-sale securities held by their nuclear decommissioning trusts. In accordance with SFAS 115, securities classified as available-for-sale are evaluated to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. FirstEnergy considers, among other factors, the length of time 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 investments for impairment. The fair value and unrealized gains and losses of the Companies' investments are disclosed in Note 5.

 
53

(I)   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income includes net income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and all other changes in common stockholders' equity except those resulting from transactions with common stockholders. As of December 31, 2004, AOCL consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $312 million, unrealized gains on investments in securities available for sale of $91 million, and unrealized losses on derivative instrument hedges of $92 million. As of December 31, 2003, AOCL consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $306 million, unrealized gains on investments in securities available for sale of $64 million, and unrealized losses on derivative instrument hedges of $111 million. Other comprehensive income of $8 million was reclassified to net income in 2004, including an $8 million loss on derivative instrument hedges ($5 million net of tax) and a $22 million gain on available-for-sale securities ($13 million net of tax). Other comprehensive income (loss) reclassified to net income in 2003 and 2002 totaled $29 million and $(10) million, respectively. These amounts were net of income taxes in 2003 and 2002 of $20 million and $(7) million, respectively.

(J)   ASSETS HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In December 2004, the FSG subsidiaries qualified as held for sale in accordance with SFAS 144. Management anticipates that the transfer of FSG assets, with a carrying value of $57 million as of December 31, 2004, will qualify for recognition as completed sales within one year. As required by SFAS 142, the goodwill of FSG was tested for impairment, resulting in a non-cash charge of $36 million in the fourth quarter of 2004 (See Note 2(H)). As of December 31, 2004, the FSG subsidiaries classified as held for sale did not meet the criteria for discontinued operations. The carrying amounts of FSG's assets and liabilities held for sale are not material to and have not been classified as assets held for sale on FirstEnergy's Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 14 for FSG's segment financial information.

FES operates a natural gas business with commercial and industrial customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Sales requirements are sourced through a combination of short-term and long-term supply agreements. In December 2004, FES' natural gas business qualified as held for sale in accordance with SFAS 144. Management expects to complete the sale within one year. As required by SFAS 142, goodwill associated with FES' natural gas business was tested for impairment as of December 31, 2004 with no impairment indicated. Financial results are included in discontinued operations on the Consolidated Statements of Income and classified as "Other" in the segment financial information (See Note 14). FES' natural gas purchases and sales for the three years ended December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Natural gas sales
 
$
496
 
$
603
 
$
594
 
Natural gas purchases
   
480
   
583
   
544
 


In December 2003, EGSA, GPU Power’s Bolivia subsidiary, was sold to Bolivia Integrated Energy Limited. FirstEnergy included in discontinued operations a $33 million loss on the sale of EGSA in the fourth quarter of 2003 (no income tax benefit was realized) and an operating loss for the year of $2 million. Discontinued operations in 2002 include EGSA's operating income of $10 million.

In April 2003, FirstEnergy divested its ownership in Emdersa through the abandonment of its shares in Emdersa's parent company, GPU Argentina Holdings, Inc. The abandonment was accomplished by relinquishing FirstEnergy's shares to the independent Board of Directors of GPU Argentina Holdings, relieving FirstEnergy of all rights and obligations relative to this business. FirstEnergy included in discontinued operations Emdersa's operating income of $11 million and a $67 million charge for the abandonment in the second quarter of 2003 (no income tax benefit was recognized). An after-tax loss of $87 million (including $109 million in currency transaction losses arising principally from U.S. dollar denominated debt) was included in discontinued operations in 2002.

The FSG subsidiaries, Colonial Mechanical and Webb Technologies, were sold in January 2003 and Ancoma, Inc. was sold in December 2003. The MARBEL subsidiary, NEO was sold in June 2003. The 2003 and 2002 operating results for these divested businesses included in discontinued operations ("Other" in the table below) for the years ended December 2003 and 2002 totaled $(6) million and $5 million, respectively.

 
54

Revenues associated with discontinued operations were $496 million, $655 million and $878 million for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The following table summarizes the net income (loss) included in "Discontinued Operations" on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three years ended December 31, 2004:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
FES' natural gas business
 
$
4
 
$
(2
)
$
15
 
EGSA
   
--
   
(35
)
 
5
 
Emdersa
   
--
   
(60
)
 
(87
)
Other
   
--
   
(6
)
 
2
 
Discontinued operations income (loss)
 
$
4
 
$
(103
)
$
(65
)


 
(K)
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

As a result of adopting SFAS 143 in January 2003, FirstEnergy recorded a $175 million increase to income, $102 million net of tax, or $0.33 per share of common stock (basic and diluted) in the year ended December 31, 2003. Upon adoption of the accounting standard, FirstEnergy reversed accrued nuclear plant decommissioning costs of $1.24 billion and recorded an ARO of $1.11 billion, including accumulated accretion of $507 million for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. FirstEnergy also recorded asset retirement costs of $602 million as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset and accumulated depreciation of $415 million. FirstEnergy recognized a regulatory liability of $185 million for the transition amounts subject to refund through rates related to the ARO for nuclear decommissioning. The cumulative effect adjustment also included the reversal of $60 million of accumulated estimated removal costs for non-regulated generation assets.

 
(L)
INCOME TAXES

Details of the total provision for income taxes are shown on the Consolidated Statements of Taxes. FirstEnergy records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognized for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carryforward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled.

FirstEnergy has capital loss carryforwards of approximately $1.1 billion, most of which expire in 2007. The deferred tax assets associated with these capital loss carryforwards ($364 million) are fully offset by a valuation allowance as of December 31, 2004, since management is unable to predict whether sufficient capital gains will be generated to utilize all of these capital loss carryforwards. Any ultimate utilization of capital loss carryforwards for which valuation allowances were established through purchase accounting would adjust goodwill.

The Company has also recorded valuation allowances of $51 million for deferred tax assets associated with impairment losses related to certain domestic assets and the divestiture of international assets acquired through the merger with GPU (see Note 8).

FirstEnergy has net operating loss carryforwards for state and local income tax purposes of approximately $884 million. A valuation allowance of $5 million has been recorded against the associated deferred tax assets of $48 million. These losses expire as follows:


Expiration Period
 
Amount
 
   
(in millions)
 
2005-2009
 
$
260
 
2010-2014
   
46
 
2015-2019
   
217
 
2020-2023
   
361
 
   
$
884
 


 
55

3.   PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

FirstEnergy provides noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees. The trusteed plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company's funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan. Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. The election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement. Since the contribution is deductible for tax purposes, the after-tax cash impact of the voluntary contribution was approximately $300 million.

FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and copayments, are also available to retired employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. The Company recognizes the expected cost of providing other postretirement benefits to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs may also be affected by changes in key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations and pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31 measurement date for the majority of its plans.

 
56


Obligations and Funded Status
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Change in benefit obligation
                 
Benefit obligation as of January 1
 
$
4,162
 
$
3,866
 
$
2,368
 
$
2,077
 
Service cost
   
77
   
66
   
36
   
43
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
112
   
136
 
Plan participants’ contributions
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
6
 
Plan amendments
   
--
   
--
   
(281
)
 
(123
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
134
   
222
   
(211
)
 
323
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Benefit obligation as of December 31
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
$
1,930
 
$
2,368
 
                           
Change in fair value of plan assets
                         
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1
 
$
3,315
 
$
2,889
 
$
537
 
$
473
 
Actual return on plan assets
   
415
   
671
   
57
   
88
 
Company contribution
   
500
   
--
   
64
   
68
 
Plan participants’ contribution
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
2
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31
 
$
3,969
 
$
3,315
 
$
564
 
$
537
 
                           
Funded status
 
$
(395
)
$
(847
)
$
(1,366
)
$
(1,831
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
885
   
919
   
730
   
994
 
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
   
63
   
72
   
(378
)
 
(221
)
Unrecognized net transition obligation
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
83
 
Net asset (liability) recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
                           
Amounts Recognized in the
                         
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                         
As of December 31
                         
                           
Accrued benefit cost
 
$
(14
)
$
(438
)
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Intangible assets
   
63
   
72
   
--
   
--
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
504
   
510
   
--
   
--
 
Net amount recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
                           
Increase (decrease) in minimum liability
                         
included in other comprehensive income
                         
(net of tax)
 
$
(4
)
$
(145
)
 
--
   
--
 
                           
Assumptions Used to Determine
                         
Benefit Obligations As of December 31
                         
                           
Discount rate
   
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
           
                           
Allocation of Plan Assets
                         
As of December 31
                         
Asset Category
                         
Equity securities
   
68
%
 
70
%
 
74
%
 
71
%
Debt securities
   
29
   
27
   
25
   
22
 
Real estate
   
2
   
2
   
--
   
--
 
Cash
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
7
 
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
                           
Information for Pension Plans With an
                         
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in
                         
Excess of Plan Assets
   
2004
   
2003
             
 
 
(In millions) 
           
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
             
Accumulated benefit obligation
   
3,983
   
3,753
             
Fair value of plan assets
   
3,969
   
3,315
             

 
57


   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Service cost
 
$
77
 
$
66
 
$
59
 
$
36
 
$
43
 
$
29
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
249
   
112
   
137
   
114
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(286
)
 
(248
)
 
(346
)
 
(44
)
 
(43
)
 
(52
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
9
   
9
   
9
   
(40
)
 
(9
)
 
3
 
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
9
   
9
 
Recognized net actuarial loss
   
39
   
62
   
--
   
39
   
40
   
11
 
Net periodic cost (income)
 
$
91
 
$
142
 
$
(29
)
$
103
 
$
177
 
$
114
 
                                       
                                       
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used
                                     
to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
for Years Ended December 31
   
2004
   
2003
   
2002
   
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
                                       
Discount rate
   
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
   
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
 
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
                 


In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the Company's pension trusts. The long-term rate of return is developed considering the portfolio’s asset allocation strategy.

FirstEnergy employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Other assets such as real estate are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives are not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on a continuing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.


Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
         
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next
         
year (pre/post-Medicare)
   
9%-11
%
 
10%-12
%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to
             
decline (the ultimate trend rate)
   
5
%
 
5
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend
             
rate (pre/post-Medicare)
   
2009-2011
   
2009-2011
 


Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:


   
1-Percentage-
 
1-Percentage-
 
   
Point Increase
 
Point Decrease
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Effect on total of service and interest
   cost
 
$
19
 
$
(16
)
Effect on postretirement benefit
   obligation
 
$
205
 
$
(179
)



 
58

Pursuant to FSP 106-1 issued January 12, 2004, FirstEnergy began accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act effective January 1, 2004 because of a plan amendment during the quarter, which required remeasurement of the plan's obligations. The plan amendment, which increases cost sharing by employees and retirees effective January 1, 2005, reduced postretirement benefit costs by $51 million during 2004.

Consistent with the guidance in FSP 106-2 issued on May 19, 2004, FirstEnergy recognized a reduction of $318 million in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as a result of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act related to benefits for past service. This reduction was accounted for as an actuarial gain in 2004 pursuant to FSP 106-2. The subsidy reduced net periodic postretirement benefit costs by $48 million during 2004.

As a result of its voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, FirstEnergy reduced its accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $424 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, FirstEnergy reduced its additional minimum liability by $15 million, recording a decrease in an intangible asset of $9 million and crediting OCI by $6 million. The balance in AOCL of $296 million (net of $208 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets:


   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
228
 
$
111
 
2006
   
228
   
106
 
2007
   
236
   
109
 
2008
   
247
   
112
 
2009
   
264
   
115
 
Years 2010 - 2014
   
1,531
   
627
 


4.   STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

FirstEnergy has four stock-based compensation programs: Long-term Incentive Program (LTIP); Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (EDCP); Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); and the Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors (DCPD). FirstEnergy has also assumed responsibility for several stock-based plans through acquisitions. In 2001, FirstEnergy assumed responsibility for two stock-based plans as a result of its acquisition of GPU. No further stock-based compensation can be awarded under GPU’s Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan for MYR Group Inc. Employees (MYR Plan) or 1990 Stock Plan for Employees of GPU, Inc. and Subsidiaries (GPU Plan). All options and restricted stock under both plans have been converted into FirstEnergy options and restricted stock. Options under the GPU Plan became fully vested on November 7, 2001, and will expire on or before June 1, 2010. Under the MYR Plan, all options and restricted stock maintained their original vesting periods, which range from one to four years, and will expire on or before December 17, 2006. The Centerior Equity Plan (CE Plan) is an additional stock-based plan administered by FirstEnergy for which it assumed responsibility as a result of the acquisition of Centerior Energy Corporation in 1997. All options are fully vested under the CE Plan, and no further awards are permitted. Outstanding options will expire on or before February 25, 2007.

 
(A)
LTIP

FirstEnergy’s LTIP includes three stock-based compensation programs - restricted stock, stock options, and performance shares.

Under FirstEnergy’s LTIP, total awards cannot exceed 22.5 million shares of common stock or their equivalent. Only stock options and restricted stock have currently been designated to pay out in common stock, with vesting periods ranging from two months to seven 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. As of December 31, 2004, 4.5 million shares were available for future awards.

Restricted Stock

Eligible employees receive awards of FirstEnergy common stock subject to restrictions. Those restrictions lapse over a defined period of time or based on performance. Dividends are received on the restricted stock and are reinvested in additional shares. Restricted common stock grants under the FE Plan were as follows:

 
59


 
2004
2003*
2002
       
Restricted common shares granted
62,370
 
36,922
Weighted average market price
$40.69
 
$36.04
Weighted average vesting period
   (years)
2.7
 
3.2
Dividends restricted
Yes
 
Yes

*    No restricted stock was granted.


Compensation expense recognized for restricted stock during 2004, 2003 and 2002 totaled $1,982,000, $1,747,000 and $2,259,000, respectively.

Stock Options

Stock option grants are provided to eligible employees allowing them to purchase a specified number of common shares at a fixed grant price over a defined period of time. Stock option activities under the FE Programs for the past three years were as follows:


   
Number of
 
Weighted Average
 
Stock Option Activities
 
Options
 
Exercise Price
 
Balance, January 1, 2002
   
8,447,688
 
$
26.04
 
(1,828,341 options exercisable)
         
24.83
 
               
Options granted
   
3,399,579
   
34.48
 
Options exercised
   
1,018,852
   
23.56
 
Options forfeited
   
392,929
   
28.19
 
Balance, December 31, 2002
   
10,435,486
   
28.95
 
(1,400,206 options exercisable)
         
26.07
 
               
Options granted
   
3,981,100
   
29.71
 
Options exercised
   
455,986
   
25.94
 
Options forfeited
   
311,731
   
29.09
 
Balance, December 31, 2003
   
13,648,869
   
29.27
 
(1,919,662 options exercisable)
         
29.67
 
               
Options granted
   
3,373,459
   
38.77
 
Options exercised
   
3,622,148
   
26.52
 
Options forfeited
   
167,425
   
32.58
 
Balance, December 31, 2004
   
13,232,755
   
32.40
 
(3,175,023 options exercisable)
         
29.07
 


Options outstanding by plan and range of exercise price as of December 31, 2004 were as follows:


   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
 
Range of
 
Weighted
 Average
 
Remaining
 
Weighted
Average
FE Program
Exercise Prices
Shares
Exercise Price
Contractual Life
Shares
Exercise Price
FE plan
$19.31 - $29.87
6,972,940
$28.82
7.0
1,903,790
$26.72
 
$30.17 - $39.46
5,907,710
$36.89
8.3
919,128
$34.37
Plans acquired
           
Through merger:
           
GPU plan
$23.75 - $35.92
341,455
$28.35
4.4
341,455
$28.35
MYR plan
$ 9.35 - $14.23
8,550
$12.70
4.5
8,550
$12.70
CE plan
$25.14 - $25.15
2,100
$25.14
2.2
2,100
$25.14
Total
 
13,232,755
$32.40
7.5
3,175,023
$29.07

 

 


 
60

The weighted average fair value of options granted in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, are estimated below using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the following assumptions:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
Fair value per option
 
$
6.72
 
$
5.09
 
$
6.45
 
Weighted average valuation assumptions:
                   
Expected option term (years)
   
7.6
   
7.9
   
8.1
 
Expected volatility
   
26.25
%
 
26.91
%
 
23.31
%
Expected dividend yield
   
3.88
%
 
5.09
%
 
4.36
%
Risk-free interest rate
   
1.99
%
 
3.67
%
 
4.60
%
                     

Compensation expense for FirstEnergy stock options is based on intrinsic value, which equals any positive difference between FirstEnergy's common stock price on the option's grant date and the option's exercise price. The exercise prices of all stock options granted in 2004, 2003 and 2002 equaled the market price of FirstEnergy's common stock on the options' grant dates. If fair value accounting were applied to FirstEnergy's stock options, net income and earnings per share would be reduced as summarized below.


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
Net Income, as reported
 
$
878,175
 
$
422,764
 
$
552,804
 
                     
Add back compensation expense
                   
reported in net income, net of tax
                   
(based on APB 25)*
   
21,177
   
23,625
   
22,981
 
                     
Deduct compensation expense based
                   
upon estimated fair value, net of tax*
   
(35,660
)
 
(35,816
)
 
(31,640
)
                     
Pro forma net income
 
$
863,692
 
$
410,573
 
$
544,145
 
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock -
                   
Basic
                   
As Reported
 
$
2.68
 
$
1.39
 
$
1.89
 
Pro Forma
 
$
2.64
 
$
1.35
 
$
1.86
 
Diluted
                   
As Reported
 
$
2.67
 
$
1.39
 
$
1.88
 
Pro Forma
 
$
2.63
 
$
1.35
 
$
1.85
 

* Includes restricted stock, stock options, performance shares, ESOP, EDCP and DCPD.


FirstEnergy anticipates reducing its use of stock options beginning in 2005 and increasing its use of performance-based, restricted stock units. Therefore, the pro forma effects of applying SFAS 123 may not be representative of its future effect. FirstEnergy has not and does not expect to accelerate out-of-the-money options in anticipation of implementing revisions to SFAS 123 on July 1, 2005 (see Note 15 - "New Accounting Standards and Interpretations").

Performance Shares

Performance shares are share equivalents and do not have voting rights. The shares track the performance of FirstEnergy's common stock over a three-year vesting period. During that time dividend equivalents are converted into additional shares. The final account value may be adjusted based on the ranking of FirstEnergy stock to a composite of peer companies. Compensation expense recognized for performance shares during 2004, 2003 and 2002 totaled $4,924,000, $7,131,000 and $6,757,000, respectively.

(B)   ESOP

An ESOP Trust funds most of the matching contribution for FirstEnergy's 401(k) savings plan. All full-time employees eligible for participation in the 401(k) savings plan are covered by the ESOP. The ESOP borrowed $200 million from OE and acquired 10,654,114 shares of OE's common stock (subsequently converted to FirstEnergy common stock) through market purchases. Dividends on ESOP shares are used to service the debt. Shares are released from the ESOP on a pro rata basis as debt service payments are made. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, 864,151 shares, 1,069,318 shares and 1,151,106 shares, respectively, were allocated to employees with the corresponding expense recognized based on the shares allocated method. The fair value of 2,032,800 shares unallocated, as of December 31, 2004, was approximately $80 million. Total ESOP-related compensation expense was calculated as follows:


 
61


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Base compensation
 
$
32
 
$
35
 
$
34
 
Dividends on common stock held by the 
   ESOP and used to service debt
   
  (9
)   (9   (8 )
Net expense
 
$
23
 
$
26
 
$
26
 


(C)   EDCP

Under the EDCP, covered employees can direct a portion of their compensation, including annual incentive awards and/or long-term incentive awards, into an unfunded FirstEnergy stock account to receive vested stock units. An additional 20 percent premium is received in the form of stock units based on the amount allocated to the FirstEnergy stock account. Dividends are calculated quarterly on stock units outstanding and are paid in the form of additional stock units. Upon withdrawal, stock units are converted to FirstEnergy shares. Payout typically occurs three years from the date of deferral; however, an election can be made in the year prior to payout to further defer shares into a retirement stock account that will pay out in cash upon retirement. Of the 1.3 million EDCP stock units authorized, 776,072 stock units were available for future award as of December 31, 2004. Compensation expense recognized on EDCP stock units in 2004, 2003 and 2002 totaled $2,311,000, $2,312,000 and $206,000, respectively.

(D)  
DCPD

Under the DCPD, directors can elect to allocate all or a portion of their cash retainers, meeting fees and chair fees to deferred stock or deferred cash accounts. If the funds are deferred into the stock account, a 20 percent match is added to the funds allocated. The 20 percent match and any appreciation on it are forfeited if the director leaves the Board within three years from the date of deferral for any reason other than retirement, disability, death, upon a change in control, or when a director is ineligible to stand for re-election. Compensation expense is recognized for the 20 percent match over the three-year vesting period. Directors may also elect to defer their equity retainers into the deferred stock account, however, they do not receive a 20 percent match for this deferral. DCPD expenses recognized in 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $3,556,000 $2,233,000 and $2,728,000, respectively.

5.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Long-term Debt and Other Long-term Obligations

All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as financial instruments under GAAP and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations as of December 31:
 

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Long-term debt
 
$
10,787
 
$
11,341
 
$
11,177
 
$
11,648
 
Subordinated debentures to affiliated
   trusts
   
103
   
112
   
294
   
322
 
Preferred stock subject to
   mandatory redemption
   
17
   
16
   
19
   
19
 
   
$
10,907
 
$
11,469
 
$
11,490
 
$
11,989
 

 

The fair values of long-term debt and other long-term obligations reflect the present value of the cash outflows relating to those securities based on the current call price, the yield to maturity or the yield to call, as deemed appropriate at the end of each respective year. The yields assumed were based on securities with similar characteristics offered by corporations with credit ratings similar to the Companies' ratings.

Investments

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these investments. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of investments other than cash and cash equivalents as of December 31:

 
62


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities: (1)
                         
-Government obligations
 
$
797
 
$
797
 
$
707
 
$
707
 
-Corporate debt securities (2)
   
1,205
   
1,362
   
1,492
   
1,601
 
-Mortgage-backed securities
   
2
   
2
   
--
   
--
 
     
2,004
   
2,161
   
2,199
   
2,308
 
Equity securities (1)
   
1,033
   
1,033
   
1,068
   
1,068
 
   
$
3,037
 
$
3,194
 
$
3,267
 
$
3,376
 

 
(1)
Includes nuclear decommissioning, nuclear fuel disposal and NUG trust investments.
 
(2)
Includes investments in lease obligation bonds (See Note 6).


The fair value of investments other than cash and cash equivalents represent cost (which approximates fair value) or 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.

Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include held-to-maturity securities and available-for-sale securities. Decommissioning trust investments are classified as available-for-sale. The Companies have no securities held for trading purposes. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, unrealized gains and losses and fair values for decommissioning trust investments as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities
 
$
616
 
$
19
 
$
3
 
$
632
 
$
548
 
$
26
 
$
1
 
$
573
 
Equity securities
   
763
   
207
   
19
   
951
   
593
   
217
   
31
   
779
 
   
$
1,379
 
$
226
 
$
22
 
$
1,583
 
$
1,141
 
$
243
 
$
32
 
$
1,352
 

Proceeds from the sale of decommissioning trust investments, realized gains and losses on those sales, and interest and dividend income for the three years ended December 31, 2004 were as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Proceeds from sales
 
$
1,234
 
$
758
 
$
599
 
Realized gains
   
144
   
38
   
32
 
Realized losses
   
43
   
32
   
47
 
Interest and dividend income
   
45
   
37
   
33
 


The following table provides the fair value of and unrealized losses on nuclear decommissioning trust investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2004:


                           
   
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities
 
$
175
 
$
3
 
$
20
 
$
--
 
$
195
 
$
3
 
Equity securities
   
129
   
12
   
39
   
7
   
168
   
19
 
   
$
304
 
$
15
 
$
59
 
$
7
 
$
363
 
$
22
 
 

The Companies periodically evaluate the securities held by their nuclear decommissioning trusts for other-than-temporary impairment. FirstEnergy considers the length of time and the extent to which the security's fair value has been less than its cost basis and other factors to determine whether impairment is other than temporary. Unrealized gains and losses applicable to the decommissioning trusts of FirstEnergy's Ohio Companies are recognized in OCI in accordance with SFAS 115, as fluctuations in fair value will eventually affect earnings. The decommissioning trusts of FirstEnergy's Pennsylvania and New Jersey Companies are subject to regulatory accounting in accordance with SFAS 71. Net unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets since the difference between investments held in trust and the decommissioning liabilities are recovered from or refunded to customers.

 
63

The investment policy for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds restricts or limits the 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 fund's custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.
 
Derivatives

FirstEnergy is exposed to financial risks resulting from the fluctuation of interest rates and commodity prices, including prices for electricity, natural gas and coal. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, FirstEnergy uses a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including forward contracts, options, futures contracts and swaps. The derivatives are used principally for hedging purposes, and to a lesser extent, for trading purposes. FirstEnergy's Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout the Company. They are responsible for promoting the effective design and implementation of sound risk management programs. They also oversee compliance with corporate risk management policies and established risk management practices.

How derivative instruments are used and classified determines how they are reported in FirstEnergy's financial statements. FirstEnergy accounts for derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheet at their fair value unless they meet the normal purchase and normal sales criteria. The changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument are recorded in current earnings, in other comprehensive income, or as part of the value of the hedged item depending on whether or not it is designated as part of a hedge transaction and on the nature of the hedge transaction. FirstEnergy's primary ongoing hedging activity involves cash flow hedges of electricity and natural gas purchases. The maximum periods over which the variability of electricity and natural gas cash flows are hedged are two and three years, respectively. Gains and losses from hedges of commodity price risks are included in net income when the underlying hedged commodities are delivered. Also, gains and losses are included in net income when ineffectiveness occurs on certain natural gas hedges. The impact of ineffectiveness on earnings during 2004 was not material. FirstEnergy entered into interest rate derivative transactions during 2001 to hedge a portion of the anticipated interest payments on debt related to the GPU acquisition. Gains and losses from hedges of anticipated interest payments on acquisition debt are included in net income over the periods that hedged interest payments are made - 5, 10 and 30 years. Gains and losses from derivative contracts are included in other operating expenses. AOCL as of December 31, 2004 includes a net deferred loss of $92 million for derivative hedging activity. The $19 million decrease from the December 31, 2003 balance of $111 million includes a $11 million reduction due to the sale of GLEP, $3 million reduction related to current hedging activity and a $5 million decrease due to net hedge losses included in earnings during the year. Approximately $14 million (after tax) of the current net deferred loss on derivative instruments in AOCL is expected to be reclassified to earnings during the next twelve months as hedged transactions occur. The fair value of these derivative instruments will continue to fluctuate from period to period based on various market factors.

During 2004, FirstEnergy executed fixed-for-floating interest rate swap agreements, whereby FirstEnergy receives fixed cash flows based on the fixed coupons of the hedged securities and pays variable cash flows based on short-term variable market interest rates (3 and 6 months LIBOR index). These derivatives are 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. Swap maturities, fixed interest rates received, and interest payment dates match those of the underlying obligations. FirstEnergy entered into interest rate swap agreements on a $900 million notional amount of subsidiaries’ senior notes and subordinated debentures with a weighted average fixed interest rate of 5.67%. In addition, FirstEnergy unwound swaps with a total notional amount of $400 million from which it received $12 million in cash gains during 2004. The gains will be recognized over the remaining maturity of each respective hedged security as reduced interest expense. As of December 31, 2004, the aggregate notional value of interest rate swap agreements outstanding was $1.65 billion.

FirstEnergy engages in the trading of commodity derivatives and periodically experiences net open positions. FirstEnergy's risk management policies limit the exposure to market risk from open positions and require daily reporting to management of potential financial exposures. Discretionary trading in 2004 resulted in a $2 million gain.

6.
LEASES

The Companies lease certain generating facilities, office space and other property and equipment under cancelable and noncancelable leases.

OE sold portions of its ownership interests in Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2 and entered into operating leases on the portions sold for basic lease terms of approximately 29 years. CEI and TE also sold portions of their ownership interests in Beaver Valley Unit 2 and Bruce Mansfield Units 1, 2 and 3 and entered into similar operating leases for lease terms of approximately 30 years. During the terms of their respective leases, OE, CEI and TE continue to be responsible, to the extent of their individual combined ownership and leasehold interests, for costs associated with the units including construction expenditures, operation and maintenance expenses, insurance, nuclear fuel, property taxes and decommissioning. They have the right, at the expiration of the respective basic lease terms, to renew their respective leases. They also have the right to purchase the facilities at the expiration of the basic lease term or any renewal term at a price equal to the fair market value of the facilities. The basic rental payments are adjusted when applicable federal tax law changes.

 
64

Consistent with the regulatory treatment, the rentals for capital and operating leases are charged to operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Such costs for the three years ended December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating leases
             
Interest element
 
$
172
 
$
181
 
$
188
 
Other
   
126
   
150
   
136
 
Capital leases
                   
Interest element
   
1
   
2
   
2
 
Other
   
3
   
2
   
3
 
Total rentals
 
$
302
 
$
335
 
$
329
 
                     

OE invested in the PNBV Capital Trust, which was established to purchase a portion of the lease obligation bonds issued on behalf of lessors in OE's Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2 sale and leaseback transactions. CEI and TE established the Shippingport Capital Trust to purchase the lease obligation bonds issued on behalf of lessors in their Bruce Mansfield Units 1, 2 and 3 sale and leaseback transactions. The PNBV and Shippingport Capital Trust arrangements effectively reduce lease costs related to those transactions (see Note 7).

The future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2004 are:


       
Operating Leases
 
   
Capital
 
Lease
 
Capital
     
   
Leases
 
Payments
 
Trusts
 
Net
 
   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
5
 
$
313
 
$
130
 
$
183
 
2006
   
5
   
322
   
142
   
180
 
2007
   
1
   
299
   
130
   
169
 
2008
   
1
   
294
   
105
   
189
 
2009
   
1
   
298
   
111
   
187
 
Years thereafter
   
6
   
2,217
   
763
   
1,454
 
Total minimum lease payments
   
19
 
$
3,743
 
$
1,381
 
$
2,362
 
Executory costs
   
4
                   
Net minimum lease payments
   
15
                   
Interest portion
   
4
                   
Present value of net minimum
                         
lease payments
   
11
                   
Less current portion
   
2
                   
Noncurrent portion
 
$
9
                   
 

FirstEnergy has recorded above-market lease liabilities for Beaver Valley Unit 2 and the Bruce Mansfield Plant associated with the 1997 merger between OE and Centerior. The total above-market lease obligation of $722 million associated with Beaver Valley Unit 2 is being amortized on a straight-line basis through the end of the lease term in 2017 (approximately $37 million per year). The total above-market lease obligation of $755 million associated with the Bruce Mansfield Plant is being amortized on a straight-line basis through the end of 2016 (approximately $48 million per year). As of December 31, 2004 the above-market lease liabilities for Beaver Valley Unit 2 and the Bruce Mansfield Plant totaled $1.0 billion, of which $85 million is current.

7.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

FIN 46R addresses the consolidation of VIEs, including special-purpose entities, that are not controlled through voting interests or in which the equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks and rewards. FirstEnergy adopted FIN 46R for special-purpose entities as of December 31, 2003 and for all other entities in the first quarter of 2004. The first step under FIN 46R is to determine whether an entity is within the scope of FIN 46R, which occurs if it is deemed to be a VIE. FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries consolidate VIEs where they have determined that they are the primary beneficiaries as defined by FIN 46R.

 
65

Leases

Included in FirstEnergy’s consolidated financial statements are PNBV and Shippingport, two VIEs created in 1996 and 1997, respectively, to refinance debt originally issued in connection with the sale and leaseback transactions discussed above in Note 6. PNBV and Shippingport financial data are included in the consolidated financial statements of OE and CEI, respectively.

PNBV was established to purchase a portion of the lease obligation bonds issued in connection with OE’s 1987 sale and leaseback of its interests in the Perry Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 2. OE used debt and available funds to purchase the notes issued by PNBV. Ownership of PNBV includes a three-percent equity interest by a nonaffiliated third party and a three-percent equity interest held by OES Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of OE. Shippingport was established to purchase all of the lease obligation bonds issued in connection with CEI’s and TE’s Bruce Mansfield Plant sale and leaseback transaction in 1987. CEI and TE used debt and available funds to purchase the notes issued by Shippingport.

Through its investment in PNBV, OE has, and through their investments in Shippingport, CEI and TE have, variable interests in certain owner trusts that acquired the interests in the Perry Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 2, in the case of OE, and the Bruce Mansfield Plant, in the case of CEI and TE. FirstEnergy concluded that OE, CEI and TE were not the primary beneficiaries of the relevant owner trusts and were therefore not required to consolidate these entities. The combined purchase price of $3.1 billion for all of the interests acquired by the owner trusts in 1987 was funded with debt of $2.5 billion and equity of $600 million.

OE, CEI and TE are exposed to losses under the applicable sale-leaseback agreements upon the occurrence of certain contingent events that each company considers unlikely to occur. OE, CEI and TE each have a maximum exposure to loss under these provisions of approximately $1 billion, which represents the net amount of casualty value payments upon the occurrence of specified casualty events that render the applicable plant worthless. Under the applicable sale and leaseback agreements, OE, CEI and TE have net minimum discounted lease payments of $673 million, $115 million and $570 million, respectively, that would not be payable if the casualty value payments are made.

Power Purchase Agreements

FirstEnergy has evaluated its power purchase agreements and determined that certain NUG entities may be VIEs to the extent they own a plant that sells substantially all of its output to the Companies and the contract price for power is correlated with the plant’s variable costs of production. FirstEnergy, through its subsidiaries JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec, maintains approximately 30 long-term power purchase agreements with NUG entities. The agreements were structured pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. 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 nine of these entities, neither JCP&L, Met-Ed nor Penelec have variable interests in the entities or the entities are governmental or not-for-profit organizations not within the scope of FIN 46R. JCP&L, Met-Ed or Penelec may hold variable interests in the remaining nine entities, which sell their output at variable prices that correlate to some extent with the operating costs of the plants.

As required by FIN 46R, FirstEnergy requests, on a quarterly basis, the information necessary from these nine entities to determine whether they are VIEs or whether JCP&L, Met-Ed or Penelec is the primary beneficiary. FirstEnergy has been unable to obtain the requested information, which in most cases was deemed by the requested entity to be proprietary. As such, FirstEnergy applied the scope exception that exempts enterprises unable to obtain the necessary information to evaluate entities under FIN 46R. The maximum exposure to loss from these entities results from increases in the variable pricing component under the contract terms and cannot be determined without the requested data. The cost of power purchased from these entities during 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $210 million, $194 million and $184 million, respectively.

FirstEnergy is required to continue to make exhaustive efforts to obtain the necessary information in future periods and is unable to determine the possible impact of consolidating any such entity without this information.

8.   DIVESTITURES

International Operations

FirstEnergy completed the sale of its international operations in January 2004 with the sales of its remaining 20.1 percent interest in Avon (parent of Midlands Electricity in the United Kingdom) on January 16, 2004, and its 28.67 percent interest in TEBSA for $12 million on January 30, 2004. Impairment charges related to TEBSA and Avon (included in Other Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income) were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2003 and no gain or loss was recognized upon the sales in 2004. Avon, TEBSA and other international assets sold in 2003 were originally acquired as part of FirstEnergy's November 2001 merger with GPU.

66
International operations in Bolivia were divested by the December 2003 sale of FirstEnergy's wholly owned subsidiary, Guaracachi America, Inc., a holding company with a 50.001 percent interest in EGSA, resulting in a loss on sale of $33 million (recognized in Discontinued Operations in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2003). International operations in Argentina represented by FirstEnergy's ownership in Emdersa were divested through the abandonment of its shares in Emdersa's parent company, GPU Argentina Holdings, Inc. in April 2003. As a result of the abandonment, FirstEnergy recognized a one-time, non-cash charge of $67 million, or $0.23 per share of common stock in the second quarter of 2003. The charge did not include the expected income tax benefits related to the abandonment, which were fully reserved during the second quarter of 2003. FirstEnergy expects tax benefits of approximately $129 million, of which $50 million would increase net income in the period that it becomes probable those benefits will be realized. The remaining $79 million of tax benefits would reduce goodwill recognized in connection with the acquisition of GPU.

FirstEnergy had sold a 79.9 percent equity interest in Avon in May 2002 to Aquila, Inc. for approximately $1.9 billion (consisting of the assumption of $1.7 billion of debt, $155 million in cash and a $87 million note receivable). In the fourth quarter of 2002, FirstEnergy recorded a $50 million after-tax charge to reduce the carrying value of its remaining 20.1 percent interest. After reaching agreement to sell its remaining 20.1 percent interest in the fourth quarter of 2003, FirstEnergy recorded a $5 million after-tax charge to reduce the carrying value. These charges were included in Other Operating Expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003, respectively. In the second quarter of 2003, FirstEnergy recognized an impairment of $13 million ($8 million net of tax) related to the carrying value of the note receivable from Aquila. After receiving the first annual installment payment of $19 million in May 2003, FirstEnergy sold the remaining balance of its note receivable in the secondary market and received $63 million in proceeds in July 2003.

Generation Assets

In August 2002, FirstEnergy cancelled a November 2001 agreement to sell four coal-fired power plants (2,535 MW) to NRG Energy Inc. because NRG stated that it could not complete the transaction under the original terms of the agreement. NRG filed voluntary bankruptcy petitions in May 2003; subsequently, FirstEnergy reached an agreement for settlement of its claim against NRG. FirstEnergy sold its entire claim (including $32 million of cash proceeds received in December 2003) for $170 million in January 2004.

Other Domestic Operations

FirstEnergy sold its 50 percent interest in GLEP on June 23, 2004. Proceeds of $220 million included cash of $200 million and the right, valued at $20 million, to participate for up to a 40% interest in future wells in Ohio. This transaction produced an after-tax loss of $7 million, or $0.02 per share of common stock, including the benefits of prior tax capital losses that had been previously fully reserved, which offset the capital gain from the sale. In 2003, FirstEnergy sold three FSG subsidiaries - Ancoma, Inc., a mechanical contracting company based in Rochester, New York, and Virginia-based Colonial Mechanical and Webb Technologies - and a MARBEL subsidiary - Northeast Ohio Natural Gas (see Note 2(J)).

9.   REGULATORY MATTERS

Reliability Initiatives

In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. With respect to each of these reliability enhancement initiatives, FirstEnergy submitted its response to the respective entity according to any required response dates. In 2004, FirstEnergy completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. Furthermore, FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted, that FirstEnergy had completed the recommended enhancements, policies, procedures and actions it had recommended be completed by June 30, 2004. In addition, FirstEnergy requested, and NERC provided, a technical assistance team of experts to assist in implementing and confirming timely and successful completion of various initiatives. The NERC-assembled independent verification team confirmed on July 14, 2004, that FirstEnergy had implemented the NERC Recommended Actions to Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Future Cascading Blackouts required to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as NERC recommendations contained in the Control Area Readiness Audit Report required to be completed by summer 2004, and recommendations in the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force Report directed toward FirstEnergy and required to be completed by June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy. On December 28, 2004, FirstEnergy submitted a follow-up to its June 30, 2004 Certification and Report of Completion to NERC addressing the minor exceptions, which are now essentially complete.


 
67

FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.
 
On July 5, 2003, JCP&L experienced a series of 34.5 kilovolt sub-transmission line faults that resulted in outages on the New Jersey shore. On July 16, 2003, the NJBPU initiated an investigation into the cause of JCP&L's outages of the July 4, 2003 weekend. The NJBPU selected an SRM to oversee and make recommendations on appropriate courses of action necessary to ensure system-wide reliability. Additionally, pursuant to the stipulation of settlement that was adopted in the NJBPU's Order of March 13, 2003 in its docket relating to the investigation of outages in August 2002, the NJBPU, through an independent auditor working under direction of the NJBPU Staff, undertook a review and focused audit of JCP&L's Planning and Operations and Maintenance programs and practices (Focused Audit). Subsequent to the initial engagement of the auditor, the scope of the review was expanded to include the outages during July 2003.

Both the independent auditor and the SRM submitted interim reports primarily addressing improvements to be made prior to the next occurrence of peak loads in the summer of 2004. On December 17, 2003, the NJBPU adopted the SRM's interim recommendations related to service reliability. With the assistance of the independent auditor and the SRM, JCP&L and the NJBPU staff created a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that set out specific tasks to be performed by JCP&L and a timetable for completion. On March 29, 2004, the NJBPU adopted the MOU and endorsed JCP&L's ongoing actions to implement the MOU. On June 9, 2004, the NJBPU approved a Stipulation that incorporates the final report of the SRM and the Executive Summary and Recommendation portions of the final report of the Focused Audit. A Final Order in the Focused Audit docket was issued by the NJBPU on July 23, 2004. JCP&L continues to file compliance reports reflecting activities associated with the MOU and Stipulation.

In May 2004, the PPUC issued an order approving the revised reliability benchmark and standards, including revised benchmarks and standards for Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn. Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn filed a Petition for Amendment of Benchmarks with the PPUC on May 26, 2004 seeking amendment of the benchmarks and standards due to their implementation of automated outage management systems following restructuring. Evidentiary hearings have been scheduled for September 2005. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding.

On January 16, 2004, the PPUC initiated a formal investigation of whether Met-Ed's, Penelec's and Penn's “service reliability performance deteriorated to a point below the level of service reliability that existed prior to restructuring” in Pennsylvania. Hearings were held in early August 2004. On September 30, 2004, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn filed a settlement agreement with the PPUC that addresses the issues related to this investigation. As part of the settlement, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn agreed to enhance service reliability, ongoing periodic performance reporting and communications with customers and to collectively maintain their current spending levels of at least $255 million annually on combined capital and operation and maintenance expenditures for transmission and distribution for the years 2005 through 2007. The settlement also outlines an expedited remediation process to address any alleged non-compliance with terms of the settlement and an expedited PPUC hearing process if remediation is unsuccessful. On November 4, 2004, the PPUC accepted the recommendation of the ALJ approving the settlement.

Ohio

In October 2003, the Ohio Companies filed an application for a Rate Stabilization Plan with the PUCO to establish generation service rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply uncertainty following the end of the Ohio Companies' transition plan market development period. On February 24, 2004, the Ohio Companies filed a revised Rate Stabilization Plan to address PUCO concerns related to the original Rate Stabilization Plan. On June 9, 2004, the PUCO issued an order approving the revised Rate Stabilization Plan, subject to conducting a competitive bid process. On August 5, 2004, the Ohio Companies accepted the Rate Stabilization Plan as modified and approved by the PUCO on August 4, 2004. In the second quarter of 2004, the Ohio Companies implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest costs deferral on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC, respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the June 9, 2004 PUCO order and associated entries on rehearing.

The revised Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues the Ohio Companies' support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the revised Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:

 
68


·
extension of the transition cost amortization period for OE from 2006 to as late as 2007; for CEI from 2008 to as
late as mid-2009 and for TE from mid-2007 to as late as mid-2008;
   
·
deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and
   
·
ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions,
for increases in fuel costs and taxes.


On December 9, 2004, the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved revised Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. The PUCO may cause the Ohio Companies to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization Plan pricing, but not the related approved accounting, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination.

New Jersey

JCP&L is permitted to defer for future collection from customers the amounts by which its costs of supplying BGS to non-shopping customers and costs incurred under NUG agreements exceed amounts collected through BGS and MTC rates. As of December 31, 2004, the accumulated deferred cost balance totaled approximately $446 million. New Jersey law allows for securitization of JCP&L's deferred balance upon application by JCP&L and a determination by the NJBPU that the conditions of the New Jersey restructuring legislation are met. On February 14, 2003, JCP&L filed for approval of the securitization of the deferred balance. There can be no assurance as to the extent, if any, that the NJBPU will permit such securitization.

In July 2003, the NJBPU announced its JCP&L base electric rate proceeding decision, which reduced JCP&L's annual revenues effective August 1, 2003 and disallowed $153 million of deferred energy costs. The NJBPU decision also provided for an interim return on equity of 9.5% on JCP&L's rate base. The decision ordered a Phase II proceeding be conducted to review whether JCP&L is in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards. The BPU also ordered that any expenditures and projects undertaken by JCP&L to increase its system's reliability be reviewed as part of the Phase II proceeding, to determine their prudence and reasonableness for rate recovery. In that Phase II proceeding, the NJBPU could increase JCP&L’s return on equity to 9.75% or decrease it to 9.25%, depending on its assessment of the reliability of JCP&L's service. Any reduction would be retroactive to August 1, 2003. JCP&L recorded charges to net income for the year ended December 31, 2003, aggregating $185 million ($109 million net of tax) consisting of the $153 million of disallowed deferred energy costs and $32 million of other disallowed regulatory assets. In its final decision and order issued on May 17, 2004, the NJPBU clarified the method for calculating interest attributable to the cost disallowances, resulting in a $5.4 million reduction from the amount estimated in 2003. JCP&L filed an August 15, 2003 interim motion for rehearing and reconsideration with the NJBPU and a June 1, 2004 supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration. On July 7, 2004, the NJBPU granted limited reconsideration and rehearing on the following issues: (1) deferred cost disallowances (2) the capital structure including the rate of return (3) merger savings, including amortization of costs to achieve merger savings; and (4) decommissioning costs. Management is unable to predict when a decision may be reached by the NJBPU.

On July 16, 2004, JCP&L filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU, requesting an increase in base rates of $36 million for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% return on equity. The filing also requests an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually. The Ratepayer Advocate filed testimony on November 16, 2004, and JCP&L submitted rebuttal testimony on January 4, 2005. Settlement conferences are ongoing.

JCP&L sells all self-supplied energy (NUGs and owned generation) to the wholesale market with offsetting credits to its deferred energy balance with the exception of 300 MW from JCP&L's NUG committed supply currently being used to serve BGS customers pursuant to NJBPU order. The BGS auction for periods beginning June 1, 2004 was completed in February 2004 and new BGS tariffs reflecting the auction results became effective June 1, 2004. The NJBPU decision on the BGS post transition year three process was announced on October 22, 2004, approving with minor modifications the BGS procurement process filed by JCP&L and the other New Jersey electric distribution companies and authorizing the continued use of NUG committed supply to serve 300 MW of BGS load. The auction for the supply period beginning June 1, 2005 was completed in February 2005.


 
69

In accordance with an April 28, 2004 NJBPU order, JCP&L filed testimony on June 7, 2004 supporting a continuation of the current level and duration of the funding of TMI-2 decommissioning costs by New Jersey customers without a reduction, termination or capping of the funding. On September 30, 2004, JCP&L filed an updated TMI-2 decommissioning study (see Note 11 - Asset Retirement Obligations). This study resulted in an updated total decommissioning cost estimate of $729 million (in 2003 dollars) compared to the estimated $528 million (in 2003 dollars) from the prior 1995 decommissioning study. The Ratepayer Advocate filed comments on February 28, 2005. A schedule for further proceedings has not yet been set.
 
Pennsylvania

In June 2001, the PPUC approved the Settlement Stipulation with all of the major parties in the combined merger and rate relief proceedings, which approved the FirstEnergy/GPU merger and provided Met-Ed and Penelec PLR deferred accounting treatment for energy costs. A February 2002 Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania decision affirmed the PPUC decision regarding approval of the merger, remanded the issues of quantification and allocation of merger savings to the PPUC and denied the PLR deferral accounting treatment. In October 2003, the PPUC issued an order concluding that the Commonwealth Court reversed the PPUC’s June 2001 order in its entirety. In accordance with the PPUC's direction, Met-Ed and Penelec filed supplements to their tariffs which were effective October 2003 that reflected the CTC rates and shopping credits in effect prior to the June 21, 2001 order.

In response to its October 8, 2003 petition, the PPUC approved June 30, 2004 as the date for Met-Ed's and Penelec's NUG trust fund refunds and denied their accounting request regarding the CTC rate/shopping credit swap by requiring Met-Ed and Penelec to treat the stipulated CTC rates that were in effect from January 1, 2002 on a retroactive basis. Met-Ed and Penelec subsequently filed with the Commonwealth Court, on October 31, 2003, an Application for Clarification with the judge, a Petition for Review of the PPUC's October 2 and October 16 Orders, and an application for reargument if the judge, in his clarification order, indicates that Met-Ed's and Penelec's Objection was intended to be denied on the merits. The Reargument Brief before the Commonwealth Court was filed January 28, 2005.

In accordance with PPUC directives, Met-Ed and Penelec have been negotiating with interested parties in an attempt to resolve the merger savings issues that are the subject of remand from the Commonwealth Court. These companies' combined portion of total merger savings is estimated to be approximately $31.5 million. If no settlement can be reached, Met-Ed and Penelec will take the position that any portion of such savings should be allocated to customers during each company's next rate proceeding.

Met-Ed and Penelec purchase a portion of their PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sales agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by Met-Ed and Penelec under their NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces Met-Ed's and Penelec's exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for their uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. Met-Ed and Penelec are authorized to continue deferring differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.

Transmission

On November 1, 2004, ATSI requested authority from the FERC to defer approximately $54 million of vegetation management costs ($13 deferred as of December 31, 2004 pending authorization) estimated to be incurred from 2004 through 2007. The FERC approved ATSI's request to defer those costs on March 4, 2005.

ATSI and MISO filed with the FERC on December 2, 2004, seeking approval for ATSI to have transmission rates established based on a FERC-approved cost of service - formula rate included in Attachment O under the MISO tariff. The ATSI Network Service net revenue requirement increased under the formula rate to approximately $159 million. On January 28, 2005, the FERC accepted for filing the revised tariff sheets to become effective February 1, 2005, subject to refund, and ordered a public hearing be held to address the reasonableness of the proposal to eliminate the voltage-differentiated rate design for the ATSI zone.

On December 30, 2004, the Ohio Companies filed an application with the PUCO seeking tariff adjustments to recover increases of approximately $30 million in transmission and ancillary service costs beginning January 1, 2006. The Ohio Companies also filed an application for authority to defer costs associated with MISO Day 1, MISO Day 2, congestion fees, FERC assessment fees, and the ATSI rate increase, as applicable, from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005.

On January 12, 2005, Met-Ed and Penelec filed, before the PPUC, a request for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005, estimated to be approximately $8 million per month.

Various parties have intervened in each of the cases above.

 
70

On September 16, 2004, the FERC issued an order that imposed additional obligations on CEI under certain pre-Open Access transmission contracts among CEI and the cities of Cleveland and Painesville. Under the FERC's decision, CEI may be responsible for a portion of new energy market charges imposed by MISO when its energy markets begin in the spring of 2005. CEI filed for rehearing of the order from the FERC on October 18, 2004. The impact of the FERC decision on CEI is dependent upon many factors, including the arrangements made by the cities for transmission service, the startup date for the MISO energy market, and the resolution of the rehearing request, and cannot be determined at this time.

10.   CAPITALIZATION

(A)   COMMON STOCK

Retained Earnings and Dividends

Under applicable federal law, FirstEnergy (as a registered holding company) and its subsidiaries can pay dividends only from retained, undistributed or current earnings, unless the SEC specifically authorizes payment from other capital accounts. As of December 31, 2004, FirstEnergy's unrestricted retained earnings were $1.9 billion. Provisions within the articles of incorporation, indentures and various other agreements relating to the long-term debt and preferred stock of certain FirstEnergy subsidiaries contain provisions that could restrict the payment of dividends on their common and preferred stock. As of December 31, 2004, there were no material restrictions on retained earnings under these agreements for payment of cash dividends on FirstEnergy’s common stock.

On November 30, 2004, the Board of Directors increased the indicated annual dividend to $1.65 per share, payable quarterly at a rate of $0.4125 per share, and declared the first quarter 2005 dividend. At December 31, 2004, accrued dividends of approximately $135 million were included in other current liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Dividends declared in 2004 were $1.9125 which included quarterly dividends of $0.375 per share paid in each quarter of 2004 and a dividend of $0.4125 payable in the first quarter of 2005. Dividends declared in 2003 were $1.50, which included quarterly dividends of $0.375 per share paid in each quarter of 2003. The amount and timing of all dividend declarations are subject to the discretion of the Board and its consideration of business conditions, results of operations, financial conditions and other factors.

(B)   PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK

All preferred stock may be redeemed by the Companies in whole, or in part, with 30-90 days' notice.

CEI will exercise its option to redeem all outstanding shares of two series of preferred stock during the first quarter of 2005 as follows:



Series
Outstanding Shares
Call Price
7.40A
500,000
101.00
L
474,000
100.00


Met-Ed's and Penelec's preferred stock authorizations consist of 10 million and 11.435 million shares, respectively, without par value. No preferred shares are currently outstanding for those companies.

The Companies' preference stock authorization consists of 8 million shares without par value for OE; 3 million shares without par value for CEI; and 5 million shares, $25 par value for TE. No preference shares are currently outstanding.

(C)  
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS

Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption

SFAS 150 requires financial instruments issued in the form of shares that are mandatorily redeemable to be classified as long-term debt. Annual sinking fund provisions for the Companies' preferred stock are as follows:

           
Redemption
 
           
Price Per
 
   
Series
 
Shares
 
Share
 
CEI
 
$
7.35C
   
10,000
 
$
100
 
Penn
   
7.625
%
 
7,500
   
100
 

Annual sinking fund requirements will be satisfied by the end of 2008 and consist of $1.8 million in 2005 and 2006, $12.3 million in 2007 and $1.0 million in 2008.

 
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Subordinated Debentures to Affiliated Trusts

As of December 31, 2004, CEI's wholly owned statutory business trust, Cleveland Electric Financing Trust, had $100 million of outstanding 9.00% preferred securities maturing in 2031. The sole assets of the trust are CEI's subordinated debentures with the same rate and maturity date as the preferred securities.

CEI formed the trust to sell preferred securities and invest the gross proceeds in the 9.00% subordinated debentures of CEI. The sole assets of the trust are the applicable subordinated debentures. Interest payment provisions of the subordinated debentures match the distribution payment provisions of the trust's preferred securities. In addition, upon redemption or payment at maturity of subordinated debentures, the trust's preferred securities will be redeemed on a pro rata basis at their liquidation value. Under certain circumstances, the applicable subordinated debentures could be distributed to the holders of the outstanding preferred securities of the trust in the event that the trust is liquidated. CEI has effectively provided a full and unconditional guarantee of payments due on the trust's preferred securities. The trust's preferred securities are redeemable at 100 percent of their principal amount at CEI's option beginning in December 2006. Interest on the subordinated debentures (and therefore distributions on the trust's preferred securities) may be deferred for up to 60 months, but CEI may not pay dividends on, or redeem or acquire, any of its cumulative preferred or common stock until deferred payments on its subordinated debentures are paid in full.

Met-Ed and Penelec had each formed statutory business trusts for substantially similar transactions to those of CEI, with ownership of the respective Met-Ed and Penelec trusts through separate wholly owned limited partnerships. In June 2004 and September 2004, respectively, Met-Ed and Penelec extinguished the subordinated debentures held by their respective trusts, who in turn redeemed their respective preferred securities.

Securitized Transition Bonds

On June 11, 2002, JCP&L Transition Funding LLC (Issuer), a wholly owned limited liability company of JCP&L, sold $320 million of transition bonds to securitize the recovery of JCP&L's bondable stranded costs associated with the previously divested Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station.

JCP&L does not own nor did it purchase any of the transition bonds, which are included in long-term debt on FirstEnergy's Consolidated Balance Sheets. The transition bonds represent obligations only of the Issuer and are collateralized solely by the equity and assets of the Issuer, which consist primarily of bondable transition property. The bondable transition property is solely the property of the Issuer.

Bondable transition property represents the irrevocable right of a utility company to charge, collect and receive from its customers, through a non-bypassable TBC, the principal amount and interest on the transition bonds and other fees and expenses associated with their issuance. JCP&L, as servicer, manages and administers the bondable transition property, including the billing, collection and remittance of the TBC, pursuant to a servicing agreement with the Issuer.

Other Long-term Debt

Each of the Companies has a first mortgage indenture under which it issues FMBs secured by a direct first mortgage lien on substantially all of its property and franchises, other than specifically excepted property. FirstEnergy and its subsidiaries have various debt covenants under their respective financing arrangements. The most restrictive of the debt covenants relate to the nonpayment of interest and/or principal on debt and the maintenance of certain financial ratios. The fixed charge ratio and debt-to-capitalization ratio covenants are applicable to only financing arrangements of FirstEnergy, the Ohio Companies and Penn. There also exist cross-default provisions among financing arrangements of FirstEnergy and the Companies.

Based on the amount of FMBs authenticated by the respective mortgage bond trustees through December 31, 2004, the Companies' annual sinking fund requirements for all FMBs issued under the various mortgage indentures amounts to $71 million. OE and Penn expect to deposit funds with their respective mortgage bond trustees in 2005 that will then be withdrawn upon the surrender for cancellation of a like principal amount of FMBs, specifically authenticated for such purposes against unfunded property additions or against previously retired FMBs. This method can result in minor increases in the amount of the annual sinking fund requirement. JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec expect to fulfill their sinking fund obligations by providing bondable property additions and/or previously retired FMBs to the respective mortgage bond trustees.

 
72

Sinking fund requirements for FMBs and maturing long-term debt (excluding capital leases) for the next five years are:
(In millions)
2005
 
$
937
 
2006
   
1,327
 
2007
   
453
 
2008
   
470
 
2009
   
285
 
         


Included in the table above are amounts for various variable interest rate pollution control bonds which have provisions by which individual debt holders have the option to "put back" or require the respective debt issuer to redeem their debt at those times when the interest rate may change prior to its maturity date. These amounts are $442 million and $132 million in 2005 and 2008, respectively, representing the next times the debt holders may exercise this provision.

The Companies' obligations to repay certain pollution control revenue bonds are secured by several series of FMBs. Certain pollution control revenue bonds are entitled to the benefit of irrevocable bank LOCs of $299 million or noncancelable municipal bond insurance policies of $922 million to pay principal of, or interest on, the applicable pollution control revenue bonds. To the extent that drawings are made under the LOCs or the policies, the Companies are entitled to a credit against their obligation to repay those bonds. The Companies pay annual fees of 1.0% to 1.7% of the amounts of the LOCs to the issuing banks and 0.20% to 0.55% of the amounts of the policies to the insurers and are obligated to reimburse the banks or insurers, as the case may be, for any drawings thereunder.

FirstEnergy had unsecured borrowings of $215 million as of December 31, 2004, under its $1 billion revolving credit facility agreement which expires June 22, 2007. FirstEnergy currently pays an annual facility fee of 0.30% on the total credit facility amount. FirstEnergy had no borrowings as of December 31, 2004 under a $375 million long-term revolving credit facility agreement, which expires October 23, 2006. FirstEnergy currently pays an annual facility fee of 0.50% on the total credit facility amount. The fees are subject to change based on changes to FirstEnergy's credit ratings.

OE had no unsecured borrowings as of December 31, 2004 under a $250 million long-term revolving credit facility agreement, which expires May 12, 2005. OE currently pays an annual facility fee of 0.20% on the total credit facility amount. OE had no unsecured borrowings as of December 31, 2004 under a $125 million long-term revolving credit facility, which expires October 23, 2006. OE currently pays an annual facility fee of 0.25% on the total credit facility amount. The fees are subject to change based on changes to OE's credit ratings.

OES Finance, Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of OE, had maintained certificates of deposits pledged as collateral to secure reimbursement obligations relating to certain LOCs supporting OE's obligations to lessors under the Beaver Valley Unit 2 sale and leaseback arrangements. In June 2004, these LOCs were replaced by a new LOC, which did not require the collateral deposits. OE entered into a Credit Agreement pursuant to which a standby LOC was issued in support of the replacement LOCs and the issuer of the standby LOC obtained the right to pledge or assign participations in OE's reimbursement obligations to a trust. The trust then issued and sold trust certificates to institutional investors that were designed to be the credit equivalent of an investment directly in OE. The certificates of deposit were cancelled and FirstEnergy received cash proceeds of $278 million in the third quarter of 2004.

CEI and TE have unsecured LOCs of approximately $216 million in connection with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 that expire in April 2005. CEI and TE are jointly and severally liable for such LOCs. OE has LOCs of $294 million and $154 million in connection with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 and Perry Unit 1, respectively.

11.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS

In January 2003, FirstEnergy implemented SFAS 143, which provides accounting guidance for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. This standard requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over time the capitalized costs are depreciated and the present value of the ARO increases, resulting in a period expense. However, rate-regulated entities may recognize a regulatory asset or liability instead of an expense if the criteria for such treatment are met. Upon retirement, a gain or loss would be recognized if the cost to settle the retirement obligation differs from the carrying amount.

 
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FirstEnergy has identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning, reclamation of a sludge disposal pond related to the Bruce Mansfield Plant and closure of two coal ash disposal sites. The ARO liability was $1.078 billion as of December 31, 2004 and included $1.063 billion for nuclear decommissioning of the Beaver Valley, Davis-Besse, Perry and TMI-2 nuclear generating facilities. The Companies' share of the obligation to decommission these units was developed based on site specific studies performed by an independent engineer. FirstEnergy utilized an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO.

In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy revised the ARO associated with TMI-2 as the result of a recently completed study and the anticipated operating license extension for TMI-1. The abandoned TMI-2 is adjacent to TMI-1 and the units are expected to be decommissioned concurrently. The decrease in the present value of estimated cash flows associated with the license extension of $202 million was partially offset by the $26 million present value of an increase in projected decommissioning costs. The net decrease in the TMI-2 ARO liability and corresponding regulatory asset was $176 million.

The Companies maintain nuclear decommissioning trust funds that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning ARO. As of December 31, 2004, the fair value of the decommissioning trust assets was $1.583 billion.

The following table describes the changes to the ARO balances during 2004 and 2003.

   
2004
 
2003
 
ARO Reconciliation
 
(In millions)
 
           
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
1,179
 
$
1,109
 
Liabilities incurred
   
--
   
--
 
Liabilities settled
   
--
   
--
 
Accretion
   
75
   
70
 
Revisions in estimated cash flows
   
(176
)
 
--
 
Balance at end of year
 
$
1,078
 
$
1,179
 

The following table describes changes to the ARO for 2002, as if SFAS 143 had been adopted on January 1, 2002.

Adjusted ARO Reconciliation
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Beginning balance as of January 1, 2002
 
$
1,042
 
Accretion
   
67
 
Ending balance as of December 31, 2002
 
$
1,109
 

The following table provides the effect on income as if SFAS 143 had been applied during 2002.

Effect of the Change in Accounting
     
Principle Applied Retroactively
 
(In millions)
 
       
Reported net income
 
$
553
 
Increase (Decrease):
       
Elimination of decommissioning expense
   
88
 
Depreciation of asset retirement cost
   
(3
)
Accretion of ARO liability
   
(38
)
Non-regulated generation cost of removal component, net
   
15
 
Income tax effect
   
(25
)
Net earnings increase
   
37
 
Net income adjusted
 
$
590
 
         
Basic earnings per share of common stock:
       
Net income as previously reported
 
$
1.89
 
Adjustment for effect of change in
       
accounting principle applied retroactively
   
0.12
 
Net income adjusted
 
$
2.01
 
         
Diluted earnings per share of common stock:
       
Net income as previously reported
 
$
1.88
 
Adjustment for effect of change in
       
accounting principle applied retroactively
   
0.12
 
Net income adjusted
 
$
2.00
 


 
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12.   SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND BANK LINES OF CREDIT:

Short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2004, consisted of $29 million of OE bank borrowings and $142 million of OES Capital, Incorporated borrowings. OES Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of OE whose borrowings are secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from OE. OES Capital can borrow up to $170 million under a receivables financing arrangement at rates based on certain bank commercial paper and is required to pay an annual fee of 0.25% on the amount of the entire finance limit. The receivables financing agreement expires in October 2005. Penn, Met-Ed and Penelec have, through separate wholly owned subsidiaries, receivables financing arrangements that provide a combined borrowing capability of up to $180 million at rates based on bank commercial paper rates. The financing arrangements require payment of an annual facility fee of 0.30% on the entire finance limit. The receivables financing agreements for Penn, Met-Ed and Penelec expire in March 2005. These receivables financing arrangements are expected to be renewed prior to expiration.

OE has various bi-lateral credit facilities with domestic banks that provide for borrowings of up to $34 million under various interest rate options. To assure the availability of these lines, OE is required to pay annual commitment fees that vary from 0.20% to 0.25% of total lender commitments. These lines expire at various times during 2005. The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 were 2.35% and 2.14%, respectively.

CEI and TE sell substantially all of their retail customer receivables to CFC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CEI. CFC subsequently transfers the receivables to a trust under an asset-backed securitization agreement. The trust is a "qualified special purpose entity" under SFAS 140, which provides it with certain rights relative to the transferred assets. Transfers are made in return for an interest in the trust (62% as of December 31, 2004), which is stated at fair value, reflecting adjustments for anticipated credit losses. The fair value of CFC's interest in the trust approximates the stated value of its retained interest in the underlying receivables, after adjusting for anticipated credit losses, because the average collection period is 27 days. Accordingly, subsequent measurements of the retained interest under SFAS 115, (as an available-for-sale financial instrument) result in no material change in value. Sensitivity analyses reflecting 10% and 20% increases in the rate of anticipated credit losses would not have significantly affected FirstEnergy's retained interest in the pool of receivables through the trust.

Of the $222 million sold to the trust and outstanding as of December 31, 2004, FirstEnergy retained interests in $138 million of the receivables. Accordingly, receivables recorded as other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets were reduced by approximately $84 million due to these sales. Collections of receivables previously transferred to the trust and used for the purchase of new receivables from CFC during 2004 totaled approximately $2.5 billion. CEI and TE processed receivables for the trust and received servicing fees of approximately $4.8 million in 2004. Expenses associated with the factoring discount related to the sale of receivables were $3.5 million in 2004.

13.   COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES:

(A)   NUCLEAR INSURANCE-

The Price-Anderson Act limits the public liability relative to a single incident at a nuclear power plant to $10.8 billion. The amount is covered by a combination of private insurance and an industry retrospective rating plan. The Companies' maximum potential assessment under the industry retrospective rating plan would be $402 million per incident but not more than $40 million in any one year for each incident.

The Companies are also insured under policies for each nuclear plant. Under these policies, up to $2.75 billion is provided for property damage and decontamination costs. The Companies have also obtained approximately $1.5 billion of insurance coverage for replacement power costs. Under these policies, the Companies can be assessed a maximum of approximately $67.5 million for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year which are in excess of accumulated funds available to the insurer for paying losses.

The Companies intend to maintain insurance against nuclear risks as long as it is available. To the extent that replacement power, property damage, decontamination, repair and replacement costs and other such costs arising from a nuclear incident at any of the Companies' plants exceed the policy limits of the insurance in effect with respect to that plant, to the extent a nuclear incident is determined not to be covered by the Companies' insurance policies, or to the extent such insurance becomes unavailable in the future, the Companies would remain at risk for such costs.

(B)   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. Such agreements include contract guarantees, surety bonds and ratings contingent collateralization provisions. As of December 31, 2004, outstanding guarantees and other assurances aggregated approximately $2.4 billion and included contract guarantees ($1.0 billion), surety bonds ($0.3 billion) and LOC ($1.1 billion).

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FirstEnergy guarantees energy and energy-related payments of its subsidiaries involved in energy commodity activities - principally to facilitate normal physical transactions involving electricity, gas, emission allowances and coal. FirstEnergy also provides guarantees to various providers of subsidiary financing principally for 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. The likelihood is remote that such parental guarantees of $0.9 billion (included in the $1.0 billion discussed above) as of December 31, 2004 will increase amounts otherwise to be paid 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 or provision of an LOC may be required of the subsidiary. The following table summarizes collateral provisions as of December 31, 2004:

       
Collateral Paid
     
Remaining
 
Collateral Provisions
 
Exposure
 
Cash
 
LOC
 
Exposure(1)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Credit rating downgrade
 
$
349
 
$
162
 
$
18
 
$
169
 
Adverse Event
   
135
   
--
   
22
   
113
 
Total
 
$
484
 
$
162
 
$
40
 
$
282
 
 
 
(1)
As of February 7, 2005, the total exposure decreased to $476 million and the remaining exposure increased to
$290 million - net of $146 million of cash collateral and $40 million of LOC collateral provided by counterparties.

Most of FirstEnergy's surety bonds are backed by various indemnities common within the insurance industry. Surety bonds and related FirstEnergy guarantees of $279 million provide additional assurance to outside parties that contractual and statutory obligations will be met in a number of areas including construction jobs, environmental commitments and various retail transactions.

FirstEnergy has also guaranteed the obligations of the operators of the TEBSA project, up to a maximum of $6 million (subject to escalation) under the project's operations and maintenance agreement. In connection with the sale of TEBSA in January 2004, the purchaser indemnified FirstEnergy against any loss under this guarantee. FirstEnergy has also provided an LOC (currently at $47 million), which is renewable and declines yearly based upon the senior outstanding debt of TEBSA.

(C)   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Various federal, state and local authorities regulate the Companies with regard to air and water quality and other environmental matters. The effects of compliance on the Companies with regard to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's earnings and competitive position. These environmental regulations affect FirstEnergy's earnings and competitive position to the extent that it 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. Overall, FirstEnergy believes it is in compliance with existing regulations but is unable to predict future change in regulatory policies and what, if any, the effects of such change would be. FirstEnergy estimates additional capital expenditures for environmental compliance of approximately $430 million for 2005 through 2007.

Clean Air Act Compliance

The Companies are required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. The Companies cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.

The Companies believe they are complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from the Companies' facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85 percent reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. The Companies believe their facilities are also complying with the NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIPs) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

76
National Ambient Air Quality Standards

In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the Companies operate affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions

In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

W. H. Sammis Plant

In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities covering 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which is owned by OE and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, which included a complaint against OE and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. The ruling concludes the liability phase of the case, which deals with applicability of Prevention of Significant Deterioration provisions of the Clean Air Act. The remedy phase of the trial to address civil penalties and what, if any, actions should be taken to further reduce emissions at the plant has been delayed without rescheduling by the Court because the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement negotiations. The Court indicated, in its August 2003 ruling, that the remedies it "may consider and impose involved a much broader, equitable analysis, requiring the Court to consider air quality, public health, economic impact, and employment consequences. The Court may also consider the less than consistent efforts of the EPA to apply and further enforce the Clean Air Act." The potential penalties that may be imposed, as well as the capital expenditures necessary to comply with substantive remedial measures that may be required, could have a material adverse impact on FirstEnergy's, OE's and Penn's respective financial condition and results of operations. While the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement discussions, management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste

As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

 
77

The Companies have been named as PRPs 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Companies' proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. In addition, JCP&L has accrued liabilities for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plants in New Jersey; those costs are being recovered by JCP&L through a non-bypassable SBC. Included in Current Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $65 million as of December 31, 2004. The Companies accrue environmental liabilities only when they conclude that it is probable that they have an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Companies’ determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.
 
Climate Change

In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18 percent through 2012.

The Companies cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the Companies is lower than many regional competitors due to the Companies' diversified generation sources which includes 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 the Companies' plants. In addition, Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to the Companies' operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.
 
On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. The Companies are conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by their facilities with the performance standards. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

(D)
  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's territory. In an investigation into the causes of the outages and the reliability of the transmission and distribution systems of all four New Jersey electric utilities, the NJBPU concluded that there was not a prima facie case demonstrating that, overall, JCP&L provided unsafe, inadequate or improper service to its customers. 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 arising from the July 1999 service interruptions in the JCP&L territory.

In August 2002, the trial court granted partial summary judgment to JCP&L and dismissed the plaintiffs' claims for consumer fraud, common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and strict product liability. In November 2003, the trial court granted JCP&L's motion to decertify the class and denied plaintiffs' motion to permit into evidence their class-wide damage model indicating damages in excess of $50 million. These class decertification and damage rulings were appealed to the Appellate Division. The Appellate Court issued a decision on July 8, 2004, affirming the decertification of the originally certified class but remanding for certification of a class limited to those customers directly impacted by the outages of transformers in Red Bank, New Jersey. On September 8, 2004, the New Jersey Supreme Court denied the motions filed by plaintiffs and JCP&L for leave to appeal the decision of the Appellate Court. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these matters and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.

 
78

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. On April 5, 2004, the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force released its final report on the outages. In the final report, the Task Force concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contains 46 “recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts.” Forty-five of those recommendations relate to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, relates to activities the Task Force recommends be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outage. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which are consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, completion of various reliability recommendations and further received independent verification of completion status from a NERC verification team on July 14, 2004 with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy (see Note 9). FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. As many of these initiatives already were in process, FirstEnergy does not believe that any incremental expenses associated with additional initiatives undertaken during 2004 will have a material effect on its continuing operations or financial results. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of December 31, 2004 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date.

Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio state courts by plaintiffs seeking to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All three cases were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. One case was refiled at the PUCO. The other two cases were appealed. One case was dismissed and no further appeal was sought. The remaining case is pending. In addition to the one case that was refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages.

One complaint has been filed against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed a motion to dismiss with the Court on October 22, 2004. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thus potential liability has not been determined.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

Nuclear Plant Matters

FENOC received a subpoena in late 2003 from a grand jury sitting in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse.

In addition, FENOC remains subject to possible civil enforcement action by the NRC in connection with the events leading to the Davis-Besse outage in 2002. If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries has legal liability or is otherwise made subject to enforcement action based on the Davis-Besse outage, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

79

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, which is either owned or leased by OE, CEI, TE and Penn. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.
 
Other Legal Matters

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 most significant not otherwise discussed above are described below.

Various legal proceedings alleging violations of federal securities laws and related state laws were filed against FirstEnergy in connection with, among other things, the restatements in August 2003 by FirstEnergy and the Ohio Companies of previously reported results, the August 14, 2003 power outages described above, and the extended outage at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. The lawsuits were filed against FirstEnergy and certain of its officers and directors. On July 27, 2004, FirstEnergy announced that it had reached an agreement to resolve these pending lawsuits. The settlement agreement, which does not constitute any admission of wrongdoing, provides for a total settlement payment of $89.9 million. Of that amount, FirstEnergy's insurance carriers paid $71.92 million, based on a contractual pre-allocation, and FirstEnergy paid $17.98 million, which resulted in an after-tax charge against FirstEnergy's second quarter 2004 earnings of $11 million or $0.03 per share of common stock (basic and diluted). On December 30, 2004, the court approved the settlement.

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and the Ohio Companies, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a second subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on the above matter, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

14.   SEGMENT INFORMATION:

FirstEnergy has three reportable segments: regulated services, competitive electric energy services and facilities (HVAC) services. The aggregate “Other” segments do not individually meet the criteria to be considered a reportable segment. “Other” consists of international businesses that have subsequently been divested, MYR (a construction service company); natural gas operations and telecommunications services. The assets and revenues for the other business operations are below the quantifiable threshold for operating segments for separate disclosure as “reportable segments.” FirstEnergy's primary segment is its regulated services segment, whose operations include the regulated sale of electricity and distribution and transmission services by its eight EUOC in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The competitive electric energy services business segment primarily consists of the subsidiaries (FES, FGCO and FENOC) that sell electricity in deregulated markets and operate the generation facilities of OE, CEI, TE and Penn resulting from the deregulation of the Companies' electric generation business (see Note 2(A) - Accounting for the Effects of Regulation).

The regulated services segment designs, constructs, operates and maintains FirstEnergy's regulated transmission and distribution systems. Its revenues are primarily derived from electricity delivery and transition costs recovery. The regulated services segment assets include generating units that are leased to the competitive electric energy services. Its internal revenues represent the rental revenues for the generating unit leases.

The competitive electric energy services segment has responsibility for FirstEnergy generation operations as discussed under Note 2(A). Its net income is primarily derived from revenues from all electric generation sales revenues consisting of generation services to regulated franchise customers who have not chosen an alternative generation supplier, retail sales in deregulated markets and all domestic unregulated electricity sales in the retail and wholesale markets and the related costs of electricity generation and sourcing of commodity requirements. Its net income also reflects the expense of the intersegment generating unit leases discussed above and property tax amounts related to those generating units.

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Segment reporting for 2003 and 2002 was reclassified to conform with the current year business segment organization and operations emphasizing FirstEnergy's regulated electric businesses and competitive electric energy operations. A previous reportable segment was the more expansive competitive services segment whose aggregate operations consisted of FirstEnergy generation operations, natural gas commodity sales, providing local and long-distance phone service and other competitive energy related businesses such as facilities services and construction service (MYR) which was viewed as offering a comprehensive menu of energy related services. Management's focus is on its core electric business. This has resulted in a change in performance review analysis from an aggregate view of all competitive services operations to a focus on its competitive electric energy operations. During FirstEnergy's periodic review of reportable segments under SFAS 131, that change resulted in the revision of reportable segments to the separate reporting of competitive electric energy operations, facilities services and including all other competitive services operations in the "Other" segment. Facilities services is being disclosed as a reporting segment due to the subsidiaries qualifying as held for sale (see Note 2 (H)). In addition, certain amounts (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and depreciation and amortization to conform with the current year presentation of generation commodity costs. Interest expense on holding company debt and corporate support services revenues and expenses are now included in "Reconciling Items" and "Other" includes those operating segment results described above.

 
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Segment Financial Information

       
Competitive
                 
       
Electric
                 
   
Regulated
 
Energy
 
Facilities
     
Reconciling
     
   
Services
 
Services
 
Services
 
Other
 
Adjustments
 
Consolidated
 
   
(In millions)
 
2004
                         
External revenues
 
$
5,395
 
$
6,204
 
$
398
 
$
451
 
$
5
 
$
12,453
 
Internal revenues
   
318
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(318
)
 
--
 
Total revenues
   
5,713
   
6,204
   
398
   
451
   
(313
)
 
12,453
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,422
   
35
   
5
   
3
   
34
   
1,499
 
Goodwill impairment
   
--
   
--
   
36
   
--
   
--
   
36
 
Net interest charges
   
363
   
37
   
1
   
14
   
252
   
667
 
Income taxes
   
740
   
72
   
(10
)
 
(24
)
 
(107
)
 
671
 
Income before discontinued operations
   
1,015
   
104
   
(36
)
 
41
   
(250
)
 
874
 
Discontinued operations
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
4
   
--
   
4
 
Net income
   
1,015
   
104
   
(36
)
 
45
   
(250
)
 
878
 
Total assets
   
28,341
   
1,488
   
135
   
625
   
479
   
31,068
 
Total goodwill
   
5,951
   
24
   
--
   
75
   
--
   
6,050
 
Property additions
   
572
   
246
   
3
   
4
   
21
   
846
 
                                       
2003
                                     
External revenues
 
$
5,253
 
$
5,487
 
$
327
 
$
564
 
$
44
 
$
11,675
 
Internal revenues
   
319
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(319
)
 
--
 
Total revenues
   
5,572
   
5,487
   
327
   
564
   
(275
)
 
11,675
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,423
   
29
   
--
   
2
   
38
   
1,492
 
Goodwill impairment
   
--
   
--
   
117
   
--
   
--
   
117
 
Net interest charges
   
493
   
44
   
1
   
107
   
164
   
809
 
Income taxes
   
779
   
(222
)
 
(35
)
 
(18
)
 
(96
)
 
408
 
Income before discontinued operations and
                                     
cumulative effect of accounting change
   
1,063
   
(320
)
 
(75
)
 
(64
)
 
(180
)
 
424
 
Discontinued operations
   
--
   
--
   
(6
)
 
(97
)
 
--
   
(103
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
101
   
--
   
--
   
1
   
--
   
102
 
Net income
   
1,164
   
(320
)
 
(81
)
 
(160
)
 
(180
)
 
423
 
Total assets
   
29,789
   
1,423
   
166
   
912
   
620
   
32,910
 
Total goodwill
   
5,993
   
24
   
36
   
75
   
--
   
6,128
 
Property additions
   
434
   
335
   
4
   
9
   
74
   
856
 
                                       
2002
                                     
External revenues
 
$
5,298
 
$
4,825
 
$
383
 
$
907
 
$
40
 
$
11,453
 
Internal revenues
   
318
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
(318
)
 
--
 
Total revenues
   
5,616
   
4,825
   
383
   
907
   
(278
)
 
11,453
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,413
   
24
   
6
   
2
   
34
   
1,479
 
Net interest charges
   
588
   
43
   
2
   
134
   
189
   
956
 
Income taxes
   
722
   
(88
)
 
2
   
(14
)
 
(108
)
 
514
 
Income before discontinued operations
   
962
   
(170
)
 
--
   
21
   
(195
)
 
618
 
Discontinued operations
   
--
   
--
   
3
   
(68
)
 
--
   
(65
)
Net income
   
962
   
(170
)
 
3
   
(47
)
 
(195
)
 
553
 
Total assets
   
30,494
   
1,340
   
402
   
1,606
   
544
   
34,386
 
Total goodwill
   
5,993
   
24
   
196
   
65
   
--
   
6,278
 
Property additions
   
490
   
391
   
6
   
9
   
102
   
998
 

Reconciling adjustments to segment operating results from internal management reporting to consolidated external financial reporting primarily consist of interest expense related to holding company debt, corporate support services revenues and expenses, fuel marketing revenues, which are reflected as reductions to expenses for internal management reporting purposes, and elimination of intersegment transactions.


Products and Services*

       
Energy Related
 
   
Electricity
 
Sales and
 
Year
 
Sales
 
Services
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
2004
 
$
10,831
 
$
745
 
2003
   
10,205
   
766
 
2002
   
9,656
   
904
 

 * See Note 2(J) for discussion of discontinued operations.

 
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Geographic Information

Following the sales of international operations in 2002 through January of 2004, less than one percent of FirstEnergy's revenues and assets were in foreign countries in 2003 and 2004. See Note 8 for a discussion of the divestitures.

15.
   NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”

In December 2004, the FASB issued this Statement amending APB 29, which was based on the principle that nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

SFAS 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment”

In December 2004, the FASB issued this revision to SFAS 123, which requires expensing stock options in the financial statements. Important to applying the new standard is understanding how to (1) measure the fair value of stock-based compensation awards and (2) recognize the related compensation cost for those awards. For an award to qualify for equity classification, it must meet certain criteria in SFAS 123(R). An award that does not meet those criteria will be classified as a liability and remeasured each period. SFAS 123(R) retains SFAS 123's requirements on accounting for income tax effects of stock-based compensation. The effective date for FirstEnergy is July 1, 2005 and the Company will be applying modified prospective application, without restatement of prior interim periods. Any potential cumulative adjustments have not been determined. FirstEnergy uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value options and will continue to do so upon adoption of SFAS 123(R). The impacts of the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 on FirstEnergy’s net income and earnings per share for 2002 through 2004 are disclosed in Note 4. FirstEnergy is considering alternative compensation strategies in conjunction with the adoption of SFAS 123(R).

SFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4”

In November 2004, the FASB issued this statement to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be “so abnormal” that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by FirstEnergy after June 30, 2005. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1. EITF 03-1 provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, FirstEnergy will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.

EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"

In March 2004, the FASB ratified the final consensus on Issue 03-16. EITF 03-16 requires that an investment in a limited liability company that maintains a "specific ownership account" for each investor should be viewed as similar to an investment in a limited partnership for determining whether the cost or equity method of accounting should be used. The equity method of accounting is generally required for investments that represent more than a three to five percent interest in a limited partnership. EITF 03-16 was adopted by FirstEnergy in the third quarter of 2004 and did not affect the Companies' financial statements.

 
 
83

FSP 109-1. “Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004”
 
Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) “qualified production activities income,” as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"

Issued in May 2004, FSP 106-2 provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy provided by the Medicare Act. The effect of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act on FirstEnergy's consolidated financial statements is described in Note 3.

16.   SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

The following summarizes certain consolidated operating results by quarter for 2004 and 2003. Certain financial results have been reclassified from amounts previously reported due to FES' natural gas business qualifying as held for sale in accordance with SFAS 144 as discussed in Note 2(J).

   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
   
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
Revenues
 
$
3,027
 
$
3,041
 
$
3,435
 
$
2,950
 
Expenses
   
2,568
   
2,481
   
2,771
   
2,421
 
Income Before Interest and Income Taxes
   
459
   
560
   
664
   
529
 
Net Interest Charges
   
171
   
180
   
151
   
165
 
Income Taxes
   
115
   
177
   
215
   
163
 
Income Before Discontinued Operations
   
173
   
203
   
298
   
201
 
Discontinued Operations (Net of Income Taxes)
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
1
 
Net Income
 
$
174
 
$
204
 
$
299
 
$
202
 
Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
                         
Before Discontinued Operations
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.62
 
$
0.91
 
$
0.61
 
Discontinued Operations
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Basic Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.62
 
$
0.91
 
$
0.61
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock:
                         
Before Discontinued Operations
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.62
 
$
0.91
 
$
0.61
 
Discontinued Operations
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Diluted Earnings Per Share of Common Stock
 
$
0.53
 
$
0.62
 
$
0.91
 
$
0.61
 
                           


   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
   
(In millions, except per share amounts)
 
Revenues
 
$
2,981
 
$
2,728
 
$
3,317
 
$
2,649
 
Expenses
   
2,571
   
2,488
   
2,833
   
2,310
 
Claim Settlement (Note 8)
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
168
 
Income Before Interest and Income Taxes
   
410
   
240
   
484
   
507
 
Net Interest Charges
   
205
   
205
   
200
   
199
 
Income Taxes
   
93
   
21
   
134
   
160
 
Income Before Discontinued Operations and
                         
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
   
112
   
14
   
150
   
148
 
Discontinued Operations (Net of Income Taxes)
   
5
   
(72
)
 
2
   
(38
)
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
                         
(Net of Income Taxes)
   
102
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
219
 
$
(58
)
$
152
 
$
110
 
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:
                         
Before Discontinued Operations and Cumulative
                         
Effect of Accounting Change
 
$
0.38
 
$
0.05
 
$
0.51
 
$
0.45
 
Discontinued Operations
   
0.01
   
(0.25
)
 
--
   
(0.12
)
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
   
0.35
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock
 
$
0.74
 
$
(0.20
)
$
0.51
 
$
0.33
 
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock:
                         
Before Discontinued Operations and Cumulative
                         
Effect of Accounting Change
 
$
0.38
 
$
0.05
 
$
0.50
 
$
0.45
 
Discontinued Operations
   
0.01
   
(0.25
)
 
--
   
(0.12
)
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
   
0.35
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share of Common Stock
 
$
0.74
 
$
(0.20
)
$
0.50
 
$
0.33
 


 
84

Results in the second quarter of 2004 included FirstEnergy’s sale of its 50 percent interest in GLEP, which produced an after-tax loss of $7 million, or $0.02 per share (see Note 8). Third quarter 2004 results were impacted by a $17 million net-of-tax, or $0.05 per share, charge for losses and impairments relating to the divestiture of certain non-core, technology-related investments. Fourth quarter 2004 results included a $37 million net-of-tax, or $0.11 per share, non-cash charge for impairment of goodwill and other assets of FSG as required by SFAS 142 and SFAS 144 (see Note 2 (H)).

The net loss for the second quarter of 2003 included a charge resulting from the NJBPU's decision to disallow recovery by JCP&L of $153 million in deferred energy costs and a $67 million non-cash charge (no tax benefit recognized) from the abandonment of operations in Argentina.

Results for the fourth quarter of 2003 included a $33 million after-tax loss from the divestiture of assets in Bolivia reported as discontinued operations and a $26 million impairment of the equity TEBSA investment in Columbia included in continuing operations. The fourth quarter 2003 results also include a $170 million gain ($168 million net of expenses) from the NRG Energy Inc. settlement claim.

 
85

EX-21 15 ex21.htm FE - LIST OF SUBS Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 21



FIRSTENERGY CORP.

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
AT DECEMBER 31, 2004



Ohio Edison Company - - Incorporated in Ohio

The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company - Incorporated in Ohio

The Toledo Edison Company - Incorporated in Ohio

Centerior Service Company - Incorporated in Ohio

FirstEnergy Properties Company - Incorporated in Ohio

FirstEnergy Ventures Corp. - Incorporated in Ohio

FirstEnergy Facilities Services Group, LLC - Incorporated in Ohio

FirstEnergy Securities Transfer Company - Incorporated in Ohio

FirstEnergy Service Company - Incorporated in Ohio

FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. - Incorporated in Ohio

MARBEL Energy Corporation - Incorporated in Ohio

FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company - Incorporated in Ohio

FirstEnergy Holdings, LLC - Incorporated in Ohio

FE Acquisition Corp. - Incorporated in Ohio

American Transmission Systems, Inc. - Incorporated in Ohio

FELHC, Inc. - Incorporated in Ohio

Jersey Central Power & Light Company - Incorporated in New Jersey

Metropolitan Edison Company - Incorporated in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Electric Company - Incorporated in Pennsylvania

GPU Capital, Inc. - Incorporated in Delaware



GPU Diversified Holdings, LLC - Incorporated in Delaware

GPU Nuclear, Inc. - Incorporated in New Jersey

GPU Power, Inc. - Incorporated in Delaware

FirstEnergy Telecom Services, Inc. - Incorporated in Delaware

MYR Group, Inc. - Incorporated in Delaware

First Communications, LLC - Limited Liability Company in Ohio

FirstEnergy Foundation - Incorporated in Ohio



Statement of Differences

Exhibit Number 21, List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant at December 31, 2004, is not included in the printed document.

EX-23 16 ex23.htm FE - PWC CONSENT Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 23



FIRSTENERGY CORP.
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-48587, 333-102074 and 333-103865) and Form S-8 (No. 333-48651, 333-56094, 333-58279, 333-67798, 333-72764, 333-72766, 333-72768, 333-75985, 333-81183, 333-89356, 333-101472 and 333-110662) of FirstEnergy Corp. of our report dated March 7, 2005 relating to the consolidated financial statements, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in the Annual Report to Stockholders, which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated March 7, 2005 relating to the financial statement schedules, which appears in this Form 10-K.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005
 
 


EX-31.1 17 ex31-1.htm FE - CEO CONTROLS & PROCEDURES CERTIFICATION LETTER Unassociated Document

Exhibit 31.1

Certification



I, Anthony J. Alexander, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of FirstEnergy Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of each registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.   Each registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for such registrant and we have:

 
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to such registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of such registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
disclosed in this report any change in such registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during such registrant's most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.   Each registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to such registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of such registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect such registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; and
 
 
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in such registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.




 Date:  March 9, 2005  
   
   
 
/s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
Anthony J. Alexander
 
Chief Executive Officer




EX-31.2 18 ex31-2.htm FE - CFO CONTROLS & PROCEDURES CERTIFICATION LETTER Unassociated Document

Exhibit 31.2

Certification



I, Richard H. Marsh, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of FirstEnergy Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, Jersey Central Power & Light Company, Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of each registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.   Each registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for such registrant and we have:

 
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to such registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of such registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
disclosed in this report any change in such registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during such registrant's most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.   Each registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to such registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of such registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect such registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; and
 
 
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in such registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.



 Date:  March 9, 2005  
   
   
 
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
 
Richard H. Marsh
 
Chief Financial Officer




EX-32.1 19 ex32-1.htm CEO/CFO CERTIFICATION Unassociated Document

Exhibit 32.1



CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Annual Reports of FirstEnergy Corp., Ohio Edison Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, The Toledo Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, Metropolitan Edison Company, and Pennsylvania Electric Company ("Companies") on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Reports"), each undersigned officer of each of the Companies does hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of his knowledge:

 
(1)
Each of the Reports fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 
(2)
The information contained in each of the Reports fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company to which it relates.



   
   
   
 
/s/  Anthony J. Alexander
 
Anthony J. Alexander
 
Chief Executive Officer
     March 9, 2005



   
   
   
 
/s/  Richard H. Marsh
 
Richard H. Marsh
 
Chief Financial Officer
    March 9, 2005




EX-3.1 20 ex3-1.htm AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION - NOV. 12, 1999 Unassociated Document

The Fourth Article of the Company’s Amended Articles of Incorporation should be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:


FOURTH: The maximum number of shares which the Corporation is authorized to have outstanding is one hundred ninety-seven million (197,000,000), of which six million (6,000,000) are to have a par value of One Hundred Dollars ($100) per share, eight million (8,000,000) are to have a par value of Twenty-five Dollars ($25) per share, and one hundred eight-three million (183,000,000) are to have no par value. The shares so authorized are to be classified as follows:

(a)  
DESIGNATION OF CLASSES

Preferred Stock, Six million (6,000,000) shares, with a par value of$1O0 per share;

Class A Preferred Stock, Eight million (8,000,000) shares, with a par value of Twenty-five Dollars ($25) per share;

Preference Stock, Eight million (8,000,000) shares, with no par value;
Common Stock, One hundred seventy-five million (175,000,000) shares, with no par value


(b)  
EXPRESS TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF CLASSES
 
See Exhibit A attached hereto which is made a part hereof as though fully set forth at this place
 

OTHER PROVISIONS

Rights of Directors in Declaring Dividends:

A director shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account of the Corporation or statements prepared by any of its officials as to the value and amount of the assets, liabilities and/or net profits of the Corporation, or any other facts pertinent to the existence and amount of surplus or other funds from which dividends might properly be declared and paid.

Rights to Treat Registered Holders as Owners:

The Corporation shall be entitled to treat the person in whose name any share, right or option is registered as the owner thereof, for all purposes, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such share, right or option on the part of any other person, whether or not the Corporation shall have notice thereof, save as may be expressly provided by the laws of the State of Ohio.

EX-4.1 21 ex4-1.htm OE - SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE - 74TH Unassociated Document
Exhibit 4-1




CONFORMED WITH RECORDATION DATA
 

 

 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
with
 
 
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
            As Trustee
 
 


 
 
Ninth Supplemental Indenture
 
Providing among other things for
 
Mortgage Bonds
 
Security Series A of 2004 due 2033
 
 
 


 
 
Dated as of June 1, 2004
 
 
 
 








SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of June 1, 2004, between Ohio Edison Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio (hereinafter called the åCompanyæ), and The Bank of New York, a banking corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, as Trustee under the Indenture hereinafter referred to.
 
WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to The Bank of New York, as Trustee (hereinafter called the åTrusteeæ), a certain General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1998, to secure bonds of the Company, issued and to be issued in series, from time to time, in the manner and subject to the conditions set forth in the said Indenture, which Indenture as heretofore supplemented is hereinafter referred to as the åIndentureæ; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore entered into a Pollution Control Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999, and amended as of June 1, 2004, with the Beaver County Industrial Development Authority (the åAuthorityæ) in connection with which the Authority issued $108,000,000 aggregate principal amount of its Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 1999-A (Ohio Edison Company Project) (the åRevenue Bondsæ) under the Indenture of Trust, dated as of June 1, 1999, and amended and restated as of June 1, 2004 (the åRevenue Bond Indentureæ), between the Authority and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee (the åRevenue Bond Trusteeæ), in order to provide funds to loan to the Company for the purpose of refunding certain bonds of the Authority issued to assist the Company in the financing of the cost of certain pollution control facilities;
 
WHEREAS, the Company, by appropriate corporate action in conformity with the terms of the Indenture, has duly determined to create a new series of bonds under the Indenture to be delivered to the Revenue Bond Trustee for the benefit of the Revenue Bonds, consisting of $108,000,000 in aggregate principal amount to be designated as åMortgage Bonds, Security Series A of 2004 due 2033æ (hereinafter referred to as the åbonds of Security Series Aæ), which shall bear interest at the rate per annum set forth in, shall be subject to certain redemption rights and obligations set forth in, and will otherwise be in the form and have the terms and provisions provided for in this Supplemental Indenture and set forth in the form of such bond below:
 

2

[Form of Bond of Security Series A]
 
This bond is not transferable except (i) to a successor trustee under the Amended and Restated Trust Indenture dated as of June 1, 2004 between the Beaver County Industrial Development Authority and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee, (ii) in connection with the exercise of the rights and remedies of the holder hereof consequent upon an åEvent of Defaultæ as defined in the Indenture referred to herein or (iii) in compliance with a final order of a court of competent jurisdiction or in connection with any bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding of the Company.
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
Mortgage Bond, Security Series A of 2004 due 2033
 
Due June 1, 2033
 
 
 $______________
No. ___
 
 
Ohio Edison Company, a corporation of the State of Ohio (hereinafter called the Company), for value received, hereby promises to pay to                                       , or registered assigns,                     dollars at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, NewYork or the City of Akron, Ohio, on June 1, 2033 in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, and to pay at said office or agency to the registered owner hereof, in like coin or currency, interest thereon from the Initial Interest Accrual Date (hereinafter defined) at the Revenue Bond Interest Rate (hereinafter defined) per annum payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 in each year commencing on the June 1 or December 1 immediately succeeding the Initial Interest Accrual Date (each such date herein referred to as an åinterest payment dateæ) on and until maturity, or, in the case of any bonds of this series duly called for redemption, on and until the redemption date, or in the case of any default by the Company in the payment of the principal due on any bonds of this series, until the Company’s obligation with respect to the payment of the principal shall be discharged as provided in the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof.
 
The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse-hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
 
This bond shall not become valid or obligatory until The Bank of New York, the Trustee under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof, or its successor thereunder, shall have authenticated the form of certificate endorsed hereon.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ohio Edison Company has caused this bond to be signed in its name by its President or a Vice President, by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal to be affixed hereto or reproduced hereon, attested by its Corporate Secretary or an Assistant Corporate Secretary, by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof.
 
Dated:
 

3

     
  OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:    
 
Title:
 
Attest:
 
 

Title:
 
[Form of Trustee’s Authentication Certificate]
 
Trustee’s Authentication Certificate
 
This is one of the bonds of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
 
     
 
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
         AS Trustee
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:    
 
Authorized Signatory
 
 
 
[Reverse of Form of Bond of Security Series A]
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
Mortgage Bond, Security Series A of 2004 due 2033
 
This bond is one of an issue of bonds of the Company, issuable in series, and is one of a series known as its Mortgage Bonds of the series designated in its title, all issued and to be issued under and equally secured (except as to any money, obligations or other instruments, or earnings thereon, deposited with the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture hereinafter mentioned for the bonds of any particular series) by a General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1998, executed by the Company to The Bank of New York, as Trustee, as amended and supplemented by indentures supplemental thereto to which Indenture as so amended and supplemented (herein referred to as the åIndentureæ) reference is made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security, the rights of the holders of the bonds in respect thereof and the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are secured.
 

4

The bonds of this series shall be redeemed in whole, by payment of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest thereon, if any, to the date fixed for redemption, upon receipt by the Trustee of a written advice from the trustee under the Amended and Restated Trust Indenture (the åRevenue Bond Indentureæ) dated as of June 1, 2004, between the Beaver County Industrial Development Authority and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee (such trustee and any successor trustee being hereinafter referred to as the åRevenue Bond Trusteeæ), securing $108,000,000 of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1999-A (Ohio Edison Company Project) which have been issued on behalf of the Company (the åRevenue Bondsæ), stating that the principal amount of all the Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture has been declared due and payable pursuant to the provisions of Section 11.02 of the Revenue Bond Indenture, specifying the date of the accelerated maturity of such Revenue Bonds and the date from which interest on the Revenue Bonds issued under the Revenue Bond Indenture has then accrued and is unpaid (specifying the rate or rates of such accrual and the principal amount of the particular Revenue Bonds to which such rates apply), stating such declaration of maturity has not been annulled and demanding payment of the principal amount hereof plus accrued interest hereon to the date fixed for such redemption. The date fixed for such redemption shall not be earlier than the date specified in the aforesaid written advice as the date of the accelerated maturity of the Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture and not later than the 45th day after receipt by the Trustee of such advice, unless such 45th day is earlier than such date of accelerated maturity. The date fixed for such redemption shall be specified by the Revenue Bond Trustee in a notice of redemption to be given by the Trustee not less than 30 days prior to the date so fixed for such redemption. Upon mailing of such notice of redemption, the date from which unpaid interest on the Revenue Bonds has then accrued (as specified by the Revenue Bond Trustee) shall become the initial interest accrual date (the åInitial Interest Accrual Dateæ) with respect to the bonds of this series; provided, however, on any demand for payment of the principal amount hereof at maturity as a result of the principal of the Revenue Bonds becoming due and payable on the maturity date of the bonds of this series, the earliest date from which unpaid interest on the Revenue Bonds has then accrued shall become the Initial Interest Accrual Date with respect to the bonds of this series, such date, together with each other different date from which unpaid interest on the Revenue Bonds has then accrued, as to be stated in a written notice from the Revenue Bond Trustee to the Trustee, which notice shall also specify the rate or rates of such accrual and the principal amount of the particular Revenue Bonds to which such rate or rates apply. The aforementioned notice of redemption shall become null and void for all purposes under the Indenture, (including the fixing of the Initial Interest Accrual Date with respect to the bonds of this series) upon receipt by the Trustee of written notice from the Revenue Bond Trustee of the annulment of the acceleration of the maturity of the Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture and the rescission of the aforesaid written advice prior to the redemption date specified in such notice of redemption, and thereupon no redemption of the bonds of this series and no payment in respect thereof as specified in such notice of redemption shall be effected or required. But no such rescission shall extend to any subsequent written advice from the Revenue Bond Trustee or impair any right consequent on such subsequent written advice.
 
Bonds of this series are not otherwise redeemable prior to their maturity.
 

5

From and after the Release Date (as defined in the Revenue Bond Indenture), the bonds of this series shall be deemed fully paid, satisfied and discharged and the obligation of the Company thereunder shall be terminated. On the Release Date, the Holder (as defined in the Indenture) shall surrender the bonds of this series to the Trustee for cancellation, and upon the receipt of a Company Order (as defined in the Indenture), the Trustee shall cancel same.
 
The åRevenue Bond Interest Rateæ shall be the same rate of interest per annum as is borne by the Revenue Bonds; provided, however, that if there are different rates of interest borne by the Revenue Bonds, or if interest is required to be paid on the Revenue Bonds more frequently than on each June 1 or December 1, the Revenue Bond Interest Rate shall be the rate that results in the total amount of interest payable on an interest payment date, a redemption date or at maturity, as the case may be, or at any other time interest on this bond is due and payable, to be equal to the total amount of unpaid interest that has accrued on all then outstanding Revenue Bonds.
 
The principal hereof may be declared or may become due on the conditions, in the manner and at the time set forth in the Indenture upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture) as in the Indenture provided.
 
Bonds of this series shall be deemed to be paid and no longer outstanding under the Indenture to the extent the aggregate principal amount of bonds of this series exceeds the aggregate principal amount of the Revenue Bonds outstanding from time to time. The Trustee may rely on an Officer’s Certificate (as defined in the Indenture) to this effect.
 
Unless and until the Trustee shall have received from the Revenue Bond Trustee any such aforesaid written advice stating that the principal amount of all Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture has been declared due and payable or any demand for payment of the principal amount hereof at maturity as a result of the principal of the Revenue Bonds becoming due and payable on the maturity date of the bonds of this series, the Trustee may conclusively presume that the obligation of the Company to pay the principal of, and interest, if any, on the bonds of this series shall have been fully satisfied and discharged.
 
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, or interest if any, on this bond, or any part thereof, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, or of the indebtedness represented thereby, or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement under the Indenture, against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or a predecessor or successor corporation, whether by virtue of any Constitutional provision, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, stockholders, officers and directors being released by the registered owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture.
 

6

The bonds of this series are issuable only as a single registered bond without coupons in a denomination equal to the aggregate principal amount of bonds of this series outstanding. If and to the extent this bond becomes transferable, the registered owner hereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, may effectuate such transfer at an office or agency of the Company, in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio, upon surrender and cancellation of this bond and thereupon a new registered bond or bonds of the same series for a like principal amount, will be issued to the transferee in exchange therefor, as provided in the Indenture, and upon payment, if the Company shall require it, of the transfer charges therein prescribed. The Company and the Trustee may deem and treat the person in whose name this bond is registered as the absolute owner for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal and interest due hereon and for all other purposes.
 
[End of Form of Bond of Security Series A]
 
and
 
WHEREAS, the Company deems it advisable to enter into this Supplemental Indenture for the purposes of establishing the form, terms and provisions of the bonds of Security Series A, as provided and contemplated by Sections 2.01(a) and 3.01(b) of the Indenture, and the Company has requested and hereby requests the Trustee to join in the execution of this Supplemental Indenture;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY COVENANTED, DECLARED AND AGREED, by the Company, that all such bonds of Security Series A are to be issued, authenticated and delivered, subject to this Supplemental Indenture and to the further covenants, conditions, uses and trusts in the Indenture set forth, and the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:
 
SECTION 1. Bonds of Security Series A shall be designated as the Company’s åMortgage Bonds, Security Series A of 2004 due 2033.æ The bonds of Security Series A shall bear interest from the Initial Interest Accrual Date as provided in the form of the bond of Security Series A hereinabove set forth, and such provisions are incorporated at this place as though set forth in their entirety. The interest rate and maturity date of the bonds of Security Series A shall be as set forth in the form of bond hereinabove set forth. Principal or redemption price of and interest on the bonds of Security Series A shall be payable in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio.
 
Definitive bonds of Security Series A may be issued, originally or otherwise, only as registered bonds, substantially in the form of bond hereinabove set forth, and in a single denomination equal to the aggregate principal amount thereof that is Outstanding. Delivery of a bond of Security Series A to the Trustee for authentication shall be conclusive evidence that its serial number has been duly approved by the Company.
 
The bonds of Security Series A shall be redeemable as provided in the form of bond hereinabove set forth, and such provisions are incorporated at this place as though set forth in their entirety.
 

7

SECTION 2. Bonds of Security Series A shall be deemed to be paid and no longer outstanding under the Indenture to the extent that the aggregate principal amount thereof exceeds the aggregate principal amount of Revenue Bonds (as defined in the form of bond hereinabove set forth) outstanding from time to time. The Trustee may rely on an Officer’s Certificate to this effect.
 
Unless and until the Trustee shall have received from the Revenue Bond Trustee any written advice stating that the principal amount of all Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture has been declared due and payable or any demand for payment of the principal amount hereof at maturity as a result of the principal of the Revenue Bonds becoming due and payable on the maturity date of the bonds of this series, as provided in the form of the bond of Security Series A hereinabove set forth, the Trustee may conclusively presume that the obligation of the Company to pay the principal of, and interest, if any, on the bonds of Security Series A shall have been fully satisfied and discharged.
 
SECTION 3. Bonds of Security Series A are not transferable except in connection with the exercise of the rights and remedies of the holder thereof consequent upon an åEvent of Defaultæ as defined in the Indenture or as otherwise provided in the form of bond hereinabove set forth. If and to the extent bonds of Security Series A become transferable, such transfer may be accomplished by the Holders thereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio, but only in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed in the Indenture and in the form of bond of such series hereinabove recited.
 
SECTION 4. From and after the Release Date (as defined in the Revenue Bond Indenture), the bonds of Security Series A shall be deemed fully paid, satisfied and discharged and the obligation of the Company thereunder shall be terminated. On the Release Date, the Holder (as defined in the Indenture) shall surrender the bonds of Security Series A to the Trustee for cancellation, and upon the receipt of a Company Order (as defined in the Indenture), the Trustee shall cancel same.
 
SECTION 5. The principal amount of bonds of Security Series A which may be authenticated and delivered hereunder is limited to the aggregate principal amount of One Hundred Eight Million Dollars ($108,000,000).
 
Bonds of Security Series A in the aggregate principal amount of One Hundred Eight Million Dollars ($108,000,000) may at any time subsequent to the execution hereof be executed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee and shall be authenticated by the Trustee and delivered (either before or after the recording hereof) upon the basis of Unbonded Class åAæ Bonds issued and delivered to the Trustee for such purpose, pursuant to a Company Order referred to in Section 4.01 of the Indenture and upon receipt by the Trustee of the opinions and other documents required by Sections 4.01 and 4.02 of the Indenture.
 

8

SECTION 6. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, no duties, responsibilities or liabilities are assumed, or shall be construed to be assumed, by the Trustee by reason of this Supplemental Indenture; the Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals herein or in the bonds of Security Series A (except the Trustee’s authentication certificates), all of which are made by the Company solely; and this Supplemental Indenture is executed and accepted by the Trustee, subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, as fully to all intents and purposes as if the terms and conditions of the Indenture were herein set forth at length.
 
SECTION 7. As supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Indenture as herein defined, and this Supplemental Indenture, shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Indenture.
 
SECTION 8. Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture contained shall or shall be construed to confer upon any person other than a Holder of Bonds issued under the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee any right or interest to avail himself of any benefit under any provision of the Indenture or of this Supplemental Indenture.
 
SECTION 9. This Supplemental Indenture may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts and all such counterparts executed and delivered, each as an original, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
 

9
In Witness Whereof, Ohio Edison Company and The Bank of New York have caused these presents to be executed in their respective names by their respective Presidents or one of their Vice Presidents or Assistant Vice Presidents and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed and attested by their respective Corporate Secretaries or one of their Vice Presidents, Assistant Corporate Secretaries or Assistant Treasurers, all as of the day and year first above written.
 
     
  OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:   /s/  Harvey L. Wagner
 
      Harvey L. Wagner
  Vice President and Controller 
[Seal]

       
Attest:  /s/  Jacqueline S Cooper    

                  Jacqueline S. Cooper
                  Assistant Corporate Secretary
   
   
 
Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged on behalf of
Ohio Edison Company in the presence of:
 
 
/s/  Ermal Fatusha

     Ermal Fatusha
 
/s/ James G. Smith

     James G. Smith
 
     
  The Bank of New York
 
 
 
 
 as Trustee
 
\ By:   /s/   Patricia Gallagher
 
           Patricia Gallagher
             Vice President
[Seal]

 
Attest: /s/ Geovanni Barris

                Geovanni Barris
                Vice President
 
Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged on behalf of
The Bank of New York in the presence of:
 
/s/ Dorothy Miller

     Dorothy Miller
 
/s/ Cynthia Chaney

     Cynthia Chaney
 
10

STATE OF OHIO        )
                                 ) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT )
 
On the 1st day of June in the year 2004 before me, the undersigned, personally appeared Harvey L. Wagner and Jacqueline S. Cooper, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individuals whose names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same in their capacity as Vice President and Controller and Assistant Corporate Secretary, respectively, and that by their signatures on the instrument, the individuals, or the person or entity upon behalf of which the individuals acted, executed the instruments.
 
 
 
/s/ Susie M. Moisten 
Susie M. Hoisten
Notary Public
Residence - Summit County
Statewide Jurisdiction, Ohio
My Commission Expires December 9, 2006
 
 
 
[SEAL]
 
 

11

STATE OF NEW YORK    )
                                      ) ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
 
On the 1st day of June in the year 2004 before me, the undersigned, personally appeared Patricia Gallagher and Geovanni Barris, each personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individuals whose names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same in their capacity as Vice Presidents of The Bank of New York, and that by their signatures on the instrument, the individuals, or the person or entity upon behalf of which the individuals acted, executed the instruments.
 
 
 
 
/s/ William J. Cassels 
William J. Cassels
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 0lCA5027729
Commission Expires May 18, 2006
 
 
 
[SEAL]
 

 
12

The Bank of New York hereby certifies that its precise name and address as Trustee hereunder are:
 
The Bank of New York
      101 Barclay Street
      City, County and State of New York 10286
 
     
  The Bank of New York
 
 
 
 
 
 
Date:  By:   /s/  Patricia Gallagher
 

      Patricia Gallagher
      Vice President
   
 
This instrument was prepared by FirstEnergy Corp.
 

13

 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
Official Recordation Data - Ninth Supplemental Indenture




   
Recorder’s
   
County
Date Filed
Instrument No.
Volume
Page
Ashland
7/22/04
200400006719
413
628
Ashtabula
7/22/04
200400012795
305
436
Belmont
7/22/04
200400007062
968
674
Carroll
7/22/04
200400003990
9
428
Champaign
7/22/04
200400005523
430
2197
Clark
7/22/04
200400018496
1685
178
Columbiana
7/22/04
2004-00013529
1294
960
Crawford
7/22/04
200400111200
823
590
Cuyahoga
7/22/04
200407220240
None
None
Delaware
7/22/04
200400033717
526
2348
Erie
7/22/04
200410339
None
None
Fayette
7/22/04
200400003854
143
2172
Franklin
7/22/04
200407220169856
T20040064205
None
Geauga
7/22/04
200400699308
1736
2742
Greene
7/22/04
22680
2285
564
Harrison
7/22/04
200400002186
156
411
Holmes
7/22/04
200400031856
173
3347
Huron
7/22/04
200407258
334
134
Jefferson
7/22/04
187813
651
783
Knox
7/22/04
2004-00008913
891
829
Lake
7/22/04
2004R034468
None
None
Lorain
7/22/04
017202#2106
None
None
Madison
7/22/04
200400006108
188
369
Mahoning
7/22/04
200400031013
5460
643
Marion
7/22/04
2004-00007642
799
298
Medina
7/22/04
2004OR029715
None
None
Monroe
7/22/04
037985
121
107
Morrow
7/22/04
296501
522
594
Noble
7/23/04
200400032956
114
737
Ottawa
7/22/04
200400139378
1018
497
Portage
7/22/04
200420612
None
None
Richland
7/22/04
200400014523
1414
58
Sandusky
7/22/04
200400007652
784
0293
Seneca
7/22/04
200400092446
237
2147
Stark
7/22/04
200407220052623
None
None
Summit
7/20/04
55076572
None
None
Trumbull
7/22/04
200407220024037
T20040017182
None
Tuscarawas
7/22/04
200400011322
1159
2084

14


 
County
 
Date Filed
Recorder’s
Instrument No.
 
Volume
 
Page
         
Union
7/22/04
304376
556
907
Wayne
7/22/04
200400181015
484
0022
Wyandot
7/22/04
19822
128
694
Beaver, PA
7/22/04
3214925
None
None
Lawrence, PA
7/22/04
009383
1960
754
Mercer, PA
7/22/04
2004-012972
None
None
Hancock, WV
7/22/04
004962
512
576
Marshall, WV
7/22/04
61612
730
582

 


 
15
EX-4.2 22 ex4-2.htm OE - SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE - 75TH Unassociated Document



 
 
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
with
 
 
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
        As Trustee
 
 

 
 
Tenth Supplemental Indenture
 
 
Providing among other things for
 
 
Mortgage Bonds
 
 
Guarantee Series A of 2004 due 2016
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Dated as of December 1, 2004
 

 
 
 







SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of December 1, 2004, between Ohio Edison Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio (hereinafter called the Company”), and The Bank of New York, a banking corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, as Trustee under the Indenture hereinafter referred to.
 
WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to The Bank of New York, as Trustee (hereinafter called the “Trustee), a certain General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1998, to secure bonds of the Company, issued and to be issued in series, from time to time, in the manner and subject to the conditions set forth in the said Indenture, which Indenture as heretofore supplemented is hereinafter referred to as the “Indenture”; and
 
WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore entered into an Air Quality Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of December 1, 1999 (the “Loan Agreement”), with the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (the “Authority”) in connection with which the Authority issued $47,725,000 aggregate principal amount of its Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 1999-C (Ohio Edison Company Project) (the “Revenue Bonds”) under the Trust Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1999 and amended and restated as of December 1, 2004 (the “Revenue Bond Indenture”), between the Authority and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee (the “Revenue Bond Trustee”), in order to provide funds to loan to the Company for the purpose of refunding certain bonds of the Authority issued to assist the Company in the financing of the cost of certain air quality facilities;
 
WHEREAS, the Company, by appropriate corporate action in conformity with the terms of the Indenture, has duly determined to create a new series of bonds under the Indenture to be delivered to the Revenue Bond Trustee for the benefit of the Revenue Bonds, consisting of $47,725,000 in aggregate principal amount to be designated as “Mortgage Bonds, Guarantee Series A of 2004 due 2016” (hereinafter referred to as the “bonds of Guarantee Series A”), which shall bear interest at the rate per annum set forth in, shall be subject to certain redemption rights and obligations set forth in, and will otherwise be in the form and have the terms and provisions provided for in this Supplemental Indenture and set forth in the form of such bond below:
 

2

[Form of Bond of Guarantee Series A]
 
This bond is not transferable except (i) to a successor trustee under the Amended and Restated Trust Indenture dated as of December 1, 2004 between the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee, (ii) in connection with the exercise of the rights and remedies of the holder hereof consequent upon an “Event of Default” as defined in the Indenture referred to herein or (iii) in compliance with a final order of a court of competent jurisdiction or in connection with any bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding of the Company.
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
Mortgage Bond, Guarantee Series A of 2004 due 2016
 
Due June 1, 2016
 
 
 $_________________
 No. ____
 
Ohio Edison Company, a corporation of the State of Ohio (hereinafter called the Company), for value received, hereby promises to pay to                                       , or registered assigns, _____________ dollars at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or the City of Akron, Ohio, on June 1, 2016 in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, and to pay at said office or agency to the registered owner hereof, in like coin or currency, interest thereon from the Initial Interest Accrual Date (hereinafter defined) at the Revenue Bond Interest Rate (hereinafter defined) per annum payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 in each year commencing on the June 1 or December 1 immediately succeeding the Initial Interest Accrual Date (each such date herein referred to as an “interest payment date”) on and until maturity, or, in the case of any bonds of this series duly called for redemption, on and until the redemption date, or in the case of any default by the Company in the payment of the principal due on any bonds of this series, until the Company’s obligation with respect to the payment of the principal shall be discharged as provided in the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof.
 
The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse-hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
 
This bond shall not become valid or obligatory until The Bank of New York, the Trustee under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof, or its successor thereunder, shall have authenticated the form of certificate endorsed hereon.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Ohio Edison Company has caused this bond to be signed in its name by its President or a Vice President, by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal to be affixed hereto or reproduced hereon, attested by its Corporate Secretary or an Assistant Corporate Secretary, by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof.
 
Dated:
 

3
 
 
     
  OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:    
 
  Title 
 
 Attest:
 
 

Title:
 
[Form of Trustee’s Authentication Certificate]
 
Trustee’s Authentication Certificate
 
This is one of the bonds of the series designated therein referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.
 
 
     
  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
 
 
 as Trustee
 
By:    
 
            Authorized Signatory
 
 

 
[Reverse of Form of Bond of Guarantee Series A]
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
Mortgage Bond, Guarantee Series A of 2004 due 2016
 
This bond is one of an issue of bonds of the Company, issuable in series, and is one of a series known as its Mortgage Bonds of the series designated in its title, all issued and to be issued under and equally secured (except as to any money, obligations or other instruments, or earnings thereon, deposited with the Trustee in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture hereinafter mentioned for the bonds of any particular series) by a General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1998, executed by the Company to The Bank of New York, as Trustee, as amended and supplemented by indentures supplemental thereto to which Indenture as so amended and supplemented (herein referred to as the “Indenture”) reference is made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security, the rights of the holders of the bonds in respect thereof and the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are secured.
 

4

The bonds of this series shall be redeemed in whole, by payment of the principal amount thereof plus accrued interest thereon, if any, to the date fixed for redemption, upon receipt by the Trustee of a written advice from the trustee under the Amended and Restated Trust Indenture
 
(the “Revenue Bond Indenture”) dated as of December 1, 2004, between the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee (such trustee and any successor trustee being hereinafter referred to as the “Revenue Bond Trustee”), securing $47,725,000 of State of Ohio Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1999-C (Ohio Edison Company Project) which have been issued on behalf of the Company (the “Revenue Bonds”), stating that the principal amount of all the Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture has been declared due and payable pursuant to the provisions of Section 11.02 of the Revenue Bond Indenture, specifying the date of the accelerated maturity of such Revenue Bonds and the date from which interest on the Revenue Bonds issued under the Revenue Bond Indenture has then accrued and is unpaid (specifying the rate or rates of such accrual and the principal amount of the particular Revenue Bonds to which such rates apply), stating such declaration of maturity has not been annulled and demanding payment of the principal amount hereof plus accrued interest hereon to the date fixed for such redemption. The date fixed for such redemption shall not be earlier than the date specified in the aforesaid written advice as the date of the accelerated maturity of the Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture and not later than the 45th day after receipt by the Trustee of such advice, unless such 45th day is earlier than such date of accelerated maturity. The date fixed for such redemption shall be specified by the Revenue Bond Trustee in a notice of redemption to be given by the Trustee not less than 30 days prior to the date so fixed for such redemption. Upon mailing of such notice of redemption, the date from which unpaid interest on the Revenue Bonds has then accrued (as specified by the Revenue Bond Trustee) shall become the initial interest accrual date (the “Initial Interest Accrual Date”) with respect to the bonds of this series; provided, however, on any demand for payment of the principal amount hereof at maturity as a result of the principal of the Revenue Bonds becoming due and payable on the maturity date of the bonds of this series, the earliest date from which unpaid interest on the Revenue Bonds has then accrued shall become the Initial Interest Accrual Date with respect to the bonds of this series, such date, together with each other different date from which unpaid interest on the Revenue Bonds has then accrued, as to be stated in a written notice from the Revenue Bond Trustee to the Trustee, which notice shall also specify the rate or rates of such accrual and the principal amount of the particular Revenue Bonds to which such rate or rates apply. The aforementioned notice of redemption shall become null and void for all purposes under the Indenture, (including the fixing of the Initial Interest Accrual Date with respect to the bonds of this series) upon receipt by the Trustee of written notice from the Revenue Bond Trustee of the annulment of the acceleration of the maturity of the Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture and the rescission of the aforesaid written advice prior to the redemption date specified in such notice of redemption, and thereupon no redemption of the bonds of this series and no payment in respect thereof as specified in such notice of redemption shall be effected or required. But no such rescission shall extend to any subsequent written advice from the Revenue Bond Trustee or impair any right consequent on such subsequent written advice.
 
Bonds of this series are not otherwise redeemable prior to their maturity.
 

5

The “Revenue Bond Interest Rate” shall be the same rate of interest per annum as is borne by the Revenue Bonds; provided, however, that if there are different rates of interest borne by the Revenue Bonds, or if interest is required to be paid on the Revenue Bonds more frequently than on each June 1 or December 1, the Revenue Bond Interest Rate shall be the rate that results in the total amount of interest payable on an interest payment date, a redemption date or at maturity, as the case may be, or at any other time interest on this bond is due and payable, to be equal to the total amount of unpaid interest that has accrued on all then outstanding Revenue Bonds.
 
The principal hereof may be declared or may become due on the conditions, in the manner and at the time set forth in the Indenture upon the occurrence and continuance of an Event of Default (as defined in the Indenture) as in the Indenture provided.
 
Bonds of this series shall be deemed to be paid and no longer outstanding under the Indenture to the extent the aggregate principal amount of bonds of this series exceeds the aggregate principal amount of the Revenue Bonds outstanding from time to time. The Trustee may rely on an Officer’s Certificate (as defined in the Indenture) to this effect.
 
Unless and until the Trustee shall have received from the Revenue Bond Trustee any such aforesaid written advice stating that the principal amount of all Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture has been declared due and payable or any demand for payment of the principal amount hereof at maturity as a result of the principal of the Revenue Bonds becoming due and payable on the maturity date of the bonds of this series, the Trustee may conclusively presume that the obligation of the Company to pay the principal of, and interest, if any, on the bonds of this series shall have been fully satisfied and discharged.
 
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or premium, or interest if any, on this bond, or any part thereof, or for any claim based thereon or otherwise in respect thereof, or of the indebtedness represented thereby, or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement under the Indenture, against any incorporator, stockholder, officer or director, as such, past, present or future of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or a predecessor or successor corporation, whether by virtue of any Constitutional provision, statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, stockholders, officers and directors being released by the registered owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture.
 
The bonds of this series are issuable only as a single registered bond without coupons in a denomination equal to the aggregate principal amount of bonds of this series outstanding. If and to the extent this bond becomes transferable, the registered owner hereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, may effectuate such transfer at an office or agency of the Company, in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio, upon surrender and cancellation of this bond and thereupon a new registered bond or bonds of the same series for a like principal amount, will be issued to the transferee in exchange therefor, as provided in the Indenture, and upon payment, if the Company shall require it, of the transfer
 

6

charges therein prescribed. The Company and the Trustee may deem and treat the person in whose name this bond is registered as the absolute owner for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal and interest due hereon and for all other purposes.
 
[End of Form of Bond of Guarantee Series A]
 
and
 
WHEREAS, the Company deems it advisable to enter into this Supplemental Indenture for the purposes of establishing the form, terms and provisions of the bonds of Guarantee Series A, as provided and contemplated by Sections 2.01(a) and 3.01(b) of the Indenture, and the Company has requested and hereby requests the Trustee to join in the execution of this Supplemental Indenture;
 
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY COVENANTED, DECLARED AND AGREED, by the Company, that all such bonds of Guarantee Series A are to be issued, authenticated and delivered, subject to this Supplemental Indenture and to the further covenants, conditions, uses and trusts in the Indenture set forth, and the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:
 
SECTION 1. Bonds of Guarantee Series A shall be designated as the Company’s “Mortgage Bonds, Guarantee Series A of 2004 due 2016.” The bonds of Guarantee Series A shall bear interest from the Initial Interest Accrual Date as provided in the form of the bond of Guarantee Series A hereinabove set forth, and such provisions are incorporated at this place as though set forth in their entirety. The interest rate and maturity date of the bonds of Guarantee Series A shall be as set forth in the form of bond hereinabove set forth. Principal or redemption price of and interest on the bonds of Guarantee Series A shall be payable in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio.
 
Definitive bonds of Guarantee Series A may be issued, originally or otherwise, only as registered bonds, substantially in the form of bond hereinabove set forth, and in a single denomination equal to the aggregate principal amount thereof that is Outstanding. Delivery of a bond of Guarantee Series A to the Trustee for authentication shall be conclusive evidence that its serial number has been duly approved by the Company.
 
The bonds of Guarantee Series A shall be redeemable as provided in the form of bond hereinabove set forth, and such provisions are incorporated at this place as though set forth in their entirety.
 
SECTION 2. Bonds of Guarantee Series A shall be deemed to be paid and no longer outstanding under the Indenture to the extent that the aggregate principal amount thereof exceeds the aggregate principal amount of Revenue Bonds (as defined in the form of bond hereinabove set forth) outstanding from time to time. The Trustee may rely on an Officer’s Certificate to this effect.
 

7

Unless and until the Trustee shall have received from the Revenue Bond Trustee any written advice stating that the principal amount of all Revenue Bonds then outstanding under the Revenue Bond Indenture has been declared due and payable or any demand for payment of the principal amount hereof at maturity as a result of the principal of the Revenue Bonds becoming due and payable on the maturity date of the bonds of this series, as provided in the form of the bond of Guarantee Series A hereinabove set forth, the Trustee may conclusively presume that the obligation of the Company to pay the principal of, and interest, if any, on the bonds of Guarantee Series A shall have been fully satisfied and discharged.
 
SECTION 3. Bonds of Guarantee Series A are not transferable except in connection with the exercise of the rights and remedies of the holder thereof consequent upon an “Event of Default” as defined in the Indenture or as otherwise provided in the form of bond hereinabove set forth. If and to the extent bonds of Guarantee Series A become transferable, such transfer may be accomplished by the Holders thereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio, but only in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed in the Indenture and in the form of bond of such series hereinabove recited.
 
SECTION 4. The principal amount of bonds of Guarantee Series A which may be authenticated and delivered hereunder is limited to the aggregate principal amount of Forty-Seven Million Seven Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($47,725,000).
 
Bonds of Guarantee Series A in the aggregate principal amount of Forty-Seven Million Seven Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($47,725,000) may at any time subsequent to the execution hereof be executed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee and shall be authenticated by the Trustee and delivered (either before or after the recording hereof) upon the basis of Unbonded Class “A” Bonds issued and delivered to the Trustee for such purpose, pursuant to a Company Order referred to in Section 4.01 of the Indenture and upon receipt by the Trustee of the opinions and other documents required by Sections 4.01 and 4.02 of the Indenture.
 
SECTION 5. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, no duties, responsibilities or liabilities are assumed, or shall be construed to be assumed, by the Trustee by reason of this Supplemental Indenture; the Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner whatsoever for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or for or in respect of the recitals herein or in the bonds of Guarantee Series A (except the Trustee’s authentication certificates), all of which are made by the Company solely; and this Supplemental Indenture is executed and accepted by the Trustee, subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, as fully to all intents and purposes as if the terms and conditions of the Indenture were herein set forth at length.
 
SECTION 6. As supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Indenture as herein defined, and this Supplemental Indenture, shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Indenture.
 

8

SECTION 7. Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture contained shall or shall be construed to confer upon any person other than a Holder of Bonds issued under the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee any right or interest to avail himself of any benefit under any provision of the Indenture or of this Supplemental Indenture.
 
SECTION 8. This Supplemental Indenture may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts and all such counterparts executed and delivered, each as an original, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
 
In Witness Whereof, Ohio Edison Company and The Bank of New York have caused these presents to be executed in their respective names by their respective Presidents or one of their Vice Presidents or Assistant Vice Presidents and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed and attested by their respective Corporate Secretaries or one of their Vice Presidents, Assistant Corporate Secretaries or Assistant Treasurers, all as of the day and year first above written.
 
     
  OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:  
 
Richard H. Marsh
 
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer 
 
[Seal]
 
       
Attest:    

    David W. Whitehead
   
    Corporate Secretary    
 
Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged on behalf of
Ohio Edison Company in the presence of:
 
 

Edward J. Morgan
 


 James G. Smith

9
 
 
     
  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
 
 
 as Trustee
 
Date:  By:  
 
Barbara Bevelaqua
  Vice President
 
[Seal]
 
       
Attest:    

    Julie Salovitch-Miller
   
    Vice President    

Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged on behalf of
The Bank of New York in the presence of:
 
 

Remo Reale
Vice President
 
 

Robert Massimillo
Vice President

10

STATE OF OHIO        )
                                            ) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT )
 
On the ____ day of _____________ in the year 2004 before me, the undersigned, personally appeared Richard H. Marsh and David W. Whitehead, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individuals whose names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same in their capacity as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary, respectively, and that by their signatures on the instrument, the individuals, or the person or entity upon behalf of which the individuals acted, executed the instruments.
 
 
   
 
 

Susie M. Hoisten
Notary Public
Residence - Summit County
Statewide Jurisdiction, Ohio
My Commission Expires December 9, 2006
 
[SEAL]

11

STATE OF NEW YORK    )
                                                   ) ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
 
On the ___ day of ________________ in the year 2004 before me, the undersigned, personally appeared Barbara Bevelaqua and Julie Salovitch-Miller, each personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individuals whose names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same in their capacity as Vice President and Vice President , respectively, of The Bank of New York, and that by their signatures on the instrument, the individuals, or the person or entity upon behalf of which the individuals acted, executed the instruments.
 
   
 

Susie M. Hoisten
Notary Public
Residence - Summit County
Statewide Jurisdiction, Ohio
My Commission Expires December 9, 2006
 
 
Robert Hirsch
Notary Public, State of New York
No.  01HI6076679
Qualified in Rockland County
Commission expires July 1, 2006

[SEAL]

12

The Bank of New York hereby certifies that its precise name and address as Trustee hereunder are:
 

 
The Bank of New York
      101 Barclay Street
                City, County and State of New York 10286
     
       THE BANK OF NEW YORK
       
       
 
        
/s/ 
   
      Barbara Bevelaqua
             Vice President
 
 
This instrument was prepared by FirstEnergy Corp.
 
13
EX-4.3 23 ex4-3.htm OE - SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE - 77TH Unassociated Document
Exhibit 4-3



CONFORMED WITH RECORDATION DATA
 

 

 
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
with
 
 
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
                                                     As Trustee
 
 
 


 
Seventy-seventh Supplemental Indenture
 
 
Providing among other things for
 
 
First Mortgage Bonds
 
 
Pledge Series A of 2004 due 2004
 
 
 

 
     SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of June 1, 2004 between Ohio Edison Company, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Ohio (hereinafter called the Company), party of the first part, and The Bank of New York, a banking corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, as Trustee under the Indenture hereinafter referred to, party of the second part.
 
WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to Bankers Trust Company (hereinafter called the Old Trustee), as trustee, a certain Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1930, to secure an issue of bonds of the Company, issued and to be issued in series, from time to time, in the manner and subject to the conditions set forth in the said Indenture; and the said Indenture has been supplemented by seventy-six supplemental indentures, which Indenture as so supplemented and to be hereby supplemented is hereinafter referred to as the Indenture;
 
WHEREAS, The Bank of New York has succeeded the Old Trustee as trustee under the Indenture (hereinafter called the "Trustee") pursuant to Article XVI thereof;
 
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides for the issuance of bonds thereunder in one or more series, the form of each series of bonds and of the coupons to be attached to the coupon bonds, if any, to be substantially in the forms set forth therein with such insertions, omissions and variations as the Board of Directors of the Company may determine;
 
WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore entered into a Pollution Control Facilities Loan Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1999 and amended as of June 1, 2004 (the Loan Agreement), with the Beaver County Industrial Development Authority (the Authority) pursuant to which the Authority issued $108,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 1999-A (Ohio Edison Company Project) (the Revenue Bonds) under the Indenture of Trust, dated as of June 1, 1999 and amended and restated as of June 1, 2004 (the Revenue Bond Indenture), between the Authority and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor trustee (the Revenue Bond Trustee), in order to provide funds to loan to the Company for the purpose of refunding certain bonds of the Authority issued to assist the Company in the financing of the cost of pollution control facilities;
 
WHEREAS, in conjunction with the remarketing of the Revenue Bonds, the Company has agreed to issue to The Bank of New York, as Trustee under the Company’s General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1998, as heretofore supplemented and as to be supplemented by a Supplemental Indenture to be dated as of June 1, 2004 (as so supplemented, the General Mortgage), a series of bonds under the Indenture, to secure the issue of bonds (the Mortgage Bonds) issued under the General Mortgage to the Revenue Bond Trustee pursuant to the Revenue Bond Indenture, which Mortgage Bonds are to be delivered to the Revenue Bond Trustee for the benefit of the Revenue Bonds;
 


WHEREAS, the Company, by appropriate corporate action in conformity with the terms of the Indenture, has duly determined to create a new series of bonds under the Indenture, as the basis for the issuance of the Mortgage Bonds, such new series of Bonds consisting of $108,000,000 in principal amount to be designated as First Mortgage Bonds, Pledge Series A of 2004 due 2033 (hereinafter referred to as the bonds of Pledge Series A), which shall bear interest upon the terms set forth in, shall be subject to certain redemption rights and obligations set forth in, and will otherwise be in the form and have the terms and provisions provided for in this Supplemental Indenture and set forth in the form of such bond below:
 
[Form of Bond of Pledge Series A]
 
This Bond is not transferable except to a successor trustee under the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1998, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, or in connection with the exercise of the rights and remedies of the holder hereof consequent upon a default as defined in the Indenture referred to herein.
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
First Mortgage Bonds, Pledge Series A of 2004 due 2033
 
Due June 1, 2033
 
$________________
 
No.______
 

Ohio Edison Company, a corporation of the State of Ohio (hereinafter called the Company), for value received, hereby promises to pay to                               , or registered assigns,                    dollars at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio, on June 1, 2033 in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, and to pay at said offices or agencies to the registered owner hereof, in like coin or currency, interest thereon from the Initial Interest Accrual Date (hereinbelow defined) at the rate per annum from time to time borne by the Mortgage Bonds, Security Series A of 2004 due 2033 (the Mortgage Bonds) issued by the Company under the General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1998, as heretofore supplemented (the General Mortgage), by the Company to The Bank of New York, as trustee, on each June 1 and December 1 commencing on the June 1 or December 1 immediately succeeding the Initial Interest Accrual Date each such date herein referred to as an interest payment date) on and until maturity, or, in the case of any bonds of this series duly called for redemption, on and until the redemption date, or in the case of any default by the Company in the payment of the principal due on any bonds of this series, until the Company’s obligation with respect to the payment of the principal shall be discharged as provided in the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof. Payments of principal of and interest on this bond shall be made at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio.


2

Payment of principal of, or premium or interest on, the Mortgage Bonds shall, to the extent thereof, be deemed to satisfy and discharge the obligation of the Company, if any, to make a payment of principal, premium or interest, as the case may be, in respect of this bond which is then due.
 
The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
 
This bond shall not become obligatory until The Bank of New York, the Trustee under the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof, or its successor thereunder, shall have authenticated the form of certificate endorsed hereon.
 
In witness whereof, Ohio Edison Company has caused this bond to be signed in its name by its President or a Vice President, by his signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal to be printed hereon, attested by its Corporate Secretary or an Assistant Corporate Secretary, by his signature or a facsimile thereof.


Dated:
   
     
   
OHIO EDISON COMPANY,
     
     
   
By:
 _____________________________________________________
   
       Title:
Attest:
     
 
_____________________________________________________
   
Title:
     


[Form of Trustee’s Authentication Certificate]

Trustee’s Authentication Certificate

This bond is one of the bonds of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture.


   
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
AS Trustee,
     
   
By:
 ______________________________________________________
   
Authorized Officer
     
     

3

[Reverse of Form of Bond of Pledge Series A]
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
First Mortgage Bonds, Pledge Series A of 2004 due 2033
 
This bond is one of an issue of bonds of the Company, issuable in series, and is one of a series known as its First Mortgage Bonds of the series designated in its title, all issued and to be issued under and equally secured (except as to any sinking fund established in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture hereinafter mentioned for the bonds of any particular series) by an Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1930, executed by the Company to The Bank of New York, as Trustee (the Trustee), as amended and supplemented by indentures supplemental thereto, to which Indenture as so amended and supplemented (herein referred to as the Indenture) reference is made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security, the rights of the holders of the bonds in respect thereof and the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are secured.
 
The Initial Interest Accrual Date for the bonds of this series shall be the date that interest begins to accrue on the Mortgage Bonds.
 
The Bonds of this series are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, as the case may be, on each date that the Mortgage Bonds are to be redeemed. The principal amount of the Bonds of this series to be redeemed on any such date shall be equal to the principal amount of Mortgage Bonds called for redemption on that date. All redemption of Bonds of this series shall be at 100 percent of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the redemption date. The Bonds of this series are not otherwise redeemable prior to their maturity.
 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Bonds of this series shall be deemed to be paid and no longer outstanding under the Indenture to the extent that Mortgage Bonds are paid or deemed to be paid and are no longer outstanding.
 
The Trustee may conclusively presume that the obligation of the Company to pay the principal of, and interest, if any, on the bonds of this series as the same shall become due and payable (whether at stated maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise) shall have been fully satisfied and discharged unless and until it shall have received a written notice from the trustee under the General Mortgage, signed by an authorized officer thereof, stating that any such principal of or interest on the Mortgage Bonds has become due and payable and has not been fully paid and specifying the amount of funds required to make such payment.
 
As more fully described in the supplemental indenture establishing the terms and provisions of the bonds of this series, the Company reserves the right, without any consent or other action by holders of the bonds of this series, to amend the Indenture to provide that (i) additional bonds may be issued against 70% of the value of the property which forms the basis for such issuance and (ii) the charge against property subject to a prior lien which is used to effectuate the release of property under the Indenture be similarly based.
 

4

The principal hereof may be declared or may become due on the conditions, in the manner and at the time set forth in the Indenture, upon the occurrence of a completed default as in the Indenture provided.
 
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or interest on this bond against any incorporator or any past, present or future subscriber to the capital stock, stockholder, officer or director of the Company or of any predecessor or successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or a predecessor or successor corporation, under any rule of law, statute or constitution or by the enforcement of any assessment or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, subscribers, stockholders, officers and directors being released by the registered owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture.
 
The bonds of this series are issuable only as registered bonds without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and, if higher, in multiples of $1.00. The Company and the Trustee may deem and treat the person in whose name this bond is registered as the absolute owner for the purpose of receiving payment of or on account of the principal and interest due hereon and for all other purposes. Registered bonds of this series shall be exchangeable at said offices or agencies of the Company for registered bonds of other authorized denominations having the same aggregate principal amount, in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed in the Indenture. Notwithstanding any provision of the Indenture, (a) neither the Company nor the Trustee shall be required to make transfers or exchanges of bonds of this series during the period between any interest payment date for such series and the record date next preceding such interest payment date, and (b) no charge shall be made upon any transfer or exchange of bonds of this series other than for any tax or taxes or other governmental charge required to be paid by the Company.
 
[end of form of bond of Pledge Series A]
 
Whereas, by the Thirty-first Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 1, 1981 (the Thirty-first Supplemental Indenture), and by supplemental indentures subsequent thereto, the Company, among other things, reserved the right, without any consent or other action by the holders of the bonds issued thereunder, to amend the Indenture by inserting a new Section 155A, as provided in said Thirty-first Supplemental Indenture and in supplemental indentures subsequent thereto, and the Indenture is hereby so amended;
 
Whereas, Section 115 of the Indenture provides that the Company and the Trustee may, from time to time and at any time, enter into such indentures supplemental thereto as shall be deemed necessary or desirable for one or more purposes, including, among others, to describe and set forth the particular terms and the form of additional series of bonds to be issued under the Indenture, to add other limitations on the issue of bonds, withdrawal of cash or release of property, to add to the covenants and agreements of the Company for the protection of the holders of the bonds and of the mortgaged and pledged property, to supplement defective or inconsistent provisions contained in the Indenture, and for any other purpose not inconsistent with the terms of the Indenture; and
 

5

Whereas, all things necessary to make the bonds of Pledge Series A when authenticated by the Trustee and issued as in the Indenture provided, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, entitled in all respects to the security of the Indenture, have been done and performed, and the creation, execution and delivery of this Supplemental Indenture have in all respects been duly authorized; and
 
Whereas, the Company and Trustee deem it advisable to enter into this Supplemental Indenture for the purposes of describing the bonds of Pledge Series A and of establishing the terms and provisions thereof, confirming the mortgaging under the Indenture of additional property for the equal and proportionate benefit and security of the holders of all bonds at any time issued thereunder, amplifying the description of the property mortgaged, adding other limitations to the Indenture on the issue of bonds, withdrawal of cash or release of property, and adding to the covenants and agreements of the Company for the protection of the holders of bonds and of mortgaged and pledged property;
 
Now, therefore, this supplemental indenture witnesseth: That Ohio Edison Company, in consideration of the premises and of one dollar to it duly paid by the Trustee at or before the ensealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and of the purchase and acceptance of the bonds issued or to be issued hereunder by the holders thereof, and in order to secure the payment both of the principal and interest of all bonds at any time issued and outstanding under the Indenture, according to their tenor and effect, and the performance of all the provisions of the Indenture and of said bonds, hath granted, bargained, sold, released, conveyed, assigned, transferred, pledged, set over and confirmed and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell, release, convey, assign, transfer, pledge, set over and confirm unto The Bank of New York, as Trustee, and to its successor or successors in said trust, and to its and their assigns forever, all the properties of the Company described in Schedule A (which is identified by the signature of an officer of each party hereto at the end thereof) hereto annexed and hereby made a part hereof;
 
Together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging or in any wise appertaining to the aforesaid property or any part thereof, with the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders and (subject to the provisions of Article XI of the Indenture) the tolls, rents, revenues, issues, earnings, income, product and profits thereof, and all the estate, right, title and interest and claim whatsoever, at law as well as in equity, which the Company now has or may hereafter acquire in and to the aforesaid property and franchises and every part and parcel thereof.
 
The Company does hereby agree and does hereby confirm and reaffirm the agreement made by it in the Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1930, that all property, rights and franchises acquired by the Company after the date of the Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1930 (except any hereinafter expressly excepted), shall be as fully embraced within the lien of the Indenture as if such property had been owned by the Company on the date of the Indenture, dated as of August 1, 1930 and was specifically described therein and conveyed thereby and does hereby confirm that the Company will not cause or consent to a partition, whether voluntary or through legal proceedings, of property, whether herein described or heretofore or hereafter acquired, in which its ownership shall be as a tenant in common except as permitted by and in conformity with the provisions of the Indenture and particularly of Article XI thereof.
 

6

Provided that the following are not and are not intended to be now or hereafter granted, bargained, sold, released, conveyed, assigned, transferred, mortgaged, pledged, set over or confirmed hereunder and are hereby expressly excepted from the lien and operation of the Indenture, viz.: cash, shares of stock and obligations (including bonds, notes and other securities) not heretofore or hereafter specifically pledged, paid or deposited or delivered under the Indenture or covenanted so to be.
 
To have and to hold all such properties, real, personal and mixed, mortgaged, pledged or conveyed by the Company as aforesaid, or intended so to be, unto the Trustee and its successors and assigns forever.
 
In trust, nevertheless, upon the terms and trusts of the Indenture for those who shall hold the bonds and coupons issued and to be issued thereunder, or any of them, without preference, priority or distinction as to lien of any of said bonds and coupons over any others thereof by reason of priority in the time of the issue or negotiations thereof, or otherwise howsoever, subject, however, to the provisions in reference to extended, transferred or pledged coupons and claims for interest set forth in the Indenture (and subject to any sinking funds that may be hereafter created for the benefit of any particular series).
 
Provided, however, and these presents are upon the condition that if the Company, its successors or assigns, shall pay or caused to be paid, the principal of and interest on said bonds, at the times and in the manner stipulated therein and herein, and shall keep, perform and observe all and singular the covenants and promises in said bonds and in the Indenture expressed to be kept, performed and observed by or on the part of the Company, then this Supplemental Indenture and the estate and rights hereby granted shall cease, determine and be void, otherwise to be and remain in full force and effect.
 
It is hereby covenanted, declared and agreed, by the Company, that all such bonds and coupons are to be issued, authenticated and delivered, and that all property subject or to become subject hereto is to be held, subject to the further covenants, conditions, uses and trusts in the Indenture set forth, and the parties hereto mutually agree as follows:
 
SECTION 1. Bonds of Pledge Series A shall mature on the date set forth in the form of bond relating thereto hereinbefore set forth and, subject to the provisions of said form, shall bear interest at the rate per annum from time to time borne by the series of the Mortgage Bonds referred to in said form. Bonds of Pledge Series A shall be designated as the Company’s First Mortgage Bonds, Pledge Series A of 2004 due 2033. The bonds of Pledge Series A shall bear interest from the Initial Interest Accrual Date (as defined in the form of the bond hereinabove set forth). Principal or redemption price of and interest on the bonds of Pledge Series A shall be payable in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts, at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio.
 

7

Definitive bonds of Pledge Series A may be issued, originally or otherwise, only as registered bonds, substantially in the form of bond hereinbefore recited, and in the denominations of $1,000 and, if higher, in multiples of $1.00. Delivery of a bond of Pledge Series A to the Trustee for authentication shall be conclusive evidence that its serial number has been duly approved by the Company.
 
SECTION 2. Bonds of Pledge Series A shall be deemed to be paid and no longer outstanding under the Indenture to the extent that Mortgage Bonds (as defined in the form of bonds hereinabove set forth) to which they relate are paid or deemed to be paid and are no longer outstanding.
 
The Trustee may conclusively presume that the obligation of the Company to pay the principal of, and interest, if any, on the bonds of Pledge Series A as the same shall become due and payable (whether at stated maturity or by declaration of acceleration, call for redemption or otherwise) shall have been fully satisfied and discharged unless and until it shall have received a written notice from the trustee under the General Mortgage, signed by an authorized officer thereof, stating that any such principal of or interest on the Mortgage Bonds has become due and payable and has not been fully paid and specifying the amount of funds required to make such payment.
 
SECTION 3. Bonds of Pledge Series A may be transferred by the registered owners thereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, at an office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, New York or in the City of Akron, Ohio but only in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed in the Indenture and in the form of bond hereinbefore recited. Bonds of Pledge Series A shall be exchangeable for other registered bonds of the same series, in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed in the Indenture, and in the form of bond hereinbefore recited, upon the surrender of such bonds at said offices or agencies of the Company. However, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 14 or 15 of the Indenture, no charge shall be made upon any transfer or exchange of bonds of said series other than for any tax or taxes or other governmental charge required to be paid by the Company.
 
SECTION 4. Pursuant to the reservation of right in Section 5 of the Thirty-first Supplement Indenture, and similar reservations in supplemental indentures subsequent thereto, and all bonds having been issued prior to the Thirty-first Supplemental Indenture having been retired, the Indenture is hereby amended by inserting the following language as Section 115A immediately following current Section 115 of the Indenture.
 
With the consent of the holders of not less than sixty per centum (60%) in principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding or their attorneys-in-fact duly authorized, or, if the rights of the holders of one or more, but not all, series then outstanding are affected, the consent of the holders of not less than sixty per centum (60%) in aggregate principal amount of the bonds at the time outstanding of all affected series, taken together, and not any other series, the Company, when authorized by a resolution, and the Trustee may from time to time and at any time enter into an indenture or indentures supplemental hereto for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of this Indenture or of any supplemental indenture or modifying the rights and obligations of the Company and the
 

8

rights of the holders of any of the bonds and coupons; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall (1) extend the maturity of any of the bonds or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce the amount of the principal thereof, or reduce any premium, payable on the redemption thereof or change the coin or currency in which any bond or interest thereon is payable, without the consent of the holder of each bond so affected, or (2) permit the creation of any lien, not otherwise permitted, prior to or on a parity with the lien of this Indenture, without the consent of the holders of all of the bonds then outstanding, or (3) reduce the aforesaid percentage of the principal amount of bonds the holders of which are required to approve any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of all the bonds then outstanding. For the purposes of this Section, bonds shall be deemed to be affected by a supplemental indenture if such supplemental indenture adversely affects or diminishes the right of holders thereof against the Company or against its property.
 
Upon the written request of the Company, accompanied by a resolution authorizing the execution of any such supplemental indenture, and upon the filing with the Trustee of evidence of the consent of bondholders as aforesaid (the instrument or instruments evidencing such consent to be dated within one year of such request), the Trustee shall join with the Company in the execution of such supplemental indenture unless such supplemental indenture affects the Trustee’s owns rights, duties or immunities under this Indenture or otherwise, in which case the Trustee may in its discretion but shall not be obligated to enter into such supplemental indenture. The Trustee shall be entitled to receive and, subject to Section 102 of the Indenture and Article Five of the Seventh Supplemental Indenture, may rely upon an opinion of counsel as conclusive evidence that any such supplemental indenture is authorized or permitted by the provisions of this Section.
 
It shall not be necessary for the consent of the bondholders under this Section to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it shall be sufficient if such consent shall approve the substance thereof.
 
The Company and the Trustee, if they so elect, and either before or after such 60% or greater consent has been obtained, may require the holder of any bond consenting to the execution of any such supplemental indenture to submit his bond to the Trustee or to such bank, banker or trust company as may be designated by the Trustee for the purpose, for the notation thereon of the fact that the holder of such bond has consented to the execution of such supplemental indenture, and in such case such notation, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, shall be made upon all bonds so submitted, and such bonds bearing such notation shall forthwith be returned to the persons entitled thereto. All subsequent holders of bonds bearing such notation shall be deemed to have consented to the execution of such supplemental indenture, and consent, once given or deemed to be given, may not be withdrawn.
 

9

Prior to the execution by the Company and the Trustee of any supplemental indenture pursuant to the provisions of this Section, the Company shall publish a notice, setting forth in general terms the substance of such supplemental indenture, at least once in one daily newspaper of general circulation in each city in which the principal of any of the bonds shall be payable, or, if all bonds outstanding shall be registered bonds without coupons or coupon bonds registered as to principal, such notice shall be sufficiently given if mailed, first class, postage prepaid, and registered if the Company so elects, to each registered holder of bonds at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books, such publication or mailing, as the case may be, to be made not less than thirty days prior to such execution. Any failure of the Company to give such notice, or any defect therein, shall not, however, in any way impair or affect the validity of any such supplemental indenture.

SECTION 5. The Company reserves the right, without any consent or other action by the holders of the bonds of Pledge Series A, or any subsequent series of bonds, to amend the Indenture by deleting the phrase åsixty per centum (60%)æ in Section 28 of the Indenture and substituting therefor the phrase seventy per centum (70%) and by deleting the phrase One hundred sixty-six and two-thirds per cent. (166 2/3%) in Sections 65 and 67 of the Indenture and substituting therefor the phrase One hundred and forty-two and eighty-six hundredths per cent. (142.86%).
 
SECTION 6. Except as herein otherwise expressly provided, no duties, responsibilities or liabilities are assumed, or shall be construed to be assumed, by the Trustee by reason of this Supplemental Indenture; the Trustee shall not be responsible for the recitals herein or in the bonds (except the Trustee’s authentication certificate), all of which are made by the Company solely; and this Supplemental Indenture is executed and accepted by the Trustee, subject to all the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture, as fully to all intents and purposes as if the terms and conditions of the Indenture were herein set forth at length.
 
SECTION 7. As supplemented by this Supplemental Indenture, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Indenture as herein defined, and this Supplemental Indenture, shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.
 
SECTION 8. Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture contained shall or shall be construed to confer upon any person other than a holder of bonds issued under the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee any right or interest to avail himself of any benefit under any provision of the Indenture or of this Supplemental Indenture.
 
SECTION 9. This Supplemental Indenture may be simultaneously executed in several counterparts and all such counterparts executed and delivered, each as an original, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
 

10

In Witness Whereof, Ohio Edison Company and The Bank of New York have caused these presents to be executed in their respective names by their respective Presidents or one of their Vice Presidents or Assistant Vice Presidents and their respective seals to be hereunto affixed and attested by their respective Corporate Secretaries or one of their Vice Presidents, Assistant Corporate Secretaries or Assistant Treasurers, all as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
     
  OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:   /s/ Harvey L. Wagner
 
     Harvey L. Wagner
  Vice President and Controller

 [Seal]
 
     
 Attest:   /s/   Jacqueline S. Cooper    

                     Jacqueline S. Cooper
   
                     Assistant Corporate Secretary

     
Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged on behalf of
OHIO EDISON COMANY in the presence of:
 
       
/s/  Ermal Fatusha    

     Ermal Fatusha
   
   
       
/s/  James G. Smith      

      James G. Smith
   
   
 
     
 
THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
        as Trustee
 
 
 
 
 
 
  By:   /s/ Barbara Bevelaqua
 
      Barbara Bevelaqua
           Vice President
[Seal]
       
 Attest:   /s/   Julie Salovitch-Miller    

                      Julie Salovitch-Miller
                          Vice President
   
   
Signed, Sealed and Acknowledged on behalf of
THE BANK OF NEW YORK in the presence of:
       
/s/  Remo Raele    

      Remo Raele
   
   
       
/s/  Beata Hyryniewicka    

      Beata Hyryniewicka
   
   

11

STATE OF OHIO         )
                                            ) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT )
 
On the 1st day of June in the year 2004 before me, the undersigned, personally appeared Harvey L. Wagner and Jacqueline S. Cooper, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individuals whose names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same in their capacity as Vice President and Controller and Assistant Corporate Secretary, respectively, and that by their signatures on the instrument, the individuals, or the person or entity upon behalf of which the


 
 
/s/ Susie M. Hoisten

     Susie M. Hoisten
     Notary Public
     Residence - Summit County
     Statewide Jurisdiction, Ohio
     My Commission Expires December 9, 2006
   
[SEAL]
 



12

STATE OF NEW YORK   )
           ) ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK )
 
On the 1st day of June in the year 2004 before me, the undersigned, personally appeared Barbara Bevelaqua and Julie Salovitch-Miller, each personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individuals whose names are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same in their capacity as Vice Presidents of The Bank of New York, and that by their signatures on the instrument, the individuals, or the person or entity upon behalf of which the individuals acted, executed the instruments.


   
/s/ William J. Cassels

William J. Cassels
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 0lCA5027729
Qualified in Bronx County
Commission Expires May 18, 2006
[SEAL]
   


13

The Bank of New York hereby certifies that its precise name and address as Trustee hereunder are:
 

The Bank of New York
101 Barclay Street
City, County and State of New York 10286
   
     
 
  
 
 
The Bank of New York
 
 /s/ Barbara Bevelaqua

      Barbara Bevelaqua
         Vice President


This instrument was prepared by FirstEnergy Corp.
 

14

 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
Official Recordation Data - Seventy-Seventh Supplemental Indenture

 
 
Recorder’s
   
County
Date Filed
Instrument No.
Volume
Page
Ashland
7/22/04
200400006720
413
642
Ashtabula
7/22/04
200400012796
305
450
Belmont
7/22/04
200400007063
968
688
Carroll
7/22/04
200400003991
9
442
Champaign
7/22/04
200400005524
430
2211
Clark
7/22/04
200400018497
1685
192
Columbiana
7/22/04
2004-00013530
1294
974
Crawford
7/22/04
200400111201
823
604
Cuyahoga
7/22/04
200407220241
None
None
Delaware
9/17/04
200400042272
543
2308
Erie
7/22/04
200410340
None
None
Fayette
7/22/04
200400003855
143
2186
Franklin
7/22/04
200407220169857
T20040064205
None
Geauga
7/22/04
200400699309
1736
2756
Greene
7/22/04
22681
2285
578
Harrison
7/22/04
200400002187
156
424
Holmes
7/22/04
200400031857
173
3361
Huron
7/22/04
200407259
334
148
Jefferson
7/22/04
187814
651
797
Knox
7/22/04
2004-00008914
891
843
Lake
7/22/04
2004R034469
None
None
Lorain
7/22/04
017203#2106
None
None
Madison
7/22/04
200400006109
188
383
Mahoning
7/22/04
200400031014
5460
657
Marion
7/22/04
2004-00007643
799
313
Medina
7/22/04
2004OR029716
None
None
Monroe
7/22/04
037986
121
121
Morrow
7/22/04
296502
522
608
Noble
7/23/04
200400032957
114
751
Ottawa
7/22/04
200400139379
1018
511
Portage
7/22/04
200420613
None
None
Richland
7/22/04
200400014524
1414
72
Sandusky
7/22/04
200400007653
784
306
Seneca
7/22/04
200400092445
237
2131
Stark
7/22/04
200407220052624
None
None
Summit
7/20/04
55076573
None
None
Trumbull
7/22/04
200407220024036
T20040017182
None
Tuscarawas
7/22/04
200400011323
1159
2098

15


   
Recorder’s
   
County
Date Filed
Instrument No.
Volume
Page
Union
7/22/04
304377
556
921
Wayne
7/22/04
200400181016
484
36
Wyandot
7/22/04
19823
128
708
Beaver, PA
7/22/04
3214926
None
None
Lawrence, PA
7/22/04
009382
1960
738
Mercer, PA
7/22/04
2004-012973
None
None
Hancock, WV
7/22/04
004963
512
590
Marshall, WV
7/22/04
61613
730
596

EX-10.7 24 ex10-7.htm CREDIT AGREEMENT ($125 MILLION) Unassociated Document

Exhibit 10.7

U.S. $125,000,000

THREE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of October 23, 2003

Among

OHIO EDISON COMPANY,
as Borrower,

THE BANKS NAMED HEREIN,
as Banks,

CITIBANK, N.A.
as Administrative Agent

CITIGROUP GLOBAL MARKETS INC.
and
BARCLAYS CAPITAL
Joint Lead Arrangers

BARCLAYS BANK PLC
and
BANK ONE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
Co-Syndication Agents

J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
and
WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
Co-Documentation Agents

MORGAN STANLEY BANK
Senior Managing Agent

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
and
THE BANK OF NEW YORK
Managing Agents

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

             
        Page
ARTICLE I
       
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
       
 
           
SECTION 1.01.
  Certain Defined Terms     1  
SECTION 1.02.
  Computation of Time Periods     12  
SECTION 1.03.
  Accounting Terms     12  
SECTION 1.04.
  Certain References     12  
 
           
ARTICLE II
       
AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES
       
 
           
SECTION 2.01.
  The Advances     12  
SECTION 2.02.
  Making the Advances     13  
SECTION 2.03.
  Fees     14  
SECTION 2.04.
  Termination or Reduction of the Commitments     14  
SECTION 2.05.
  Repayment of Advances     15  
SECTION 2.06.
  Interest on Advances     15  
SECTION 2.07.
  Additional Interest on Advances     15  
SECTION 2.08.
  Interest Rate Determination     16  
SECTION 2.09.
  Conversion of Advances     17  
SECTION 2.10.
  Prepayments     18  
SECTION 2.11.
  Increased Costs     18  
SECTION 2.12.
  Illegality     19  
SECTION 2.13.
  Payments and Computations     19  
SECTION 2.14.
  Taxes     21  
SECTION 2.15.
  Sharing of Payments, Etc     22  
SECTION 2.16.
  Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness     22  
 
           
ARTICLE III
       
CONDITIONS OF LENDING
       
 
           
SECTION 3.01.
  Conditions Precedent to Initial Advances     23  
SECTION 3.02.
  Conditions Precedent to Each Advance     25  
SECTION 3.03.
  Conditions Precedent to Conversions     25  
 
           
ARTICLE IV
       
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
       
 
           
SECTION 4.01.
  Representations and Warranties of the Borrower     26  

ii

             
        Page
ARTICLE V
       
COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER
       
 
           
SECTION 5.01.
  Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower     29  
SECTION 5.02.
  Financial Covenants of the Borrower     32  
SECTION 5.03.
  Negative Covenants of the Borrower     33  
 
           
ARTICLE VI
       
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
       
 
           
SECTION 6.01.
  Events of Default     34  
 
           
ARTICLE VII
       
THE AGENT
       
SECTION 7.01.
  Authorization and Action     37  
SECTION 7.02.
  Agent’s Reliance, Etc     37  
SECTION 7.03.
  Citibank and Affiliates     38  
SECTION 7.04.
  Lender Credit Decision     38  
SECTION 7.05.
  Indemnification     38  
SECTION 7.06.
  Successor Agent     39  
 
           
ARTICLE VIII
       
MISCELLANEOUS
       
 
           
SECTION 8.01.
  Amendments, Etc     39  
SECTION 8.02.
  Notices, Etc     40  
SECTION 8.03.
  No Waiver; Remedies     40  
SECTION 8.04.
  Costs and Expenses; Indemnification     40  
SECTION 8.05.
  Right of Set-off     41  
SECTION 8.06.
  Binding Effect     42  
SECTION 8.07.
  Assignments and Participations     42  
SECTION 8.08.
  Governing Law     46  
SECTION 8.09.
  Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial     46  
SECTION 8.10.
  Severability     46  
SECTION 8.11.
  Entire Agreement     46  
SECTION 8.12.
  Execution in Counterparts     47  

iii

EXHIBITS

         
Exhibit A
  -   Form of Note
Exhibit B
  -   Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit C
  -   Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit D
  -   Form of Opinion of Gary D. Benz, Esq.
Exhibit E
  -   Form of Opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP
Exhibit F
  -   Form of Opinion of King & Spalding LLP
 
SCHEDULES
         
Schedule I
  -   List of Commitments and Lending Offices
Schedule II
  -   Litigation

iv

THREE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

     THREE-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of October 23, 2003, among OHIO EDISON COMPANY, an Ohio corporation (the “Borrower”), the lenders (the “Banks”) listed on the signature pages hereto and Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”), as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for the Lenders hereunder.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

     The Borrower has requested that the Banks provide to the Borrower a $125,000,000 unsecured revolving loan facility for general corporate purposes. The Lenders have indicated their willingness to agree to lend such amount on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms.

     As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

     “Advance” means an advance by a Lender to the Borrower as part of a Borrowing and refers to an Alternate Base Rate Advance or a Eurodollar Rate Advance, each of which shall be a “Type” of Advance, subject to Conversion pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.09.

     “Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person or is a director or officer of such Person.

     “Agreement” means this Three-Year Credit Agreement, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time.

     “Alternate Base Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum as shall be in effect from time to time, which rate per annum shall at all times be equal to the higher of (i) the rate of interest announced publicly by Citibank in New York, New York, from time to time, as Citibank’s “base rate” and (ii) the sum of 1/2 of 1% per annum plus the Federal Funds Rate in effect from time to time.

     “Alternate Base Rate Advance” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.06(a).

2

     “Applicable Law” means all applicable laws, statutes, treaties, rules, codes, ordinances, regulations, permits, certificates, orders, interpretations, licenses and permits of any Governmental Authority and judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, orders or like action of any court, arbitrator or other judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal of competent jurisdiction (including those pertaining to health, safety or the environment or otherwise).

     “Applicable Lending Office” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Domestic Lending Office in the case of an Alternate Base Rate Advance, and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

     “Applicable Margin” means, for any Alternate Base Rate Advance or any Eurodollar Rate Advance, the interest rate per annum set forth in the relevant row of the table below, determined by reference to the Reference Ratings from time to time in effect:

                                                       
 
                  LEVEL 2     LEVEL 3     LEVEL 4        
                  Reference     Reference     Reference        
        LEVEL 1     Ratings less     Ratings less     Ratings less        
        Reference     than Level 1     than Level 2     than Level 3     LEVEL 5  
        Ratings at least     but at least     but at least     but at least     Reference  
        BBB+ by S&P     BBB by S&P     BBB- by S&P     BB+ by S&P     Ratings lower  
        andBaa1 By     andBaa2 by     andBaa3 by     andBa1 by     than Level 4 or  
  BASIS FOR PRICING     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     unrated.  
 
Applicable Margin for
Eurodollar Rate
Advances
      0.725 %       0.825 %       1.125 %       1.625 %       2.000 %  
 
Applicable Margin for
Alternate Base Rate
Advances
      0 %       0 %       0.125 %       0.625 %       1.000 %  
 
Utilization Fee for
Eurodollar Rate
Advances
      0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %  
 
Utilization Fee for
Alternate Base Rate
Advances
      0 %       0 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %  
 

provided, that (x) the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be increased by the rate per annum set forth above in the row captioned “Utilization Fee for Eurodollar Rate Advances” that corresponds to the Reference Ratings Level used to determine such Applicable Margin and (y) the Applicable Margin for Alternate Base Rate Advances shall be increased by the rate per annum set forth above in the row captioned “Utilization Fee for Alternate Base Rate Advances” that corresponds to the Reference Ratings Level used to determine such Applicable Margin, in any case, during any period in which the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding is greater than one-third of the aggregate amount of the Commitments.

For purposes of the foregoing, if the Reference Ratings assigned by Moody’s and S&P are not comparable (i.e., a “split rating”) by (x) one level, the lower of such Reference Ratings shall control or (y) two or more levels, the level corresponding to the Reference Rating one level above the lower Reference Rating shall control unless either is below BB+ or unrated (in the case of S&P) or Ba1 or unrated (in the case of Moody’s), in which

3

case the lower of the two Reference Ratings shall control. Any change in the Applicable Margin will be effective as of the date on which S&P or Moody’s, as the case may be, announces the applicable change in the Reference Rating.

     “Assignment and Acceptance” means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto.

     “Available Commitment” means, for each Lender, the excess of such Lender’s Commitment over the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Advances made by such Lender.

     “Bankruptcy Code” means the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended from time to time, and any Federal law with respect to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

     “Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Advances of the same Type made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01 or Converted pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.09.

     “Business Day” means a day of the year on which banks are not required or authorized to close in New York City or Akron, Ohio and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

     “Change of Control” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01(j).

     “Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the applicable regulations thereunder.

     “Commitment” means, as to any Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule I hereto or, if such Lender has entered into any Assignment and Acceptance, set forth for such Lender in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.07(c), as such amount may be reduced pursuant to Section 2.04.

     “Consolidated Debt” means, with respect to the Borrower, at any date of determination the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but shall not include (i) Nonrecourse Indebtedness of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) obligations under leases that shall have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as operating leases in respect of which the Borrower or any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries is liable as a lessee, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries.

4

     “Consolidated Subsidiary” means, as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person the accounts of which are or are required to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

     “Controlled Group” means all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control that, together with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, are treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code.

     “Convert”, “Conversion” and “Converted” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of another Type or the selection of a new, or the renewal of the same, Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.09.

     “Domestic Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to the Administrative Agent.

     “Eligible Assignee” means (i) a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States, or any State thereof; (ii) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country that is a member of the OECD or has concluded special lending arrangements with the International Monetary Fund associated with its “General Arrangements to Borrow”, or a political subdivision of any such country, provided that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States; (iii) a finance company, insurance company or other financial institution or fund (whether a corporation, partnership or other entity) engaged generally in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in commercial loans in the ordinary course of its business; (iv) the central bank of any country that is a member of the OECD; or (v) any Lender; provided, however, that (A) any Person described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall also (x) have outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither of such corporations is in the business of rating unsecured indebtedness of entities engaged in such businesses) and (y) have combined capital and surplus (as established in its most recent report of condition to its primary regulator) of not less than $250,000,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency), (B) any Person described in clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, on the date on which it is to become a Lender hereunder, be entitled to receive payments hereunder without deduction or withholding of any United States Federal income taxes (as contemplated by Section 2.14(d)), (C) any Person described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, in addition, be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and (D) in no event shall the Borrower or any of its Affiliates be Eligible Assignees; notwithstanding any of the foregoing, after the occurrence of an Event of Default any commercial bank, finance company, insurance company or other financial institution or fund (whether a corporation, partnership or other entity) engaged generally in making, purchasing or

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otherwise investing in commercial loans in the ordinary course of its business shall be deemed to be an Eligible Assignee.

     “Environmental Laws” means any federal, state or local laws, ordinances or codes, rules, orders, or regulations relating to pollution or protection of the environment, including, without limitation, laws relating to hazardous substances, laws relating to reclamation of land and waterways and laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollution, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes.

     “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder, each as amended, modified and in effect from time to time.

     “Eurocurrency Liabilities” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

     “Eurodollar Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to the Administrative Agent.

     “Eurodollar Rate” means, for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, an interest rate per annum equal to the average (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the rates per annum at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by the principal office of each Reference Bank in London, England, to prime banks in the London interbank market at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period in an amount substantially equal to such Reference Bank’s Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of such Borrowing and for a period equal to such Interest Period. The Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing shall be determined by the Administrative Agent on the basis of applicable rates furnished to and received by the Administrative Agent from the Reference Banks two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period, subject, however, to the provisions of Section 2.08.

     “Eurodollar Rate Advance” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.06(b).

     “Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage” of any Lender for the Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Advance means the reserve percentage applicable during such

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Interest Period (or if more than one such percentage shall be so applicable, the daily average of such percentages for those days in such Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so applicable) under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) for such Lender with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities having a term equal to such Interest Period.

     “Events of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

     “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, in each case as amended and in effect from time to time.

     “Existing Parent Credit Agreement” means the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of November 8, 2002, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, among the Parent, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, as administrative agent for such lenders.

     “Federal Funds Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

     “Fee Letter” means that certain letter agreement, dated September 23, 2003, among the Borrower, the Parent, Citibank, Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Barclays Bank PLC and Barclays Capital.

     “FirstEnergy Facilities” means the Three-Year Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2003, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, among the Parent, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, as administrative agent for such lenders, and the 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2003, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, among the Parent, the lenders party thereto and Citibank, as administrative agent for such lenders.

     “First Mortgage Indenture” means the Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1930, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as successor trustee, as amended and supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.

     “Fixed Charge Ratio” means, with respect to any fiscal quarter, the ratio of (i) the sum of (A) consolidated net income before extraordinary items of the Borrower and its

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Consolidated Subsidiaries for the twelve-month period ended on the last day of such fiscal quarter, plus (B) depreciation, amortization, dividends paid on preferred stock of subsidiaries, interest expense, amounts paid on Trust Preferred Securities, taxes and Federal income taxes deducted in determining such net income, plus (C) the interest element of rental payments deducted in determining such net income under operating lease obligations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period, plus (D) all other non-cash charges constituting operating expenses deducted in determining such net income to (ii) the sum of (A) all interest expense (excluding the amount of any allowance for funds used during construction and amounts paid on Trust Preferred Securities) in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period, plus (B) the interest element of rental payments deducted in determining net income under operating lease obligations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period.

     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States in effect from time to time.

     “Governmental Action” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, waivers, exceptions, variances, orders, licenses, exemptions, publications, filings, notices to and declarations of or with any Governmental Authority (other than routine reporting requirements the failure to comply with which will not affect the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document or any material rights, power or remedy of any Person thereunder or any other action in respect of any Governmental Authority).

     “Governmental Authority” means any Federal, state, county, municipal, foreign, international, regional or other governmental authority, agency, board, body, instrumentality or court.

     “Indebtedness” of any Person means at any date, without duplication, (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (iv) all obligations under leases that shall have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases in respect of which such Person is liable as lessee, (v) liabilities in respect of unfunded vested benefits under Plans, (vi) withdrawal liability incurred under ERISA by such Person or any of its affiliates to any Multiemployer Plan, (vii) reimbursement obligations of such Person (whether contingent or otherwise) in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, surety or other bonds and similar instruments, (viii) all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person and (ix) obligations of such Person under direct or indirect guaranties in respect of, and obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to above.

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     “Interest Period” means, for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Rate Advance or the date of the Conversion of any Advance into such Eurodollar Rate Advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below. The duration of each such Interest Period shall be one, two, three or six months, in each case as the Borrower may select by notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.02(a) or Section 2.09(a); provided, however, that:

     (i) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period that ends after the Termination Date;

     (ii) Interest Periods commencing on the same date for Advances made as part of the same Borrowing shall be of the same duration;

     (iii) no more than four different Interest Periods shall apply to outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advances on any date of determination; and

     (iv) whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding Business Day, provided, that if such extension would cause the last day of such Interest Period to occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding Business Day.

     “Lenders” means the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof and each Eligible Assignee that shall become a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.07.

     “Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to own, subject to a Lien, any asset that it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.

     “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, any Note and the Fee Letter.

     “Majority Lenders” means, at any time prior to the Termination Date, Lenders having in the aggregate more than 50% of the Commitments (without giving effect to any termination in whole of the Commitments pursuant to Section 6.01) and at any time on or after the Termination Date, Lenders owed more than 50% of the then aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding.

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     “Margin Stock” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and as amended and in effect from time to time.

     “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

     “Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

     “Nonrecourse Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness that finances the acquisition, development, ownership or operation of an asset in respect of which the Person to which such Indebtedness is owed has no recourse whatsoever to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates other than:

  (i)   recourse to the named obligor with respect to such Indebtedness (the “Debtor”) for amounts limited to the cash flow or net cash flow (other than historic cash flow) from the asset; and
 
  (ii)   recourse to the Debtor for the purpose only of enabling amounts to be claimed in respect of such Indebtedness in an enforcement of any security interest or lien given by the Debtor over the asset or the income, cash flow or other proceeds deriving from the asset (or given by any shareholder or the like in the Debtor over its shares or like interest in the capital of the Debtor) to secure the Indebtedness, but only if the extent of the recourse to the Debtor is limited solely to the amount of any recoveries made on any such enforcement; and
 
  (iii)   recourse to the Debtor generally or indirectly to any Affiliate of the Debtor, under any form of assurance, undertaking or support, which recourse is limited to a claim for damages (other than liquidated damages and damages required to be calculated in a specified way) for a breach of an obligation (other than a payment obligation or an obligation to comply or to procure compliance by another with any financial ratios or other tests of financial condition) by the Person against which such recourse is available.

     “Note” means any promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

     “Notice of Borrowing” has the meaning specified in Section 2.02(a).

     “OECD” means the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

     “Ohio Transition Plan Order” means the Opinion and Order of The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in Case Nos. 99-1212-EL-ETP, 99-1213-EL-ATA and 99-1214-EL-AAM, entered July 19, 2000.

     “Other Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(b).

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     “Parent” means FirstEnergy Corp., an Ohio corporation and parent company to the Borrower.

     “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

     “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

     “Plan” means, at any time, an employee pension benefit plan that is covered by Title IV of ERISA or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code and is either (i) maintained by a member of the Controlled Group for employees of a member of the Controlled Group or (ii) maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or any other arrangement under which more than one employer makes contributions and to which a member of the Controlled Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within the preceding five plan years made contributions.

     “Reference Banks” means Citibank, Barclays Bank PLC and Bank One, and any Lender designated as a successor or replacement Reference Bank pursuant to Section 2.08(a).

     “Reference Ratings” means the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s to the senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt of the Borrower.

     “Register” has the meaning specified in Section 8.07(c).

     “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

     “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.

     “Second Mortgage Indenture” means the General Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1998, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.

     “Significant Subsidiaries” means Pennsylvania Power Company and each other Subsidiary of the Borrower the annual revenues of which exceed $100,000,000 or the total assets of which exceed $50,000,000.

     “Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds” means any instruments, pass-through certificates, notes, debentures, certificates of participation, bonds, certificates of beneficial interest or other evidences of indebtedness or instruments evidencing a beneficial interest which are secured by or otherwise payable from non-bypassable cent

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per kilowatt hour charges authorized pursuant to such an order of a state commission regulating public utilities to be applied and invoiced to customers of such utility. The charges so applied and invoiced must be deducted and stated separately from the other charges invoiced by such utility against its customers.

     “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such a Person, or one or more Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries.

     “Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

     “Termination Date” means October 23, 2006 or the earlier date of termination in whole of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.04 or Section 6.01 hereof.

     “Termination Event” means (i) a Reportable Event described in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder (other than a Reportable Event not subject to the provision for 30-day notice to the PBGC under such regulations), or (ii) the withdrawal of any member of the Controlled Group from a Plan during a plan year in which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, or (iii) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA, or (iv) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, or (v) any other event or condition that might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.

     “Total Capitalization” means, with respect to the Borrower at any date of determination the sum of (i) Consolidated Debt of the Borrower, (ii) consolidated equity of the common stockholders of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) consolidated equity of the preference stockholders of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities.

     “Trust Preferred Securities” means any securities, however denominated, (i) issued by the Borrower or any Consolidated Subsidiary of the Borrower, (ii) that are not subject to mandatory redemption or the underlying securities, if any, of which are not subject to mandatory redemption, (iii) that are perpetual or mature no less than 30 years from the date of issuance, (iv) the indebtedness issued in connection with which, including any guaranty, is subordinate in right of payment to the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the issuer of such indebtedness or guaranty, and (v) the terms of which permit the deferral of the payment of interest or distributions thereon to a date occurring after the Termination Date.

     “Type” has the meaning assigned to that term in the definition of “Advance” when used in such context.

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     “Unfunded Vested Liabilities” means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the amount (if any) by which (i) the present value of all vested nonforfeitable benefits under such Plan exceeds (ii) the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such excess represents a potential liability of a member of the Controlled Group to the PBGC or the Plan under Title IV of ERISA.

     SECTION 1.02. Computation of Time Periods.

     In this Agreement in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

     SECTION 1.03. Accounting Terms.

     All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP consistent with those applied in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) hereof.

     SECTION 1.04. Certain References.

     Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Agreement to articles, sections, paragraphs, clauses, schedules and exhibits are to the same contained in or attached to this Agreement.

ARTICLE II
AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES

SECTION 2.01. The Advances.

     Each Lender severally agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make Advances to the Borrower in U.S. dollars only from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the date hereof until the Termination Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the Available Commitment of such Lender. Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and shall consist of Advances of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, having the same Interest Period made or Converted on the same day by the Lenders ratably according to their respective Commitments. Within the limits of each Lender’s Available Commitment and subject to the conditions set forth in Article III and the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may from time to time borrow, prepay pursuant to Section 2.10 and reborrow under this Section 2.01; provided, that in no case shall any Lender be required to make an Advance hereunder if (i) the amount of such Advance would exceed such Lender’s Available Commitment or (ii) the making of such Advance, together with the making of the other Advances constituting part of the same Borrowing, would cause the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding to exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments.

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     SECTION 2.02. Making the Advances.

     (a) Each Borrowing shall be made on notice, given (i) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, and (ii) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Alternate Base Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date of the proposed Borrowing, by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, which shall give to each Lender prompt notice thereof. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “Notice of Borrowing”) by the Borrower shall be by telecopier or cable, in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, (B) Type of Advances to be made in connection with such Borrowing, (C) aggregate amount of such Borrowing, and (D) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances, the initial Interest Period for each such Advance, which Borrowing shall be subject to the limitations stated in the definition of “Interest Period” in Section 1.01. Each Lender shall, before 1:00 P.M. (New York time) on the date of such Borrowing, make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Administrative Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.02, in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion (according to the Lenders’ respective Commitments) of such Borrowing. After the Administrative Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, the Administrative Agent will make such funds available to the Borrower at the Administrative Agent’s aforesaid address.

     (b) Each Notice of Borrowing delivered by the Borrower shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Notice of Borrowing delivered by the Borrower requesting Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure by the Borrower to fulfill on or before the date specified in such Notice of Borrowing the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, including, without limitation, any loss (including loss of anticipated profits), cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund the Advance to be made by such Lender as part of such Borrowing when such Advance, as a result of such failure, is not made on such date.

     (c) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice via facsimile transmission from a Lender prior to (A) 5:00 P.M. (New York time) one Business Day prior to the date of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances or (B) 12:00 noon (New York time) on the date of a Borrowing comprising Base Rate Advances that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such portion available to the Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with subsection (a) of this Section 2.02 and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made such ratable portion available to the Administrative Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Advances made in connection with such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the

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Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

     (d) The failure of any Lender to make the Advance to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Advance on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

     SECTION 2.03. Fees.

     (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a facility fee on the amount of such Lender’s Commitment (whether used or unused) from the date hereof in the case of each Bank and from the effective date specified in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender in the case of each other Lender until the Termination Date, payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December during such period, and on the Termination Date, at the rate per annum set forth below determined by reference to the Reference Ratings from time to time in effect:

                                                       
 
                  LEVEL 2     LEVEL 3     LEVEL 4        
                  Reference     Reference     Reference        
        LEVEL 1     Ratings Less     Ratings Less     Ratings Less        
        Reference     Than Level 1     Than Level 2     Than Level 3     LEVEL 5  
        Ratings at Least     but at Least     but at Least     but at Least     Reference  
        BBB+ by S&P     BBB by S&P     BBB- by S&P     BB+ by S&P     Ratings Lower  
        andBaa1 By     andBaa2 By     andBaa3 By     andBa1 By     Than Level 4 or  
  BASIS FOR PRICING     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     Moody’s.     unrated.  
 
Facility Fee
      0.150 %       0.175 %       0.250 %       0.500 %       0.625 %  
 

For purposes of the foregoing, if the Reference Ratings assigned by Moody’s and S&P are not comparable (i.e., a “split rating”) by (x) one level, the lower of such Reference Ratings shall control or (y) two or more levels, the level corresponding to the Reference Rating one level above the lower Reference Rating shall control unless either is below BB+ or unrated (in the case of S&P) or Ba1 or unrated (in the case of Moody’s), in which case the lower of the two Reference Ratings shall control. Any change in the facility fee will be effective as of the date on which S&P or Moody’s, as the case may be, announces the applicable change in the Reference Rating.

     (b) The Borrower agrees to pay the Administrative Agent, for its own account, certain fees in such amounts and payable on such terms as set forth in the Fee Letter.

     SECTION 2.04. Termination or Reduction of the Commitments.

     The Borrower shall have the right, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Administrative Agent, to terminate in whole or, upon same day notice, from time to time to permanently reduce ratably in part the unused portions of the respective Commitments of the

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Lenders; provided that each partial reduction shall be in the aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or in an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Each such notice of termination or reduction shall be irrevocable.

     SECTION 2.05. Repayment of Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to repay the principal amount of each Advance made by each Lender on the Termination Date.

     SECTION 2.06. Interest on Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance made by each Lender from the date of such Advance until such principal amount shall be paid in full, at the following rates per annum:

     (a) Alternate Base Rate Advances. If such Advance is an Alternate Base Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the Alternate Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for such Alternate Base Rate Advance in effect from time to time, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December, on the Termination Date and on the date such Alternate Base Rate Advance shall be Converted or be paid in full and as provided in Section 2.10;

     (b) Eurodollar Rate Advances. If such Advance is a Eurodollar Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times during the Interest Period for such Advance to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin for such Eurodollar Rate Advance in effect from time to time, payable on the last day of each Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advance (and, in the case of any Interest Period of six months, on the last day of the third month of such Interest Period), on the Termination Date and on the date such Eurodollar Rate Advance shall be Converted or be paid in full and as provided in Section 2.10;

provided, however, that if and for so long as an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing the unpaid principal amount of each Advance shall (to the fullest extent permitted by law) bear interest until paid in full at a rate per annum equal at all times to a rate equal to 2% above the rate then applicable to such Advance or, if higher, the Alternate Base Rate plus 2% per annum, payable upon demand.

     SECTION 2.07. Additional Interest on Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to pay to each Lender, so long as such Lender shall be required under regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Advance of such Lender, from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for such Advance from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing such Eurodollar Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage of such Lender for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Advance; provided,

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that no Lender shall be entitled to demand additional interest under this Section 2.07 more than 90 days following the last day of the Interest Period in respect of which such demand is made; provided further, however, that the foregoing proviso shall in no way limit the right of any Lender to demand or receive such additional interest to the extent that such additional interest relates to the retroactive application by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of any regulation described above if such demand is made within 90 days after the implementation of such retroactive regulation. Such additional interest shall be determined by such Lender and notified to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     SECTION 2.08. Interest Rate Determination.

     (a) Each Reference Bank agrees to furnish to the Administrative Agent timely information for the purpose of determining each Eurodollar Rate. If any one or more of the Reference Banks shall not furnish such timely information to the Administrative Agent for the purpose of determining any such interest rate, the Administrative Agent shall determine such interest rate on the basis of timely information furnished by the remaining Reference Banks. If any Reference Bank shall no longer be a Lender hereunder, shall no longer wish to serve as a Reference Bank hereunder or shall fail to perform hereunder, the Administrative Agent, upon consultation with the Borrower, may appoint another Lender to serve as a successor or replacement Reference Bank hereunder.

     (b) The Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the Borrower and the Lenders of the applicable interest rate determined by the Administrative Agent for purposes of Section 2.06(a) or (b) including the applicable rate, if any, furnished by each Reference Bank for the purpose of determining the applicable interest rate under Section 2.06(b).

     (c) If fewer than two Reference Banks furnish timely information to the Administrative Agent for determining the Eurodollar Rate for any Eurodollar Rate Advances,

     (i) the Administrative Agent shall forthwith notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the interest rate cannot be determined for such Eurodollar Rate Advances,

     (ii) each such Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into an Alternate Base Rate Advance (or if such Advance is then an Alternate Base Rate Advance, will continue as an Alternate Base Rate Advance), and

     (iii) the obligation of the Lenders to make or to Convert Advances into Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

     (d) If, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Majority Lenders notify the Administrative Agent that the Eurodollar Rate for any Interest Period for such Advances will not adequately reflect the cost to such Majority Lenders of making or funding their respective

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Eurodollar Rate Advances for such Interest Period, the Administrative Agent shall forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, whereupon

     (i) each Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into an Alternate Base Rate Advance, and

     (ii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

     SECTION 2.09. Conversion of Advances.

     (a) Voluntary. The Borrower may on any Business Day, upon notice given to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of any proposed Conversion into Eurodollar Rate Advances, and on the date of any proposed Conversion into Alternate Base Rate Advances, and subject to the provisions of Sections 2.08 and 2.12, Convert all Advances of one Type made to the Borrower in connection with the same Borrowing into Advances of another Type or Types or Advances of the same Type having the same or a new Interest Period; provided, however, that any Conversion of, or with respect to, any Eurodollar Rate Advances into Advances of another Type or Advances of the same Type having the same or new Interest Periods shall be made on, and only on, the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advances, unless the Borrower shall also reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on the date of such Conversion. Each such notice of a Conversion shall, within the restrictions specified above, specify (i) the date of such Conversion, (ii) the Advances to be Converted, and (iii) if such Conversion is into, or with respect to, Eurodollar Rate Advances, the duration of the Interest Period for each such Advance.

     (b) Mandatory. If the Borrower shall fail to select the Type of any Advance or the duration of any Interest Period for any Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances in accordance with the provisions contained in the definition of “Interest Period” in Section 1.01 and Section 2.09(a), or if any proposed Conversion of a Borrowing that is to comprise Eurodollar Rate Advances upon Conversion shall not occur as a result of the circumstances described in paragraph (c) below, the Administrative Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, and such Advances will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into Alternate Base Rate Advances.

     (c) Failure to Convert. Each notice of Conversion given pursuant to subsection (a) above shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Borrowing that is to comprise Eurodollar Rate Advances upon Conversion, the Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure to fulfill on the date specified for such Conversion the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund such Eurodollar Rate Advances upon such Conversion, when such Conversion, as a result of such failure, does not occur. The Borrower’s obligations under this subsection (c) shall survive the

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repayment of all other amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments.

     SECTION 2.10. Prepayments.

     (a) Optional. The Borrower may at any time prepay the outstanding principal amounts of the Advances made as part of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part, together with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid, upon notice thereof given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York time) (i) on the date of any such prepayment in the case of Alternate Base Rate Advances and (ii) on the second Business Day prior to any such prepayment in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances; provided, however, that (x) each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an aggregate principal amount not less than $5,000,000 and (y) in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Advance, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on the date of such prepayment.

     (b) Mandatory. If and to the extent that the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder on any date shall exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments hereunder on such date, the Borrower agrees to prepay on such date a principal amount of Advances, which shall result in the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding being less than or equal to such excess amount. Any prepayment of Advances shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount prepaid to the date of such prepayment and, in the case of any such prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on the date of such prepayment.

     SECTION 2.11. Increased Costs.

     (a) If, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change (other than any change by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements included in the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage) in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation, in each case, after the date hereof, or (ii) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) issued, promulgated or made, as the case may be, after the date hereof, there shall be any increase in the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Advances, then the Borrower shall from time to time, upon demand by such Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender for such increased cost. A certificate as to the amount of such increased cost and the basis therefor, submitted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender, shall constitute such demand and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     (b) If any Lender determines that compliance with any law or regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), issued, promulgated or made (as the case may be) after the date hereof, affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender and that the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of (i) such Lender’s commitment to lend hereunder and other commitments of

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this type or (ii) the Advances made by such Lender, then, upon demand by such Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender, from time to time as specified by such Lender, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or such corporation in the light of such circumstances, to the extent that such Lender determines such increase in capital to be allocable to the existence of such Lender’s commitment to lend hereunder or the Advances made by such Lender. A certificate as to such amounts submitted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender shall constitute such demand and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     SECTION 2.12. Illegality.

     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent that the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its Eurodollar Lending Office to perform its obligations hereunder to make Eurodollar Rate Advances or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances hereunder, (i) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist and (ii) the Borrower shall forthwith prepay in full all Eurodollar Rate Advances of all Lenders then outstanding, together with interest accrued thereon, unless (A) the Borrower, within five Business Days of notice from the Administrative Agent, Converts all Eurodollar Rate Advances of all Lenders then outstanding into Advances of another Type in accordance with Section 2.09 or (B) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the circumstances causing such prepayment no longer exist. Any Lender that becomes aware of circumstances that would permit such Lender to notify the Administrative Agent of any illegality under this Section 2.12 shall use its best efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such change would avoid or eliminate such illegality and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

     SECTION 2.13. Payments and Computations.

     (a) The Borrower shall make each payment hereunder and under any Note not later than 12:00 noon (New York time) on the day when due in U.S. dollars to the Administrative Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.02 in same day funds, and any such payment to the Administrative Agent shall constitute payment by the Borrower hereunder or under any Note, as the case may be, for all purposes, and upon such payment the Lenders shall look solely to the Administrative Agent for their respective interests in such payment. The Administrative Agent will promptly after any such payment cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or facility fees ratably (other than amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.02(c), 2.03, 2.07, 2.09(c), 2.11, 2.14 or 8.04(b)) (according to the Lenders’ respective Commitments) to the Lenders for the account of their respective Applicable Lending Offices, and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon its acceptance of an Assignment and Acceptance and recording

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of the information contained therein in the Register pursuant to Section 8.07(d), from and after the effective date specified in such Assignment and Acceptance, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments hereunder and under any Note in respect of the interest assigned thereby to the Lender assignee thereunder, and the parties to such Assignment and Acceptance shall make all appropriate adjustments in such payments for periods prior to such effective date directly between themselves.

     (b) The Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender, if and to the extent payment owed to such Lender is not made by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent when due hereunder or under any Note held by such Lender, to charge from time to time against any or all of the Borrower’s accounts (other than any payroll account maintained by the Borrower with such Lender if and to the extent that such Lender shall have expressly waived its set-off rights in writing in respect of such payroll account) with such Lender any amount so due.

     (c) All computations of interest based on the Alternate Base Rate (based upon Citibank’s base rate) shall be made by the Administrative Agent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and all computations of facility fees and of interest based on the Alternate Base Rate (based upon the Federal Funds Rate), the Eurodollar Rate or the Federal Funds Rate shall be made by the Administrative Agent, and all computations of interest pursuant to Section 2.07 shall be made by a Lender, on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such facility fees or interest are payable. Each determination by the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of Section 2.07, by a Lender) of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     (d) Whenever any payment hereunder or under any Note shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or facility fees, as the case may be; provided, however, if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Advances to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the next preceding Business Day.

     (e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent on such date and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent, each Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such amount to the Administrative Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

     (f) Except as provided otherwise in Section 2.06, any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder or under any Note that is not paid when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) shall (to the fullest extent permitted by law) bear interest from the date

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when due until paid in full at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Alternate Base Rate plus 2% per annum, payable upon demand.

     SECTION 2.14. Taxes.

     (a) Any and all payments by the Borrower hereunder and under any Note shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.13, free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding, in the case of each Lender, and the Administrative Agent, such taxes, levies, imposts, deductions and charges in the nature of franchise taxes or taxes measured by the gross receipts or net income of any Lender or the Administrative Agent by any jurisdiction in which such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) is organized, located or conducts business or any political subdivision thereof and, in the case of each Lender, by the jurisdiction of such Lender’s Applicable Lending Office or any political subdivision thereof (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being herein referred to as “Taxes”). If the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any Note to any Lender or the Administrative Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.13) such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with Applicable Law.

     (b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under any Note or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any Note (herein referred to as “Other Taxes”).

     (c) The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender and the Administrative Agent for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2.14) paid by such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. This indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor.

     (d) Prior to the date of the initial Borrowing in the case of each Bank, and on the date of the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender in the case of each other Lender, and from time to time thereafter if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, each Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States shall provide the Administrative Agent, and the Borrower with the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying that such Lender is exempt from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to such Lender hereunder and under any Note. If for any reason during the term of this Agreement, any Lender becomes unable to submit the forms referred to above or the information or representations contained therein are no

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longer accurate in any material respect, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing to that effect. Unless the Borrower and the Administrative Agent have received forms or other documents satisfactory to them indicating that payments hereunder or under any Note are not subject to United States withholding tax, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent shall withhold taxes from such payments at the applicable statutory rate in the case of payments to or for any Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.

     (e) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.14 shall use its best efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such a change would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, any such additional amounts which may thereafter accrue and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

     (f) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in this Section 2.14 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest hereunder and under any Note.

     SECTION 2.15. Sharing of Payments, Etc.

     If any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set-off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances made by it (other than pursuant to Section 2.02(c), 2.07, 2.09(c), 2.11, 2.14 or 8.04(b)) in excess of its ratable share of payments on account of the Advances obtained by all the Lenders, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Advances made by them as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such recovery together with an amount equal to such Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (a) the amount of such Lender’s required repayment to (b) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.15 may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set-off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

     SECTION 2.16. Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness.

     (a) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Advance made by such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

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     (b) The Administrative Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Advance made hereunder, the Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) with respect thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder, and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof.

     (c) The entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) above shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations therein recorded; provided, however, that the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such obligations in accordance with their terms.

     (d) Any Lender may request that its Advances be evidenced by a Note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a Note payable to the order of such Lender. Thereafter, the Advances evidenced by such Note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after any assignment pursuant to Section 8.07) be represented by one or more Notes payable to the order of the payee named therein or any assignee pursuant to Section 8.07, except to the extent that any such Lender or assignee subsequently returns any such Note for cancellation and requests that such Borrowings once again be evidenced as described in subsections (a) and (b) above.

ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS OF LENDING

     SECTION 3.01. Conditions Precedent to Initial Advances.

     The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Advance is subject to the condition precedent that on or before the date of such Advance:

     (a) The Administrative Agent shall have received the following, each dated the same date (except for the financial statements and information referred to in paragraphs (iv) and (v) below), in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (except for any Note) with one copy for each Lender:

     (i) Any Note requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, duly completed and executed by the Borrower and payable to the order of each such Lender;

     (ii) Certified copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party and of all documents evidencing any other necessary corporate action with respect to this Agreement and such Loan Documents;

     (iii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying (A) the names and true signatures of the officers of the Borrower authorized to sign each Loan Document to which the Borrower is, or is to become, a party and the other documents to be delivered hereunder; (B) that attached thereto are true and correct

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copies of the charter and the Code of Regulations of the Borrower, in each case as in effect on such date; and (C) that attached thereto are true and correct copies of all governmental and regulatory authorizations and approvals required for the due execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower is, or is to become, a party;

     (iv) Copies of the consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of June 30, 2003 and related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the six month period then ended, in all cases as amended and restated to the date of delivery;

     (v) A certificate of an officer of the Borrower certifying that the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 hereof are true and correct on and as of such date and that no event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Event of Default or would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both;

     (vi) An opinion of Gary D. Benz, Esq., counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto;

     (vii) An opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP, special counsel for the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit E hereto;

     (viii) A favorable opinion of King & Spalding LLP, special New York counsel for the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto; and

     (ix) Such other certifications, opinions, financial or other information, approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or such Lender (as the case may be).

     (b) The Borrower and the Parent shall have paid all of the fees payable in accordance with the Fee Letter.

     (c) All amounts outstanding under the Existing Parent Credit Agreement, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall have been paid in full, and all commitments to lend thereunder shall have been terminated.

     (d) All amounts outstanding under the Standby Bond Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 1, 2003, among the Borrower, the purchasers party thereto and Barclays Bank PLC, as administrative agent, whether for principal, interest, fees or otherwise, shall have been paid in full, and all commitments to lend thereunder shall have been terminated.

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     (e) The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it of the execution and delivery of the FirstEnergy Facilities.

     SECTION 3.02. Conditions Precedent to Each Advance.

     The obligation of each Lender to make an Advance as part of any Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would increase the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder shall be subject to the further conditions precedent that on the date of such Advance:

     (a) The following statements shall be true (and each of the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Borrowing, shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that on the date of such Borrowing such statements are true):

     (i) The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 hereof are true and correct on and as of the date of such Borrowing, before and after giving effect to such Borrowing and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made on and as of such date;

     (ii) No event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Borrowing or from the application of the proceeds therefrom, that constitutes an Event of Default or would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

     (iii) Immediately following such Borrowing, (A) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Advances shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments then in effect and, (B) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Advances made by any Lender shall not exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment.

     (b) The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of such other approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request.

     SECTION 3.03. Conditions Precedent to Conversions.

     The obligation of each Lender to Convert any Borrowing is subject to the conditions precedent that on the date of such Conversion:

     (a) The following statements shall be true (and the giving of the notice of Conversion pursuant to Section 2.09 shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that on the date of such Conversion such statements are true):

     (i) The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 (other than subsections (f) and (g) thereof) are correct on and as of the date of such Conversion, before and after giving effect to such Conversion, as though made on and as of such date; and

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     (ii) No event has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Conversion, that constitutes an Event of Default or that would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

     (b) The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of such other approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     SECTION 4.01. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower.

     The Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

     (a) Corporate Existence and Power. The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in and is in good standing under the laws of each state in which the ownership of its properties or the conduct of its business makes such qualification necessary except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents, and has all corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.

     (b) Corporate Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by it of each Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part and do not, and will not, require the consent or approval of its shareholders, or any trustee or holder of any Indebtedness or other obligation of it, other than such consents and approvals as have been duly obtained, given or accomplished.

     (c) No Violation, Etc. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party, nor the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by it with the provisions hereof or thereof, conflicts or will conflict with, or results or will result in a breach or contravention of any of the provisions of its charter or Code of Regulations or any Applicable Law, or any indenture, mortgage, lease or any other agreement or instrument to which it or any of its Affiliates is party or by which its property or the property of any of its Affiliates is bound, or results or will result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of its property or the property of any of its Affiliates except as provided herein. There is no provision of its charter or Code of Regulations, or any Applicable Law, or any such indenture, mortgage, lease or other agreement or instrument that materially adversely affects, or in the future is likely (so far as it can now foresee) to materially adversely affect, its business, operations, affairs, condition, properties or assets or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws (including, without limitation, ERISA and Environmental Laws), regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon

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it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (ii) the legality, validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents or the rights, remedies and benefits available to the parties thereunder or the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

     (d) Governmental Actions. No Governmental Action is or will be required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it, or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party other than those which have been duly issued and are in full force and effect.

     (e) Execution and Delivery. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to become, a party have been or will be (as the case may be) duly executed and delivered by it, and this Agreement is and upon execution and delivery thereof each other Loan Document will be the legal, valid and binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject, however, to the application by a court of general principles of equity and to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

     (f) Litigation. Except as disclosed in Schedule II, the Borrower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 filed on September 11, 2003 with the SEC, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 filed on September 11, 2003 with the SEC and its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed in 2003 prior to the date hereof (copies of which have been furnished to each Lender), there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding (including, without limitation, any proceeding relating to or arising out of Environmental Laws) affecting it or any of its Subsidiaries before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect on the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of it and its consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and there has been no development in the matters disclosed in Schedule II that has had such a material adverse effect.

     (g) Financial Statements; Material Adverse Change. The consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public accountants, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at June 30, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the six months then ended, copies of each of which have been furnished to each Lender, in all cases as amended and restated to the date hereof, present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results of the operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the periods ended on such dates, all in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. Except as disclosed in the Borrower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 filed on September 11, 2003 with the SEC, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 filed on September 11, 2003 with the SEC and its

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Current Reports on Form 8-K filed in 2003 prior to the date hereof (copies of which have been furnished to each Lender), there has been no material adverse change in the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, since December 31, 2002.

     (h) ERISA.

     (i) No Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan.

     (ii) Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the most recent annual report (Form 5500 Series) with respect to each Plan, copies of which have been filed with the Internal Revenue Service and furnished to the Lenders, is complete and accurate and fairly presents the funding status of such Plan, and since the date of such Schedule B there has been no material adverse change in such funding status.

     (iii) Neither it nor any member of the Controlled Group has incurred nor reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan.

     (i) Taxes. It and each of its Subsidiaries has filed all tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed and paid all taxes shown thereon to be due, including interest and penalties, or provided adequate reserves for payment thereof other than such taxes that the Borrower or such Subsidiary is contesting in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings.

     (j) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of each Borrowing will be used solely for the general corporate purposes of the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries.

     (k) Margin Stock. After applying the proceeds of each Borrowing, not more than 25% of the value of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries subject to the restrictions of Section 5.03(a) or (b) will consist of or be represented by Margin Stock. The Borrower is not engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of any Borrowing will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.

     (l) Investment Company. The Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or an “investment advisor” within the meaning of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

     (m) No Event of Default. No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Event of Default or that would constitute an Event of Default (including, without limitation, an Event of Default under Section 6.01(e)) but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both.

     (n) Solvency. (i) The fair saleable value of its assets will exceed the amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of the probable liability on its existing debts and other

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liabilities (including contingent liabilities) as they mature; (ii) its assets do not constitute unreasonably small capital to carry out its business as now conducted or as proposed to be conducted; (iii) it does not intend to incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be received by it and the amounts to be payable on or in respect of its obligations); and (iv) it does not believe that final judgments against it in actions for money damages presently pending will be rendered at a time when, or in an amount such that, it will be unable to satisfy any such judgments promptly in accordance with their terms (taking into account the maximum reasonable amount of such judgments in any such actions and the earliest reasonable time at which such judgments might be rendered). Its cash flow, after taking into account all other anticipated uses of its cash (including the payments on or in respect of debt referred to in clause (iii) above), will at all times be sufficient to pay all such judgments promptly in accordance with their terms.

     (o) No Material Misstatements. The reports, financial statements and other written information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to or in connection with the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby do not contain and will not contain, when taken as a whole, any untrue statement of a material fact and do not omit and will not omit, when taken as a whole, to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were or will be made, not misleading in any material respect.

ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

     SECTION 5.01. Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will:

     (a) Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc. (i) Without limiting the right of the Borrower to merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other corporation or entity in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.03(c) hereof, preserve and maintain its corporate existence in the state of its incorporation and qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is reasonably necessary in view of its business and operations or the ownership of its properties and (ii) preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect the rights, privileges and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business.

     (b) Compliance with Laws, Etc. Comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any Governmental Authority, the noncompliance with which would materially and adversely affect the business or condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, such compliance to include, without limitation, compliance with Environmental Laws and ERISA and paying before the same become delinquent all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges

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imposed upon it or upon its property, except to the extent compliance with any of the foregoing is then being contested in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings.

     (c) Maintenance of Insurance, Etc. Maintain insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations or through its own program of self-insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as is usually carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in the same general areas in which the Borrower operates and furnish to the Administrative Agent, within a reasonable time after written request therefor, such information as to the insurance carried as any Lender, through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably request.

     (d) Inspection Rights. At any reasonable time and from time to time as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request, permit the Administrative Agent or such Lender or any agents or representatives thereof to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and visit the properties of, the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries with any of their respective officers or directors; provided, however, that the Borrower reserves the right to restrict access to any of its Subsidiaries’ generating facilities in accordance with reasonably adopted procedures relating to safety and security. The Administrative Agent and each Lender agree to use reasonable efforts to ensure that any information concerning the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries obtained by the Administrative Agent or such Lender pursuant to this subsection (d) or subsection (g) that is not contained in a report or other document filed with the SEC, distributed by the Borrower to its security holders or otherwise generally available to the public, will, to the extent permitted by law and except as may be required by valid subpoena or in the normal course of the Administrative Agent’s or such Lender’s business operations be treated confidentially by the Administrative Agent, or such Lender, as the case may be, and will not be distributed or otherwise made available by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, to any Person, other than the Administrative Agent’s or such Lender’s employees, authorized agents or representatives (including, without limitation, attorneys and accountants). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any party to this Agreement (and any employee, representative or other agent of such party) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated hereunder and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to it relating to such tax treatment and tax structure. However, no party shall disclose any information relating to such tax treatment or tax structure to the extent nondisclosure is necessary in order to comply with applicable securities laws.

     (e) Keeping of Books. Keep, and cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of record and account in which entries shall be made of all financial transactions and the assets and business of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

     (f) Maintenance of Properties. Maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, all of its properties that are used or that are useful in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, it being understood that this covenant relates only to the good working order and condition of such

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properties and shall not be construed as a covenant of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not to dispose of such properties by sale, lease, transfer or otherwise.

     (g) Reporting Requirements. Furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Administrative Agent, with sufficient copies for each Lender, the following:

     (i) promptly after the occurrence of any Event of Default, the statement of an authorized officer of the Borrower setting forth details of such Event of Default and the action that the Borrower has taken or propose to take with respect thereto;

     (ii) as soon as available and in any event within 50 days after the close of each of the first three quarters in each fiscal year of the Borrower, consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter and consolidated statements of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of such quarter, fairly presenting the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such date and the results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period and setting forth in each case in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and duly certified (subject to year-end audit adjustments) by the chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

     (iii) as soon as available and in any event within 105 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the annual report for such year for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, containing consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such year certified in a manner acceptable to the Lenders by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or other independent public accountants acceptable to the Lenders, together with statements of projected financial performance prepared by management for the next fiscal year, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

     (iv) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements specified in clauses (ii) and (iii) above a certificate of the chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of the Borrower (A) stating whether he has any knowledge of the occurrence at any time prior to the date of such certificate of an Event of Default not theretofore reported pursuant to the provisions of clause (i) of this subsection (g) or of the occurrence at any time prior to such date of any such Event of Default, except Events of Default theretofore reported pursuant to the provisions of clause (i) of this subsection (g) and remedied, and, if so, stating the facts with respect thereto, and (B) setting forth in a true and correct manner, the calculation of the ratios contemplated by Section 5.02 hereof, as of the date of the most recent financial statements accompanying such certificate, to show the Borrower’s compliance with or the status of the financial covenants contained in Section 5.02 hereof;

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     (v) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all reports that the Borrower sends to any of its securityholders, and copies of all reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K that the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries files with the SEC;

     (vi) as soon as possible and in any event (A) within 30 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any Termination Event described in clause (i) of the definition of Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred and (B) within 10 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any other Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred, a statement of the chief financial officer of the Borrower describing such Termination Event and the action, if any, that the Borrower or such member of the Controlled Group, as the case may be, proposes to take with respect thereto;

     (vii) promptly and in any event within two Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from the PBGC, copies of each notice received by the Borrower or any such member of the Controlled Group of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer any Plan;

     (viii) promptly and in any event within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Internal Revenue Service, copies of each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) with respect to each Plan;

     (ix) promptly and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor, a copy of each notice received by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group concerning the imposition of withdrawal liability pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA;

     (x) promptly and in any event within five Business Days after Moody’s or S&P has changed any relevant Reference Rating, notice of such change; and

     (xi) such other information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, copies of all reports and registration statements that the Borrower or any Subsidiary files with the SEC or any national securities exchange, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may from time to time reasonably request.

     SECTION 5.02. Financial Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will:

     (a) Fixed Charge Ratio. Maintain (determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter) a Fixed Charge Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00.

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     (b) Debt to Capitalization Ratio. Not permit the ratio of Consolidated Debt on the last day of any fiscal quarter of the Borrower to Total Capitalization on such day to exceed 0.65 to 1.00.

     SECTION 5.03. Negative Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid, or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will not:

     (a) Sales, Etc. (i) Sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock of any of its Significant Subsidiaries, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to do so or (ii) permit the Borrower or any Subsidiary to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or a series of transactions) assets representing in the aggregate more than 15% (determined at the time of each such transaction) of the value of all of the consolidated fixed assets of the Borrower, as reported on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower, to any entity other than the Borrower or any of its wholly owned direct or indirect Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries may consummate the transactions, including transfers of assets, contemplated by the Ohio Transition Plan Order.

     (b) Liens, Etc. Create or suffer to exist, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to create or suffer to exist, any Lien upon or with respect to any of its properties (including, without limitation, any shares of any class of equity security of any of its Significant Subsidiaries), in each case to secure or provide for the payment of Indebtedness, other than (i) liens consisting of (A) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure obligations under worker’s compensation laws or similar legislation, (B) deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure, or in lieu of, surety, appeal, or customs bonds to which the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary is a party, (C) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure performance in connection with bids, tenders or contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money), or (D) materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, repairmen’s or other like Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet due or currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, or deposits to obtain in the release of such Liens; (ii) purchase money liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired or held by the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, which secure the purchase price of such property or secure indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of such property; (iii) Liens existing on the property of any Person at the time that such Person becomes a direct or indirect Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary; provided that such Liens were not created to secure the acquisition of such Person; (iv) Liens in existence on the date of this Agreement; (v) Liens created by the First Mortgage Indenture or the Second Mortgage Indenture, so long as (A) in each case, under the terms thereof no “event of default” (howsoever designated) in respect of any bonds issued thereunder will be triggered by reference to an Event of Default hereunder or an event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default hereunder and (B) no such Liens shall apply to assets acquired from the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary if such assets were free of Liens (other than as a result of a release of such Liens in contemplation of such acquisition) immediately prior to any such acquisition; (vi) Liens

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securing Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds, (vii) Liens on cash (in an aggregate amount not to exceed $270,000,000) pledged to secure reimbursement obligations for letters of credit issued for the account of the Borrower and (viii) Liens created for the sole purpose of extending, renewing or replacing in whole or in part Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii); provided, however, that the principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby shall not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness so secured at the time of such extension, renewal or replacement, and that such extension, renewal or replacement, as the case may be, shall be limited to all or a part of the property or Indebtedness that secured the Lien so extended, renewed or replaced (and any improvements on such property).

     (c) Mergers, Etc. Merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so unless (i) immediately after giving effect thereto, no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Event of Default, (ii) the consolidation or merger shall not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower (or its successor by merger or consolidation as contemplated by clause (i) of this subsection (c)) to perform its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, and (iii) in the case of any merger or consolidation to which the Borrower is a party, the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Borrower shall be merged shall assume the Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in a writing satisfactory in form and substance to the Majority Lenders.

     (d) Nature of Business. Except as may be provided for or contemplated by the Ohio Transition Plan Order, fail to continue to engage in the same type of business as it is engaged in on the date hereof without material reduction or change in nature.

     (e) Compliance with ERISA. (i) Enter into any “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 4975 of the Code, and in ERISA) involving any Plan that may result in any liability of the Borrower to any Person that (in the opinion of the Majority Lenders) is material to the financial position or operations of the Borrower or (ii) allow or suffer to exist any other event or condition known to the Borrower that results in any liability of the Borrower to the PBGC that (in the opinion of the Majority Lenders) is material to the financial position or operations of the Borrower. For purposes of this subsection (d), “liability” shall not include termination insurance premiums payable under Section 4007 of ERISA.

     (f) Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of any Borrowing for any purpose other than working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

ARTICLE VI
EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     SECTION 6.01. Events of Default.

     If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur and be continuing:

     (a) Any principal of, or interest on, any Advance, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder shall not be paid when the same become due and payable; or

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     (b) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower (or any of its officers) in any Loan Document or in connection with any Loan Document shall prove to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made; or

     (c) (i) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any covenant set forth in Section 5.02 or Section 5.03 on its part to be performed or observed or (ii) the Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure shall remain unremedied for 30 days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender; or

     (d) Any material provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall at any time and for any reason cease to be valid and binding upon the Borrower, except pursuant to the terms thereof, or shall be declared to be null and void, or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested by the Borrower, any of its affiliates or any Governmental Authority, or the Borrower shall deny that it has any or further liability or obligation under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

     (e) The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall fail to pay any principal of or premium or interest on any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under this Agreement) that is outstanding in a principal amount in excess of $20,000,000 in the aggregate when the same becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Indebtedness; or any other event shall occur or condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Indebtedness and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness; or any such Indebtedness shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), prior to the stated maturity thereof; or

     (f) The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition or arrangement with creditors, a readjustment of its debts, in each case under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of any such proceeding instituted against it (but not instituted or acquiesced in by it), either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days, or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including, without limitation, the entry of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for, it or for any substantial part of its property) shall occur; or the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall take any corporate action to authorize or to consent to any of the actions set forth above in this subsection (f); or

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     (g) Any judgment or order for the payment of money exceeding any applicable insurance coverage by more than $10,000,000 shall be rendered by a court of final adjudication against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary and either (i) valid enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall be any period of 10 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; or

     (h) Any Termination Event with respect to a Plan shall have occurred, and, 30 days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, (i) such Termination Event (if correctable) shall not have been corrected and (ii) the then Unfunded Vested Liabilities of such Plan exceed $10,000,000 (or in the case of a Termination Event involving the withdrawal of a “substantial employer” (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA), the withdrawing employer’s proportionate share of such excess shall exceed such amount), or the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group as employer under a Multiemployer Plan shall have made a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan and the Plan sponsor of such Multiemployer Plan shall have notified such withdrawing employer that such employer has incurred a withdrawal liability in an amount exceeding $10,000,000; or

     (i) Any change in Applicable Law or any Governmental Action shall occur that has the effect of making the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document unauthorized, illegal or otherwise contrary to Applicable Law; or

     (j) (i) The Parent shall fail to own directly or indirectly 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Borrower, (ii) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Parent (or other securities convertible into such securities) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of all securities of the Parent entitled to vote in the election of directors; (iii) commencing after the date of this Agreement, individuals who as of the date of this Agreement were directors shall have ceased for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Parent unless the Persons replacing such individuals were nominated by the stockholders or the Board of Directors of the Parent in accordance with the Parent’s Code of Regulations; or (iv) 90 days shall have elapsed after any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall have entered into a contract or arrangement which upon consummation will result in its or their acquisition of, or control over, securities of the Parent (or other securities convertible into such securities) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of all securities of the Parent entitled to vote in the election of directors (each a “Change of Control”).

then, and in any such event, the Administrative Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders, (i) by notice to the Borrower, declare the obligation of each Lender to make Advances, to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate and (ii) by notice to the Borrower, declare the Advances and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Advances and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly

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waived by the Borrower; provided, however, that in the event of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary under the Bankruptcy Code, (A) the obligation of each Lender to make Advances, shall automatically be terminated and (B) all Advances and all other amounts payable under this Agreement shall automatically become and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.

ARTICLE VII
THE AGENT

     SECTION 7.01. Authorization and Action.

     Each Lender hereby appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting) upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders, and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action which exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or applicable law. The Administrative Agent agrees to give to each Lender prompt notice of each notice given to it by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and to promptly forward to each Lender the financial statements delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(g).

     SECTION 7.02. Agent’s Reliance, Etc.

     Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to any Lender or the Borrower for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent: (i) may treat each Lender listed in the Register as a “Lender” with a Commitment in the amount recorded in the Register until the Administrative Agent receives and accepts an Assignment and Acceptance entered into by a Lender listed in the Register, as assignor, and an Eligible Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 8.07, at which time the Administrative Agent will make such recordations in the Register as are appropriate to reflect the assignment effected by such Assignment and Acceptance; (ii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with the Loan Documents; (iv) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of the Loan Documents on the part of the Borrower or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Borrower; (v) shall not be

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responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (vi) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier, telegram or cable) believed by it in good faith to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

     SECTION 7.03. Citibank and Affiliates.

     With respect to its Commitment, the Advances made by it and any Note issued to it, Citibank shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent; and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include Citibank in its individual capacity. Citibank and its affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower, any of its respective subsidiaries and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Borrower or any such subsidiary, all as if Citibank were not the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

     SECTION 7.04. Lender Credit Decision.

     Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement.

     SECTION 7.05. Indemnification.

     The Lenders agree to indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably according to the amounts of their respective Commitments, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement; provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable counsel fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the extent that such expenses are reimbursable by the Borrower but for which the Administrative Agent is not reimbursed by the Borrower.

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     SECTION 7.06. Successor Agent.

     The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Majority Lenders. Upon any such resignation or removal, the Majority Lenders shall have the right, with the prior written consent of the Borrower (unless an Event of Default or an event that, with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Majority Lenders’ removal of the retiring Administrative Agent, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a commercial bank described in clause (i) or (ii) of the definition of “Eligible Assignee” and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $250,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article VII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no Event of Default, and no event that with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, then no successor Administrative Agent shall be appointed under this Section 7.06 without the prior written consent of the Borrower, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS

     SECTION 8.01. Amendments, Etc.

     No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any Note, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders, do any of the following: (a) waive any of the conditions specified in Section 3.01, 3.02 or 3.03, (b) increase the Commitments of the Lenders or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations, (c) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (d) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (e) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Advances, or the number of Lenders, that shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder or (f) amend this Section 8.01; and provided, further, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required

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above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement; and provided, further, that this Agreement may be amended and restated without the consent of any Lender or the Administrative Agent if, upon giving effect to such amendment and restatement, such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, shall no longer be a party to this Agreement (as so amended and restated) or have any Commitment or other obligation hereunder and shall have been paid in full all amounts payable hereunder to such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be.

     SECTION 8.02. Notices, Etc.

     Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopier, telegraphic or cable communication) and mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, cabled or delivered, if to the Borrower, at its address at 76 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308, Attention: Treasurer, Telecopy: (330) 384-3772; if to any Bank, at its Domestic Lending Office specified opposite its name on Schedule I hereto; if to any other Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender; if to the Administrative Agent, at its address at Two Penns Way, Suite 200, New Castle, Delaware 19720, Attention: Bank Loan Syndications; or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties. All such notices and communications shall, when mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed or cabled, be effective when deposited in the mails, telecopied, delivered to the telegraph company or delivered to the cable company, respectively, except that notices and communications to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article II or VII shall not be effective until received by the Administrative Agent (as the case may be).

     SECTION 8.03. No Waiver; Remedies.

     No failure on the part of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

     SECTION 8.04. Costs and Expenses; Indemnification.

     (a) The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, syndication administration, modification and amendment of this Agreement, any Note and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel for the Administrative Agent with respect thereto and with respect to advising the Administrative Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement. The Borrower further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses of counsel), incurred by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in connection with the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of this Agreement, any Note and the other

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documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, counsel fees and expenses in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Section 8.04(a).

     (b) If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance, as a result of a payment or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.09 or 2.12 or a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.10 or acceleration of the maturity of any amounts owing hereunder pursuant to Section 6.01 or upon an assignment made upon demand of the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.07(h) or for any other reason, the Borrower shall, upon demand by any Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender any amounts required to compensate such Lender for any additional losses, costs or expenses which it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance. The Borrower’s obligations under this subsection (b) shall survive the repayment of all other amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments

     (c) The Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and hold each Lender, the Administrative Agent and their respective Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees and professional advisors (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, whether or not such Indemnified Person is named as a party to any proceeding or is otherwise subjected to judicial or legal process arising from any such proceeding) that any of them may incur or that may be claimed against any of them by any Person by reason of or in connection with or arising out of any investigation, litigation or proceeding related to the Commitments hereunder and any use or proposed use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any Advance, except to the extent such claim, damage, liability, cost or expense is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Borrower’s obligations under this Section 8.04(c) shall survive the repayment of all amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments. If and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.04(c) are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower agrees to make the maximum payment in satisfaction of such obligations that are not unenforceable that is permissible under Applicable Law or, if less, such amount that may be ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

     (d) To the extent permitted by law, the Borrower also agrees not to assert any claim against any Indemnified Person on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to actual or direct damages) in connection with, arising out of, or otherwise relating to this Agreement, any of the transactions contemplated herein or the actual or proposed use of the proceeds of the Advances.

     SECTION 8.05. Right of Set-off.

     Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default each Lender is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set

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off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, excluding, however, any payroll accounts maintained by the Borrower with such Lender if and to the extent that such Lender shall have expressly waived its set-off rights in writing in respect of such payroll account) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement and any Note held by such Lender, whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or such Note and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Lender, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application. The rights of each Lender under this Section 8.05 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Lender may have.

     SECTION 8.06. Binding Effect.

     This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Bank that such Bank has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders.

     SECTION 8.07. Assignments and Participations.

     (a) Each Lender may, with the prior written consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (which consents shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and, in the case of the Borrower, shall not be required if an Event of Default then exists), assign to one or more banks or other entities all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it); provided, however, that (i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, (ii) the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than $5,000,000 (or if less, the entire amount of such Lender’s Commitment) and shall be an integral multiple of $1,000,000, (iii) each such assignment shall be to an Eligible Assignee, and (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, an Assignment and Acceptance, together with any Note subject to such assignment and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (y) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its continuing obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance

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covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).

     (b) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of their obligations under this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, such assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

     (c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 8.02 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

     (d) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee representing that it is an Eligible Assignee, together with any Note subject to such assignment, the Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed and is in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower and the Borrower shall deliver any Note requested pursuant to Section 2.16 in favor of such assignee or assignor (as the case may be), after giving effect to such assignment.

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     (e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other entities in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it); provided, however, that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Borrower hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note for all purposes of this Agreement, (iv) such Lender may not subject its ability to consent to any modification of this Agreement or any Note to the prior consent of the bank or other entity to which such participation was sold, except in the case of proposed waivers or modifications with respect to interest, principal and fees payable hereunder and under any Note and with respect to any extension of the Termination Date, and (v) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

     (f) Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 8.07, disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant, any information relating to the Borrower furnished to such Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower; provided, that prior to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant shall agree to preserve the confidentiality of any confidential information relating to the Borrower received by it from such Lender.

     (g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Lender may assign and pledge all or any portion of its rights hereunder and under any Note (including, without limitation, its rights to receive payments of principal and interest hereunder and under any Note) to (i) any Federal Reserve Bank (and its transferees) as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and any operating circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank, as collateral or otherwise, or (ii) any Affiliate of such Lender, in either case, without notice to or consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent; provided, that no such assignment (other than to an Eligible Assignee under subsection (a) above) shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

     (h) If any Lender shall make demand for payment under Section 2.11(a), 2.11(b) or 2.12, or shall deliver any notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.12 resulting in the suspension of certain obligations of the Lenders with respect to Eurodollar Rate Advances, then, within 30 days of such demand (if, and only if, such payment demanded under Section 2.11(a), 2.11(b) or 2.12, as the case may be, shall have been made by the Borrower) or such notice (if such suspension is still in effect), as the case may be, the Borrower may demand that such Lender assign in accordance with this Section 8.07 to one or more Eligible Assignees designated by the Borrower all (but not less than all) of such Lender’s Commitment and the Advances owing to it within the next 15 days. If any such Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower shall fail to consummate such assignment on terms acceptable to such Lender, or if the Borrower shall fail to designate any such Eligible Assignee for all of such Lender’s Commitment or Advances, then such Lender may assign such Commitment and Advances to any other Eligible Assignee in accordance with this Section 8.07 during such 15-day period; it being understood for purposes of this Section 8.07(h) that such assignment shall be conclusively deemed to be on

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terms acceptable to such Lender, and such Lender shall be compelled to consummate such assignment to an Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower, if such Eligible Assignee shall agree to such assignment in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto and shall offer compensation to such Lender in an amount equal to the sum of the principal amount of all Advances outstanding to such Lender plus all interest accrued thereon to the date of such payment plus all other amounts payable by the Borrower to such Lender hereunder (whether or not then due) as of the date of such payment accrued in favor of such Lender hereunder.

     (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “Granting Lender”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “SPC”) of such Granting Lender identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, the option to provide to the Borrower all or any part of any Advance that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any such SPC to make any Advance, (ii) if such SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Advance, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Advance pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) no SPC or Granting Lender shall be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.12 than the Granting Lender would have been entitled to receive had the Granting Lender not otherwise granted such SPC the option to provide any Advance to the Borrower. The making of an Advance by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Advance were made by such Granting Lender. Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would otherwise be liable so long as, and to the extent that, the related Granting Lender provides such indemnity or makes such payment. In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPC, it will not institute against or join any other person in instituting against such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Granting Lender unconditionally agrees to indemnify the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender against all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be incurred by or asserted against the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, in any way relating to or arising as a consequence of any such forbearance or delay in the initiation of any such proceeding against its SPC. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have the rights of a Lender hereunder, such rights being retained by the applicable Granting Lender. Accordingly, and without limiting the foregoing, each party hereby further acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have any voting rights hereunder and that the voting rights attributable to any Advance made by an SPC shall be exercised only by the relevant Granting Lender and that each Granting Lender shall serve as the administrative agent and attorney-in-fact for its SPC and shall on behalf of its SPC receive any and all payments made for the benefit of such SPC and take all actions hereunder to the extent, if any, such SPC shall have any rights hereunder. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement any SPC may, with notice to, but without the prior written consent of, any other party hereto, assign all or a portion of its

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interest in any Advances to the Granting Lender. This Section may not be amended without the prior written consent of each Granting Lender, all or any part of whose Advance is being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment.

     SECTION 8.08. Governing Law.

     THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

     SECTION 8.09. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

     (a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby irrevocably (i) submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in New York City and any appellate court from any thereof in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, and (ii) agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State court or in such Federal court. The Borrower hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding. The Borrower also irrevocably consents, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to the service of any and all process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing by certified mail of copies of such process to the Borrower at its address specified in Section 8.02. The Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

     (b) THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER.

     SECTION 8.10. Severability.

     Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited, unenforceable or not authorized in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition, unenforceability or non-authorization without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity, enforceability or legality of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

     SECTION 8.11. Entire Agreement.

     This Agreement and the Notes issued hereunder constitute the entire contract among the parties relative to the subject matter hereof. Any previous agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof is superseded by this Agreement, except (i) as expressly agreed in any such previous agreement and (ii) for the Fee Letter. Except as is expressly provided for herein, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

47

     SECTION 8.12. Execution in Counterparts.

     This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

S-1

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.
         
  OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 
         
  CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-2
         
  Banks

CITIBANK, N.A.
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-3
         
  BARCLAYS BANK PLC
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-4
         
  BANK ONE, NA
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-5
         
  THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-6
         
  U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
  By      
    Name:      
    Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-7
         
  KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-8
         
  WACHOVIA BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-9
         
  MORGAN STANLEY BANK
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-10
         
  THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-11
         
  CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON,
    CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 
         
     
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-12
         
  FLEET NATIONAL BANK
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-13
         
  UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-14
         
  THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-15
         
  NATIONAL CITY BANK
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-16
         
  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-17
         
  FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK,
    LOS ANGELES BRANCH
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-18
         
  UBS LOAN FINANCE LLC
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-19
         
  LEHMAN COMMERCIAL PAPER INC.
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

S-20
         
  LASALLE BANK
 
 
  By      
  Name:      
  Title:      
 

SIGNATURE PAGE TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE I

List of Commitments and Lending Offices

                 
Lender   Allocation   Domestic Lending Office   Eurodollar Lending Office
Barclays Bank PLC
  $ 12,062,500.00     Barclays Bank PLC
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Citibank, N.A.
  $ 12,062,500.00     One Court Square
7th floor, Zone 2
Long Island City, NY 11120
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Bank One, NA
  $ 10,987,500.00     1 Bank One Plaza
Suite IL1-0010
Chicago, IL 60670
Attn: Brenda De Los Reyes
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Wachovia Bank, National
Association
  $ 10,987,500.00     301 South College Street
5th Floor
One Wachovia Center
Charlotte, NC 28288-0251
  Same as Domestic
 
               
JPMorgan Chase Bank
  $ 10,987,500.00     1 Chase Manhattan Plaza
New York, NY 10081
  Same as Domestic
 
               
The Bank of New York
  $ 7,500,000.00     One Wall Street
New York, NY 10286
  Same as Domestic
 
               
KeyBank National Association
  $ 7,500,000.00     127 Public Square
Cleveland, OH 44114
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Morgan Stanley Bank
  $ 10,000,000.00     1633 Broadway — 25th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Attn: James Morgan
  Same as Domestic
 
               
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
  $ 5,625,000.00     101 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10178
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Fleet National Bank
  $ 4,162,500.00     100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Union Bank of California, N.A.
  $ 3,125,000.00     445 South Figueroa St.
15th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
  Same as Domestic

SCHEDULE I TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

2

                 
Lender   Allocation   Domestic Lending Office   Eurodollar Lending Office
The Bank of Nova Scotia
  $ 3,125,000.00     The Bank of Nova Scotia,
New York Agency
One Liberty Plaza
New York, NY 10006
  Same as Domestic
 
               
National City Bank
  $ 3,125,000.00     One Cascade Plaza
Akron, OH 44308
  Same as Domestic
 
               
U.S. Bank National Association
  $ 3,125,000.00     U.S. Bank Tower
425 Walnut Street
ML CNOHW8
Cincinnati, OH 45201
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Credit Suisse First Boston
  $ 5,625,000.00     One Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
  Same as Domestic
 
               
UBS Loan Finance LLC
  $ 5,625,000.00     677 Washington Boulevard
6th Floor South
Stamford, CT 06901
  Same as Domestic
 
               
LaSalle Bank
  $ 3,125,000.00     135 S. LaSalle Street
Suite 1425
Chicago, IL 60603
  Same as Domestic
 
               
First Commercial Bank
Los Angeles Branch
  $ 3,125,000.00     515 South Flower Street
Suite 1050
Los Angeles, CA 90071
  Same as Domestic
 
               
Lehman Commercial Paper Inc.
  $ 3,125,000.00     745 7th Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10019
Attn: Marie Cowell
  Same as Domestic

SCHEDULE I TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

SCHEDULE II

Litigation

On August 14, 2003, eight states in the Northeast U.S. and southern Canada, covering a geographic area reportedly having approximately 50 million people, experienced a widespread power outage. That outage affected approximately 1.4 million customers in the service area of FirstEnergy Corp. (“FirstEnergy”), the parent company of the Borrower. The causes of the outage have not yet been determined, although various industry, media and other reports initially alleged that the outage began in FirstEnergy’s system. More recent reports point to a wide range of contributing factors. FirstEnergy is in the process of accumulating data and evaluating the status of its electrical system prior to and during the outage event and understands that the same effort is under way at utilities and transmission operators across the region.

Congressional committees, state utility commissions and others have commenced investigations and inquiries into the causes and implications of the outage. In addition, a joint U.S.-Canada Task Force has been formed to investigate the events, with the U.S. Department of Energy coordinating the U.S. portion of this investigation. The consensus of the investigating entities is that extensive data needs to be gathered and analyzed in order to determine with any degree of certainty the circumstances that led to the outage. FirstEnergy has been working closely with the U.S.-Canada Task Force and other appropriate groups involved to determine exactly what events led to the outage. The various inquiries could take many months to complete, given the complexity of the issues involved, the number of parties involved and the amount of data to be collected and analyzed.

A number of lawsuits have been filed against FirstEnergy in connection with the August 14th regional outage by individuals seeking court certification to represent a class of similarly situated persons who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the outage.

A number of individual shareholder-plaintiffs have filed separate complaints against FirstEnergy, its Board of Directors and certain of its executive officers alleging that FirstEnergy and the named officers reported materially false and misleading financial results over the relevant periods in violation of federal securities laws in connection with the recent restatement of earnings, the August 14th regional outage and the on-going outage at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant. In each case, the plaintiffs are seeking certification from the court to represent a class of similarly situated shareholders.

In addition, FirstEnergy has been served with a derivative complaint filed by an individual shareholder on behalf of other shareholders against FirstEnergy and its Board of Directors, alleging a series of breaches of fiduciary duties by the directors and certain officers of FirstEnergy relating to the issues surrounding the regional power outage, the recent restatement of earnings and the on-going outage at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Plant.

In addition to these legal proceedings and depending upon the outcomes of the governmental and other investigations of the outage, it is possible that additional regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be instituted against FirstEnergy or the Borrower. Two such proceedings have already been initiated at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO). One such complaint, made by a local congressman, alleges that certain subsidiaries of FirstEnergy, including the Borrower, failed to provide reasonable and adequate service under applicable Ohio law. The

SCHEDULE II TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

2

complaint seeks the authorization for another electric supplier to furnish electric service within the Ohio-based franchise territory of those subsidiaries. The other PUCO matter relates to a private advocacy group seeking to intervene in the first proceeding.

SCHEDULE II TO OHIO EDISON 3-YEAR CREDIT AGREEMENT

EX-10.8 25 ex10-8.htm CREDIT AGREEMENT ($250 MILLION) Credit Agreement ($250 Million)

EXHIBIT 10.8

EXECUTION COPY


U.S. $250,000,000

CREDIT AGREEMENT

Dated as of May 12, 2003

Among

OHIO EDISON COMPANY,
as Borrower,

THE BANKS NAMED HEREIN,
as Banks,

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK
as Administrative Agent


J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES INC.
and
BANC ONE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
Joint Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners

BANC ONE CAPITAL MARKETS, INC.
Syndication Agent

THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
FLEET NATIONAL BANK
THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND plc

Co-Documentation Agents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

         
    Page  
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS
    1  
 
       
SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms
    1  
SECTION 1.02. Computation of Time Periods
    11  
SECTION 1.03. Accounting Terms
    11  
SECTION 1.04. Certain References
    12  
 
       
ARTICLE II AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES
    12  
 
       
SECTION 2.01. The Advances
    12  
SECTION 2.02. Making the Advances
    12  
SECTION 2.03. Fees
    13  
SECTION 2.04. Reduction of the Commitments
    14  
SECTION 2.05. Repayment of Advances
    14  
SECTION 2.06. Interest on Advances
    14  
SECTION 2.07. Additional Interest on Advances
    15  
SECTION 2.08. Interest Rate Determination
    15  
SECTION 2.09. Conversion of Advances
    16  
SECTION 2.10. Prepayments
    17  
SECTION 2.11. Increased Costs
    17  
SECTION 2.12. Illegality
    18  
SECTION 2.13. Payments and Computations
    18  
SECTION 2.14. Taxes
    20  
SECTION 2.15. Sharing of Payments, Etc
    21  
SECTION 2.16. Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness
    21  
 
       
ARTICLE III CONDITIONS OF LENDING
    23  
 
       
SECTION 3.01. Conditions Precedent to Initial Advances
    22  
SECTION 3.02. Conditions Precedent to Each Advance
    23  
SECTION 3.03. Conditions Precedent to Conversions
    24  
 
       
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
    25  
 
       
SECTION 4.01. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower
    24  
 
       
ARTICLE V COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER
    28  
 
       
SECTION 5.01. Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower
    28  
SECTION 5.02. Financial Covenants of the Borrower
    31  
SECTION 5.03. Negative Covenants of the Borrower
    31  

i

         
    Page  
ARTICLE VI EVENTS OF DEFAULT
    34  
 
       
SECTION 6.01. Events of Default
    33  
 
       
ARTICLE VII THE AGENT
    35  
 
       
SECTION 7.01. Authorization and Action
    35  
SECTION 7.02. Agent’s Reliance, Etc
    36  
SECTION 7.03. JPMorgan Chase and Affiliates
    36  
SECTION 7.04. Lender Credit Decision
    37  
SECTION 7.05. Indemnification
    37  
SECTION 7.06. Successor Agent
    37  
 
       
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS
    38  
 
       
SECTION 8.01. Amendments, Etc
    38  
SECTION 8.02. Notices, Etc
    38  
SECTION 8.03. No Waiver; Remedies
    39  
SECTION 8.04. Costs and Expenses; Indemnification
    39  
SECTION 8.05. Right of Set-off
    40  
SECTION 8.06. Binding Effect
    40  
SECTION 8.07. Assignments and Participations
    41  
SECTION 8.08. Governing Law
    44  
SECTION 8.09. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial
    44  
SECTION 8.10. Severability
    45  
SECTION 8.11. Entire Agreement
    45  
SECTION 8.12. Execution in Counterparts
    45  

ii

EXHIBITS

         
Exhibit A
  -   Form of Note
Exhibit B
  -   Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit C
  -   Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit D
  -   Form of Opinion of Gary D. Benz, Esq.
Exhibit E
  -   Form of Opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP
Exhibit F
  -   Form of Opinion of King & Spalding LLP
 
       
SCHEDULES
 
       
Schedule I
  -   List of Commitments and Lending Offices

iii

CREDIT AGREEMENT

     CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of May 12, 2003, among OHIO EDISON COMPANY, an Ohio corporation (the “Borrower”), the lenders (the “Banks”) listed on the signature pages hereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank (“JPMorgan Chase”), as Administrative Agent (the “Administrative Agent”) for the Lenders hereunder.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS

     The Borrower has requested that the Banks provide to the Borrower a $250,000,000 unsecured revolving loan facility for general corporate purposes. The Lenders have indicated their willingness to agree to lend such amount on the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS

     SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms.

     As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined):

     “Advance” means an advance by a Lender to the Borrower as part of a Borrowing and refers to an Alternate Base Rate Advance or a Eurodollar Rate Advance, each of which shall be a “Type” of Advance, subject to Conversion pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.09.

     “Affiliate” means, as to any Person, any other Person that, directly or indirectly, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such Person or is a director or officer of such Person.

     “Agreement” means this Credit Agreement, as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time.

     “Alternate Base Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum as shall be in effect from time to time, which rate per annum shall at all times be equal to the higher of (i) the rate of interest announced publicly by JPMorgan Chase in New York, New York, from time to time, as JPMorgan Chase’s “prime” rate and (ii) the sum of 1/2 of 1% per annum plus the Federal Funds Rate in effect from time to time.

     “Alternate Base Rate Advance” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.06(a).

     2

     “Applicable Law” means all applicable laws, statutes, treaties, rules, codes, ordinances, regulations, permits, certificates, orders, interpretations, licenses and permits of any Governmental Authority and judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, orders or like action of any court, arbitrator or other judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal of competent jurisdiction (including those pertaining to health, safety or the environment or otherwise).

     “Applicable Lending Office” means, with respect to each Lender, such Lender’s Domestic Lending Office in the case of an Alternate Base Rate Advance, and such Lender’s Eurodollar Lending Office in the case of a Eurodollar Rate Advance.

     “Applicable Margin” means, for any Alternate Base Rate Advance or any Eurodollar Rate Advance, the interest rate per annum set forth in the relevant row of the table below, determined by reference to the Reference Ratings from time to time in effect:

                                                       
 
                  LEVEL 2       LEVEL 3       LEVEL 4            
                  Reference       Reference       Reference            
        LEVEL 1       Ratings less       Ratings less       Ratings less            
        Reference       than Level 1       than Level 2       than Level 3       LEVEL 5    
        Ratings at least       but at least       but at least       but at least       Reference    
        BBB+ by S&P       BBB by S&P       BBB- by S&P       BB+ by S&P       Ratings lower    
        and Baa1 By       and Baa2 by       and Baa3 by       and Ba1 by       than Level 4 or    
  BASIS FOR PRICING     Moody’s.       Moody’s.       Moody’s.       Moody’s.       unrated.    
 
Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances
      0.725 %       0.825 %       1 .050 %       1.375 %       1.500 %  
 
Applicable Margin for Alternate Base Rate Advances
      0 %       0 %       0.050 %       0.375 %       0.500 %  
 
Utilization Fee for Eurodollar Rate Advances
      0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %  
 
Utilization Fee for Alternate Base Rate Advances
      0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %       0.125 %  
 

provided, that (x) the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be increased by the rate per annum set forth above in the row captioned “Utilization Fee for Eurodollar Rate Advances” that corresponds to the Reference Ratings Level used to determine such Applicable Margin and (y) the Applicable Margin for Alternate Base Rate Advances shall be increased by the rate per annum set forth above in the row captioned “Utilization Fee for Alternate Base Rate Advances” that corresponds to the Reference Ratings Level used to determine such Applicable Margin, in any case, during any period in which the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding is greater than one-third of the aggregate amount of the Commitments.

For purposes of the foregoing, if the Reference Ratings assigned by Moody’s and S&P are not comparable (i.e., a “split rating”) by (x) one level, the lower of such Reference Ratings shall control or (y) two or more levels, the level corresponding to the Reference Rating one level above the lower Reference Rating shall control unless either is below BB+ or unrated (in the case of S&P) or Ba1 or unrated (in the case of Moody’s), in which

     3

case the lower of the two Reference Ratings shall control. Any change in the Applicable Margin will be effective as of the date on which S&P or Moody’s, as the case may be, announces the applicable change in the Reference Rating.

     “Assignment and Acceptance” means an assignment and acceptance entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee, and accepted by the Administrative Agent, in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto.

     “Available Commitment” means, for each Lender, the excess of such Lender’s Commitment over the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Advances made by such Lender.

     “Bankruptcy Code” means the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1978, as amended from time to time, and any Federal law with respect to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

     “Borrowing” means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Advances of the same Type made by each of the Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01 or Converted pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.09.

     “Business Day” means a day of the year on which banks are not required or authorized to close in New York City or Akron, Ohio and, if the applicable Business Day relates to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, on which dealings are carried on in the London interbank market.

     “Change of Control” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01(j).

     “Code” means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and the applicable regulations thereunder.

     “Commitment” means, as to any Lender, the amount set forth opposite such Lender’s name on Schedule I hereto or, if such Lender has entered into any Assignment and Acceptance, set forth for such Lender in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 8.07(c), as such amount may be reduced pursuant to Section 2.04.

     “Consolidated Debt” means, with respect to the Borrower, at any date of determination the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, but shall not include (i) Nonrecourse Indebtedness of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) the aggregate principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) obligations under leases that shall have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as operating leases in respect of which the Borrower or any of its Consolidated Subsidiaries is liable as a lessee, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries.

     4

     “Consolidated Subsidiary” means, as to any Person, any Subsidiary of such Person the accounts of which are or are required to be consolidated with the accounts of such Person in accordance with GAAP.

     “Controlled Group” means all members of a controlled group of corporations and all trades or businesses (whether or not incorporated) under common control that, together with the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, are treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code.

     “Convert”, “Conversion” and “Converted” each refers to a conversion of Advances of one Type into Advances of another Type or the selection of a new, or the renewal of the same, Interest Period for Eurodollar Rate Advances pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.09.

     “Domestic Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Domestic Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender, or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to the Administrative Agent.

     “Eligible Assignee” means (i) a commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States, or any State thereof; (ii) a commercial bank organized under the laws of any other country that is a member of the OECD or has concluded special lending arrangements with the International Monetary Fund associated with its “General Arrangements to Borrow”, or a political subdivision of any such country, provided that such bank is acting through a branch or agency located in the United States; (iii) a finance company, insurance company or other financial institution or fund (whether a corporation, partnership or other entity) engaged generally in making, purchasing or otherwise investing in commercial loans in the ordinary course of its business; (iv) the central bank of any country that is a member of the OECD; or (v) any Lender; provided, however, that (A) any Person described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall also (x) have outstanding unsecured indebtedness that is rated A- or better by S&P or A3 or better by Moody’s (or an equivalent rating by another nationally recognized credit rating agency of similar standing if neither such corporations is in the business of rating unsecured indebtedness of entities engaged in such businesses) and (y) have combined capital and surplus (as established in its most recent report of condition to its primary regulator) of not less than $250,000,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currency), (B) any Person described in clause (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, on the date on which it is to become a Lender hereunder, be entitled to receive payments hereunder without deduction or withholding of any United States Federal income taxes (as contemplated by Section 2.14(d)), (C) any Person described in clause (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) above shall, in addition, be reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and (D) in no event shall the Borrower or any of its Affiliates be Eligible Assignees; notwithstanding any of the foregoing, after the occurrence of an Event of Default any commercial bank, finance company, insurance company or other financial institution or fund (whether a corporation, partnership or other entity) engaged generally in making, purchasing or

     5

otherwise investing in commercial loans in the ordinary course of its business shall be deemed to be an Eligible Assignee.

     “Environmental Laws” means any federal, state or local laws, ordinances or codes, rules, orders, or regulations relating to pollution or protection of the environment, including, without limitation, laws relating to hazardous substances, laws relating to reclamation of land and waterways and laws relating to emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes into the environment (including, without limitation, ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata) or otherwise relating to the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of pollution, contaminants, chemicals, or industrial, toxic or hazardous substances or wastes.

     “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the regulations promulgated and rulings issued thereunder, each as amended, modified and in effect from time to time.

     “Eurocurrency Liabilities” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

     “Eurodollar Lending Office” means, with respect to any Lender, the office of such Lender specified as its “Eurodollar Lending Office” opposite its name on Schedule I hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender (or, if no such office is specified, its Domestic Lending Office), or such other office of such Lender as such Lender may from time to time specify to the Administrative Agent.

     “Eurodollar Rate” means, for the Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, an interest rate/per annum equal to the rate appearing on Telerate Page 3750 (or any successor page) as the London interbank offered rate for deposits in U.S. dollars at 11:00 A.M. (London time) two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period for a period equal to such Interest Period or, if for any reason such rate is not available, the rate per annum rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/16 of 1% per annum, if such rate is not such a multiple at which deposits in U.S. dollars are offered by the principal office of the Administrative Agent in London to prime banks in the London interbank market at 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days before the first day of such Interest Period for a period equal to such Interest Period.

     “Eurodollar Rate Advance” means an Advance that bears interest as provided in Section 2.06(b).

     “Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage” of any Lender for the Interest Period for any Eurodollar Rate Advance means the reserve percentage applicable during such Interest Period (or if more than one such percentage shall be so applicable, the daily average of such percentages for those days in such Interest Period during which any such percentage shall be so applicable) under regulations issued from time to time by the

     6

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (or any successor) for determining the maximum reserve requirement (including, without limitation, any emergency, supplemental or other marginal reserve requirement) for such Lender with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities having a term equal to such Interest Period.

     “Events of Default” has the meaning specified in Section 6.01.

     “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the regulations promulgated thereunder, in each case as amended and in effect from time to time.

     “Federal Funds Rate” means, for any period, a fluctuating interest rate per annum equal for each day during such period to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published for such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day which is a Business Day, the average (rounded upward to the nearest whole multiple of 1/100 of 1% per annum, if such average is not such a multiple) of the quotations for such day on such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

     “Fee Letter” means that certain letter agreement, dated April 2, 2003, among the Borrower, JPMorgan Chase, J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., Banc One Capital Markets, Inc. and Bank One, NA.

     “First Mortgage Indenture” means the Indenture, dated as of April 1, 1930, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as successor trustee, as amended and supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.

     “Fixed Charge Ratio” means, with respect to any fiscal quarter, the ratio of (i) the sum of (A) consolidated net income before extraordinary items of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries for the twelve-month period ended on the last day of such fiscal quarter, plus (B) depreciation, amortization, dividends paid on preferred stock of subsidiaries, interest expense, amounts paid on Trust Preferred Securities, taxes and Federal income taxes deducted in determining such net income, plus (C) the interest element of rental payments deducted in determining such net income under operating lease obligations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelvemonth period, plus (D) all other non-cash charges constituting operating expenses deducted in determining such net income to (ii) the sum of (A) all interest expense (excluding the amount of any allowance for funds used during construction and amounts paid on Trust Preferred Securities) in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period, plus (B) the interest element of rental payments deducted in determining net income under operating lease obligations of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries during such twelve-month period.

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     “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States in effect from time to time.

     “Governmental Action” means all authorizations, consents, approvals, waivers, exceptions, variances, orders, licenses, exemptions, publications, filings, notices to and declarations of or with any Governmental Authority (other than routine reporting requirements the failure to comply with which will not affect the validity or enforceability of any Loan Document or have a material adverse effect on the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document or any material rights, power or remedy of any Person thereunder or any other action in respect of any Governmental Authority).

     “Governmental Authority” means any Federal, state, county, municipal, foreign, international, regional or other governmental authority, agency, board, body, instrumentality or court.

     “Indebtedness” of any Person means at any date, without duplication, (i) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money, or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, or for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (ii) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (iii) all obligations of such Person upon which interest charges are customarily paid, (iv) all obligations under leases that shall have been or should be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases in respect of which such Person is liable as lessee, (v) liabilities in respect of unfunded vested benefits under Plans, (vi) withdrawal liability incurred under ERISA by such Person or any of its affiliates to any Multiemployer Plan, (vii) reimbursement obligations of such Person (whether contingent or otherwise) in respect of letters of credit, bankers acceptances, surety or other bonds and similar instruments, (viii) all Indebtedness of others secured by a Lien on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person and (ix) obligations of such Person under direct or indirect guaranties in respect of, and obligations (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire, or otherwise to assure a creditor against loss in respect of, indebtedness or obligations of others of the kinds referred to above.

     “Interest Period” means, for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the same Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Eurodollar Rate Advance or the date of the Conversion of any Advance into such Eurodollar Rate Advance and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below and, thereafter, each subsequent period commencing on the last day of the immediately preceding Interest Period and ending on the last day of the period selected by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions below. The duration of each such Interest Period shall be one, two, three or six months, in each case as the Borrower may select by notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.02(a) or Section 2.09(a); provided, however, that:

     (i) the Borrower may not select any Interest Period that ends after the Termination Date;

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     (ii) Interest Periods commencing on the same date for Advances made as part of the same Borrowing shall be of the same duration;

     (iii) no more than eight different Interest Periods shall apply to outstanding Eurodollar Rate Advances on any date of determination; and

     (iv) whenever the last day of any Interest Period would otherwise occur on a day other than a Business Day, the last day of such Interest Period shall be extended to occur on the next succeeding Business Day, provided, that if such extension would cause the last day of such Interest Period to occur in the next following calendar month, the last day of such Interest Period shall occur on the next preceding Business Day.

     “Lenders” means the Banks listed on the signature pages hereof and each Eligible Assignee that shall become a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.07.

     “Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset. For the purposes of this Agreement, a Person or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to own, subject to a Lien, any asset that it has acquired or holds subject to the interest of a vendor or lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or other title retention agreement relating to such asset.

     “Loan Documents” means this Agreement, any Note and the Fee Letter.

     “Majority Lenders” means, at any time prior to the Termination Date, Lenders having in the aggregate more than 50% of the Commitments (without giving effect to any termination in whole of the Commitments pursuant to Section 6.01) and at any time on or after the Termination Date, Lenders owed more than 50% of the then aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding.

     “Margin Stock” has the meaning assigned to that term in Regulation U issued by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and as amended and in effect from time to time.

     “Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. or any successor thereto.

     “Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan” as defined in Section 4001 (a)(3) of ERISA.

     “Nonrecourse Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness that finances the acquisition, development, ownership or operation of an asset in respect of which the Person to which such Indebtedness is owed has no recourse whatsoever to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates other than:

  (i)   recourse to the named obligor with respect to such Indebtedness (the “Debtor”) for amounts limited to the cash flow or net cash flow (other than historic cash flow) from the asset; and

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  (ii)   recourse to the Debtor for the purpose only of enabling amounts to be claimed in respect of such Indebtedness in an enforcement of any security interest or lien given by the Debtor over the asset or the income, cash flow or other proceeds deriving from the asset (or given by any shareholder or the like in the Debtor over its shares or like interest in the capital of the Debtor) to secure the Indebtedness, but only if the extent of the recourse to the Debtor is limited solely to the amount of any recoveries made on any such enforcement; and
 
  (iii)   recourse to the Debtor generally or indirectly to any Affiliate of the Debtor, under any form of assurance, undertaking or support, which recourse is limited to a claim for damages (other than liquidated damages and damages required to be calculated in a specified way) for a breach of an obligation (other than a payment obligation or an obligation to comply or to procure compliance by another with any financial ratios or other tests of financial condition) by the Person against which such recourse is available.

     “Note” means any promissory note issued at the request of a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16 in the form of Exhibit A hereto.

     “Notice of Borrowing” has the meaning specified in Section 2.02(a).

     “OECD” means the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

     “Ohio Transition Plan Order” means the Opinion and Order of The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in Case Nos. 99-1212-EL-ETP, 99-1213-EL-ATA and 99-1214-EL-AAM, entered July 19, 2000.

     “Other Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(b).

     “Parent” means FirstEnergy Corp., an Ohio corporation and parent company to the Borrower.

     “PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any entity succeeding to any or all of its functions under ERISA.

     “Person” means an individual, partnership, corporation (including a business trust), limited liability company, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated association, joint venture or other entity, or a government or any political subdivision or agency thereof.

     “Plan” means, at any time, an employee pension benefit plan that is covered by Title IV of ERIS A or subject to the minimum funding standards under Section 412 of the Code and is either (i) maintained by a member of the Controlled Group for employees of a member of the Controlled Group or (ii) maintained pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement or any other arrangement under which more than one employer makes

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contributions and to which a member of the Controlled Group is then making or accruing an obligation to make contributions or has within the preceding five plan years made contributions.

     “Reference Ratings” means the ratings assigned by S&P and Moody’s to the senior unsecured non-credit enhanced debt of the Borrower.

     “Register” has the meaning specified in Section 8.07(c).

     “S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., or any successor thereto.

     “SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor thereto.

     “Second Mortgage Indenture” means the General Mortgage and Deed of Trust, dated as of January 1, 1998, between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.

     “Significant Subsidiaries” means Pennsylvania Power Company and each other Subsidiary of the Borrower the annual revenues of which exceed $100,000,000 or the total assets of which exceed $50,000,000.

     “Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds” means any instruments, pass-through certificates, notes, debentures, certificates of participation, bonds, certificates of beneficial interest or other evidences of indebtedness or instruments evidencing a beneficial interest which are secured by or otherwise payable from non-bypassable cent per kilowatt hour charges authorized pursuant to such an order of a state commission regulating public utilities to be applied and invoiced to customers of such utility. The charges so applied and invoiced must be deducted and stated separately from the other charges invoiced by such utility against its customers.

     “Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board of Directors or other persons performing similar functions are at the time directly or indirectly owned by such a Person, or one or more Subsidiaries, or by such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries.

     “Taxes” has the meaning specified in Section 2.14(a).

     “Termination Date” means May 12, 2005 or the earlier date of termination in whole of the Commitments pursuant to Section 2.04 or Section 6.01 hereof.

     “Termination Event” means (i) a Reportable Event described in Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder (other than a Reportable Event not subject to the provision for 30-day notice to the PBGC under such regulations), or (ii) the withdrawal of any member of the Controlled Group from a Plan during a plan year in

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which it was a “substantial employer” as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA, or (iii) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate a Plan or the treatment of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 of ERISA, or (iv) the institution of proceedings to terminate a Plan by the PBGC, or (v) any other event or condition that might constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to administer, any Plan.

     “Total Capitalization” means, with respect to the Borrower at any date of determination the sum of (i) Consolidated Debt of the Borrower, (ii) consolidated equity of the common stockholders of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, (iii) consolidated equity of the preference stockholders of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, and (iv) the aggregate principal amount of Trust Preferred Securities.

     “Trust Preferred Securities” means any securities, however denominated, (i) issued by the Borrower or any Consolidated Subsidiary of the Borrower, (ii) that are not subject to mandatory redemption or the underlying securities, if any, of which are not subject to mandatory redemption, (iii) that are perpetual or mature no less than 30 years from the date of issuance, (iv) the indebtedness issued in connection with which, including any guaranty, is subordinate in right of payment to the unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the issuer of such indebtedness or guaranty, and (v) the terms of which permit the deferral of the payment of interest or distributions thereon to a date occurring after the Termination Date.

     “Type” has the meaning assigned to that term in the definition of “Advance” when used in such context.

     “Unfunded Vested Liabilities” means, with respect to any Plan at any time, the amount (if any) by which (i) the present value of all vested nonforfeitable benefits under such Plan exceeds (ii) the fair market value of all Plan assets allocable to such benefits, all determined as of the then most recent valuation date for such Plan, but only to the extent that such excess represents a potential liability of a member of the Controlled Group to the PBGC or the Plan under Title IV of ERISA.

      SECTION 1.02. Computation of Time Periods.

     In this Agreement in the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”.

      SECTION 1.03. Accounting Terms.

     All accounting terms not specifically defined herein shall be construed in accordance with GAAP consistent with those applied in the preparation of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) hereof.

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     SECTION 1.04. Certain References.

     Unless otherwise indicated, references in this Agreement to articles, sections, paragraphs, clauses, schedules and exhibits are to the same contained in or attached to this Agreement.

ARTICLE II
AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF THE ADVANCES

     SECTION 2.01. The Advances.

     Each Lender severally agrees, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, to make Advances to the Borrower in U.S. dollars only from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the date hereof until the Termination Date in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the Available Commitment of such Lender. Each Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $5,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and shall consist of Advances of the same Type and, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances, having the same Interest Period made or Converted on the same day by the Lenders ratably according to their respective Commitments. Within the limits of each Lender’s Available Commitment and subject to the conditions set forth in Article III and the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may from time to time borrow, prepay pursuant to Section 2.10 and reborrow under this Section 2.01; provided, that in no case shall any Lender be required to make an Advance hereunder if (i) the amount of such Advance would exceed such Lender’s Available Commitment or (ii) the making of such Advance, together with the making of the other Advances constituting part of the same Borrowing, would cause the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding to exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments.

     SECTION 2.02. Making the Advances.

     (a) Each Borrowing shall be made on notice, given (i) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of the proposed Borrowing, and (ii) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Alternate Base Rate Advances, not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the date of the proposed Borrowing, by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, which shall give to each Lender prompt notice thereof. Each such notice of a Borrowing (a “Notice of Borrowing”) by the Borrower shall be by telecopier or cable, in substantially the form of Exhibit B hereto, specifying therein the requested (A) date of such Borrowing, (B) Type of Advances to be made in connection with such Borrowing, (C) aggregate amount of such Borrowing, and (D) in the case of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances, the initial Interest Period for each such Advance, which Borrowing shall be subject to the limitations stated in the definition of “Interest Period” in Section 1.01. Each Lender shall, before 1:00 p.m. (New York time) on the date of such Borrowing, make available for the account of its Applicable Lending Office to the Administrative Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.02, in same day funds, such Lender’s ratable portion (according to the Lenders’ respective Commitments) of such Borrowing. After the Administrative Agent’s receipt of such funds and upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, the Administrative Agent will make such funds available to the Borrower at the Administrative Agent’s aforesaid address.

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     (b) Each Notice of Borrowing delivered by the Borrower shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Notice of Borrowing delivered by the Borrower requesting Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure by the Borrower to fulfill on or before the date specified in such Notice of Borrowing the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, including, without limitation, any loss (including loss of anticipated profits), cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund the Advance to be made by such Lender as part of such Borrowing when such Advance, as a result of such failure, is not made on such date.

     (c) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice via facsimile transmission from a Lender prior to (A) 5:00 P.M. (New York City time) one Business Day prior to the date of a Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances or (B) 12:00 noon (New York City time) on the date of a Borrowing comprising Base Rate Advances that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s ratable portion of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such portion available to the Administrative Agent on the date of such Borrowing in accordance with subsection (a) of this Section 2.02 and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, make available to the Borrower on such date a corresponding amount. If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have so made such ratable portion available to the Administrative Agent, such Lender and the Borrower severally agree to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable at the time to Advances made in connection with such Borrowing and (ii) in the case of such Lender, the Federal Funds Rate. If such Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent such corresponding amount, such amount so repaid shall constitute such Lender’s Advance as part of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.

     (d) The failure of any Lender to make the Advance to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Advance on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Advance to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.

     SECTION 2.03. Fees.

     (a) The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender a facility fee on the amount of such Lender’s Commitment (whether used or unused) from the date hereof in the case of each Bank and from the effective date specified in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender in the case of each other Lender until the Termination Date, payable on the last day of each March, June, September and December during such period, and on the Termination Date, at the rate per annum set forth below determined by reference to the Reference Ratings from time to time in effect:

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                  LEVEL 2       LEVEL 3       LEVEL 4            
                  Reference       Reference       Reference            
        LEVEL 1       Ratings Less       Ratings Less       Ratings Less            
        Reference       Than Level 1       Than Level 2       Than Level 3       LEVEL 5    
        Ratings at Least       but at Least       but at Least       but at Least       Reference    
        BBB+ by S&P       BBB by S&P       BBB- by S&P       BB+ by S&P       Ratings Lower    
  BASIS FOR     and Baa1 By       and Baa2 By       and Baa3 By       and Ba1 By       Than Level 4 or    
  PRICING     Moody’s.       Moody’s.       Moody’s.       Moody’s.       unrated.    
 
Facility Fee
    0.150%       0.175%       0.200%       0.375%       0.500%    
 

For purposes of the foregoing, if the Reference Ratings assigned by Moody’s and S&P are not comparable (i.e., a “split rating”) by (x) one level, the lower of such Reference Ratings shall control or (y) two or more levels, the level corresponding to the Reference Rating one level above the lower Reference Rating shall control unless either is below BB+ or unrated (in the case of S&P) or Ba1 or unrated (in the case of Moody’s), in which case the lower of the two Reference Ratings shall control. Any change in the facility fee will be effective as of the date on which S&P or Moody’s, as the case may be, announces the applicable change in the Reference Rating.

     (b) The Borrower agrees to pay the Administrative Agent, for its own account, certain fees in such amounts and payable on such terms as set forth in the Fee Letter.

     SECTION  2.04. Reduction of the Commitments.

     The Borrower shall have the right, upon at least three Business Days’ notice to the Administrative Agent, to terminate in whole or, upon same day notice, from time to time to permanently reduce ratably in part the unused portions of the respective Commitments of the Lenders; provided that each partial reduction shall be in the aggregate amount of $5,000,000 or in an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof. Each such notice of termination or reduction shall be irrevocable.

     SECTION 2.05. Repayment of Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to repay the principal amount of each Advance made by each Lender on the Termination Date.

     SECTION 2.06. Interest on Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance made by each Lender from the date of such Advance until such principal amount shall be paid in full, at the following rates per annum:

     (a) Alternate Base Rate Advances. If such Advance is an Alternate Base Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times to the Alternate Base Rate in effect from time to time plus the Applicable Margin for such Alternate Base Rate Advance in effect from time to time, payable quarterly in arrears on the last day of each March, June, September and December,

     15

on the Termination Date and on the date such Alternate Base Rate Advance shall be Converted or be paid in full and as provided in Section 2.10;

     (b) Eurodollar Rate Advances. If such Advance is a Eurodollar Rate Advance, a rate per annum equal at all times during the Interest Period for such Advance to the sum of the Eurodollar Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Margin for such Eurodollar Rate Advance in effect from time to time, payable on the last day of each Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advance (and, in the case of any Interest Period of six months, on the last day of the third month of such Interest Period), on the Termination Date and on the date such Eurodollar Rate Advance shall be Converted or be paid in full and as provided in Section 2.10;

provided, however, that if and for so long as an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing the unpaid principal amount of each Advance shall (to the fullest extent permitted by law) bear interest until paid in full at a rate per annum equal at all times to a rate equal to 2% above the rate then applicable to such Advance or, if higher, the Alternate Base Rate plus 2% per annum, payable upon demand.

     SECTION 2.07. Additional Interest on Advances.

     The Borrower agrees to pay to each Lender, so long as such Lender shall be required under regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to maintain reserves with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency Liabilities, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Eurodollar Rate Advance of such Lender, from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at an interest rate per annum equal at all times to the remainder obtained by subtracting (i) the Eurodollar Rate for the Interest Period for such Advance from (ii) the rate obtained by dividing such Eurodollar Rate by a percentage equal to 100% minus the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage of such Lender for such Interest Period, payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Advance; provided, that no Lender shall be entitled to demand additional interest under this Section 2.07 more than 90 days following the last day of the Interest Period in respect of which such demand is made; provided further, however, that the foregoing proviso shall in no way limit the right of any Lender to demand or receive such additional interest to the extent that such additional interest relates to the retroactive application by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of any regulation described above if such demand is made within 90 days after the implementation of such retroactive regulation. Such additional interest shall be determined by such Lender and notified to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, and such determination shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     SECTION 2.08. Interest Rate Determination.

     If, with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Majority Lenders notify the Administrative Agent that the Eurodollar Rate for any Interest Period for such Advances will not adequately reflect the cost to such Majority Lenders of making or funding their respective Eurodollar Rate Advances for such Interest Period, the Administrative Agent shall forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, whereupon

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     (a) each Eurodollar Rate Advance will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor, Convert into an Alternate Base Rate Advance, and

     (b) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist.

     SECTION 2.09. Conversion of Advances.

     (a) Voluntary. The Borrower may on any Business Day, upon notice given to the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York time) on the third Business Day prior to the date of any proposed Conversion into Eurodollar Rate Advances, and on the date of any proposed Conversion into Alternate Base Rate Advances, and subject to the provisions of Sections 2.08 and 2.12, Convert all Advances of one Type made to the Borrower in connection with the same Borrowing into Advances of another Type or Types or Advances of the same Type having the same or a new Interest Period; provided, however, that any Conversion of, or with respect to, any Eurodollar Rate Advances into Advances of another Type or Advances of the same Type having the same or new Interest Periods shall be made on, and only on, the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Rate Advances, unless the Borrower shall also reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on the date of such Conversion. Each such notice of a Conversion shall, within the restrictions specified above, specify (i) the date of such Conversion, (ii) the Advances to be Converted, and (iii) if such Conversion is into, or with respect to, Eurodollar Rate Advances, the duration of the Interest Period for each such Advance.

     (b) Mandatory. If the Borrower shall fail to select the Type of any Advance or the duration of any Interest Period for any Borrowing comprising Eurodollar Rate Advances in accordance with the provisions contained in the definition of “Interest Period” in Section 1.01 and Section 2.09(a), or if any proposed Conversion of a Borrowing that is to comprise Eurodollar Rate Advances upon Conversion shall not occur as a result of the circumstances described in paragraph (c) below, the Administrative Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the Lenders, and such Advances will automatically, on the last day of the then existing Interest Period therefor. Convert into Alternate Base Rate Advances.

     (c) Failure to Convert. Each notice of Conversion given pursuant to subsection (a) above shall be irrevocable and binding on the Borrower. In the case of any Borrowing that is to comprise Eurodollar Rate Advances upon Conversion, the Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender against any loss, cost or expense incurred by such Lender as a result of any failure to fulfill on the date specified for such Conversion the applicable conditions set forth in Article III, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by such Lender to fund such Eurodollar Rate Advances upon such Conversion, when such Conversion, as a result of such failure, does not occur. The Borrower’s obligations under this subsection (c) shall survive the repayment of all other amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments.

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     SECTION 2.10. Prepayments.

     (a) Optional. The Borrower may at any time prepay the outstanding principal amounts of the Advances made as part of the same Borrowing in whole or ratably in part, together with accrued interest to the date of such prepayment on the principal amount prepaid, upon notice thereof given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower not later than 11:00 A.M. (New York time) (i) on the date of any such prepayment in the case of Alternate Base Rate Advances and (ii) on the second Business Day prior to any such prepayment in the case of Eurodollar Rate Advances; provided, however, that (x) each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an aggregate principal amount not less than $5,000,000 and (y) in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurodollar Rate Advance, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on the date of such prepayment.

     (b) Mandatory. If and to the extent that the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder on any date shall exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments hereunder on such date, the Borrower agrees to prepay on such date a principal amount of Advances, which shall result in the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding being less than or equal to such excess amount. Any prepayment of Advances shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount prepaid to the date of such prepayment and, in the case of any such prepayment of Eurodollar Rate Advances, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the Lenders in respect thereof pursuant to Section 8.04(b) on the date of such prepayment.

     SECTION 2.11. Increased Costs.

     (a) If, due to either (i) the introduction of or any change (other than any change by way of imposition or increase of reserve requirements included in the Eurodollar Rate Reserve Percentage) in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation, in each case, after the date hereof, or (ii) the compliance with any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law) issued, promulgated or made, as the case may be, after the date hereof, there shall be any increase in the cost to any Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining Eurodollar Rate Advances, then the Borrower shall from time to time, upon demand by such Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender for such increased cost. A certificate as to the amount of such increased cost and the basis therefor, submitted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender, shall constitute such demand and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     (b) If any Lender determines that compliance with any law or regulation or any guideline or request from any central bank or other governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law), issued, promulgated or made (as the case may be) after the date hereof, affects or would affect the amount of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender and that the amount of such capital is increased by or based upon the existence of (i) such Lender’s commitment to lend hereunder and other commitments of this type or (ii) the Advances made by such Lender, then, upon demand by such Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), the Borrower shall

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immediately pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender, from time to time as specified by such Lender, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such Lender or such corporation in the light of such circumstances, to the extent that such Lender determines such increase in capital to be allocable to the existence of such Lender’s commitment to lend hereunder or the Advances made by such Lender. A certificate as to such amounts submitted to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent by such Lender shall constitute such demand and shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     SECTION 2.12. Illegality.

     Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if any Lender shall notify the Administrative Agent that the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any law or regulation makes it unlawful, or any central bank or other governmental authority asserts that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its Eurodollar Lending Office to perform its obligations hereunder to make Eurodollar Rate Advances or to fund or maintain Eurodollar Rate Advances hereunder, (i) the obligation of the Lenders to make, or to Convert Advances into, Eurodollar Rate Advances shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders that the circumstances causing such suspension no longer exist and (ii) the Borrower shall forthwith prepay in full all Eurodollar Rate Advances of all Lenders then outstanding, together with interest accrued thereon, unless (A) the Borrower, within five Business Days of notice from the Administrative Agent, Converts all Eurodollar Rate Advances of all Lenders then outstanding into Advances of another Type in accordance with Section 2.09 or (B) the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the circumstances causing such prepayment no longer exist. Any Lender that becomes aware of circumstances that would permit such Lender to notify the Administrative Agent of any illegality under this Section 2.12 shall use its best efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such change would avoid or eliminate such illegality and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

     SECTION 2.13. Payments and Computations.

     (a) The Borrower shall make each payment hereunder and under any Note not later than 12:00 noon (New York time) on the day when due in U.S. dollars to the Administrative Agent at its address referred to in Section 8.02 in same day funds, and any such payment to the Administrative Agent shall constitute payment by the Borrower hereunder or under any Note, as the case may be, for all purposes, and upon such payment the Lenders shall look solely to the Administrative Agent for their respective interests in such payment. The Administrative Agent will promptly after any such payment cause to be distributed like funds relating to the payment of principal or interest or facility fees ratably (other than amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.02(c), 2.03, 2.07, 2.09(c), 2.11, 2.14 or 8.04(b)) (according to the Lenders’ respective Commitments) to the Lenders for the account of their respective Applicable Lending Offices, and like funds relating to the payment of any other amount payable to any Lender to such Lender for the account of its Applicable Lending Office, in each case to be applied in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon its acceptance of an Assignment and Acceptance and recording of the information contained therein in the Register pursuant to Section 8.07(d), from and after the effective date specified in such Assignment and Acceptance, the Administrative Agent shall

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make all payments hereunder and under any Note in respect of the interest assigned thereby to the Lender assignee thereunder, and the parties to such Assignment and Acceptance shall make all appropriate adjustments in such payments for periods prior to such effective date directly between themselves.

     (b) The Borrower hereby authorizes each Lender, if and to the extent payment owed to such Lender is not made by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent when due hereunder or under any Note held by such Lender, to charge from time to time against any or all of the Borrower’s accounts (other than any payroll account maintained by the Borrower with such Lender if and to the extent that such Lender shall have expressly waived its set-off rights in writing in respect of such payroll account) with such Lender any amount so due.

     (c) All computations of interest based on the Alternate Base Rate (based upon JPMorgan Chase’s prime rate) shall be made by the Administrative Agent on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as the case may be, and all computations of facility fees and of interest based on the Alternate Base Rate (based upon the Federal Funds Rate), the Eurodollar Rate or the Federal Funds Rate shall be made by the Administrative Agent, and all computations of interest pursuant to Section 2.07 shall be made by a Lender, on the basis of a year of 360 days, in each case for the actual number of days (including the first day but excluding the last day) occurring in the period for which such facility fees or interest are payable. Each determination by the Administrative Agent (or, in the case of Section 2.07, by a Lender) of an interest rate hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.

     (d) Whenever any payment hereunder or under any Note shall be stated to be due on a day other than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day, and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of payment of interest or facility fees, as the case may be; provided, however, if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurodollar Rate Advances to be made in the next following calendar month, such payment shall be made on the next preceding Business Day.

     (e) Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment in full, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent on such date and the Administrative Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, cause to be distributed to each Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent that the Borrower shall not have so made such payment in full to the Administrative Agent, each Lender shall repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such amount distributed to such Lender together with interest thereon, for each day from the date such amount is distributed to such Lender until the date such Lender repays such amount to the Administrative Agent, at the Federal Funds Rate.

     (f) Except as provided otherwise in Section 2.06, any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder or under any Note that is not paid when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) shall (to the fullest extent permitted by law) bear interest from the date when due until paid in full at a rate per annum equal at all times to the Alternate Base Rate plus 2% per annum, payable upon demand.

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     SECTION 2.14. Taxes.

     (a) Any and all payments by the Borrower hereunder and under any Note shall be made, in accordance with Section 2.13, free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto, excluding, in the case of each Lender, and the Administrative Agent, such taxes, levies, imposts, deductions and charges in the nature of franchise taxes or taxes measured by the gross receipts or net income of any Lender or the Administrative Agent by any jurisdiction in which such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) is organized, located or conducts business or any political subdivision thereof and, in the case of each Lender, by the jurisdiction of such Lender’s Applicable Lending Office or any political subdivision thereof (all such non-excluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and liabilities being herein referred to as “Taxes”). If the Borrower shall be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable hereunder or under any Note to any Lender or the Administrative Agent, (i) the sum payable shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 2.13) such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii) the Borrower shall make such deductions and (iii) the Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in accordance with Applicable Law.

     (b) In addition, the Borrower agrees to pay any present or future stamp or documentary taxes or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise from any payment made hereunder or under any Note or from the execution, delivery or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any Note (herein referred to as “Other Taxes”).

     (c) The Borrower agrees to indemnify each Lender and the Administrative Agent for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section 2.14) paid by such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) and any liability (including penalties, interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or legally asserted. This indemnification shall be made within 30 days from the date such Lender or the Administrative Agent (as the case may be) makes written demand therefor.

     (d) Prior to the date of the initial Borrowing in the case of each Bank, and on the date of the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender in the case of each other Lender, and from time to time thereafter if requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, each Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States shall provide the Administrative Agent, and the Borrower with the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying that such Lender is exempt from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to such Lender hereunder and under any Note. If for any reason during the term of this Agreement, any Lender becomes unable to submit the forms referred to above or the information or representations contained therein are no longer accurate in any material respect, such Lender shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing to that effect. Unless the Borrower and the Administrative

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Agent have received forms or other documents satisfactory to them indicating that payments hereunder or under any Note are not subject to United States withholding tax, the Borrower or the Administrative Agent shall withhold taxes from such payments at the applicable statutory rate in the case of payments to or for any Lender organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.

     (e) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 2.14 shall use its best efforts (consistent with its internal policy and legal and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its Applicable Lending Office if the making of such a change would avoid the need for, or reduce the amount of, any such additional amounts which may thereafter accrue and would not, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, be otherwise disadvantageous to such Lender.

     (f) Without prejudice to the survival of any other agreement of the Borrower hereunder, the agreements and obligations of the Borrower contained in this Section 2.14 shall survive the payment in full of principal and interest hereunder and under any Note.

     SECTION 2.15. Sharing of Payments, Etc.

     If any Lender shall obtain any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of set-off, or otherwise) on account of the Advances made by it (other than pursuant to Section 2.02(c), 2.07, 2.09(c), 2.11, 2.14 or 8.04(b)) in excess of its ratable share of payments on account of the Advances obtained by all the Lenders, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Advances made by them as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment ratably with each of them; provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from each Lender shall be rescinded and such Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such recovery together with an amount equal to such Lender’s ratable share (according to the proportion of (a) the amount of such Lender’s required repayment to (b) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to this Section 2.15 may, to the fullest extent permitted by law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of set-off) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

     SECTION 2.16. Noteless Agreement; Evidence of Indebtedness.

     (a) Each Lender shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice an account or accounts evidencing the indebtedness of the Borrower to such Lender resulting from each Advance made by such Lender from time to time, including the amounts of principal and interest payable and paid to such Lender from time to time hereunder.

     (b) The Administrative Agent shall also maintain accounts in which it will record (i) the amount of each Advance made hereunder, the Type thereof and the Interest Period (if any) with respect thereto, (ii) the amount of any principal or interest due and payable or to become due and

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payable from the Borrower to each Lender hereunder, and (iii) the amount of any sum received by the Administrative Agent hereunder from the Borrower and each Lender’s share thereof.

     (c) The entries maintained in the accounts maintained pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) above shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations therein recorded; provided, however, that the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to maintain such accounts or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such obligations in accordance with their terms.

     (d) Any Lender may request that its Advances be evidenced by a Note. In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a Note payable to the order of such Lender. Thereafter, the Advances evidenced by such Note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after any assignment pursuant to Section 8.07) be represented by one or more Notes payable to the order of the payee named therein or any assignee pursuant to Section 8.07, except to the extent that any such Lender or assignee subsequently returns any such Note for cancellation and requests that such Borrowings once again be evidenced as described in subsections (a) and (b) above.

ARTICLE III
CONDITIONS OF LENDING

     SECTION 3.01. Conditions Precedent to Initial Advances.

     The obligation of each Lender to make its initial Advance is subject to the condition precedent that on or before the date of such Advance:

     (a) The Administrative Agent shall have received the following, each dated the same date (except for the financial statements and information referred to in paragraphs (iv) and (v) below), in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (except for any Note) with one copy for each Lender:

     (i) Any Note requested by a Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, duly completed and executed by the Borrower and payable to the order of each such Lender;

     (ii) Certified copies of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Borrower approving this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to be, a party and of all documents evidencing any other necessary corporate action with respect to this Agreement and such Loan Documents;

     (iii) A certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Borrower certifying (A) the names and true signatures of the officers of the Borrower authorized to sign each Loan Document to which the Borrower is, or is to become, a party and the other documents to be delivered hereunder; (B) that attached thereto are true and correct copies of the charter and the Code of Regulations of the Borrower, in each case as in effect on such date; and (C) that attached thereto are true and correct copies of all governmental and regulatory authorizations and approvals required for the due execution,

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delivery and performance by the Borrower of this Agreement and each other Loan Document to which the Borrower is, or is to become, a party;

     (iv) Copies of the consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2003 and related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the three month period then ended;

     (v) A certificate of an officer of the Borrower certifying that the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 hereof are true and correct on and as of such date and that no event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Event of Default or would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both;

     (vi) An opinion of Gary D. Benz, Esq., counsel for the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit D hereto;

     (vii) An opinion of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP, special counsel for the Borrower, in substantially the form of Exhibit E attached hereto;

     (viii) A favorable opinion of King & Spalding LLP, special New York counsel for the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit F hereto; and

     (ix) Such other certifications, opinions, financial or other information, approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request, all in form and substance satisfactory to the Administrative Agent or such Lender (as the case may be).

       (b) The Borrower shall have paid all of the fees payable in accordance with the Fee Letter.

     SECTION 3.02. Conditions Precedent to Each Advance.

     The obligation of each Lender to make an Advance as part of any Borrowing (including the initial Borrowing) that would increase the aggregate principal amount of Advances outstanding hereunder shall be subject to the further conditions precedent that on the date of such Advance:

     (a) The following statements shall be true (and each of the giving of the applicable Notice of Borrowing and the acceptance by the Borrower of the proceeds of such Borrowing, shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that on the date of such Borrowing such statements are true):

     (i) The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 hereof are true and correct on and as of the date of such Borrowing, before and after giving effect to

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such Borrowing and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made on and as of such date;

     (ii) No event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Borrowing or from the application of the proceeds therefrom, that constitutes an Event of Default or would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

     (iii) Immediately following such Borrowing, (A) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Advances shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments then in effect and, (B) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Advances made by any Lender shall not exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment.

     (b) The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of such other approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may reasonably request.

     SECTION 3.03. Conditions Precedent to Conversions.

     The obligation of each Lender to Convert any Borrowing is subject to the conditions precedent that on the date of such Conversion:

     (a) The following statements shall be true (and the giving of the notice of Conversion pursuant to Section 2.09 shall constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower that on the date of such Conversion such statements are true):

     (i) The representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 (other than subsections (f) and (g) thereof) are correct on and as of the date of such Conversion, before and after giving effect to such Conversion, as though made on and as of such date; and

     (ii) No event has occurred and is continuing or would result from such Conversion, that constitutes an Event of Default or that would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

     (b) The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent copies of such other approvals and documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     SECTION 4.01. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower.

     The Borrower represents and warrants as follows:

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     (a) Corporate Existence and Power. The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in and is in good standing under the laws of each state in which the ownership of its properties or the conduct of its business makes such qualification necessary except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition or its ability to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents, and has all corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its business as now conducted.

     (b) Corporate Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance by it of each Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part and do not, and will not, require the consent or approval of its shareholders, or any trustee or holder of any Indebtedness or other obligation of it, other than such consents and approvals as have been duly obtained, given or accomplished.

     (c) No Violation, Etc. Neither the execution, delivery or performance by it of this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party, nor the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, nor compliance by it with the provisions hereof or thereof, conflicts or will conflict with, or results or will result in a breach or contravention of any of the provisions of its charter or Code of Regulations or any Applicable Law, or any indenture, mortgage, lease or any other agreement or instrument to which it or any of its Affiliates is party or by which its property or the property of any of its Affiliates is bound, or results or will result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of its property or the property of any of its Affiliates except as provided herein. There is no provision of its charter or Code of Regulations, or any Applicable Law, or any such indenture, mortgage, lease or other agreement or instrument that materially adversely affects, or in the future is likely (so far as it can now foresee) to materially adversely affect, its business, operations, affairs, condition, properties or assets or its ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws (including, without limitation, ERISA and Environmental Laws), regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (ii) the legality, validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents or the rights, remedies and benefits available to the parties thereunder or the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

     (d) Governmental Actions. No Governmental Action is or will be required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance by it, or the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document to which it is, or is to become, a party other than those which have been duly issued and are in full force and effect.

     (e) Execution and Delivery. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is, or is to become, a party have been or will be (as the case may be) duly executed and delivered by it, and this Agreement is and upon execution and delivery thereof each other Loan

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Document will be the legal, valid and binding obligation of it enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject, however, to the application by a court of general principles of equity and to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally.

     (f) Litigation. Except as disclosed in the Borrower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2003 and its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed in 2003 prior to the date hereof (copies of which have been furnished to each Lender), there is no pending or threatened action or proceeding (including, without limitation, any proceeding relating to or arising out of Environmental Laws) affecting it or any of its Subsidiaries before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect on the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of it and its consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

     (g) Financial Statements; Material Adverse Change. The consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year then ended, certified by Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP, independent public accountants, and the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at March 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, retained earnings and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the three months then ended, copies of each of which have been furnished to each Lender, present fairly the consolidated financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such dates and the consolidated results of the operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the periods ended on such dates, all in accordance with GAAP consistently applied. Since March 31, 2003, there has been no material adverse change in the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of the Borrower and its Consolidated Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

     (h) ERISA.

     (i) No Termination Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan.

     (ii) Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the most recent annual report (Form 5500 Series) with respect to each Plan, copies of which have been filed with the Internal Revenue Service and furnished to the Lenders, is complete and accurate and fairly presents the funding status of such Plan, and since the date of such Schedule B there has been no material adverse change in such funding status.

     (iii) Neither it nor any member of the Controlled Group has incurred nor reasonably expects to incur any withdrawal liability under ERISA to any Multiemployer Plan.

     (i) Taxes. It and each of its Subsidiaries has filed all tax returns (federal, state and local) required to be filed and paid all taxes shown thereon to be due, including interest and

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penalties, or provided adequate reserves for payment thereof other than such taxes that the Borrower or such Subsidiary is contesting in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings.

     (j) Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of each Borrowing will be used solely for the general corporate purposes of the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries.

     (k) Margin Stock. After applying the proceeds of each Borrowing, not more than 25% of the value of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries subject to the restrictions of Section 5.03(a) or (b) will consist of or be represented by Margin Stock. The Borrower is not engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of any Borrowing will be used to purchase or carry any Margin Stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock.

     (l) Investment Company. The Borrower is not an “investment company” or a company “controlled” by an “investment company” within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or an “investment advisor” within the meaning of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended.

     (m) No Event of Default. No event has occurred and is continuing that constitutes an Event of Default or that would constitute an Event of Default (including, without limitation, an Event of Default under Section 6.01 (e)) but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both.

     (n) Solvency. (i) The fair saleable value of its assets will exceed the amount that will be required to be paid on or in respect of the probable liability on its existing debts and other liabilities (including contingent liabilities) as they mature; (ii) its assets do not constitute unreasonably small capital to carry out its business as now conducted or as proposed to be conducted; (iii) it does not intend to incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash to be received by it and the amounts to be payable on or in respect of its obligations); and (iv) it does not believe that final judgments against it in actions for money damages presently pending will be rendered at a time when, or in an amount such that, it will be unable to satisfy any such judgments promptly in accordance with their terms (taking into account the maximum reasonable amount of such judgments in any such actions and the earliest reasonable time at which such judgments might be rendered). Its cash flow, after taking into account all other anticipated uses of its cash (including the payments on or in respect of debt referred to in clause (iii) above), will at all times be sufficient to pay all such judgments promptly in accordance with their terms.

     (o) No Material Misstatements. The reports, financial statements and other written information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Administrative Agent or any Lender pursuant to or in connection with the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby do not contain and will not contain, when taken as a whole, any untrue statement of a material fact and do not omit and will not omit, when taken as a whole, to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were or will be made, not misleading in any material respect.

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ARTICLE V
COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

     SECTION 5.01. Affirmative Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will:

     (a) Preservation of Corporate Existence, Etc. (i) Without limiting the right of the Borrower to merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other corporation or entity in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.03(c) hereof, preserve and maintain its corporate existence in the state of its incorporation and qualify and remain qualified as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction in which such qualification is reasonably necessary in view of its business and operations or the ownership of its properties and (ii) preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect the rights, privileges and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business.

     (b) Compliance with Laws, Etc. Comply, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to comply, in all material respects with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and orders of any Governmental Authority, the noncompliance with which would materially and adversely affect the business or condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, such compliance to include, without limitation, compliance with Environmental Laws and ERISA and paying before the same become delinquent all material taxes, assessments and governmental charges imposed upon it or upon its property, except to the extent compliance with any of the foregoing is then being contested in good faith by appropriate legal proceedings.

     (c) Maintenance of Insurance, Etc. Maintain insurance with responsible and reputable insurance companies or associations or through its own program of self-insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as is usually carried by companies engaged in similar businesses and owning similar properties in the same general areas in which the Borrower operates and furnish to the Administrative Agent, within a reasonable time after written request therefor, such information as to the insurance carried as any Lender, through the Administrative Agent, may reasonably request.

     (d) Inspection Rights. At any reasonable time and from time to time as the Administrative Agent or any Lender may reasonably request, permit the Administrative Agent or such Lender or any agents or representatives thereof to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the records and books of account of, and visit the properties of, the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries, and to discuss the affairs, finances and accounts of the Borrower and any of its Subsidiaries with any of their respective officers or directors; provided, however, that the Borrower reserves the right to restrict access to any of its Subsidiaries’ generating facilities in accordance with reasonably adopted procedures relating to safety and security. The Administrative Agent and each Lender agree to use reasonable efforts to ensure that any information concerning the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries obtained by the Administrative Agent or such Lender pursuant to this subsection (d) or subsection (g) that is not contained in a report or other document filed with the SEC, distributed by the Borrower to its security holders

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or otherwise generally available to the public, will, to the extent permitted by law and except as may be required by valid subpoena or in the normal course of the Administrative Agent’s or such Lender’s business operations be treated confidentially by the Administrative Agent, or such Lender, as the case may be, and will not be distributed or otherwise made available by the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, to any Person, other than the Administrative Agent’s or such Lender’s employees, authorized agents or representatives (including, without limitation, attorneys and accountants). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any party to this Agreement (and any employee, representative or other agent of such party) may disclose to any and all persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transactions contemplated hereunder and all materials of any kind (including opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to it relating to such tax treatment and tax structure. However, no party shall disclose any information relating to such tax treatment or tax structure to the extent nondisclosure is necessary in order to comply with applicable securities laws.

     (e) Keeping of Books. Keep, and cause each Subsidiary to keep, proper books of record and account in which entries shall be made of all financial transactions and the assets and business of the Borrower and each of its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP.

     (f) Maintenance of Properties. Maintain and preserve, and cause each of its Subsidiaries to maintain and preserve, all of its properties that are used or that are useful in the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, it being understood that this covenant relates only to the good working order and condition of such properties and shall not be construed as a covenant of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries not to dispose of such properties by sale, lease, transfer or otherwise.

     (g) Reporting Requirements. Furnish, or cause to be furnished, to the Administrative Agent, with sufficient copies for each Lender, the following:

   (i) promptly after the occurrence of any Event of Default, the statement of an authorized officer of the Borrower setting forth details of such Event of Default and the action that the Borrower has taken or propose to take with respect thereto;

   (ii) as soon as available and in any event within 50 days after the close of each of the first three quarters in each fiscal year of the Borrower, consolidated balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such quarter and consolidated statements of income of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending with the end of such quarter, fairly presenting the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as at such date and the results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period and setting forth in each case in comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and duly certified (subject to year-end audit adjustments) by the chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of the Borrower as having been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied;

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   (iii) as soon as available and in any event within 105 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Borrower, a copy of the annual report for such year for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, containing consolidated and consolidating financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such year certified in a manner acceptable to the Lenders by PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP or other independent public accountants acceptable to the Lenders, together with statements of projected financial performance prepared by management for the next fiscal year, in form satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

   (iv) concurrently with the delivery of the financial statements specified in clauses (ii) and (iii) above a certificate of the chief financial officer, treasurer, assistant treasurer or controller of the Borrower (A) stating whether he has any knowledge of the occurrence at any time prior to the date of such certificate of an Event of Default not theretofore reported pursuant to the provisions of clause (i) of this subsection (g) or of the occurrence at any time prior to such date of any such Event of Default, except Events of Default theretofore reported pursuant to the provisions of clause (i) of this subsection (g) and remedied, and, if so, stating the facts with respect thereto, and (B) setting forth in a true and correct manner, the calculation of the ratios contemplated by Section 5.02 hereof, as of the date of the most recent financial statements accompanying such certificate, to show the Borrower’s compliance with or the status of the financial covenants contained in Section 5.02 hereof;

   (v) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all reports that the Borrower sends to any of its securityholders, and copies of all reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K that the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries files with the SEC;

   (vi) as soon as possible and in any event (A) within 30 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any Termination Event described in clause (i) of the definition of Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred and (B) within 10 days after the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group knows or has reason to know that any other Termination Event with respect to any Plan has occurred, a statement of the chief financial officer of the Borrower describing such Termination Event and the action, if any, that the Borrower or such member of the Controlled Group, as the case may be, proposes to take with respect thereto;

   (vii) promptly and in any event within two Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from the PBGC, copies of each notice received by the Borrower or any such member of the Controlled Group of the PBGC’s intention to terminate any Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer any Plan;

   (viii) promptly and in any event within 30 days after the filing thereof with the Internal Revenue Service, copies of each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form 5500 Series) with respect to each Plan;

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   (ix) promptly and in any event within five Business Days after receipt thereof by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor, a copy of each notice received by the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group concerning the imposition of withdrawal liability pursuant to Section 4202 of ERISA;

   (x) promptly and in any event within five Business Days after Moody’s or S&P has changed any relevant Reference Rating, notice of such change; and

   (xi) such other information respecting the condition or operations, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, copies of all reports and registration statements that the Borrower or any Subsidiary files with the SEC or any national securities exchange, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) may from time to time reasonably request.

     SECTION 5.02. Financial Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will:

     (a) Fixed Charge Ratio. Maintain (determined as of the last day of each fiscal quarter) a Fixed Charge Ratio of at least 2.00 to 1.00.

     (b) Debt to Capitalization Ratio. Not permit the ratio of Consolidated Debt on the last day of any fiscal quarter of the Borrower to Total Capitalization on such day to exceed 0.65 to 1.00.

     SECTION 5.03. Negative Covenants of the Borrower.

     Unless the Majority Lenders shall otherwise consent in writing, so long as any amount payable by the Borrower hereunder shall remain unpaid, or any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, the Borrower will not:

     (a) Sales, Etc. (i) Sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any shares of common stock of any of its Significant Subsidiaries, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to do so or (ii) permit the Borrower or any Subsidiary to sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of (whether in one transaction or a series of transactions) assets representing in the aggregate more than 15% (determined at the time of each such transaction) of the value of all of the consolidated fixed assets of the Borrower, as reported on the most recent consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower, to any entity other than the Borrower or any of its wholly owned direct or indirect Subsidiaries. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower and its Significant Subsidiaries may consummate the transactions, including transfers of assets, contemplated by the Ohio Transition Plan Order.

     (b) Liens, Etc. Create or suffer to exist, or permit any of its Significant Subsidiaries to create or suffer to exist, any Lien upon or with respect to any of its properties (including,

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without limitation, any shares of any class of equity security of any of its Significant Subsidiaries), in each case to secure or provide for the payment of Indebtedness, other than (i) liens consisting of (A) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure obligations under worker’s compensation laws or similar legislation, (B) deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure, or in lieu of, surety, appeal, or customs bonds to which the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary is a party, (C) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business to secure performance in connection with bids, tenders or contracts (other than contracts for the payment of money), or (D) materialmen’s, mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, repairmen’s or other like Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not yet due or currently being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted, or deposits to obtain in the release of such Liens; (ii) purchase money liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired or held by the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business, which secure the purchase price of such property or secure indebtedness incurred solely for the purpose of financing the acquisition of such property; (iii) Liens existing on the property of any Person at the time that such Person becomes a direct or indirect Significant Subsidiary of the Borrower or Significant Subsidiary; provided that such Liens were not created to secure the acquisition of such Person; (iv) Liens in existence on the date of this Agreement; (v) Liens created by the First Mortgage Indenture or the Second Mortgage Indenture, so long as (A) in each case, under the terms thereof no “event of default” (howsoever designated) in respect of any bonds issued thereunder will be triggered by reference to an Event of Default hereunder or an event which, with the giving of notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default hereunder and (B) no such Liens shall apply to assets acquired from the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary if such assets were free of Liens (other than as a result of a release of such Liens in contemplation of such acquisition) immediately prior to any such acquisition; (vi) Liens securing Stranded Cost Securitization Bonds and (vii) Liens created for the sole purpose of extending, renewing or replacing in whole or in part Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi); provided, however, that the principal amount of Indebtedness secured thereby shall not exceed the principal amount of Indebtedness so secured at the time of such extension, renewal or replacement, and that such extension, renewal or replacement, as the case may be, shall be limited to all or a part of the property or Indebtedness that secured the Lien so extended, renewed or replaced (and any improvements on such property).

     (c) Mergers, Etc. Merge with or into or consolidate with or into any other Person, or permit any of its Subsidiaries to do so unless (i) immediately after giving effect thereto, no event shall occur and be continuing that constitutes an Event of Default, (ii) the consolidation or merger shall not materially and adversely affect the ability of the Borrower (or its successor by merger or consolidation as contemplated by clause (i) of this subsection (c)) to perform its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, and (iii) in the case of any merger or consolidation to which the Borrower is a party, the corporation formed by such consolidation or into which the Borrower shall be merged shall assume the Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party in a writing satisfactory in form and substance to the Majority Lenders.

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     (d) Nature of Business. Except as may be provided for or contemplated by the Ohio Transition Plan Order, fail to continue to engage in the same type of business as it is engaged in on the date hereof without material reduction or change in nature.

     (e) Compliance with ERISA. (i) Enter into any “prohibited transaction” (as defined in Section 4975 of the Code, and in ERISA) involving any Plan that may result in any liability of the Borrower to any Person that (in the opinion of the Majority Lenders) is material to the financial position or operations of the Borrower or (ii) allow or suffer to exist any other event or condition known to the Borrower that results in any liability of the Borrower to the PBGC that (in the opinion of the Majority Lenders) is material to the financial position or operations of the Borrower. For purposes of this subsection (d), “liability” shall not include termination insurance premiums payable under Section 4007 of ERISA.

     (f) Use of Proceeds. Use the proceeds of any Borrowing for any purpose other than working capital and other general corporate purposes of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

ARTICLE VI
EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     SECTION 6.01. Events of Default.

     If any of the following events (“Events of Default”) shall occur and be continuing:

     (a) Any principal of, or interest on, any Advance, or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder shall not be paid when the same become due and payable; or

     (b) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower (or any of its officers) in any Loan Document or in connection with any Loan Document shall prove to have been incorrect or misleading in any material respect when made; or

     (c) (i) The Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any covenant set forth in Section 5.02 or Section 5.03 on its part to be performed or observed or (ii) the Borrower shall fail to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure shall remain unremedied for 30 days after written notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender; or

     (d) Any material provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall at any time and for any reason cease to be valid and binding upon the Borrower, except pursuant to the terms thereof, or shall be declared to be null and void, or the validity or enforceability thereof shall be contested by the Borrower, any of its affiliates or any Governmental Authority, or the Borrower shall deny that it has any or further liability or obligation under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

     (e) The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall fail to pay any principal of or premium or interest on any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness under this Agreement) that is outstanding in a principal amount in excess of $20,000,000 in the aggregate when the same

34

becomes due and payable (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise), and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Indebtedness; or any other event shall occur or condition shall exist under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Indebtedness and shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such event or condition is to accelerate, or to permit the acceleration of, the maturity of such Indebtedness; or any such Indebtedness shall be declared to be due and payable, or required to be prepaid (other than by a regularly scheduled required prepayment), prior to the stated maturity thereof; or

     (f) The Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall generally not pay its debts as such debts become due, or shall admit in writing its inability to pay its debts generally, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; or any proceeding shall be instituted by or against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking liquidation, winding up, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, protection, relief, or composition or arrangement with creditors, a readjustment of its debts, in each case under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors, or seeking the entry of an order for relief or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for it or for any substantial part of its property and, in the case of any such proceeding instituted against it (but not instituted or acquiesced in by it), either such proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days, or any of the actions sought in such proceeding (including, without limitation, the entry of an order for relief against, or the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian or other similar official for, it or for any substantial part of its property) shall occur; or the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary shall take any corporate action to authorize or to consent to any of the actions set forth above in this subsection (f); or

     (g) Any judgment or order for the payment of money exceeding any applicable insurance coverage by more than $10,000,000 shall be rendered by a court of final adjudication against the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary and either (i) valid enforcement proceedings shall have been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or order or (ii) there shall be any period of 10 consecutive days during which a stay of enforcement of such judgment or order, by reason of a pending appeal or otherwise, shall not be in effect; or

     (h) Any Termination Event with respect to a Plan shall have occurred, and, 30 days after notice thereof shall have been given to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, (i) such Termination Event (if correctable) shall not have been corrected and (ii) the then Unfunded Vested Liabilities of such Plan exceed $10,000,000 (or in the case of a Termination Event involving the withdrawal of a “substantial employer” (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA), the withdrawing employer’s proportionate share of such excess shall exceed such amount), or the Borrower or any member of the Controlled Group as employer under a Multiemployer Plan shall have made a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan and the Plan sponsor of such Multiemployer Plan shall have notified such withdrawing employer that such employer has incurred a withdrawal liability in an amount exceeding $10,000,000; or

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     (i) Any change in Applicable Law or any Governmental Action shall occur that has the effect of making the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any other Loan Document unauthorized, illegal or otherwise contrary to Applicable Law; or

     (j) (i) The Parent shall fail to own directly or indirectly 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Borrower, (ii) any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall have acquired beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Parent (or other securities convertible into such securities) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of all securities of the Parent entitled to vote in the election of directors; (iii) commencing after the date of this Agreement, individuals who as of the date of this Agreement were directors shall have ceased for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of the Parent unless the Persons replacing such individuals were nominated by the stockholders or the Board of Directors of the Parent in accordance with the Parent’s Code of Regulations; or (iv) 90 days shall have elapsed after any Person or two or more Persons acting in concert shall have entered into a contract or arrangement which upon consummation will result in its or their acquisition of, or control over, securities of the Parent (or other securities convertible into such securities) representing 30% or more of the combined voting power of all securities of the Parent entitled to vote in the election of directors (each a “Change of Control”).

then, and in any such event, the Administrative Agent shall at the request, or may with the consent, of the Majority Lenders, (i) by notice to the Borrower, declare the obligation of each Lender to make Advances, to be terminated, whereupon the same shall forthwith terminate and (ii) by notice to the Borrower, declare the Advances and all other amounts payable under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the Advances and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower; provided, however, that in the event of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to the Borrower or any Significant Subsidiary under the Bankruptcy Code, (A) the obligation of each Lender to make Advances, shall automatically be terminated and (B) all Advances and all other amounts payable under this Agreement shall automatically become and be due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or any notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower.

ARTICLE VII
THE AGENT

     SECTION 7.01. Authorization and Action.

     Each Lender hereby appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. As to any matters not expressly provided for by this Agreement the Administrative Agent shall not be required to exercise any discretion or take any action, but shall be required to act or to refrain from acting (and shall be fully protected in so acting or refraining from acting)

36

upon the instructions of the Majority Lenders, and such instructions shall be binding upon all Lenders; provided, however, that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action which exposes the Administrative Agent to personal liability or which is contrary to this Agreement or applicable law. The Administrative Agent agrees to give to each Lender prompt notice of each notice given to it by the Borrower pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and to promptly forward to each Lender the financial statements delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(g).

     SECTION 7.02. Agent’s Reliance, Etc.

     Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its directors, officers, agents or employees shall be liable to any Lender or the Borrower for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or them under or in connection with this Agreement, except for its or their own gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent: (i) may treat each Lender listed in the Register as a “Lender” with a Commitment in the amount recorded in the Register until the Administrative Agent receives and accepts an Assignment and Acceptance entered into by a Lender listed in the Register, as assignor, and an Eligible Assignee, as assignee, as provided in Section 8.07, at which time the Administrative Agent will make such recordations in the Register as are appropriate to reflect the assignment effected by such Assignment and Acceptance; (ii) may consult with legal counsel (including counsel for the Borrower), independent public accountants and other experts selected by it and shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts; (iii) makes no warranty or representation to any Lender and shall not be responsible to any Lender for any statements, warranties or representations (whether written or oral) made in or in connection with the Loan Documents; (iv) shall not have any duty to ascertain or to inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of the Loan Documents on the part of the Borrower or to inspect the property (including the books and records) of the Borrower; (v) shall not be responsible to any Lender for the due execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; and (vi) shall incur no liability under or in respect of this Agreement by acting upon any notice, consent, certificate or other instrument or writing (which may be by telecopier, telegram or cable) believed by it in good faith to be genuine and signed or sent by the proper party or parties.

     SECTION 7.03. JPMorgan Chase and Affiliates.

     With respect to its Commitment, the Advances made by it and any Note issued to it, JPMorgan Chase shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent; and the term “Lender” or “Lenders” shall, unless otherwise expressly indicated, include JPMorgan Chase in its individual capacity. JPMorgan Chase and its affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, act as trustee under indentures of, and generally engage in any kind of business with, the Borrower, any of its respective subsidiaries and any Person who may do business with or own securities of the Borrower or any such subsidiary, all as if JPMorgan Chase were not the Administrative Agent and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders.

37

     SECTION 7.04. Lender Credit Decision.

     Each Lender acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement. Each Lender also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement.

     SECTION 7.05. Indemnification.

     The Lenders agree to indemnify the Administrative Agent (to the extent not reimbursed by the Borrower), ratably according to the amounts of their respective Commitments, from and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by, or asserted against the Administrative Agent in any way relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any action taken or omitted by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement; provided that no Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulting from the Administrative Agent’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent promptly upon demand for its ratable share of any out-of-pocket expenses (including reasonable counsel fees) incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, to the extent that such expenses are reimbursable by the Borrower but for which the Administrative Agent is not reimbursed by the Borrower.

     SECTION 7.06. Successor Agent.

     The Administrative Agent may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Lenders and the Borrower and may be removed at any time with or without cause by the Majority Lenders. Upon any such resignation or removal, the Majority Lenders shall have the right, with the prior written consent of the Borrower (unless an Event of Default or an event that, with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, to appoint a successor Administrative Agent. If no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed by the Majority Lenders, and shall have accepted such appointment, within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent’s giving of notice of resignation or the Majority Lenders’ removal of the retiring Administrative Agent, then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders, appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a commercial bank described in clause (i) or (ii) of the definition of “Eligible Assignee” and having a combined capital and surplus of at least $250,000,000. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor Administrative Agent, such successor Administrative Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent

38

shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under this Agreement. After any retiring Administrative Agent’s resignation or removal hereunder as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this Article VII shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Administrative Agent under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no Event of Default, and no event that with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, would constitute an Event of Default, shall have occurred and be continuing, then no successor Administrative Agent shall be appointed under this Section 7.06 without the prior written consent of the Borrower, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

ARTICLE VIII
MISCELLANEOUS

     SECTION 8.01. Amendments, Etc.

     No amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any Note, nor consent to any departure by the Borrower therefrom, shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by all the Lenders, do any of the following: (a) waive any of the conditions specified in Section 3.01, 3.02 or 3.03, (b) increase the Commitments of the Lenders or subject the Lenders to any additional obligations, (c) reduce the principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (d) postpone any date fixed for any payment of principal of, or interest on, the Advances or any fees or other amounts payable hereunder, (e) change the percentage of the Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Advances, or the number of Lenders, that shall be required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action hereunder or (f) amend this Section 8.01; and provided, further, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent in addition to the Lenders required above to take such action, affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent under this Agreement; and provided, further, that this Agreement may be amended and restated without the consent of any Lender or the Administrative Agent if, upon giving effect to such amendment and restatement, such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be, shall no longer be a party to this Agreement (as so amended and restated) or have any Commitment or other obligation hereunder and shall have been paid in full all amounts payable hereunder to such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as the case may be.

     SECTION 8.02. Notices, Etc.

     Unless specifically provided otherwise in this Agreement, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopier, telegraphic or cable communication) and mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, cabled or delivered, if to the Borrower, at its address at 76 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44308, Attention: Treasurer, Telecopy: (330) 384-3772; if to any Bank, at its Domestic Lending Office specified opposite its name on Schedule I hereto; if to any other Lender, at its Domestic Lending Office specified in the Assignment and Acceptance pursuant to which it became a Lender; if to the Administrative Agent, at its address at 1111 Fannin - 10th Floor, Houston, Texas 77002, NY 10081, telecopy no.

39

(713) 427-6307, Attention: Loan and Agency Services Group; or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written notice to the other parties. All such notices and communications shall, when mailed, telecopied, telegraphed, telexed or cabled, be effective when deposited in the mails, telecopied, delivered to the telegraph company or delivered to the cable company, respectively, except that notices and communications to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Article II or VII shall not be effective until received by the Administrative Agent (as the case may be).

     SECTION 8.03. No Waiver; Remedies.

     No failure on the part of any Lender or the Administrative Agent to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any right hereunder or under any Note shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

     SECTION 8.04. Costs and Expenses; Indemnification.

     (a) The Borrower agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, syndication administration, modification and amendment of this Agreement, any Note and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel for the Administrative Agent with respect thereto and with respect to advising the Administrative Agent as to its rights and responsibilities under this Agreement. The Borrower further agrees to pay on demand all costs and expenses, if any (including, without limitation, reasonable counsel fees and expenses of counsel), incurred by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in connection with the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of this Agreement, any Note and the other documents to be delivered hereunder, including, without limitation, counsel fees and expenses in connection with the enforcement of rights under this Section 8.04(a).

     (b) If any payment of principal of, or Conversion of, any Eurodollar Rate Advance is made other than on the last day of the Interest Period for such Advance, as a result of a payment or Conversion pursuant to Section 2.09 or 2.12 or a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.10 or acceleration of the maturity of any amounts owing hereunder pursuant to Section 6.01 or upon an assignment made upon demand of the Borrower pursuant to Section 8.07(h) or for any other reason, the Borrower shall, upon demand by any Lender (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent), pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender any amounts required to compensate such Lender for any additional losses, costs or expenses which it may reasonably incur as a result of such payment or Conversion, including, without limitation, any loss, cost or expense incurred by reason of the liquidation or redeployment of deposits or other funds acquired by any Lender to fund or maintain such Advance. The Borrower’s obligations under this subsection (b) shall survive the repayment of all other amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments

40

     (c) The Borrower hereby agrees to indemnify and hold each Lender, the Administrative Agent and their respective Affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees and professional advisors (each, an “Indemnified Person”) harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs or expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses, whether or not such Indemnified Person is named as a party to any proceeding or is otherwise subjected to judicial or legal process arising from any such proceeding) that any of them may incur or that may be claimed against any of them by any Person by reason of or in connection with or arising out of any investigation, litigation or proceeding related to the Commitments hereunder and any use or proposed use by the Borrower of the proceeds of any Advance, except to the extent such claim, damage, liability, cost or expense is found in a final, non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from such Indemnified Person’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. The Borrower’s obligations under this Section 8.04(c) shall survive the repayment of all amounts owing to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent under this Agreement and any Note and the termination of the Commitments. If and to the extent that the obligations of the Borrower under this Section 8.04(c) are unenforceable for any reason, the Borrower agrees to make the maximum payment in satisfaction of such obligations that are not unenforceable that is permissible under Applicable Law or, if less, such amount that may be ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.

     (d) To the extent permitted by law, the Borrower also agrees not to assert any claim against any Indemnified Person on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to actual or direct damages) in connection with, arising out of, or otherwise relating to this Agreement, any of the transactions contemplated herein or the actual or proposed use of the proceeds of the Advances.

     SECTION 8.05. Right of Set-off.

     Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default each Lender is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, excluding, however, any payroll accounts maintained by the Borrower with such Lender if and to the extent that such Lender shall have expressly waived its set-off rights in writing in respect of such payroll account) at any time held and other indebtedness at any time owing by such Lender to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any and all of the obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement and any Note held by such Lender, whether or not such Lender shall have made any demand under this Agreement or such Note and although such obligations may be unmatured. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower after any such set-off and application made by such Lender, provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such set-off and application. The rights of each Lender under this Section 8.05 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including, without limitation, other rights of set-off) which such Lender may have.

     SECTION 8.06. Binding Effect.

     This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and when the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Bank that such Bank has executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the

41

benefit of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders.

     SECTION 8.07. Assignments and Participations.

     (a) Each Lender may, with the prior written consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (which consents shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and, in the case of the Borrower, shall not be required if an Event of Default then exists), assign to one or more banks or other entities all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment,the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it); provided, however, that (i) each such assignment shall be of a constant, and not a varying, percentage of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, (ii) the amount of the Commitment of the assigning Lender being assigned pursuant to each such assignment (determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to such assignment) shall in no event be less than $5,000,000 (or if less, the entire amount of such Lender’s Commitment) and shall be an integral multiple of $1,000,000, (iii) each such assignment shall be to an Eligible Assignee, and (iv) the parties to each such assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, an Assignment and Acceptance, together with any Note subject to such assignment and a processing and recordation fee of $3,500. Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Acceptance, (x) the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender hereunder and (y) the Lender assignor thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its continuing obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).

     (b) By executing and delivering an Assignment and Acceptance, the Lender assignor thereunder and the assignee thereunder confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties hereto as follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and Acceptance, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of their obligations under this Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant hereto; (iii) such assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01(g) and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such assignee will, independently and without reliance upon

42

the Administrative Agent, such assigning Lender or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement; (v) such assignee confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (vi) such assignee appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms hereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vii) such assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of this Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

     (c) The Administrative Agent shall maintain at its address referred to in Section 8.02 a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders and the Commitment of, and principal amount of the Advances owing to, each Lender from time to time (the “Register”). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower or any Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

     (d) Upon its receipt of an Assignment and Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee representing that it is an Eligible Assignee, together with any Note subject to such assignment, the Administrative Agent shall, if such Assignment and Acceptance has been completed and is in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto, (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give prompt notice thereof to the Borrower and the Borrower shall deliver any Note requested pursuant to Section 2.16 in favor of such assignee or assignor (as the case may be), after giving effect to such assignment.

     (e) Each Lender may sell participations to one or more banks or other entities in or to all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitment, the Advances owing to it and any Note held by it); provided, however, that (i) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, its Commitment to the Borrower hereunder) shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations, (iii) such Lender shall remain the holder of any such Note for all purposes of this Agreement, (iv) such Lender may not subject its ability to consent to any modification of this Agreement or any Note to the prior consent of the bank or other entity to which such participation was sold, except in the case of proposed waivers or modifications with respect to interest, principal and fees payable hereunder and under any Note and with respect to any extension of the Termination Date, and (v) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.

     (f) Any Lender may, in connection with any assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to this Section 8.07, disclose to the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant, any information relating to the Borrower furnished to such

43

Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower; provided, that prior to any such disclosure, the assignee or participant or proposed assignee or participant shall agree to preserve the confidentiality of any confidential information relating to the Borrower received by it from such Lender.

     (g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, any Lender may assign and pledge all or any portion of its rights hereunder and under any Note (including, without limitation, its rights to receive payments of principal and interest hereunder and under any Note) to (i) any Federal Reserve Bank (and its transferees) as collateral security pursuant to Regulation A of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and any operating circular issued by such Federal Reserve Bank, as collateral or otherwise, or (ii) any Affiliate of such Lender, in either case, without notice to or consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent; provided, that no such assignment (other than to an Eligible Assignee under subsection (a) above) shall release the assigning Lender from its obligations hereunder.

     (h) If any Lender shall make demand for payment under Section 2.11(a), 2.11(b) or 2.12, or shall deliver any notice to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 2.12 resulting in the suspension of certain obligations of the Lenders with respect to Eurodollar Rate Advances, then, within 30 days of such demand (if, and only if, such payment demanded under Section 2.11(a), 2.11(b) or 2.12, as the case may be, shall have been made by the Borrower) or such notice (if such suspension is still in effect), as the case may be, the Borrower may demand that such Lender assign in accordance with this Section 8.07 to one or more Eligible Assignees designated by the Borrower all (but not less than all) of such Lender’s Commitment and the Advances owing to it within the next 15 days. If any such Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower shall fail to consummate such assignment on terms acceptable to such Lender, or if the Borrower shall fail to designate any such Eligible Assignee for all of such Lender’s Commitment or Advances, then such Lender may assign such Commitment and Advances to any other Eligible Assignee in accordance with this Section 8.07 during such 15-day period; it being understood for purposes of this Section 8.07(h) that such assignment shall be conclusively deemed to be on terms acceptable to such Lender, and such Lender shall be compelled to consummate such assignment to an Eligible Assignee designated by the Borrower, if such Eligible Assignee shall agree to such assignment in substantially the form of Exhibit C hereto and shall offer compensation to such Lender in an amount equal to the sum of the principal amount of all Advances outstanding to such Lender plus all interest accrued thereon to the date of such payment plus all other amounts payable by the Borrower to such Lender hereunder (whether or not then due) as of the date of such payment accrued in favor of such Lender hereunder.

     (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “Granting Lender”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “SPC”) of such Granting Lender identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, the option to provide to the Borrower all or any part of any Advance that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any such SPC to make any Advance, (ii) if such SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Advance, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Advance pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) no SPC or Granting Lender shall be entitled to receive any greater amount pursuant to Section 2.08 or 2.12 than the Granting Lender

44

would have been entitled to receive had the Granting Lender not otherwise granted such SPC the option to provide any Advance to the Borrower. The making of an Advance by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Advance were made by such Granting Lender. Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPC shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would otherwise be liable so long as, and to the extent that, the related Granting Lender provides such indemnity or makes such payment. In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPC, it will not institute against or join any other person in instituting against such SPC any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any State thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Granting Lender unconditionally agrees to indemnify the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender against all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may be incurred by or asserted against the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, in any way relating to or arising as a consequence of any such forbearance or delay in the initiation of any such proceeding against its SPC. Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have the rights of a Lender hereunder, such rights being retained by the applicable Granting Lender. Accordingly, and without limiting the foregoing, each party hereby further acknowledges and agrees that no SPC shall have any voting rights hereunder and that the voting rights attributable to any Advance made by an SPC shall be exercised only by the relevant Granting Lender and that each Granting Lender shall serve as the administrative agent and attorney-in-fact for its SPC and shall on behalf of its SPC receive any and all payments made for the benefit of such SPC and take all actions hereunder to the extent, if any, such SPC shall have any rights hereunder. In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement any SPC may, with notice to, but without the prior written consent of, any other party hereto, assign all or a portion of its interest in any Advances to the Granting Lender. This Section may not be amended without the prior written consent of each Granting Lender, all or any part of whose Advance is being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment.

     SECTION 8.08. Governing Law.

     THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

     SECTION 8.09. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.

     (a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby irrevocably (i) submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any New York State or Federal court sitting in New York City and any appellate court from any thereof in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement, any other Loan Document, and (ii) agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State court or in such Federal court. The Borrower hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding. The Borrower also irrevocably consents, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to the service of any

45

and all process in any such action or proceeding by the mailing by certified mail of copies of such process to the Borrower at its address specified in Section 8.02. The Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

     (b) THE BORROWER, THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND THE LENDERS HEREBY WAIVE ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER.

     SECTION 8.10. Severability.

     Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited, unenforceable or not authorized in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition, unenforceability or non-authorization without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting the validity, enforceability or legality of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

     SECTION 8.11. Entire Agreement.

     This Agreement and the Notes issued hereunder constitute the entire contract among the parties relative to the subject matter hereof. Any previous agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof is superseded by this Agreement, except (i) as expressly agreed in any such previous agreement and (ii) for the Fee Letter. Except as is expressly provided for herein, nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, is intended to confer upon any party other than the parties hereto any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities under or by reason of this Agreement.

     SECTION 8.12. Execution in Counterparts.

     This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

           
    OHIO EDISON COMPANY.
 
       
  By   /s/ Randy Scilla
       
      Name: Randy Scilla
      Title: Assistant Treasurer
 
       
  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,
as Administrative Agent
 
       
  By    
       
      Name:
      Title:

S-1

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

           
    OHIO EDISON COMPANY.
 
       
  By    
       
      Name:
      Title:
 
       
  JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,
  as Administrative Agent
 
       
  BY   /s/ Thomas L. Casey
       
      Name: Thomas L. Casey
      Title: Vice President

S-2

         
    BANK ONE, NA
 
       
  By   /s/ DAWN M. LAWLER
       
      Name: DAWN M. LAWLER
      Title: DIRECTOR

S-3

           
    FLEET NATIONAL BANK
 
       
  By   /s/ Stephen J. Hoffman
       
      Name: Stephen J. Hoffman
      Title: Director

S-4

           
    THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND PLC
 
       
  By   /s/ Maria Amaral LeBlanc
       
      Name: Maria Amaral-LeBlanc
      Title:   Senior Vice President

S-5

           
    LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
 
       
  By   /s/ Danis J. Campbell IV
       
      Name: Danis J. Campbell IV
      Title:    Senior Vice President

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    UBS AG, CAYMAN ISLANDS BRANCH    
 
           
  By   /s/ Patricia O’Kicki    
           
      Name: Patricia O’Kicki    
        Title:   Director
 
  By   /s/ Jennifer L. Poccia    
           
      Name: Jennifer L. Poccia    
      Title:   Associate Director    
     
Banking Products Services, US
   

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    CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON, CAYMAN
    ISLANDS BRANCH
 
       
  By   /s/ PETER A. RYAN
       
      Name: PETER A. RYAN
      Title:   VICE PRESIDENT
 
  By   /s/ GUY M. BARON
       
      Name: GUY M. BARON
      Title:   ASSOCIATE

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FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK (NEW YORK AGENCY)
   
 
       
  By   /s/ Jason Lee
       
      Name: Jason Lee
      Title: Assistant General Manager

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    THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
       
  By   /s/ NATHAN S. HOWARD
       
      Name: NATHAN S. HOWARD
      Title: VICE PRESIDENT

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    THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA
 
  By   /s/ John Malloy
       
      Name: John Malloy
      Title:   Managing Director

SCHEDULE I

List of Commitments and Lending Offices

                 
Lender   Allocation   Domestic Lending Office   Eurodollar Lending Office
First Commercial Bank
(New York Agency)
    15,000,000     750 Third Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10017
  750 Third Avenue, 34th Floor
New York, NY 10017
                 
The Bank of New York
    15,000,000     One Wall Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10286
  One Wall Street, 19th Floor
New York, NY 10286
                 
The Bank of Nova Scotia
    25,000,000     1 Liberty Plaza
New York, NY 10006
  1 Liberty Plaza
New York, NY 10006
                 
Fleet National Bank
    25,000,000     100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
  100 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
                 
Bank One, NA
    40,000,000     1 Bank One Plaza
Suite IL1-0834
Chicago, IL 60670
  1 Bank One Plaza
Suite IL 1-0834
Chicago, IL 60670
                 
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
    25,000,000     101 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10178
  101 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10178
                 
LaSalle Bank National Association
    25,000,000     135 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
  135 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
                 
UBS AG, Cayman Islands Branch
    25,000,000     677 Washington Blvd.
Stamford, CT 06901
  677 Washington Blvd.
Stamford, CT 06901
                 
Credit Suisse First Boston, Cayman Islands Branch
    15,000,000     One Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
  One Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010

EXHIBIT A

FORM OF NOTE

U.S.$ ___   Dated: _____, ___

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, OHIO EDISON COMPANY, an Ohio corporation, (the “Borrower”), HEREBY PROMISES TO PAY to the order of ___ (the “Lender”) for the account of its Applicable Lending Office (such term and other capitalized terms herein being used as defined in the Credit Agreement referred to below) the principal sum of U.S.$[amount of the Lender’s Commitment in figures] or, if less, the aggregate principal amount of the Advances made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement outstanding on the Termination Date, payable on the Termination Date.

     The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Advance from the date of such Advance until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates, and payable at such times, as are specified in the Credit Agreement.

     Both principal and interest are payable in lawful money of the United States of America to JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, at 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017, in same day funds. Each Advance made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and all payments made on account of principal thereof, shall be recorded by the Lender and, prior to any transfer hereof, endorsed on the grid attached hereto which is part of this Promissory Note.

     This Promissory Note is one of the Notes referred to in, and is entitled to the benefits of, the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2003 (the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the Lenders named therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. The Credit Agreement, among other things, (i) provides for the making of Advances by the Lender to the Borrower from time to time in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the U.S. dollar amount first above mentioned, the indebtedness of the Borrower resulting from each such Advance being evidenced by this Promissory Note, and (ii) contains provisions for acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain stated events and also for prepayments on account of principal hereof prior to the maturity hereof upon the terms and conditions therein specified.

     The Borrower hereby waives presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind. No failure to exercise, and no delay in exercising, any rights hereunder on the part of the holder hereof shall operate as a waiver of such rights.

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     THIS PROMISSORY NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

           
    OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
       
  By    
       
      Name:
      Title:

EXHIBIT B

FORM OF NOTICE OF BORROWING

JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent
   for the Lenders party
   to the Credit Agreement
   referred to below

[Date]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     The undersigned refers to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2003 (the “Credit Agreement”, the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), among the undersigned, certain Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders, and hereby gives you notice, irrevocably, pursuant to Section 2.02 of the Credit Agreement that the undersigned hereby requests a Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the “Proposed Borrowing”) as required by Section 2.02(a) of the Credit Agreement:

   (i) The Business Day of the Proposed Borrowing is                        ,         .

   (ii) The Type of Advance to be made in connection with the Proposed Borrowing is [Alternate Base Rate Advance] [Eurodollar Rate Advance].

   (iii) The aggregate amount of the Proposed Borrowing is $                        .

   [(iv) The Interest Period for each Eurodollar Rate Advance made as part of the Proposed Borrowing is                         [week[s]][month[s]].]

   The undersigned hereby certifies that the following statements are true on the date hereof, and will be true on the date of the Proposed Borrowing:

   (A) the representations and warranties contained in Section 4.01 of the Credit Agreement are correct, before and after giving effect to the Proposed Borrowing and to the application of the proceeds therefrom, as though made on and as of such date;

   (B) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such Proposed Borrowing or from the application of the proceeds therefrom, that

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constitutes an Event of Default or would constitute an Event of Default but for the requirement that notice be given or time elapse or both; and

   (C) immediately following such Proposed Borrowing, (1) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Advances shall not exceed the aggregate amount of the Commitments then in effect, and (2) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Advances made by any Lender shall not exceed the amount of such Lender’s Commitment.

           
    Very truly yours,
 
    OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
  By    
       
      Name:
      Title:

EXHIBIT C

FORM OF ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

Dated _________,_______

              Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2003 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among Ohio Edison Company, an Ohio corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders (the “Agent”). Capitalized terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein with the same meaning.

               ___ (the “Assignor”) and ___ (the “Assignee”) agree as follows:

   1. The Assignor hereby sells and assigns, without recourse, to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, without recourse to the Assignor, a portion of the Assignor’s rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement as of the Effective Date (as defined in Section 5 below) which represents the percentage interest specified on Schedule 1 of all outstanding rights and obligations of the Lenders under the Credit Agreement (the “Assigned Interest”), including, without limitation, such percentage interest in the Commitment as in effect on the Effective Date, the Advances outstanding on the date hereof, the Note[s] (if any) held by the Assignor. After giving effect to such sale and assignment, the Assignee’s Commitment and the amount of outstanding credits owing to the Assignee will be as set forth in Section 2 of Schedule 1.

   2. On the Effective Date, the Assignee will pay to the Assignor, in same day funds, at such address and account as the Assignor shall advise the Assignee, the principal amount of the Advances, and the participatory interest in Reimbursement Obligations, outstanding under the Loan Documents which are being assigned hereunder, and the sale and assignment contemplated hereby shall thereupon become effective. From and after the Effective Date, the Assignor agrees that the Assignee shall be entitled to all rights, powers and privileges of the Assignor under the Credit Agreement to the extent of the Assigned Interest, including without limitation (i) the right to receive all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest for the period from and after the Effective Date, whether on account of principal, interest, fees, indemnities in respect of claims arising after the Effective Date (subject to Sections 8.04 and 8.07 of the Credit Agreement), increased costs, additional amounts or otherwise; (ii) the right to vote and to instruct the Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement based on the Assigned Interest; (iii) the right to set-off and to appropriate and apply deposits of the Borrower as set forth in the Credit Agreement; and (iv) the right to receive notices, requests, demands and other communications. The Assignor agrees that it will promptly remit to the Assignee any amount received by it in respect of the Assigned Interest (whether from the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or otherwise) in the same funds in which such amount is received by the Assignor.

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   3. The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that it is the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder and that such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim; (ii) other than as provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or the performance or observance by the Borrower of any of their obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto; (iv) (if applicable) attaches the Note[s] referred to in paragraph 1 above and requests that the Administrative Agent exchange such Note[s] for a new Note payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto or new Notes payable to the order of the Assignee in an amount equal to the Commitment assumed by the Assignee pursuant hereto and the Assignor in an amount equal to the Commitment retained by the Assignor under the Credit Agreement, respectively, as specified on Schedule 1 hereto; and (v) makes no other representation or warranty with respect to the Borrower, the Loan Documents or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto, except as expressly set forth in clause (i) of this Section 3.

   4. The Assignee (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the financial statements referred to in Section 4.01 thereof and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance; (ii) agrees that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit Agreement; (iii) confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (iv) appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under the Credit Agreement as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; (v) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender; [and] (vi) specifies as its Domestic Lending Office (and address for notices) and Eurodollar Lending Office the offices set forth beneath its name on the signature pages hereof [and (vi) attaches the forms prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service of the United States certifying that it is exempt from United States withholding taxes with respect to all payments to be made to the Assignee under the Credit Agreement and the Notes].*

   5. Following the execution of this Assignment and Acceptance by the Assignor and the Assignee, it will be delivered to the Administrative Agent for acceptance and recording by the Administrative Agent. The effective date of this Assignment and Acceptance shall be the date of acceptance thereof by the Administrative


*   If the Assignee is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.

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Agent, unless otherwise specified on Schedule 1 hereto (the “Effective Date); provided, however, that in no event shall this Assignment and Acceptance become effective prior to the payment for the processing and recordation fee to the Administrative Agent as provided in Section 8.07(a) of the Credit Agreement.

   6. Upon such acceptance and recording and receipt of any consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent required pursuant to Section 8.07(a) of the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date, (i) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and (ii) the Assignor shall, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement.

   7. Upon such acceptance, recording and consent, from and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes in respect of the interest assigned hereby (including, without limitation, all payments of principal, interest and fees with respect thereto) to the Assignee. The Assignor and Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments under the Credit Agreement and the Notes for periods prior to the Effective Date directly between themselves.

   8. THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

   This Assignment and Acceptance may be signed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Assignment and Acceptance to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written, such execution being made on Schedule 1 hereto.

Schedule 1
to
Assignment and Acceptance

Dated ________ , ________

             
Section 1.
           
 
Total Credit Agreement Commitments
  $               
 
Percentage Interest:
             %    
 
Amount of Assigned Share
  $               
 
Section 2.
           
 
Assignee’s Commitment:
  $        
 
Aggregate outstanding Advances owing to the Assignee:
  $        
 
A Note payable to the order of the Assignee
           
Dated:                    ,                    
           
 
Principal amount:
  $        
 
[A Note payable to the order of the Assignor
           
Dated:                    ,                    
           
 
Principal amount:
  $          ]    
 
Section 3.
           
 
Effective Date*:                                          , 20   
           
         
    [NAME OF ASSIGNOR], as Assignor
 
  By    
       
      Name:
Title:


*   This date should be no earlier than the date of acceptance by the Administrative Agent.

     
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE], as Assignee
 
   
By
   
   
  Name:
  Title:
 
   
Domestic Lending Office (and
address for notices):
 
  [Address]
 
   
Eurodollar Lending Office:
 
  [Address]

Accepted and Consented this               day
of                         ,             

     
JPMORGAN CHASE BANK
as Administrative Agent
 
   
By
   
   
  Name:
  Title:
 
   
Consented to:
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
   
By
   
   
  Name:
  Title:

EXHIBIT D

FORM OF OPINION OF GARY D. BENZ, ESQ.

May 12, 2003
     
To:
  The Lenders party to the within-mentioned Credit Agreement
and to JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent
         
  Re:   Ohio Edison Company Credit Agreement,
      dated as of May 12, 2003
     

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am Associate General Counsel for FirstEnergy Corp., the parent company to Ohio Edison Company (the “Borrower”). I have acted as counsel to the Borrower in connection with the preparation of the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2003 (the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the banks parties thereto (the “Lenders”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement. This opinion is being furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(vi) of the Credit Agreement.

     I (or persons under my supervision and control) have reviewed the Credit Agreement and the form of the Notes attached thereto and examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to my satisfaction, of such corporate records and other documents and matters and have made such investigation of fact and law as I have deemed necessary or advisable to express the opinions set forth below.

     The Credit Agreement and the Notes are sometimes referred to in this opinion collectively as the “Loan Documents” and each individually as a “Loan Document”.

     Based on the foregoing and such legal considerations as I have deemed necessary or advisable to express the opinions set forth below, I am of the opinion that:

     1. The Borrower is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio, is duly qualified to do business as a foreign corporation in and is in good standing under the laws of each other state in which the ownership of its properties or the conduct of its business makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified would not have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition, or on its ability to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents, and has all

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corporate powers and all material governmental licenses, franchises, certificates of convenience and necessity, authorizations, consents and approvals required to carry on its respective business as now conducted and to maintain and operate its property.

     2. No Governmental Action is or will be required for (a) the due execution, delivery or recordation by the Borrower of any Loan Document or the performance by it of its obligations thereunder or (b) the consummation by the Borrower of any transaction contemplated by the Loan Documents, other than (1) the order of the Public Utilities Commission of the State of Ohio in Case No. 03-637-EL-AIS, which has been duly obtained and is in full force and effect as of the date hereof and (2) such Governmental Action as may be required after the date hereof in connection with the performance by the Borrower of the general covenant to comply with law set forth in Section 5.01(b) of the Credit Agreement.

     3. The execution and delivery by the Borrower of the Loan Documents, the performance by the Borrower of its obligations under the Loan Documents, the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document, and compliance by the Borrower with the provisions thereof, will not result in (a) a breach or violation of, or conflict with, any of the provisions of the Amended Articles of Incorporation or Restated Code of Regulations of the Borrower, (b) a breach or violation of, or conflict with, any Applicable Law, (c) a breach or contravention of, or conflict with, any of the provisions of any material indenture,mortgage, lease or any other agreement or instrument to which the Borrower or any Affiliate of the Borrower is a party or by which any of its property or the property of any of its Affiliates is bound or (d) the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property of the Borrower or any of its Affiliates. Except as disclosed in any filings made by the Borrower in compliance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, there is no provision of the Amended Articles of Incorporation or the Restated Code of Regulations of the Borrower, or any such Applicable Law, or any such indenture, mortgage, lease or other agreement or instrument, that materially adversely affects, or in the future is likely to materially adversely affect, its ability to perform its obligations under any Loan Document. Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all laws (including, without limitation, ERISA and Environmental Laws), regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority applicable to it or its property and all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, has not had and could not reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (i) the business, assets, operations, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, or (ii) the legality, validity or enforceability of any of the Loan Documents or the rights, remedies and benefits available to the parties thereunder or the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Loan Documents.

     4. The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of each of the Loan Documents are within its corporate powers, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Borrower and did not, do not, and will not require the consent or approval of the Borrower’s shareholders, or any trustee or holder of any Indebtedness or other obligation of it, other than such consents and approvals as have been duly obtained, given or accomplished. The Credit Agreement and the Notes have each been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower.

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     5. The Credit Agreement is, and each Note, when executed and delivered in exchange for value, will be, a valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its respective terms, subject to the effect of (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (b) general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law), and (c) requirements of reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing.

     6. In any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to the Notes or the Credit Agreement in any court of the State of Ohio or in any federal court sitting in the State of Ohio, such court would recognize and give effect to the provisions of the Notes or Section 8.08 of the Credit Agreement, as the case may be, wherein the parties thereto agree that the Notes and the Credit Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, a court of the State of Ohio or a federal court sitting in the State of Ohio would apply the usury law of the State of New York, and would not apply the usury law of the State of Ohio, to the Credit Agreement and the Notes. However, if a court were to hold that the Credit Agreement or the Notes is or are governed by, and to be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Ohio, the Credit Agreement and the Notes (when executed and delivered in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement) would be, under the laws of the State of Ohio, the valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms, subject to the effect of (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (b) general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law), and (c) requirements of reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing.

     7. Except as disclosed in the Borrower’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2003, and its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed in 2003 on or prior to the date hereof (copies of which have been furnished to each Bank), there is no pending or, to the best of my knowledge, threatened action or proceeding (including, without limitation, any proceeding relating to or arising out of Environmental Laws) affecting it or any of its Subsidiaries before any court, governmental agency or arbitrator, that has a reasonable possibility of having a material adverse effect on the business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations or prospects of it and its consolidated subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or on the ability of the Borrower to perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.

     8. The Borrower holds such valid franchises, certificates of convenience and necessity, licenses and permits as are necessary with respect to the maintenance and operation of its property and business as now conducted.

     The foregoing opinions are limited by, subject to and based on the following:

  (a)   No examination has been made of and no opinion is expressed as to the effect of any zoning ordinance or permit pertaining to the authority of the Borrower to operate its properties or conduct its business;

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  (b)   The opinions expressed herein are given as of the date hereof. No obligation is assumed to update or supplement such opinions to reflect any fact or circumstance that may hereafter come to my attention or any change in law that may hereafter become effective;

  (c)   These opinions are limited to matters expressly set forth herein and no opinion is to be implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein; and

  (d)   The opinions expressed herein are solely for the benefit of the addressees hereof and each of their respective successors, assigns, representatives, counsel and agents in connection with the above transactions and may not be relied on in any manner by any other persons, nor by such addressees for any other purpose except that Pillsbury Winthrop LLP may rely on this opinion in connection with the opinion to be rendered by them in connection with the above transactions.

     In rendering the foregoing Opinion, I have assumed, but have not independently verified, that the signatures (other than on behalf of the Borrower) on all documents examined by me are genuine. I have relied, as to questions of fact material to this Opinion, upon certificates of public officials and officers of the Borrower.

     I am a member of the bar of the State of Ohio, and this opinion is limited to the laws of the State of Ohio. Insofar as the opinion expressed herein relates to matters which are governed by the laws of the State of New York or the federal laws of the United States, I have relied on the opinion, dated the date hereof, addressed to you of Pillsbury Winthrop LLP.
         
  Respectfully submitted,  
 
  Gary D. Benz, Esq.  
  Associate General Counsel   

EXHIBIT E

FORM OF OPINION OF PILLSBURY WINTHROP LLP

May 12, 2003

To: The Lenders party to the within-mentioned Credit Agreement
       and to JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent,

      Re: Ohio Edison Company Credit Agreement,
             dated as of May 12, 2003  
     
 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as special New York counsel to Ohio Edison Company, an Ohio corporation (the “Borrower”), in connection with the preparation of the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2003 (the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the banks party thereto (the “Lenders”) and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent for the Lenders. Capitalized terms used herein and not defined have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement. This opinion is being furnished to you pursuant to Section 3.01(a)(vi) of the Credit Agreement.

     We have examined the Credit Agreement and the form of the Notes attached thereto, as well as originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such corporate records and other documents and matters and have made such investigation of fact and law as we have deemed necessary or advisable to express this opinion. The Credit Agreement and the Notes are sometimes referred to in this opinion collectively as the “Loan Documents” and each individually as a “Loan Document.”

     We have, with your permission, assumed that (i) the Borrower (A) is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Ohio and (B) has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under each Loan Document, (ii) the execution and delivery by the Borrower of any Loan Document, the performance by the Borrower of its obligations under any Loan Document, the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document, and compliance by the Borrower with the provisions thereof, have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action of the Borrower and do not, and will not, require the consent or approval of its shareholders, or any trustee or holder of any Indebtedness or other obligation of it and will not result in (A) a breach or violation of, or conflict with, any of the provisions of the

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Articles of Incorporation or Code of Regulations of the Borrower or (B) a breach or contravention of, or conflict with, any of the provisions of any indenture, mortgage, lease or other agreement or instrument to which the Borrower is a party or (C) a breach or violation of, or conflict with, any law other than United States federal or New York law or any order, rule, regulation or determination of any Governmental Authority applicable to the Borrower other than any New York or federal law Governmental Authority, (iii) all required Governmental Action, other than under United States federal or New York law, for the execution and delivery by the Borrower of any Loan Document, the performance by it of its obligations thereunder of the consummation by the Borrower of any transaction contemplated thereby have been obtained or taken, and (iv) each of the Loan Documents has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower.

     Based on the foregoing and such legal consideration as we have deemed necessary or advisable to express this opinion, we are of the opinion that:

     1. No Governmental Action of or with any United States federal or New York Governmental Authority is or will be required for (a) the due execution or delivery by the Borrower of any Loan Document or the performance by it of its obligations thereunder or (b) the consummation by the Borrower of any transaction contemplated by the Loan Documents, other than (1) such notice as may be required to be filed pursuant to Rule 52 under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, and (2) such Governmental Action as may be required after the date hereof in connection with the performance by the Borrower of the general covenant to comply with law set forth in Section 5.01(b) of the Credit Agreement.

     2. The execution and delivery by the Borrower of any Loan Document, the performance by the Borrower of its obligations under any Loan Document, the consummation by the Borrower of the transactions contemplated by any Loan Document and compliance by the Borrower with the provisions thereof, will not result in a breach or violation of, or conflict with, any United States federal or New York law, rule or regulation or any determination of a United States federal or New York court, regulating authority or other Governmental Authority applicable to the Borrower and now in effect which normally is applicable to transactions of the type contemplated in the Loan Documents.

     3. The Credit Agreement is, and each Note, when executed and delivered in exchange for value, will be, a valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with its respective terms, subject to the effect of (a) applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally, (b) general equitable principles (whether enforcement is sought by proceedings in equity or at law), (c) requirements of reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing and (d) in the case of indemnitees (i) a requirement that facts, known to the indemnitee but not the indemnitor, in existence at the time the indemnity becomes effective that would entitle the indemnitee to indemnification be disclosed to the indemnitor, and (ii) public policy.

     This opinion is limited by, subject to and based on the following:

  (a)   This opinion is given as of the date hereof. No obligation is assumed to update or supplement this opinion to reflect any fact or circumstance that

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      may hereafter come to our attention or any change in law that may hereafter become effective;
 
  (b)   This opinion is limited to matters expressly set forth herein and no opinion is to be implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated herein; and

  (c)   This opinion is solely for the benefit of the addressees hereof and their respective successors, assigns, representatives, counsel and agents, in connection with the above transactions and may not be relied on in any manner by any other persons, or by the addressees hereof for any other purpose except that Gary D. Benz, Esq. may rely on this opinion in connection with the opinion to be rendered by him in connection with the above transaction.

     In rendering this opinion, we have assumed, but not independently verified, that the signatures (other than on behalf of the Borrower) on all documents examined by us are genuine.

     We have relied, as to questions of fact material to this opinion, upon certificates of public officials and officers of the Borrower.

     We are qualified to practice law in the State of New York and, for purposes of this opinion, do not purport to be experts on any laws other than the laws of the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States. This opinion is limited to the laws of the State of New York and the federal laws of the United States, and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law.

Respectfully submitted,

EXHIBIT F

FORM OF OPINION OF
SPECIAL NEW YORK COUNSEL TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT

[Date of Closing]

JPMorgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent under the
     Credit Agreement referred to below and the Lenders a party thereto

     Re: Ohio Edison Company

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have acted as special New York counsel to JPMorgan Chase Bank, individually and as administrative agent (the “Administrative Agent”), in connection with the preparation, execution and delivery of the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 12, 2003 (the “Credit Agreement”), among Ohio Edison Company (the “Borrower”), the Lenders party thereto and the Administrative Agent. Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as therein defined. This opinion is being delivered pursuant to Section  3.01(a)(vii) of the Credit Agreement.

     In that connection, we have examined (i) counterparts of the Credit Agreement, executed by the Borrower, the Banks and the Administrative Agent, (ii) forms of the Notes and (iii) the other documents furnished to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 3.01 (a) of the Credit Agreement, including (without limitation) the opinions of Gary D. Benz, Esq., counsel to the Borrower, and Pillsbury Winthrop LLP, special counsel to the Borrower (such opinions referred to hereinafter, collectively, as the “Borrower’s Counsel Opinions”).

     In our examination of the documents referred to above, we have assumed the authenticity of all such documents submitted to us as originals, the genuineness of all signatures, the due authority of the parties executing such documents and the conformity to the originals of all such documents submitted to us as copies. We have also assumed that each of the Banks and the Administrative Agent, have duly executed and delivered, with all necessary power and authority (corporate and otherwise), the Credit Agreement. We have further assumed that you have evaluated, and are satisfied with, the creditworthiness of the Borrower and the business and financial terms evidenced by the Loan Documents.

     To the extent that our opinions expressed below involve conclusions as to matters governed by law other than the law of the State of New York and the Federal law of the United States, we have relied upon the Borrower’s Counsel Opinions and have assumed without independent investigation the correctness of the matters set forth therein, our opinions expressed below being subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth in the Borrower’s

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Counsel Opinions. As to matters of fact, we have relied solely upon the documents we have examined.

     Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications set forth below, we are of the opinion that:

  (i)   The Credit Agreements is, and each of the Notes when executed and delivered for value received will be, the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.

  (ii)   While we have not independently considered the matters covered by the Borrower’s Counsel Opinions to the extent necessary to enable us to express the conclusions stated therein, each of the Borrower’s Counsel Opinions and the other documents furnished to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 3.01(a) of the Credit Agreement are substantially responsive to the corresponding requirements set forth in Section 3.01(a) of the Credit Agreement pursuant to which the same have been delivered.

     Our opinions are subject to the following qualifications:

  (a)   Our opinion in paragraph (i) above is subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or similar law affecting creditors’ rights generally.

  (b)   Our opinion in paragraph (i) above is subject to the effect of general principles of equity,including (without limitation)concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

  (c)   We note further that, in addition to the application of equitable principles described above, courts have imposed an obligation on contracting parties to act reasonably and in good faith in the exercise of their contractual rights and remedies, and may also apply public policy considerations in limiting the right of parties seeking to obtain indemnification under circumstances where the conduct of such parties in the circumstances in question is determined to have constituted negligence.

  (d)   We express no opinion herein as to (i) Section 8.05 of the Credit Agreement, (ii) the enforceability of provisions purporting to grant to a party conclusive rights of determination, (iii) the availability of specific performance or other equitable remedies, (iv) the enforceability of rights to indemnity under Federal or state securities laws and (v) the enforceability of waivers by parties of their respective rights and remedies under law.

  (e)   Our opinion expressed above is limited to the law of the State of New York and the Federal law of the United States, and we do not express any opinion herein concerning any other law.Without limiting the generality of the

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foregoing, we express no opinion as to the effect of the law of any jurisdiction other than the State of New York wherein any Lender may be located or wherein enforcement of the Credit Agreement or the Notes may be sought that limits the rates of interest legally chargeable or collectible.

     The foregoing opinion is solely for your benefit and may not be relied upon by any other Person other than any Person that may become a Lender under the Credit Agreement after the date hereof.

Very truly yours,

MEO: ems

EX-10.9 26 ex10-9.htm POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT - JAN. 1, 2001 Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-9
FirstEnergy Operating Companies
FERC Electric Tariff, Original Volume No.2
Service Agreement No.73

[Execution Copy]


ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT

Between The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison

Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison

Company, Sellers

And

FirstEnergy Services Corp. , Buyer


This Electric Power Supply Agreement ("Agreement") effective as ofJanuary 1, 2001, is made by and between The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Toledo Edison Company ("the FirstEnergy Operating Companies" or "Seller"), and FirstEnergy Services Corp. ("Services" or "Buyer"). The FirstEnergy Operating Companies and Services may be identified collectively as "Parties" or individually as a "Party." This Agreement is entered into in connection with the transfer of operating control and ultimately ownership of the FirstEnergy Operating Companies' generation assets to Services pursuant to Ohio electric restructuring legislation and FirstEnergy's transition plan approved by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission in Case No. 99-1212-EL-ETP, et at. (hereinafter, "Ohio Transition Plan").

WHEREAS, the FirstEnergy Operating Companies are in the process of restructuring their operations in accordance with the Ohio Transition Plan by selling all of the output of their nuclear generating facilities and the output of CEI and TE' s leasehold interest in the Mansfield generating facilities (collectively "the Generating Facilities") to Services; and

WHEREAS, it is not feasible for Seller to transfer ownership or control of its nuclear generating facilities, or to sublease CEI and TE's leasehold interest in the Mansfield generating facilities, at the current time; and

WHEREAS, Buyer desires to obtain the entire electric output of the Seller's Generating Facilities pursuant to the rates, terms and conditions set forth herein.

It is agreed as follows:


I.  
TERM

The sale and purchase of electric power pursuant to this Agreement shall begin on January 1,2001, or such later effective date authorized by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2005, or such earlier date as terminated by either Party upon at least sixty days written notice to the other Party.

II.  
SALE AND PURCHASE OF CAPACITY AND ENERGY

A.
Seller shall make available or cause to be made available to Buyer all of the electric Capacity and Energy that is available from its Generating Facilities and Buyer shall purchase and pay for such Capacity and Energy in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Seller shall make such firm Capacity and Energy available at the Delivery Points. Buyer shall arrange and will be responsible for all transmission service at and from the Delivery Points. Seller will also provide all Real Power Losses required by Buyer at and from the Delivery Points. The Capacity, Energy, and Real Power Losses supplied by Seller are collectively referred to as Buyer's "Power Supply Requirements". Electric Capacity and Energy supplied shall be sixty-hertz, three phase alternating current. The Power Supply Requirements will be provided in accordance with Good Utility Practice, and where applicable, the provisions of American Transmission Systems, Incorporated's Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT).
 
III.  
SCHEDULING AND SYSTEM PLANNING
 
A.
In order for Services to be able to plan adequately to market and sell all of the Capacity and Energy available from Seller, Seller shall notify Services on or before November 1 of each year during the term of this Agreement of the amount of Capacity and Energy it expects to have available in each month of the next calendar year.

B.
On or before April 1, Seller shall update its initial annual forecast of available Capacity and Energy for any full month(s) remaining in the calendar year.

IV.  
PRICE

Seller shall charge, and Buyer shall pay, for Buyer's Power Supply Requirements, as follows:

A.  
Capacity Charges

Buyer will pay Seller one twelfth of the Capacity charge set forth in Exhibit A for each kW of installed generation as identified in Exhibit C.

B.  
Energy Charges

In addition to the Capacity charges specified above, Buyer shall pay Seller the Energy charge per MWh set forth in Exhibit A for all Energy supplied by Seller to Buyer. The Energy supplied by Seller includes Real Power Losses. Buyer shall provide Seller aggregated metered sales in sufficient detail for Seller to determine after the fact, the quantity of Energy supplied to Buyer during a billing period. Buyer and Seller will abide by all applicable Code of Conduct provisions in exchanging this data, and such data will be considered Confidential Information under Section 7.3 of this Agreement.
 
2
C.  
Other Charges

 
1.
Taxes. If a revenue or per MWH tax is imposed on Capacity or Energy sold under this Agreement, the Buyer will reimbursed the Seller for such taxes.

D.
Unless otherwise specifically agreed upon by the Parties, the calendar month shall be the standard period for all payments under this Agreement. As soon as practicable after the end of each month, the Seller will render an invoice to Buyer for the amounts due for Power Supply Requirements for the preceding month. Payment shall be due and payable within ten days of receipt of the invoice or, if such day is not a Business Day, then on the next Business Day. Buyer will make payments by electronic funds transfer, or by other mutually agreeable method(s) to the account designated by Seller. Any amounts not paid by the due date will be deemed delinquent and will accrue interest at the Interest Rate until the date of payment in full.

E.
Each Party shall keep complete and accurate records of its operations under this Agreement and shall maintain such data as may be necessary to determine the reasonableness and accuracy of all relevant data, estimates, or invoices submitted by or to it hereunder. All records regarding this Agreement shall be maintained for a period of two years from the date of the invoice or payment, or such longer period as may be required by law.

F.
Buyer shall have the right, at its own expense and during normal business hours, to audit the accounts and records of Seller that reasonably relate to the provision of service under this Agreement. If the audit reveals an inaccuracy in an invoice, the necessary adjustment in such invoice and the payments therefor will be promptly made. No adjustment will be made for any invoice or payment made more than two years from rendition thereof. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of two years from the date of termination for the purpose of such invoice and payment objections. To the extent that audited information includes Confidential Information, the Buyer shall keep all such information confidential under Section 7.3.

G.
Nothing contained herein shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of the Party furnishing service under this Agreement to unilaterally make application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a change in rates under Section 205 of the Federal Power Act and pursuant to the Commission's Rules and Regulations thereunder.

V.  
Metering

Generation metering shall be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the applicable interconnection agreement between the FirstEnergy Operating Companies and ATSI. Metering between control areas shall be handled in accordance with the applicable Open Access Transmission Tariff. Retail metering shall be provided in accordance with applicable state law. Nothing in this Agreement requires Seller or Buyer to install new metering facilities.

VI.  
Notices

All notices, requests, statements or payments shall be made as specified below. Notices required to be in writing shall be delivered by letter, facsimile or other documentary form. Notice by facsimile or hand delivery shall be deemed to have been received by the close of the Business Day on which it was transmitted or hand delivered (unless transmitted or hand delivered after close in which case it shall be deemed received at the close of the next Business Day). Notice by overnight mail or courier shall be deemed to have been received two Business Days after it was sent. A Party may change its addresses by providing notice of same in accordance herewith.

3

NOTICES & CORRESPONDENCE:


To Seller:   FirstEnergy Operating Companies
       President
       76 South Main Street
       Akron, Ohio 44308
To Buyer:       FirstEnergy Services Corp.
      Manager, Wholesale Energy
      395 Ghent Road
                  Akron, Ohio 44333

INVOICES & PAYMENTS:

To Seller:   FirstEnergy Operating Companies
       President
                         76 South Main Street
       Akron, Ohio 44308        
To Buyer:        FirstEnergy Services Corp.
       Manager, Wholesale Energy
       395 Ghent Road
                              Akron, Ohio 44333

SCHEDULING:

To Seller:     FirstEnergy Operating Companies
       President
       76 South Main Street
       Akron, Ohio 44308
To Buyer:        FirstEnergy Services Corp.
          Manager, Wholesale Energy
          395 Ghent Road
                            Akron, Ohio 44333


 


VII.  
MISCELLANEOUS

7.1  
Performance Excused

If either Party is rendered unable by an event of Force Majeure to carry out, in whole or part, its obligations hereunder, then, during the tendency of such Force Majeure but for no longer period, the Party affected by the event (other than the obligation to make payments then due or becoming due with respect to performance which occurred prior to the event) shall be relieved of its obligations insofar as they are affected by Force Majeure. The Party affected by an event of Force Majeure shall provide the other Party with written notice setting forth the full details thereof as soon as practicable after the occurrence of such event and shall take all reasonable measures to mitigate or minimize the effects of such event of Force Majeure; provided, however, that this provision shall not require Seller to deliver, or Buyer to receive, Power at Delivery Points other than those Delivery Points designated under this Agreement.

Force Majeure shall be defined as any cause beyond the reasonable control of, and not the result of negligence or the lack of diligence of, the Party claiming Force Majeure or its contractors or suppliers. It includes, without limitation, earthquake, storm, lightning, flood, backwater caused by flood, fire, explosion, act of the public enemy, epidemic, accident, failure of facilities, equipment or fuel supply, acts of God, war, riot, civil disturbances, strike, labor disturbances, labor or material shortage, national emergency, restraint by court order or other public authority or governmental agency, interruption of synchronous operation, or other similar or dissimilar causes beyond the control of the Party affected, which causes such Party could not have avoided by exercising good electric operating practice. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require a Party to settle any strike, lockout, work stoppage, or other industrial disturbance or dispute in which it may be involved or to take an appeal from any judicial, regulatory or administrative action.

4

7.2.  Transfer of Title and Indemnification

Title and risk of loss related to the Power Supply Requirements shall transfer to the Buyer at the Delivery Points. Seller warrants that it will deliver the Power Supply Requirements to Buyer free and clear of all liens, security interests, claims and encumbrances or any interest therein or thereto by any person arising prior to the Delivery Points. Each Party shall indemnify, defend an hold harmless the other Party from and against any claims arising from or out of any event, circumstance, act or incident first occurring or existing during the period when control and title to the Power Supply Requirements is vested in the other Party.

7.3   Confidentiality 
 
Neither Party shall disclose to third parties Confidential Information obtained from the other Party pursuant to this Agreement except in order to comply with any applicable law, regulation, or any exchange, control area, or independent system operator rule, or in connection with any court or regulatory proceeding. Provided, however, that each Party shall to the extent practicable use reasonable efforts to prevent or limit the disclosure required to third parties.

7.4   Further Assurances

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of the Parties hereto will use reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and effective the transactions contemplated hereby.

7.5    Amendment

This Agreement may be amended only by a written agreement signed by the Parties.

7.6    Assignment
 
Unless mutually agreed to by the Parties, no assignment, pledge, or transfer of this Agreement shall be made by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided, however, that no prior written consent shall be required for (i) the assignment, pledge or other transfer to another company or affiliate in the same holding company system as the assignor, pledgor or transferor, or (ii) the transfer, incident to a merger or consolidation with, or transfer of all (or substantially all) of the assets of the transferor, to another person or business entity; provided, however, that such assignee, pledgee, transferee or acquirer of such assets or the person with which it merges or into which it consolidates assumes in writing all of the obligations of such Party hereunder and provided, further, that either Party may, without the consent of the other Party (and without relieving itself from liability hereunder), transfer, sell, pledge, encumber or assign such Party's rights to the accounts, revenues or proceeds hereof in connection with any financing or other financial arrangements.


5

7.7   Governing Law

The interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be according to and controlled by the laws of the State of Ohio regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws.

7.8    Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts and each such counterpart shall constitute one and the same instrument.

7.9    Waiver

No waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party shall be construed as a waiver of any other default. Any waiver shall be effective only for the particular event for which it is issued and shall not be deemed a waiver with respect to any subsequent performance, default or matter.
 
7.10   No Third Party Beneficiaries
This Agreement shall not impart any rights enforceable by any third party (other than a permitted successor or assignee bound to this Agreement).

7.11   Severability

Any provision declared or rendered unlawful by any applicable court of law or regulatory agency or deemed unlawful because of a statutory change will not otherwise affect the remaining lawful obligations that arise under this Agreement.

7.12   Construction

The term "including" when used in this Agreement shall be by way of example only and shall not be considered in any way to be a limitation. The headings used herein are for convenience and reference purposes only.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Electric Power Supply Agreement on their behalf as of December 29,2000.
 
FirstEnergy Services Corp.
 
 
By: ________________________________
Arthur R. Garfield
President
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company
Ohio Edison Company
The Toledo Edison Company
 
 
By: _________________________________
H. Peter Burg
President

6
 

 
Pennsylvania Power Company
 
 
By: ______________________________
H. Peter Burg
Chairman of the Board


7

Exhibit A


1.  
Capacity Charges



Year
Annual Price
2001
$57,836,418
2002
$57,836,418
2003
$57,836,418
2004
$57,836,418
2005
$57,836,418
 
$57,836,418


2.  
Energy Charges
 

 
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
$/MWH
24.33
22.58
25.39
25.90
24.47

3.  
Taxes

Will be charged on a per MWH Basis if applicable.

8

Exhibit B
DEFINITIONS

In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the terms listed below are defined as follows:

Affiliate means, with respect to any person, any other person (other than an individual) that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such person. For purposes of the foregoing definition, "control means the direct or indirect ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests having ordinary voting power or ability to direct the affairs of the affiliate.

American Transmission Systems, Inc. or ATSI means the wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. that owns, operates, or controls facilities used for the transmission of Energy within the FirstEnergy Control Area.

Business Day means any day on which Federal Reserve member banks in New York City are open for business.

Capacity means the resource that produces electric Energy, measured in megawatts.

Delivery Point means, where Capacity and Energy are supplied from generating facilities
owned or controlled by the Seller within the FirstEnergy Control Area, the point of interconnection between the generating facility and the transmission facilities of American Transmission Systems, Inc. Delivery Point means, where Capacity and Energy are supplied from generating resources outside of the FirstEnergy Control Area, the interface between the facilities of the adjacent control area and the facilities of American Transmission Systems, Inc.

Energy means electric energy delivered under this Agreement at three-phase, 60-hertz alternating current measured in megawatt hours.

FERC means The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or its regulatory successor.

FirstEnergy Control Area means the electric power system owned or controlled by affiliates of FirstEnergy Corp. to which a common automatic generation control scheme is applied in order to:

 
l)
match, at all times, the power output of the generators within the electric power system, and Capacity and Energy purchased from entities outside the electric power system, with the load within the electric power system;
 
2)
maintain scheduled interchange with other control areas within the limits of Good Utility Practice;
 
3)
maintain the frequency of the electric power system within reasonable limits in accordance with Good Utility Practice; and
 
4)
provide sufficient generating capacity to maintain operating reserves in accordance with Good Utility Practice.

Force Majeure has the meaning given in Section 7.1.

9

Good Utility Practice means any of the practices, methods and acts engaged in or approved by a significant portion of the electric utility industry during the relevant time period or any of the practices, methods and acts which, in the exercise of reasonable judgment in light of the facts known at the time the decision was made, could have been expected to accomplish the desired result at a reasonable cost consistent with good business practices, reliability, safety, and expedition. Good Utility Practice is not intended to be limited to the optimum practice, method or act to the exclusion of all others, but rather to be acceptable practices, methods or acts, generally accepted in the region and consistently adhered to by utilities in the region.

Interest Rate means the lesser of Prime Rate plus two percent and the maximum lawful rate permitted by applicable law.

NERC means The North American Electric Reliability Council.

Power means Capacity and/or Energy.

Prime Rate means for any date, the per annum rate of interest announced from time to time by Citibank, N.A., as its prime rate for commercial loans, effective for such date as established from time to time by such bank.

Real Power Losses means Capacity and Energy supplied to compensate for losses that occur when Power is delivered over transmission and distribution facilities.

Taxes means all ad valorem, property, occupation, utility, gross receipts, sales, use, excise and other taxes, governmental charges, licenses, permits and assessments, other than taxes based on net income or net worth.

Transmission Provider means the utility or utilities, including ATSI, transmitting Power on behalf of Buyer to or from the Delivery Point(s) under this Agreement.

10

Exhibit C
 
 

Installed Generation


 
Unit
 
Net Demonstrated
Capability (MW)
 
Beaver Valley Unit 1
Beaver Valley Unit 2
Davis Besse
Mansfield Unit 1 *
Mansfield Unit 2*
Mansfield Unit 3*
Perry
   
810
820
883
51
358
355
1,254
 
Total
   
4,531
 


*CEI and TE leasehold interest only.
EX-10.10 27 ex10-10.htm POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT - REVISED OCT. 1, 2003 Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-10


FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.
First Revised Service Agreement No.1
FERC Electric Tariff, Original Volume No.1
 
 
REVISED ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT
 
Between FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., Seller
 
And the FirstEnergy Operating Companies, Buyer
 
 
 
 
This Revised Electric Power Supply Agreement ("Agreement") effective as of October 1, 2003, is made by and between FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., ("Solutions" or "Seller"), and the following FirstEnergy Operating Companies: The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company and The Toledo Edison Company (collectively referred to as "FEOCs" or "Buyer"). Solutions and FEOCs may be identified collectively as "Parties" or individually as a "Party." This Agreement is entered into in connection with the transfer of operating control and ultimately ownership of FEOCs' generation assets to Solutions or its affiliates pursuant to Ohio electric restructuring legislation and the FEOCs' transition plan approved by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission in Case No. 99-1212-EL-ETP, et al. (hereinafter, "Ohio Transition Plan").
 
WHEREAS, Seller has purchased the electric output of nuclear generating units and a portion of the Mansfield generating units owned or leased by the Buyer, the electric output of all generating facilities owned or operated by its subsidiary, FirstEnergy Generation Corp., and power from
unaffiliated companies (collectively referred to as "Generating Resources"); and
 
WHEREAS, Seller is or will be engaged inter alia, in the business of generating, purchasing, and selling electric power at wholesale and retail; and
 
WHEREAS, Buyer desires to obtain from Seller sufficient power to satisfy its obligations to customers and third-party suppliers under its Ohio Transition Plan, Pennsylvania law, and other applicable contractual or regulatory requirements, pursuant to the rates, terms and conditions set forth herein.
 
WHEREAS, Seller and Buyer desire to revise their December 29, 2000 Agreement to effectuate the inclusion of the FirstEnergy Control Area in the Midwest ISO, and to make other clarifying changes.
 
It is agreed as follows:
- - --

 
1


 
I.  TERM
 
The sale and purchase of electric power pursuant to this Agreement began on January 1, 2001, and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2005, or such earlier date as terminated by either Party upon at least sixty days written notice to the other Party.
 
A.   Seller shall make available or cause to be made available to Buyer firm electric Capacity and Energy from the electric Generating Resources sufficient to satisfy Buyer's power supply requirements under the Ohio Transition Plan, Pennsylvania law, and other contractual or regulatory requirements. Seller shall make such firm Capacity and Energy available at the Delivery Points. Seller will also provide all Real Power Losses required by Buyer at and from the Delivery Point. The Capacity, Energy, and Real Power Losses supplied by Seller are collectively referred to as Buyer's "Power Supply Requirements." Electric Capacity and Energy supplied shall be sixty-hertz, three phase alternating current. The Power Supply Requirements will be provided in accordance with Good Utility Practice, and where applicable, the provisions of American Transmission Systems, Incorporated's Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT), or successor OATT of any entity that assumes ownership or operation of the transmission system of American Transmission Systems, Incorporated.
 
II.  SALE AND PURCHASE OF CAPACITY AND ENERGY
 
B.   Buyer will purchase its full Power Supply Requirements from Seller during the term of this Agreement. Buyer will receive and pay for the Power Supply Requirements in accordance with Article IV of this Agreement. Buyer will be responsible for all transmission service at and from the Delivery Points except to the extent provided in Section II.A. Buyer may designate Seller as its agent for the purpose of arranging for transmission service, including settlement and bill payment for such service, necessary to transmit the Buyer's Power Supply Requirements under this Agreement.
 
III.  SCHEDULING AND SYSTEM PLANNING
 
A.   On or before November 1 of each year during the term of this Agreement, Buyer will inform Seller of its initial annual Capacity and Energy forecast for the next calendar year. Such initial annual forecast shall include: (a) Buyer's total service area load for the year, by month, (b) the portion of total service area load expected by Buyer to be supplied by third-party suppliers, including any power self-supplied by the Buyer, by month, and (c) the remaining portion of Buyer's total service area load expected to represent Buyer's Power Requirements, by month. Based on Buyer's initial annual forecast, as well as other information that may be communicated between Buyer and Seller as necessary and appropriate for system planning, Seller shall procure the necessary Generation Resources and develop forecasts of Buyer's Power Supply Requirements on a weekly, daily and hourly basis, and shall periodically update such forecasts to reflect current circumstances.

 
2

_
 
B.   On or before April 1, Buyer shall update its initial annual forecast for any full month(s) remaining in the calendar year. Seller shall invoice Buyer according to such adjusted Power Supply Requirements, if applicable, in accordance with Section IV.A.
 
 
C.   Buyer and Seller acknowledge that Buyer's Power Supply Requirements may vary from the forecasts provided under this Section III. Seller understands that it is responsible for supplying the total Power Supply Requirements, even if the Power Supply Requirements differ from the forecasted levels. Seller shall be entitled to sell Capacity and Energy to which Buyer is entitled, but does not use, to third parties for Seller's own account and at its own risk, and shall have no obligation to account to Buyer or share with Buyer any revenues received by Seller as a result of such sales; provided, however, that nothing in this Section, or in this Agreement as a whole, shall excuse or limit Seller's obligation to provide to Buyer in any period Buyer's total Power Supply Requirements.
 
D.   At Buyer's request, Seller shall provide its current or near term incremental cost of purchased power from third parties in sufficient detail as is necessary for Buyer to implement and administer its contracts with retail customers. Any purchased power data furnished to Buyer shall be treated as confidential information under Section VII.3 of this Agreement.
 
 
IV.   PRICE
 
Seller shall charge, and Buyer sha1l pay, for Buyer's Power Supply Requirements, as follows:
 
A.   Capacity Charges
 
Buyer will pay Seller one twelfth of the Capacity charge set forth in Exhibit A for each kW of annual billing demand. The annual billing demand is the greater of the Buyer's highest forecast peak for the year or Buyer's actual peak at the time of the FirstEnergy Control Area's annual coincident peak, multiplied by a factor of 1.12 to account for reserve requirements. The annual billing demand shall be adjusted for Real Power Losses incurred on the Transmission Provider's System.
 
B.   Energy Charges
 
In addition to the Capacity charges specified above, Buyer shall pay Seller the Energy charge per MWh set forth in Exhibit A for all Energy supplied by Seller to Buyer except for Buyer's pro rata share of energy provided under Section IV. C. below. The Energy supplied by Seller includes Real Power Losses. Buyer shall provide Seller aggregated metered sales in sufficient detail for Seller to determine after the fact, the quantity of Energy supplied to Buyer during a billing period. Buyer and Seller will abide by all applicable Code of Conduct provisions in exchanging this data, and such data will be considered Confidential Information under Section VII.3 of this Agreement.

 
3
 
C.   Other Charges
 
1.   Purchased Power Adjustment.
 
In addition to the charges specified above, Buyer will pay a monthly charge equal to its pro rata share of the total cost of purchased Power ("Purchased Power") incurred by Seller for delivery to the FirstEnergy Control Area in the previous calendar month. The total cost of purchased Power for a month shall be calculated by adding the total of such amounts delivered to the FirstEnergy Control Area and booked to FERC Account 555 or equivalent accounts maintained by Services. The pro rata share of total cost payable by Buyer shall be determined in accordance with Exhibit A.
 
2.   Taxes.
 
If a revenue or per MWH tax is imposed on Capacity, Energy, or Purchased Power sold under this Agreement the Buyer will reimburse the Seller for such taxes.
 
3.   Capacity Charge True Up.
 
In the event that the annual billing demand is increased during the course of a calendar year as a result of either an increase in the forecast demand under Section III.B., or a higher actual demand under Section IV.A., any shortfall in the annual capacity charges due Seller shall be included in the December invoice to Buyer. The shortfall amount shall be separately stated on the December invoice and shall be due and payable in accordance with Section IV.D.
 
D.   Unless otherwise specifically agreed upon by the Parties, the calendar month shall be the standard period for all payments under this Agreement. As soon as practicable after the end of each month, the Seller will render-an invoice to Buyer for the amounts due for Power Supply Requirements for the preceding month. Payment shall be due and payable within ten days of receipt of the invoice or, if such day is not a Business Day, then on the next Business Day. Buyer will make payments by electronic funds transfer, or by other mutually agreeable method(s) to the account designated by Seller. Any amounts not paid by the due date will be deemed delinquent and will accrue interest at the Interest Rate until the date of payment in full.
 
 
E.   Each Party shall keep complete and accurate records of its operations under this Agreement and shall maintain such data as may be necessary to determine the reasonableness and accuracy of all relevant data, estimates, or invoices submitted by or to it hereunder. All records regarding this Agreement shall be maintained for a period of two years from the date of the invoice or payment, or such longer period as may be required by law.


4
 
 
 
F.   Buyer shall have the right, at its own expense and during normal business hours, to audit the accounts and records of Seller that reasonably relate to the provision of service under this Agreement. If the audit reveals an inaccuracy in an invoice, the necessary adjustment in such invoice and the payments therefor will be promptly made. No adjustment will be made for any invoice or payment made more than two years from rendition thereof. This provision shall survive the termination of this Agreement for a period of two years from the date of termination for the purpose of such invoice and payment objections. To the extent that audited information includes Confidential Information, the Buyer shall keep all such information confidential under Section VII.3.
 
 
G.   Nothing contained herein shall be construed as affecting in any way the right of the Party furnishing service under this Agreement to unilaterally make application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for a change in rates under Section 205 of the Federal Power Act and pursuant to the Commission's Rules and Regulations thereunder.
 
V.   METERING
 
Generation metering shall be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the applicable interconnection agreement between the generator and Transmission Provider. Metering between control areas shall be handled in accordance with the applicable Open Access Transmission Tariff. Retail metering shall be provided in accordance with applicable state law. Nothing in this Agreement requires Seller or Buyer to install new metering facilities.
 
VI.   NOTICES
 
All notices, requests, statements or payments shall be made as specified below. Notices required to be in writing shall be delivered by letter, facsimile or other documentary form. Notice by facsimile or hand delivery shall be deemed to have been received by the close of the Business Day on which it was transmitted or hand delivered (unless transmitted or hand delivered after close in which case it shall be deemed received at the close of the next Business day). Notice by overnight mail or courier shall be deemed to have been received two Business Days after it was sent. A Party may change its addresses by providing notice of same in accordance herewith.
 
 
 
NOTICES & CORRESPONDENCE:
 
 

To Seller:
FirstEnergy solutions Corp.
To Buyer:
FirstEnergy Operating Companies
 
Vice President-Commodity Supply
 
Senior Vice President
 
395 Ghent Road
 
76 South Main Street
 
Akron, Ohio 44333
 
Akron, Ohio 44308

 
5

INVOICES & PAYMENTS:
 

To Seller:
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.
To Buyer:
FirstEnergy Operating Companies
 
Manager, Power Commodity
 
Manager, Rates and Contracts
 
Accounting
 
Administration
 
395 Ghent Road
 
76 South Main Street
 
Akron, Ohio 44333
 
Akron, Ohio 44308
 
 
 
SCHEDULING:

To Seller:
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.
To Buyer:
FirstEnergy Operating Companies
 
Manager, Electric Logistics
 
Manager, Rates and Contracts
 
395 Ghent Road
 
Administration
 
Akron, Ohio 44333
 
76 South Main Street
     
Akron, Ohio 44308
 
VII.   MISCELLANEOUS
 
 
7.1   Performance Excused.
 
If either Party is rendered unable by an event of Force Majeure to carry out, in whole or part, its obligations hereunder, then, during the pendency of such Force Majeure, but for no longer period, the Party affected by the event (other than the obligation to make payments then due or becoming due with respect to performance which occurred prior to the event) shall be relieved of its obligations insofar as they are affected by Force Majeure. The Party affected by an event of Force Majeure shall provide the other Party with written notice setting forth the full details thereof as soon as practicable after the occurrence of such event and shall take all reasonable measures to mitigate or minimize the effects of such event of Force Majeure; provided, however, that this provision shall not require Seller to deliver, or Buyer to receive, Power at Delivery Points other than those Delivery Points designated under this Agreement.
Force Majeure shall be defined as any cause beyond the reasonable control of, and not the result of negligence or the lack of diligence of, the Party claiming Force Majeure or its contractors or suppliers. It includes, without limitation, earthquake, storm, lightning, flood, backwater caused by flood, fire, explosion, act of the public enemy, epidemic, accident, failure of facilities, equipment or fuel supply, acts of God, war, riot, civil disturbances, strike, labor disturbances, labor or material shortage, national emergency, restraint by court order or other public authority or governmental agency, interruption of synchronous operation, or other similar or dissimilar causes beyond the control of the Party affected, which causes such Party could not have avoided by exercising good, electric operating practice. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require a Party to settle any strike, lockout, work stoppage, or other industrial disturbance or dispute in which it may be involved or to take an appeal from any judicial, regulatory or administrative action.


6


 
7.2   Transfer of Title and Indemnification
 
Title and risk of loss related to the Power Supply Requirements shall transfer to the Buyer at the Delivery Points. Seller warrants that it will deliver the Power Supply Requirements to Buyer free and clear of all liens, security interests, claims and encumbrances or any interest therein or thereto by any person arising prior to the Delivery Points. Each Party shall indemnify, defend an hold harmless the other Party from and against any claims arising from or out of any event, circumstance, act or incident first occurring or existing during the period when control and title to the Power Supply Requirements is vested in the other Party.
 
7.3   Confidentiality
 
Neither Party shall disclose to third parties Confidential Information obtained from the other Party pursuant to this Agreement except in order to comply with any applicable law, regulation, or any exchange, control area, or independent system operator rule, or in connection with any court or regulatory proceeding. Provided, however, that each Party shall to the extent practicable use reasonable efforts to prevent or limit the disclosure required to be provided to third parties.
 
7.4   Further Assurances.
 
Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, each of the Parties hereto will use reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and regulations to consummate and effective the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
7.5   Amendment.
 
This Agreement may be amended only by a written agreement signed by the Parties.
 
7.6   Assignment.
 
Unless mutually agreed to by the Parties, no assignment, pledge, or transfer of this Agreement shall be made by any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided, however, that no prior written consent shall be required for (i) the assignment, pledge or other transfer to another company or affiliate in the same holding company system as the assignor, pledgor or transferor, or (ii) the transfer, incident to a merger or consolidation with, or transfer of all (or substantially all) of the assets of the transferor, to another person or business entity; provided, however, that such assignee, pledgee, transferee or acquirer of such assets or the person with which it merges or into which it consolidates assumes in writing all of the obligations of such Party hereunder and provided, further, that either Party may, without the consent of the other Party (and without relieving itself from liability hereunder), transfer, sell, pledge, encumber or assign such Party's rights to the accounts, revenues or proceeds hereof in connection with any financing or other financial arrangements.


7

 
7.7   Governing Law.
 
The interpretation and performance of this Agreement shall be according to and controlled by the laws of the State of Ohio regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles of conflicts of laws.
 
7.8   Counterparts.
 
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts and each such counterpart shall constitute one and the same instrument.
 
7.9   Waiver.
 
No waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party shall be construed as a waiver of any other default. Any waiver shall be effective only for the particular event for which it is issued and shall not be deemed a waiver with respect to any subsequent performance, default or matter.
 
7.10   No Third Party Beneficiaries.
 
This Agreement shall not impart any rights enforceable by any third party (other than a permitted successor or assignee bound to this Agreement).
 
7.11   Severability.
 
Any provision declared or rendered unlawful by any applicable court of law or regulatory agency or deemed unlawful because of a statutory change will not otherwise affect the remaining lawful obligations that arise under this Agreement.
 
7.12   Construction.
 
The term "including" when used in this Agreement shall be by way of example only and shall not be considered in any way to be a limitation. The headings used herein are for convenience and reference purposes only.

 
 
8



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused their duly authorized representatives to execute this Revised Electric Power Supply Agreement on their behalf as of August 27, 2003.
 
 
 FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.
 
 
 
   
 The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company
 Ohio Edison Company
 The Toledo Edison Company
/s/ R. H. Marsh     /s/ E. T. Carey

   
R. H. Marsh
Senior V.P.
    E. T. Carey
Senior V.P.
 
 
     
 Pennsylvania Power Company
 
 
    /s/ E. T. Carey
   


   
E. T. Carey
Senior V.P.
 
 
 
9


Exhibit A
1. Capacity Charges
 
 

   
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
2005
 
                       
Annual price per kW
   
28.77
   
31.15
   
31.41
   
34.04
   
32.78
 
 
 
2. Energy Charges
 
 

 
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
 
         
$/MWH
23.62
22.94
25.13
25.82
25.42
 
 
 
3. Purchased Power Adjustment
 
 
The monthly purchased power adjustment shall be equal to:
 

Buyer’s Power Supply Requirements (MWH)
 
Sum of Purchased Power in dollars
 
X
Delivered to the Control Area
Seller’s Total Supply Delivered to Control Area
   
(MWH)
   
 
4. Taxes
 
 Will be applied on a per MWH basis if applicable.
 
10

 
Exhibit B
 DEFINITIONS
 
 
 
 
 
In addition to terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the terms listed below are defined as follows:
 
Affiliate means, with respect to any person, any other person (other than an individual) that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such person. For purposes of the foregoing definition, A control means the direct or indirect ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding capital stock or other equity interests having ordinary voting power or ability to direct the affairs of the affiliate.
 
American Transmission Systems, Incorporated or ATSI means the wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. that owns, operates, or controls facilities used for the transmission of Energy within the FirstEnergy Control Area.
 
Business Day means any day on which Federal Reserve member banks in New York City are open for business.
 
Capacity means the resource that produces electric Energy, measured in megawatts.
 
Delivery Point means, where Capacity and Energy are supplied from generating facilities owned or controlled by the Seller within the FirstEnergy Control Area, the point of interconnection between the generating facility and the transmission facilities of American Transmission Systems, Incorporated. Delivery Point means, where Capacity and Energy are supplied from generating resources outside of the FirstEnergy Control Area, the interface between the facilities of the adjacent control area and the facilities of American Transmission Systems, Inc.
 
 
Energy means electric energy delivered under this Agreement at three-phase, 60-hertz alternating current measured in megawatt hours.
 
FERC means The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or its regulatory successor.
 
FirstEnergy Control Area means the electric power system owned or controlled by affiliates of FirstEnergy Corp. to which a common automatic generation control scheme is applied in order to:
 
   1)   match, at all times, the power output of the generators within the electric power system, and Capacity and Energy purchased from entities outside the electric   power system, with the load within the electric power system;
 
  2)   maintain scheduled interchange with other control areas within the limits of Good Utility Practice;
 
   3)   maintain the frequency of the electric power system within reasonable limits in accordance with Good Utility Practice; and
 
   4)   provide sufficient generating capacity to maintain operating reserves in accordance with Good Utility Practice.
 
            Force Majeure has the meaning given in Section 7.1.
 
Good Utility Practice means any of the practices, methods and acts engaged in or approved by a significant portion of the electric utility industry during the relevant time period or any of the practices, methods and acts which, in the exercise of reasonable judgment in light of the facts known at the time the

 
11

decision was made, could have been expected to accomplish the desired result at a reasonable cost consistent with good business practices, reliability, safety, and expedition. Good Utility Practice is not intended to be limited to the optimum practice, method or act to the exclusion of all others, but rather to be acceptable practices, methods or acts, generally accepted in the region and consistently adhered to by utilities in the region.
 
Interest Rate means the lesser of Prime Rate plus two percent and the maximum lawful rate permitted by applicable law.
 
NERC means The North American Electric Reliability Council.
 
Power means Capacity and/or Energy.
 
Prime Rate means for any date, the per annum rate of interest announced from time to time by Citibank, N.A., as its prime rate for commercial loans, effective for such date as established from time to time by such bank.
 
Real Power Losses means Capacity and Energy supplied to compensate for losses that occur when Power is delivered over transmission and distribution facilities.
 
Taxes means all ad valorem, property, occupation, utility, gross receipts, sales, use, excise and other taxes, governmental charges, licenses, permits and assessments, other than taxes based on net income or net worth.
 
Transmission Provider means the utility, regional transmission organization, or utilities, including ATSI, transmitting Power on behalf of Buyer to or from the Delivery Point(s) under this Agreement.

12



 
 
\
,
FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20426
 
 
September 25,2003
 
 
 
To:   FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.                                                                               Docket No. ER03-1256-000
 
Re:   Revised power sales agreement (Agreement) with FirstEnergy Operating Companies
 
 
Pursuant to authority delegated to the Director, Division of Tariffs and Markets Development - - Central, under 18 C.F.R. 375.307, your Agreement is accepted for filing to become effective October 1, 2003. The proposed filing revises the original power sales agreement to reflect ministerial changes and to clarify existing billing practices.
 
Under 18 C.F.R. 385.210, interventions are timely if made within the time prescribed by the Secretary. Under 18 C.F.R. 385.214, the filing of a timely motion to intervene makes the movant a party to the proceeding, if no answer in opposition is filed within fifteen days. The filing of a timely notice of intervention makes a State Commission a party to the proceeding.
 
This action does not constitute approval of any service, rate, charge, classification, or any rule, regulation, contract, or practice affecting such rate or service provided for in the filed documents; nor shall such action be deemed as recognition of any claimed contractual right or obligation affecting or relating to such service or rate; and such action is without prejudice to any findings or orders which have been or may hereafter be made by the Commission in any proceeding now pending or hereafter instituted by or against any of the applicant(s).
 
This order constitutes final agency action. Requests for rehearing by the Commission may be filed within 30 days of the date of issuance of this order, pursuant to 18 C.F.R. 385.713.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
 
 
Michael C. McLaughlin, Director
Division of Tariffs and Market Development - Central
 
 
 
13
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EX-10.11 28 ex10-11.htm MASTER FACILITY LEASE Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-11
[Execution Copy]
















MASTER FACILITY LEASE



Dated as of January 1, 2001


between



OHIO EDISON COMPANY
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

Lessors



and



FIRSTENERGY GENERATION CORP.,

Lessee












TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 Section 1.  Definitions  4
   
 
Section 2.
Lease of the Transferred Property; Term; Description….
  4
 
(a) Lease of the Transferred Property
  4
 
(b) Term
  4
 
(c) Description
  4
     
Section 3.
Rent
  4
 
(a) Rent
  4
 
(b) Manner of Payment
  5
     
Section 4.
Net Lease
  5
     
Section 5.
Return of the Transferred Property
  6
 
(a) Return of the Transferred Property
  6
 
(b) Disposition Services
  6
     
Section 6.
Warranty of the Lessors
  6
 
(a) Quiet Enjoyment
  6
 
(b) Disclaimer of Other Warranties
  6
 
(c) Enforcement of Certain Warranties
  7
     
Section 7.
Liens
  7
     
Section 8.
Operation and Maintenance; Inspection; Capital Improvements
  7
 
(a) Operation and Maintenance
  7
 
(b) Inspection
  7
 
(c) Capital Improvements
  7
 
(d) Reports
  8
 
(e) Title to Capital Improvements
  8
     
Section 9.
Damage or Loss
  8
 
(a) Damage or Loss
  8
 
(b) Repair
  8
 
(c) Application of Payments
  8
 
     (i) Other Dispositions
  8
     
Section 10.
Insurance
  8
 
(a) Required Insurance
  8 
 
(b) Permitted Insurance
  9
     
Section 11.
Rights to Assign or Sublease
  9
 
(a) Assignment or Sublease by the Lessee
10
     
Section 12.
Purchase Option
10
 
(a) Purchase Option
10
 
(b) Purchase of the Transferred
 
 
     Property; Payment, Etc.
10
     
Section 13.
Events of Default
10
     



     
Section 14.
Remedies
11
 
(a) Remedies
11
 
(b) No Release
12
 
(c) Remedies Cumulative
12
 
(d) Exercise of Other Rights or Remedies
12
     
Section 15.
Notices
12
     
Section 16.
Successors and Assigns
13
     
Section 17.
Right to Perform for Lessee
14
     
Section 18.
Amendments and Miscellaneous
14
 
(a) Amendments in Writing
14
 
(b) Survival
14
 
(c) Severability of Provisions
14
 
(d) True Lease
14
 
(e) Governing Law
14
 
(f) Headings
14
 
(g) Counterpart Execution
14
   
14
Section 19
Special Termination
14







MASTER FACILITY LEASE


This MASTER FACILITY LEASE, dated as of January 1, 2001 between OHIO EDISON COMPANY, an Ohio corporation (the åOE Lessoræ), PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY, a Pennsylvania corporation (the åPP Lessoræ), THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY, an Ohio corporation (the åCEI Lessoræ), THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY, an Ohio corporation (the åTE Lessoræ) (collectively the åLessorsæ) and FIRSTENERGY GENERATION CORP., an Ohio corporation (the åLesseeæ).


W I T N E S S E T H:


WHEREAS, the Lessors own the Transferred Property in their individual capacity or as tenants in common;

WHEREAS, the Lessee desires to lease from the Lessors the Transferred Property on the terms and conditions set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Lessors are willing to lease the Transferred Property to the Lessee on the terms and conditions set forth herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of other good and valuable consideration, receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1.   Definitions.

For purposes hereof, capitalized terms used herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in Appendix A hereto. References in this Master Facility Lease to sections, paragraphs and clauses are to sections, paragraphs and clauses in this Master Facility Lease unless otherwise indicated.

Section 2.
Lease of the Transferred Property; Term.

(a) Lease of the Transferred Property. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Master Facility Lease, the Lessors hereby lease to the Lessee, and the Lessee hereby leases from the Lessors, the Transferred Property.

(b) Term. The term of this Master Facility Lease shall begin on the date hereof and shall end on the last day of the Lease Term.
 
(c) Description. The Transferred Property is scheduled on Exhibit A for OE Lessor property, Exhibit B for PP Lessor property, Exhibit C for CEI Lessor property and Exhibit D for TE Lessor property.
 
Section 3.   Rent.

(a) Rent. The Lessee shall pay to the Lessors, as rent (herein referred to as åRentæ) for the Transferred Property, on June 30, 2001, and on each December 31 and June 30 thereafter to and including the last day of the Lease Term, payments as indicated on Exhibit A for OE Lessor property, Exhibit B for PP Lessor property, Exhibit C for CEI Lessor property and Exhibit D for TE Lessor property.

The Lessors shall have all rights, powers, and remedies provided for in this Master Facility Lease, at law, in equity or otherwise, in the case of non-payment of Rent.


4

(b) Manner of Payment. Each payment of Rent under this Master Facility Lease shall be made on the date each such payment shall be due and payable hereunder and shall be paid either to the Lessors at their addresses determined in accordance with Section 17, or at such other addresses as the Lessors may direct by notice in writing to the Lessee. If the date on which any payment of Rent is due hereunder shall not be a Business Day, the payment otherwise due thereon shall be due and payable on the next Business Day, with the same force and effect as if paid on the nominal date provided in this Master Facility Lease.

Section 4.   Net Lease.

This Master Facility Lease (as originally executed and as modified, supplemented and amended from time to time) is a net lease and the Lessee hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Lessee’s obligation to pay all Rent hereunder, and the right of the Lessors in and to such Rent, shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable and shall not be affected by any circumstances of any character, including, without limitation, (i) any set-off, abatement, counterclaim, suspension, recoupment, reduction, rescission, defense or other right or claim which the Lessee may have against any of the Lessors, any vendor or manufacturer of any equipment or assets included in the Transferred Property, any Capital Improvement, or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (ii) any defect in or failure of the title, merchantability, condition, design, compliance with specifications, operation or fitness for use of all or any part of the Transferred Property or any Capital Improvement, (iii) any damage to, or removal, abandonment, shutdown, salvage, scrapping, requisition, taking, condemnation, loss, theft or destruction of all or any part of the Transferred Property, any Capital Improvement, or any interference, interruption or cessation in the use or possession thereof or of the Transferred Property by the Lessee or by any other for any reason whatsoever or of whatever duration, (iv) any restriction, prevention or curtailment of or interference with any use of all or any part of the Transferred Property, or any Capital Improvement, (v) any insolvency, bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding by or against the Lessee, the Lessors, or any other Person, (vi) the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of this Master Facility Lease or any other instrument referred to herein or any other infirmity herein or therein or any lack of right, power or authority of the Lessors, the Lessee or any other Person to enter into this Master Facility Lease or any other instrument referred to herein or to perform the obligations thereunder or the transactions contemplated thereby or any doctrine of force majeure, impossibility, frustration, failure of consideration, or any similar legal or equitable doctrine that the Lessee’s obligation to pay Rent is excused because the Lessee has not received or will not receive the benefit for which the Lessee bargained, it being the intent of the Lessee to assume all risks from all causes whatsoever that the Lessee does not receive such benefit, (vii) the breach or failure of any warranty or representation made in this Master Facility Lease or any instrument referred to herein by the Lessor or any other Person, (viii) any amendment or other change of, or any assignment of rights under this Master Facility Lease or any instrument referred to herein, or any waiver, action or inaction under or in respect of this Master Facility Lease or any instrument referred to herein or any exercise or nonexercise of any right or remedy under this Master Facility Lease or any instrument referred to herein, including, without limitation, the exercise of any foreclosure or other remedy under this Master Facility Lease, any Capital Improvement, the Transferred Property, or any part thereof or any interest therein, or (ix) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever whether or not similar to any of the foregoing. The Lessee acknowledges that by conveying the leasehold estate created by this Master Facility Lease to the Lessee and by putting the Lessee in possession of the Transferred Property the Lessors have performed all of the Lessors’ obligations under and in respect of this Master Facility Lease, except the covenant contained in Section 6(a). The Lessee hereby waives, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, any and all rights, which it may now have or which at any time hereafter may be conferred upon it, by statute or otherwise, to terminate, cancel, quit or surrender this Master Facility Lease or to effect or claim any diminution or reduction of Rent payable by the Lessee hereunder, except in accordance with the express terms hereof. Each payment of Rent made by the Lessee hereunder shall be final and the Lessee shall not seek or have any right to recover all or any part of such payment from the Lessors or any other Person for any reason whatsoever. All covenants, agreements and undertakings of the Lessee herein shall be performed at its cost, expense and risk unless expressly otherwise stated. Without limiting the generality of this Section 4, the Lessee will reimburse the Lessors for any insurance and property taxes that may be paid by the Lessors with respect to the Transferred

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Property and for any expenses, including attorney fees, incurred by the Lessors in challenging the imposition of any such property taxes. Nothing in this Section 4 or elsewhere shall be construed as a guaranty by the Lessee of any residual value in the Transferred Property.

Section 5.   Return of the Transferred Property.

(a) Return of the Transferred Property. Unless the Lessee has theretofore acquired the Transferred Property as provided in Section 12, on the Lease Termination Date, the Lessee will surrender possession of the Transferred Property to the Lessors. At the time of such return the Lessee shall pay or have paid all amounts due and payable, or to become due and payable, which are allocable or chargeable (whether or not payable during or after the Lease Term) to the Transferred Property in respect of any period or periods ending on or prior to the Lease Termination Date (including, but without limitation, all amounts payable with respect to any and all Capital Improvements paid by the Lessors relating to the Transferred Property prior to the end of the Lease Term), and the Transferred Property shall be free and clear of all Liens (other than Permitted Liens) and in the condition and state of repair required by Section 8.

(b) Disposition Services. The Lessee agrees that if it does not exercise its Option to purchase as provided in Section 12, then the Lessee will fully cooperate with the Lessors in connection with the Lessors’ efforts to lease or dispose of the Transferred Property including using the Lessee’s reasonable efforts to lease or dispose of the Transferred Property. The Lessors agree to reimburse the Lessee for reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Lessee incurred at the request of the Lessors in connection with such cooperation and such efforts, but only to the extent of proceeds actually received by the Lessors.

Section 6.    Warranty of the Lessors.

(a) Quiet Enjoyment. Subject to Section 19, the Lessors warrant that unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing the Lessee’s use and possession of the Undivided Interests in the Transferred Property in accordance with the terms hereof shall not be interrupted by the Lessors or any Person claiming by, through or under the Lessors and their respective successors and assigns (other than as provided for with respect to the Permitted Liens)

(b) Disclaimer of Other Warranties. The warranty set forth in Section 6 (a) is in lieu of all other warranties of the Lessors, whether written, oral or implied, with respect to this Master Facility Lease, any Capital Improvement, or the Transferred Property. As between the Lessors and the Lessee, execution by the Lessee of this Master Facility Lease shall be conclusive proof of the compliance of the Transferred Property (including any Capital Improvement) with all requirements of this Master Facility Lease, and the Lessee acknowledges and agrees that (i) THE LESSORS ARE NOT MANUFACTURERS OR DEALERS IN PROPERTY OF SUCH KIND, (ii) THE LESSORS LEASE AND THE LESSEE TAKES THE TRANSFERRED PROPERTY, AND SHALL TAKE ANY APPLICABLE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT AND ANY PART THEREOF, AND (iii) THE LESSORS SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE, AND THE LESSORS DISCLAIM, ANY OTHER REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS TO ANY MATTER WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE DESIGN OR CONDITION OF THE TRANSFERRED PROPERTY, ANY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT, THE MERCHANTABILITY THEREOF OR THE FITNESS THEREOF FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE TO THE TRANSFERRED PROPERTY, ANY CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT, THE QUALITY OF THE MATERIAL OR WORKMANSHIP THEREOF OR CONFORMITY THEREOF TO SPECIFICATIONS, FREEDOM FROM PATENT OR TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT OR THE ABSENCE OF ANY LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, WHETHER OR NOT DISCOVERABLE, NOR SHALL THE LESSORS BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING LIABILITY IN TORT, STRICT OR OTHERWISE), it being agreed that all such risks, as between the Lessors and the Lessee, are to be borne by the Lessee. The provisions of this Section 6(b) have been negotiated, and, except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in Section 6(a), the foregoing provisions are intended to be a complete exclusion and negation of any representations or warranties by the Lessors, express or implied,

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with respect to the Transferred Property (including any Capital Improvement), that may arise pursuant to any law now or hereafter in effect, or otherwise.

(c) Enforcement of Certain Warranties. The Lessors authorize the Lessee (directly or through agents), at the Lessee’s expense, to assert for the Lessors’ accounts, during the Lease Term, all of the Lessors’ rights (if any) under any applicable warranty and any other claims (under this Master Facility Lease) that the Lessee or the Lessors may have against any vendor or manufacturer with respect to the Transferred Property (including any Capital Improvement), and the Lessors agree to cooperate, at the Lessee’s expense, with the Lessee and any Agent in asserting such rights.

Section 7.   Liens.

The Lessee will not directly or indirectly create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien except Permitted Liens on or with respect to the Transferred Property, the Lessors’ respective title thereto or any interest of the Lessors or Lessee therein (and the Lessee will promptly, at its own expense, take such action as may be necessary duly to discharge any such Lien, except Permitted Liens).

Section 8.   Operation and Maintenance; Inspection; Capital Improvements.

(a) Operation and Maintenance. The Lessee shall have unrestricted access to the Transferred Property and will (A) maintain the Transferred Property in such condition that the Transferred Property will have the capacity and functional ability to perform, on a continuing basis (ordinary wear and tear excepted), in normal commercial operation, the functions and substantially at the ratings for which it was designed, (B) operate, service, maintain and repair the Transferred Property and replace all necessary or useful parts and components thereof so that the condition and operating efficiency will be maintained and preserved, ordinary wear and tear excepted, in all material respects in accordance with (1) Good Utility Practice for items of similar size and nature, (2) such operating standards as shall be required to take advantage of and enforce all available warranties and (3) the terms and conditions of all insurance policies maintained in effect at any time with respect thereto, and (C) use, possess, operate and maintain the Transferred Property in compliance with all Mortgage Requirements and with all material applicable Governmental Actions (including any applicable License) affecting the Transferred Property or the use, possession, operation and maintenance thereof. The Lessee will comply with all its obligations under Applicable Law affecting the Transferred Property, and the use, operation and maintenance thereof. As between the Lessors and the Lessee, the Lessors shall not be obliged in any way to maintain, alter, repair, rebuild or replace the Transferred Property or any part thereof, or to pay the cost of alteration, rebuilding, replacement, repair or maintenance of the Transferred Property or any part thereof, and the Lessee expressly waives the right to perform any such action at the expense of the Lessors pursuant to any law at any time in effect.

(b) Inspection. The Lessors (or authorized representatives with appropriate security clearance, if necessary) shall have the right to inspect the Transferred Property (subject, in each event, to Applicable Law, applicable confidentiality undertakings which have been established and established procedures) at their expense. The Lessors shall not have any duty whatsoever to make any inspection, or inquiry referred to in this Section 8 (b) and shall not incur any liability or obligation by reason of not making any such inspection or inquiry.

(c) Capital Improvements. The Lessee shall, at its sole expense, promptly participate in the making of any required Capital Improvement to the Transferred Property. The interests of the Lessors in Transferred Property at any time removed shall continue, no matter where located, until such time as a Capital Improvement constituting a replacement of such property shall have been installed or such removed property has been disposed of. Simultaneously with such disposition, title to the removed property shall vest in the Person receiving such property, and upon the release of the Permitted Liens if necessary, free and clear of any and all claims or rights of the Lessors. Upon the incorporation of a Capital Improvement which constitutes a replacement of Transferred Property without further act, (i) title to such Capital Improvement shall vest in the Lessors in the same proportion as their title to the property replaced and (ii) such Capital Improvement shall become subject to this Master Facility Lease and be

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deemed to be part of the Transferred Property for all purposes hereof. The Lessee warrants and agrees that the Lessors’ interest in all Capital Improvements shall be free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens.

(d) Reports. To the extent permissible, the Lessee shall prepare and file in a timely fashion, or where the Lessors shall be required to file, the Lessee shall prepare or cause to be prepared and deliver to the Lessors within a reasonable time prior to the date for filing, any reports with respect to the Transferred Property or the condition or operation thereof that shall be required to be filed with any Governmental Authority or because of a Mortgage Requirement.

(e) Title to Capital Improvements. Except as set forth in Section 8(c), title to each Capital Improvement shall vest in Lessors in proportion to their ownership of the Transferred Property to which the Capital Improvement relates and such Capital Improvements shall be deemed to be part of the Transferred Property.

Section 9.   Damage or Loss.

(a) Damage or Loss. In the event that the Transferred Property or any substantial part thereof shall suffer destruction, damage, loss, condemnation, confiscation, theft or seizure for any reason whatsoever, such fact shall promptly, and in any case within five Business Days after such event, be reported by the Lessee to the Lessors.

(b) Repair. The Lessee shall promptly make any and all payments required of the Lessee relating to damage or destruction or the like to the Transferred Property or any portion thereof.

(c) Application of Payments. Payments received (considering as part of such amount received any amount which was set off or deducted therefrom as a result of a claim by any Person against the Lessee) at any time by the Lessors or the Lessee (other than insurance placed by the Lessors pursuant to Section 10(b)) from any insurer or other Person with respect to any destruction, damage, loss, condemnation, confiscation, theft seizure of or requisition of title to the Undivided Interests in the Transferred Property or any part thereof, shall be applied first as required by any Mortgage Requirements, second, to reimburse the Lessee for all amounts expended by it pursuant to Section 9(b) and third, the balance, if any, of such payments shall, in the case of payments from insurance carried by or on behalf of the Lessee, be paid to the Lessee or, in the case of other payments, be divided between the Lessors and the Lessee as their interests may appear.

(d) Other Dispositions. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9, if a Default or an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, any amount that would otherwise be payable to or for the account of, or that would otherwise be retained by, the Lessee pursuant to Section 10 or this Section 9 shall be paid to the Lessors as security for the obligations of the Lessee under this Master Facility Lease and, at such time thereafter as no Default or Event of Default shall be continuing, such amount shall be paid promptly to the Lessee unless this Facility Lease shall have theretofore been declared to be in default, in which event such amount shall be disposed of in accordance with the provision hereof.

Section 10.  Insurance.

(a) Required Insurance. The Lessee will cause the carrying and maintenance of at least the following insurance coverage, or proof of self-insurance, with respect to the in the Transferred Property with insurers of recognized responsibility, in such form as shall be satisfactory to the Lessors. At Lessors’ option, Lessors may obtain or maintain insurance coverage as set forth herein, and Lessee shall reimburse Lessors for all insurance premiums paid by Lessors.


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(1) Types of Insurance.

(i) The Lessee shall maintain ‘all risk’ property insurance covering physical loss with respect to the Transferred Property in such amounts and with such other terms as are required by or are in accordance with Good Utility Practice, but in no event shall such amounts be less than the estimated maximum probable loss in respect of such property. Any insurance carried in accordance with this Section 10(a)(1)(i) shall be endorsed to provide that:

(A) losses shall be adjusted and paid as provided in Section 10(a)(2); and

(B)
the Lessors are included as an additional insured, as their interests may appear (any obligation imposed upon the insured (including without limitation the liability to pay premiums) shall be the sole obligation of the Lessee and not that of the Lessors).
 
            (ii) The Lessee shall maintain bodily injury and property damage liability insurance (including product liability, completed operations and personal injury   insurance) covering claims arising out of the ownership, operation, maintenance, condition or use of the Transferred Property. The amount and other terms of such insurance shall be in accordance with Good Utility Practice. Any insurance carried in accordance with this Section 10(a)(1)(ii) shall be endorsed as provided in paragraph (B) of Section 10(a)(1)(i).

(2) Proceeds.

All insurance proceeds paid in respect of or pursuant to paragraphs (1) above shall (i) be applied as provided in Section 9(c) or (d), as the case may be, and (ii) be adjusted with the insurance companies or otherwise collected, including the filing of appropriate proceedings; subject, however, to any priority allocations of such proceeds to decontamination and debris removal set forth in the insurance policies or required under Applicable Law.

(b) Permitted Insurance. Nothing in this Section 10 shall prohibit the Lessee from placing at its expense insurance on or with respect to the cost of purchasing replacement power, naming the Lessee as insured and/or loss payee, unless such insurance would conflict with or otherwise limit the availability of insurance to be provided or maintained in accordance with Section 10(a). Nothing in this Section 10 shall prohibit the Lessors from placing at their expense other insurance on or with respect to the Transferred Property or the operation of the Transferred Property, naming the Lessors as insured and/or loss payees unless such insurance would conflict with or otherwise limit the insurance to be provided or maintained in accordance with Section 10(a).

Section 11.  Rights to Assign or Sublease.

(a) Assignment or Sublease by the Lessee. Without the prior written consent of the Lessors, the Lessee shall not assign, sublease, transfer or encumber (except for Permitted Liens) its leasehold interest in the Transferred Property under this Master Facility Lease. The Lessee shall not, without the prior written consent of the Lessors, part with the possession of, or suffer or allow to pass out of its possession, the Transferred Property, or any interest therein, except as expressly permitted by the provisions of this Master Facility Lease.

Section 12.   Purchase Option.

(a) Purchase Option. Provided that no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Lessee shall have the right at any time to purchase the portions of the Transferred Property listed on Exhibits A, B, C and D for a purchase price for such portion equal to the amounts shown on Exhibit A for OE Lessor property, Exhibit B for PP Lessor property, Exhibit C for CEI Lessor property and Exhibit D for TE Lessor property.


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(b) Purchase of the Transferred Property; Payment, Etc. If the Lessee shall have elected to purchase any portion of the Transferred Property pursuant to Section 12(a), payment by the Lessee of the purchase price therefor may be made either in immediately available funds or by executing a promissory note, secured by a lien on such portion of the Transferred Property, payable to the respective Lessors, whereupon the Lessors shall transfer the appropriate portion of Transferred Property to the Lessee.

Section 13.  Events of Default.

The term “Event of Default” wherever used herein, shall mean any of the following events (whatever the reason for such Event of Default and whether it shall be voluntary or involuntary, or come about or be effected by operation of law, or be pursuant to or in compliance with any Applicable Law or Governmental Action):

(i) the Lessee shall fail to make, or cause to be made, any payment of Rent within 5 Business Days after the same shall become due; or

(ii) the Lessee shall fail to perform or observe any covenant, condition or agreement to be performed or observed by it under Section 7 or 11 of this Master Facility Lease; or

(iii) the Lessee shall fail to perform its agreements set forth in Section 5(a) hereof; or

(iv) the Lessee shall fail to perform or observe any covenant, condition, or agreement (other than those referred to in clauses (i) through (iii) above) to be performed or observed by it under this Master Facility Lease, and such failure shall continue for a period of 30 days after there shall have been given to the Lessee by the Lessors a notice specifying such failure and requiring it to be remedied; or

(v) any representation or warranty made by the Lessee in this Master Facility Lease or any agreement, document or certificate delivered by the Lessee in connection herewith shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect when such representation or warranty was made or given and shall remain material and materially incorrect at the time in question; or

(vi) the Lessee shall commence a voluntary case or other proceeding seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to itself or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, or shall consent to any such relief or to the appointment of or taking of possession by any such official in an involuntary case or other proceeding commenced against it, or shall make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or shall take any corporate action to authorize any of the foregoing; or an involuntary case or other proceeding shall be commenced against the Lessee seeking liquidation, reorganization or other relief with respect to it or its debts under any bankruptcy, insolvency or other similar law now or hereafter in effect or seeking the appointment of a trustee, receiver, liquidator, custodian or other similar official of it or any substantial part of its property, and such involuntary case or other proceeding shall remain undismissed or unstayed for a period of 60 consecutive days; or

(vii) final judgment for the payment of money in excess of $50,000,000 shall be rendered against the Lessee and the Lessee shall not have discharged the same or provided for its discharge in accordance with its terms or bonded the same or procured a stay of execution thereof within 60 days from the entry thereof; or

(viii) (1) the Lessee shall fail to pay where due (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand or otherwise any Debt if the principal amount (or equivalent) thereof is greater than $50,000,000, and such failure shall continue after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in the agreement or instrument relating to such Debt, or (2) any other default under any agreement or instrument relating to any such Debt, or any other event, shall occur and shall continue

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after the applicable grace period, if any, specified in such agreement or instrument, if the effect of such default or event is to accelerate the maturity of such Debt.

Section 14.  Remedies.

(a) Remedies. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default and so long as the same shall be continuing, the Lessors may, to the extent permitted by Applicable Law, exercise one or more of the following remedies, except as hereinbelow expressly otherwise set forth, as the Lessors in their sole discretion shall elect:

(i) the Lessors may declare this Master Facility Lease to be in default by written notice to such effect given to the Lessee, or may, by notice to the Lessee, rescind or terminate this Master Facility Lease;

(ii) the Lessors may (x) demand that the Lessee, and thereupon the Lessee shall, return possession of the Transferred Property promptly to the Lessors in the manner and condition required by, and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of, this Master Facility Lease as if the Transferred Property were being returned at the end of the Lease Term and the Lessors shall not be liable for the reimbursement of the Lessee for any costs and expenses incurred by the Lessee in connection therewith and (y) enter upon the applicable site of the Transferred Property and take immediate possession of (to the exclusion of the Lessee) the Transferred Property, by summary proceedings or otherwise, all without liability to the Lessee for or by reason of such entry or taking of possession, whether for the restoration of damage to property caused by such taking or otherwise;

(iii) the Lessors may sell the Transferred Property or any part thereof, at public or private sale, as the Lessors may determine, free and clear of any rights of the Lessee in the Transferred Property and without any duty to account to the Lessee with respect to such action or inaction or any proceeds with respect thereto, in which event the Lessee’s obligation to pay Rent hereunder for periods commencing after the date of such sale shall be terminated;

(iv) the Lessors may hold, keep idle or lease to others all or any part of the Transferred Property, as the Lessors in their sole discretion may determine, free and clear of any rights of the Lessee and without any duty to account to the Lessee with respect to such action or inaction or for any proceeds with respect to such action or inaction, except that the Lessee’s obligation to pay Rent for periods commencing after the Lessee shall have been deprived of use of the Transferred Property pursuant to this clause (iv) shall be reduced by an amount equal to the net proceeds, if any, received by the Lessors from leasing the Transferred Property to any Person other than the Lessee for the same periods or any portion thereof; or

(v) the Lessors may exercise any other right or remedy that may be available to them under any Applicable Law or proceed by appropriate court action to enforce the terms hereof or to recover damages for the breach hereof.

(b) No Release. No rescission or termination of this Master Facility Lease, in whole or in part, or repossession of the Transferred Property or exercise of any remedy under paragraph (a) of this Section 14 shall, except as specifically provided therein, relieve the Lessee of any of its liabilities and obligations hereunder. In addition, the Lessee shall be liable, except as otherwise provided above, for any and all unpaid Rent due hereunder before, after or during the exercise of any of the foregoing remedies, including all reasonable legal fees and the costs and expenses incurred by the Lessors by reason of the occurrence of any Event of Default or the exercise of the Lessors’ remedies with respect thereto. At any sale of the Transferred Property, or any part thereof pursuant to this Section 14, the Lessors may bid for and purchase such property.


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(c) Remedies Cumulative. Except as expressly set forth therein, no remedy under paragraph (a) of this Section 14 is intended to be exclusive, but each shall be cumulative and in addition to any other remedy provided under such paragraph (a) or otherwise available to the Lessors at law or in equity. No express or implied waiver by the Lessors of any Default or Event of Default hereunder shall in any way be, or be construed to be, a waiver of any future or subsequent Default or Event of Default. The failure or delay of the Lessors in exercising any right granted it hereunder upon any occurrence of any of the contingencies set forth herein shall not constitute a waiver of any such right upon the continuation or recurrence of any such contingencies or similar contingencies and any single or partial exercise of any particular right by the Lessors shall not exhaust the same or constitute a waiver of any other right provided herein. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Lessee hereby waives any rights now or hereafter conferred by statute or otherwise which may require the Lessors to sell, lease or otherwise use the Transferred Property in mitigation of the Lessors’ damages as set forth in paragraph (a) of this Section 14 or which may otherwise limit or modify any of the Lessors’ rights and remedies provided in this Section 14.

(d) Exercise of Other Rights or Remedies. In addition to all other rights and remedies provided in this Section 14, the Lessors may exercise any other right or remedy that may be available to it under Applicable Law or proceed by appropriate court action to enforce the terms hereof or to recover damages for the breach hereof.

Section 15.  Notices.

All communications and notices provided for in this Master Facility Lease shall be in writing and shall be given in person or by means of telex, fax, or other wire transmission, or mailed by registered or certified mail, addressed as follows. All such communications and notices given in such manner shall be effective on the date of receipt of such communication or notice.

(i)       If to Lessors, to:

OHIO EDISON COMPANY
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

Telephone: 330-384-5100
Fax:  330-384-3866

Attention: Corporate Secretary

PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

Telephone: 330-384-5100
Fax:  330-384-3866

Attention: Corporate Secretary


THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

Telephone: 330-384-5100

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Fax:  330-384-3866

Attention: Corporate Secretary


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

Telephone: 330-384-5100
Fax:  330-384-3866
                                   Attention: Corporate Secretary
 
                              (ii)  If to Lessee, to:

FIRSTENERGY GENERATION CORP.
c/o FirstEnergy Corp.
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

Telephone: 330-384-5100
Telecopier: 330-384-3866

Attention: Corporate Secretary


Section 16.  Successors and Assigns.

This Master Facility Lease, including all agreements, covenants, indemnities, representations and warranties, shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Lessors and their successors and permitted assigns, and the Lessee and its successors and, to the extent permitted hereby, assigns.
 
Section 17.  Right to Perform for Lessee.

If the Lessee shall fail to make any payment of Rent to be made by it, or shall fail to perform or comply with any of its other agreements contained herein, the Lessors may, but shall not be obligated to, to the extent not prohibited by Applicable Law, tender such payment, or to the extent not prohibited by Applicable Law, effect such performance or compliance, and the amount of such payment, and the amount of all costs and expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys and other professionals fees and expenses) of the Lessors incurred in connection with such payment or in effecting such performance or compliance, together with interest thereon at the Prime Rate plus two percent (2%), shall be deemed additional Rent payable on demand.

Section 18.  Amendments and Miscellaneous.

(a) Amendments in Writing. The terms of this Master Facility Lease may not be waived, altered, modified, amended, supplemented or terminated in any manner whatsoever except by written instrument signed by the Lessors and the Lessee.

(b) Survival. (a) All indemnities, representations and warranties contained in this Master Facility Lease and in any agreement, document or certificate delivered pursuant hereto or in connection herewith shall survive, and continue in effect following, the execution and delivery of this Master Facility Lease and the expiration or other termination of this Master Facility Lease.


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(2) The obligations of the Lessee under Sections 5, 14 and 17 hereof shall survive the expiration or termination of this Master Facility Lease. The extension of any applicable statute of limitations by the Lessors or the Lessee shall not affect such survival.

(c) Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this Master Facility Lease which may be determined by competent authority to be prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. To the extent permitted by Applicable Law, the Lessee hereby waives any provision of law which renders any provision hereof prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.

(d) True Lease. This Master Facility Lease is intended as, and shall constitute, an agreement of lease and nothing herein shall be construed as conveying to the Lessee any right, title or interest in or to the Transferred Property except as lessee only.

(e) Governing Law. This Master Facility Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the State of Ohio.

(f) Headings. The division of this Master Facility Lease into sections, the provision of a table of contents and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the construction or interpretation of this Master Facility Lease.
 
                  (g) Counterpart Execution. This Master Facility Lease may be executed in any number of counterparts and by each of the parties hereto or thereto on separate counterparts, all such counterparts together constituting but one and the same instrument.
 
Section 19.  Special Termination.  This Master Lease may be terminated at any time with respect to Affected Property by the Company or by the trustee under the applicable Mortgage, or by a purchaser who acquires the Affected Property as a result of the exercise of remedies provided for under the applicable Mortgage in connection with a default thereunder.





IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Master Facility Lease to be duly executed in Akron, Ohio, as of December 29, 2000 by an officer thereunto duly authorized.
     
Signed and acknowledged by FirstEnergy
Generation Corp, in the presence of: 
FIRSTENERGY GENERATION CORP.
 
 
 
By:
 
 

 
 
  
         Arthur R. Garfield
            President

     
    
     
 
   
Signed and acknowledged by FirstEnergy
Generation Corp, in the presence of: 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
 
By:
 
 

 
  
      H. Peter Burg
            President

    
   
     
 
   
Signed and acknowledged by FirstEnergy
Generation Corp, in the presence of: 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 
 
 
By:
 
 

 
  
      H. Peter Burg
            Chairman of the Board

    
   
     
 
   
Signed and acknowledged by FirstEnergy
Generation Corp, in the presence of: 
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
 
 
 
By:
 
 

 
 
  
      H. Peter Burg 
            President

     
   
     
 
   
Signed and acknowledged by FirstEnergy
Generation Corp, in the presence of: 
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
 
 
 
By:
 
 

 
 
  
      H. Peter Burg
            President

     
   
     
 
 

STATE OF OHIO         )
                                             ) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT  )

BEFORE ME, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared the above-named FIRSTENERGY GENERATION CORP., by Arthur R. Garfield, as President, who acknowledged that he did sign the foregoing instrument on behalf of said Corporation by authority of its Board of Directors and that the same is the free act and deed of said Corporation and his free act and deed individually and as such officer.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at Akron, Ohio as of this 29th day of December, 2000.
 
 
 

Notary Public
 
My Commission Expires: 
 
 
STATE OF OHIO         )
                                             ) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT  )

BEFORE ME, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared the above-named OHIO EDISON COMPANY, by H. Peter Burg, as President, who acknowledged that he did sign the foregoing instrument on behalf of said Corporation by authority of its Board of Directors and that the same is the free act and deed of said Corporation and his free act and deed individually and as such officer.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at Akron, Ohio as of this 29th day of December, 2000.
 
 
 

Notary Public
 
My Commission Expires: 

    
STATE OF OHIO         )
                                             ) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT  )

BEFORE ME, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared the above-named PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY, by H. Peter Burg, as Chairman of the Board, who acknowledged that he did sign the foregoing instrument on behalf of said Corporation by authority of its Board of Directors and that the same is the free act and deed of said Corporation and his free act and deed individually and as such officer.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at Akron, Ohio as of this 29th day of December, 2000.
 
 
 

Notary Public
 
My Commission Expires: 

 


STATE OF OHIO         )
                                             ) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT  )

BEFORE ME, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared the above-named THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY, by H. Peter Burg, as President, who acknowledged that he did sign the foregoing instrument on behalf of said Corporation by authority of its Board of Directors and that the same is the free act and deed of said Corporation and his free act and deed individually and as such officer.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at Akron, Ohio as of this 29th day of December, 2000.
 
 
 

Notary Public
 
My Commission Expires: 

 
STATE OF OHIO         )
                                             ) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT  )

BEFORE ME, a Notary Public in and for said County and State, personally appeared the above-named THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY, by H. Peter Burg, as President, who acknowledged that he did sign the foregoing instrument on behalf of said Corporation by authority of its Board of Directors and that the same is the free act and deed of said Corporation and his free act and deed individually and as such officer.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and official seal at Akron, Ohio as of this 29th day of December, 2000.

 
 
 

Notary Public
 
My Commission Expires: 
N


Appendix A


DEFINITIONS

        “Affected Property shall mean that part of the Transferred Property which is subject to the lien of a Mortgage under which there exists a completed default.

Applicable Law” shall mean all applicable laws, statues, treaties, rules, codes, ordinances, regulations, permits, certificates, orders, interpretations, licenses and permits of any Governmental Authority and judgments, decrees, injunctions, writs, orders or like action of any court, arbitrator or other judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal (including those pertaining to health, safety, the environment or otherwise).
 
                  “Business Day” shall mean any day other than a Saturday or Sunday or other day on which banks in Akron, Ohio or New York, New York are authorized or obligated to be closed.

Capital Improvement” shall mean (a) the addition, betterment or enlargement of any property constituting part of the Transferred Property or the replacement of any such property with other property, whether or not (i) such replacement property constitutes an enlargement or betterment of the property which it replaces, (ii) the cost of such addition, betterment, enlargement or replacement is or may be capitalized, or not charged to maintenance or repairs, or (iii) such addition, betterment or enlargement is or is not included or reflected in the plans and specifications for the Transferred Property, as built, and (b) any alternation, modification, addition or improvement to the Transferred Property, other than original, substitute or replacement parts incorporated into the Transferred Property.

Event of Default” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 13 of the Facility Lease.

Good Utility Practice” shall mean, at a particular time, any of the practices, methods and acts engaged in or approved by a significant portion of the electric utility industry prior to such time or any of the practices, methods and acts which, in the exercise of reasonable judgment in light of the facts known at the time the decision was made, could have been expected to accomplish the desired result at the lowest reasonable cost consistent with good business practices, reliability, safety and expedition. Good Utility Practice is not intended to be limited to the optimum practice, method or act to the exclusion of all others, but rather to a spectrum of possible practices, methods or acts having due regard for, among other things, manufacturers’ warranties and the requirements of governmental agencies of competent jurisdiction.

Governmental Action” shall mean all authorizations, consents, approvals, waivers, exceptions, variances, orders, licenses, exemptions, publications, filings, notices to and declarations of or with any Governmental Authority.

Governmental Authority” shall mean any Federal, state, county, municipal, foreign, international, regional or other governmental authority, agency, board, body, instrumentality or court.

Lease Term” shall mean the term of the Master Facility Lease, which shall begin on January 1, 2001 and end December 31, 2020.

Lease Termination Date” shall mean the date upon which the Master Facility Lease expires which shall be December 31, 2020.

Lien” shall mean any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien, easement, servitude or charge of any kind, including, without limitation, any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof or the filing of, or agreement to give, any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction.



Master Facility Lease” shall mean the Master Facility Lease, dated as of January 1, 2001, between FirstEnergy Generation Corp. and Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and The Toledo Edison Company.

Mortgage” shall mean each of the mortgages listed on Exhibit E to the Master Facility Lease.

Mortgage Requirement” shall mean with respect to any part of the Transferred Property, any obligation of the Lessors or other requirement with respect to that property imposed by a Mortgage, which constitutes a lien on that property. 
 
                  “Permitted Liens” shall mean Liens for taxes either not yet due to which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted and any other Lien not caused by, or otherwise arising through or as a result of, action by, or the inaction of, the Lessee.

Person” shall mean any individual, partnership, corporation, trust, unincorporated association or joint venture, a government or any department or agency thereof, or any other entity.

Prime Rate” shall mean the annual rate of interest publicly announced from time to time by The Bank of New York at its principal office in New York, New York as its prime or base lending rate. Any change in the Prime Rate shall be effective on the date such change in the Prime Rate is announced.

Transferred Property” shall mean the property identified on Exhibits A, B, C and D to the Master Facility Lease dated as of January 1, 2001, between FirstEnergy Services Corp. and Ohio Edison Company, Pennsylvania Power Company, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and The Toledo Edison Company.



Exhibit A

Ohio Edison Company, Lessor

FirstEnergy Generation Corp., Lessee



 
Generating
 
Semiannual
Rent
 
Purchase
Price
 
           
Burger 3 - 100%
 
$
770,500.
 
$
10,000,000.
 
Burger 4 - 100%
   
1,001,650.
   
13,000,000.
 
Burger 5 - 100%
   
1,541,000.
   
20,000,000.
 
Edgewater 4 - 100%
   
539,350.
   
7,000,000.
 
Mansfield 1 - 60%
   
8,609,662.
   
111,741,239.
 
Mansfield 2 - 43.06%
   
7,687,308.
   
99,770,380.
 
Mansfield 3 - 49.34%
   
13,087,329.
   
169,855,017.
 
Sammis 1 - 100%
   
2,927,900.
   
38,000,000.
 
Sammis 2 - 100%
   
3,236,100.
   
42,000,000.
 
Sammis 3 - 100%
   
3,698,400.
   
48,000,000.
 
Sammis 4 - 100%
   
3,004,950.
   
39,000,000.
 
Sammis 5 - 100%
   
7,314,609.
   
94,933,273.
 
Sammis 6 - 100%
   
11,755,586.
   
152,570,878.
 
Sammis 7 - 48%
   
8,701,049.
   
112,927,308.
 
Burger Peaking
   
58,314.
   
756,834.
 
Edgewater Peaking
   
358,894.
   
4,657,935.
 
Mad River Peaking
   
535,035.
   
6,944,002.
 
Sammis Peaking
   
80,310.
   
1,042,307.
 
West Lorain Peaking
   
1,102,070.
   
14,303,307.
 
               
Total Semiannual Rent
 
$
76,010,016.
       




Exhibit B

Pennsylvania Power Company, Lessor

FirstEnergy Generation Corp., Lessee



 
Generating
 
Semiannual
Rent
 
Purchase
Price
 
           
Mansfield 1 - 33.5%
 
$
2,889,481.
 
$
37,139,855.
 
Mansfield 2 - 9.36%
   
1,343,941.
   
17,274,312.
 
Mansfield 3 - 6.28%
   
2,261,805.
   
29,072,038.
 
Sammis 7 - 20.8%
   
3,247,317.
   
41,739,297.
 
Edgewater Peaking
   
5,561.
   
71,473.
 
Mad River Peaking
   
8,905.
   
114,465.
 
               
Total Semiannual Rent
 
$
9,757,010.
       




Exhibit C

The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Lessor

FirstEnergy Generation Corp., Lessee



 
Generating
 
Semiannual
Rent
 
Purchase
Price
 
               
Ashtabula C - 100%
 
$
266,200.
 
$
4,000,000.
 
Ashtabula 5 - 100%
   
1,663,750.
   
25,000,000.
 
Eastlake 1 - 100%
   
865,150.
   
13,000,000.
 
Eastlake 2 - 100%
   
798,600.
   
12,000,000.
 
Eastlake 3 - 100%
   
865,150.
   
13,000,000.
 
Eastlake 4 - 100%
   
1,650,937.
   
24,807,472.
 
Eastlake 5 - 100%
   
8,497,923.
   
127,692,304.
 
Lakeshore 18 - 100%
   
1,611,672.
   
24,217,463.
 
Mansfield 2 - 1.68%
   
93,150.
   
25,227,874.
 
Sammis 7 - 31.2%
   
3,711,091.
   
55,763,957.
 
Seneca - 100%
   
5,719,694.
   
85,945,809.
 
Eastlake Peaking
   
77,546.
   
1,165,228.
 
Lakeshore Peaking
   
92.
   
1,387.
 
               
Total Semiannual Rent
 
$
25,820,955.
       




Exhibit D

The Toledo Edison Company, Lessor

FirstEnergy Generation Corp., Lessee



 
Generating
 
Semiannual
Rent
 
Purchase
Price
 
           
Bay Shore 1 - 100%
 
$
1,176,823.
 
$
17,696,587.
 
Bay Shore 2 - 100%
   
1,164,673.
   
17,513,875.
 
Bay Shore 3 - 100%
   
1,238,271.
   
18,620,623.
 
Bay Shore 4 - 100%
   
1,959,649.
   
29,468,406.
 
Bay Shore Peaking
   
136.
   
2,052.
 
Richland Peaking
   
307,721.
   
4,627,373.
 
Stryker Peaking
   
16,165.
   
243,079.
 
               
Total Semiannual Rent
 
$
5,863,438.
       



Exhibit E
Mortgages

The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company

Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of July 1, 1940 between The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and Guaranty Trust Company of New York, with The Chase Manhattan Bank as successor trustee.

Trustee Information:        The Chase Manhattan Bank
    Capital Markets Fiduciary Services
    450 West 33rd Street, 15th Floor
    New York, NY 10001-2697


Open-End Subordinate Indenture of Mortgage dated as of June 1, 1994 between The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and Bank One, Columbus, N. A. Note: This will be cancelled no later than December 31, 2000.

Trustee Information:        Bank One, Columbus, N.A.
    Corporate Trust Department
    1000 East Broad Street
    Columbus, OH 43275-0181

The Toledo Edison Company

Indenture of Mortgage and Deed of Trust dated as of April 1, 1947 between The Toledo Edison Company and The Chase National Bank of the City of New York, with The Chase Manhattan Bank as successor trustee.

Trustee Information:        The Chase Manhattan Bank
    Capital Markets Fiduciary Services
    450 West 33rd Street, 15th Floor
    New York, NY 10001-2697

Open-End Subordinate Indenture of Mortgage dated as of June 1, 1994 between The Toledo Edison Company and Bank One, Columbus, N. A. Note: This will be cancelled no later than December 31, 2000.

Trustee Information:        Bank One, Columbus, N.A.
    Corporate Trust Department
    1000 East Broad Street
    Columbus, OH 43275-0181




Ohio Edison Company

Indenture dated as of August 1, 1930 between Ohio Edison Company and Bankers Trust Company, with The Bank of New York as successor trustee.

Trustee Information:        The Bank of New York
    Corporate Trust Department
    101 Barclay Street
    New York, NY 10286

General Mortgage Indenture and Deed of Trust dated as of January 1, 1998 between Ohio Edison Company and The Bank of New York as trustee.

Trustee Information:       The Bank of New York
    Corporate Trust Department
    101 Barclay Street
    New York, NY 10286

Pennsylvania Power Company

Indenture dated as of November 1, 1945 between Pennsylvania Power Company and The First National Bank of the City of New York, with Citibank, N.A. as successor trustee.

Trustee Information:        Citibank, N. A.
    Trust Department
    111 Wall Street, 14th Floor
    New York, NY 10043


EX-12.2 29 ex12-2.htm OE - FIXED CHARGE RATIO Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 12.2
Page 1
 
OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                               
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
336,456
 
$
350,212
 
$
356,159
 
$
292,925
 
$
342,766
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
amounts capitalized
   
211,364
   
187,890
   
144,170
   
116,868
   
74,051
 
Provision for income taxes
   
212,580
   
239,135
   
255,915
   
241,173
   
278,303
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
109,497
   
104,507
   
102,469
   
107,611
   
104,239
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
869,897
 
$
881,744
 
$
858,713
 
$
758,577
 
$
799,359
 
                                 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                               
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
165,409
 
$
150,632
 
$
119,123
 
$
91,068
 
$
59,465
 
Other interest expense
   
31,451
   
22,754
   
14,598
   
22,069
   
12,026
 
Subsidiaries’ preferred stock dividend requirements
   
14,504
   
14,504
   
10,449
   
3,731
   
2,560
 
Adjustments to subsidiaries’ preferred stock dividends
to state on a pre-income tax basis
   
2,296
   
2,481
   
2,661
   
3,014
   
1,975
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
109,497
   
104,507
   
102,469
   
107,611
   
104,239
 
Fixed charges as defined
 
$
323,157
 
$
294,878
 
$
249,300
 
$
227,493
 
$
180,265
 
                                 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED
CHARGES
   
2.69
   
2.99
   
3.44
   
3.33
   
4.43
 

 ____________________

(a) Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.



EXHIBIT 12.2
Page 2
OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES PLUS
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS (PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                               
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
336,456
 
$
350,212
 
$
356,159
 
$
292,925
 
$
342,766
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for amounts capitalized
   
211,364
   
187,890
   
144,170
   
116,868
   
74,051
 
Provision for income taxes
   
212,580
   
239,135
   
255,915
   
241,173
   
278,303
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
109,497
   
104,507
   
102,469
   
107,611
   
104,239
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
869,897
 
$
881,744
 
$
858,713
 
$
758,577
 
$
799,359
 
                                 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K PLUS PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS):
                               
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
165,409
 
$
150,632
 
$
119,123
 
$
91,068
 
$
59,465
 
Other interest expense
   
31,451
   
22,754
   
14,598
   
22,069
   
12,026
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
   
25,628
   
25,206
   
16,959
   
6,463
   
5,062
 
Adjustments to preferred stock dividends
to state on a pre-income tax basis
   
8,976
   
9,412
   
7,034
   
5,264
   
4,072
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
109,497
   
104,507
   
102,469
   
107,611
   
104,239
 
Fixed charges as defined plus preferred stock
dividend requirements (pre-income tax basis)
 
$
340,961
 
$
312,511
 
$
260,183
 
$
232,475
 
$
184,864
 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
PLUS PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)
   
2.55
   
2.82
   
3.30
   
3.26
   
4.32
 
 
_______________

(a) Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.
EX-13.1 30 ex13-1.htm OE ANNUAL REPORT Unassociated Document

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

2004 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS



Ohio Edison Company is a wholly owned electric utility operating subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. Ohio Edison engages in the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy to communities in an area of 7,500 square miles in central and northeastern Ohio and, through its wholly owned Pennsylvania Power Company subsidiary, 1,500 square miles in western Pennsylvania. It also engages in the sale, purchase and interchange of electric energy with other electric companies.







Contents
 
Page
 
       
Glossary of Terms
   
i-ii
 
Management Reports
   
1
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
2
 
Selected Financial Data
   
3
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis
   
4-16
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
   
17
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
   
18
 
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization
   
19-20
 
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity
   
21
 
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock
   
21
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
   
22
 
Consolidated Statements of Taxes
   
23
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
24-44
 



GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify Ohio Edison Company and its affiliates:

ATSI
American Transmission Systems, Inc., owns and operates transmission facilities
CEI
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
Companies
OE and Penn
FES
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESC
FirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
JCP&L
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, an affiliated New Jersey electric utility
Met-Ed
Metropolitan Edison Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
OE
Ohio Edison Company
Ohio Companies
CEI, OE and TE
Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
Penn
Pennsylvania Power Company, OE's wholly owned Pennsylvania electric utility subsidiary
PNBV
PNBV Capital Trust, a special purpose entity created by OE in 1996
TE
The Toledo Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
 
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
     
ALJ
Administrative Law Judge
AOCL
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
APB
Accounting Principles Board
APB 29
APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions"
ARB
Accounting Research Bulletin
ARB 43
ARB No. 43, "Restatement and Revision of Accounting Research Bulletins"
ARO
Asset Retirement Obligation
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
CTC
Competitive Transition Charge
ECAR
East Central Area Reliability Coordination Agreement
EITF
Emerging Issues Task Force
EITF 03-1
EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary and Its Application to Certain
Investments”
EITF 03-16
EITF Issue No. 03-16, “Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies”
EITF 97-4
EITF Issue No. 97-4, “Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101”
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIN 46R
FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
FMB
First Mortgage Bonds
FSP EITF 03-1-1
FASB Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue
No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments"
FSP 106-1
FASB Staff Position No.106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 106-2
FASB Staff Position No.106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 109-1
FASB Staff Position No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes,
 to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"
GAAP
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
KWH
Kilowatt-hours
LOC
Letter of Credit
MACT
Maximum Achievable Control Technologies
Medicare Act
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
MISO
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.



i
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont.

Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
MW
Megawatts
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Council
NOAC
Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition
NOV
Notices of Violation
NOX
Nitrogen Oxide
NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
OCC
Ohio Consumers' Counsel
OCI
Other Comprehensive Income
OPEB
Other Post-Employment Benefits
PJM
PJM Interconnection L.L.C.
PLR
Provider of Last Resort
PPUC
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PUCO
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCA
Public Utility Holding Company Act
RTC
Regulatory Transition Charge
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71
SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 87
SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions"
SFAS 101
SFAS No. 101, "Accounting for Discontinuation of Application of SFAS 71"
SFAS 106
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"
SFAS 115
SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities"
SFAS 143
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
SFAS 144
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"
SFAS 150
SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both
Liabilities and Equity"
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
SPE
Special Purpose Entity
VIE
Variable Interest Entity
   
 
ii
 
MANAGEMENT REPORTS

Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who takes responsibility for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent with other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements.

FirstEnergy Corp.’s internal auditors, who are responsible to the Audit Committee of FirstEnergy’s Board of Directors, review the results and performance of operating units within the Company for adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of accounting and reporting systems, as well as managerial and operating controls.

FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee consists of five independent directors whose duties include: consideration of the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company and the objectivity of financial reporting; inquiry into the number, extent, adequacy and validity of regular and special audits conducted by independent auditors and the internal auditors; and reporting to the Board of Directors the Committee’s findings and any recommendation for changes in scope, methods or procedures of the auditing functions. The Committee is directly responsible for appointing the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and is charged with reviewing and approving all services performed for the Company by the independent registered public accounting firm and for reviewing and approving the related fees. The Committee reviews the independent registered public accounting firm’s report on internal quality control and reviews all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Company, in order to assess the auditors’ independence. The Committee also reviews management’s programs to monitor compliance with the Company’s policies on business ethics and risk management. The Committee establishes procedures to receive and respond to complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and allows for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2004.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page 2.




1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Ohio Edison Company:

We have completed an integrated audit of Ohio Edison Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ohio Edison Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2(G) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003. As discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005
 
2


OHIO EDISON COMPANY

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
2000
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
2,945,583
 
$
2,925,310
 
$
2,948,675
 
$
3,056,464
 
$
2,726,708
 
Operating Income
 
$
335,529
 
$
336,936
 
$
453,831
 
$
466,819
 
$
482,321
 
Income Before Cumulative Effect of
Accounting Change
 
$
342,766
 
$
292,925
 
$
356,159
 
$
350,212
 
$
336,456
 
Net Income
 
$
342,766
 
$
324,645
 
$
356,159
 
$
350,212
 
$
336,456
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
340,264
 
$
321,913
 
$
349,649
 
$
339,510
 
$
325,332
 
Total Assets
 
$
6,482,651
 
$
7,316,930
 
$
7,790,041
 
$
7,915,953
 
$
8,154,151
 
                                 
Capitalization as of December 31:
                               
Common Stockholder's Equity
 
$
2,493,809
 
$
2,582,970
 
$
2,839,255
 
$
2,671,001
 
$
2,556,992
 
Preferred Stock:
                               
Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
100,070
   
100,070
   
100,070
   
200,070
   
200,070
 
Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
--
   
--
   
13,500
   
134,250
   
135,000
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Obligations
   
1,114,914
   
1,179,789
   
1,219,347
   
1,614,996
   
2,000,622
 
Total Capitalization
 
$
3,708,793
 
$
3,862,829
 
$
4,172,172
 
$
4,620,317
 
$
4,892,684
 
                                 
Capitalization Ratios:
                               
Common Stockholder's Equity
   
67.2
%
 
66.9
%
 
68.1
%
 
57.8
%
 
52.3
%
Preferred Stock:
                               
Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
2.7
   
2.6
   
2.4
   
4.3
   
4.1
 
Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
--
   
--
   
0.3
   
2.9
   
2.7
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Obligations
   
30.1
   
30.5
   
29.2
   
35.0
   
40.9
 
Total Capitalization
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
                                 
Distribution KWH Deliveries (Millions):
                               
Residential
   
10,180
   
10,009
   
10,233
   
9,646
   
9,432
 
Commercial
   
8,276
   
8,105
   
7,994
   
7,967
   
8,221
 
Industrial
   
10,700
   
10,658
   
10,672
   
10,995
   
11,631
 
Other
   
144
   
160
   
154
   
152
   
151
 
Total
   
29,300
   
28,932
   
29,053
   
28,760
   
29,435
 
                                 
Customers Served:
                               
Residential
   
1,056,560
   
1,044,419
   
1,041,825
   
1,033,414
   
1,014,379
 
Commercial
   
129,017
   
127,856
   
119,771
   
118,469
   
116,931
 
Industrial
   
1,149
   
1,182
   
4,500
   
4,573
   
4,569
 
Other
   
1,751
   
1,752
   
1,756
   
1,664
   
1,606
 
Total
   
1,188,477
   
1,175,209
   
1,167,852
   
1,158,120
   
1,137,485
 
                                 
Number of Employees
   
1,370
   
1,521
   
1,569
   
1,618
   
1,647
 


3

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


This discussion includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "believe," "estimate" and similar words. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition and deregulation in the electric utility industry, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, legislative and regulatory changes (including revised environmental requirements), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits, fines or other enforcement actions and remedies) of governmental investigations and oversight, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission as disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, generally, the availability and cost of capital, the continuing availability and operation of generating units, our ability to experience growth in the distribution business, our ability to access the public securities and other capital markets, further investigation into the causes of the August 14, 2003, regional power outage and the outcome, cost and other effects of present and potential legal and administrative proceedings and claims related to the outage, the final outcome in the proceeding related to our Application for a Rate Stabilization Plan in Ohio, the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Results of Operations

Earnings on common stock in 2004 increased to $340 million from $322 million in 2003. Earnings on common stock in 2003 included an after-tax gain of $32 million from the cumulative effect of an accounting change due to the adoption of SFAS 143 (see Note 2(G)). Income before the cumulative effect of an accounting change was $293 million in 2003. The earnings increase in 2004 primarily resulted from lower nuclear operating costs and reduced financing costs, partially offset by higher purchased power costs compared to 2003. Earnings in 2003 decreased to $322 million from $350 million in 2002. The decrease primarily resulted from increased nuclear outage related costs, increased amortization of the Ohio transition regulatory assets and reduced operating revenues. These items were partially offset by reduced nuclear fuel expenses as a result of the additional nuclear outages, reduced financing costs and the after-tax credit from the 2003 cumulative effect of an accounting change.
 
Operating revenues increased by $20 million (0.7%) in 2004 compared with 2003 primarily due to increases of $22 million in wholesale sales and $12 million in retail generation revenues partially offset by $16 million shopping incentive credits discussed below. Revenues from wholesale sales to FES (resulting from increased nuclear generation available for sale) increased by $29 million, and was partially offset by $10 million of lower revenues due to the expiration of a contract in July 2003. The higher retail generation revenues primarily resulted from a $9 million increase in sales to industrial customers, reflecting a 1.1 percentage point decrease in electric generation services provided by alternative suppliers as a percent of total sales delivered in our service areas. Revenues from sales to residential customers decreased by $2 million as the corresponding percentage for shopping increased by 2.5 percentage points. Commercial sector revenues increased by $5 million due to higher KWH sales and unit prices -- the percentage of customers shopping remained relatively unchanged.

Operating revenues decreased by $23 million (0.8%) in 2003 compared with 2002 due to cooler-than-normal temperatures in the second and third quarters of 2003 and increased sales by alternative suppliers. The lower revenues primarily resulted from reduced generation sales revenues, which included all retail customer categories - residential, commercial and industrial. KWH sales to retail customers declined by 8.1% in 2003 from the prior year, reducing generation sales revenue by $98 million. Electric generation services provided to retail customers by alternative suppliers as a percent of total KWH delivered in the franchise area increased 6.1 percentage points in 2003 from 2002. Sales revenues from wholesale customers increased by $47 million in 2003 compared with 2002. This increase resulted from higher unit prices, partially offset by lower KWH sales to FES due to reduced nuclear generation available for sale.

4

Revenues from distribution throughput increased $3 million in 2004 compared with 2003. Distribution deliveries to commercial customers increased by $11 million in 2004 compared to 2003, reflecting increased KWH deliveries (2.1%) and higher unit prices. Lower unit prices offset the effect of higher throughput resulting in a decrease of $9 million in revenues from industrial customers. The increased sales to the commercial and industrial sectors resulted from the improving economy in our service areas. Revenues from distribution throughput increased by $35 million in 2003 for all retail customer - classes compared with 2002, primarily due to higher unit prices partially offset by the effects of slightly lower KWH deliveries in 2003.

Under the Ohio transition plan, we provide incentives to customers to encourage switching to alternative energy providers - $16 million of additional credits in 2004 compared to $8 million of additional credits in 2003 from 2002. These revenue reductions are deferred for future recovery under OE’s transition plan and do not affect current period earnings.

Changes in electric generation sales and distribution deliveries in 2004 and 2003 from the prior year are summarized in the following table:
 

Changes in KWH Sales
         
Increase (Decrease)
 
2004
 
2003
 
           
Electric Generation:
             
Retail
   
0.5
%
 
(8.1
)%
Wholesale
   
7.3
%
 
(10.5
)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
   
3.7
%
 
(9.2
)%
Distribution Deliveries:
             
Residential
   
1.7
%
 
(2.2
)%
Commercial
   
2.1
%
 
1.4
%
Industrial
   
0.4
%
 
(0.1
)%
Total Distribution Deliveries
   
1.3
%
 
(0.4
)%

Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $22 million in 2004 and by $94 million in 2003. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.

Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
         
   
(In millions)
 
Fuel costs
 
$
4
 
$
(3
)
Purchased power costs
   
56
   
(17
)
Nuclear operating costs
   
(57
)
 
80
 
Other operating costs
   
(27
)
 
--
 
Provision for depreciation
   
5
   
(24
)
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
18
   
58
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(27
)
 
19
 
General taxes
   
10
   
(7
)
Income taxes
   
40
   
(12
)
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
$
22
 
$
94
 


Higher fuel costs in 2004 compared to 2003, resulted from increased nuclear generation - up 13.1%. Purchased power costs were higher in 2004 due to higher unit costs. Lower nuclear operating costs in 2004 were primarily the result of one scheduled refueling outage in 2004 compared to three scheduled refueling outages in 2003. The decrease in other operating costs in 2004 compared to 2003 was due to reduced labor costs and lower employee benefits expenses.

Lower fuel costs in 2003 compared to 2002 resulted from reduced nuclear generation - down 10.5%. In 2003, the KWH purchase requirements were lower than in 2002 because of reduced electric generation sales - those cost reductions were partially offset by the effect of higher unit costs. Higher nuclear operating costs in 2003 were driven by three nuclear refueling outages compared with one refueling outage in 2002. The Beaver Valley Unit 1 and Perry refueling outages in 2003 included additional unplanned work, which extended the length of the outages and increased their cost.

5

Provision for depreciation increased in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily due to a slight change in the composite depreciation rate and a higher depreciable asset base. Decreased depreciation charges in 2003 compared to 2002 were primarily due to lower charges resulting from the implementation of SFAS 143 ($19 million). Increases in amortization of regulatory assets in 2004 and 2003 compared to the prior year relates to higher amortization of Ohio transition regulatory assets. The higher deferrals of new regulatory assets in 2004 compared to 2003 primarily relates to higher shopping incentive deferrals ($16 million) and deferred interest on shopping incentives ($10 million). The decrease in deferrals in 2003 from 2002 was due to reduced tax-related deferrals ($27 million) partially offset by higher shopping incentive deferrals ($8 million).

General taxes increased by $10 million in 2004 and decreased by $7 million in 2003, primarily due to a property tax settlement in 2003. In 2003, the tax settlement was partially offset by higher KWH excise taxes.

Other Income

Other income increased $7 million in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily due to gains on disposition of property. In 2003, other income increased by $24 million from the prior year, primarily due to the absence in 2003 of charges in 2002 related to low-income housing investments.

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges continued to trend lower, decreasing by $44 million in 2004 and $30 million in 2003. We continued to redeem and refinance outstanding debt during 2004 - net redemptions and refinancing activities totaled $121 million and $245 million, respectively.

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

Upon adoption of SFAS 143 in the first quarter of 2003, we recorded an after-tax credit to net income of $32 million. The cumulative adjustment for unrecognized depreciation, accretion offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and ceasing the accounting practice of depreciating non-regulated generation assets using a cost of removal component was a $54 million increase to income, or $32 million net of income taxes.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our cash requirements in 2004 for operating expenses, construction expenditures, scheduled debt maturities and preferred stock redemptions were met without increasing our net debt and preferred stock outstanding. During 2005, we expect to meet our contractual obligations with cash from operations. Thereafter, we expect to use a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

As of December 31, 2004, we had $1 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared with $2 million as of December 31, 2003. The major sources for changes in these balances are summarized below.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities
 
Cash provided from operating activities during 2004, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:


Operating Cash Flows
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Cash earnings (1)
 
$
776
 
$
689
 
$
743
 
Pension trust contribution (2)
   
(44
)
 
--
   
--
 
Working capital and other
   
(312
)
 
371
   
330
 
Total
 
$
420
 
$
1,060
 
$
1,073
 

(1)  Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2)  Pension trust contribution net of $29 million of income tax benefits.

Cash earnings (in the table above) is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating our cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

6
 
Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Net Income (GAAP)
 
$
343
 
$
325
 
$
356
 
Non-Cash Charges (Credits):
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
122
   
118
   
142
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
411
   
393
   
336
 
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization
   
43
   
39
   
48
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(101
)
 
(73
)
 
(92
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
   
(73
)
 
(88
)
 
(76
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
(54
)
 
--
 
Other non-cash charges
   
31
   
29
   
29
 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP)
 
$
776
 
$
689
 
$
743
 

Net cash from operating activities decreased $640 million in 2004 compared to 2003 due to a $683 million decrease from changes in working capital and a $44 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution. These decreases were partially offset by a $87 million increase in cash earnings as described above under “Results from Operations”. The change in working capital primarily reflects decreases in accounts payable and accrued tax balances. In 2004 tax liabilities among affiliated companies were settled in accordance with the tax sharing agreement, reducing our accrued taxes by $249 million. Accrued taxes were also reduced by a $169 million federal income tax payment in 2004.

Net cash provided from operating activities decreased $13 million in 2003 compared to 2002 due to a $54 million decrease from cash earnings as described under "Results of Operations" partially offset by a $41 million increase in working capital requirements. The increase in working capital requirements primarily represents changes in receivables partially offset by decreased accounts payable and accrued tax balances.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

In 2004, 2003 and 2002, net cash used for financing activities of $569 million, $982 million and $599 million, respectively, primarily reflect debt redemptions and common stock dividend payments to FirstEnergy. The following table provides details regarding new issues and redemptions during each year:

Securities Issued or Redeemed
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
New Issues
             
Pollution Control Notes
 
$
30
 
$
--
 
$
15
 
Unsecured Notes
   
--
   
325
   
--
 
Long-Term Revolving Credit
   
--
   
40
   
--
 
   
$
30
 
$
365
 
$
15
 
Redemptions
                   
First Mortgage Bonds
 
$
63
 
$
410
 
$
280
 
Pollution Control Notes
   
--
   
30
   
15
 
Secured Notes
   
62
   
62
   
127
 
Preferred Stock
   
1
   
1
   
221
 
Long-Term Revolving Credit
   
40
   
--
   
--
 
Other, principally redemption premiums
   
6
   
17
   
4
 
   
$
172
 
$
520
 
$
647
 
                     
Short-term Borrowings, Net (use)/source of cash
 
$
(4
)
$
(225
)
$
162
 

Net cash used for financing activities increased to $569 million in 2004 from $982 million in 2003. The decrease resulted from a net reduction of $234 million of debt refinancings and a $178 million reduction of common stock dividends to FirstEnergy. The $383 million increase in net cash used for financing activities in 2003 from 2002 was principally due to a $477 million increase in dividends to FirstEnergy partially offset by a $90 million decrease in net debt redemptions.

On June 7, 2004, we replaced certain collateralized LOCs that were issued in 1994 in support of our obligations to lessors under the Beaver Valley Unit 2 sale and leaseback arrangements. Approximately $289 million in cash collateral and accrued interest previously held by OES Finance Incorporated, our wholly owned subsidiary, was released on July 15, 2004 upon cancellation of the existing LOCs and was used primarily to repay short-term debt. Simultaneously with the issuance of the replacement LOCs, OE entered into a Credit Agreement pursuant to which a standby LOC was issued in support of the replacement LOCs, and the issuer of the LOCs obtained the right to pledge or assign participations in our reimbursement obligations to a trust. The trust then issued and sold trust certificates to institutional investors that were designed to be the credit equivalent of an investment directly in OE.

7

We had approximately $540 million of cash and temporary investments (which include short-term notes receivable from associated companies) and approximately $179 million of short-term indebtedness as of December 31, 2004. Available borrowing capability under bilateral bank facilities totaled $13 million as of December 31, 2004. We have obtained authorization from the PUCO to incur short-term debt of up to $500 million (including bank facilities and the utility money pool described below). Penn has obtained authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt up to its charter limit of $51 million (including the utility money pool). At the end of 2004, we had the aggregate capability to issue approximately $2.0 billion of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of our mortgage indentures. The issuance of FMB by us is also subject to provisions of our 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 FMB) (i) supporting pollution control notes or similar obligations, or (ii) as an extension, renewal or replacement of previously outstanding secured debt. In addition, these provisions would permit us to incur additional secured debt not otherwise permitted by a specified exception of up to $641 million, as of December 31, 2004. The OE Companies could issue a total of $3.2 billion of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued) as of the end of 2004.

Our $125 million 364-day revolving credit facility was restructured through a new syndicated FirstEnergy facility that was completed on June 22, 2004. Combined with our existing syndicated $125 million three-year facility maturing in October 2006, our existing syndicated $250 million two-year facility maturing in May 2005 and bank facilities of $34 million, our credit facilities total $409 million, of which $388 million was unused as of December 31, 2004. These facilities are intended to provide liquidity to meet our short-term working capital requirements and would be available for investment in the money pool with our regulated affiliates.

Borrowings under these facilities are conditioned on maintaining compliance with certain financial covenants in the agreement. Under our $125 million 364-day and $250 million two-year facilities, we are required to maintain a debt to total capitalization ratio of no more than 0.65 to 1 and a contractually-defined fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 2 to 1. We are in compliance with these financial covenants. As of December 31, 2004, our fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined under the credit agreements, was 7.15 to 1. Our debt to total capitalization ratio, as defined under the credit agreements, was 0.39 to 1. The ability to draw on these facilities is also conditioned upon our making certain representations and warranties to the lending banks prior to drawing on its facilities, including a representation that there has been no material adverse change in our business, condition (financial or otherwise), results of operations, or prospects.

Our primary credit facilities contain no provisions restricting our ability to borrow, or accelerating repayment of outstanding loans, as a result of any change in our S&P or Moody's credit ratings. The primary facilities do contain “pricing grids”, whereby the cost of funds borrowed under the facilities is related to our credit ratings.

We have the ability to borrow from our regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet our short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and the respective regulated subsidiaries, as well as proceeds available from bank borrowings. For the regulated companies, available bank borrowings include $1.75 billion from FirstEnergy’s and our revolving credit facilities. 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 the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings under these arrangements in 2004 was 1.43%.

In March 2004, Penn completed receivables financing arrangement that provides borrowing capability of up to $25 million. The borrowing rate is based on bank commercial paper rates. Penn is required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.40% on the entire finance limit. The facility was undrawn as of December 31, 2004 and matures on March 29, 2005. Penn plans to renew the agreement. On December 1, 2004, Ohio Air Quality Development Authority Series 1999-C pollution control notes aggregating $47,725,000 were remarketed in a Dutch Auction interest mode, insured with municipal bond insurance and secured with first mortgage bonds.

Our access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of our securities and the securities of FirstEnergy. The following table shows securities ratings as of December 31, 2004. The ratings outlook on all securities is stable.

8

 


Ratings of Securities
                 
   
Securities
 
S&P
 
Moody’s
 
Fitch
 
                           
FirstEnergy
   
Senior unsecured
   
BB+
   
Baa3
   
BBB-
 
                           
Ohio Edison
   
Senior secured
   
BBB
   
Baa1
   
BBB+
 
 
   
Senior unsecured 
   
BB+
   
Baa2
   
BBB
 
 
   
Preferred stock 
   
BB
   
Ba1
   
BBB-
 
                           
Penn
   
Senior secured
   
BBB
   
Baa1
   
BBB+
 
 
   
Senior unsecured(1) 
   
BB+
   
Baa2
   
BBB
 
 
   
Preferred stock 
   
BB
   
Ba1
   
BBB-
 
                           
                           

(1)   Penn's only senior unsecured debt obligations are notes underlying pollution control revenue refunding bonds issued by the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority to which bonds this rating applies
 
On December 10, 2004, S&P reaffirmed FirstEnergy's ‘BBB-' corporate credit rating and kept the outlook stable. S&P noted that the stable outlook reflects FirstEnergy's improving financial profile and cash flow certainty through 2006. S&P stated that should the two refueling outages at the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants scheduled for the first quarter of 2005 be completed successfully without any significant negative findings and delays, FirstEnergy's outlook would be revised to positive. S&P also stated that a ratings upgrade in the next several months did not seem likely, as remaining issues of concern to S&P, primarily the outcome of environmental litigation and SEC investigations, are not likely to be resolved in the short term.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Net cash provided from investing activities totaled $149 million in 2004 compared to $97 million used for investing activities in 2003. The $246 million change resulted primarily from $278 million of cash proceeds from certificates of deposit in the third quarter of 2004 and a $62 million increase in loan repayments from associated companies. These increases were offset by a $46 million increase in property additions. Net cash used for investing activities in 2003 decreased by $362 million from 2002. The decrease was primarily due to a $394 million increase in cash payments received on long-term notes receivable offset by a $40 million increase in property additions.
 
Our capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $667 million (excluding nuclear fuel), of which approximately $215 million applies to 2005. Investments for additional nuclear fuel during the 2005-2007 period are estimated to be approximately $138 million, of which about $34 million applies to 2005. During the same period, our nuclear fuel investments are expected to be reduced by approximately $125 million and $41 million, respectively, as the nuclear fuel is consumed.

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2004, our estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations that we consider firm obligations are as follows:


           
2006-
 
2008-
     
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
2005
 
2007
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
   
(In millions)
 
Long-term debt (4)
 
$
1,504
 
$
134
 
$
12
 
$
181
 
$
1,177
 
Short-term borrowings
   
179
   
179
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Preferred stock (1)
   
13
   
1
   
12
   
--
   
--
 
Capital leases
   
11
   
4
   
5
   
1
   
1
 
Operating leases (2)
   
1,158
   
82
   
160
   
203
   
713
 
Purchases (3)
   
194
   
34
   
101
   
59
   
--
 
Total
 
$
3,059
 
$
434
 
$
290
 
$
444
 
$
1,891
 

(1)   Subject to mandatory redemption.
(2)   Operating lease payments are net of capital trust receipts of $532.4 million (see Note 6).
(3)  Fuel and power purchases under contracts with fixed or minimum quantities and approximate timing.
(4)  Amounts reflected do not include interest on long-term debt.

9

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have obligations that are not included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the sale and leaseback arrangements involving Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2, which are reflected as part of the operating lease payments disclosed above (see Note 6 - Leases). The present value of these operating lease commitments, net of trust investments, was $673 million as of December 31, 2004.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates is reduced since a significant portion of our debt has fixed interest rates, as noted in the following table which presents principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by year of maturity for our investment portfolio, debt obligations and preferred stock with mandatory redemption provisions.


Comparison of Carrying Value to Fair Value
                         
                       
There-
     
Fair
 
Year of Maturity
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
after
 
Total
 
Value
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
Assets
                                 
Investments Other Than Cash
                                 
and Cash Equivalents-
                                 
Fixed Income
 
$
31
 
$
36
 
$
39
 
$
17
 
$
26
 
$
639
 
$
788
 
$
887
 
Average interest rate
   
8.0
%
 
8.1
%
 
8.2
%
 
8.2
%
 
8.5
%
 
7.2
%
 
7.4
%
     
                                                   

Liabilities
Long-term Debt and Other
                                                 
                                                   
Long-Term Obligations:
                                     
Fixed rate
 
$
134
 
$
6
 
$
6
 
$
179
 
$
2
 
$
466
 
$
793
 
$
816
 
Average interest rate
   
7.2
%
 
7.9
%
 
7.9
%
 
4.1
%
 
8.0
%
 
6.0
%
 
5.8
%
     
Variable rate
                               
$
711
 
$
711
 
$
712
 
Average interest rate
                                 
2.1
%
 
2.1
%
     
Preferred Stock Subject to
Mandatory Redemption
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
11
                   
$
13
 
$
12
 
Average dividend rate
   
7.6
%
 
7.6
%
 
7.6
%
                   
7.6
%
     
Short-term Borrowings
   
179
                               
$
179
 
$
179
 
Average interest rate
   
2.3
%
                               
2.3
%
     


Equity Price Risk

Included in our nuclear decommissioning trust investments are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $248 million and $208 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $25 million reduction in fair value as of December 31, 2004 (see Note 5 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

Outlook

Our industry continues to transition to a more competitive environment and all of our customers can select alternative energy suppliers. We continue to deliver power to residential homes and businesses through our existing distribution system, which remains regulated. Customer rates have been restructured into separate components to support customer choice. In Ohio and Pennsylvania, we have a continuing responsibility to provide power to those customers not choosing to receive power from an alternative energy supplier subject to certain limits. Adopting new approaches to regulation and experiencing new forms of competition have created new uncertainties.

Regulatory Matters

In 2001, Ohio customer rates were restructured to establish separate charges for transmission, distribution, transition cost recovery and a generation-related component. When one of our Ohio customers elects to obtain power from an alternative supplier, we reduce the customer's bill with a "generation shopping credit," based on the regulated generation component (plus an incentive for OE customers), and the customer receives a generation charge from the alternative supplier. OE has continuing PLR responsibility to its franchise customers through December 31, 2005.


10

Regulatory assets are costs which have been authorized by the PUCO, the PPUC and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered under the provisions of our transition plan and rate restructuring plan. Our regulatory assets were as follows:

Regulatory Assets as of December 31,
         
Company
 
2004*
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Ohio Edison
 
$
1,116
 
$
1,450
 
Penn
   
--
   
28
 
Consolidated Total
 
$
1,116
 
$
1,478
 
 
   *  Changes in Penn's net regulatory asset components in 2004 resulted in net regulatory liabilities of approximately $18 million 
      included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004.

 
As part of our Ohio transition plan, we are obligated to supply electricity to customers who do not choose an alternative supplier. The Company is also required to provide 560 MW of low cost supply to unaffiliated alternative suppliers who serve customers within our service area. Our competitive retail sales affiliate, FES, acts as an alternate supplier for a portion of the load in our franchise area.
 
On February 24, 2004, we filed a revised Rate Stabilization Plan to address PUCO concerns related to the original Rate Stabilization Plan. On June 9, 2004, the PUCO issued an order approving the revised Rate Stabilization Plan, subject to conducting a competitive bid process. On August 5, 2004, we accepted the Rate Stabilization Plan as modified and approved by the PUCO on August 4, 2004. In the second quarter of 2004, we implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest cost deferrals on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC, respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the June 9, 2004 PUCO order and associated entries on rehearing.

The revised Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues our support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the revised Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:
 
 
·
extension of our amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC from 2006 to as late as 2007;
 
 
·
deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and
   
·
ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.

On December 9, 2004, the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved revised Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. The PUCO may cause us to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization Plan pricing, but not the related approved accounting.

On December 30, 2004, we filed an application with the PUCO seeking tariff adjustments to recover increases of approximately $14 million in transmission and ancillary service costs beginning January 1, 2006. We also filed an application for authority to defer costs associated with MISO Day 1, MISO Day 2, congestion fees, FERC assessment fees, and the ATSI rate increase, as applicable, from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. Various parties have intervened in these cases.

See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for a more complete and detailed discussion of regulatory matters in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Environmental Matters

We believe we are in compliance with current SO2 and NOx reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. In 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from our Ohio and Pennsylvania facilities. Various regulatory and judicial actions have since sought to further define NOx reduction requirements. We continue to evaluate our compliance plans and other compliance options.

11
 
Clean Air Act Compliance-
 

We are required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. We cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.
 
We believe we are complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from our facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85% reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. We believe their facilities are also complying with NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIPs) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards-

   In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which we operate affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions-

In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.
 
    W. H. Sammis Plant-

In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities covering 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which is owned by OE and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, which included a complaint against OE and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. The ruling concludes the liability phase of the case, which deals with applicability of Prevention of Significant Deterioration provisions of the Clean Air Act. The remedy phase of the trial to address any civil penalties and what, if any, actions should be taken to further reduce emissions at the plant has been delayed without rescheduling by the Court because the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement negotiations. The Court indicated, in its August 2003 ruling, that the remedies it "may consider and impose involved a much broader, equitable analysis, requiring the Court to consider air quality, public health, economic impact, and employment consequences. The Court may also consider the less than consistent efforts of the EPA to apply and further enforce the Clean Air Act." The potential penalties that may be imposed, as well as the capital expenditures necessary to comply with substantive remedial measures that may be required, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. While the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement discussions, management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.


 
12

Regulation of Hazardous Waste-

As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash, as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.
 
Climate Change-
 
In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18% through 2012.

We cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity we generated is lower than many regional competitors due to our diversified generation sources which includes 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 our plants. In addition, Ohio and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to our operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.
 
On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. We are conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by their facilities with the performance standards. Management is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

Other Legal Proceedings

Power Outages and Related Litigation-

Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio state courts by plaintiffs seeking to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All three cases were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. One case was refiled at the PUCO. The other two cases were appealed. One case was dismissed and no further appeal was sought. The remaining case is pending. In addition to the one case that was refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages.

One complaint has been filed against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed a motion to dismiss with the Court on October 22, 2004. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thus potential liability has not been determined.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against us. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

13

Other Legal Matters-

Various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to our normal business operations are pending against us, the most significant of which are described herein.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which we have a 35.24% interest. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and OE, and the Davis-Besse extended outage (we have no interest in Davis-Besse), have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a second subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on any of the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these principles often requires a high degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions that affect financial results. All of our assets are subject to their own specific risks and uncertainties and are regularly reviewed for impairment. Our more significant accounting policies are described below.

Regulatory Accounting

We are subject to regulation that sets the prices (rates) we are permitted to charge our customers based on costs that the regulatory agencies determine we are permitted to recover. At times, regulators permit the future recovery through rates of costs that would be currently charged to expense by an unregulated company. This ratemaking process results in the recording of regulatory assets based on anticipated future cash inflows. We regularly review these assets to assess their ultimate recoverability within the approved regulatory guidelines. Impairment risk associated with these assets relates to potentially adverse legislative, judicial or regulatory actions in the future.

Revenue Recognition

We follow the accrual method of accounting for revenues, recognizing revenue for electricity that has been delivered to customers but not yet billed through the end of the accounting period. The determination of electricity sales to individual customers is based on meter readings, which occur on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, electricity delivered to customers since the last meter reading is estimated and a corresponding accrual for unbilled sales is recognized. The determination of unbilled sales requires management to make estimates regarding electricity available for retail load, transmission and distribution line losses, demand by customer class, weather-related impacts, prices in effect for each customer class and electricity provided by alternative suppliers.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting

Our reported costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and postemployment benefits other than pensions are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and certain assumptions.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions we make to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs are also affected by changes to key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations for pension and OPEB costs.

14
 

In accordance with SFAS 87, changes in pension and OPEB obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs on the income statement, but generally are recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 delay recognition of changes due to the long-term nature of pension and OPEB obligations and the varying market conditions likely to occur over long periods of time. As such, significant portions of pension and OPEB costs recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of cash benefits provided to plan participants and are significantly influenced by assumptions about future market conditions and plan participants' experience.
 
In selecting an assumed discount rate, we consider currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Due to recent declines in corporate bond yields and interest rates in general, we reduced the assumed discount rate as of December 31, 2004 to 6.00% from 6.25% and 6.75% used as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Our assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the pension trusts. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, plan assets actually earned 11.1%, 24.2% and (11.3)%, respectively. Our pension costs in 2004 were computed assuming a 9.0% rate of return on plan assets based upon projections of future returns and a pension trust investment allocation of approximately 68% equities, 29% bonds, 2% real estate and 1% cash.

In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (our share was $73 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. FirstEnergy's election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement.

As a result of our voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, we reduced our accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $48 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, we increased our additional minimum liability by $18 million, recording an increase in an intangible asset of $5 million and charging $13 million to OCI. The balance in AOCL of $69 million (net of $49 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Health care cost trends have significantly increased and will affect future OPEB costs. The 2004 and 2005 composite health care trend rate assumptions are approximately 10%-12% and 9%-11%, respectively, gradually decreasing to 5% in later years. In determining our trend rate assumptions, we included the specific provisions of our health care plans, the demographics and utilization rates of plan participants, actual cost increases experienced in its health care plans, and projections of future medical trend rates.

Ohio Transition Cost Amortization
 

In connection with our initial Ohio transition plan, the PUCO determined allowable transition costs based on amounts recorded on our regulatory books. These costs exceeded those deferred or capitalized on our balance sheet prepared under GAAP since they included certain costs which had not yet been incurred. We use an effective interest method for amortizing transition costs, often referred to as a "mortgage-style" amortization. The interest rate under this method is equal to the rate of return authorized by the PUCO in our Rate Stablization Plan. In computing the transition cost amortization, we include only the portion of the transition revenues associated with transition costs included on the balance sheet prepared under GAAP. Revenues collected for the off-balance sheet costs and the return associated with these costs are recognized as income when received.
 
Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with SFAS 144, we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to determine whether conditions exist that would indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be fully recoverable. The accounting standard requires that if the sum of future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from an asset is less than the carrying value of the asset, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset (discounted future net cash flows).

The calculation of future cash flows is based on assumptions, estimates and judgment about future events. The aggregate amount of cash flows determines whether an impairment is indicated. The timing of the cash flows is critical in determining the amount of the impairment.

15

Nuclear Decommissioning

In accordance with SFAS 143, we recognize an ARO for the future decommissioning of our nuclear power plants. The ARO liability represents an estimate of the fair value of our current obligation related to nuclear decommissioning and the retirement of other assets. A fair value measurement inherently involves uncertainty in the amount and timing of settlement of the liability. We used an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. This approach applies probability weighting to discounted future cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes. The scenarios consider settlement of the ARO at the expiration of the nuclear power plants' current license and settlement based on an extended license term.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for EITF 03-1, which provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.


16

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
               
OPERATING REVENUES (Note 2(I))
 
$
2,945,583
 
$
2,925,310
 
$
2,948,675
 
                     
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                   
Fuel
   
56,560
   
52,169
   
55,337
 
Purchased power (Note 2(I))
   
970,670
   
914,723
   
931,400
 
Nuclear operating costs
   
375,309
   
432,315
   
352,129
 
Other operating costs (Note 2(I))
   
336,772
   
363,989
   
364,436
 
Provision for depreciation
   
122,413
   
117,895
   
142,083
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
411,326
   
393,409
   
335,523
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(100,633
)
 
(73,183
)
 
(92,086
)
General taxes
   
180,523
   
170,078
   
177,021
 
Income taxes
   
257,114
   
216,979
   
229,001
 
Total operating expenses and taxes
   
2,610,054
   
2,588,374
   
2,494,844
 
                     
OPERATING INCOME
   
335,529
   
336,936
   
453,831
 
                     
OTHER INCOME (Note 2(I))
   
74,077
   
66,782
   
42,859
 
                     
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                   
Interest on long-term debt
   
59,465
   
91,068
   
119,123
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during
construction and capitalized interest
   
(7,211
)
 
(6,075
)
 
(3,639
)
Other interest expense
   
12,026
   
22,340
   
14,598
 
Subsidiary's preferred stock dividend requirements
   
2,560
   
3,460
   
10,449
 
Net interest charges
   
66,840
   
110,793
   
140,531
 
                     
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE
   
342,766
   
292,925
   
356,159
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change (net of income taxes of
$22,389,000) (Note 2(G))
   
--
   
31,720
   
--
 
                     
NET INCOME
   
342,766
   
324,645
   
356,159
 
                     
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
   
2,502
   
2,732
   
6,510
 
                     
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
 
$
340,264
 
$
321,913
 
$
349,649
 



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

17

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


As of December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
         
UTILITY PLANT:
         
In service
 
$
5,440,374
 
$
5,269,042
 
Less-Accumulated provision for depreciation
   
2,716,851
   
2,578,899
 
     
2,723,523
   
2,690,143
 
Construction work in progress-
             
Electric plant
   
203,167
   
145,380
 
Nuclear fuel
   
21,694
   
554
 
     
224,861
   
145,934
 
     
2,948,384
   
2,836,077
 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
             
Investment in lease obligation bonds (Note 6)
   
354,707
   
383,510
 
Certificates of deposit (Note 9(C))
   
--
   
277,763
 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
   
436,134
   
376,367
 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies
   
208,170
   
508,594
 
Other
   
48,579
   
59,102
 
     
1,047,590
   
1,605,336
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
             
Cash and cash equivalents
   
1,230
   
1,883
 
Receivables-
             
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $6,302,000 and $8,747,000,
             
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)
   
274,304
   
280,538
 
Associated companies
   
245,148
   
436,991
 
Other (less accumulated provision of $64,000 and $2,282,000,
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)
   
18,385
   
28,308
 
Notes receivable from associated companies
   
538,871
   
366,501
 
Materials and supplies, at average cost
   
90,072
   
79,813
 
Prepayments and other
   
13,104
   
14,390
 
     
1,181,114
   
1,208,424
 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
             
Regulatory assets
   
1,115,627
   
1,477,969
 
Property taxes
   
61,419
   
59,279
 
Unamortized sale and leaseback costs
   
60,242
   
65,631
 
Other
   
68,275
   
64,214
 
     
1,305,563
   
1,667,093
 
   
$
6,482,651
 
$
7,316,930
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
             
               
CAPITALIZATION (See Consolidated Statements of Capitalization):
             
Common stockholder's equity
 
$
2,493,809
 
$
2,582,970
 
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption
   
60,965
   
60,965
 
Preferred stock of consolidated subsidiary not subject to mandatory redemption
   
39,105
   
39,105
 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
   
1,114,914
   
1,179,789
 
     
3,708,793
   
3,862,829
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Currently payable long-term debt
   
398,263
   
466,589
 
Short-term borrowings-
             
Associated companies
   
11,852
   
11,334
 
Other
   
167,007
   
171,540
 
Accounts payable-
             
Associated companies
   
187,921
   
271,262
 
Other
   
10,582
   
7,979
 
Accrued taxes
   
153,400
   
560,345
 
Accrued interest
   
11,992
   
18,714
 
Other
   
62,671
   
58,680
 
     
1,003,688
   
1,566,443
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Accumulated deferred income taxes
   
766,276
   
867,691
 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
   
62,471
   
75,820
 
Asset retirement obligation
   
339,134
   
317,702
 
Retirement benefits
   
307,880
   
331,829
 
Other
   
294,409
   
294,616
 
     
1,770,170
   
1,887,658
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 6 and 12)
             
   
$
6,482,651
 
$
7,316,930
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.


 
18

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION


As of December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
         
           
COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
         
Common stock, without par value, authorized 175,000,000 shares-100 shares outstanding
 
$
2,098,729
 
$
2,098,729
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 2(F))
   
(47,118
)
 
(38,693
)
Retained earnings (Note 9(A))
   
442,198
   
522,934
 
Total common stockholder's equity
   
2,493,809
   
2,582,970
 


   
Number of Shares
 
Optional
         
   
Outstanding
 
Redemption Price
         
   
2004
 
2003
 
Per Share
 
Aggregate
         
PREFERRED STOCK NOT SUBJECT TO
MANDATORY REDEMPTION (Note 9(B)):
                         
Cumulative, $100 par value-
                         
Authorized 6,000,000 shares
                         
3.90%
   
152,510
   
152,510
 
$
103.63
 
$
15,804
   
15,251
   
15,251
 
4.40%
   
176,280
   
176,280
   
108.00
   
19,038
   
17,628
   
17,628
 
4.44%
   
136,560
   
136,560
   
103.50
   
14,134
   
13,656
   
13,656
 
4.56%
   
144,300
   
144,300
   
103.38
   
14,917
   
14,430
   
14,430
 
                                       
Total
   
609,650
   
609,650
       
$
63,893
   
60,965
   
60,965
 
                                       
PREFERRED STOCK OF CONSOLIDATED
SUBSIDIARY NOT SUBJECT TO MANDATORY
REDEMPTION (Note 9(B)):
                                     
Pennsylvania Power Company-
                                     
Cumulative, $100 par value-
                                     
Authorized 1,200,000 shares
                                     
4.24%
   
40,000
   
40,000
 
$
103.13
 
$
4,125
   
4,000
   
4,000
 
4.25%
   
41,049
   
41,049
   
105.00
   
4,310
   
4,105
   
4,105
 
4.64%
   
60,000
   
60,000
   
102.98
   
6,179
   
6,000
   
6,000
 
7.75%
   
250,000
   
250,000
   
100.00
   
25,000
   
25,000
   
25,000
 
                                       
Total
   
391,049
   
391,049
       
$
39,614
   
39,105
   
39,105
 


19

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION (Cont'd)


As of December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
     
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In thousands)
 
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER
                             
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Note 9(C)):
                         
First mortgage bonds:
                             
Ohio Edison Company-
         
Pennsylvania Power Company-
     
6.875% due 2005
   
80,000
   
80,000
   
9.740% due 2005-2019
   
14,643
   
15,617
             
 
               
  6.375% due 2004
 
   
--
   
20,500
             
 
               
  6.625% due 2004
 
   
--
   
14,000
             
 
               
  8,500% due 2022
 
   
--
   
27,250
             
 
               
  7.625% due 2023
 
   
6,500
   
6,500
             
                                             
Total first mortgage bonds
   
80,000
   
80,000
         
21,143
   
83,867
   
101,143
   
163,867
 
                                             
Secured notes:
                                           
Ohio Edison Company-
             
Pennsylvania Power Company-
     
     7.680% due 2005
   
51,461
   
109,081
   
    5.400% due 2013
   
1,000
   
1,000
             
 *  1.700% due 2015
   
19,000
   
19,000
   
    5.400% due 2017
   
10,600
   
10,600
             
     6.750% due 2015
   
40,000
   
40,000
   
*  1.700% due 2017
   
17,925
   
17,925
             
 *   3.250% due 2015
   
50,000
   
50,000
   
    5.900% due 2018
   
16,800
   
16,800
             
 *   1.800% due 2016
   
47,725
   
--
   
*  1.700% due 2021
   
14,482
   
14,482
             
     7.050% due 2020
   
60,000
   
60,000
   
    6.150% due 2023
   
12,700
   
12,700
             
 *   1.700% due 2021
   
443
   
443
   
*  2.000% due 2027
   
10,300
   
10,300
             
     5.375% due 2028
   
13,522
   
13,522
   
    5.375% due 2028
   
1,734
   
1,734
             
     5.625% due 2029
   
50,000
   
50,000
   
    5.450% due 2028
   
6,950
   
6,950
             
     5.950% due 2029
   
56,212
   
56,212
   
    6.000% due 2028
   
14,250
   
14,250
             
 *   1.710% due 2030
   
60,400
   
60,400
   
    5.950% due 2029
   
238
   
238
             
 *   1.700% due 2031
   
69,500
   
69,500
   
    1.800% due 2033
   
5,200
   
--
             
 *   1.800% due 2033
   
44,800
   
44,800
                               
     1.750% due 2033
   
12,300
   
12,300
                               
     5.450% due 2033
   
14,800
   
14,800
                               
 *   2.250% due 2033
   
50,000
   
50,000
                               
     1.800% due 2033
   
108,000
   
--
                               
Limited Partnerships-
                                           
 7.35% weighted average
 interest rate due 2005-2010
                                           
 
   
17,272
   
21,432
                               
                                             
Total secured notes
   
765,435
   
671,490
         
112,179
   
106,979
   
877,614
   
778,469
 
                                             
Unsecured notes:
                                           
Ohio Edison Company-
             
Pennsylvania Power Company-
     
*    2.238% due 2005
   
--
   
40,000
   
*  3.375% due 2029
   
14,500
   
14,500
             
     4.000% due 2008
   
175,000
   
175,000
   
*  5.900% due 2033
   
--
   
5,200
             
*    1.980% due 2014
   
50,000
   
50,000
                               
     5.450% due 2015
   
150,000
   
150,000
                               
*    5.800% due 2016
   
--
   
47,725
                               
*    2.230% due 2018
   
33,000
   
33,000
                               
*    2.150% due 2018
   
23,000
   
23,000
                               
*    2.150% due 2023
   
50,000
   
50,000
                               
*    4.650% due 2033
   
--
   
108,000
                               
*    3.350% due 2033
   
30,000
   
--
                               
                                             
Total unsecured notes
   
511,000
   
676,725
         
14,500
   
19,700
   
525,500
   
696,425
 
                                             
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption
                         
12,750
   
13,500
 
Capital lease obligations (Note 6)
                                 
5,223
   
6,829
 
Net unamortized discount on debt
                                 
(9,053
)
 
(12,712
)
Long-term debt due within one year
                                 
(398,263
)
 
(466,589
)
Total long-term debt and long-term obligations
                         
1,114,914
   
1,179,789
 
                                             
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
                               
$
3,708,793
 
$
3,862,829
 
*  Denotes variable rate issue with December 31, 2004 interest rate shown.

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

20

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY


   
 
Comprehensive
Income
 
 
 
Number
of Shares
 
 
 
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
   
   
   
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                       
Balance, January 1, 2002
         
100
 
$
2,098,729
 
$
--
 
$
572,272
 
Net income
 
$
356,159
                     
356,159
 
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
benefits, net of $(45,525,000) of income taxes
   
(64,585
)
             
(64,585
)
     
Unrealized gain on investments, net of
$3,582,000 of income taxes
   
5,090
               
5,090
       
Comprehensive income
 
$
296,664
                         
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                           
(6,510
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                           
(121,900
)

Balance, December 31, 2002
         
100
   
2,098,729
   
(59,495
)
 
800,021
 
Net income
 
$
324,645
                     
324,645
 
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
benefits, net of $2,014,000 of income taxes
   
2,674
               
2,674
       
Unrealized gain on investments, net of
$12,337,000 of income taxes
   
18,128
               
18,128
       
Comprehensive income
 
$
345,447
                         
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                           
(2,732
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                           
(599,000
)

Balance, December 31, 2003
         
100
   
2,098,729
   
(38,693
)
 
522,934
 
Net income
 
$
342,766
                     
342,766
 
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
benefits, net of $(5,516,000) of income taxes
   
(7,552
)
             
(7,552
)
     
Unrealized loss on investments, net of
$(533,000) of income taxes
   
(873
)
             
(873
)
     
Comprehensive income
 
$
334,341
                         
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                           
(2,502
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                           
(421,000
)

Balance, December 31, 2004
         
100
 
$
2,098,729
 
$
(47,118
)
$
442,198
 




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK


   
 
Not Subject to
Mandatory Redemption
 
 
Subject to
Mandatory Redemption
 
   
   
Number
of Shares
 
Par
Value
 
Number
of Shares
 
Par
Value
 
   
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Balance, January 1, 2002
 
5,000,699
 
$200,070
 
4,950,000
 
$135,000
 
Redemptions -
                 
7.75%Series
   
(4,000,000
)
 
(100,000
)
       
9.00%Series
           
(4,800,000
)
 
(120,000
)
7.625%Series
           
(7,500
)
 
(750
)

Balance, December 31, 2002
   
1,000,699
   
100,070
   
142,500
   
14,250
 
Redemptions -
                 
7.625%Series
           
(7,500
)
 
(750
)

Balance, December 31, 2003
   
1,000,699
   
100,070
   
135,000
   
13,500*
 
Redemptions -
                 
7.625% Series
           
(7,500
)
 
(750
)

Balance, December 31, 2004
   
1,000,699
 
$
100,070
   
127,500
 
$
12,750*
 


 
*    The December 31, 2003 and 2004 balances for Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption are classified as debt under SFAS 150.

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

21

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
             
Net Income
 
$
342,766
 
$
324,645
 
$
356,159
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash from operating activities:
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
122,413
   
117,895
   
142,083
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
411,326
   
393,409
   
335,523
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(100,633
)
 
(73,183
)
 
(92,086
)
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization
   
42,811
   
39,317
   
47,597
 
Deferred lease costs
   
(5,170
)
 
(4,183
)
 
1,360
 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
   
(44,469
)
 
(88,288
)
 
(75,719
)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations
   
31,289
   
47,524
   
18,069
 
Accrued compensation, net
   
4,551
   
(14,459
)
 
9,720
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
(54,109
)
 
--
 
Pension trust contribution
   
(72,763
)
 
--
   
--
 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
                   
Receivables
   
209,130
   
170,492
   
(41,584
)
Materials and supplies
   
(10,259
)
 
(2,038
)
 
(9,930
)
Prepayments and other current assets
   
1,286
   
(2,586
)
 
38,737
 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
                   
Accounts payable
   
(80,738
)
 
132,983
   
182,229
 
Accrued taxes
   
(406,945
)
 
94,281
   
208,945
 
Accrued interest
   
(6,722
)
 
(9,495
)
 
(4,844
)
Other
   
(18,066
)
 
(12,221
)
 
(43,206
)
Net cash provided from operating activities
   
419,807
   
1,059,984
   
1,073,053
 
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                   
New Financing-
                   
Long-term debt
   
30,000
   
365,000
   
14,500
 
Short-term borrowings, net
   
--
   
--
   
161,836
 
Redemptions and Repayments-
                   
Preferred stock
   
(750
)
 
(750
)
 
(220,750
)
Long-term debt
   
(170,997
)
 
(519,506
)
 
(425,742
)
Short-term borrowings, net
   
(4,015
)
 
(224,788
)
 
--
 
Dividend Payments-
                   
Common stock
   
(421,000
)
 
(599,000
)
 
(121,900
)
Preferred stock
   
(2,502
)
 
(2,732
)
 
(6,510
)
Net cash used for financing activities
   
(569,264
)
 
(981,776
)
 
(598,566
)
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                   
Property additions
   
(235,022
)
 
(189,019
)
 
(148,967
)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts
   
(31,540
)
 
(31,540
)
 
(31,540
)
Loan repayments from (loans to) associated companies, net
   
128,054
   
66,401
   
(327,876
)
Proceeds from certificates of deposits
   
277,763
   
--
   
--
 
Other
   
9,549
   
57,321
   
49,820
 
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities
   
148,804
   
(96,837
)
 
(458,563
)
                     
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(653
)
 
(18,629
)
 
15,924
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
   
1,883
   
20,512
   
4,588
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
1,230
 
$
1,883
 
$
20,512
 
                     
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
                   
Cash Paid During the Year-
                   
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
 
$
65,765
 
$
103,632
 
$
118,535
 
Income taxes
 
$
419,123
 
$
250,564
 
$
126,558
 
 

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


22

OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TAXES

For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
               
GENERAL TAXES:
             
Ohio kilowatt-hour excise*
 
$
91,811
 
$
91,296
 
$
85,762
 
State gross receipts*
   
19,234
   
18,028
   
18,516
 
Real and personal property
   
58,000
   
51,074
   
65,709
 
Social security and unemployment
   
7,048
   
6,992
   
5,438
 
Other
   
4,430
   
2,688
   
1,596
 
Total general taxes
 
$
180,523
 
$
170,078
 
$
177,021
 
                     
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                   
Currently payable-
                   
Federal
 
$
246,865
 
$
270,345
 
$
280,587
 
State
   
75,907
   
81,505
   
55,796
 
     
322,772
   
351,850
   
336,383
 
Deferred, net-
                   
Federal
   
(23,668
)
 
(57,503
)
 
(44,552
)
State
   
(5,512
)
 
(16,038
)
 
(22,184
)
     
(29,180
)
 
(73,541
)
 
(66,736
)
Investment tax credit amortization
   
(15,289
)
 
(14,747
)
 
(13,732
)
Total provision for income taxes
 
$
278,303
 
$
263,562
 
$
255,915
 
                     
INCOME STATEMENT CLASSIFICATION
OF PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
Operating income
 
$
257,114
 
$
216,979
 
$
229,001
 
Other income
   
21,189
   
24,194
   
26,914
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
22,389
   
--
 
Total provision for income taxes
 
$
278,303
 
$
263,562
 
$
255,915
 
                     
RECONCILIATION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX EXPENSE AT
STATUTORY RATE TO TOTAL PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                   
Book income before provision for income taxes
 
$
621,069
 
$
588,207
 
$
612,074
 
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
 
$
217,374
 
$
205,872
 
$
214,225
 
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from-
                   
Amortization of investment tax credits
   
(15,289
)
 
(14,747
)
 
(13,732
)
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
   
45,757
   
42,554
   
21,848
 
Amortization of tax regulatory assets
   
34,019
   
33,219
   
30,659
 
Other, net
   
(3,558
)
 
(3,336
)
 
2,915
 
Total provision for income taxes
 
$
278,303
 
$
263,562
 
$
255,915
 
                     
ACCUMULATED DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AT DECEMBER 31:
                   
Property basis differences
 
$
451,269
 
$
406,783
 
$
397,930
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
   
27,730
   
30,493
   
34,407
 
Regulatory transition charge
   
154,015
   
345,723
   
527,502
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
   
39,266
   
44,382
   
49,486
 
Deferred sale and leaseback costs
   
(63,432
)
 
(67,837
)
 
(71,830
)
Unamortized investment tax credits
   
(23,510
)
 
(29,031
)
 
(33,421
)
Deferred gain for asset sale to affiliated company
   
51,716
   
53,010
   
70,812
 
Other comprehensive income
   
(33,268
)
 
(27,219
)
 
(41,570
)
Retirement benefits
   
(6,202
)
 
(29,676
)
 
20,969
 
Shopping credit incentive deferral
   
94,002
   
57,731
   
32,476
 
All other
   
74,690
   
83,332
   
30,868
 
Net deferred income tax liability
 
$
766,276
 
$
867,691
 
$
1,017,629
 


*    Collected from customers through regulated rates and included in revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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

23

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.    ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The consolidated financial statements include OE (Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Penn is the Company's principal operating subsidiary. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also holds directly all of the issued and outstanding common shares of its other principal electric utility operating subsidiaries, including CEI, TE, ATSI, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec.

The Company and Penn (Companies) follow GAAP and comply with the regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, PUCO, the PPUC and the FERC. 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 the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Certain 2003 revenues and expenses have been reclassified and presented on a net basis to conform with the current year presentation.

The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for on the equity basis.

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

 
2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

 
(A)
ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF REGULATION-

The Companies account for the effects of regulation through the application of SFAS 71 when their rates:
 
·
are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers;
   
·
are cost-based; and
   
·
can be charged to and collected from customers.
   

An enterprise meeting all of these criteria capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. SFAS 71 is applied only to the parts of the business that meet the above criteria. If a portion of the business applying SFAS 71 no longer meets those requirements, previously recorded regulatory assets are removed from the balance sheet in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 101.

Regulatory Assets-

The Companies recognize, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC, PUCO and PPUC have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Companies' respective transition and rate restructuring plans. Based on those plans, the Companies continue to bill and collect cost-based rates for their transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Companies continue the application of SFAS 71 to those operations.


24

Net regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following:


   
2004*
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Regulatory transition costs
 
$
835
 
$
1,331
 
Customer shopping incentives
   
228
   
140
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
   
99
   
115
 
Loss on reacquired debt
   
23
   
29
 
Employee postretirement benefit costs
   
2
   
6
 
Nuclear decommissioning costs
   
--
   
(72
)
Asset removal costs
   
(72
)
 
(72
)
Other
   
1
   
1
 
Total
 
$
1,116
 
$
1,478
 

 
*
Changes in Penn's net regulatory asset components in 2004 resulted in net regulatory liabilities of approximately $18 million included in Other Noncurrent Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004.


The Company is deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in accordance with the transition and rate stabilization plans. These regulatory assets, totaling $228 million as of December 31, 2004, will be recovered through a surcharge rate equal to the RTC rate in effect when the transition costs have been fully recovered. Recovery of the new regulatory assets will begin at that time and amortization of the regulatory assets for each accounting period will be equal to the surcharge revenue recognized during that period. The Company expects to recover these deferred customer shopping incentives before the end of 2008.

Transition Cost Amortization-

The Company amortizes transition costs (see Regulatory Matters - Ohio) using the effective interest method. Under the Rate Stabilization Plan, total transition cost amortization is expected to approximate the following for 2005 through 2007.

   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
467
 
2006
   
193
 
2007
   
93
 

The decrease in amortization in 2006 results from the termination of generation-related transition cost recovery under the Ohio transition plan.

Accounting for Generation Operations-

The application of SFAS 71 was discontinued prior to 2001 with respect to the Companies' generation operations. The SEC's interpretive guidance regarding asset impairment measurement providing that any supplemental regulated cash flows such as a CTC should be excluded from the cash flows of assets in a portion of the business not subject to regulatory accounting practices. If those assets are impaired, a regulatory asset should be established if the costs are recoverable through regulatory cash flows. Consistent with the SEC guidance and EITF 97-4, $1.2 billion of impaired plant investments were recognized by the Company as regulatory assets recoverable as transition costs through future regulatory cash flows and $227 million were recognized for Penn related to its 1998 impairment of its nuclear generating unit investments to be recovered through a CTC over a seven-year transition period.

Net assets included in utility plant relating to the operations for which the application of SFAS 71 was discontinued, compared to the respective company's total assets as of December 31, 2004 were $1.059 billion and $5.8 billion, respectively, for the Company and $263 million and $921 million, respectively, for Penn.

(B)  CASH AND SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-

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.

25

(C)  REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES-

The Companies' principal business is providing electric service to customers in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Companies' retail customers are metered on a cycle basis. Electric revenues are recorded based on energy delivered through the end of the calendar month. An estimate of unbilled revenues is calculated to recognize electric service provided between the last meter reading and the end of the month. This estimate includes many factors including estimated weather impacts, customer shopping activity, historical line loss factors and prices in effect for each class of customer. In each accounting period, the Companies accrue the estimated unbilled amount receivable as revenue and reverse the related prior period estimate.

Receivables from customers include sales to residential, commercial and industrial customers and sales to wholesale customers. There was no material concentration of receivables as of December 31, 2004 or 2003, with respect to any particular segment of the Companies' customers. Total customer receivables were $274 million (billed - $172 million and unbilled - $102 million) and $281 million (billed - $165 million and unbilled - $116 million) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

(D)  UTILITY PLANT AND DEPRECIATION-

Utility plant reflects original cost of construction (except for the Companies' nuclear generating units which were adjusted to fair value) including payroll and related costs such as taxes, employee benefits, administrative and general costs, and interest costs incurred to place the assets in service. The costs of normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are expensed as incurred. The Companies' accounting policy for planned major maintenance projects is to recognize liabilities as they are incurred.

The Companies provide for depreciation on a straight-line basis at various rates over the estimated lives of property included in plant in service. The annual composite rate for the Company's electric plant was approximately 2.3% in 2004, 2.2% in 2003 and 2.4% in 2002. The annual composite rate for Penn's electric plant was approximately 2.2% in 2004 and 2003 and 2.3% in 2002.

Jointly - Owned Generating Stations-

The Companies, together with CEI and TE, own and/or lease, as tenants in common, various power generating facilities. Each of the companies is obligated to pay a share of the costs associated with any jointly - owned facility in the same proportion as its interest. The Companies’ portions of operating expenses associated with jointly - - owned facilities are included in the corresponding operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The amounts reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet under utility plant as of December 31, 2004 include the following:


               
Companies’
 
   
Utility
 
Accumulated
 
Construction
 
Ownership/
 
   
Plant
 
Provision for
 
Work in
 
Leasehold
 
Generating Units
 
in Service
 
Depreciation
 
Progress
 
Interest
 
   
(In millions)
 
W. H. Sammis Unit 7
 
$
335
 
$
173
 
$
--
   
68.80
%
Bruce Mansfield Units 1, 2 and 3
   
989
   
549
   
--
   
67.18
%
Beaver Valley Units 1 and 2
   
230
   
40
   
160
   
77.81
%
Perry
   
364
   
357
   
9
   
35.24
%
Total
 
$
1,918
 
$
1,119
 
$
169
       

Asset Retirement Obligations-

The Company recognizes a liability for retirement obligations associated with tangible assets in accordance with SFAS 143. This standard requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the long-lived asset and depreciated over time, as described further in Note 10, "Asset Retirement Obligations".

Nuclear Fuel-

Nuclear fuel is recorded at original cost, which includes material, enrichment, fabrication and interest costs incurred prior to reactor load. The Companies amortize the cost of nuclear fuel based on the units of production method.


26

(E)  ASSET IMPAIRMENTS-

Long-Lived Assets-

The Companies evaluate the carrying value of their long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In accordance with SFAS 144, the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment exists, a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated by using available market valuations or the long-lived asset's expected future net discounted cash flows. The calculation of expected cash flows is based on estimates and assumptions about future events.

Investments-

The Companies periodically evaluate for impairment investments that include available-for-sale securities held by their nuclear decommissioning trusts. In accordance with SFAS 115, securities classified as available-for-sale are evaluated to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. The Companies consider, among other factors, the length of time 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 investments for impairment. The fair value and unrealized gains and losses of the Companies' investments are disclosed in Note 5.

(F)  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME-

Comprehensive income includes net income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and all other changes in common stockholder's equity except those resulting from transactions with FirstEnergy and preferred stockholders. As of December 31, 2004, AOCL consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $69 million and unrealized gains on investments in securities available for sale of $22 million. As of December 31, 2003, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $62 million and unrealized gains on investments in securities available for sale of $23 million.

(G)  CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE-

Upon adoption of SFAS 143 in the first quarter of 2003, OE recorded an after-tax credit to net income of $32 million. The cumulative adjustment for unrecognized depreciation, accretion offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and ceasing the accounting practice of depreciating non-regulated generation assets using a cost of removal component was a $54 million increase to income, or $32 million net of income taxes.

(H)  INCOME TAXES-

Details of the total provision for income taxes are shown on the Consolidated Statements of Taxes. The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carryforward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled. The Companies are included in FirstEnergy's consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated tax liability is allocated on a "stand-alone" company basis, with the Companies recognizing any tax losses or credits they contribute to the consolidated return..

(I) TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED COMPANIES-

Operating revenues, operating expenses and other income include transactions with affiliated companies, primarily ATSI, FES and FESC. The Ohio transition plan, as discussed in the "Regulatory Matters" section, resulted in the corporate separation of FirstEnergy's regulated and unregulated operations in 2001. FES operates the generation businesses of the Companies, CEI and TE. As a result, the Companies entered into power supply agreements (PSA) whereby FES purchases all of the Companies' nuclear generation and the Companies purchase their power from FES to meet their "provider of last resort" obligations. In the fourth quarter of 2003, ATSI transferred operational control of its transmission facilities to MISO and previously affiliated transmission service expenses are now provided under the MISO Open Access Transmission Tariff.
The primary affiliated companies transactions are as follows:

27


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating Revenues:
             
PSA revenues from FES
 
$
416
 
$
384
 
$
329
 
Generating units rent from FES
   
178
   
178
   
178
 
Ground lease with ATSI
   
12
   
12
   
12
 
                     
Operating Expenses:
                   
Purchased power under PSA
   
970
   
902
   
912
 
Transmission expense
   
--
   
65
   
85
 
FESC support services
   
91
   
116
   
141
 
                     
Other Income:
                   
Interest income from ATSI
   
16
   
16
   
16
 
Interest income from FES
   
9
   
12
   
12
 


FirstEnergy does not bill directly or allocate any of its costs to any subsidiary company. Costs are allocated to the Companies from FESC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy and a "mutual service company" as defined in Rule 93 of the PUHCA. The majority of costs are directly billed or assigned at no more than cost as determined by PUHCA Rule 91. The remaining costs are for services that are provided on behalf of more than one company, or costs that cannot be precisely identified and are allocated using formulas that are filed annually with the SEC on Form U-13-60. The current allocation or assignment formulas used and their bases include multiple factor formulas: each company's proportionate amount of FirstEnergy's aggregate direct payroll, number of employees, asset balances, revenues, number of customers, other factors and specific departmental charge ratios. Management believes that these allocation methods are reasonable. Intercompany transactions with FirstEnergy and its other subsidiaries are generally settled under commercial terms within thirty days, except for certain amounts due from FirstEnergy related to the formation of the holding company ($61 million) and receivables from affiliates for OPEB obligations ($17 million).

3.
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS:

FirstEnergy provides noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees. The trusteed plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company's funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (Companies' share was $73 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. The election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement. Since the contribution is deductible for tax purposes, the after-tax cash impact of the voluntary contribution is approximately $300 million (Companies' share was $44 million).

FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and copayments, are also available to retired employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. The Company recognizes the expected cost of providing other postretirement benefits to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs may also be affected by changes in key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations and pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31 measurement date for the majority of its plans.

28

Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables provide information applicable to FirstEnergy’s pension and OPEB plans.
Obligations and Funded Status
     
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
As of December 31
     
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
       
(In millions)
 
Change in benefit obligation
                     
Benefit obligation as of January 1
       
$
4,162
 
$
3,866
 
$
2,368
 
$
2,077
 
Service cost
         
77
   
66
   
36
   
43
 
Interest cost
         
252
   
253
   
112
   
136
 
Plan participants’ contributions
         
--
   
--
   
14
   
6
 
Plan amendments
         
--
   
--
   
(281
)
 
(123
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
         
134
   
222
   
(211
)
 
323
 
Benefits paid
         
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Benefit obligation as of December 31
       
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
$
1,930
 
$
2,368
 
                                 
Change in fair value of plan assets
                               
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1
       
$
3,315
 
$
2,889
 
$
537
 
$
473
 
Actual return on plan assets
         
415
   
671
   
57
   
88
 
Company contribution
         
500
   
--
   
64
   
68
 
Plan participants’ contribution
         
--
   
--
   
14
   
2
 
Benefits paid
         
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31
       
$
3,969
 
$
3,315
 
$
564
 
$
537
 
                                 
Funded status
       
$
(395
)
$
(847
)
$
(1,366
)
$
(1,831
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
         
885
   
919
   
730
   
994
 
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
         
63
   
72
   
(378
)
 
(221
)
Unrecognized net transition obligation
         
--
   
--
   
--
   
83
 
Net asset (liability) recognized
       
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
                                 
Amounts Recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31
                                 
Accrued benefit cost
       
$
(14
)
$
(438
)
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Intangible assets
         
63
   
72
   
--
   
--
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
         
504
   
510
   
--
   
--
 
Net amount recognized
       
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Companies' share of net amount recognized
       
$
118
 
$
53
 
$
(272
)
$
(249
)
                                 
Increase (decrease) in minimum liability
included in other comprehensive income
(net of tax)
       
$
(4
)
$
(145
)
 
--
   
--
 
   
   
                                 
Assumptions Used to Determine
Benefit Obligations As of December 31
                               
                                 
Discount rate
         
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
         
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
           
                                 
Allocation of Plan Assets
As of December 31
                               
Asset Category
                               
Equity securities
         
68
%
 
70
%
 
74
%
 
71
%
Debt securities
         
29
   
27
   
25
   
22
 
Real estate
         
2
   
2
   
--
   
--
 
Cash
         
1
   
1
   
1
   
7
 
Total
         
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%


29


Information for Pension Plans With an
         
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in
         
Excess of Plan Assets
         
           
   
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
   
3,983
   
3,753
 
Fair value of plan assets
   
3,969
   
3,315
 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Service cost
 
$
77
 
$
66
 
$
59
 
$
36
 
$
43
 
$
29
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
249
   
112
   
137
   
114
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(286
)
 
(248
)
 
(346
)
 
(44
)
 
(43
)
 
(52
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
9
   
9
   
9
   
(40
)
 
(9
)
 
3
 
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
9
   
9
 
Recognized net actuarial loss
   
39
   
62
   
--
   
39
   
40
   
11
 
Net periodic cost (income)
 
$
91
 
$
142
 
$
(29
)
$
103
 
$
177
 
$
114
 
Companies' share of net periodic cost
 
$
7
 
$
24
 
$
3
 
$
28
 
$
43
 
$
15
 
                                       
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used
                                     
to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
Pension Benefits
Other Benefits
for Years Ended December 31
   
2004
   
2003
   
2002
   
2004
   
2003
   
2002
 
Discount rate
   
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
   
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
 
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
                 


In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the Company's pension trusts. The long-term rate of return is developed considering the portfolio’s asset allocation strategy.

FirstEnergy employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Other assets such as real estate are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives are not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on a continuing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.


Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
As of December 31
 
 
2004
 
 
2003
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next
year (pre/post-Medicare)
   
9%-11
%
 
10%-12
%
               
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to
decline (the ultimate trend rate)
   
5
%
 
5
%
               
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend
rate (pre/post-Medicare)
   
2009-2011
   
2009-2011
 


Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

30


   
1-Percentage-
Point Increase
 
1-Percentage-
Point Decrease
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Effect on total of service and interest cost
 
$
19
 
$
(16
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
205
 
$
(179
)

Pursuant to FSP 106-1 issued January 12, 2004, FirstEnergy began accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act effective January 1, 2004 because of a plan amendment during the quarter, which required remeasurement of the plan's obligations. The plan amendment, which increases cost-sharing by employees and retirees effective January 1, 2005, reduced the Companies’ postretirement benefit costs by $14 million during 2004.

Consistent with the guidance in FSP 106-2 issued on May 19, 2004, FirstEnergy recognized a reduction of $318 million in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as a result of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act related to benefits for past service. This reduction was accounted for as an actuarial gain in 2004 pursuant to FSP 106-2.The subsidy reduced the Companies’ net periodic postretirement benefit costs by $11 million during 2004.

As a result of their voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, the Companies reduced their accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $48 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, the Companies increased their additional minimum liability by $18 million, recording an increase in an intangible asset of $5 million and debiting OCI by $13 million. The balance in AOCL of $69 million (net of $49 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets:

   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
2005
 
$
228
 
$
111
 
2006
   
228
   
106
 
2007
   
236
   
109
 
2008
   
247
   
112
 
2009
   
264
   
115
 
Years 2010 - 2014
   
1,531
   
627
 


4.   ESOP:

An ESOP Trust funds most of the matching contribution for FirstEnergy's 401(k) savings plan. All full-time employees eligible for participation in the 401(k) savings plan are covered by the ESOP. The ESOP borrowed $200 million from OE and acquired 10,654,114 shares of OE's common stock (subsequently converted to FirstEnergy common stock) through market purchases. Dividends on ESOP shares are used to service the debt. Shares are released from the ESOP on a pro rata basis as debt service payments are made. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had an approximately $61 million receivable from FirstEnergy representing reductions to the outstanding loan balance from the ESOP Trust that were paid to FirstEnergy since 1998 that were intended to be remitted to the Company; that receivable will be paid in December 2005.

5.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Long-term Debt and Other Long-term Obligations-

All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as financial instruments under GAAP and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations as of December 31:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Long-term debt
 
$
1,504
 
$
1,528
 
$
1,639
 
$
1,677
 
Preferred stock subject to mandatory
redemption
   
13
   
12
   
14
   
14
 
   
$
1,517
 
$
1,540
 
$
1,653
 
$
1,691
 


31

The fair values of long-term debt and other long-term obligations reflect the present value of the cash outflows relating to those securities based on the current call price, the yield to maturity or the yield to call, as deemed appropriate at the end of each respective year. The yields assumed were based on securities with similar characteristics offered by a corporation with credit ratings similar to the Companies' ratings.
 
Investments-

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these investments. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of investments other than cash and cash equivalents as of December 31:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities: (1)
                 
-Government obligations
 
$
137
 
$
137
 
$
126
 
$
126
 
-Corporate debt securities (2)
   
609
   
708
   
1,063
   
1,126
 
-Mortgage-backed securities
   
1
   
1
   
--
   
--
 
     
747
   
846
   
1,189
   
1,252
 
Equity securities (1)
   
289
   
289
   
260
   
260
 
   
$
1,036
 
$
1,135
 
$
1,449
 
$
1,512
 
 
(1)  Includes nuclear decommissioning trust investments.
(2)  Includes investments in lease obligation bonds (see Note 6).


The fair value of investments other than cash and cash equivalents represent cost (which approximates fair value) or 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.

Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include held-to-maturity securities and available-for-sale securities. Decommissioning trust investments are classified as available-for-sale. The Companies have no securities held for trading purposes. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for decommissioning trust investments as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities
 
$
186
 
$
3
 
$
1
 
$
188
 
$
164
 
$
4
 
$
--
 
$
168
 
Equity securities
   
205
   
49
   
6
   
248
   
165
   
52
   
9
   
208
 
   
$
391
 
$
52
 
$
7
 
$
436
 
$
329
 
$
56
 
$
9
 
$
376
 


Proceeds from the sale of decommissioning trust investments, gross realized gains and losses on those sales, and interest and dividend income for the three years ended December 31, 2004 were as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
(In millions)
 
Proceeds from sales
 
$
154
 
$
189
 
$
125
 
Gross realized gains
   
25
   
10
   
4
 
Gross realized losses
   
7
   
5
   
8
 
Interest and dividend income
   
13
   
10
   
9
 


32

The following table provides the fair value and gross unrealized losses of nuclear decommissioning trust investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2004.


   
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
   
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities
 
$
64
 
$
1
 
$
5
 
$
--
 
$
69
 
$
1
 
Equity securities
   
12
   
2
   
28
   
4
   
40
   
6
 
   
$
76
 
$
3
 
$
33
 
$
4
 
$
109
 
$
7
 


The Companies periodically evaluate the securities held by their nuclear decommissioning trusts for other-than-temporary impairment. The Companies consider the length of time and the extent to which the security's fair value has been less than its cost basis and other factors to determine whether an impairment is other than temporary. Unrealized gains and losses applicable to the Company's decommissioning trusts are recognized in OCI in accordance with SFAS 115, as fluctuations in the fair value of these trust balances will eventually affect earnings. Penn's decommissioning trusts are subject to regulatory accounting in accordance with SFAS 71. Net unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets since the difference between investments held in trust and the decommissioning liabilities are recovered from or refunded to customers.

The investment policy for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds restricts or limits the 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 fund's custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.

6.   LEASES:

The Companies lease certain generating facilities, office space and other property and equipment under cancelable and noncancelable leases.

The Company sold portions of its ownership interest in Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2 and entered into operating leases on the portions sold for basic lease terms of approximately 29 years. During the terms of the leases, the Company continues to be responsible, to the extent of its individual combined ownership and leasehold interests, for costs associated with the units including construction expenditures, operation and maintenance expenses, insurance, nuclear fuel, property taxes and decommissioning. The Company has the right, at the end of the respective basic lease terms, to renew the leases for up to two years. The Company also has the right to purchase the facilities at the expiration of the basic lease term or any renewal term at a price equal to the fair market value of the facilities. The basic rental payments are adjusted when applicable federal tax law changes.

Consistent with the regulatory treatment, the rentals for capital and operating leases are charged to operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Such costs for the three years ended December 31, 2004, are summarized as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating leases
             
Interest element
 
$
94.1
 
$
96.4
 
$
100.9
 
Other
   
47.1
   
41.2
   
34.6
 
Capital leases
                   
Interest element
   
1.0
   
1.7
   
1.6
 
Other
   
1.6
   
1.4
   
1.3
 
Total rentals
 
$
143.8
 
$
140.7
 
$
138.4
 


33

The future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2004, are:


       
Operating Leases
 
           
PNBV
     
   
Capital
 
Lease
 
Capital
     
   
Leases
 
Payments
 
Trusts
 
Net
 
   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
4.3
 
$
138.8
 
$
56.6
 
$
82.2
 
2006
   
4.3
   
139.9
   
59.5
   
80.4
 
2007
   
0.3
   
139.3
   
59.9
   
79.4
 
2008
   
0.3
   
139.6
   
34.9
   
104.7
 
2009
   
0.3
   
140.1
   
42.1
   
98.0
 
Years thereafter
   
1.3
   
992.9
   
279.4
   
713.5
 
Total minimum lease payments
   
10.8
 
$
1,690.6
 
$
532.4
 
$
1,158.2
 
Executory costs
   
3.7
                   
Net minimum lease payments
   
7.1
                   
Interest portion
   
1.8
                   
Present value of net minimum
lease payments
   
5.3
                   
Less current portion
   
1.9
                   
Noncurrent portion
 
$
3.4
                   


The Company invested in the PNBV Capital Trust, which was established to purchase a portion of the lease obligation bonds issued on behalf of lessors in the Company’s Perry Unit 1 and Beaver Valley Unit 2 sale and leaseback transactions. The PNBV capital trust arrangement effectively reduces lease costs related to those transactions. OE has LOCs of $294 million and $154 million in connection with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 and Perry Unit 1, respectively.

7.  
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:
 
FIN 46R addresses the consolidation of VIEs, including special-purpose entities, that are not controlled through voting interests or in which the equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks and rewards. FirstEnergy adopted FIN 46R for special-purpose entities as of December 31, 2003 and for all other entities in the first quarter of 2004. The first step under FIN 46R is to determine whether an entity is within the scope of FIN 46R, which occurs if it is deemed to be a VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary as defined by FIN 46R.

Included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements is PNBV, a VIE created in 1996 to refinance debt originally issued in connection with sale and leaseback transactions.

PNBV was established to purchase a portion of the lease obligation bonds issued in connection with the Company's 1987 sale and leaseback of its interests in the Perry Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 2. The Company used debt and available funds to purchase the notes issued by PNBV. Ownership of PNBV includes a three-percent equity interest by a nonaffiliated third party and a three-percent equity interest held by OES Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. As required by FIN 46R, consolidation of PNBV as of December 31, 2003 changed the previously reported trust investment of $361 million to an investment in collateralized lease bonds of $372 million. The $11 million increase represented the minority interest in the total assets of PNBV.

Through its investment in PNBV, the Company has variable interests in certain owner trusts that acquired the interests in the Perry Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 2. The Company has concluded that it was not the primary beneficiary of the owner trusts and was therefore not required to consolidate these entities. The leases are accounted for as operating leases in accordance with GAAP.

The Company is exposed to losses under the sale-leaseback agreements upon the occurrence of certain contingent events that it considers unlikely to occur. The Company has a maximum exposure to loss under these provisions of approximately $1 billion, which represents the net amount of casualty value payments upon the occurrence of specified casualty events that render the applicable plant worthless. Under the sale and leaseback agreement, the Company has net minimum discounted lease payments of $673 million that would not be payable if the casualty value payments are made.


34

8.   REGULATORY MATTERS:

In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. With respect to each of these reliability enhancement initiatives, FirstEnergy submitted its response to the respective entity according to any required response dates. In 2004, FirstEnergy completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. Furthermore, FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted, that FirstEnergy had completed the recommended enhancements, policies, procedures and actions it had recommended be completed by June 30, 2004. In addition, FirstEnergy requested, and NERC provided, a technical assistance team of experts to assist in implementing and confirming timely and successful completion of various initiatives. The NERC-assembled independent verification team confirmed on July 14, 2004, that FirstEnergy had implemented the NERC Recommended Actions to Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Future Cascading Blackouts required to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as NERC recommendations contained in the Control Area Readiness Audit Report required to be completed by summer 2004, and recommendations in the U.S. - - Canada Power System Outage Task Force Report directed toward FirstEnergy and required to be completed by June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy. On December 28, 2004, FirstEnergy submitted a follow-up to its June 30, 2004 Certification and Report of Completion to NERC addressing the minor exceptions, which are now essentially complete.

FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation recommendations that were to be implemented subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

In May 2004, the PPUC issued an order approving the revised reliability benchmark and standards, including revised benchmarks and standards for Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn. Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn filed a Petition for Amendment of Benchmarks with the PPUC on May 26, 2004 seeking amendment of the benchmarks and standards due to their implementation of automated outage management systems following restructuring. Evidentiary hearings have been scheduled for September 2005. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding.

On January 16, 2004, the PPUC initiated a formal investigation of whether Met-Ed's, Penelec's and Penn's “service reliability performance deteriorated to a point below the level of service reliability that existed prior to restructuring” in Pennsylvania. Hearings were held in early August 2004. On September 30, 2004, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn filed a settlement agreement with the PPUC that addresses the issues related to this investigation. As part of the settlement, Met-Ed, Penelec and Penn agreed to enhance service reliability, ongoing periodic performance reporting and communications with customers and to collectively maintain their current spending levels of at least $255 million annually on combined capital and operation and maintenance expenditures for transmission and distribution for the years 2005 through 2007. The settlement also outlines an expedited remediation process to address any alleged non-compliance with terms of the settlement and an expedited PPUC hearing process if remediation is unsuccessful. On November 4, 2004, the PPUC accepted the recommendation of the ALJ approving the settlement.

Ohio-

In October 2003, OE filed an application for a Rate Stabilization Plan with the PUCO to establish generation service rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply uncertainty following the end of OE's transition plan market development period. On February 24, 2004, OE filed a revised Rate Stabilization Plan to address PUCO concerns related to the original Rate Stabilization Plan. On June 9, 2004, the PUCO issued an order approving the revised Rate Stabilization Plan, subject to conducting a competitive bid process. On August 5, 2004, OE accepted the Rate Stabilization Plan as modified and approved by the PUCO on August 4, 2004. In the second quarter of 2004, OE implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest costs deferral on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC, respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the June 9, 2004 PUCO order and associated entries on rehearing.

35

The revised Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues OE's support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the revised Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:
 
·
extension of the amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC from 2006 to as late as 2007;
   
·
deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and
   
·
ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.
   

On December 9, 2004, the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved revised Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. The PUCO may cause OE to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization Plan pricing, but not the related approved accounting.

On December 30, 2004, OE filed an application with the PUCO seeking tariff adjustments to recover increases of approximately $14 million in transmission and ancillary service costs beginning January 1, 2006. OE also filed an application for authority to defer costs associated with MISO Day 1, MISO Day 2, congestion fees, FERC assessment fees, and the ATSI rate increase, as applicable, from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. Various parties have intervened in these cases.
 
Pennsylvania-

Pennsylvania enacted its electric utility competition law in 1996 with the phase-in of customer choice for generation suppliers completed as of January 1, 2001. In 1998, the PPUC authorized a rate restructuring plan for Penn, which essentially resulted in the deregulation of Penn’s generation business. Under the rate restructuring plan, Penn is entitled to recover $236 million of stranded costs through the CTC that began in 1999 and ends in 2006.

9.   CAPITALIZATION:

(A)   RETAINED EARNINGS-

Under the Company’s first mortgage indenture, the Company’s consolidated retained earnings unrestricted for payment of cash dividends on the Company’s common stock were $438.2 million as of December 31, 2004.

(B)   PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK-

All preferred stock may be redeemed by the Companies in whole, or in part, with 30-60 days’ notice.

The Company has eight million authorized and unissued shares of preference stock having no par value.

Preferred Stock Subject To Mandatory Redemption-

Penn's 7.625% series has an annual sinking fund requirement for 7,500 shares in 2005 and 2006.

The Companies’ preferred shares are retired at $100 per share plus accrued dividends. Annual sinking fund requirements are approximately $750,000 in 2005 and 2006 and $11.25 million in 2007.

(C)   LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS-

Other Long-term Debt-

Each of the Companies has a first mortgage indenture under which it issues FMB secured by a direct first mortgage lien on substantially all of its property and franchises, other than specifically excepted property. The Company also has a 1998 general mortgage under which it issues mortgage bonds based upon the pledge of a like amount of first mortgage bonds as security. These mortgage bonds therefore effectively enjoy the same lien on that property. The Companies have various debt covenants under their respective financing arrangements. The most restrictive of their debt covenants relate to the nonpayment of interest and/or principal on debt which could trigger a default and the maintenance of minimum fixed charge ratios and debt to capitalization ratios. There also exists cross-default provisions among financing arrangements of FirstEnergy and the Companies.

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Based on the amount of FMB authenticated by the respective mortgage bond trustees through December 31, 2004, the Companies' annual sinking fund requirements for all FMB issued under the various mortgage indentures amounts to $40 million. The Companies expect to deposit funds with their respective mortgage bond trustees in 2005 that will then be withdrawn upon the surrender for cancellation of a like principal amount of FMB, specifically authenticated for such purposes against unfunded property additions or against previously retired FMB. This method can result in minor increases in the amount of the annual sinking fund requirement.
 
Sinking fund requirements for FMB and maturing long-term debt (excluding capital leases) for the next five years are:
 
   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
396
 
2006
   
6
 
2007
   
6
 
2008
   
229
 
2009
   
2
 

Included in the table above are amounts for various variable interest rate long-term debt which have provisions by which individual debt holders have the option to "put back" or require the respective debt issuer to redeem their debt at those times when the interest rate may change prior to its maturity date. These amounts are $261 million and $50 million in 2005 and 2008, respectively, representing the next time the debt holders may exercise this provision.

The Companies' obligations to repay certain pollution control revenue bonds are secured by several series of FMB. Certain pollution control revenue bonds are entitled to the benefit of irrevocable bank LOCs of $168.5 million and noncancelable municipal bond insurance policies of $449.8 million to pay principal of, or interest on, the pollution control revenue bonds. To the extent that drawings are made under the LOCs or the policies, the Companies are entitled to a credit against their obligation to repay those bonds. The Companies pay annual fees of 1.0% to 1.7% of the amounts of the LOCs to the issuing banks and are 0.20% to 0.55% of the amounts of the policies to the insurers and are obligated to reimburse the banks or insurers, as the case may be, for any drawings thereunder.

The Company had no unsecured borrowings as of December 31, 2004 under a $250 million long-term revolving credit facility agreement which expires May 12, 2005. The Company currently pays an annual facility fee of 0.20% on the total credit facility amount. The Company had no unsecured borrowings as of December 31, 2004 under a $125 million long-term revolving credit facility which expires October 23, 2006. The Company currently pays an annual facility fee of 0.25% on the total credit facility amount. The fees are subject to change based on changes to the Company's credit ratings.

OES Finance, Incorporated, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, had maintained certificates of deposits pledged as collateral to secure reimbursement obligations relating to certain LOCs supporting the Company's obligations to lessors under the Beaver Valley Unit 2 sale and leaseback arrangements. In June 2004, these LOCs were replaced by a new LOC which did not require the collateral deposits. The Company entered into a Credit Agreement pursuant to which a standby LOC was issued in support of the replacement LOCs and the issuer of the standby LOC obtained the right to pledge or assign participations in the Company's reimbursement obligations to a trust. The trust then issued and sold trust certificates to institutional investors that were designed to be the credit equivalent of an investment directly in the Company. The certificates of deposit were cancelled and the Company received cash proceeds of $278 million in the third quarter of 2004.

10.   ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS:

In January 2003, the Companies implemented SFAS 143, which provides accounting standards for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. This statement requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over time the capitalized costs are depreciated and the present value of the asset retirement liability increases, resulting in a period expense. However, rate-regulated entities may recognize a regulatory asset or liability instead of an expense if the criteria for such treatment are met. Upon retirement, a gain or loss would be recognized if the cost to settle the retirement obligation differs from the carrying amount.

The Companies identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning and reclamation of a sludge disposal pond related to the Bruce Mansfield Plant. The ARO liability as of the date of adoption of SFAS 143 was $297.6 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. Accretion was $21 million and $20 million during 2004 and 2003, respectively, bringing the ARO liability as of December 31, 2004 to $339 million. The ARO includes the Companies' obligation for nuclear decommissioning of the Beaver Valley and Perry generating facilities. The Companies' share of the obligation to decommission these units was developed based on site specific studies performed by an independent engineer. The Companies utilized an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. The Companies maintain nuclear decommissioning trust funds that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning ARO. As of December 31, 2004, the fair value of the decommissioning trust assets was $436 million.

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The following table provides the effect on income as if SFAS 143 had been applied during 2002.

Effect of the Change in Accounting
Principle Applied Retroactively
     
   
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Reported net income
 
$
356
 
Increase (Decrease):
       
Elimination of decommissioning expense
   
30
 
Depreciation of asset retirement cost
   
(1
)
Accretion of ARO liability
   
(11
)
Non-regulated generation cost of removal
component, net
   
5
 
Income tax effect
   
(9
)
Net earnings increase
   
14
 
Net income adjusted
 
$
370
 


The following table describes changes to the ARO balances during 2004 and 2003.


ARO Reconciliation
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
318
 
$
298
 
Accretion
   
21
   
20
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
339
 
$
318
 


The following table provides the year-end balance of the ARO for 2002, as if SFAS 143 had been adopted on January 1, 2002.

Adjusted ARO Reconciliation
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
279
 
Accretion
   
19
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
298
 


11.   SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS AND BANK LINES OF CREDIT:

Short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2004, consisted of $25 million of OE bank borrowings and $142 million of OES Capital, Incorporated borrowings. OES Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of OE whose borrowings are secured by customer accounts receivable purchased from OE. OES Capital can borrow up to $170 million under a receivables financing arrangement at rates based on certain bank commercial paper and is required to pay an annual fee of 0.25% on the amount of the entire finance limit. The receivables financing agreement expires in October 2005. Penn has, through a wholly owned subsidiary, a receivables financing arrangement that provides a combined borrowing capability of up to $11.9 million at rates based on bank commercial paper rates. The financing arrangements require payment of an annual facility fee of 0.40% on the entire finance limit. Penn's receivables financing agreements expire in March 2005 and is expected to be renewed prior to expiration.

OE has various bi-lateral credit facilities with domestic banks that provide for borrowings of up to $34 million under various interest rate options. To assure the availability of these lines, OE is required to pay annual commitment fees that vary from 0.20% to 0.25% of total lender commitments. These lines expire at various times during 2005. The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 were 2.28% and 1.16%, respectively.

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12.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

(A)   NUCLEAR INSURANCE-

The Price-Anderson Act limits the public liability relative to a single incident at a nuclear power plant to $10.8 billion. The amount is covered by a combination of private insurance and an industry retrospective rating plan. Based on their ownership and leasehold interests in the Beaver Valley Station and the Perry Plant, the Companies' maximum potential assessment under the industry retrospective rating plan (assuming the other affiliate co-owners contribute their proportionate shares of any assessments under the retrospective rating plan) would be $192.0 million per incident but not more than $19.1 million in any one year for each incident.

The Companies are also insured as to their respective interests in Beaver Valley and Perry under policies issued to the operating company for each plant. Under these policies, up to $2.75 billion is provided for property damage and decontamination and decommissioning costs. The Companies have also obtained approximately $677.3 million of insurance coverage for replacement power costs for their respective interests in Beaver Valley and Perry. Under these policies, the Companies can be assessed a maximum of approximately $32 million for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year which are in excess of accumulated funds available to the insurer for paying losses.

The Companies intend to maintain insurance against nuclear risks as described above as long as it is available. To the extent that replacement power, property damage, decontamination, decommissioning, repair and replacement costs and other such costs arising from a nuclear incident at any of the Companies' plants exceed the policy limits of the insurance in effect with respect to that plant, to the extent a nuclear incident is determined not to be covered by the Companies' insurance policies, or to the extent such insurance becomes unavailable in the future, the Companies would remain at risk for such costs.

(B)   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS-

Various federal, state and local authorities regulate the Companies with regard to air and water quality and other environmental matters. The effects of compliance on the Companies with regard to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on the Companies' earnings and competitive position. These environmental regulations affect the Companies' earnings and competitive position to the extent that they compete 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. Overall, the Companies believe they are in material compliance with existing regulations but are unable to predict future change in regulatory policies and what, if any, the effects of such change would be. In accordance with the Ohio transition plan discussed in Note 8-Regulatory Matters, generation operations and any related additional capital expenditures for environmental compliance are the responsibility of FirstEnergy's competitive services business unit.

Clean Air Act Compliance-
 

The Companies are required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. The Companies cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.

The Companies believe they are complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from the Companies' facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85% reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. The Companies believe their facilities are complying with the NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIPs) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.


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National Ambient Air Quality Standards-
 

In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the Companies operate affected facilities.
 
Mercury Emissions-

In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.
 
W. H. Sammis Plant-

In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities covering 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which is owned by the Company and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, which included a complaint against the Company and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. The ruling concludes the liability phase of the case, which deals with applicability of Prevention of Significant Deterioration provisions of the Clean Air Act. The remedy phase of the trial to address civil penalties and what, if any, actions should be taken to further reduce emissions at the plant has been delayed without rescheduling by the Court because the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement negotiations. The Court indicated, in its August 2003 ruling, that the remedies it "may consider and impose involved a much broader, equitable analysis, requiring the Court to consider air quality, public health, economic impact, and employment consequences. The Court may also consider the less than consistent efforts of the EPA to apply and further enforce the Clean Air Act." The potential penalties that may be imposed, as well as the capital expenditures necessary to comply with substantive remedial measures that may be required, could have a material adverse impact on the Companies' financial condition and results of operations. While the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement discussions, management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.
 
Regulation of Hazardous Waste-

As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.
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Climate Change-
 
In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18% through 2012.  
 
The Companies cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity generated by the Companies is lower than many regional competitors due to the Companies' diversified generation sources which includes 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 the Companies' plants. In addition, Ohio, and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to the Companies' operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.

On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. The Companies are conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by their facilities with the performance standards. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

(C)  
OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS-

Power Outages and Related Litigation-

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. On April 5, 2004, the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force released its final report on the outages. In the final report, the Task Force concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contains 46 “recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts.” Forty-five of those recommendations relate to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, relates to activities the Task Force recommends be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, and ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which are consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, completion of various reliability recommendations and further received independent verification of completion status from a NERC verification team on July 14, 2004 with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy (see Note 8). FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. As many of these initiatives already were in process, FirstEnergy does not believe that any incremental expenses associated with additional initiatives undertaken during 2004 will have a material effect on its operations or financial results. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of December 31, 2004 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date.

41

Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio state courts by plaintiffs seeking to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All three cases were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. One case was refiled at the PUCO. The other two cases were appealed. One case was dismissed and no further appeal was sought. The remaining case is pending. In addition to the one case that was refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages.

One complaint has been filed against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed a motion to dismiss with the Court on October 22, 2004. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thus potential liability has not been determined.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

Legal Matters-

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to the Companies' normal business operations pending against the Company and its subsidiaries. The most significant not otherwise discussed above are described below.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which the Companies have a 35.24% interest. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and the Company and the Davis-Besse extended outage (the Company has no interest in Davis-Besse) has become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a second subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

If it were ultimately determined that the Company or its subsidiaries has legal liability or is otherwise made subject to liability based on any of the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

13.   NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS:

SFAS 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29”

In December 2004, the FASB issued this Statement amending APB 29, which was based on the principle that nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. The Companies are currently evaluating this standard but do not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

42

SFAS 151, “Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4”

In November 2004, the FASB issued this statement to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be “so abnormal” that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by the Companies after June 30, 2005. The Companies are currently evaluating this standard but do not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

 EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1. EITF 03-1 provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Companies will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.

EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"
 
In March 2004, the FASB ratified the final consensus on Issue 03-16. EITF 03-16 requires that an investment in a limited liability company that maintains a "specific ownership account" for each investor should be viewed as similar to an investment in a limited partnership for determining whether the cost or equity method of accounting should be used. The equity method of accounting is generally required for investments that represent more than a three to five percent interest in a limited partnership. EITF 03-16 was adopted by the Companies in the third quarter of 2004 and did not affect the Companies' financial statements.

FSP 109-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004”
 
Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) “qualified production activities income,” as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Companies' financial statements.

FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"

Issued in May 2004, FSP 106-2 provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy provided by the Medicare Act. The effect of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act on the Company's consolidated financial statements is described in Note 3.

43

14.   SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

The following summarizes certain consolidated operating results by quarter for 2004 and 2003.

   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
743.3
 
$
718.4
 
$
766.3
 
$
717.6
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
660.9
   
632.2
   
670.8
   
646.2
 
Operating Income
   
82.4
   
86.2
   
95.5
   
71.4
 
Other Income
   
12.5
   
20.7
   
17.2
   
23.7
 
Net Interest Charges
   
18.8
   
19.5
   
10.0
   
18.6
 
Net Income
 
$
76.1
 
$
87.4
 
$
102.7
 
$
76.5
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
75.5
 
$
86.7
 
$
102.1
 
$
76.0
 


   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
742.8
 
$
673.7
 
$
774.7
 
$
734.1
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
672.7
   
609.7
   
686.2
   
619.8
 
Operating Income
   
70.1
   
64.0
   
88.5
   
114.3
 
Other Income
   
13.5
   
15.4
   
15.9
   
22.0
 
Net Interest Charges
   
26.5
   
34.1
   
23.6
   
26.6
 
Income Before Cumulative Effect of
Accounting Change
   
57.1
   
45.3
   
80.8
   
109.7
 
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change (Net
of Income Taxes)
   
31.7
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Net Income
 
$
88.8
 
$
45.3
 
$
80.8
 
$
109.7
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
88.1
 
$
44.7
 
$
80.1
 
$
109.0
 


44


 
 
 
 
 
 
EX-21.1 31 ex21-1.htm OE - LIST OF SUBS Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 21.1



OHIO EDISON COMPANY

LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
AT DECEMBER 31, 2004


Pennsylvania Power Company - Incorporated in Pennsylvania

OES Ventures, Incorporated - Incorporated in Ohio

OES Capital, Incorporated - Incorporated in Delaware

OES Finance, Incorporated - Incorporated in Ohio

OES Nuclear, Incorporated - Incorporated in Ohio

Ohio Edison Financing Trust - Incorporated in Delaware

Ohio Edison Financing Trust II - Incorporated in Delaware


Statement of Differences


Exhibit Number 21, List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant at December 31, 2004, is not included in the printed document.

EX-23.1 32 ex23-1.htm OE - PWC CONSENT Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 23.1



OHIO EDISON COMPANY

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 33-49413, 33-51139, 333-01489 and 333-05277) of Ohio Edison Company of our report dated March 7, 2005 relating to the consolidated financial statements, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in the Annual Report to Stockholders, which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated March 7, 2005 relating to the financial statement schedules, which appears in this Form 10-K.



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005


EX-12.3 33 ex12-3.htm CEI - FIXED CHARGE RATIO Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 12.3
Page 1
 
 
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES


   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                       
                       
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                     
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
210,424
 
$
177,905
 
$
136,952
 
$
197,033
 
$
236,531
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
amounts capitalized
   
201,739
   
192,102
   
189,502
   
164,132
   
138,678
 
Provision for income taxes
   
138,426
   
137,887
   
84,938
   
131,285
   
138,856
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
65,616
   
59,497
   
51,170
   
49,761
   
49,375
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
616,205
 
$
567,391
 
$
462,562
 
$
542,211
 
$
563,440
 
                                 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                               
Interest expense
 
$
201,739
 
$
191,727
 
$
180,602
 
$
159,632
 
$
138,678
 
Subsidiary's preferred stock dividend requirements
   
--
   
375
   
8,900
   
4,500
   
--
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
65,616
   
59,497
   
51,170
   
49,761
   
49,375
 
Fixed charges as defined
 
$
267,355
 
$
251,599
 
$
240,672
 
$
213,893
 
$
188,053
 
                                 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
   
2.30
   
2.26
   
1.92
   
2.53
   
3.00
 

______________________

(a) Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.



EXHIBIT 12.3
Page 2
 
THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES PLUS PREFERRED
STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS (PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)


   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                       
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                     
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
210,424
 
$
177,905
 
$
136,952
 
$
197,033
 
$
236,531
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for amounts
capitalized
   
201,739
   
192,102
   
189,502
   
164,132
   
138,678
 
Provision for income taxes
   
138,426
   
137,887
   
84,938
   
131,285
   
138,856
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
65,616
   
59,497
   
51,170
   
49,761
   
49,375
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
616,205
 
$
567,391
 
$
462,562
 
$
542,211
 
$
563,440
 
                                 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K PLUS
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS):
                               
Interest expense
 
$
201,739
 
$
191,727
 
$
180,602
 
$
159,632
 
$
138,678
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
   
20,843
   
25,213
   
24,590
   
12,026
   
7,008
 
Adjustments to preferred stock dividends
to state on a pre-income tax basis
   
13,012
   
20,178
   
8,204
   
5,137
   
4,113
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
65,616
   
59,497
   
51,170
   
49,761
   
49,375
 
Fixed charges as defined plus preferred stock
dividend requirements (pre-income tax basis)
 
$
301,210
 
$
296,615
 
$
264,566
 
$
226,556
 
$
199,174
 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
PLUS PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)
   
2.05
   
1.91
   
1.75
   
2.39
   
2.83
 
                                 

_________________

(a) Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.
EX-13.2 34 ex13-2.htm CEI - ANNUAL REPORT Unassociated Document

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC
ILLUMINATING COMPANY

2004 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS



The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company is a wholly owned electric utility operating subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. It engages in the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy in an area of approximately 1,700 square miles in northeastern Ohio. It also engages in the sale, purchase and interchange of electric energy with other electric companies. The area it serves has a population of approximately 1.9 million.







Contents
 
Page
 
         
Glossary of Terms
   
i-ii
 
Management Reports
   
1
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
2
 
Selected Financial Data
   
3
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis
   
4-15
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
   
16
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
   
17
 
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization
   
18
 
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity
   
19
 
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock
   
19
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
   
20
 
Consolidated Statements of Taxes
   
21
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
22-41
 






GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and its affiliates:
 
ATSI
American Transmission Systems, Inc., owns and operates transmission facilities
CEI
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an Ohio electric utility operating subsidiary
CFC
Centerior Funding Corporation, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of CEI
Companies
OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec
FENOC
FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company, operates nuclear generating facilities
FES
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESC
FirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
JCP&L
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, an affiliated New Jersey electric utility
Met-Ed
Metropolitan Edison Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
OE
Ohio Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
Ohio Companies
CEI, OE and TE
Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
Penn
Pennsylvania Power Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
Shippingport
Shippingport Capital Trust, a special purpose entity created by CEI and TE in 1997
TE
The Toledo Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
     
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
     
AOCL
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
APB
Accounting Principles Board
APB 29
APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions"
ARB
Accounting Research Bulletin
ARB 43
ARB No. 43, "Restatement and Revision of Accounting Research Bulletins"
ARO
Asset Retirement Obligation
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
CTC
Competitive Transition Charge
ECAR
East Central Area Reliability Agreement
EITF
Emerging Issues Task Force
EITF 03-1
EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary and Its Application to Certain
Investments"
EITF 03-16
EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"
EITF 97-4
EITF Issue No. 97-4 "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101"
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIN 46R
FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
FMB
First Mortgage Bonds
FSP
FASB Staff Position
FSP EITF 03-1-1
FASB Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue
No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments"
FSP 106-1
FASB Staff Position No.106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 106-2
FASB Staff Position No.106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 109-1
FASB Staff Position No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of  2004"
GAAP
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
KWH
Kilowatt-hours
MACT
Maximum Achievable Control Technologies
Medicare Act
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
MISO
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
MW
Megawatts
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Council



i
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont.
 

NOAC
Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition
NOX
Nitrogen Oxide
NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
OCC
Ohio Consumers' Counsel
OCI
Other Comprehensive Income
OPEB
Other Post-Employment Benefits
PJM
PJM Interconnection L. L. C.
PRP
Potentially Responsible Party
PUCO
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCA
Public Utility Holding Company Act
RTC
Regulatory Transition Charge
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71
SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 87
SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions"
SFAS 101
SFAS No. 101, "Accounting for Discontinuation of Application of SFAS 71"
SFAS 106
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"
SFAS 115
SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities"
SFAS 140
SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishment of Liabilities"
SFAS 142
SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets"
SFAS 143
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
SFAS 144
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"
SFAS 150
SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both  Liabilities and Equity"
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
VIE
Variable Interest Entity



ii


MANAGEMENT REPORTS

Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who takes responsibility for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent with other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements.

FirstEnergy Corp.’s internal auditors, who are responsible to the Audit Committee of FirstEnergy’s Board of Directors, review the results and performance of operating units within the Company for adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of accounting and reporting systems, as well as managerial and operating controls.

FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee consists of five independent directors whose duties include: consideration of the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company and the objectivity of financial reporting; inquiry into the number, extent, adequacy and validity of regular and special audits conducted by independent auditors and the internal auditors; and reporting to the Board of Directors the Committee’s findings and any recommendation for changes in scope, methods or procedures of the auditing functions. The Committee is directly responsible for appointing the Company’s independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and is charged with reviewing and approving all services performed for the Company by the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and for reviewing and approving the related fees. The Committee reviews the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm's report on internal quality control and reviews all relationships between the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the Company, in order to assess the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm's independence. The Committee also reviews management’s programs to monitor compliance with the Company’s policies on business ethics and risk management. The Committee establishes procedures to receive and respond to complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and allows for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2004.

Management's Reports on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page 2.




1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company:

We have completed an integrated audit of The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2(G) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003. As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005



2

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA



   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
2000
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                       
GENERAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
                               
                                 
Operating Revenues
 
$
1,808,485
 
$
1,719,739
 
$
1,843,671
 
$
2,064,622
 
$
1,890,339
 
                                 
Operating Income
 
$
327,909
 
$
255,615
 
$
306,152
 
$
354,422
 
$
397,568
 
                                 
Income Before Cumulative Effect
of Accounting Change
 
$
236,531
 
$
197,033
 
$
136,952
 
$
177,905
 
$
210,424
 
                                 
Net Income
 
$
236,531
 
$
239,411
 
$
136,952
 
$
177,905
 
$
210,424
 
                                 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
229,523
 
$
231,885
 
$
121,262
 
$
153,067
 
$
189,581
 
                                 
Total Assets
 
$
6,690,465
 
$
6,773,448
 
$
6,510,243
 
$
6,526,596
 
$
6,756,921
 
                                 
                                 
CAPITALIZATION AS OF DECEMBER 31:
                               
Common Stockholder’s Equity
 
$
1,853,561
 
$
1,778,827
 
$
1,200,001
 
$
1,082,041
 
$
1,095,874
 
Preferred Stock-
                               
Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
96,404
   
96,404
   
96,404
   
141,475
   
238,325
 
Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
--
   
--
   
105,021
   
106,288
   
26,105
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Obligations
   
1,970,117
   
1,884,643
   
1,975,001
   
2,156,322
   
2,634,692
 
Total Capitalization
 
$
3,920,082
 
$
3,759,874
 
$
3,376,427
 
$
3,486,126
 
$
3,994,996
 
                                 
                                 
CAPITALIZATION RATIOS:
                               
Common Stockholder’s Equity
   
47.3
%
 
47.3
%
 
35.5
%
 
31.0
%
 
27.4
%
Preferred Stock-
                               
Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
2.5
   
2.6
   
2.9
   
4.1
   
6.0
 
Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
--
   
--
   
3.1
   
3.0
   
0.6
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Obligations
   
50.2
   
50.1
   
58.5
   
61.9
   
66.0
 
Total Capitalization
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
                                 
DISTRIBUTION KWH DELIVERIES (Millions):
                               
Residential
   
5,264
   
5,216
   
5,370
   
5,061
   
5,061
 
Commercial
   
4,817
   
4,690
   
4,628
   
4,907
   
6,656
 
Industrial
   
9,006
   
8,908
   
8,921
   
9,593
   
8,320
 
Other
   
162
   
169
   
167
   
166
   
167
 
Total
   
19,249
   
18,983
   
19,086
   
19,727
   
20,204
 
                                 
CUSTOMERS SERVED:
                               
Residential
   
674,292
   
669,337
   
677,095
   
673,852
   
667,115
 
Commercial
   
81,093
   
80,596
   
71,893
   
70,636
   
69,103
 
Industrial
   
2,211
   
2,318
   
4,725
   
4,783
   
4,851
 
Other
   
293
   
286
   
289
   
292
   
307
 
Total
   
757,889
   
752,537
   
754,002
   
749,563
   
741,376
 
                                 
                                 
Number of Employees
   
905
   
949
   
974
   
1,025
   
1,046
 




3


THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


This discussion includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "believe," "estimate" and similar words. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition and deregulation in the electric utility industry, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, legislative and regulatory changes (including revised environmental requirements), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits, fines or other enforcement actions and remedies) of governmental investigations and oversight, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the United States Attorney's Office and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, generally, and with respect to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station outage in particular, the availability and cost of capital, the continuing availability and operation of generating units, our ability to experience growth in the distribution business, our ability to access the public securities and other capital markets, further investigation into the causes of the August 14, 2003, regional power outage and the outcome, cost and other effects of present and potential legal and administrative proceedings and claims related to the outage, the final outcome in the proceeding related to our Application for a Rate Stabilization Plan in Ohio, the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Results of Operations

Earnings on common stock in 2004 decreased 1.0% to $230 million from $232 million in 2003. Earnings on common stock in 2003 included an after-tax gain of $42 million from the cumulative effect of an accounting change due to the adoption of SFAS 143. Income before the cumulative effect increased to $237 million in 2004 from $197 million in 2003. This increase resulted principally from higher operating revenues, lower nuclear operating costs and reduced interest charges. These factors were partially offset by higher fuel and purchased power costs, depreciation and amortization charges and the absence of a 2003 gain representing net proceeds from the settlement of our claim against NRG relating to the terminated sale of three of our fossil power plants (see Note 7). Operating revenues were higher in 2004 due to significant increases in sales to FES. Lower nuclear operating costs in 2004 compared with 2003, were due to reduced incremental maintenance costs associated with the Davis-Besse extended outage and the absence of nuclear outages at Beaver Valley Unit 2 and the Perry Plant in 2003. Lower net interest charges in 2004, compared with 2003, were primarily due to debt redemptions and refinancing activities.

Earnings on common stock in 2003 increased 91.2% to $232 million from $121 million in 2002. The increase in earnings in 2003 was due primarily to the NRG after-tax gain of $75 million and the cumulative effect of an accounting change. Excluding these gains, earnings on common stock decreased $6 million in 2003. The decrease resulted primarily from lower operating revenues, which were partially offset by lower operating expenses, net interest charges and preferred stock dividend requirements.

Operating revenues increased by $89 million or 5.2% in 2004 compared with 2003. Higher revenues resulted principally from a $136 million (44.2%) increase in wholesale sales (primarily to FES) due to increased nuclear generation available for sale which was partially offset by reduced generation sales revenue from franchise customers of $20 million. The reduction in retail generation revenues (residential - $9 million and commercial - $18 million) in 2004 reflected increases in electric generation service to residential and commercial customers provided by alternative suppliers as a percent of total sales deliveries in our franchise area of 5.5 percentage points and 8.2 percentage points, respectively. Reductions in residential and commercial revenues were partially offset by an $8 million increase in industrial retail generation revenues resulting from higher KWH sales (4.6%) to industrial customers due in part to a 2.7 percentage point reduction in the alternative suppliers’ share of industrial sales.

Revenues from distribution throughput decreased by $14 million in 2004 compared with 2003, even though total distribution deliveries increased by 1.4% in 2004. An improving economy increased distribution deliveries to commercial and industrial customers in 2004. Lower unit prices in all customer sectors in 2004 offset the effect of higher distribution deliveries to residential and industrial customers and partially offset higher sales to the commercial sector. Under the Ohio transition plan, we provide incentives to customers to encourage switching to alternative energy providers - $5 million of additional credits were provided to customers in 2004 compared with 2003. These revenue reductions are deferred for future recovery under our transition plan and do not affect current period earnings.

4

Operating revenues decreased $124 million or 6.7% in 2003 compared with 2002. The lower revenues were due to milder weather and increased sales by alternative suppliers. KWH sales to retail customers in all customer sectors (residential, commercial and industrial) declined by 13.6% in 2003 from the prior year, resulting in a $56 million reduction in generation sales revenue. KWH sales of electricity by alternative suppliers in our franchise area increased by 9 percentage points in 2003 from the prior year. Sales revenues from wholesale customers (primarily FES) decreased by $26 million in 2003 compared with 2002. The lower sales resulted from reductions in available nuclear generation of 17.2% in 2003 compared to 2002. Available generation decreased due to the extended outage of Davis-Besse and additional refueling activities at other nuclear generating units in 2003 compared to 2002. Customer shopping incentives further reduced operating revenues by $30 million in 2003 as compared with 2002. These revenue reductions are deferred for future recovery under the Ohio Transition Plan and do not materially affect current period earnings.

Changes in electric generation sales and distribution deliveries in 2004 and 2003, compared to the prior year, are summarized in the following table:


Changes in KWH Sales
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
         
Electric Generation:
             
Retail
   
(2.6
)%
 
(13.6
)%
Wholesale
   
44.2
%
 
(12.4
)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
   
20.4
%
 
(13.0
)%
Distribution Deliveries:
             
Residential
   
0.9
%
 
(2.9
)%
Commercial
   
2.7
%
 
1.3
%
Industrial
   
1.1
%
 
(0.1
)%
Total Distribution Deliveries
   
1.4
%
 
(0.5
)%


Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $17 million in 2004 and decreased by $73 million in 2003 from the prior year. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.


Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Increase (Decrease)
         
Fuel and purchased power costs
 
$
28
 
$
7
 
Nuclear operating costs
   
(124
)
 
34
 
Other operating costs
   
36
   
(43
)
Provision for depreciation
   
7
   
(38
)
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
30
   
17
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(24
)
 
(26
)
General taxes
   
10
   
(11
)
Income taxes
   
54
   
(13
)
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
$
17
 
$
(73
)


Higher fuel costs in 2004 compared to 2003 resulted principally from increased nuclear generation. Higher purchased power costs reflect higher unit costs and KWH purchased. The decrease in nuclear operating costs for 2004 was due to reduced incremental costs associated with the Davis-Besse extended outage and work performed during the Perry Plant’s 56-day refueling outage and the Beaver Valley Unit 2 refueling outage of 2003. Other operating costs increased in 2004, in part from higher employee benefit costs.

Higher fuel and purchased power costs in 2003 resulted from an increase in purchased power costs partially offset by lower fuel costs from reduced nuclear generation. Higher purchased power costs primarily reflect increased unit costs partially offset by lower power purchases from FES in 2003 compared to 2002. Increased nuclear costs resulted from unplanned work performed during the Perry Plant’s 56-day nuclear refueling outage and the Beaver Valley Unit 2 28-day refueling outage in 2003, compared with the 24-day refueling outage at Beaver Valley Unit 2 in 2002. The decrease in other operating costs in 2003 reflects lower employee costs - specifically the absence of short-term incentive compensation and reduced health care costs.


5

The increase in depreciation in 2004 compared to 2003 reflected a higher level of depreciable property in 2004, while the decrease in 2003 from 2002 was attributable to revised service life assumptions for nuclear generating plants, lower charges following the implementation of SFAS 143 ($18 million) and lower fossil plant depreciation ($14 million). Higher amortization of regulatory assets in 2004 and 2003 as compared to the prior periods was primarily due to increased amortization of transition regulatory assets. Increases in the deferral of regulatory assets in 2004 from 2003 were primarily a result of higher shopping incentive deferrals ($5 million) and deferred interest on the shopping incentives ($17 million). Increased shopping incentive deferrals were also the principal cause of the increase in 2003 compared to 2002.

General taxes increased $10 million in 2004 primarily due to the absence of settled property tax claims in 2003 and correspondingly decreased $11 million in 2003 from 2002 principally due to the settled property tax claims.

Other Income

Other income decreased by $55 million in 2004, principally due to a $131 million pre-tax NRG settlement recognized in 2003, partially offset by interest income from Shippingport, which was consolidated into CEI as of December 31, 2003. The increase in other income in 2003 compared to 2002 reflected the NRG gain in 2003.

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges continued to trend lower, decreasing by $22 million in 2004 and by $29 million in 2003, due to our debt paydown program. Long-term debt interest was lower due to the redemptions of $289 million and refinancing of $46 million of pollution control notes during 2004. This decrease was partially offset by a $17 million increase in other interest expense resulting from Shippingport interest expense in 2004 (see Note 6 - Variable Interest Entities).

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

Upon adoption of SFAS 143 in the first quarter of 2003, we recorded an after-tax gain to net income of $42 million. The cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation and accretion, offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and ceasing the accounting practice of depreciating non-regulated generation assets using a cost of removal component, was a $73 million increase to income, or $42 million net of income taxes.

Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements

Preferred stock dividend requirements decreased by $0.5 million in 2004 and decreased by $8 million in 2003 from 2002 principally due to optional redemptions of preferred stock in 2002. Premiums related to the optional redemptions partially offset the lower dividend requirements.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our cash requirements in 2004 for operating expenses, construction expenditures, scheduled debt maturities and preferred stock redemptions were met without increasing our net debt and preferred stock outstanding. During 2005, we expect to meet our contractual obligations with cash from operations. Thereafter, we expect to use a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

As of December 31, 2004, CEI had $197,000 of cash and cash equivalents, compared with $25 million as of December 31, 2003. The major sources of changes in these balances are summarized below.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities for 2004 compared with 2003 and 2002 were as follows:
 
Operating Cash Flows
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
                     
Cash earnings (1)
 
$
443
 
$
309
 
$
229
 
Pension trust contribution(2)
   
(19
)
 
--
   
--
 
Working capital and other
   
(202
)
 
2
   
98
 
Total
 
$
222
 
$
311
 
$
327
 

(1) Cash earnings are a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below). 
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $13 million income tax benefit.
 


6

Cash earnings (in the table above) is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating our cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Net Income (GAAP)
 
$
237
 
$
239
 
$
137
 
Non-Cash Charges (Credits):
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
132
   
125
   
163
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
196
   
166
   
149
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(117
)
 
(93
)
 
(67
)
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization
   
28
   
18
   
21
 
Other amortization
   
(18
)
 
(16
)
 
(15
)
Deferred operating lease costs, net
   
(56
)
 
(78
)
 
(60
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
   
26
   
22
   
(1
)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations
   
13
   
8
   
(104
)
Accrued compensation, net
   
2
   
(9
)
 
6
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
(73
)
 
--
 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP)
 
$
443
 
$
309
 
$
229
 


Net cash provided from operating activities decreased $89 million in 2004 compared to 2003 as a result of a $204 million decrease from changes in working capital and other cash flows and a $19 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution, partially offset by a $134 million increase in cash earnings as described under "Results of Operations". The decrease in working capital and other cash flows was principally due to a $149 million decrease in cash from accrued taxes payable, partially offset by a $55 million change in accounts receivable. Net cash from operating activities decreased $16 million in 2003 compared to 2002 as a result of a $96 million reduction in working capital and other requirements partially offset by a $80 million increase in cash earnings as described under "Results of Operations". The largest factor contributing to the decrease in working capital and other requirements was a $102 million decrease in cash from accounts payable.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities decreased by $100 million in 2004 compared to 2003. The decrease in funds used for financing activities resulted from a reduction in net debt redemptions, partially offset by $170 million of common stock dividend payments to FirstEnergy in 2004.

The following table provides details regarding new issues and redemptions during 2004, 2003 and 2002:


Securities Issued or Redeemed
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
New Issues
             
Pollution Control Notes
 
$
125
 
$
--
 
$
107
 
Unsecured Notes
   
--
   
297
   
--
 
                     
Redemptions
                   
FMB
   
--
   
550
   
195
 
Pollution Control Notes
   
46
   
112
   
79
 
Secured Notes
   
288
   
15
   
33
 
Preferred Stock
   
1
   
1
   
165
 
Other
   
1
   
--
   
3
 
   
$
336
 
$
678
 
$
475
 
                     
Short-term Borrowings, Net
 
$
290
 
$
(109
)
$
191
 


We had about $0.7 million of cash and temporary investments (which include short-term notes receivable from associated companies) and approximately $489 million of short-term indebtedness as of December 31, 2004. We have obtained authorization from the PUCO to incur short-term debt of up to $500 million (including the utility money pool described below). We had the capability to issue $1.4 billion of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of our mortgage indenture. The issuance of FMB by CEI is subject to a provision of our senior note indenture generally limiting the incurrence of additional secured debt, subject to certain exceptions that would permit, among other things, the issuance of secured debt (including FMB) (i) supporting pollution control notes or similar obligations, or (ii) as an extension, renewal or replacement of previously outstanding secured debt. In addition, this provision would permit us to incur additional secured debt not otherwise permitted by a specified exception of up to $588 million as of December 31, 2004. We have no restrictions on the issuance of preferred stock.

7

We have the ability to borrow from our regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet our short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal amount, 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 the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings in 2004 was 1.43%.

Our access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of our securities and the securities of FirstEnergy. The following table shows securities ratings as of December 31, 2004. The ratings outlook from the rating agencies on all such securities is stable.


Ratings of Securities
                 
   
Securities
 
S&P
 
Moody’s
 
Fitch
 
                           
FirstEnergy
   
Senior unsecured
 
 
BB+
 
 
Baa3
 
 
BBB-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CEI
 
 
Senior secured
 
 
BBB-
 
 
Baa2
 
 
BBB-
 
 
 
 
Senior unsecured
 
 
BB+
 
 
Baa3
 
 
BB
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock
 
 
BB
 
 
Ba2
 
 
BB-
 



On December 10, 2004, S&P reaffirmed FirstEnergy's ‘BBB-' corporate credit rating and kept the outlook stable. S&P noted that the stable outlook reflects FirstEnergy's improving financial profile and cash flow certainty through 2006. S&P stated that should the two refueling outages at the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants scheduled for the first quarter of 2005 be completed successfully without any significant negative findings and delays, FirstEnergy's outlook would be revised to positive. S&P also stated that a ratings upgrade in the next several months did not seem likely, as remaining issues of concern to S&P, primarily the outcome of environmental litigation and SEC investigations, are not likely to be resolved in the short term.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities


Net cash used for investing activities increased $30 million in 2004 compared to 2003 and primarily reflected increased investments in lessor notes, partially offset by increased loan payments received from associated companies and lower expenditures for property additions. Net cash used for investing activities decreased by $39 million in 2003 compared to 2002 principally due to decreased property additions.

Our capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $368 million (excluding nuclear fuel) of which approximately $103 million applies to 2005. Investments for additional nuclear fuel during the 2005-2007 period are estimated to be approximately $76 million, of which about $11 million applies to 2005. During the same period, our nuclear fuel investments are expected to be reduced by approximately $91 million and $28 million, respectively, as the nuclear fuel is consumed.

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2004, our estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations that we consider firm obligations are as follows:


Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
2005
 
2006-2007
 
2008-2009
 
Thereafter
 
   
(In millions)
 
                       
Long-term debt (4)
 
$
2,018
 
$
--
 
$
141
 
$
303
 
$
1,574
 
Short-term borrowings
   
489
   
489
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Preferred stock (1)
   
4
   
1
   
2
   
1
   
--
 
Capital leases
   
8
   
1
   
2
   
2
   
3
 
Operating leases (2)
   
174
   
18
   
25
   
21
   
110
 
Purchases (3) 
   
408
   
58
   
146
   
126
   
78
 
Total
 
$
3,101
 
$
567
 
$
316
 
$
453
 
$
1,765
 

(1) Subject to mandatory redemption.
(2) Operating lease payments are net of capital trust receipts of $546.0 million (see Note 5).
(3) Fuel and power purchases under contracts with fixed or minimum quantities and approximate timing.
(4) Amounts reflected do not include interest on long-term debt.

8

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have obligations not included on our Consolidated  Balance Sheet  related to sale and leaseback arrangements  involving the Bruce Mansfield Plant, which is reflected in the operating lease payments above (see Note 5 - Leases). As of December 31, 2004, the present value of these operating lease commitments, net of trust investments, total $115 million.

We sell substantially all of our retail customer receivables to CFC, our wholly owned subsidiary. CFC subsequently transfers the receivables to a trust (a "qualified special purpose entity" under SFAS 140) under an asset-backed securitization agreement. This arrangement provided $55 million of off-balance sheet financing as of December 31, 2004.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates is reduced since a significant portion of our debt has fixed interest rates. The table below presents principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by year of maturity for our investment portfolio, debt obligations and preferred stock with mandatory redemption provisions.


 
Comparison of Carrying Value to Fair Value
                                 
                   
 
 
There-
     
Fair
 
Year of Maturity
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
after
 
Total
 
Value
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
Assets
                                 
Investments Other Than Cash
                                                 
and Cash Equivalents-
                                                 
Fixed Income
 
$
33
 
$
45
 
$
36
 
$
39
 
$
41
 
$
640
 
$
834
 
$
954
 
Average interest rate
   
7.9
%
 
7.8
%
 
7.7
%
 
7.7
%
 
7.7
%
 
7.0
%
 
7.2
%
     

                                                   
Liabilities
                                                 
Long-term Debt and Other
                                                 
Long-Term Obligations:
                                                 
Fixed rate
       
$
12
 
$
129
 
$
140
 
$
163
 
$
1,205
 
$
1,649
 
$
1,821
 
Average interest rate
         
7.7
%
 
7.2
%
 
7.0
%
 
7.4
%
 
7.0
%
 
7.1
%
     
Variable rate
                               
$
369
 
$
369
 
$
370
 
Average interest rate
                                 
2.3
%
 
2.3
%
     
Preferred Stock Subject to
                                                 
Mandatory Redemption
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
1
             
$
4
 
$
4
 
Average dividend rate
   
7.4
%
 
7.4
%
 
7.4
%
 
7.4
%
             
7.4
%
     
Short-term Borrowings
 
$
489
                               
$
489
 
$
489
 
Average interest rate
   
2.1
%
                               
2.1
%
     


Equity Price Risk

Included in our nuclear decommissioning trust investments are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $242 million and $188 million as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $24 million reduction in fair value as of December 31, 2004 (see Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

Outlook

Our industry continues to transition to a more competitive environment and all of our customers can select alternative energy suppliers. We continue to deliver power to residential homes and businesses through our existing distribution system, which remains regulated. Customer rates have been restructured into separate components to support customer choice. We have a continuing responsibility to provide power to those customers not choosing to receive power from an alternative energy supplier subject to certain limits. Adopting new approaches to regulation and experiencing new forms of competition have created new uncertainties.

Regulatory Matters

In 2001, Ohio customer rates were restructured to establish separate charges for transmission, distribution, transition cost recovery and a generation-related component. When one of our customers elects to obtain power from an alternative supplier, we reduce the customer's bill with a "generation shopping credit," based on the regulated generation component (plus an incentive), and the customer receives a generation charge from the alternative supplier. We have continuing provider of last resort (PLR) responsibility to our franchise customers through December 31, 2005.

9

Regulatory assets are costs which have been authorized by the PUCO and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. Our regulatory assets as of December 2004 and 2003 were $ 1.0 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. All regulatory assets are expected to continue to be recovered under the provisions of the transition and rate stabilization plans.

As part of the Ohio transition plan we are obligated to supply electricity to customers who do not choose an alternative supplier. We are also required to provide 400 MW of low cost supply to unaffiliated alternative suppliers who serve customers within our service area. Our competitive retail sales affiliate, FES, acts as an alternate supplier for a portion of the load in our franchise area.

On February 24, 2004, we filed a revised Rate Stabilization Plan to address PUCO concerns related to the original Rate Stabilization Plan. On June 9, 2004, the PUCO issued an order approving the revised Rate Stabilization Plan, subject to conducting a competitive bid process. On August 5, 2004, we accepted the Rate Stabilization Plan as modified and approved by the PUCO on August 4, 2004. In the second quarter of 2004, we implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest costs deferrals on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC, respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the June 9, 2004 PUCO order and associated entries on rehearing.

The revised Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues our support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the revised Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:

extension of the amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC from 2008 to as late as mid-2009;
  •  
deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and
  •  
ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.

On December 9, 2004, the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved revised Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. The PUCO may cause us to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization Plan pricing, but not the related approved accounting and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination.

On December 30, 2004, we filed an application with the PUCO seeking tariff adjustments to recover increases of approximately $16 million in transmission and ancillary service costs beginning January 1, 2006. We also filed an application for authority to defer costs associated with MISO Day 1, MISO Day 2, congestion fees, FERC assessment fees, and the ATSI rate increase, as applicable, from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. Various parties have intervened in these cases.

On September 16, 2004, the FERC issued an order that imposed additional obligations on us under certain pre-Open Access transmission contracts among us and the cities of Cleveland and Painesville. Under the FERC’s decision, we may be responsible for a portion of new energy market charges imposed by MISO when its energy markets begin in the spring of 2005. We filed for rehearing of the order from the FERC on October 18, 2004. The impact of the FERC decision on us is dependent upon many factors, including the arrangements made by the cities for transmission service, the startup date for the MISO energy market, and the resolution of the rehearing request, and cannot be determined at this time.

See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for a more complete and detailed discussion of regulatory matters in Ohio.

Environmental Matters

We believe we are in compliance with current SO2 and NOx reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. In 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from our Ohio and Pennsylvania facilities. Various regulatory and judicial actions have since sought to further define NOx reduction requirements. We continue to evaluate our compliance plans and other compliance options.

10

Clean Air Act Compliance-
 
We are required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. We cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.

We believe we are complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from our facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85% reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. We believe our facilities are also complying with NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIPs) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards-

In July 1997, the EPA  promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS  for fine particulate matter.  On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which we operate affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions-

In December  2000, the EPA  announced it would  proceed with  the development of  regulations  regarding  hazardous air pollutants from  electric power  plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste-

As a result of the Resource  Conservation and Recovery  Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic  Substances Control  Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash, as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

We have been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, our proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. Included in Current Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $2.4 million as of December 31, 2004. We accrue environmental liabilities only when we can conclude that it is probable that we have an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in our determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

11

Climate Change-

In December 1997, delegates to the United  Nations' climate  summit in Japan adopted an agreement,  the Kyoto  Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18% through 2012.

We cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity we generate is lower than many regional competitors due to our diversified generation sources which includes 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 our plants.  In addition, Ohio and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to our operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.

On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. We are conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by their facilities with the performance standards. Management is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

Other Legal Proceedings

Power Outages and Related Litigation-

Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio state courts by plaintiffs seeking to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All three cases were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. One case was refiled at the PUCO. The other two cases were appealed. One case was dismissed and no further appeal was sought. The remaining case is pending. In addition to the one case that was refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages.

One complaint has been filed against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed a motion to dismiss with the Court on October 22, 2004. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thus potential liability has not been determined.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Nuclear Plant Matters-

In late 2003, FENOC received a subpoena from a grand jury in the United  States  District  Court for the Northern  District  of Ohio, Eastern  Division,  requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this investigation. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements relating to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station outage made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. In addition, FENOC remains subject to possible civil enforcement action by the NRC in connection with the events leading to the Davis-Besse outage in 2002.

12


On  August 12,  2004, the  NRC notified  FENOC  that it will increase  its regulatory  oversight of the Perry  Nuclear  Power  Plant  as a result of  problems  with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which we have a 44.85% interest. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries financial condition.

Other Legal Matters-

Various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to our normal business operations are pending against us. The most significant not otherwise discussed above are described herein.

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and CEI, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a second subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on any of the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these principles often requires a high degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions that affect financial results. All of our assets are subject to their own specific risks and uncertainties and are regularly reviewed for impairment. Our more significant accounting policies are described below.

Regulatory Accounting

We are subject to regulation that sets the prices (rates) we are permitted to charge our customers based on the costs that the regulatory agencies determine we are permitted to recover. At times, regulators permit the future recovery through rates of costs that would be currently charged to expense by an unregulated company. This rate-making process results in the recording of regulatory assets based on anticipated future cash inflows. We regularly review these assets to assess their ultimate recoverability within the approved regulatory guidelines. Impairment risk associated with these assets relates to potentially adverse legislative, judicial or regulatory actions in the future.

Revenue Recognition

We follow the accrual method of accounting for revenues, recognizing revenue for electricity that has been delivered to customers but not yet billed through the end of the accounting period. The determination of electricity sales to individual customers is based on meter readings, which occur on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, electricity delivered to customers since the last meter reading is estimated and a corresponding accrual for unbilled sales is recognized. The determination of unbilled sales requires management to make estimates regarding electricity available for retail load, transmission and distribution line losses, demand by customer class, weather-related impacts, prices in effect for each customer class and electricity provided by alternative suppliers.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting

Our reported costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and postemployment benefits other than pensions are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and certain assumptions.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions we make to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs are also affected by changes to key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations for pension and OPEB costs.

13


In accordance with SFAS 87, changes in pension and OPEB obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs on the income statement, but generally are recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 delay recognition of changes due to the long-term nature of pension and OPEB obligations and the varying market conditions likely to occur over long periods of time. As such, significant portions of pension and OPEB costs recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of cash benefits provided to plan participants and are significantly influenced by assumptions about future market conditions and plan participants' experience.

In selecting an assumed discount rate, we consider currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Due to recent declines in corporate bond yields and interest rates in general, we reduced the assumed discount rate as of December 31, 2004 to 6.00% from 6.25% and 6.75% used as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Our assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by its pension trusts. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, plan assets actually earned 11.1%, 24.2% and (11.3)%, respectively. Our pension costs in 2004 were computed assuming a 9.0% rate of return on plan assets based upon projections of future returns and a pension trust investment allocation of approximately 68% equities, 29% bonds, 2% real estate and 1% cash.

In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (our share was $32 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. FirstEnergy's election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement.

As a result of our voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, we reduced our accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $30 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, we reduced our additional minimum liability by $4 million, recording an increase in an intangible asset of $2 million and increasing OCI by $6 million. The balance in AOCL of $22 million (net of $15 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Health care cost trends have significantly increased and will affect future OPEB costs. The 2004 and 2005 composite health care trend rate assumptions are approximately 10%-12% and 9%-11%, respectively, gradually decreasing to 5% in later years. In determining our trend rate assumptions, we included the specific provisions of our health care plans, the demographics and utilization rates of plan participants, actual cost increases experienced in its health care plans, and projections of future medical trend rates.

Ohio Transition Cost Amortization

In connection  with our initial Ohio plan, the PUCO determined allowable transition costs based on amounts recorded on our regulatory books. These costs exceeded those deferred or capitalized on our balance sheet prepared under GAAP since they included certain costs which have not yet been incurred or that were recognized on the regulatory financial statements (fair value purchase accounting adjustments). We use an effective interest method for amortizing transition costs, often referred to as a "mortgage-style" amortization. The interest rate under this method is equal to the rate of return authorized by the PUCO in our Rate Stabilization Plan. In computing the transition cost amortization, we include only the portion of the transition revenues associated with transition costs included on the balance sheet prepared under GAAP. Revenues collected for the off balance sheet costs and the return associated with these costs are recognized as income when received.

Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with SFAS 144, we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to determine whether conditions exist that would indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be fully recoverable. The accounting standard requires that if the sum of future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from an asset is less than the carrying value of the asset, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset (discounted future net cash flows).

The calculation of future cash flows is based on assumptions, estimates and judgement about future events. The aggregate amount of cash flows determines whether an impairment is indicated. The timing of the cash flows is critical in determining the amount of the impairment.

14

Goodwill

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, we evaluate our goodwill for impairment at least annually and would make such an evaluation more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If impairment were indicated, we would recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of our goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. Our annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004, with no impairment of goodwill indicated. The forecasts used in our evaluation of goodwill reflect operations consistent with our general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on our future evaluations of goodwill. As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately $1.7 billion of goodwill.

Nuclear Decommissioning

In accordance with SFAS 143, we recognize an ARO for the future decommissioning of our nuclear power plants. The ARO liability represents an estimate of the fair value of our current obligation related to nuclear decommissioning and the retirement of other assets. A fair value measurement inherently involves uncertainty in the amount and timing of settlement of the liability. We used an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. This approach applies probability weighting to discounted future cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes. The scenarios consider settlement of the ARO at the expiration of the nuclear power plants' current license and settlement based on an extended license term.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for EITF 03-1, which provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, we will continue to evaluate our investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.



15



THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


For the Years Ended December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES (Note 2(I))
$
1,808,485
 
$
1,719,739
 
$
1,843,671
 
                   
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                 
Fuel and purchased power (Note 2(I))
 
622,021
   
593,816
   
587,108
 
Nuclear operating costs
 
117,091
   
240,971
   
207,313
 
Other operating costs (Note 2(I))
 
272,303
   
236,359
   
279,242
 
Provision for depreciation
 
131,854
   
125,467
   
163,443
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
 
196,501
   
166,343
   
148,611
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
 
(117,466
)
 
(93,503
)
 
(67,327
)
General taxes
 
146,276
   
136,434
   
147,804
 
Income taxes
 
111,996
   
58,237
   
71,325
 
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
1,480,576
   
1,464,124
   
1,537,519
 
                   
OPERATING INCOME
 
327,909
   
255,615
   
306,152
 
                   
OTHER INCOME (NET OF INCOME TAXES) (Notes 2(I) and 7)
 
42,190
   
97,318
   
15,971
 
                   
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                 
Interest on long-term debt
 
120,058
   
157,967
   
179,140
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
 
(5,110
)
 
(8,232
)
 
(4,331
)
Other interest expense
 
18,620
   
1,665
   
1,462
 
Subsidiary's preferred stock dividend requirements
 
--
   
4,500
   
8,900
 
Net interest charges
 
133,568
   
155,900
   
185,171
 
                   
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT
                 
OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE
 
236,531
   
197,033
   
136,952
 
                   
Cumulative effect of accounting change (net of income
                 
taxes of $30,168,000) (Note 2(G))
 
--
   
42,378
   
--
 
                   
NET INCOME
 
236,531
   
239,411
   
136,952
 
                   
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
 
7,008
   
7,526
   
15,690
 
                   
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
$
229,523
 
$
231,885
 
$
121,262
 
                   



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


16

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
ASSETS
(In thousands)
 
UTILITY PLANT:
           
In service
$
4,418,313
 
$
4,232,335
 
Less-Accumulated provision for depreciation
 
1,961,737
   
1,857,588
 
   
2,456,576
   
2,374,747
 
Construction work in progress-
           
Electric plant
 
85,258
   
159,897
 
Nuclear fuel
 
30,827
   
21,338
 
   
116,085
   
181,235
 
   
2,572,661
   
2,555,982
 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
           
Investment in lessor notes (Note 6)
 
596,645
   
605,915
 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
 
383,875
   
313,621
 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies
 
97,489
   
107,946
 
Other
 
17,001
   
23,636
 
   
1,095,010
   
1,051,118
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
197
   
24,782
 
Receivables-
           
Customers
 
11,537
   
10,313
 
Associated companies
 
33,414
   
40,541
 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $293,000 and $1,765,000, respectively, for
           
uncollectible accounts)
 
152,785
   
185,179
 
Notes receivable from associated companies
 
521
   
482
 
Materials and supplies, at average cost
 
58,922
   
50,616
 
Prepayments and other
 
2,136
   
4,511
 
   
259,512
   
316,424
 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
           
Regulatory assets
 
958,986
   
1,056,050
 
Goodwill
 
1,693,629
   
1,693,629
 
Property taxes
 
77,792
   
77,122
 
Other
 
32,875
   
23,123
 
   
2,763,282
   
2,849,924
 
 
$
6,690,465
 
$
6,773,448
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
           
             
CAPITALIZATION (See Consolidated Statements of Capitalization):
           
Common stockholder’s equity
$
1,853,561
 
$
1,778,827
 
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption
 
96,404
   
96,404
 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
 
1,970,117
   
1,884,643
 
   
3,920,082
   
3,759,874
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Currently payable long-term debt
 
76,701
   
387,414
 
Accounts payable-
           
Associated companies
 
150,141
   
245,815
 
Other
 
9,271
   
7,342
 
Notes payable to associated companies
 
488,633
   
188,156
 
Accrued taxes
 
129,454
   
202,522
 
Accrued interest
 
22,102
   
37,872
 
Lease market valuation liability
 
60,200
   
60,200
 
Other
 
61,131
   
76,722
 
   
997,633
   
1,206,043
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Accumulated deferred income taxes
 
540,211
   
486,048
 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
 
60,901
   
65,996
 
Asset retirement obligation
 
272,123
   
254,834
 
Retirement benefits
 
82,306
   
105,101
 
Lease market valuation liability
 
668,200
   
728,400
 
Other
 
149,009
   
167,152
 
   
1,772,750
   
1,807,531
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
           
(Notes 5 and 12)
           
 
$
6,690,465
 
$
6,773,448
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.



17


THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION

As of December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
         
Common stock, without par value, authorized 105,000,000 shares
79,590,689 shares outstanding
 
$
1,281,962
 
$
1,281,962
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 2(F))
   
17,859
   
2,653
 
Retained earnings (Note 9(A))
   
553,740
   
494,212
 
Total common stockholder's equity
   
1,853,561
   
1,778,827
 


   
Number of Shares
 
Optional
         
   
Outstanding
 
Redemption Price
         
   
2004
 
2003
 
Per Share
 
Aggregate
         
PREFERRED STOCK NOT SUBJECT TO
                         
MANDATORY REDEMPTION(Note 9(B)):
                         
Cumulative, without par value-
                         
Authorized 4,000,000 shares
                         
$ 7.40 Series A
   
500,000
   
500,000
 
$
101.00
 
$
50,500
   
50,000
   
50,000
 
Adjustable Series L
   
474,000
   
474,000
   
100.00
   
47,400
   
46,404
   
46,404
 
   Total
   
974,000
   
974,000
       
$
97,900
   
96,404
   
96,404
 

LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS(Note 9(C)):
           
First mortgage bonds:
             
6.860% due 2008
   
125,000
   
125,000
 
Total first mortgage bonds
   
125,000
   
125,000
 
               
Unsecured notes:
             
6.000% due 2013
   
78,700
   
78,700
 
5.650% due 2013
   
300,000
   
300,000
 
9.000% due 2031
   
103,093
   
103,093
 
* 2.000% due 2033
   
27,700
   
27,700
 
     
509,493
   
509,493
 
7.743% due to associated companies 2006-2016 (Note 6)
   
188,629
   
198,843
 
Total unsecured notes
   
698,122
   
708,336
 
               
Secured notes:
             
7.000% due 2005-2009
   
1,700
   
1,730
 
7.670% due 2004
   
--
   
280,000
 
7.130% due 2007
   
120,000
   
120,000
 
7.430% due 2009
   
150,000
   
150,000
 
* 1.850% due 2015
   
39,835
   
39,835
 
7.880% due 2017
   
300,000
   
300,000
 
* 1.850% due 2018
   
72,795
   
72,795
 
* 2.000% due 2020
   
47,500
   
47,500
 
6.000% due 2020
   
62,560
   
62,560
 
6.100% due 2020
   
70,500
   
70,500
 
9.520% due 2021
   
--
   
7,500
 
8.000% due 2023
   
--
   
46,100
 
7.625% due 2025
   
53,900
   
53,900
 
7.700% due 2025
   
43,800
   
43,800
 
7.750% due 2025
   
45,150
   
45,150
 
5.375% due 2028
   
5,993
   
5,993
 
* 1.700% due 2030
   
23,255
   
23,255
 
* 3.750% due 2030
   
81,640
   
--
 
* 1.800% due 2033
   
30,000
   
30,000
 
* 1.750% due 2033
   
46,100
   
--
 
Total secured notes
   
1,194,728
   
1,400,618
 
               
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption
   
4,009
   
5,014
 
Capital lease obligations (Note 5)
   
5,455
   
5,924
 
Net unamortized premium on debt
   
19,504
   
27,165
 
Long-term debt due within one year
   
(76,701
)
 
(387,414
)
Total long-term debt and other long-term obligations
   
1,970,117
   
1,884,643
 
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
 
$
3,920,082
 
$
3,759,874
 


*  Denotes variable rate issue with December 31, 2004 interest rate shown.

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



18

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

             
Accumulated
     
             
Other
     
 
Comprehensive
 
Number
 
Carrying
 
Comprehensive
 
Retained
 
 
Income
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
Income (Loss)
 
Earnings
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
Balance, January 1, 2002
       
79,590,689
 
$
931,962
 
$
9,000
 
$
141,079
 
Net income
$
136,952
                     
136,952
 
Unrealized loss on investments, net of
                             
$(6,058,000) of income taxes
 
(9,233
)
             
(9,233
)
     
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits,
                             
net of $(31,359,000) of income taxes
 
(44,051
)
             
(44,051
)
     
Comprehensive income
$
83,668
                         
Equity contribution from parent
             
50,000
             
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                         
(10,965
)
Preferred stock redemption premiums
                         
(4,743
)
Balance, December 31, 2002
       
79,590,689
   
981,962
   
(44,284
)
 
262,323
 
Net income
$
239,411
                     
239,411
 
Unrealized gain on investments, net of
                             
$19,598,000 of income taxes
 
28,255
               
28,255
       
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits,
                             
net of $13,760,000 of income taxes
 
18,682
               
18,682
       
Comprehensive income
$
286,348
                         
Equity contribution from parent
             
300,000
             
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                         
(7,429
)
Preferred stock redemption premiums
                         
(93
)
Balance, December 31, 2003
       
79,590,689
   
1,281,962
   
2,653
   
494,212
 
Net income
$
236,531
                     
236,531
 
Unrealized gain on investments, net of
                             
$8,294,000 of income taxes
 
11,450
               
11,450
       
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits,
                             
net of $2,413,000 of income taxes
 
3,756
               
3,756
       
Comprehensive income
$
251,737
                         
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                         
(7,003
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                         
(170,000
)
Balance, December 31, 2004
       
79,590,689
 
$
1,281,962
 
$
17,859
 
$
553,740
 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK

 
Not Subject to
Mandatory Redemption
 
Subject to
Mandatory Redemption
 
 
Number
 
Carrying
 
Number
 
Carrying
 
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Balance, January 1, 2002
 
1,624,000
 
$
238,325
   
4,087,750
 
$
124,298
 
Redemptions-
                       
$7.56 Series B
 
(450,000
)
 
(45,071
)
           
$42.40 Series T
 
(200,000
)
 
(96,850
)
           
$7.35 Series C
             
(10,000
)
 
(1,000
)
$90.00 Series S
             
(17,750
)
 
(17,010
)
Amortization of fair market
                       
value adjustments-
                       
$7.35 Series C
                   
(9
)
$90.00 Series S
                   
(258
)
Balance, December 31, 2002
 
974,000
   
96,404
   
4,060,000
   
106,021
 
Redemptions-
                       
$7.35 Series C
             
(10,000
)
 
(1,000
)
FIN 46 Deconsolidation-
                       
9.00% Series
             
(4,000,000
)
 
(100,000
)
Amortization of fair market
                       
value adjustments-
                       
$7.35 Series C
                   
(7
)
Balance, December 31, 2003
 
974,000
   
96,404
   
50,000
   
5,014*
 
Redemptions -
                       
$7.35 Series C
             
(10,000
)
 
(1,000
)
Amortization of fair market
                       
value adjustments-
                       
$7.35 Series C
                   
(5
)
Balance, December 31, 2004
 
974,000
 
$
96,404
   
40,000
 
$
4,009*
 

* Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption is classified as debt under SFAS 150.

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

19


THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


For the Years Ended December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net Income
$
236,531
 
$
239,411
 
$
136,952
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
                 
cash from operating activities:
                 
Provision for depreciation
 
131,854
   
125,467
   
163,443
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
 
196,501
   
166,343
   
148,611
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
 
(117,466
)
 
(93,503
)
 
(67,327
)
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization
 
28,239
   
17,466
   
21,044
 
Amortization of electric service obligation
 
(18,386
)
 
(16,278
)
 
(15,008
)
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability
 
(56,405
)
 
(78,214
)
 
(60,200
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
 
39,129
   
22,332
   
(995
)
Accrued retirement benefit obligations
 
13,245
   
7,630
   
(103,448
)
Accrued compensation, net
 
2,433
   
(8,743
)
 
6,372
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Note 2(G))
 
--
   
(72,546
)
 
--
 
Pension trust contribution
 
(31,718
)
 
--
   
--
 
Decrease (Increase) in operating assets:
                 
Receivables
 
38,297
   
(16,339
)
 
(27,159
)
Materials and supplies
 
(8,306
)
 
5,771
   
(7,624
)
Prepayments and other current assets
 
2,375
   
(294
)
 
27,418
 
Increase (Decrease) in operating liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable
 
(93,745
)
 
(54,858
)
 
47,147
 
Accrued taxes
 
(73,068
)
 
76,261
   
(3,568
)
Accrued interest
 
(15,770
)
 
(13,895
)
 
(5,334
)
Other
 
(51,617
)
 
4,754
   
66,933
 
Net cash provided from operating activities
 
222,123
   
310,765
   
327,257
 
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                 
New Financing-
                 
Long-term debt
 
124,977
   
296,905
   
106,981
 
Short-term borrowings, net
 
290,263
   
--
   
190,879
 
Equity contributions from parent
 
--
   
300,000
   
50,000
 
Redemptions and Repayments-
                 
Preferred stock
 
(1,000
)
 
(1,093
)
 
(164,674
)
Long-term debt
 
(335,393
)
 
(677,097
)
 
(309,480
)
Short-term borrowings, net
 
--
   
(109,212
)
 
--
 
Dividend Payments-
                 
Common stock
 
(170,000
)
 
--
   
--
 
Preferred stock
 
(7,008
)
 
(7,451
)
 
(13,782
)
Net cash used for financing activities
 
(98,161
)
 
(197,948
)
 
(140,076
)
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Property additions
 
(121,316
)
 
(134,899
)
 
(163,199
)
Loan repayments from (payments to) associated companies, net
 
10,418
   
(5,003
)
 
415
 
Investment in lessor notes (Note 6)
 
9,270
   
44,732
   
39,636
 
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts
 
(29,024
)
 
(29,024
)
 
(29,024
)
Other
 
(17,895
)
 
5,777
   
(4,923
)
Net cash used for investing activities
 
(148,547
)
 
(118,417
)
 
(157,095
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(24,585
)
 
(5,600
)
 
30,086
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
24,782
   
30,382
   
296
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
197
 
$
24,782
 
$
30,382
 
                   
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
                 
Cash Paid During the Year-
                 
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
$
152,373
 
$
174,375
 
$
186,040
 
Income taxes
$
144,277
 
$
24,796
 
$
121,668
 


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


20

THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TAXES


             
For the Years Ended December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
GENERAL TAXES:
                 
Real and personal property
$
74,206
 
$
63,448
 
$
77,516
 
Ohio kilowatt-hour excise*
 
66,974
   
68,459
   
66,775
 
Social security and unemployment
 
4,496
   
4,331
   
3,478
 
Other
 
600
   
196
   
35
 
Total general taxes
$
146,276
 
$
136,434
 
$
147,804
 
                   
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Currently payable-
                 
Federal
$
72,264
 
$
109,775
 
$
76,364
 
State
 
27,463
   
29,346
   
14,721
 
   
99,727
   
139,121
   
91,085
 
Deferred, net-
                 
Federal
 
34,450
   
21,382
   
(3,661
)
State
 
9,775
   
5,757
   
2,146
 
   
44,225
   
27,139
   
(1,515
)
Investment tax credit amortization
 
(5,096
)
 
(4,807
)
 
(4,632
)
Total provision for income taxes
$
138,856
 
$
161,453
 
$
84,938
 
                   
INCOME STATEMENT CLASSIFICATION
                 
OF PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Operating income
$
111,996
 
$
58,237
 
$
71,325
 
Other income
 
26,860
   
73,048
   
13,613
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
 
--
   
30,168
   
--
 
Total provision for income taxes
$
138,856
 
$
161,453
 
$
84,938
 
                   
RECONCILIATION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX
                 
EXPENSE AT STATUTORY RATE TO TOTAL
                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Book income before provision for income taxes
$
375,387
 
$
400,864
 
$
221,890
 
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
$
131,385
 
$
140,302
 
$
77,662
 
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from-
                 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
 
24,205
   
22,817
   
10,964
 
Amortization of investment tax credits
 
(5,096
)
 
(4,807
)
 
(4,632
)
Amortization of tax regulatory assets
 
1,156
   
1,087
   
999
 
Other, net
 
(12,794
)
 
2,054
   
(55
)
Total provision for income taxes
$
138,856
 
$
161,453
 
$
84,938
 
                   
ACCUMULATED DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AT
                 
DECEMBER 31:
                 
Property basis differences
 
502,625
 
$
477,358
 
$
473,506
 
Regulatory transition charge
 
221,386
   
302,270
   
371,486
 
Unamortized investment tax credits
 
(23,208
)
 
(25,311
)
 
(27,839
)
Deferred gain for asset sale to affiliated company
 
33,841
   
38,394
   
43,193
 
Other comprehensive income
 
12,548
   
1,841
   
(31,517
)
Above market leases
 
(300,000
)
 
(324,843
)
 
(350,299
)
Retirement benefits
 
(21,674
)
 
(32,023
)
 
(42,079
)
Shopping credit incentive deferral
 
121,778
   
73,804
   
35,203
 
Other
 
(7,085
)
 
(25,442
)
 
(64,357
)
                   
Net deferred income tax liability
$
540,211
 
$
486,048
 
$
407,297
 

* Collected from customers through regulated rates and included in revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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

21

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The consolidated financial statements include CEI (Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, CFC and Shippingport (see Note 6). The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also holds directly all of the issued and outstanding common shares of its other principal electric utility operating subsidiaries, including OE, TE, ATSI, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec.

The Company follows GAAP and complies with the regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, PUCO and the FERC. 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 the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Certain 2003 revenues and expenses have been reclassified and presented on a net basis to conform to the current year presentation.

The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for on the equity basis.

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

2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

(A)   ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF REGULATION-

The Company accounts for the effects of regulation through the application of SFAS 71 when its rates:

  •  
are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers;
  •  
are cost-based; and
  •  
can be charged to and collected from customers.

An enterprise meeting all of these criteria capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. SFAS 71 is applied only to the parts of the business that meet the above criteria. If a portion of the business applying SFAS 71 no longer meets those requirements, previously recorded regulatory assets are removed from the balance sheet in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 101.

Regulatory Assets-

The Company recognizes, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC and the PUCO have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Company’s transition plan. Based on that plan, the Company continues to bill and collect cost-based rates for its transmission and distribution services, which will remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Company continues the application of SFAS 71 to those operations.

Net regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Regulatory transition costs
 
$
705
 
$
900
 
Customer shopping incentives
   
295
   
179
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
   
6
   
7
 
Loss on reacquired debt
   
13
   
14
 
Employee postretirement benefit costs
   
13
   
15
 
Asset removal costs
   
(75
)
 
(60
)
Other
   
2
   
1
 
Total
 
$
959
 
$
1,056
 

22

The Company is deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in accordance with the transition and rate stabilization plans. These regulatory assets, totaling $295 million as of December 31, 2004, will be recovered through a surcharge rate equal to the RTC rate in effect when the transition costs have been fully recovered. Recovery of the new regulatory assets will begin at that time and amortization of the regulatory assets for each accounting period will be equal to the surcharge revenue recognized during that period. The Company expects to recover these deferred customer shopping incentives before the end of 2010.

Transition Cost Amortization-

The Company amortizes transition costs (see Regulatory Matters) using the effective interest method. Under the Rate Stabilization Plan, total transition cost amortization is expected to approximate the following for 2005 through 2009.


   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
222
 
2006
   
126
 
2007
   
139
 
2008
   
159
 
2009
   
54
 

 


Accounting for Generation Operations-

The application of SFAS 71 was discontinued prior to 2001 with respect to the Company's generation operations. The SEC's interpretive guidance regarding asset impairment measurement providing that any supplemental regulated cash flows such as a CTC should be excluded from the cash flows of assets in a portion of the business not subject to regulatory accounting practices. If those assets are impaired, a regulatory asset should be established if the costs are recoverable through regulatory cash flows. Consistent with the SEC guidance and EITF 97-4, $304 million of impaired plant investments were recognized by the Company as regulatory assets recoverable as transition costs through future regulatory cash flows. Net assets included in utility plant relating to the operations for which the application of SFAS 71 was discontinued were $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2004.

(B)   CASH AND SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-

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. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2003 included $25 million which was included in the NRG settlement claim sold in January 2004 (see Note 7).

(C)   REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES-

The Company's principal business is providing electric service to customers in Ohio. The Company's retail customers are metered on a cycle basis. Electric revenues are recorded based on energy delivered through the end of the calendar month. An estimate of unbilled revenues is calculated to recognize electric service provided between the last meter reading and the end of the month. This estimate includes many factors including estimated weather impacts, customer shopping activity, historical line loss factors and prices in effect for each class of customer. In each accounting period, the Company accrues the estimated unbilled amount receivable as revenue and reverses the related prior period estimate.

Receivables from customers include sales to residential, commercial and industrial customers located in the Company's service area and sales to wholesale customers. There was no material concentration of receivables as of December 31, 2004 or 2003, with respect to any particular segment of the Company's customers. Total customer receivables were $12 million (billed - $9 million and unbilled - $3 million) and $10 million (billed - $6 million and unbilled - $4 million) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The Company and TE sell substantially all of their retail customer receivables to CFC. CFC subsequently transfers the receivables to a trust under an asset-backed securitization agreement. The trust is a "qualified special purpose entity" under SFAS 140, which provides it with certain rights relative to the transferred assets. Transfers are made in return for an interest in the trust (62% as of December 31, 2004), which is stated at fair value, reflecting adjustments for anticipated credit losses. The fair value of CFC's interest in the trust approximates the stated value of its retained interest in the underlying receivables, after adjusting for anticipated credit losses, because the average collection period is 27 days. Accordingly, subsequent measurements of the retained interest under SFAS 115, (as an available-for-sale financial instrument) result in no material change in value. Sensitivity analyses reflecting 10% and 20% increases in the rate of anticipated credit losses would not have significantly affected FirstEnergy's retained interest in the pool of receivables through the trust.


23

Of the $222 million sold to the trust and outstanding as of December 31, 2004, FirstEnergy retained interests in $138 million of the receivables. Accordingly, receivables recorded as other receivables on the Consolidated Balance Sheets were reduced by approximately $84 million due to these sales. Collections of receivables previously transferred to the trust and used for the purchase of new receivables from CFC during 2004 totaled approximately $2.5 billion. CEI and TE processed receivables for the trust and received servicing fees of approximately $4.8 million ($3.2 million - the Company and $1.6 million - TE) in 2004. Expenses associated with the factoring discount related to the sale of receivables were $3.5 million in 2004.

(D)   UTILITY PLANT AND DEPRECIATION-

Utility plant reflects original cost of construction (except for the Company's nuclear generating units which were adjusted to fair value), including payroll and related costs such as taxes, employee benefits, administrative and general costs, and interest costs incurred to place the assets in service. The costs of normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are expensed as incurred. The Company's accounting policy for planned major maintenance projects is to recognize liabilities as they are incurred.

The Company provides for depreciation on a straight-line basis at various rates over the estimated lives of property included in plant in service. The annualized composite rate was approximately 2.8% in 2004 and 2003, and 3.6% in 2002.

Jointly - Owned Generating Stations-

The Company, together with TE, OE and Penn, own and/or lease, as tenants in common, various power generating facilities. Each of the companies is obligated to pay a share of the costs associated with any jointly-owned facility in the same proportion as its interest. The Company’s portion of operating expenses associated with jointly-owned facilities is included in the corresponding operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The amounts reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet under utility plant as of December 31, 2004 include the following:


   
Utility
 
Accumulated
 
Construction
 
Ownership/
 
   
Plant
 
Provision for
 
Work in
 
Leasehold
 
Generating Units
 
in Service
 
Depreciation
 
Progress
 
Interest
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
W. H. Sammis Unit 7
 
$
179
 
$
127
 
$
--
   
31.20
%
Bruce Mansfield Units 1, 2 and 3
   
153
   
46
   
9
   
20.42
%
Beaver Valley Unit 2
   
19
   
1
   
12
   
24.47
%
Davis-Besse
   
308
   
63
   
34
   
51.38
%
Perry
   
663
   
172
   
11
   
44.85
%
Total
 
$
1,322
 
$
409
 
$
66
       


The Bruce Mansfield Plant is being leased (see Note 5) and the above-related amounts represent construction expenditures subsequent to the sale and leaseback transaction.

Nuclear Fuel-

Nuclear fuel is recorded at original cost, which includes material, enrichment, fabrication and interest costs incurred prior to reactor load. The Company amortizes the cost of nuclear fuel based on the units of production method.

(E)   ASSET IMPAIRMENTS-

Long-Lived Assets-

The Company evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In accordance with SFAS 144, the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment exists, a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated by using available market valuations or the long-lived asset's expected future net discounted cash flows. The calculation of expected cash flows is based on estimates and assumptions about future events.

24

Goodwill-

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment at least annually and would make such an evaluation more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment is indicated, the Company recognizes a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. The Company's 2004 annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004 with no impairment indicated. The forecasts used in the Company's evaluation of goodwill reflect operations consistent with its general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on its future evaluations of goodwill. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had approximately $1.7 billion of goodwill. The impairment analysis includes a significant source of cash representing the Company's recovery of transition costs as described below under "Regulatory Matters." The Company estimates that completion of transition cost recovery will not result in an impairment of goodwill.

Investments-

The Company periodically evaluates for impairment investments that include available-for-sale securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts. In accordance with SFAS 115, securities classified as available-for-sale are evaluated to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. The Company considers, among other factors, the length of time 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 investments for impairment. The fair value and unrealized gains and losses of the Company's investments are disclosed in Note 4.

(F)   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME-

Comprehensive income includes net income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and all other changes in common stockholder's equity except those resulting from transactions with FirstEnergy and preferred stockholders. As of December 31, 2004, accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $22 million and unrealized gains on investments in securities available for sale of $40 million. As of December 31, 2003, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $25 million and unrealized gains on investments in securities available for sale of $28 million.

(G)   CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE-

Results for 2003 include an after-tax credit to net income of $42.4 million recorded by the Company upon adoption of SFAS 143 in January of 2003. The Company identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new accounting standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning, reclamation of a sludge disposal pond at the Bruce Mansfield Plant, and closure of two coal ash disposal sites. As a result of adopting SFAS 143 in January 2003, asset retirement costs of $49.9 million were recorded as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset, offset by accumulated depreciation of $6.8 million. The asset retirement obligation liability at the date of adoption was $238.3 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had recorded decommissioning liabilities of $242.5 million. The cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation and accretion, offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and the reversal of accumulated estimated removal costs for non-regulated generation assets, was a $72.5 million increase to income, or $42.4 million net of income taxes.

(H)   INCOME TAXES-

Details of the total provision for income taxes are shown on the Consolidated Statements of Taxes. The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carryforward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled. The Company is included in FirstEnergy's consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated tax liability is allocated on a "stand-alone" company basis, with each Company recognizing any tax losses or credits the Company contributes to the consolidated return.

25

(I)   TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED COMPANIES-

Operating revenues, operating expenses and other income include transactions with affiliated companies, primarily ATSI, FES and FESC. The Ohio transition plan, as discussed in the "Regulatory Matters" section, resulted in the corporate separation of FirstEnergy's regulated and unregulated operations in 2001. FES operates the generation businesses of the Company, TE, OE and Penn. As a result, the Company entered into power supply agreements (PSA) whereby FES purchases all of the Company's nuclear generation and the generation from leased fossil generating facilities and the Company purchases its power from FES to meet its "provider of last resort" obligations. In the fourth quarter of 2003, ATSI transferred operational control of its transmission facilities to MISO and previously affiliated transmission service expenses are now provided under the MISO Open Access Transmission Tariff. CFC serves as the transferor in connection with the accounts receivable securitization for the Company and TE. The primary affiliated companies transactions are as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating Revenues:
             
PSA revenues from FES
 
$
387
 
$
260
 
$
284
 
Generating units rent from FES
   
59
   
59
   
60
 
Ground lease with ATSI
   
7
   
7
   
7
 
                     
Operating Expenses:
                   
Purchased power under PSA
   
444
   
423
   
420
 
Purchased power from TE
   
101
   
109
   
104
 
Transmission expenses
   
--
   
32
   
41
 
FESC support services
   
65
   
63
   
52
 
                     
Other Income:
                   
Interest income from ATSI
   
7
   
7
   
7
 
Interest income from FES
   
--
   
1
   
1
 

The Company is buying 150 MW of TE's Beaver Valley Unit 2 leased capacity entitlement. Purchased power expenses for this transaction were $101 million, $109 million and $104 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This purchase is expected to continue through the end of the lease period (see Note 5).

FirstEnergy does not bill directly or allocate any of its costs to any subsidiary company. Costs are allocated to the Company from FESC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy and a "mutual service company" as defined in Rule 93 of the PUHCA. The majority of costs are directly billed or assigned at no more than cost as determined by PUHCA Rule 91. The remaining costs are for services that are provided on behalf of more than one company, or costs that cannot be precisely identified and are allocated using formulas that are filed annually with the SEC on Form U-13-60. The current allocation or assignment formulas used and their bases include multiple factor formulas; each company's proportionate amount of FirstEnergy's aggregate direct payroll, number of employees, asset balances, revenues, number of customers, other factors and specific departmental charge ratios. Management believes that these allocation methods are reasonable. Intercompany transactions with FirstEnergy and its other subsidiaries are generally settled under commercial terms within thirty days, except for $84 million payable to affiliates for OPEB obligations.

3.   PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS:

FirstEnergy provides noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees. The trusteed plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company's funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (Company's share was $32 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. The election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement. Since the contribution is deductible for tax purposes, the after-tax cash impact of the voluntary contribution is approximately $300 million (Company’s share was $19 million).

FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and copayments, are also available to retired employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. The Company recognizes the expected cost of providing other postretirement benefits to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits.


26

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs may also be affected by changes in key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations and pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31 measurement date for the majority of its plans.

Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables provide information applicable to FirstEnergy's pension and OPEB plans.

Obligations and Funded Status
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
As of December 31
                 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Change in benefit obligation
                 
Benefit obligation as of January 1
 
$
4,162
 
$
3,866
 
$
2,368
 
$
2,077
 
Service cost
   
77
   
66
   
36
   
43
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
112
   
136
 
Plan participants’ contributions
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
6
 
Plan amendments
   
--
   
--
   
(281
)
 
(123
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
134
   
222
   
(211
)
 
323
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Benefit obligation as of December 31
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
$
1,930
 
$
2,368
 
                           
Change in fair value of plan assets
                         
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1
 
$
3,315
 
$
2,889
 
$
537
 
$
473
 
Actual return on plan assets
   
415
   
671
   
57
   
88
 
Company contribution
   
500
   
--
   
64
   
68
 
Plan participants’ contribution
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
2
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31
 
$
3,969
 
$
3,315
 
$
564
 
$
537
 
                           
Funded status
 
$
(395
)
$
(847
)
$
(1,366
)
$
(1,831
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
885
   
919
   
730
   
994
 
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
   
63
   
72
   
(378
)
 
(221
)
Unrecognized net transition obligation
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
83
 
Net asset (liability) recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
                           
Amounts Recognized in the
                         
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                         
As of December 31
                         
                           
Accrued benefit cost
 
$
(14
)
$
(438
)
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Intangible assets
   
63
   
72
   
--
   
--
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
504
   
510
   
--
   
--
 
Net amount recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
                           
Company's share of net amount recognized
 
$
47
 
$
22
 
$
(77
)
$
(71
)
                           
Increase (decrease) in minimum liability
included in other comprehensive income (net of tax)
 
$
(4
)
$
(145
)
 
--
   
--
 
                           
Assumptions Used to Determine
                         
Benefit Obligations As of December 31
                         
                           
Discount rate
   
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
           
                           
Allocation of Plan Assets
                         
As of December 31
                         
Asset Category
                         
Equity securities
   
68
%
 
70
%
 
74
%
 
71
%
Debt securities
   
29
   
27
   
25
   
22
 
Real estate
   
2
   
2
   
--
   
--
 
Cash
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
7
 
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

27


Information for Pension Plans With an
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in
Excess of Plan Assets
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
   
3,983
   
3,753
 
Fair value of plan assets
   
3,969
   
3,315
 
 
           
   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Service cost
 
$
77
 
$
66
 
$
59
 
$
36
 
$
43
 
$
29
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
249
   
112
   
137
   
114
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(286
)
 
(248
)
 
(346
)
 
(44
)
 
(43
)
 
(52
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
9
   
9
   
9
   
(40
)
 
(9
)
 
3
 
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
9
   
9
 
Recognized net actuarial loss
   
39
   
62
   
--
   
39
   
40
   
11
 
Net periodic cost (income)
 
$
91
 
$
142
 
$
(29
)
$
103
 
$
177
 
$
114
 
Company's share of net periodic cost
 
$
6
 
$
10
 
$
1
 
$
18
 
$
15
 
$
10
 
                                       
 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used
                         
to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
for Years Ended December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                           
Discount rate
   
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
   
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
 
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
                 



In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the Company's pension trusts. The long-term rate of return is developed considering the portfolio’s asset allocation strategy.

FirstEnergy employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Other assets such as real estate are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives are not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on a continuing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.

Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
         
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next
         
year (pre/post-Medicare)
   
9%-11
%
 
10%-12
%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to
             
decline (the ultimate trend rate)
   
5
%
 
5
%
               
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend
             
rate (pre/post-Medicare)
   
2009-2011
   
2009-2011
 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:


   
1-Percentage-
 
1-Percentage
 
   
Point Increase
 
Point Decrease
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Effect on total of service and interest cost
 
$
19
 
$
(16
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
205
 
$
(179
)



28

Pursuant to FSP 106-1 issued January 12, 2004, FirstEnergy began accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act effective January 1, 2004 because of a plan amendment during the quarter, which required remeasurement of the plan's obligations. The plan amendment, which increases cost-sharing by employees and retirees effective January 1, 2005, reduced the Company's postretirement benefit costs by $9 million during 2004.

Consistent with the guidance in FSP 106-2 issued on May 19, 2004, FirstEnergy recognized a reduction of $318 million in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as a result of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act related to benefits for past service. This reduction was accounted for as an actuarial gain in 2004 pursuant to FSP 106-2. The subsidy reduced the Company's net periodic postretirement benefit costs by $7 million during 2004.

As a result of its voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, the Company reduced its accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $30 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, the Company reduced its additional minimum liability by $4 million, recording an increase in an intangible asset of $2 million and crediting OCI by $6 million. The balance in AOCL of $22 million (net of $15 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets:


   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
2005
 
$
228
 
$
111
 
2006
   
228
   
106
 
2007
   
236
   
109
 
2008
   
247
   
112
 
2009
   
264
   
115
 
Years 2010 - 2014
   
1,531
   
627
 


4.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Long-term Debt and Other Long-term Obligations-

All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as financial instruments under GAAP and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Long-term debt
 
$
1,915
 
$
2,079
 
$
2,131
 
$
2,331
 
Subordinated debentures to affiliated trusts
   
103
   
112
   
103
   
113
 
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption
   
4
   
4
   
5
   
5
 
   
$
2,022
 
$
2,195
 
$
2,239
 
$
2,449
 


The fair values of long-term debt and other long-term obligations reflect the present value of the cash outflows relating to those securities based on the current call price, the yield to maturity or the yield to call, as deemed appropriate at the end of each respective year. The yields assumed were based on securities with similar characteristics offered by a corporation with credit ratings similar to the Company's ratings.

Investments-

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these investments. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of investments other than cash and cash equivalents as of December 31:

29


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities:(1)
                 
-Government obligations
 
$
100
 
$
100
 
$
85
 
$
85
 
-Corporate debt securities(2)
   
734
   
854
   
754
   
868
 
     
834
   
954
   
839
   
953
 
Equity securities(1)
   
242
   
242
   
188
   
188
 
   
$
1,076
 
$
1,196
 
$
1,027
 
$
1,141
 

(1) Includes nuclear decommissioning trust investments.
(2) Includes investments in lease obligation bonds (see Note 5).

The fair value of investments other than cash and cash equivalents represent cost (which approximates fair value) or 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.

Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include held-to-maturity securities and available-for-sale securities. Decommissioning trust investments are classified as available-for-sale. The Company has no securities held for trading purposes. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for decommissioning trust investments as of December 31:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                                   
Debt securities
 
$
140
 
$
2
 
$
--
 
$
142
 
$
119
 
$
7
 
$
1
 
$
125
 
Equity securities
   
177
   
69
   
4
   
242
   
148
   
52
   
12
   
188
 
   
$
317
 
$
71
 
$
4
 
$
384
 
$
267
 
$
59
 
$
13
 
$
313
 


Proceeds from the sale of decommissioning trust investments, gross realized gains and losses on those sales, and interest and dividend income for the three years ended December 31, 2004 were as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Proceeds from sales
 
$
411
 
$
226
 
$
198
 
Gross realized gains
   
35
   
15
   
15
 
Gross realized losses
   
21
   
16
   
22
 
Interest and dividend income
   
11
   
9
   
7
 


The following table provides the fair value and gross unrealized losses of nuclear decommissioning trust investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2004.


   
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
   
(In millions)
 
                           
Debt securities
 
$
50
 
$
--
 
$
1
 
$
--
 
$
51
 
$
--
 
Equity securities
   
38
   
2
   
6
   
2
   
44
   
4
 
   
$
88
 
$
2
 
$
7
 
$
2
 
$
95
 
$
4
 


The Company periodically evaluates the securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts for other-than-temporary impairment. The Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the security's fair value has been less than its cost basis and other factors to determine whether an impairment is other than temporary.


30

Unrealized gains and losses applicable to the Company's decommissioning trusts are recognized in OCI in accordance with SFAS 115, as fluctuations in the fair value of these trust balances will eventually affect earnings.

The investment policy for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds restricts or limits the 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 fund's custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.

5.   LEASES:

The Company leases certain generating facilities, office space and other property and equipment under cancelable and noncancelable leases.

The Company and TE sold their ownership interests in Bruce Mansfield Units 1, 2 and 3 and TE sold a portion of its ownership interest in Beaver Valley Unit 2. In connection with these sales, which were completed in 1987, the Company and TE entered into operating leases for lease terms of approximately 30 years as co-lessees. During the terms of the leases, the Company and TE continue to be responsible, to the extent of their combined ownership and leasehold interest, for costs associated with the units including construction expenditures, operation and maintenance expenses, insurance, nuclear fuel, property taxes and decommissioning. The Company and TE have the right, at the end of the respective basic lease terms, to renew the leases. The Company and TE also have the right to purchase the facilities at the expiration of the basic lease term or any renewal term at a price equal to the fair market value of the facilities.

As co-lessee with TE, the Company is also obligated for TE's lease payments. If TE is unable to make its payments under the Beaver Valley Unit 2 and Bruce Mansfield Plant leases, the Company would be obligated to make such payments. No such payments have been made on behalf of TE. (TE's future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2004 were approximately $0.9 billion, net of trust cash receipts.)

Consistent with the regulatory treatment, the rentals for capital and operating leases are charged to operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Such costs for the three years ended December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Operating leases
             
Interest element
 
$
28.6
 
$
31.6
 
$
33.6
 
Other
   
27.1
   
45.9
   
42.8
 
Capital leases
                   
Interest element
   
0.5
   
0.6
   
0.6
 
Other
   
0.5
   
0.4
   
0.4
 
Total rentals
 
$
56.7
 
$
78.5
 
$
77.4
 


The future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2004 are:


       
Operating Leases
 
   
Capital
 
Lease
 
Capital
     
   
Leases
 
Payments
 
Trust
 
Net
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
2005
 
$
1.0
 
$
66.7
 
$
48.3
 
$
18.4
 
2006
   
1.0
   
71.3
   
56.2
   
15.1
 
2007
   
1.0
   
57.8
   
48.2
   
9.6
 
2008
   
1.0
   
54.2
   
42.9
   
11.3
 
2009
   
1.0
   
56.1
   
46.1
   
10.0
 
Years thereafter
   
2.7
   
414.4
   
304.3
   
110.1
 
Total minimum lease payments
   
7.7
 
$
720.5
 
$
546.0
 
$
174.5
 
Interest portion
   
2.2
                   
Present value of net minimum
lease payments
   
5.5
                   
Less current portion
   
0.5
                   
Noncurrent portion
 
$
5.0
                   


31

The Company has recorded above-market lease liabilities for Beaver Valley Unit 2 and the Bruce Mansfield Plant associated with the 1997 merger creating FirstEnergy. The total above-market lease obligation of $611 million associated with Beaver Valley Unit 2 is being amortized on a straight-line basis through the end of the lease term in 2017 (approximately $31 million per year). The total above-market lease obligation of $457 million associated with the Bruce Mansfield Plant is being amortized on a straight-line basis through the end of 2016 (approximately $29 million per year). As of December 31, 2004 the above-market lease liabilities for Beaver Valley Unit 2 and the Bruce Mansfield Plant totaled approximately $728 million, of which $60 million is payable within one year.

The Company and TE refinanced high-cost fixed obligations related to their 1987 sale and leaseback transaction for the Bruce Mansfield Plant through a lower cost transaction in June and July 1997. In a June 1997 offering (Offering), the two companies pledged $720 million aggregate principal amount ($575 million for the Company and $145 million for TE) of FMB due through 2007 to a trust as security for the issuance of a like principal amount of secured notes due through 2007. The obligations of the two companies under these secured notes are joint and several. Using available cash, short-term borrowings and the net proceeds from the Offering, the two companies invested $906.5 million ($569.4 million for the Company and $337.1 million for TE) in a business trust, in June 1997. The trust used these funds in July 1997 to purchase lease notes and redeem all $873.2 million aggregate principal amount of 10-1/4% and 11-1/8% secured lease obligation bonds (SLOBs) due 2003 and 2016. The SLOBs were issued by a special-purpose-funding corporation in 1988 on behalf of lessors in the two companies' 1987 sale and leaseback transactions. The Shippingport arrangement effectively reduces lease costs related to that transaction (see Note 6 for FIN 46R discussion).

6.   VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:

FIN 46R addresses the consolidation of VIEs, including special-purpose entities, that are not controlled through voting interests or in which the equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks and rewards. FirstEnergy adopted FIN 46R for special-purpose entities as of December 31, 2003 and for all other entities in the first quarter of 2004. The first step under FIN 46R is to determine whether an entity is within the scope of FIN 46R, which occurs if it is deemed to be a VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary as defined by FIN 46R.

Included in the Company's consolidated financial statements is Shippingport, a VIE created in 1997, to refinance debt originally issued in connection with the Bruce Mansfield Plant sale and leaseback transaction.

Shippingport was established to purchase all of the SLOBs issued in connection with the Company's and TE's Bruce Mansfield Plant sale and leaseback transaction in 1987. The Company and TE used debt and available funds to purchase the notes issued by Shippingport. Shippingport's note payable to TE of $199 million ($10 million current) and $208 million ($9 million current) as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively, is included in long-term debt on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Through its investment in Shippingport, the Company has a variable interest in certain owner trusts that acquired the interests in the Bruce Mansfield Plant. The Company has concluded that it was not the primary beneficiary of the owner trusts and was therefore not required to consolidate these entities. The leases are accounted for as operating leases in accordance with GAAP.

The Company is exposed to losses under the sale-leaseback agreements upon the occurrence of certain contingent events that it considers unlikely to occur. The Company has a maximum exposure to loss under these provisions of approximately $1 billion, which represents the net amount of casualty value payments upon the occurrence of specified casualty events that render the applicable plant worthless. Under the sale and leaseback agreement, the company has net minimum discounted lease payments of $115 million, that would not be payable if the casualty value payments are made.

7.   SALE OF GENERATING ASSETS:

In August 2002, FirstEnergy cancelled a November 2001 agreement to sell four coal-fired power plants (2,535 MW) to NRG Energy Inc. because NRG stated that it could not complete the transaction under the original terms of the agreement. NRG filed voluntary bankruptcy petitions in May 2003; subsequently, FirstEnergy reached an agreement for settlement of its claim against NRG. FirstEnergy sold its entire claim (including $32 million of cash proceeds received in December 2003) for $170 million (Company's share - $131 million) million in January 2004.


32

8.   REGULATORY MATTERS:

In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. With respect to each of these reliability enhancement initiatives, FirstEnergy submitted its response to the respective entity according to any required response dates. In 2004, FirstEnergy completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. Furthermore, FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted, that FirstEnergy had completed the recommended enhancements, policies, procedures and actions it had recommended be completed by June 30, 2004. In addition, FirstEnergy requested, and NERC provided, a technical assistance team of experts to assist in implementing and confirming timely and successful completion of various initiatives. The NERC-assembled independent verification team confirmed on July 14, 2004, that FirstEnergy had implemented the NERC Recommended Actions to Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Future Cascading Blackouts required to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as NERC recommendations contained in the Control Area Readiness Audit Report required to be completed by summer 2004, and recommendations in the U.S. - - Canada Power System Outage Task Force Report directed toward FirstEnergy and required to be completed by June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy. On December 28, 2004, FirstEnergy submitted a follow-up to its June 30, 2004 Certification and Report of Completion to NERC addressing the minor exceptions, which are now essentially complete.

FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

In October 2003, the Company filed an application for a Rate Stabilization Plan with the PUCO to establish generation service rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply uncertainty following the end of the Company's transition plan market development period. On February 24, 2004, the Company filed a revised Rate Stabilization Plan to address PUCO concerns related to the original Rate Stabilization Plan. On June 9, 2004, the PUCO issued an order approving the revised Rate Stabilization Plan, subject to conducting a competitive bid process. On August 5, 2004, the Company accepted the Rate Stabilization Plan as modified and approved by the PUCO on August 4, 2004. In the second quarter of 2004, the Company implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest costs deferral on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC, respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the June 9, 2004 PUCO order and associated entries on rehearing.
 

The revised Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues the Company's support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the revised Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:

·
extension of the amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC from 2008 to as
late as mid-2009;
   
·
deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and
   
·
ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions,
for increases in fuel costs and taxes.
   

On December 9, 2004, the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved revised Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. The PUCO may cause the Company to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization Plan pricing, but not the related approved accounting and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination.
 
 
33

On December 30, 2004, the Company filed an application with the PUCO seeking tariff adjustments to recover increases of approximately $16 million in transmission and ancillary service costs beginning January 1, 2006. The Company also filed an application for authority to defer costs associated with MISO Day 1, MISO Day 2, congestion fees, FERC assessment fees, and the ATSI rate increase, as applicable, from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. Various parties have intervened in these cases.

9.   CAPITALIZATION:

(A)  
RETAINED EARNINGS-

There are no restrictions on retained earnings for payment of cash dividends on the Company’s common stock.

(B)   PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK-

The Company’s preferred stock may be redeemed in whole, or in part, with 30-90 days’ notice.

The preferred dividend rate on the Company’s Series L fluctuates based on prevailing interest rates and market conditions. The dividend rate for this issue was 7% in 2004.

The Company will exercise its option to redeem all outstanding shares of two series of preferred stock during the first quarter of 2005 as follows:


Series
 
Outstanding Shares
 
Call Price
 
$7.40A
   
500,000
 
$
101.00
 
L
   
474,000
   
100.00
 
 
The Company has three million authorized and unissued shares of preference stock having no par value.

(C) LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS-

The Company has a first mortgage indenture under which it issues FMB secured by a direct first mortgage lien on substantially all of its property and franchises, other than specifically excepted property. The Company has various debt covenants under its financing arrangements. The most restrictive of the debt covenants relate to the nonpayment of interest and/or principal on debt which could trigger a default and the maintenance of minimum fixed charge ratios and debt to capitalization ratios covenants. There also exist cross-default provisions among financing agreements of FirstEnergy and the Company.

Sinking fund requirements for FMB and maturing long-term debt (excluding capital leases) for the next five years are:


   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
75
 
2006
   
12
 
2007
   
129
 
2008
   
221
 
2009
   
163
 


Included in the table above are amounts for various variable interest rate long-term debt which have provisions by which individual debt holders have the option to "put back" or require the respective debt issuer to redeem their debt at those times when the interest rate may change prior to its maturity date. Those amounts are $75.2 million and $81.6 million in 2005 and 2008, respectively, representing the next time debt holders may exercise this provision.

The Company's obligations to repay certain pollution control revenue bonds are secured by several series of FMB. Certain pollution control revenue bonds are entitled to the benefit of an irrevocable bank LOC of $76 million and a noncancelable municipal bond insurance policy of $212 million to pay principal of, or interest on, the pollution control revenue bonds. To the extent that drawings are made under the LOC or policies, the Company is entitled to a credit against its obligation to repay that bond. The Company pays annual fees of 1.375% to 1.625% of the amount of the LOC to the issuing bank and .21% to .30% of the amounts of the policies to the insurers and are obligated to reimburse the bank or insurers, as the case maybe, for any drawings thereunder.

The Company and TE have unsecured LOC of approximately $215.9 million in connection with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 that expire in April 2005. The Company and TE are jointly and severally liable for the LOC (see Note 5).

34

(D)   SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES TO AFFILIATED TRUSTS-

As of December 31, 2004, the Company's wholly owned statutory business trust, Cleveland Electric Financing Trust, had $100 million of outstanding 9.00% preferred securities maturing in 2031. The sole assets of the trust are the Company's subordinated debentures with the same rate and maturity date as the preferred securities.

The Company formed the trust to sell preferred securities and invest the gross proceeds in the 9.00% subordinated debentures of the Company. The sole assets of the trust are the applicable subordinated debentures. Interest payment provisions of the subordinated debentures match the distribution payment provisions of the trust's preferred securities. In addition, upon redemption or payment at maturity of subordinated debentures, the trust's preferred securities will be redeemed on a pro rata basis at their liquidation value. Under certain circumstances, the applicable subordinated debentures could be distributed to the holders of the outstanding preferred securities of the trust in the event that the trust is liquidated. The Company has effectively provided a full and unconditional guarantee of payments due on the trust's preferred securities. The trust's preferred securities are redeemable at 100 percent of their principal amount at the Company's option beginning in December 2006. Interest on the subordinated debentures (and therefore distributions on the trust's preferred securities) may be deferred for up to 60 months, but the Company may not pay dividends on, or redeem or acquire, any of its cumulative preferred or common stock until deferred payments on its subordinated debentures are paid in full.

10.   ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:

In January 2003, the Company implemented SFAS 143, which provides accounting standards for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. This statement requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over time the capitalized costs are depreciated and the present value of the ARO increases, resulting in a period expense. Upon retirement, a gain or loss would be recognized if the cost to settle the retirement obligation differs from the carrying amount.

The Company identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning, reclamation of a sludge disposal pond related to the Bruce Mansfield Plant, and closure of two coal ash disposal sites. The ARO liability as of the date of adoption of SFAS 143 was $238.3 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. Accretion during 2004 was $17 million, bringing the ARO liability as of December 31, 2004 to $272 million. The ARO includes the Company's obligation for nuclear decommissioning of the Beaver Valley Unit 2, Davis-Besse, and Perry generating facilities. The Company's share of the obligation to decommission these units was developed based on site specific studies performed by an independent engineer. The Company utilized an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. The Company maintains nuclear decommissioning trust funds that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning ARO. As of December 31, 2004, the fair value of the decommissioning trust assets was $383.9 million.

The following table provides the effect on income as if SFAS 143 had been applied during 2002.

Effect of the Change in Accounting
     
Principle Applied Retroactively
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Reported net income
 
$
137
 
Increase (Decrease):
       
Elimination of decommissioning expense
   
29
 
Depreciation of asset retirement cost
   
(1
)
Accretion of ARO liability
   
(15
)
Non-regulated generation cost of removal component, net
   
9
 
Income tax effect
   
(9
)
Net earnings increase
   
13
 
Net income adjusted
 
$
150
 

The following table describes changes to the ARO balances during 2004 and 2003.

ARO Reconciliation
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
255
 
$
238
 
Accretion
   
17
   
17
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
272
 
$
255
 

35


The following table provides the year-end balance of the ARO for 2002, as if SFAS 143 had been adopted on January 1, 2002.

Adjusted ARO Reconciliation
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
223
 
Accretion
   
15
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
238
 


11.   SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:

The Company may borrow from its affiliates on a short-term basis. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had total short-term borrowings of $488.6 million from its affiliates. The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, were 2.1% and 2.2%, respectively.

12.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

(A)   NUCLEAR INSURANCE-

The Price-Anderson Act limits the public liability relative to a single incident at a nuclear power plant to $10.8 billion. The amount is covered by a combination of private insurance and an industry retrospective rating plan. Based on its ownership and leasehold interests in Beaver Valley Unit 2, the Davis-Besse Station and the Perry Plant, the Company's maximum potential assessment under the industry retrospective rating plan (assuming the other affiliate co-owners contribute their proportionate shares of any assessments under the retrospective rating plan) would be $121.4 million per incident but not more than $12.1 million in any one year for each incident.

The Company is also insured as to its respective interests in Beaver Valley Unit 2, Davis-Besse and Perry under policies issued to the operating company for each plant. Under these policies, up to $2.75 billion is provided for property damage and decontamination and decommissioning costs. The Company has also obtained approximately $478.9 million of insurance coverage for replacement power costs for its respective interests in Beaver Valley Unit 2, Davis-Besse and Perry. Under these policies, the Company can be assessed a maximum of approximately $20.9 million for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year which are in excess of accumulated funds available to the insurer for paying losses.

The Company intends to maintain insurance against nuclear risks as described above as long as it is available. To the extent that replacement power, property damage, decontamination, decommissioning, repair and replacement costs and other such costs arising from a nuclear incident at any of the Company's plants exceed the policy limits of the insurance in effect with respect to that plant, to the extent a nuclear incident is determined not to be covered by the Company's insurance policies, or to the extent such insurance becomes unavailable in the future, the Company would remain at risk for such costs.

(B)   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS-

Various federal, state and local authorities regulate the Company with regard to air and water quality and other environmental matters. The effects of compliance on the Company with regard to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's earnings and competitive position. These environmental regulations affect the Company's earnings and competitive position to the extent that it 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. Overall, the Company believes it is in material compliance with existing regulations but is unable to predict future change in regulatory policies and what, if any, the effects of such change would be. In accordance with the Ohio transition plan discussed in Note 8 - Regulatory Matters, generation operations and any related additional capital expenditures for environmental compliance are the responsibility of FirstEnergy's competitive services business unit.

Clean Air Act Compliance

The Company is required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. The Company cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.


36

The Company believes it is complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from the Company's facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85% reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. The Company believe its facilities are complying with the NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIPs) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the Company operates affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions

In December  2000, the EPA  announced it would  proceed  with the development  of regulations regarding  hazardous air pollutants  from electric  power  plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste

As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic  Substances  Control Act of 1976, federal  and state  hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

The Company has been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Company's proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. Included in Current Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $2.4 million as of December 31, 2004. The Company accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Company's determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.


37

Climate Change

In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18% through 2012.

The Company cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity generated by the Company is lower than many regional competitors due to the Company's diversified generation sources which includes 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 the Company's plants. In addition, Ohio and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to the Company's operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.

On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. The Company is conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by their facilities with the performance standards. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

(C) OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS-

Power Outages and Related Litigation

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. On April 5, 2004, the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force released its final report on the outages. In the final report, the Task Force concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contains 46 årecommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts.æ Forty-five of those recommendations relate to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, relates to activities the Task Force recommends be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which are consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, completion of various reliability recommendations and further received independent verification of completion status from a NERC verification team on July 14, 2004 with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy (see Note 8). FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. As many of these initiatives already were in process, FirstEnergy does not believe that any incremental expenses associated with additional initiatives undertaken during 2004 will have a material effect on its operations or financial results. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of December 31, 2004 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date.


38

Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio state courts by plaintiffs seeking to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All three cases were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. One case was refiled at the PUCO. The other two cases were appealed. One case was dismissed and no further appeal was sought. The remaining case is pending. In addition to the one case that was refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages.

One complaint has been filed against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed a motion to dismiss with the Court on October 22, 2004. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thus potential liability has not been determined.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

Nuclear Plant Matters

FENOC received a subpoena in late  2003 from a grand  jury in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division,  requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements relating to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station outage made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. In addition, FENOC remains subject to possible civil enforcement action by the NRC in connection with the events leading to the Davis-Besse outage in 2002.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which the Company has a 44.85% interest. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.

Other Legal Matters

Various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to the Company's normal business operations are pending against the Company and its subsidiaries. The most significant not otherwise discussed above are described herein.

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and the Company, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a second subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

On September 16, 2004, the FERC issued an order that imposed additional obligations on the Company under certain pre-Open Access transmission contracts among the Company and the cities of Cleveland and Painesville. Under the FERC’s decision, the Company may be responsible for a portion of new energy market charges imposed by MISO when its energy markets begin in the spring of 2005. The Company filed for rehearing of the order from the FERC on October 18, 2004. The impact of the FERC decision on the Company is dependent upon many factors, including the arrangements made by the cities for transmission service, the startup date for the MISO energy market, and the resolution of the rehearing request, and cannot be determined at this time.

39

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on any of the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

13.
  NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS:

SFAS 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29"

In December 2004, the FASB issued this Statement amending APB 29, which was based on the principle that nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.


SFAS 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4"

In November 2004, the FASB issued this statement to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be "so abnormal" that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by the Company after June 30, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

        EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1. EITF 03-1 provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.

EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"

In March 2004, the FASB ratified the final consensus on Issue 03-16. EITF 03-16 requires that an investment in a limited liability company that maintains a "specific ownership account" for each investor should be viewed as similar to an investment in a limited partnership for determining whether the cost or equity method of accounting should be used. The equity method of accounting is generally required for investments that represent more than a three to five percent interest in a limited partnership. EITF 03-16 was adopted by CEI in the third quarter of 2004 and did not affect the Company's financial statements.

FSP 109-1. "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"

Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) "qualified production activities income," as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

40
 
FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
 
Issued in May 2004, FSP 106-2 provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy provided by the Medicare Act. The effect of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act on the Company's consolidated financial statements is described in Note 3.

14.   SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

The following summarizes certain consolidated operating results by quarter for 2004 and 2003.


   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
426.5
 
$
440.9
 
$
504.9
 
$
436.2
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
353.2
   
363.5
   
402.5
   
361.4
 
Operating Income
   
73.3
   
77.4
   
102.4
   
74.8
 
Other Income
   
11.7
   
9.5
   
8.3
   
12.7
 
Net Interest Charges
   
36.6
   
37.1
   
28.3
   
31.6
 
Net Income
 
$
48.4
 
$
49.8
 
$
82.4
 
$
55.9
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
46.7
 
$
48.0
 
$
80.7
 
$
54.1
 



   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
419.8
 
$
412.1
 
$
496.1
 
$
391.7
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
365.8
   
367.6
   
395.9
   
334.9
 
Operating Income
   
54.0
   
44.5
   
100.2
   
56.8
 
Other Income
   
4.7
   
4.7
   
6.2
   
81.7
 
Net Interest Charges
   
43.5
   
39.9
   
38.6
   
33.9
 
Income Before Cumulative Effect of
Accounting Change
   
15.2
   
9.3
   
67.8
   
104.6
 
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
(Net of Income Taxes)
   
42.4
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Net Income
 
$
57.6
 
$
9.3
 
$
67.8
 
$
104.6
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
58.4
 
$
7.5
 
$
66.0
 
$
100.0
 




41
EX-21.2 35 ex21-2.htm CEI - LIST OF SUBS Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 21.2



THE CLEVELAND ELECTRIC ILLUMINATING COMPANY
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
AT DECEMBER 31, 2004



Centerior Funding Corporation - Incorporated in Delaware
Cleveland Electric Financing Trust I - Incorporated in Delaware
Shippingport Capital Trust


Statement of Differences

Exhibit Number 21, List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant at December 31, 2004, is not included in the printed document.

EX-12.4 36 ex12-4.htm TE - FIXED CHARGE RATIO Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 12.4
Page 1


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2002
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                               
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
138,144
 
$
42,691
 
$
(5,142
)
$
19,930
 
$
86,283
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
amounts capitalized
   
71,373
   
62,773
   
57,672
   
42,126
   
33,439
 
Provision for income taxes
   
78,780
   
26,362
   
(9,844
)
 
5,394
   
52,350
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
96,358
   
92,108
   
87,174
   
84,894
   
82,879
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
384,655
 
$
223,934
 
$
129,860
 
$
152,344
 
$
254,951
 
                                 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                               
Interest expense
 
$
71,373
 
$
62,773
 
$
57,672
 
$
42,126
 
$
33,439
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
96,358
   
92,108
   
87,174
   
84,894
   
82,879
 
Fixed charges as defined
 
$
167,731
 
$
154,881
 
$
144,846
 
$
127,020
 
$
116,318
 
                                 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED
CHARGES
   
2.29
   
1.45
   
0.90
   
1.20
   
2.19
 




(a) Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.




EXHIBIT 12.4
Page 2
 
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES PLUS PREFERRED
STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS (PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)

   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                     
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
138,144
 
$
42,691
 
$
(5,142
)
$
19,930
 
$
86,283
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for amounts capitalized
   
71,373
   
62,773
   
57,672
   
42,126
   
33,439
 
Provision for income taxes
   
78,780
   
26,362
   
(9,844
)
 
5,394
   
52,350
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
96,358
   
92,108
   
87,174
   
84,894
   
82,879
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
384,655
 
$
223,934
 
$
129,860
 
$
152,344
 
$
254,951
 
                                 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K PLUS PREFERRED
STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS):
Interest expense
 
$
71,373
 
$
62,773
 
$
57,672
 
$
42,126
 
$
33,439
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
   
16,247
   
16,135
   
10,756
   
8,838
   
8,844
 
Adjustments to preferred stock dividends
to state on a pre-income tax basis
   
10,143
   
10,167
   
4,146
   
2,158
   
5,366
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
96,358
   
92,108
   
87,174
   
84,894
   
82,879
 
Fixed charges as defined plus preferred stock
dividend requirements (pre-income tax basis)
 
$
194,121
 
$
181,183
 
$
159,748
 
$
138,016
 
$
130,528
 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES PLUS
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)
   
1.98
   
1.24
   
0.81
   
1.10
   
1.95
 

_________________

(a) Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.
EX-13.3 37 ex13-3.htm TE - ANNUAL REPORT Unassociated Document

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

2004 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS



The Toledo Edison Company (TE) is a wholly owned electric utility operating subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. It engages in the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy in an area of approximately 2,500 square miles in northwestern Ohio. The area it serves has a population of approximately 0.8 million.







Contents
Page
   
Glossary of Terms
i-ii
Management Reports
1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
2
Selected Financial Data
3
Management's Discussion and Analysis
4-16
Consolidated Statements of Income
17
Consolidated Balance Sheets
18
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization
19
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity
20
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock
20
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
21
Consolidated Statements of Taxes
22
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
23-43



GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify The Toledo Edison Company and its affiliates:

ATSI
American Transmission Systems, Inc., owns and operates transmission facilities
CEI
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
CFC
Centerior Funding Corporation, a wholly owned finance subsidiary of CEI
Companies
OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec
FENOC
FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company, operates nuclear generating facilities
FES
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESC
FirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
JCP&L
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, an affiliated New Jersey electric utility
Met-Ed
Metropolitan Edison Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
OE
Ohio Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
Penn
Pennsylvania Power Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
Shippingport
Shippingport Capital Trust, a special purpose entity created by CEI and TE in 1997
TE
The Toledo Edison Company
TECC
Toledo Edison Capital Corporation, a 90% owned subsidiary of TE
     
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
     
AOCL
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
APB
Accounting Principles Board
APB 29
APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions"
ARB
Accounting Research Bulletin
ARB 43
ARB No. 43, "Restatement and Revision of Accounting Research Bulletins"
ARO
Asset Retirement Obligation
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
CTC
Competitive Transition Charge
ECAR
East Central Area Reliability Agreement
EITF
Emerging Issues Task Force
EITF 03-1
EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary and Its Application to Certain
Investments"
EITF 03-16
EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"
EITF 97-4
EITF Issue No. 97-4, "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application
   of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101"
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIN 46R
FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
FMB
First Mortgage Bonds
FSP
FASB Staff Position
FSP EITF 03-1-1
FASB Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue
No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain
Investments"
FSP 106-1
FASB Staff Position No.106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 106-2
FASB Staff Position No.106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 109-1
FASB Staff Position No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income
   Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities provided by the American Jobs
Creation Act of 2004"
GAAP
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
KWH
Kilowatt-hours
MACT
Maximum Achievable Control Technologies
Medicare Act
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
MISO
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
MW
Megawatts



i
GLOSSARY OF TERMS Cont.


NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Council
NOAC
Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition
NOX
Nitrogen Oxide
NRC
Nuclear Regulatory Commission
OCC
Ohio Consumers' Counsel
OCI
Other Comprehensive Income
OPEB
Other Post-Employment Benefits
PJM
PJM Interconnection L. L. C.
PRP
Potentially Responsible Party
PUCO
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCA
Public Utility Holding Company Act
RTC
Regulatory Transition Charge
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71
SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 87
SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions"
SFAS 101
SFAS No. 101, "Accounting for Discontinuation of Application of SFAS 71"
SFAS 106
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"
SFAS 115
SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities"
SFAS 140
SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishment of Liabilities"
SFAS 142
SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets"
SFAS 143
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
SFAS 144
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide
VIE
Variable Interest Entity


 
 
 





ii


MANAGEMENT REPORTS

Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who takes responsibility for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent with other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements.

FirstEnergy Corp.’s internal auditors, who are responsible to the Audit Committee of FirstEnergy’s Board of Directors, review the results and performance of operating units within the Company for adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of accounting and reporting systems, as well as managerial and operating controls.

FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee consists of five independent directors whose duties include: consideration of the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company and the objectivity of financial reporting; inquiry into the number, extent, adequacy and validity of regular and special audits conducted by independent auditors and the internal auditors; and reporting to the Board of Directors the Committee’s findings and any recommendation for changes in scope, methods or procedures of the auditing functions. The Committee is directly responsible for appointing the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and is charged with reviewing and approving all services performed for the Company by the independent registered public accounting firm and for reviewing and approving the related fees. The Committee reviews the independent registered public accounting firm’s report on internal quality control and reviews all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Company, in order to assess the registered public accounting firm’s independence. The Committee also reviews management’s programs to monitor compliance with the Company’s policies on business ethics and risk management. The Committee establishes procedures to receive and respond to complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and allows for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2004.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page 2.




 
1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of The Toledo Edison Company:

We have completed an integrated audit of The Toledo Edison Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Toledo Edison Company and its subsidiary at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2(G) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003. As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005
 
 
 
2
 
THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA



   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
2000
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
GENERAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
                     
                       
Operating Revenues
 
$
1,008,112
 
$
932,335
 
$
996,045
 
$
1,086,503
 
$
954,947
 
                                 
Operating Income
 
$
93,075
 
$
35,660
 
$
36,699
 
$
85,964
 
$
194,325
 
                                 
Income (Loss) Before Cumulative Effect of
Accounting Change
 
$
86,283
 
$
19,930
 
$
(5,142
)
$
42,691
 
$
138,144
 
                                 
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
86,283
 
$
45,480
 
$
(5,142
)
$
42,691
 
$
138,144
 
                                 
Earnings (Loss) on Common Stock
 
$
77,439
 
$
36,642
 
$
(15,898
)
$
26,556
 
$
121,897
 
                                 
Total Assets
 
$
2,833,906
 
$
2,855,398
 
$
2,861,614
 
$
2,875,908
 
$
3,010,657
 
                                 
                                 
CAPITALIZATION AS OF DECEMBER 31:
                               
Common Stockholder’s Equity
 
$
835,327
 
$
749,521
 
$
681,195
 
$
629,805
 
$
610,847
 
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory
Redemption
   
126,000
   
126,000
   
126,000
   
126,000
   
210,000
 
Long-Term Debt
   
300,299
   
270,072
   
557,265
   
646,174
   
944,193
 
Total Capitalization
 
$
1,261,626
 
$
1,145,593
 
$
1,364,460
 
$
1,401,979
 
$
1,765,040
 
                                 
                                 
CAPITALIZATION RATIOS AS OF DECEMBER 31:
                               
Common Stockholder’s Equity
   
66.2
%
 
65.4
%
 
49.9
%
 
44.6
%
 
34.6
%
Preferred Stock Not Subject to Mandatory
Redemption
   
10.0
   
11.0
   
9.2
   
9.0
   
11.9
 
Long-Term Debt
   
23.8
   
23.6
   
40.9
   
46.4
   
53.5
 
Total Capitalization
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
                                 
DISTRIBUTION KWH DELIVERIES (Millions)
                               
Residential
   
2,316
   
2,312
   
2,427
   
2,258
   
2,183
 
Commercial
   
2,796
   
2,771
   
2,702
   
2,667
   
2,380
 
Industrial
   
5,006
   
5,097
   
5,280
   
5,397
   
5,595
 
Other
   
56
   
69
   
57
   
61
   
49
 
Total
   
10,174
   
10,249
   
10,466
   
10,383
   
10,207
 
                                 
CUSTOMERS SERVED:
                               
Residential
   
273,800
   
270,258
   
272,474
   
270,589
   
269,071
 
Commercial
   
36,710
   
36,969
   
32,037
   
31,680
   
31,413
 
Industrial
   
211
   
215
   
1,883
   
1,898
   
1,917
 
Other
   
504
   
451
   
468
   
443
   
598
 
Total
   
311,225
   
307,893
   
306,862
   
304,610
   
302,999
 
                                 
                                 
Number of Employees
   
414
   
446
   
508
   
507
   
539
 



 
3

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


This discussion includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "believe," "estimate" and similar words. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition and deregulation in the electric utility industry, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, legislative and regulatory changes (including revised environmental requirements), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits, fines or other enforcement actions and remedies) of governmental investigations and oversight, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the United States Attorney's Office and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, generally, and with respect to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station outage in particular, the availability and cost of capital, the continuing availability and operation of generating units, our ability to experience growth in the distribution business, our ability to access the public securities and other capital markets, further investigation into the causes of the August 14, 2003, regional power outage and the outcome, cost and other effects of present and potential legal and administrative proceedings and claims related to the outage, the final outcome in the proceeding related to our Application for a Rate Stabilization Plan in Ohio, the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Results of Operations
 
Earnings on common stock increased to $77 million in 2004 from $37 million in 2003. Earnings on common stock in 2003 included an after-tax gain of $26 million from the cumulative effect of an accounting change due to the adoption of SFAS 143. Income before the cumulative effect increased to $86 million from $20 million in 2003. This increase resulted primarily from the restart of the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station in April 2004 that contributed to higher operating revenues and lower nuclear operating costs; interest charges were also lower in 2004. These factors were partially offset by higher fuel and purchased power costs, other operating costs and depreciation and amortization costs.

 
Earnings on common stock increased to $37 million in 2003 from a loss of $16 million in 2002. Income before the cumulative effect of an accounting change was $20 million in 2003, compared to a loss of $5 million in 2002. The increase in 2003 reflected lower fuel and purchased power costs, other operating costs, depreciation and financing costs and net proceeds of $12 million (pre-tax) from the settlement of our claim against NRG Energy, Inc. (see Note 7), partially offset by lower operating revenues, higher nuclear operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets.

Operating revenues increased by $76 million or 8.1% in 2004 from 2003. The increase in revenues resulted principally from a $98 million (69.0%) increase in wholesale sales (primarily to FES) due to increased nuclear generation available for sale, partially offset by a $6 million decrease in retail generation sales revenues from franchise customers and $5 million of shopping incentive credits discussed below. Reduced retail generation revenues (residential and commercial - $4 million and $5 million, respectively) in 2004 reflected increases in electric generation services to residential and commercial customers provided by alternative suppliers as a percent of total sales deliveries in TE’s franchise area of 6.9 percentage points and 2.5 percentage points, respectively, while shopping by industrial customers decreased slightly. Increased industrial customer generation revenue of $3 million was due to higher unit prices offsetting a 1.5% decrease in KWH sales.

Revenues from distribution throughput decreased by $7 million in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily as a result of lower unit prices in all customer sectors. Distribution deliveries to the aggregate industrial and commercial sector decreased and deliveries to residential customers were nearly unchanged in 2004 as compared to 2003.

 
4


Operating revenues decreased by $64 million or 6.4% in 2003 from 2002. Reduced revenues resulted from lower KWH sales due to milder weather in the second and third quarters, continued sluggishness in the regional economy and increased sales by alternative suppliers. KWH sales to retail customers in all customer sectors (residential, commercial and industrial) declined by 9.0% in 2003 from 2002, reducing generation retail sales revenues by $49.8 million. Electric generation services provided to retail customers by alternative suppliers as a percent of total sales delivered in our service area increased 5.9 percentage points in 2003. Sales revenues from wholesale customers decreased by $19 million in 2003 compared to 2002. KWH sales to the wholesale market declined in 2003 due to reduced nuclear generation available for sale to FES. Available generation decreased due to the extended outage at Davis-Besse and additional nuclear refueling activities in 2003 compared to 2002. Distribution deliveries decreased 2.1% in 2003 from 2002. However, higher unit prices resulted in overall revenue increases from electricity throughput of $17.2 million when compared to 2002.

Under the Ohio transition plan, we provide incentives to customers to encourage switching to alternative energy providers - $5 million of additional credits in 2004, compared with 2003; and $7 million of additional credits in 2003, compared to 2002. These revenue reductions are deferred for future recovery under our transition plan and do not affect current period earnings.

Changes in electric generation sales and distribution deliveries for 2004 and 2003, from the prior year are summarized in the following table:

Changes in KWH Sales
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
         
Electric Generation:
         
Retail
   
(3.8
)%
 
(9.0
)%
Wholesale
   
69.0
%
 
(15.4
)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
   
26.2
%
 
(11.8
)%
Distribution Deliveries:
             
Residential
   
0.2
%
 
(4.8
)%
Commercial and industrial
   
(0.8
)%
 
(1.4
)%
Total Distribution Deliveries
   
(0.7
)%
 
(2.1
)%


Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $18 million in 2004 and decreased by $63 million in 2003. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.


Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
(In millions)
 
           
Fuel costs
 
$
18
 
$
(6
)
Purchased power costs
   
12
   
(27
)
Nuclear operating costs
   
(87
)
 
2
 
Other operating costs
   
27
   
(16
)
Provision for depreciation
   
4
   
(28
)
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
10
   
9
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(11
)
 
(3
)
General taxes
   
3
   
(2
)
Income taxes
   
42
   
8
 
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
$
18
 
$
(63
)


Higher fuel costs in 2004, compared with 2003, resulted principally from increased nuclear generation, which was up 109.4%. Purchased power costs increased in 2004, compared with 2003, due to higher unit costs partially offset by lower KWH purchased due to lower retail generation sales requirements. Decreased nuclear operating costs in 2004 were due to reduced incremental costs associated with the extended Davis-Besse outage, unplanned work performed during the Perry Plant's 56-day nuclear refueling outage in 2003 and the 28-day refueling outage at Beaver Valley Unit 2 in 2003. Other operating costs increased in 2004, compared to 2003, reflecting higher employee benefits costs - specifically an increase in health care costs.

 
5


Lower fuel and purchased power costs in 2003, compared with 2002, resulted from reduced nuclear generation - down 19.9%, and reduced KWH required for customer needs which more than offset an increase in unit costs. Increased nuclear costs resulted from incremental costs associated with the extended Davis-Besse outage, the Perry Plant's nuclear refueling outage and the refueling outage at Beaver Valley Unit 2 in 2003, compared with a 24-day refueling outage at Beaver Valley Unit 2, in the first quarter of 2002. A decrease in other operating costs in 2003 reflect lower employee costs - specifically the absence of short-term incentive compensation and reduced health care costs.

Depreciation charges increased by $4 million in 2004 compared to 2003 due to a higher level of depreciable property in 2004. Charges for depreciation decreased by $28 million in 2003, compared with 2002, primarily due to revised service life assumptions for nuclear generating plants and lower charges resulting from the implementation of SFAS 143 ($15 million). The increase in charges for amortization of regulatory assets in 2004 and 2003, compared to the prior years, reflected increases in transition costs amortization. The higher deferrals of new regulatory assets in 2004 and 2003 compared to the prior year were due to higher shopping incentives ($5 million) and deferred interest on the shopping incentives ($6 million) in 2004 and higher shopping incentive deferrals ($7 million) partially offset by lower tax related deferrals ($4 million) in 2003.

General taxes increased $3 million in 2004 primarily due to the absence of settled property tax claims in 2003 and correspondingly decreased $2 million in 2003 due to settled property tax claims.

Other Income


Other Income increased by $2 million in 2004, compared to 2003, due to $16 million of interest income from Shippingport Capital Trust (see Note 6 - Variable Interest Entities) beginning in 2004 partially offset by the absence of the $12 million NRG settlement in 2003. Other income increased in 2003 from 2002 reflecting the 2003 NRG settlement.

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges continued to trend lower, decreasing by $7 million in 2004 and $19 million in 2003, compared to the prior year, reflecting redemptions and refinancing since 2003. We redeemed $230 million of long-term debt and repriced $121 million of pollution control notes during 2004.

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change


Upon adoption of SFAS 143 in the first quarter of 2003, we recorded an after-tax gain to net income of $26 million. The cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation and accretion, offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and ceasing the accounting practice of depreciating non-regulated generation assets using a cost of removal component, was a $44 million increase to income, or $26 million net of income taxes.

Capital Resources and Liquidity


Our cash requirements in 2004 for operating expenses, construction expenditures and scheduled debt maturities were met without increasing our net debt and preferred stock outstanding. During 2005 and thereafter, we expect to meet our contractual obligations with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

As of December 31, 2004, we had $15,000 of cash and cash equivalents, compared with $2 million as of December 31, 2003. The major sources for changes in these balances are summarized below.

 
6


Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Net cash provided from operating activities was $183 million in 2004, $61 million in 2003 and $166 million in 2002, summarized as follows:

Operating Cash Flows
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Cash earnings (1)
 
$
240
 
$
119
 
$
61
 
Pension trust contribution(2)
   
(8
)
 
--
   
--
 
Working capital and other
   
(49
)
 
(58
)
 
105
 
Total
 
$
183
 
$
61
 
$
166
 

(1)  Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2)  Pension trust contribution net of $5 million of income tax benefits.


Cash earnings (in the table above) is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating our cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Net Income (GAAP)
 
$
86
 
$
45
 
$
(5
)
Non-Cash Charges (Credits):
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
58
   
55
   
82
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
124
   
114
   
105
 
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization
   
25
   
9
   
12
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(39
)
 
(28
)
 
(25
)
Deferred operating lease costs, net
   
(23
)
 
(37
)
 
(25
)
Accrued retirement benefits obligation
   
6
   
6
   
(59
)
Accrued compensation
   
1
   
(5
)
 
3
 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
   
2
   
4
   
(27
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
(44
)
 
--
 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP)
 
$
240
 
$
119
 
$
61
 



Net cash provided from operating activities increased $122 million in 2004 from 2003 as a result of a $121 million increase in cash earnings as described above under "Results of Operations" and a $9 million increase from changes in working capital. These increases were partially offset by a $8 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution.

Net cash provided from operating activities decreased $105 million in 2003 from 2002 as a result of a $163 million decrease in working capital partially offset by a $58 million increase in cash earnings as described under "Results of Operations". The largest factor contributing to the change in working capital was a $95 million comparative change in accounts payable.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities increased by $101 million in 2004 from 2003 and decreased by $36 million in 2003 from 2002.

 
7


The following table provides details regarding new issues and redemptions during 2004, 2003 and 2002:



Securities Issued or Redeemed
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
New Issues
             
Pollution Control Notes
 
$
104
 
$
--
 
$
20
 
                     
Redemptions
                   
Unsecured Notes
 
$
--
 
$
7
 
$
135
 
Secured Notes
   
261
   
183
   
44
 
Preferred Stock
   
--
   
--
   
85
 
Other, principally redemption premiums
   
1
   
1
   
2
 
   
$
262
 
$
191
 
$
266
 
                     
Short-term Borrowings, Net
 
$
74
 
$
206
 
$
132
 



As of December 31, 2004, we had $136 million of cash and temporary investments (which include short-term notes receivable from associated companies) and $430 million of short-term indebtedness. We obtained authorization from the PUCO to incur short-term debt of up to $500 million (including the utility money pool described below). We had the capability to issue $998 million of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds under the terms of our mortgage indenture. Based upon applicable earnings coverage tests, we could issue up to $736 million of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued as of December 31, 2004).

We have the ability to borrow from our regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet our short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal, 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 the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings in 2004 was 1.43%.

Our access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of our securities and the securities of FirstEnergy. The following table shows securities ratings as of December 31, 2004. The ratings outlook on all securities is stable.


Ratings of Securities
       
 
Securities
S&P
Moody’s
Fitch
         
FirstEnergy
Senior unsecured
BB+
Baa3
BBB-
         
TE
Senior secured
BBB-
Baa2
BBB-
 
Senior unsecured
BB+
Baa3
BB
 
Preferred stock
BB
Ba2
BB-


On December 10, 2004, S&P reaffirmed FirstEnergy's ‘BBB-' corporate credit rating and kept the outlook stable. S&P noted that the stable outlook reflects FirstEnergy's improving financial profile and cash flow certainty through 2006. S&P stated that should the two refueling outages at the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants scheduled for the first quarter of 2005 be completed successfully without any significant negative findings and delays, FirstEnergy's outlook would be revised to positive. S&P also stated that a ratings upgrade in the next several months did not seem likely, as remaining issues of concern to S&P, primarily the outcome of environmental litigation and SEC investigations, are not likely to be resolved in the short term.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities increased to $91 million in 2004 from $86 million in 2003. This increase was primarily due to the change in the investment in lessor notes, partially offset by lower property additions.

 
8


Our capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $192 million (excluding nuclear fuel), of which approximately $56 million applies to 2005. Investments for additional nuclear fuel during the 2005-2007 period are estimated to be approximately $54 million, of which about $8 million applies to 2005. During the same period, our nuclear fuel investments are expected to be reduced by approximately $64 million and $20 million, respectively, as the nuclear fuel is consumed.

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2004, our estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations that we consider firm obligations were as follows:


           
2006-
 
2008-
     
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
2005
 
2007
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
   
(In millions)
 
                       
Long-term debt (3)
 
$
383
 
$
--
 
$
30
 
$
--
 
$
353
 
Short-term borrowings
   
430
   
430
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Operating leases(1)
   
918
   
79
   
158
   
145
   
536
 
Purchases (2)
   
264
   
38
   
96
   
81
   
49
 
Total
 
$
1,995
 
$
547
 
$
284
 
$
226
 
$
938
 

(1)  Operating lease payments are net of capital trust receipts of $302.2 million (see Note 5).
(2)   Fuel and power purchases under contracts with fixed or minimum quantities and approximate timing.
(3)   Amounts reflected to not include interest on long-term debt. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Obligations not included on our Consolidated Balance Sheet primarily consist of sale and leaseback arrangements involving the Bruce Mansfield Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 2, which are reflected in the operating lease payments above (see Note 5 - Leases). As of December 31, 2004, the present value of these operating lease commitments, net of trust investments, total $570 million.

We sell substantially all of our retail customer receivables to CFC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CEI. CFC subsequently transfers the receivables to a trust (a "qualified special purpose entity" under SFAS 140) under an asset-backed securitization agreement. This arrangement provided $29 million of off-balance sheet financing as of December 31, 2004.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates is reduced since a significant portion of our debt has fixed interest rates. The table below presents principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by year of maturity for our investment portfolio and debt obligations.

Comparison of Carrying Value to Fair Value
 
                       
There-
     
Fair
 
Year of Maturity
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
after
 
Total
 
Value
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
Assets
                                 
Investments Other Than Cash
and Cash Equivalents-
                                 
Fixed Income
 
$
134
 
$
12
 
$
9
 
$
15
 
$
12
 
$
289
 
$
471
 
$
515
 
Average interest rate
   
7.8
%
 
7.7
%
 
7.7
%
 
7.7
%
 
7.7
%
 
6.6
%
 
7.1
%
     
                                                   
Liabilities
                                                 
Long-term Debt and Other
                                                 
Long-Term Obligations:
                                                 
Fixed rate
             
$
30
             
$
113
 
$
143
 
$
150
 
Average interest rate
               
7.1
               
7.5
%
 
7.4
%
     
Variable rate
                               
$
240
 
$
240
 
$
240
 
Average interest rate
                                 
2.2
%
 
2.2
%
     
Short-term Borrowings
 
$
430
                               
$
430
 
$
430
 
Average interest rate
   
2.0
%
                               
2.0
%
     
 

 

 
9


Equity Price Risk


Included in our nuclear decommissioning trust investments are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $188 million and $145 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $19 million reduction in fair value as of December 31, 2004 (see Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

Outlook

Our industry continues to transition to a more competitive environment and all of our customers can select alternative energy suppliers. We continue to deliver power to residential homes and businesses through our existing distribution system, which remains regulated. Customer rates have been restructured into separate components to support customer choice. We have a continuing responsibility to provide power to those customers not choosing to receive power from an alternative energy supplier subject to certain limits. Adopting new approaches to regulation and experiencing new forms of competition have created new uncertainties.

Regulatory Matters


In 2001, Ohio customer rates were restructured to establish separate charges for transmission, distribution, transition cost recovery and a generation-related component. When one of our customers elects to obtain power from an alternative supplier, we reduce the customer's bill with a "generation shopping credit," based on the regulated generation component (plus an incentive), and the customer receives a generation charge from the alternative supplier. We have continuing PLR responsibility to our franchise customers through December 31, 2005.

Regulatory assets are costs which have been authorized by the PUCO and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. Our regulatory assets as of December 31, 2004 and 2003 were $375 million and $459 million, respectively. All of our regulatory assets are expected to continue to be recovered under the provisions of the transition and rate stabilization plans.

As part of the Ohio transition plan we are obligated to supply electricity to customers who do not choose an alternative supplier. We are also required to provide 160 MW of low cost supply to unaffiliated alternative suppliers who serve customers within our service area. Our competitive retail sales affiliate, FES, acts as an alternate supplier for a portion of the load in our franchise area.

On February 24, 2004, we filed a revised Rate Stabilization Plan to address PUCO concerns related to the original Rate Stabilization Plan. On June 9, 2004, the PUCO issued an order approving the revised Rate Stabilization Plan, subject to conducting a competitive bid process. On August 5, 2004, we accepted the Rate Stabilization Plan as modified and approved by the PUCO on August 4, 2004. In the second quarter of 2004, we implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest cost deferrals on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC, respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the June 9, 2004 PUCO order and associated entries on rehearing.

The revised Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues our support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the revised Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:

·
extension of the amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC from mid-2007 to as late as mid-2008;
   
·
deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and
   
·
ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.
   

On December 9, 2004, the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved revised Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. The PUCO may cause us to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization Plan pricing, but not the related approved accounting, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination.

 
10

On December 30, 2004, we filed an application with the PUCO seeking tariff adjustments to recover increases of approximately $0.1 million in transmission and ancillary service costs beginning January 1, 2006. We also filed an application for authority to defer costs associated with MISO Day 1, MISO Day 2, congestion fees, FERC assessment fees, and the ATSI rate increase, as applicable, from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. Various parties have intervened in these cases.

See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements for a more complete and detailed discussion of regulatory matters in Ohio.

Environmental Matters

We believe we are in compliance with current SO2 and NOx reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. In 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from our Ohio and Pennsylvania facilities. Various regulatory and judicial actions have since sought to further define NOx reduction requirements (see Note 12(B) - Environmental Matters). We continue to evaluate our compliance plans and other compliance options.

Clean Air Act Compliance-

We are required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. We cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.

We believe we are complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from our facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85% reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. We believe our facilities are also complying with NOx budgets established under SIPs through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards-
 
In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which we operate affected facilities.
 
Mercury Emissions-
 
In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

 
11


Regulation of Hazardous Waste-
 
As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash, as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

We have been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, our proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. Included in Current Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $0.2 million as of December 31, 2004. We accrue environmental liabilities only when we can conclude that it is probable that we have an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in our determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

Climate Change-
 
In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18% through 2012.
 
We cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity we generate is lower than many regional competitors due to our diversified generation sources which includes 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 our plants. In addition, Ohio and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to our operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.
 
On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. We are conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by their facilities with the performance standards. Management is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

Other Legal Proceedings

Power Outages and Related Litigation-

Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio state courts by plaintiffs seeking to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All three cases were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. One case was refiled at the PUCO. The other two cases were appealed. One case was dismissed and no further appeal was sought. The remaining case is pending. In addition to the one case that was refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages.

 
12


One complaint has been filed against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed a motion to dismiss with the Court on October 22, 2004. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thus potential liability has not been determined.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be initiated against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Nuclear Plant Matters-
 
In late 2003, FENOC received a subpoena from a grand jury in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this investigation. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements relating to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station outage made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. In addition, FENOC remains subject to possible civil enforcement action by the NRC in connection with the events leading to the Davis-Besse outage in 2002.
 
On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which we have a 19.91% interest. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.

Other Legal Matters-

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to our normal business operations pending against us. The most significant not otherwise discussed above are described herein.

On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and TE, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a second subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on any of the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these principles often requires a high degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions that affect financial results. All of our assets are subject to their own specific risks and uncertainties and are regularly reviewed for impairment. Our more significant accounting policies are described below.

 
13


Regulatory Accounting

We are subject to regulation that sets the prices (rates) we are permitted to charge our customers based on the costs that the regulatory agencies determine we are permitted to recover. At times, regulators permit the future recovery through rates of costs that would be currently charged to expense by an unregulated company. This rate-making process results in the recording of regulatory assets based on anticipated future cash inflows. We regularly review these assets to assess their ultimate recoverability within the approved regulatory guidelines. Impairment risk associated with these assets relates to potentially adverse legislative, judicial or regulatory actions in the future.

Revenue Recognition
 
We follow the accrual method of accounting for revenues, recognizing revenue for electricity that has been delivered to customers but not yet billed through the end of the accounting period. The determination of electricity sales to individual customers is based on meter readings, which occur on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, electricity delivered to customers since the last meter reading is estimated and a corresponding accrual for unbilled sales is recognized. The determination of unbilled sales requires management to make estimates regarding electricity available for retail load, transmission and distribution line losses, demand by customer class, weather-related impacts, prices in effect for each customer class and electricity provided by alternative suppliers.
 
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting

Our reported costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and postemployment benefits other than pensions are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and certain assumptions.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions we make to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs are also affected by changes to key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations for pension and OPEB costs.

In accordance with SFAS 87, changes in pension and OPEB obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs on the income statement, but generally are recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 delay recognition of changes due to the long-term nature of pension and OPEB obligations and the varying market conditions likely to occur over long periods of time. As such, significant portions of pension and OPEB costs recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of cash benefits provided to plan participants and are significantly influenced by assumptions about future market conditions and plan participants' experience.

In selecting an assumed discount rate, we consider currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Due to recent declines in corporate bond yields and interest rates in general, we reduced the assumed discount rate as of December 31, 2004 to 6.00% from 6.25% and 6.75% used as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Our assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the pension trusts. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, plan assets actually earned 11.1%, 24.2% and (11.3)%, respectively. Our pension costs in 2004 were computed assuming a 9.0% rate of return on plan assets based upon projections of future returns and a pension trust investment allocation of approximately 68% equities, 29% bonds, 2% real estate and 1% cash.

In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (our share was $13 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. FirstEnergy's election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement.

As a result of our voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, we reduced our accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $11 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, we reduced our additional minimum liability by $1 million, recording an increase in an intangible asset of $1 million and increasing OCI by $2 million. The balance in AOCL of $8 million (net of $6 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

 
14


Health care cost trends have significantly increased and will affect future OPEB costs. The 2004 and 2005 composite health care trend rate assumptions are approximately 10%-12% and 9%-11%, respectively, gradually decreasing to 5% in later years. In determining our trend rate assumptions, we included the specific provisions of our health care plans, the demographics and utilization rates of plan participants, actual cost increases experienced in our health care plans, and projections of future medical trend rates.

Ohio Transition Cost Amortization
 
In connection with our initial Ohio transition plan, the PUCO determined allowable transition costs based on amounts recorded on our regulatory books. These costs exceeded those deferred or capitalized on our balance sheet prepared under GAAP since they included certain costs which have not yet been incurred or that were recognized on the regulatory financial statements (fair value purchase accounting adjustments). We use an effective interest method for amortizing transition costs, often referred to as a "mortgage-style" amortization. The interest rate under this method is equal to the rate of return authorized by the PUCO in our Rate Stabilization Plan. In computing the transition cost amortization, we include only the portion of the transition revenues associated with transition costs included on the balance sheet prepared under GAAP. Revenues collected for the off balance sheet costs and the return associated with these costs are recognized as income when received.
 
Long-Lived Assets
 
In accordance with SFAS 144, we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to determine whether conditions exist that would indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be fully recoverable. The accounting standard requires that if the sum of future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from an asset is less than the carrying value of the asset, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset (discounted future net cash flows).

The calculation of future cash flows is based on assumptions, estimates and judgement about future events. The aggregate amount of cash flows determines whether an impairment is indicated. The timing of the cash flows is critical in determining the amount of the impairment.

Goodwill
 
In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, we evaluate our goodwill for impairment at least annually and would make such an evaluation more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If impairment were indicated, we would recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of our goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. Our annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004, with no impairment of goodwill indicated. The forecasts used in our evaluation of goodwill reflect operations consistent with our general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on our future evaluations of goodwill. As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately $505 million of goodwill.
 
Nuclear Decommissioning

In accordance with SFAS No. 143, we recognize an ARO for the future decommissioning of our nuclear power plants. The ARO liability represents an estimate of the fair value of our current obligation related to nuclear decommissioning and the retirement of other assets. A fair value measurement inherently involves uncertainty in the amount and timing of settlement of the liability. We used an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. This approach applies probability weighting to discounted future cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes. The scenarios consider settlement of the ARO at the expiration of the nuclear power plants' current license and settlement based on an extended license term.

 
15


NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for EITF 03-1, which provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.


 
16


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


               
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
               
OPERATING REVENUES (a) (Note 2(I))
 
$
1,008,112
 
$
932,335
 
$
996,045
 
                     
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                   
Fuel and purchased power (Note 2(I))
   
363,759
   
333,539
   
366,932
 
Nuclear operating costs
   
168,401
   
254,986
   
252,608
 
Other operating costs (Note 2(I))
   
152,879
   
125,869
   
141,997
 
Provision for depreciation
   
57,948
   
54,524
   
82,316
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
123,858
   
113,664
   
104,300
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(38,696
)
 
(27,575
)
 
(24,534
)
General taxes
   
54,142
   
50,742
   
53,223
 
Income taxes (benefit)
   
32,746
   
(9,074
)
 
(17,496
)
Total operating expenses and taxes
   
915,037
   
896,675
   
959,346
 
 
                   
OPERATING INCOME
   
93,075
   
35,660
   
36,699
 
                     
OTHER INCOME (NET OF INCOME TAXES) (Notes 2(I) and 7)
   
22,951
   
20,558
   
13,329
 
                     
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                   
Interest on long-term debt
   
27,153
   
38,874
   
58,120
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during
construction and capitalized interest
   
(3,696
)
 
(5,838
)
 
(2,502
)
Other interest expense (credit)
   
6,286
   
3,252
   
(448
)
Net interest charges
   
29,743
   
36,288
   
55,170
 
                     
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF
                   
ACCOUNTING CHANGE
   
86,283
   
19,930
   
(5,142
)
                     
Cumulative effect of accounting change (net of income taxes
of $18,201,000) (Note 2(G))
   
--
   
25,550
   
--
 
                     
NET INCOME (LOSS)
   
86,283
   
45,480
   
(5,142
)
                     
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
   
8,844
   
8,838
   
10,756
 
                     
EARNINGS (LOSS) ON COMMON STOCK
 
$
77,439
 
$
36,642
 
$
(15,898
)
                     

(a)
Includes electric sales to associated companies of $305 million, $212 million and $232 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

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



 
17

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


As of December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
ASSETS
 
(In thousands)
 
           
UTILITY PLANT:
         
In service
 
$
1,856,478
 
$
1,714,870
 
Less-Accumulated provision for depreciation
   
778,864
   
721,754
 
     
1,077,614
   
993,116
 
Construction work in progress-
             
Electric plant
   
58,535
   
125,051
 
Nuclear fuel
   
15,998
   
20,189
 
     
74,533
   
145,240
 
     
1,152,147
   
1,138,356
 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
             
Investment in lessor notes (Note 5)
   
190,692
   
200,938
 
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
   
297,803
   
240,634
 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies
   
39,975
   
163,626
 
Other
   
2,031
   
2,119
 
     
530,501
   
607,317
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
             
Cash and cash equivalents
   
15
   
2,237
 
Receivables-
             
Customers
   
4,858
   
4,083
 
Associated companies
   
36,570
   
29,158
 
Other
   
3,842
   
14,386
 
Notes receivable from associated companies
   
135,683
   
19,316
 
Materials and supplies, at average cost
   
40,280
   
35,147
 
Prepayments and other
   
1,150
   
6,704
 
     
222,398
   
111,031
 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
             
Regulatory assets
   
374,814
   
459,040
 
Goodwill
   
504,522
   
504,522
 
Property taxes
   
24,100
   
24,443
 
Other
   
25,424
   
10,689
 
     
928,860
   
998,694
 
   
$
2,833,906
 
$
2,855,398
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
             
               
CAPITALIZATION (See Consolidated Statements of Capitalization):
             
Common stockholder’s equity
 
$
835,327
 
$
749,521
 
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption
   
126,000
   
126,000
 
Long-term debt
   
300,299
   
270,072
 
     
1,261,626
   
1,145,593
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Currently payable long-term debt
   
90,950
   
283,650
 
Short-term borrowings
   
--
   
70,000
 
Accounts payable-
             
Associated companies
   
110,047
   
132,876
 
Other
   
2,247
   
2,816
 
Notes payable to associated companies
   
429,517
   
285,953
 
Accrued taxes
   
46,957
   
55,604
 
Lease market valuation liability
   
24,600
   
24,600
 
Other
   
53,055
   
49,711
 
     
757,373
   
905,210
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Accumulated deferred income taxes
   
221,950
   
201,954
 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
   
25,102
   
27,200
 
Retirement benefits
   
39,227
   
47,006
 
Asset retirement obligation
   
194,315
   
181,839
 
Lease market valuation liability
   
268,000
   
292,600
 
Other
   
66,313
   
53,996
 
     
814,907
   
804,595
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
             
(Notes 5 and 12)
             
   
$
2,833,906
 
$
2,855,398
 
 
 
The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.


 
18


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION

As of December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
                                                                          (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
           
COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
         
Common stock, $5 par value, authorized 60,000,000 shares
39,133,887 shares outstanding
 
$
195,670
 
$
195,670
 
Other paid-in capital
   
428,559
   
428,559
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 2(F))
   
20,039
   
11,672
 
Retained earnings (Note 9(A))
   
191,059
   
113,620
 
Total common stockholder's equity
   
835,327
   
749,521
 

   
Number of Shares Outstanding
 
Optional Redemption Prices
         
   
2004
 
2003
 
Per Share
 
Aggregate
         
PREFERRED STOCK NOT SUBJECT TO
                         
MANDATORY REDEMPTION (Note 9(B)):
                         
Cumulative, $100 par value-
                         
Authorized 3,000,000 shares
                         
$4.25
   
160,000
   
160,000
 
$
104.63
 
$
16,740
   
16,000
   
16,000
 
$4.56
   
50,000
   
50,000
   
101.00
   
5,050
   
5,000
   
5,000
 
$4.25
   
100,000
   
100,000
   
102.00
   
10,200
   
10,000
   
10,000
 
     
310,000
   
310,000
         
31,990
   
31,000
   
31,000
 
                                       
Cumulative, $25 par value-
                                     
Authorized 12,000,000 shares
                                     
$2.365
   
1,400,000
   
1,400,000
   
27.75
   
38,850
   
35,000
   
35,000
 
Adjustable Series A
   
1,200,000
   
1,200,000
   
25.00
   
30,000
   
30,000
   
30,000
 
Adjustable Series B
   
1,200,000
   
1,200,000
   
25.00
   
30,000
   
30,000
   
30,000
 
     
3,800,000
   
3,800,000
         
98,850
   
95,000
   
95,000
 
Total
   
4,110,000
   
4,110,000
       
$
130,840
   
126,000
   
126,000
 

LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 9(C)):
         
First mortgage bonds:
         
7.875% due 2004
   
--
   
145,000
 
Total first mortgage bonds
   
--
   
145,000
 
               
Unsecured notes:
             
*  1.980% due 2030
   
34,850
   
34,850
 
*  4.500% due 2033
   
31,600
   
31,600
 
*  2.000% due 2033
   
18,800
   
18,800
 
*  3.100% due 2033
   
5,700
   
--
 
Total unsecured notes
   
90,950
   
85,250
 
               
Secured notes:
             
  7.670% due 2004
   
--
   
70,000
 
  7.130% due 2007
   
30,000
   
30,000
 
  7.625% due 2020
   
45,000
   
45,000
 
  7.750% due 2020
   
54,000
   
54,000
 
  9.220% due 2021
   
--
   
15,000
 
  8.000% due 2023
   
--
   
30,500
 
   * 1.750% due 2024
   
67,300
   
--
 
  6.100% due 2027
   
10,100
   
10,100
 
  5.375% due 2028
   
3,751
   
3,751
 
   * 1.690% due 2033
   
30,900
   
30,900
 
   * 1.800% due 2033
   
20,200
   
20,200
 
* 1.750% due 2033
   
30,500
   
--
 
Total secured notes
   
291,751
   
309,451
 
               
Net unamortized premium on debt
   
8,548
   
14,021
 
Long-term debt due within one year
   
(90,950
)
 
(283,650
)
Total long-term debt
   
300,299
   
270,072
 
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
 
$
1,261,626
 
$
1,145,593
 
 
*  Denotes variable rate issue with December 31, 2004 interest rate shown.

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


 
19


THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY


                   
Accumulated
     
               
Other
 
Other
     
   
Comprehensive
 
Number
 
Par
 
Paid-In
 
Comprehensive
 
Retained
 
   
Income (Loss)
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
Capital
 
Income (Loss)
 
Earnings
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                           
Balance, January 1, 2002
     
39,133,887
 
$195,670
 
$328,559
 
$ 7,100
 
$ 98,476
 
Net loss
 
$
(5,142
)
                 
(5,142
)
Unrealized loss on investments, net of (4,034,000) of 
   income taxes
   
(5,997
)
             
(5,997
)
   
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits, net of 
   $(15,042,000) of income taxes.
   
(21,115
)
             
(21,115
)
   
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(32,254
)
                   
Equity contribution from parent
               
100,000
         
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                       
(9,457
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                       
(5,600
)
Preferred stock redemption premiums
                       
(1,299
)
Balance, December 31, 2002
       
39,133,887
   
195,670
   
428,559
   
(20,012
)
 
76,978
 
Net income
 
$
45,480
                   
45,480
 
Unrealized gain on investments, net of $13,908,000 of 
   income taxes
   
19,988
               
19,988
     
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits, net of
   $8,489,000 of income taxes.
   
11,696
               
11,696
     
Comprehensive income
 
$
77,164
                     
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                       
(8,838
)
Balance, December 31, 2003
       
39,133,887
   
195,670
   
428,559
   
11,672
   
113,620
 
Net income
 
$
86,283
                   
86,283
 
Unrealized gain on investments, net of $5,246,000 of
   income taxes
   
7,253
               
7,253
     
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits, net of
   $717,000 of income taxes.
   
1,114
               
1,114
     
Comprehensive income
 
$
94,650
                     
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                       
(8,844
)
Balance, December 31, 2004
       
39,133,887
 
$
195,670
 
$
428,559
 
$
20,039
 
$
191,059
 




CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK

   
Not Subject to
Mandatory Redemption
 
   
   
Number
 
Carrying
 
   
of Shares
 
Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
           
           
Balance, January 1, 2002
   
5,700,000
 
$
210,000
 
Redemptions
             
$8.32 Series
   
(100,000
)
 
(10,000
)
$7.76 Series
   
(150,000
)
 
(15,000
)
$7.80 Series
   
(150,000
)
 
(15,000
)
$10.00 Series
   
(190,000
)
 
(19,000
)
$2.21 Series
   
(1,000,000
)
 
(25,000
)
Balance, December 31, 2002
   
4,110,000
   
126,000
 
Balance, December 31, 2003
   
4,110,000
   
126,000
 
Balance, December 31, 2004
   
4,110,000
 
$
126,000
 


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

 
20

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
               
               
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
             
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
86,283
 
$
45,480
 
$
(5,142
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash from operating activities:
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
57,948
   
54,524
   
82,316
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
123,858
   
113,664
   
104,300
 
Deferral of new regulatory assets
   
(38,696
)
 
(27,575
)
 
(24,534
)
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization
   
25,034
   
9,289
   
11,866
 
Deferred rents and lease market valuation liability
   
(23,121
)
 
(37,001
)
 
(24,600
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
   
6,123
   
3,563
   
(26,672
)
Accrued retirement benefit obligation
   
5,889
   
6,205
   
(59,123
)
Accrued compensation, net
   
1,074
   
(5,365
)
 
2,614
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Note 2(G))
   
--
   
(43,751
)
 
--
 
Pension trust contribution
   
(12,572
)
 
--
   
--
 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
                   
Receivables
   
10,228
   
19,107
   
5,164
 
Materials and supplies
   
(5,133
)
 
1,481
   
(5,582
)
Prepayments and other current assets
   
5,554
   
(3,249
)
 
11,125
 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
                   
Accounts payable
   
(23,398
)
 
(53,765
)
 
40,801
 
Accrued taxes
   
(8,647
)
 
20,928
   
(4,881
)
Accrued interest
   
(9,080
)
 
(3,965
)
 
(3,541
)
Other
   
(18,438
)
 
(38,977
)
 
61,538
 
Net cash provided from operating activities
   
182,906
   
60,593
   
165,649
 
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                   
New Financing-
                   
Long-term debt
   
103,500
   
--
   
19,580
 
Short-term borrowings, net
   
73,565
   
206,300
   
132,445
 
Equity contributions from parent
   
--
   
--
   
100,000
 
Redemptions and Repayments-
                   
Preferred stock
   
--
   
--
   
(85,299
)
Long-term debt
   
(262,162
)
 
(190,794
)
 
(180,368
)
Dividend Payments-
                   
Common stock
   
--
   
--
   
(5,600
)
Preferred stock
   
(8,844
)
 
(8,844
)
 
(10,057
)
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities
   
(93,941
)
 
6,662
   
(29,299
)
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                   
Property additions
   
(64,629
)
 
(84,924
)
 
(105,510
)
Loan repayments from (payments to) associated companies, net
   
7,284
   
(18,826
)
 
5,838
 
Investment in lessor notes (Note 5)
   
10,246
   
40,025
   
21,168
 
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trust
   
(28,541
)
 
(28,541
)
 
(28,541
)
Other
   
(15,547
)
 
6,560
   
(8,919
)
Net cash used for investing activities
   
(91,187
)
 
(85,706
)
 
(115,964
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(2,222
)
 
(18,451
)
 
20,386
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
2,237
   
20,688
   
302
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
15
 
$
2,237
 
$
20,688
 
                     
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
                   
Cash Paid During the Year-
                   
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
 
$
40,082
 
$
38,576
 
$
61,498
 
Income taxes (refund)
 
$
53,728
 
$
(9,257
)
$
3,561
 
                     

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


 
21

THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TAXES



For the Years Ended December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
GENERAL TAXES:
             
Ohio kilowatt-hour excise*
 
$
28,158
 
$
29,793
 
$
28,046
 
Real and personal property
   
23,559
   
18,488
   
22,737
 
Social security and unemployment
   
2,089
   
1,861
   
1,684
 
Other
   
336
   
600
   
756
 
Total general taxes
 
$
54,142
 
$
50,742
 
$
53,223
 
                     
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                   
Currently payable-
                   
Federal
 
$
34,587
 
$
15,495
 
$
12,845
 
State
   
11,640
   
4,537
   
3,983
 
     
46,227
   
20,032
   
16,828
 
Deferred, net-
                   
Federal
   
7,156
   
4,414
   
(19,091
)
State
   
1,064
   
1,205
   
(5,570
)
     
8,220
   
5,619
   
(24,661
)
Investment tax credit amortization
   
(2,097
)
 
(2,056
)
 
(2,011
)
Total provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 
$
52,350
 
$
23,595
 
$
(9,844
)
                     
                     
INCOME STATEMENT CLASSIFICATION
                   
OF PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                   
Operating income
 
$
32,746
 
$
(9,074
)
$
(17,496
)
Other income
   
19,604
   
14,468
   
7,652
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
18,201
   
--
 
Total provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 
$
52,350
 
$
23,595
 
$
(9,844
)
                     
RECONCILIATION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX
                   
EXPENSE AT STATUTORY RATE TO TOTAL
                   
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                   
Book income before provision for income taxes
 
$
138,633
 
$
69,075
 
$
(14,986
)
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
 
$
48,522
 
$
24,176
 
$
(5,245
)
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from-
                   
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
   
8,258
   
3,732
   
(1,031
)
Amortization of investment tax credits
   
(2,097
)
 
(2,056
)
 
(2,011
)
Amortization of tax regulatory assets
   
(2,492
)
 
(2,397
)
 
(2,362
)
Other, net
   
159
   
140
   
805
 
Total provision for (benefit from) income taxes
 
$
52,350
 
$
23,595
 
$
(9,844
)
                     
ACCUMULATED DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
                   
AS OF DECEMBER 31:
                   
Property basis differences
 
$
216,933
 
$
193,409
 
$
177,262
 
Regulatory transition charge
   
101,190
   
151,129
   
196,812
 
Unamortized investment tax credits
   
(9,606
)
 
(10,472
)
 
(11,414
)
Deferred gain for asset sale to affiliated company
   
11,111
   
12,618
   
14,186
 
Other comprehensive income
   
14,084
   
8,121
   
(14,276
)
Above market leases
   
(120,078
)
 
(130,231
)
 
(140,399
)
Retirement benefits
   
41
   
(4,568
)
 
(9,768
)
Shopping credit incentive deferral
   
36,628
   
21,416
   
10,273
 
All Other
   
(28,353
)
 
(39,468
)
 
(64,397
)
                     
Net deferred income tax liability
 
$
221,950
 
$
201,954
 
$
158,279
 
                     


*  Collected from customers through regulated rates and included in revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income.


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

 
22

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The consolidated financial statements include TE (Company) and its 90% owned subsidiary, TECC. TECC was formed in 1997 to make equity investments in a business trust in connection with financing related to the Bruce Mansfield Plant sale and leaseback transaction (see Note 5). CEI, an affiliate, has a 10% interest in TECC. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also holds directly all of the issued and outstanding common shares of its other principal electric utility operating subsidiaries, including CEI, OE, ATSI, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec.

The Company follows GAAP and complies with the regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, PUCO and FERC. 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 the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Certain 2003 revenues and expenses have been reclassified and presented on a net basis to conform to the current year presentation.

The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for on the equity basis.

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

2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
(A)   ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF REGULATION-

The Company accounts for the effects of regulation through the application of SFAS 71 when its rates:

·
are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers;
   
·
are cost-based; and
   
·
can be charged to and collected from customers.

An enterprise meeting all of these criteria capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. SFAS 71 is applied only to the parts of the business that meet the above criteria. If a portion of the business applying SFAS 71 no longer meets those requirements, previously recorded regulatory assets are removed from the balance sheet in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 101.

Regulatory Assets-

The Company recognizes, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC and the PUCO have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets will continue to be recovered from customers under the Company's transition plan. Based on that plan, the Company continues to bill and collect cost-based rates for its transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Company continues the application of SFAS 71 to those operations.

Net regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Regulatory transition costs
 
$
327
 
$
447
 
Customer shopping incentives
   
89
   
52
 
Liabilities to customers - income taxes
   
(10
)
 
(13
)
Loss on reacquired debt
   
3
   
3
 
Employee postretirement benefit costs
   
7
   
8
 
Asset removal costs and all other
   
(41
)
 
(38
)
Total
 
$
375
 
$
459
 


 
23


The Company is deferring customer shopping incentives and interest costs as new regulatory assets in accordance with the transition and rate stabilization plans. These regulatory assets, totaling $89 million as of December 31, 2004, will be recovered through a surcharge rate equal to the RTC rate in effect when the transition costs have been fully recovered. Recovery of the new regulatory assets will begin at that time and amortization of the regulatory assets for each accounting period will be equal to the surcharge revenue recognized during that period. The company expects to recover these deferred customer shopping incentives before the end of 2008.

Transition Cost Amortization-

The Company amortizes transition costs (see Regulatory Matters) using the effective interest method. Under the current Rate Stabilization Plan, total transition cost amortization is expected to approximate the following for 2005 through 2007:


   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
139
 
2006
   
85
 
2007
   
95
 


Accounting for Generation Operations-

The application of SFAS 71 was discontinued in 2000 with respect to the Company's generation operations. The SEC's interpretive guidance and EITF 97-4 regarding asset impairment measurement providing that any supplemental regulated cash flows such as a CTC should be excluded from the cash flows of assets in a portion of the business not subject to regulatory accounting practices. If those assets are impaired, a regulatory asset should be established if the costs are recoverable through regulatory cash flows. Consistent with the SEC guidance $53 million of impaired plant investments were recognized by the Company as regulatory assets recoverable as transition costs through future regulatory cash flows. Net assets included in utility plant relating to the operations for which the application of SFAS 71 was discontinued, were $652 million as of December 31, 2004.

(B)   CASH AND SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-

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. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2003 included $2 million which was included in the NRG settlement claim sold in January 2004 (see Note 7).

(C)   REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES-


The Company's principal business is providing electric service to customers in Ohio. The Company's retail customers are metered on a cycle basis. Electric revenues are recorded based on energy delivered through the end of the calendar month. An estimate of unbilled revenues is calculated to recognize electric service provided between the last meter reading and the end of the month. This estimate includes many factors including estimated weather impacts, customer shopping activity, historical line loss factors and prices in effect for each class of customer. In each accounting period, the Company accrues the estimated unbilled amount receivable as revenue and reverses the related prior period estimate.
 
Receivables from customers include sales to residential, commercial and industrial customers located in the Company's service area and sales to wholesale customers. There was no material concentration of receivables as of December 31, 2004 or 2003, with respect to any particular segment of the Company's customers. Total customer receivables were $5 million (billed - $4 million and unbilled - $1 million) and $4 million (billed - $2 million and unbilled - $2 million) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 
24


The Company and CEI sell substantially all of their retail customer receivables to CFC, a wholly owned subsidiary of CEI. CFC subsequently transfers the receivables to a trust under an asset-backed securitization agreement. The trust is a "qualified special purpose entity" under SFAS 140, which provides it with certain rights relative to the transferred assets. Transfers are made in return for an interest in the trust (62% as of December 31, 2004), which is stated at fair value, reflecting adjustments for anticipated credit losses. The fair value of CFC's interest in the trust approximates the stated value of its retained interest in the underlying receivables, after adjusting for anticipated credit losses, because the average collection period is 27 days. Accordingly, subsequent measurements of the retained interest under SFAS 115, (as an available-for-sale financial instrument) result in no material change in value. Sensitivity analyses reflecting 10% and 20% increases in the rate of anticipated credit losses would not have significantly affected FirstEnergy's retained interest in the pool of receivables through the trust.

Collections of receivables previously transferred to the trust and used for the purchase of new receivables from CFC during 2004 totaled approximately $2.5 billion. CEI and TE processed receivables for the trust and received servicing fees of approximately $4.8 million ($1.6 million - the Company and $3.2 million - CEI) in 2004. Expenses associated with the factoring discount related to the sale of receivables were $3.5 million in 2004.

(D)   UTILITY PLANT AND DEPRECIATION-
 
Utility plant reflects original cost of construction (except for the Company's nuclear generating units which were adjusted to fair value), including payroll and related costs such as taxes, employee benefits, administrative and general costs, and interest costs incurred to place the assets in service. The costs of normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are expensed as incurred. The Company's accounting policy for planned major maintenance projects is to recognize liabilities as they are incurred.
 
The Company provides for depreciation on a straight-line basis at various rates over the estimated lives of property included in plant in service. The annualized composite rate was approximately 2.8% in 2004 and 2003 and 3.8% in 2002.

Jointly - Owned Generating Stations-
 
The Company, together with CEI, OE and Penn, own and/or lease, as tenants in common, various power generating facilities. Each of the companies is obligated to pay a share of the costs associated with any jointly - owned facility in the same proportion as its interest. The Company's portion of operating expenses associated with jointly - owned facilities is included in the corresponding operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The amounts reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet under utility plant as of December 31, 2004 include the following:


   
Utility
Plant
in Service
 
Accumulated
Provision for
Depreciation
 
Construction
Work in
Progress
 
Ownership/
Leasehold
Interest
 
   
Generating Units
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Bruce Mansfield Units 2 and 3
 
$
85
 
$
22
 
$
5
   
18.61
%
Beaver Valley Unit 2
   
15
   
1
   
10
   
19.91
%
Davis-Besse
   
305
   
66
   
31
   
48.62
%
Perry
   
357
   
74
   
5
   
19.91
%
Total
 
$
762
 
$
163
 
$
51
       


The Bruce Mansfield Plant and Beaver Valley Unit 2 are leased through sale and leaseback transactions (see Note 5) and the above-related amounts represent construction expenditures subsequent to the transaction.

Nuclear Fuel-

Nuclear fuel is recorded at original cost, which includes material, enrichment, fabrication and interest costs incurred prior to reactor load. The Company amortizes the cost of nuclear fuel based on the units of production method.

 
25


(E)   ASSET IMPAIRMENTS-

Long-lived Assets
 
The Company evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In accordance with SFAS 144, the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment exists, a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated by using available market valuations or the long-lived asset's expected future net discounted cash flows. The calculation of expected cash flows is based on estimates and assumptions about future events.
 
Goodwill
 
In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment at least annually and would make such an evaluation more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment is indicated, the Company recognizes a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. The company's 2004 annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004 with no impairment indicated. The forecasts used in the Company's evaluation of goodwill reflect operations consistent with its general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on its future evaluations of goodwill. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had approximately $505 million of goodwill. The impairment analysis includes a significant source of cash representing the Company's recovery of transition costs as described above under "Regulatory Matters." The Company estimates that completion of transition cost recovery will not result in an impairment of goodwill.
 
Investments
 
The Company periodically evaluates for impairment investments that include available-for-sale securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts. In accordance with SFAS 115, securities classified as available-for-sale are evaluated to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. The Company considers, among other factors, the length of time 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 investments for impairment. The fair value and unrealized gains and losses of the Company's investments are disclosed in Note 4.
 
(F)   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME-

Comprehensive income includes net income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and all other changes in common stockholder's equity except those resulting from transactions with FirstEnergy and preferred stockholders. As of December 31, 2004, accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $8 million and unrealized gains on investments in securities available for sale of $28 million. As of December 31, 2003, accumulated other comprehensive income consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $9 million and unrealized gains on investments in securities available for sale of $21 million.

(G)   CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE-
 
Results for 2003 include an after-tax credit to net income of $25.6 million recorded by the Company upon adoption of SFAS 143 in January 2003. The Company identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new accounting standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning and reclamation of a sludge disposal pond at the Bruce Mansfield Plant. As a result of adopting SFAS 143 in January 2003, asset retirement costs of $41.1 million were recorded as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset, offset by accumulated depreciation of $5.5 million. The asset retirement obligation liability at the date of adoption was $172 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had recorded decommissioning liabilities of $179.6 million. The cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation and accretion, offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and the reversal of accumulated estimated removal costs for non-regulated generation assets, was a $43.8 million increase to income, or $25.6 million net of income taxes.

 
26


(H)   INCOME TAXES-

Details of the total provision for income taxes are shown on the Consolidated Statements of Taxes. The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carryforward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled. The Company is included in FirstEnergy’s consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated tax liability is allocated on a "stand-alone" company basis, with the Company recognizing any tax losses or credits it contributed to the consolidated return.

(I)   TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED COMPANIES-

Operating revenues, operating expenses and other income include transactions with affiliated companies, primarily ATSI, FES and FESC. The Ohio transition plan, as discussed in the "Regulatory Matters" section, resulted in the corporate separation of FirstEnergy's regulated and unregulated operations in 2001. FES operates the generation businesses of the Company, CEI, OE and Penn. As a result, the Company entered into power supply agreements (PSA) whereby FES purchases all of the Company's nuclear generation and the generation from leased fossil generating facilities and the Company purchases its power from FES to meet its "provider of last resort" obligations. In the fourth quarter of 2003, ATSI transferred operational control of its transmission facilities to MISO and previously affiliated transmission service expenses are now provided under the MISO Open Access Transmission Tariff. CFC serves as the transferor in connection with the accounts receivable securitization for the Company and CEI. The primary affiliated companies transactions are as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Operating Revenues:
             
PSA revenues from FES
 
$
204
 
$
103
 
$
128
 
Generating units rent from FES
   
15
   
15
   
14
 
Electric sales to CEI
   
101
   
109
   
104
 
Ground lease with ATSI
   
2
   
2
   
2
 
                     
Operating Expenses:
                   
Purchased power under PSA
   
311
   
298
   
319
 
Transmission expenses
   
--
   
19
   
23
 
FESC support services
   
36
   
35
   
26
 
                     
Other Income:
                   
Interest income from ATSI
   
3
   
3
   
3
 
Interest income from FES
   
10
   
10
   
10
 
Interest income from Shippingport (Note 6)
   
16
   
--
   
--
 


FirstEnergy does not bill directly or allocate any of its costs to any subsidiary company. Costs are allocated to the Company from FESC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy and a "mutual service company" as defined in Rule 93 of the PUHCA. The majority of costs are directly billed or assigned at no more than cost as determined by PUHCA Rule 91. The remaining costs are for services that are provided on behalf of more than one company, or costs that cannot be precisely identified and are allocated using formulas that are filed annually with the SEC on Form U-13-60. The current allocation or assignment formulas used and their bases include multiple factor formulas; each company's proportionate amount of FirstEnergy's aggregate direct payroll, number of employees, asset balances, revenues, number of customers, other factors and specific departmental charge ratios. Management believes that these allocation methods are reasonable. Intercompany transactions with FirstEnergy and its other subsidiaries are generally settled under commercial terms within thirty days, except for $55 million payable to affiliates for OPEB obligations.

The Company is selling 150 megawatts of its Beaver Valley Unit 2 leased capacity entitlement to CEI. Operating revenues for this transaction were $101 million, $109 million and $104 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This sale is expected to continue through the end of the lease period. (See Note 5.)

 
27
 
3.   PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS:

FirstEnergy provides noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees. The trusteed plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company's funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (Company's share was $13 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. The election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement. Since the contribution is deductible for tax purposes, the after-tax cash impact of the voluntary contribution is approximately $300 million (Company’s share was $8 million).

FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and copayments, are also available to retired employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. The Company recognizes the expected cost of providing other postretirement benefits to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs may also be affected by changes in key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations and pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31 measurement date for the majority of its plans.


 
28

Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables provide information applicable to FirstEnergy’s pension and OPEB plans.

Obligations and Funded Status
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Change in benefit obligation
                 
Benefit obligation as of January 1
 
$
4,162
 
$
3,866
 
$
2,368
 
$
2,077
 
Service cost
   
77
   
66
   
36
   
43
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
112
   
136
 
Plan participants’ contributions
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
6
 
Plan amendments
   
--
   
--
   
(281
)
 
(123
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
134
   
222
   
(211
)
 
323
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Benefit obligation as of December 31
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
$
1,930
 
$
2,368
 
                           
Change in fair value of plan assets
                         
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1
 
$
3,315
 
$
2,889
 
$
537
 
$
473
 
Actual return on plan assets
   
415
   
671
   
57
   
88
 
Company contribution
   
500
   
--
   
64
   
68
 
Plan participants’ contribution
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
2
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31
 
$
3,969
 
$
3,315
 
$
564
 
$
537
 
                           
Funded status
 
$
(395
)
$
(847
)
$
(1,366
)
$
(1,831
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
885
   
919
   
730
   
994
 
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
   
63
   
72
   
(378
)
 
(221
)
Unrecognized net transition obligation
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
83
 
Net asset (liability) recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)

Amounts Recognized in the
                 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
As of December 31
                 
Accrued benefit cost
 
$
(14
)
$
(438
)
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Intangible assets
   
63
   
72
   
--
   
--
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
504
   
510
   
--
   
--
 
Net amount recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Company's share of net amount recognized
 
$
17
 
$
7
 
$
(36
)
$
(33
)
                           
Increase (decrease) in minimum liability
included in other comprehensive income
(net of tax)
 
$
(4
)
$
(145
)
$
--
 
$
--
 

Assumptions Used to Determine
                 
Benefit Obligations As of December 31
                 
                   
Discount rate
   
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
           
                           
Allocation of Plan Assets
                         
As of December 31
                         
Asset Category
                         
Equity securities
   
68
%
 
70
%
 
74
%
 
71
%
Debt securities
   
29
   
27
   
25
   
22
 
Real estate
   
2
   
2
   
--
   
--
 
Cash
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
7
 
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

Information for Pension Plans With an
         
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in
         
Excess of Plan Assets
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
   
3,983
   
3,753
 
Fair value of plan assets
   
3,969
   
3,315
 


 
29




   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Service cost
 
$
77
 
$
66
 
$
59
 
$
36
 
$
43
 
$
29
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
249
   
112
   
137
   
114
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(286
)
 
(248
)
 
(346
)
 
(44
)
 
(43
)
 
(52
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
9
   
9
   
9
   
(40
)
 
(9
)
 
3
 
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
9
   
9
 
Recognized net actuarial loss
   
39
   
62
   
--
   
39
   
40
   
11
 
Net periodic cost (income)
 
$
91
 
$
142
 
$
(29
)
$
103
 
$
177
 
$
114
 
Company's share of net periodic cost
 
$
3
 
$
5
 
$
1
 
$
7
 
$
6
 
$
4
 

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used
                         
to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
                         
for Years Ended December 31
                         
   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                           
Discount rate
   
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
   
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
 
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
                 

 
In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the Company's pension trusts. The long-term rate of return is developed considering the portfolio’s asset allocation strategy.

FirstEnergy employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Other assets such as real estate are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives are not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on a continuing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.


Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
         
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next
year (pre/post-Medicare)
   
9%-11
%
 
10%-12
%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to
decline (the ultimate trend rate)
   
5
%
 
5
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend
rate (pre/post-Medicare)
   
2009-2011
   
2009-2011
 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

   
1-Percentage-
 
1-Percentage-
 
   
Point Increase
 
Point Decrease
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Effect on total of service and interest cost
 
$
19
 
$
(16
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
205
 
$
(179
)


Pursuant to FSP 106-1 issued January 12, 2004, FirstEnergy began accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act effective January 1, 2004 because of a plan amendment during the quarter, which required remeasurement of the plan's obligations. The plan amendment, which increases cost-sharing by employees and retirees effective January 1, 2005, reduced the Company’s postretirement benefit costs by $3 million during 2004.

 
30


Consistent with the guidance in FSP 106-2 issued on May 19, 2004, FirstEnergy recognized a reduction of $318 million in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as a result of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act related to benefits for past service. This reduction was accounted for as an actuarial gain in 2004 pursuant to FSP 106-2. The subsidy reduced the Company’s net periodic postretirement benefit costs by $3 million during 2004.

As a result of its voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, the Company reduced its accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $11 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, the company reduced its additional minimum liability by $1 million, recording an increase in an intangible asset of $1 million and crediting OCI by $2 million. The balance in AOCL of $8 million (net of $6 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets:

   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
2005
 
$
228
 
$
111
 
2006
   
228
   
106
 
2007
   
236
   
109
 
2008
   
247
   
112
 
2009
   
264
   
115
 
Years 2010 - 2014
   
1,531
   
627
 


4.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Long-term Debt - -

All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as financial instruments under GAAP and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt as of December 31:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Long-term debt
 
$
383
 
$
390
 
$
540
 
$
564
 

The fair value of long-term debt reflects the present value of the cash outflows relating to those securities based on the current call price, the yield to maturity or the yield to call, as deemed appropriate at the end of each respective year. The yields assumed were based on securities with similar characteristics offered by a corporation with credit ratings similar to the Company's ratings.

Investments- 

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these investments. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of investments other than cash and cash equivalents as of December 31:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Debt securities: (1)
                 
-Government obligations
 
$
78
 
$
78
 
$
65
 
$
65
 
-Corporate debt securities
   
393
   
437
   
400
   
443
 
     
471
   
515
   
465
   
508
 
Equity securities (1)
   
190
   
190
   
148
   
148
 
   
$
661
 
$
705
 
$
613
 
$
656
 
 
(1)    Includes nuclear decommissioning trust investments.

 
31


The fair value of investments other than cash and cash equivalents represent cost (which approximates fair value) or 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.

Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include held-to-maturity securities and available-for-sale securities. Decommissioning trust investments are classified as available-for-sale securities. The Company has no securities held for trading purposes. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for decommissioning trust investments as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                                   
Debt securities
 
$
106
 
$
5
 
$
1
 
$
110
 
$
91
 
$
5
 
$
--
 
$
96
 
Equity securities
   
143
   
47
   
2
   
188
   
114
   
40
   
9
   
145
 
   
$
249
 
$
52
 
$
3
 
$
298
 
$
205
 
$
45
 
$
9
 
$
241
 


Proceeds from the sale of decommissioning trust investments, gross realized gains and losses on those sales, and interest and dividend income for the three years ended December 31, 2004 were as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Proceeds from sales
 
$
269
 
$
147
 
$
144
 
Gross realized gains
   
22
   
10
   
11
 
Gross realized losses
   
13
   
10
   
16
 
Interest and dividend income
   
9
   
7
   
6
 

The following table provides the fair value and gross unrealized losses of nuclear decommissioning trust investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2004.

   
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
   
(In millions)
 
                           
Debt securities
 
$
40
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
--
 
$
41
 
$
1
 
Equity securities
   
29
   
1
   
5
   
1
   
34
   
2
 
   
$
69
 
$
2
 
$
6
 
$
1
 
$
75
 
$
3
 



The Company periodically evaluates the securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts for other-than-temporary impairment. The Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the security's fair value has been less than its cost basis and other factors to determine whether an impairment is other than temporary. Unrealized gains and losses applicable to the Company's decommissioning trusts are recognized in OCI in accordance with SFAS 115, as fluctuations in the fair value of these trust balances will eventually affect earnings. Net unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets since the differences between investments held in trust and the decommissioning liabilities are recovered from or refunded to customers.

The investment policy for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds restricts or limits the 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 fund's custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.

 
32


5.   LEASES:

The Company leases certain generating facilities, office space and other property and equipment under cancelable and noncancelable leases.

The Company and CEI sold their ownership interests in Bruce Mansfield Units 1, 2 and 3 and the Company sold a portion of its ownership interest in Beaver Valley Unit 2. In connection with these sales, which were completed in 1987, the Company and CEI entered into operating leases for lease terms of approximately 30 years as co-lessees. During the terms of the leases, the Company and CEI continue to be responsible, to the extent of their combined ownership and leasehold interest, for costs associated with the units including construction expenditures, operation and maintenance expenses, insurance, nuclear fuel, property taxes and decommissioning. The Company and CEI have the right, at the end of the respective basic lease terms, to renew the leases. The Company and CEI also have the right to purchase the facilities at the expiration of the basic lease term or any renewal term at a price equal to the fair market value of the facilities.

As co-lessee with CEI, the Company is also obligated for CEI's lease payments. If CEI is unable to make its payments under the Bruce Mansfield Plant lease, the Company would be obligated to make such payments. No such payments have been made on behalf of CEI. (CEI's future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2004 were approximately $0.2 billion, net of trust cash receipts.)

Consistent with the regulatory treatment, the rentals for capital and operating leases are charged to operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Such costs for the three years ended December 31, 2004 are summarized as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Operating leases
             
Interest element
 
$
46.2
 
$
49.4
 
$
52.6
 
Other
   
51.8
   
62.4
   
58.6
 
Capital leases
                   
Interest element
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Other
   
--
   
--
   
0.3
 
Total rentals
 
$
98.0
 
$
111.8
 
$
111.5
 

The future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2004 are:

   
Operating Leases
 
   
Lease
 
Capital
     
   
Payments
 
Trust
 
Net
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
2005
 
$
104.8
 
$
25.3
 
$
79.5
 
2006
   
107.8
   
26.1
   
81.7
 
2007
   
99.2
   
22.6
   
76.6
 
2008
   
96.9
   
27.2
   
69.7
 
2009
   
98.1
   
23.3
   
74.8
 
Years thereafter
   
713.7
   
177.7
   
536.0
 
Total minimum lease payments
 
$
1,220.5
 
$
302.2
 
$
918.3
 

The Company has recorded above-market lease liabilities for Beaver Valley Unit 2 and the Bruce Mansfield Plant associated with the 1997 merger creating FirstEnergy. The total above-market lease obligation of $111 million associated with Beaver Valley Unit 2 is being amortized on a straight-line basis through the end of the lease term in 2017 (approximately $6 million per year). The total above-market lease obligation of $298 million associated with the Bruce Mansfield Plant is being amortized on a straight-line basis through the end of 2016 (approximately $19 million per year). As of December 31, 2004 the above-market lease liabilities for Beaver Valley Unit 2 and the Bruce Mansfield Plant totaled approximately $292 million, of which $25 million is payable within one year.

 
33

The Company and CEI refinanced high-cost fixed obligations related to their 1987 sale and leaseback transaction for the Bruce Mansfield Plant through a lower cost transaction in June and July 1997. In a June 1997 offering (Offering), the two companies pledged $720 million aggregate principal amount ($145 million for the Company and $575 million for CEI) of FMB due through 2007 to a trust as security for the issuance of a like principal amount of secured notes due through 2007. The obligations of the two companies under these secured notes are joint and several. Using available cash, short-term borrowings and the net proceeds from the Offering, the two companies invested $906.5 million ($337.1 million for the Company and $569.4 million for CEI) in a business trust, in June 1997. The trust used these funds in July 1997 to purchase lease notes and redeem all $873.2 million aggregate principal amount of 10-1/4% and 11-1/8% secured lease obligations bonds (SLOBs) due 2003 and 2016. The SLOBs were issued by a special-purpose funding corporation in 1988 on behalf of lessors in the two companies' 1987 sale and leaseback transactions. The Shippingport arrangement effectively reduces lease costs related to that transaction (see Note 6 for FIN 46R discussion).

6.   VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:


FIN 46R addresses the consolidation of VIEs, including special-purpose entities, that are not controlled through voting interests or in which the equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks and rewards. FirstEnergy adopted FIN 46R for special-purpose entities as of December 31, 2003 and for all other entities in the first quarter of 2004. The first step under FIN 46R is to determine whether an entity is within the scope of FIN 46R, which occurs if it is deemed to be a VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary as defined by FIN 46R.

Shippingport was established to purchase all of the SLOBs issued in connection with the Company's and CEI's Bruce Mansfield Plant sale and leaseback transaction in 1987. The Company and CEI used debt and available funds to purchase the notes issued by Shippingport. Adoption of FIN 46R resulted in the consolidation of Shippingport by CEI as of December 31, 2003.

Through its investment in Shippingport, the Company has a variable interest in certain owner trusts that acquired the interests in the Bruce Mansfield Plant. The Company concluded that it was not the primary beneficiary of the owner trusts and it was therefore not required to consolidate these entities. The leases are accounted for as operating leases in accordance with GAAP.

The Company is exposed to losses under the applicable sale-leaseback agreements upon the occurrence of certain contingent events that the Company considers unlikely to occur. The Company has a maximum exposure to loss under these provisions of approximately $1 billion, which represents the net amount of casualty value payments upon the occurrence of specified casualty events that render the applicable plant worthless. Under the sale and leaseback agreements, the Company has net minimum discounted lease payments of $570 million, that would not be payable if the casualty value payments are made.

7.   SALE OF GENERATING ASSETS:

In August 2002, FirstEnergy cancelled a November 2001 agreement to sell four coal-fired power plants (2,535 MW) to NRG Energy Inc. because NRG stated that it could not complete the transaction under the original terms of the agreement. NRG filed voluntary bankruptcy petitions in May 2003; subsequently, FirstEnergy reached an agreement for settlement of its claim against NRG. FirstEnergy sold its entire claim (including $32 million of cash proceeds received in December 2003) for $170 million (Company's share - $12 million) in January 2004.

 
34

8.   REGULATORY MATTERS:

In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. With respect to each of these reliability enhancement initiatives, FirstEnergy submitted its response to the respective entity according to any required response dates. In 2004, FirstEnergy completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. Furthermore, FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted, that FirstEnergy had completed the recommended enhancements, policies, procedures and actions it had recommended be completed by June 30, 2004. In addition, FirstEnergy requested, and NERC provided, a technical assistance team of experts to assist in implementing and confirming timely and successful completion of various initiatives. The NERC-assembled independent verification team confirmed on July 14, 2004, that FirstEnergy had implemented the NERC Recommended Actions to Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Future Cascading Blackouts required to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as NERC recommendations contained in the Control Area Readiness Audit Report required to be completed by summer 2004, and recommendations in the U.S. - - Canada Power System Outage Task Force Report directed toward FirstEnergy and required to be completed by June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy. On December 28, 2004, FirstEnergy submitted a follow-up to its June 30, 2004 Certification and Report of Completion to NERC addressing the minor exceptions, which are now essentially complete.

FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

In October 2003, the Company filed an application for a Rate Stabilization Plan with the PUCO to establish generation service rates beginning January 1, 2006, in response to PUCO concerns about price and supply uncertainty following the end of the Company's transition plan market development period. On February 24, 2004, the Company filed a revised Rate Stabilization Plan to address PUCO concerns related to the original Rate Stabilization Plan. On June 9, 2004, the PUCO issued an order approving the revised Rate Stabilization Plan, subject to conducting a competitive bid process. On August 5, 2004, the Company accepted the Rate Stabilization Plan as modified and approved by the PUCO on August 4, 2004. In the second quarter of 2004, the Company implemented the accounting modifications related to the extended amortization periods and interest costs deferral on the deferred customer shopping incentive balances. On October 1 and October 4, 2004, the OCC and NOAC, respectively, filed appeals with the Supreme Court of Ohio to overturn the June 9, 2004 PUCO order and associated entries on rehearing.

The revised Rate Stabilization Plan extends current generation prices through 2008, ensuring adequate generation supply at stabilized prices, and continues the Company's support of energy efficiency and economic development efforts. Other key components of the revised Rate Stabilization Plan include the following:

·
extension of the amortization period for transition costs being recovered through the RTC from mid-2007 to as late as mid-2008;
   
·
deferral of interest costs on the accumulated customer shopping incentives as new regulatory assets; and
   
·
ability to request increases in generation charges during 2006 through 2008, under certain limited conditions, for increases in fuel costs and taxes.
   

On December 9, 2004, the PUCO rejected the auction price results from a required competitive bid process and issued an entry stating that the pricing under the approved revised Rate Stabilization Plan will take effect on January 1, 2006. The PUCO may cause the Company to undertake, no more often than annually, a similar competitive bid process to secure generation for the years 2007 and 2008. Any acceptance of future competitive bid results would terminate the Rate Stabilization Plan pricing, but not the related approved accounting, and not until twelve months after the PUCO authorizes such termination.

 
35
 
On December 30, 2004, the Company filed an application with the PUCO seeking tariff adjustments to recover increases of approximately $0.1 million in transmission and ancillary service costs beginning January 1, 2006. The Company also filed an application for authority to defer costs associated with MISO Day 1, MISO Day 2, congestion fees, FERC assessment fees, and the ATSI rate increase, as applicable, from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2005. Various parties have intervened in these cases.
 
9.   CAPITALIZATION:

(A)   RETAINED EARNINGS-

There are no restrictions on retained earnings for payment of cash dividends on the Company's common stock.

(B)   PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK-

Preferred stock may be redeemed by the Company in whole, or in part, with 30-90 days’ notice.

The preferred dividend rates on the Company’s Series A and Series B shares fluctuate based on prevailing interest rates and market conditions. The dividend rates for both issues averaged 7% in 2004.

The Company has five million authorized and unissued shares of $25 par value preference stock.

(C)   LONG-TERM DEBT-

The Company has a first mortgage indenture under which it issues FMB, secured by a direct first mortgage lien on substantially all of its property and franchises, other than specifically excepted property. The Company has various debt covenants under its financing arrangements. The most restrictive of the debt covenants relate to the nonpayment of interest and/or principal on debt which could trigger a default and the maintenance of minimum fixed charge ratios and debt to capitalization ratios. There also exist cross-default provisions among financing arrangements of FirstEnergy and the Company.

Sinking fund requirements for FMB and maturing long-term debt for the next five years are:

   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
91
 
2006
   
--
 
2007
   
30
 
2008
   
--
 
2009
   
--
 


Included in the table above are amounts for various variable interest rate long-term debt which have provisions by which individual debt holders have the option to "put back" or require the respective debt issuer to redeem their debt at those times when the interest rate may change prior to its maturity date. This amount of $91 million in 2005 represents the next time debt holders may exercise this provision.

The Company's obligations to repay certain pollution control revenue bonds are secured by several series of first mortgage bonds. Certain pollution control revenue bonds are entitled to the benefit of noncancelable municipal bond insurance policies of $149 million to pay principal of, or interest on, the pollution control revenue bonds. To the extent that drawings are made under the policies, the Company is entitled to a credit against its obligation to repay those bonds. The Company pays annual premiums of 0.213% to 0.300% of the amounts of the policies to the insurers and is obligated to reimburse the insurers for any drawings thereunder.

The Company and CEI have unsecured LOCs of approximately $216 million in connection with the sale and leaseback of Beaver Valley Unit 2 that expire in April 2005. The Company and CEI are jointly and severally liable for the LOCs (see Note 5).

 
36
 
 
10.   ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION-

In January 2003, the Company implemented SFAS 143, which provides accounting standards for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. This statement requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over time the capitalized costs are depreciated and the present value of the ARO increases, resulting in a period expense. Upon retirement, a gain or loss would be recognized if the cost to settle the retirement obligation differs from the carrying amount.

The Company identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning and reclamation of a sludge disposal pond related to the Bruce Mansfield Plant. The ARO liability as of the date of adoption of SFAS 143 was $172 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. Accretion during 2004 was $12 million, bringing the ARO liability as of December 31, 2004 to $194 million. The ARO includes the Company's obligation for nuclear decommissioning of the Beaver Valley Unit 2, Davis-Besse, and Perry nuclear generating facilities. The Company's share of the obligation to decommission these units was developed based on site-specific studies performed by an independent engineer. The Company utilized an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. The Company maintains nuclear decommissioning trust funds that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning ARO. As of December 31, 2004, the fair value of the decommissioning trust assets was $297.8 million.

The following table provides the effect on income as if SFAS 143 had been applied during 2002.

Effect of the Change in Accounting
     
Principle Applied Retroactively
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Reported net loss
 
$
(5
)
Increase (Decrease):
       
Elimination of decommissioning expense
   
29
 
Depreciation of asset retirement cost
   
(1
)
Accretion of ARO liability
   
(11
)
Non-regulated generation cost of removal component, net
   
1
 
Income tax effect
   
(7
)
Net earnings increase
   
11
 
Net income adjusted
 
$
6
 

The following table describes changes to the ARO balances during 2004 and 2003.

ARO Reconciliation
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
182
 
$
172
 
Accretion
   
12
   
10
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
194
 
$
182
 

The following table provides the year-end balance of the ARO for 2002, as if SFAS 143 had been adopted on January 1, 2002.

Adjusted ARO Reconciliation
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
161
 
Accretion
   
11
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
172
 


11.   SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:

Short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2004, consisted of $430 million from affiliates. The average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, was 2.0% and 1.8% respectively.

 
37


12.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

(A)   NUCLEAR INSURANCE-

The Price-Anderson Act limits the public liability relative to a single incident at a nuclear power plant to $10.8 billion. The amount is covered by a combination of private insurance and an industry retrospective rating plan. Based on its ownership and leasehold interests in Beaver Valley Unit 2, the Davis Besse Station and the Perry Plant, the Company's maximum potential assessment under the industry retrospective rating plan (assuming the other affiliate co-owners contribute their proportionate shares of any assessments under the retrospective rating plan) would be $89.0 million per incident but not more than $8.8 million in any one year for each incident.

The Company is also insured as to its respective interests in Beaver Valley Unit 2, Davis-Besse and Perry under policies issued to the operating company for each plant. Under these policies, up to $2.75 billion is provided for property damage and decontamination and decommissioning costs. The Company has also obtained approximately $332.1 million of insurance coverage for replacement power costs for its respective interests in Beaver Valley Unit 2, Davis-Besse and Perry. Under these policies, the Company can be assessed a maximum of approximately $13.8 million for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year which are in excess of accumulated funds available to the insurer for paying losses.

The Company intends to maintain insurance against nuclear risks as described above as long as it is available. To the extent that replacement power, property damage, decontamination, decommissioning, repair and replacement costs and other such costs arising from a nuclear incident at any of the Company's plants exceed the policy limits of the insurance in effect with respect to that plant, to the extent a nuclear incident is determined not to be covered by the Company's insurance policies, or to the extent such insurance becomes unavailable in the future, the Company would remain at risk for such costs.

(B)   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS-

Various federal, state and local authorities regulate the Company with regard to air and water quality and other environmental matters. The effects of compliance on the Company with regard to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's earnings and competitive position. These environmental regulations affect the Company's earnings and competitive position to the extent that it 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. Overall, the Company believes it is in material compliance with existing regulations but is unable to predict future change in regulatory policies and what, if any, the effects of such change would be. In accordance with the Ohio transition plan discussed in Note 8 - Regulatory Matters, generation operations and any related additional capital expenditures for environmental compliance are the responsibility of FirstEnergy's competitive services business unit.

Clean Air Act Compliance

The Company is required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. The Company cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.

The Company believes it is complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from the Company's facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85% reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. The Company believes its facilities are complying with the NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIPs) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

 
38
National Ambient Air Quality Standards


In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the Company operates affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions

In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste

As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

The Company has been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Company's proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. Included in Current Liabilities and Other Noncurrent Liabilities are accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $0.2 million as of December 31, 2004. The Company accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that it has an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Company's determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

Climate Change
 
In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18% through 2012.
 
The Company cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per KWH of electricity generated by the Company is lower than many regional competitors due to the Company's diversified generation sources which includes low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.

 
39
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 the Company's plants. In addition, Ohio and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to the Company's operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.
 
On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. The Company is conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by their facilities with the performance standards. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

(C)   OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS-

Power Outages and Related Litigation

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. On April 5, 2004, the U.S. -Canada Power System Outage Task Force released its final report on the outages. In the final report, the Task Force concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contains 46 "recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations relate to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, relates to activities the Task Force recommends be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which are consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, completion of various reliability recommendations and further received independent verification of completion status from a NERC verification team on July 14, 2004 with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy (see Note 8). FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. As many of these initiatives already were in process, FirstEnergy does not believe that any incremental expenses associated with additional initiatives undertaken during 2004 will have a material effect on its operations or financial results. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of December 31, 2004 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date.

Three substantially similar actions were filed in various Ohio state courts by plaintiffs seeking to represent customers who allegedly suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. All three cases were dismissed for lack of jurisdiction. One case was refiled at the PUCO. The other two cases were appealed which resulted in one case's dismissal being affirmed and the other case is pending. In addition to the one case that was refiled at the PUCO, the Ohio Companies were named as respondents in a regulatory proceeding that was initiated at the PUCO in response to complaints alleging failure to provide reasonable and adequate service stemming primarily from the August 14, 2003 power outages.

One complaint has been filed against FirstEnergy in the New York State Supreme Court. In this case, several plaintiffs in the New York City metropolitan area allege that they suffered damages as a result of the August 14, 2003 power outages. None of the plaintiffs are customers of any FirstEnergy affiliate. FirstEnergy filed a motion to dismiss with the Court on October 22, 2004. No timetable for a decision on the motion to dismiss has been established by the Court. No damage estimate has been provided and thus potential liability has not been determined.

 
40
 
FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be instituted against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

Nuclear Plant Matters

FENOC received a subpoena in late 2003, from a grand jury in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, requesting the production of certain documents and records relating to the inspection and maintenance of the reactor vessel head at the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. On December 10, 2004, FirstEnergy received a letter from the United States Attorney's Office stating that FENOC is a target of the federal grand jury investigation into alleged false statements relating to the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station outage made to the NRC in the Fall of 2001 in response to NRC Bulletin 2001-01. The letter also said that the designation of FENOC as a target indicates that, in the view of the prosecutors assigned to the matter, it is likely that federal charges will be returned against FENOC by the grand jury. On February 10, 2005, FENOC received an additional subpoena for documents related to root cause reports regarding reactor head degradation and the assessment of reactor head management issues at Davis-Besse. In addition, FENOC remains subject to possible civil enforcement action by the NRC in connection with the events leading to the Davis-Besse outage in 2002.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which the Company has a 19.91% interest. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.

Other Legal Matters
 
There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to the Company's normal business operations pending against the Company and its subsidiaries. The most significant not otherwise discussed above are described herein.
 
On October 20, 2004, FirstEnergy was notified by the SEC that the previously disclosed informal inquiry initiated by the SEC's Division of Enforcement in September 2003 relating to the restatements in August 2003 of previously reported results by FirstEnergy and the Company, and the Davis-Besse extended outage, have become the subject of a formal order of investigation. The SEC's formal order of investigation also encompasses issues raised during the SEC's examination of FirstEnergy and the Companies under the PUHCA. Concurrent with this notification, FirstEnergy received a subpoena asking for background documents and documents related to the restatements and Davis-Besse issues. On December 30, 2004, FirstEnergy received a second subpoena asking for documents relating to issues raised during the SEC's PUHCA examination. FirstEnergy has cooperated fully with the informal inquiry and will continue to do so with the formal investigation.

If it were ultimately determined that FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries have legal liability or are otherwise made subject to liability based on any of the above matters, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

13.   NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS:

SFAS 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29"
 
In December 2004, the FASB issued this Statement amending APB 29, which was based on the principle that nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

 
41


SFAS 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4"

In November 2004, the FASB issued this statement to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be "so abnormal" that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by the Company after June 30, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

   EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1. EITF 03-1 provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.

EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"
 
In March 2004, the FASB ratified the final consensus on Issue 03-16. EITF 03-16 requires that an investment in a limited liability company that maintains a "specific ownership account" for each investor should be viewed as similar to an investment in a limited partnership for determining whether the cost or equity method of accounting should be used. The equity method of accounting is generally required for investments that represent more than a three to five percent interest in a limited partnership. EITF 03-16 was adopted by TE in the third quarter of 2004 and did not affect the Company's financial statements.
 
FSP 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"
 
Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) "qualified production activities income," as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
 
FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"

Issued in May 2004, FSP 106-2 provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy provided by the Medicare Act. The effect of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act on the Company's consolidated financial statements is described in Note 3.

 
42

14.   SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

The following summarizes certain consolidated operating results by quarter for 2004 and 2003.


   
March 31,
2004
 
June 30,
2004
 
September 30,
2004
 
December 31,
2004
 
Three Months Ended
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
235.4
 
$
243.4
 
$
276.3
 
$
253.0
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
224.9
   
216.7
   
251.4
   
221.9
 
Operating Income
   
10.5
   
26.7
   
24.9
   
31.1
 
Other Income
   
5.8
   
4.7
   
4.2
   
8.3
 
Net Interest Charges
   
8.8
   
9.8
   
4.6
   
6.6
 
Net Income
 
$
7.5
 
$
21.6
 
$
24.5
 
$
32.8
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
5.3
 
$
19.4
 
$
22.2
 
$
30.5
 


   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
231.8
 
$
216.0
 
$
260.2
 
$
224.3
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
226.5
   
217.9
   
241.4
   
210.9
 
Operating Income (Loss)
   
5.3
   
(1.9
)
 
18.8
   
13.4
 
Other Income
   
3.1
   
3.8
   
5.7
   
8.0
 
Net Interest Charges
   
9.1
   
11.1
   
7.9
   
8.3
 
Income (Loss) Before Cumulative
Effect of Accounting Change
   
(0.7
)
 
(9.2
)
 
16.6
   
13.1
 
Cumulative Effect of Accounting
Change (Net of Income Taxes)
   
25.6
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
24.9
 
$
(9.2
)
$
16.6
 
$
13.1
 
                           
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
22.7
 
$
(11.4
)
$
14.4
 
$
10.9
 
                           

 
43
EX-21.3 38 ex21-3.htm TE - LIST OF SUBS Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 21.3



THE TOLEDO EDISON COMPANY
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
AT DECEMBER 31, 2004



The Toledo Edison Capital Corporation - Incorporated in Delaware



Statement of Differences

Exhibit Number 21, List of Subsidiaries of the Registrant at December 31, 2004, is not included in the printed document.


EX-4.4 39 ex4-4.htm OE - SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE - 6TH Unassociated Document
Exhibit 4-4


 
 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 
to
 
CITIBANK, N.A.,
                        As Trustee
 
___________
 
Fiftieth Supplemental
Indenture
 
Providing among other things for
 
First Mortgage Bond, Pledge Series A of 2004 due 2033
 
Dated as of December 1, 2004
 


 

    FIFTIETH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of December 1, 2004, made and entered into by and between PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with its principal place of business in Akron, Summit County, Ohio (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Company”) and CITIBANK, N.A., a national banking association incorporated and existing under the laws of the United States of America, with its principal office in the Borough of Manhattan, The City, County and State of New York (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Trustee”), as trustee under the Indenture dated as of November 1, 1945 between the Company and CITIBANK, N.A. (successor to The First National Bank of The City of New York), as trustee, as supplemented and amended by Supplemental Indentures between the Company and the Trustee, dated as of May 1, 1948, as of March 1, 1950, as of February 1, 1952, as of October 1, 1957, as of September 1, 1962, as of June 1, 1963, as of June 1, 1969, as of May 1, 1970, as of April 1, 1971, as of October 1, 1971, as of May 1, 1972, as of December 1, 1974, as of October 1, 1975, as of September 1, 1976, as of April 15, 1978, as of June 28, 1979, as of January 1, 1980, as of June 1, 1981, as of January 14, 1982, as of August 1, 1982, as of December 15, 1982, as of December 1, 1983, as of September 6, 1984, as of December 1, 1984, as of May 30, 1985, as of October 29, 1985, as of August 1, 1987, as of May 1, 1988, as of November 1, 1989, as of December 1, 1990, as of September 1, 1991, as of May 1, 1992, as of July 15, 1992, as of August 1, 1992, as of May 1, 1993, as of July 1, 1993, as of August 31, 1993, as of September 1, 1993, as of September 15, 1993, as of October 1, 1993, as of November 1, 1993, as of August 1, 1994, as of September 1, 1995, as of June 1, 1997, as of June 1, 1998, as of September 29, 1999, as of November 15, 1999 and as of June 1, 2001 (said Indenture as so supplemented and amended, and as hereby supplemented and amended, being hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Indenture”);
 
WHEREAS, the Company and the Trustee have executed and delivered the Indenture for the purpose of securing an issue of bonds of the First Series described therein and such additional bonds as may from time to time be issued under and in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, the aggregate principal amount of bonds to be secured thereby being not limited, and the Indenture fully describes and sets forth the property conveyed thereby and is filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Secretary of State of the State of Ohio and will be of record in the office of the recorder of deeds of each county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of Ohio in which this Fiftieth Supplemental Indenture is to be recorded and is on file at the corporate trust office of the Trustee, above referred to; and
 
WHEREAS, the Indenture provides for the issuance of bonds thereunder in one or more series and the Company, by appropriate corporate action in conformity with the terms of the Indenture, has duly determined to create a series of bonds under the Indenture, to be designated as “First Mortgage Bonds, Pledge Series A of 2004 due 2033” (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “bonds of the 2033 Series”), the bonds of which are to bear interest at the same rate as that of the Ohio Water Development Authority Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1999-A (Pennsylvania Power Company Project) referred to herein, and are to mature on June 1, 2033;
 
AND WHEREAS the bonds of the 2033 Series and the Trustee’s Authentication Certificate thereon are to be substantially in the following form, to wit:
 

 
[FORM OF BOND OF THE 2033 SERIES]
 
 
[FACE]
 
    This Bond is not transferable except to a successor to XL Capital Assurance Inc. under the Insurance Agreement, dated as of December 1, 2004, between the Company and XL Capital Assurance inc., or in compliance with a final order of a court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding of the Company.
 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
 
FIRST MORTGAGE BOND, PLEDGE SERIES A OF 2004 DUE 2033
 

                                                                                                                               No.___________
 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY, a Pennsylvania corporation (hereinafter called the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to   _______________________________________, or registered assigns, the principal sum of   _____________________________________________ Dollars on June 1, 2033, and to pay the registered holder hereof interest on said sum from the Initial Interest Accrual Date (hereinbelow defined) at the rate from time to time borne by the State of Ohio, Ohio Water Development Authority Pollution Control Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 1999-A (Pennsylvania Power Company Project) (the “Authority Bonds”) issued on behalf of the Company by the Ohio Water Development Authority (the “Authority”) under the Trust Indenture, dated as of December 1, 1999, as amended and restated as of December 1, 2004 (as so amended and restated, the “Authority Bond Indenture”), between the Authority and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (such trustee and any successor trustee being hereinafter referred to as the “Authority Bond Trustee”); provided, however, that in no event shall the rate of interest borne by the Bonds of this series exceed 10% per annum. The principal of and interest on this bond shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City, County and State of New York, or in the City of Akron, State of Ohio, designated for that purpose, in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts.
 
The provisions of this bond are continued on the reverse hereof and such continued provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as though fully set forth at this place.
 
This bond shall not be valid or become obligatory for any purpose unless and until it shall have been authenticated by the execution by the Trustee or its successor in trust under the Indenture of the certificate hereon.
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY has caused this bond to be executed in its name by its President or one of its Vice Presidents by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof, and its corporate seal or a facsimile thereof to be affixed hereto or imprinted hereon and attested by its Corporate Secretary or one of its Assistant Corporate Secretaries by his or her signature or a facsimile thereof.
 
2


 
Dated:



PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY


       
BY     

   
Vice President    

Attest:

 
 
       
       

   
Corporate Secretary    
 
[FORM OF TRUSTEE'S AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE]
 
TRUSTEE'S AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE
 
This bond is one of the bonds, of the series designated therein, described in the within-mentioned Indenture.

     
  CITIBANK, N.A.
 
 
    
 
 as Trustee,

 
By:    
 
  Authorized Officer 
 


3


[FORM OF BOND OF THE 2033 SERIES]

[REVERSE]

PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

FIRST MORTGAGE BOND, PLEDGE SERIES A OF 2004 DUE 2033
 
This bond is one of the bonds issued and to be issued from time to time under and in accordance with and all secured by an indenture dated as of November 1, 1945, and indentures supplemental thereto, given by the Company to Citibank, N.A. (successor to The First National Bank of The City of New York), as trustee (hereinafter referred to as the “Trustee”), to which indenture and indentures supplemental thereto (hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Indenture”) reference is hereby made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security and the rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Trustee and the rights of the holders of the bonds and coupons and of the Trustee and of the Company in respect of such security, and the limitations on such rights. By the terms of the Indenture, the bonds to be secured thereby are issuable in series which may vary as to date, amount, date of maturity, rate of interest, terms of redemption and in other respects as in the Indenture provided.
 
The Indenture contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum in principal amount of the bonds (exclusive of bonds disqualified by reason of the Company’s interest therein) at the time outstanding, including, if more than one series of bonds shall be at the time outstanding, not less than sixty per centum in principal amount of each series affected, to effect, by an indenture supplemental to the Indenture, modifications or alterations of the Indenture and of the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of the holders of the bonds and coupons; provided, however, that no such modification or alteration shall be made without the written approval or consent of the holder hereof which will (a) extend the maturity of this bond or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest hereon or reduce the amount of the principal hereof or reduce any premium payable on the redemption hereof, or (b) permit the creation of any lien, not otherwise permitted, prior to or on a parity with the lien of the Indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage of the principal amount of the bonds upon the approval or consent of the holders of which modifications or alterations may be made as aforesaid.
 
The bonds of this series are issued and to be issued in order to provide security to XL Capital Assurance Inc., a New York domiciled stock insurance corporation (“the Insurer”) in connection with its issuance of a municipal bond insurance policy (the “Policy”) in favor of the holders of the Authority Bonds pursuant to the Insurance Agreement (the “Insurance Agreement”) dated as of December 1, 2004 between the Insurer and the Company. In order to provide monies to fund a loan made by the Authority to the Company pursuant to a Waste Water Facilities and Solid Waste Facilities Loan Agreement dated as of December 1, 1999 between the Authority and the Company (the “Loan Agreement”), the Authority has issued the Authority Bonds under and pursuant to the Authority Indenture. Payments made by the Company of principal and interest on the bonds of this series are intended to be sufficient to reimburse the Insurer for any payments of principal and interest made by the Insurer on the Authority Bonds pursuant to the Policy.
 
4

The bonds of this series are not transferable except (i) as required to effect an assignment to a successor of the Insurer under the Insurance Agreement or (ii) in compliance with a final order of a court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding of the Company.
 
The “Initial Interest Payment Date” on the bonds of this series shall be the date one (1) business day following the receipt by the Insurer of Notice of Nonpayment (as defined in the Policy) of interest on the Authority Bonds when such interest shall have come Due for Payment (as defined in the Policy), Notice of which the Insurer shall provide to the Company and the Trustee, and the “Initial Interest Accrual Date” shall be the date six months prior to such Initial Interest Payment Date. The next Interest Payment Date shall be the date six months after the Initial Interest Payment Date, and each successive Interest Payment Date shall be the date six months after the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that the last Interest Payment Date shall be the date of maturity of the bonds of this series and the interest so payable on such maturity date shall accrue from the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date to but not including such maturity date. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the amount of interest payable on the bonds of this series on any Interest Payment Date (including the Initial Interest Payment Date) shall not exceed the amount actually paid to holders of Authority Bonds by the Insurer under the Policy in respect of the Nonpayment of interest Due for Payment on the Authority Bonds over the period from the immediately preceding Interest Payment Date to and including such Interest Payment Date (or if such Interest Payment Date is the Initial Interest Payment Date, then from the Initial Interest Accrual Date to such Interest Payment Date).
 
The Company’s obligation to make payments with respect to the principal of and/or interest on the bonds of this series shall be fully or partially satisfied and discharged to the extent that, at the time any such payment shall be due, the corresponding amount then due of principal of and/or interest on the Authority Bonds shall have been fully or partially paid (other than by the application of the proceeds of any payment by the Insurer under the Policy), as the case may be, or there shall have been deposited with the Authority Trustee pursuant to the Authority Indenture trust funds sufficient under such indenture to fully or partially pay, as the case may be, the corresponding amount then due of principal of and/or interest on the Authority Bonds (other than by the application of the proceeds of any payment by the Insurer under the Policy). Notwithstanding anything contained herein or in the Indenture to the contrary, the Company shall be obligated to make payments with respect to the principal of and/or interest on the bonds of this series only to the extent that the Insurer has made a payment with respect to the Authority Bonds under the Policy.
 
Upon payment of the principal of and interest due on the Authority Bonds, whether at maturity or prior to maturity by acceleration, redemption or otherwise, or upon provision for the payment thereof having been made in accordance with the Authority Indenture (other than by the application of the proceeds of any payment by the Insurer under the Policy), the bonds of this series in a principal amount equal to the principal amount of Authority Bonds so paid or for which such provision for payment has been made shall be deemed fully paid, satisfied and discharged and the obligations of the Company thereunder shall be terminated and such bonds of this series shall be surrendered to and canceled by the Trustee.
 
5

The bonds of this series are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole or in part, as the case may be, on each date that Authority Bonds are to be redeemed. The principal amount of the Bonds of this series to be redeemed on any such date shall be equal to the principal amount of Authority Bonds called for redemption on that date. All redemptions of bonds of this series shall be at 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the redemption date.
 
In case of certain defaults as specified in the Indenture, the principal of this bond may be declared or may become due and payable on the conditions, at the time, in the manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
 
No recourse shall be had for the payment of the principal of or interest on this bond, or for any claim based hereon, or otherwise in respect hereof or of the Indenture, to or against any incorporator, stockholder, director or officer, past, present or future, as such, of the Company, or of any predecessor or successor company, either directly or through the Company, or such predecessor or successor company, or otherwise, under any constitution or statute or rule of law, or by the enforcement of any assessment or penalty, or otherwise, all such liability of incorporators, stockholders, directors and officers, as such, being waived and released by the holder and owner hereof by the acceptance of this bond and being likewise waived and released by the terms of the Indenture.
 
The bonds of this series are issuable only as registered bonds without coupons in denominations of $1,000 and, if higher, any authorized multiple of $1,000. Except as may be stated in any legend written on the face of this bond, this bond is transferable by the registered holder hereof, in person or by attorney duly authorized, at the corporate trust office of the Trustee, in the Borough of Manhattan, The City, County and State of New York, or at such other place or places as the Company may designate by resolution of the Board of Directors, but only in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed in the Indenture, upon the surrender and cancellation of this bond and the payment of charges for transfer, and upon any such transfer a new registered bond or bonds, without coupons, of the same series and maturity date and for the same aggregate principal amount, in authorized denominations, will be issued to the transferee in exchange herefor. The Company, the Trustee and any agent designated to make transfers or exchanges of bonds of this series may deem and treat the person in whose name this bond is registered as the absolute owner for all purposes including the purpose of the receipt of payment. Registered bonds of this series shall be exchangeable at said corporate trust office of the Trustee, or at such other place or places as the Company may designate by resolution of the Board of Directors, for registered bonds of other authorized denominations having the same aggregate principal amount, in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed in the Indenture. Neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any other agent designated for such purpose shall be required to make transfers or exchanges of bonds of this series during the period between any interest payment date for such series and the record date next preceding such interest payment date. Notwithstanding any provisions of the Indenture, no charge shall be made upon any transfer or exchange of bonds of this series other than for any tax or taxes or other governmental charge required to be paid by the Company.

6

[END OF FORM OF BOND OF THE 2033 SERIES]
 
 
AND WHEREAS all acts and things necessary to make the bonds, when authenticated by the Trustee and issued as in the Indenture provided, the valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, and to constitute the Indenture a valid, binding and legal instrument for the security thereof, have been done and performed, and the creation, execution and delivery of the Indenture and the creation, execution and issue of the bonds subject to the terms hereof and of the Indenture, have in all respects been duly authorized;
 
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises, and of the acceptance and purchase by holders thereof of the bonds issued and to be issued under the Indenture, and the sum of One Dollar duly paid by the Trustee to the Company, and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and for the purpose of securing the due and punctual payment of the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on all bonds now outstanding under the Indenture and the $5,200,000 principal amount of bonds of the 2033 Series proposed presently to be issued and all other bonds which shall be issued under the Indenture, and for the purpose of securing the faithful performance and observance of all covenants and conditions therein and in any supplemental indenture set forth, the Company has given, granted, bargained, sold, released, transferred, assigned, hypothecated, pledged, mortgaged, confirmed, created a security interest in, set over, warranted, aliened and conveyed and by these presents does give, grant, bargain, sell, release, transfer, assign, hypothecate, pledge, mortgage, confirm, create a security interest in, set over, warrant, alien and convey unto Citibank, N.A., as Trustee as provided in the Indenture, and its successor or successors in the trust thereby and hereby created and to its or their assigns forever, all the right, title and interest of the Company in and to the property described in the Indenture (and not therein expressly excepted), together (subject to the provisions of Article X of the Indenture) with the tolls, rents, revenues, issues, earnings, income, products and profits thereof, and does hereby confirm that the Company will not cause or consent to a partition, whether voluntary or through legal proceedings, of property, whether herein described or heretofore or hereafter acquired, in which its ownership shall be as a tenant in common except as permitted by and in conformity with the provisions of the Indenture and particularly of said Article X thereof.
 
Together with all and singular the tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging or in any wise appertaining to the premises, property, franchises and rights, or any thereof, referred to in the Indenture (and not therein expressly excepted) with the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders and (subject to the provisions of Article X of the Indenture) the tolls, rents, revenues, issues, earnings, income, products and profits thereof, and all the estate, right, title and interest and claim whatsoever, at law as well as in equity, which the Company now has or may hereafter acquire in and to such premises, property, franchises and rights and every part and parcel thereof, subject to “excepted encumbrances” of the original Indenture.
 
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD all said premises, property, franchises and rights hereby conveyed, assigned, pledged, or mortgaged, or intended so to be, unto the Trustee, its successor or successors in trust, and their assigns forever.
 
7

BUT IN TRUST, NEVERTHELESS, with power of sale, for the equal and proportionate benefit and security of the holders of all bonds now or hereafter authenticated and delivered under the Indenture, and interest coupons appurtenant thereto, pursuant to the provisions thereof, and for the enforcement of the payment of said bonds and coupons when payable and the performance of and compliance with the covenants and conditions of the Indenture, without any preference, distinction or priority as to lien or otherwise of any bond or bonds over others by reason of the difference in time of the actual authentication, delivery, issue, sale or negotiation thereof or for any other reason whatsoever, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Indenture; and so that each and every bond now or hereafter authenticated and delivered thereunder shall have the same lien, and so that the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on every such bond shall, subject to the terms of the Indenture, be equally and proportionately secured thereby and hereby, as if it had been made, executed, authenticated, delivered, sold and negotiated simultaneously with the execution and delivery of the Indenture.
 
AND IT IS EXPRESSLY DECLARED that all bonds authenticated and delivered and secured thereunder and hereunder are to be issued, authenticated and delivered, and all said premises, property, franchises and rights hereby and by the Indenture conveyed, assigned, pledged or mortgaged, or intended so to be (including all the right, title and interest of the Company in and to any and all premises, property, franchises and rights of every kind and description, real, personal and mixed, tangible and intangible, thereafter acquired by the Company and whether or not specifically described in the Indenture, except any therein expressly excepted), are to be dealt with and disposed of, under, upon and subject to the terms, conditions, stipulations, covenants, agreements, trusts, uses and purposes in the Indenture expressed, and it is hereby agreed as follows:
 
 
SECTION 1. There is hereby created a series of bonds designated Pledge Series A of 2004 due 2033, which shall also bear the descriptive title “First Mortgage Bond” and the form of such series shall be substantially as hereinbefore set forth. Bonds of the 2033 Series shall mature on June 1, 2033. The bonds of the 2033 Series may be issued only as registered bonds without coupons in denominations of $1,000 or, if higher, in such multiples of $1,000 as the Board of Directors shall approve, and delivery to the Trustee for authentication shall be conclusive evidence of such approval. The serial numbers of bonds of the 2033 Series shall be such as may be approved by any officer of the Company, the execution thereof by any such officer, by facsimile signature or otherwise, to be conclusive evidence of such approval. Bonds of the 2033 Series shall bear interest from the Initial Interest Accrual Date (as defined in the form of the bonds of the 2033 Series hereinabove set forth) at the rate set forth in the form thereof hereinbefore set forth. Principal or redemption price of and interest on said bonds shall be payable in any coin or currency of the United States of America which at the time of payment is legal tender for public and private debts at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City, County and State of New York, designated for that purpose.
 
Bonds of the 2033 Series shall be exchangeable and transferable as and to the extent set forth in the form thereof hereinbefore set forth.
 
8

The bonds of the 2033 Series shall be redeemable as set forth in the form thereof hereinbefore set forth in whole or in part, prior to maturity, upon notice given by mailing the same, postage pre-paid, at least thirty days and not more than forty-five days prior to the date fixed for redemption to each registered holder of a bond to be redeemed at the last address of such holder appearing on the registry books. Redemption of the bonds of the 2033 Series shall be at the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest thereon to the date fixed for redemption and such amount shall become due and payable on the date fixed for such redemption.
 

 
SECTION 2. Bonds of the 2033 Series shall be deemed to be paid and no longer outstanding under the Indenture to the extent that Authority Bonds (as defined in the form of bonds of the 2033 Series hereinbefore set forth) which are outstanding from time to time under the Authority Bond Indenture (as defined in the form of bonds of the 2033 Series hereinbefore set forth) are paid or deemed to be paid (other than by the application of the proceeds of any payment by the Insurer (as defined in the form of the bonds of the 2033 Series hereinbefore set forth) under the Policy (as defined in the form of the bonds of the 2033 Series hereinbefore set forth)) and are no longer outstanding and the Trustee has been notified to such effect by the Company.
 

 
SECTION 3. The Company covenants and agrees that the provisions of Section 3 of the Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1962, which are to remain in effect so long as any bonds of the Sixth Series shall be outstanding under the Indenture, shall remain in full force and effect so long as any bonds of the 2033 Series shall be outstanding under the Indenture.
 

 
SECTION 4. As supplemented and amended by this Supplemental Indenture, the Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed, and the Indenture and this Supplemental Indenture shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.
 

 
SECTION 5. Nothing in this Supplemental Indenture contained shall, or shall be construed to, confer upon any person other than a holder of bonds issued under the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee any right or interest to avail himself of any benefit under any provision of the Indenture or of this Supplemental Indenture.
 

 
SECTION 6. The Trustee assumes no responsibility for or in respect of the validity or sufficiency of this Supplemental Indenture or the due execution hereof by the Company or for or in respect of the recitals and statements contained herein, all of which recitals and statements are made solely by the Company.
 

9

 
SECTION 7. This Supplemental Indenture may be executed in several counterparts and all such counterparts executed and delivered, each as an original, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
 
 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY hereby constitutes and appoints Richard H. Marsh to be its attorney for it and in its name as and for its corporate act and deed to acknowledge this Supplemental Indenture before any person having authority to take such acknowledgement, to the intent that the same may be duly recorded.
 
CITIBANK, N.A. hereby constitutes and appoints P. De Felice to be its attorney for it and in its name as and for its corporate act and deed to acknowledge this Supplemental Indenture before any person having authority to take such acknowledgement, to the intent that the same may be duly recorded.

10

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY has caused its corporate name to be hereunto affixed, and this instrument to be signed and sealed by its President or a Vice President, and its corporate seal to be attested by its Corporate Secretary or an Assistant Corporate Secretary for and in its behalf, in the City of Akron, County of Summit and State of Ohio and CITIBANK, N.A., in token of its acceptance of the trust, has caused its corporate name to be hereunto affixed, and this instrument to be signed by a Vice President and its corporate seal to be affixed and attested by its Assistant Vice President in The City of New York, County of New York and State of New York, all as of the day and year first above written.
 
     
  PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY,
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:    
 
 
Richard H. Marsh
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer 
 
ATTEST:
 
       
By:    
 
   
      David W. Whitehead
      Corporate Secretary
   
 
Signed, sealed and delivered by
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
in the presence of:
     [SEAL]
 
 
     

Edward J. Morgan
   
   
 
       
   

James G. Smith
   
   

11

 
Corporate Secretary for and in its behalf, in the City of Akron, County of Summit and State of Ohio and CITIBANK, N.A., in token of its acceptance of the trust, has caused its corporate name to be hereunto affixed, and this instrument to be signed by a Vice President and its corporate seal to be affixed and attested by its Assistant Vice President in The City of New York, County of New York and State of New York, all as of the day and year first above written.
 
 
     
  PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY,
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:    
 

Richard H. Marsh
Senior Vice President and
   Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
ATTEST:
 

       
By:    

     David W. Whitehead
     Corporate Secretary
   
   
 
Signed, sealed and delivered by
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
in the presence of:
     
 
 
 
    [Seal]

Edward J. Morgan
   
   
 
       
   

James G. Smith
   
   
STATE OF OHIO           )
                              )    ss:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT    )
 
BE IT REMEMBERED that, on the ____ day of November, 2004 before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in said County of Summit, State of Ohio, personally appeared David W. Whitehead, who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say that he was personally present and did see the common or corporate seal of the above named PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY affixed to the foregoing Supplemental Indenture; that the seal so affixed is the common or corporate seal of the said Pennsylvania Power Company and was so affixed by the authority of the said corporation as the act and deed thereof; that the above named Richard H. Marsh is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of said corporation and did sign the said Supplemental Indenture as such in the presence of this deponent; that this deponent is the Corporate Secretary of Pennsylvania Power Company, and that the name of this deponent above signed is attestation of the due execution of the said Supplemental Indenture is in this deponent’s own proper handwriting.
 
12

 
 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this ____ day of November, 2004
 
       
[SEAL]    
   

Susie M. Hoisten
Notary Public
   
Residence Summit County
Statewide Jurisdiction ohio
My commission expires December 9, 2006
 
State of Ohio         )
                      )ss.:
County of Summit              )
 
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT on this _____ day of November, 2004, before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally appeared Richard H. Marsh, the attorney for PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY, and the attorney named in the foregoing Supplemental Indenture and, by virtue and in pursuance of the authority therein conferred upon him, acknowledged the said Supplemental Indenture to be the act and deed of said Pennsylvania Power Company.
 
WITNESS my hand and notarial seal the day and year aforesaid.
 
 [SEAL]      
       
   

Susie M. Hoisten
Notary Public
   
Residence Summit County
Statewide Jurisdiction Ohio
My commission expires December 9, 2006

13

 
STATE OF OHIO                )
                             )ss.:
COUNTY OF SUMMIT         )
 
On the 29th day of November, 2004, before me, personally came Richard H. Marsh to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he resides at 1126 Woodhaven Blvd., Fairlawn, Ohio 44333; that he is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY, one of the corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by order of the Board of Directors of said corporation, and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.
 
WITNESS my hand and notarial seal the day and year aforesaid.
 
       
       
[SEAL]    

Susie M. Hoisten
Notary Public
   
Residence Summit County
Statewide Jurisdiction Ohio
My commission expires December 9, 2006

14

 
STATE OF NEW YORK            )
                             )ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK         )
 
BE IT REMEMBERED that, on the _____ day of November, 2004 before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in said County of New York, State of New York, personally appeared Nancy Forte, who being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say that she was personally present and did see the common or corporate seal of the above named CITIBANK, N.A. affixed to the foregoing Supplemental Indenture; that the seal so affixed is the common or corporate seal of the said CITIBANK, N.A. and was so affixed by the authority of the said corporation as the act and deed thereof; that the above named, P. DeFelice is one of the Vice Presidents of said association and did sign the said Supplemental Indenture as such in the presence of this deponent; that this deponent is an Assistant Vice President of said CITIBANK, N.A., and that the name of this deponent above signed is attestation of the due execution of the said Supplemental Indenture is in this deponent’s own proper handwriting.
 
Sworn to and subscribed before me this _____ day of November, 2004.
 
 [SEAL]
 
 
     
       
   

             Nanette Murphy
        Notary Public, State of New York
            No. 01MU8086415
   
         Qualified in Kings County
         Commission Expires 1/21/07
 
STATE OF NEW YORK     )
                               )ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK     )
 
I HEREBY CERTIFY that on this _____ day of November, 2004, before me, the subscriber, a Notary Public in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally appeared P. DeFelice, the attorney for CITIBANK, N.A., and the attorney named in the foregoing Supplemental Indenture and, by virtue and in pursuance of the authority therein conferred upon him, acknowledged the execution of said Supplemental Indenture to be the act and deed of said CITIBANK, N.A.
 
WITNESS my hand and notarial seal the day and year aforesaid.
 

       
       
[SEAL]    

            Nanette Murphy
        Notary Public, State of New York
            No. 01MU8086415
   
          Qualified in Kings County
         Commission Expires 1/21/07
 
 
15

STATE OF NEW YORK       )
                           )ss.:
COUNTY OF NEW YORK    )
 
On the _____ day of November, 2004 before me, personally came P. DeFelice, to me known, who being by me duly sworn, did depose and say that he resides at 47-09 169th Street, Flushing, New York 11358; that he is a Vice President of CITIBANK, N.A., one of the parties described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows the seal of said association; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that it was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said association, and that he signed his name thereto by like authority.
 
WITNESS my hand and notarial seal the day and year aforesaid.
 

       
       
[SEAL]    

         Nanette Murphy
    Notary Public, State of New York
        No. 01MU8086415
   
      Qualified in Kings County
         Commission Expires 1/21/07
 
16

 
 
 
Citibank, N.A. hereby certifies that its precise name and address as Trustee hereunder are:
 
 
 
 
CITIBANK, N.A.
388 Greenwich Street
14th floor
Borough of Manhattan
City, County and State
    of New York 10013
 
          CITIBANK, N.A.
 
 
 
 
 
  By:    
 

             P. DeFelice
            Vice President
 
 
This instrument prepared by:
     FirstEnergy Corp.
     76 South Main Street
     Akron, OH  44308
 
17

 
 
Pennsylvania Power Company
Official Recordation Data
 

 


 
County
 
Date Filed
Recorder’s
Instrument No.
 
Volume
 
Page
Belmont, OH
       
Clark
       
Jefferson
       
Lake
       
Lorain
       
Trumbull
       
Monroe
       
Allegheny, PA
       
Beaver, PA
       
Butler, PA
       
Crawford, PA
       
Lawrence, PA
       
Mercer, PA
       
Venango, PA
       
 

 
18

EX-12.5 40 ex12-5.htm PP - FIXED CHARGE RATIO Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 12.5
Page 1

 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                     
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
22,847
 
$
41,041
 
$
47,717
 
$
37,833
 
$
59,076
 
Interest before reduction for amounts capitalized
   
20,437
   
18,172
   
16,674
   
15,526
   
9,731
 
Provision for income taxes
   
26,121
   
39,921
   
43,044
   
35,959
   
49,752
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
2,791
   
1,316
   
326
   
167
   
285
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
72,196
 
$
100,450
 
$
107,761
 
$
89,485
 
$
118,844
 
                                 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                               
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
18,651
 
$
16,971
 
$
15,521
 
$
14,228
 
$
8,250
 
Interest on nuclear fuel obligations
   
364
   
141
   
8
   
--
   
--
 
Other interest expense
   
1,422
   
1,060
   
1,145
   
1,298
   
1,481
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
2,791
   
1,316
   
326
   
167
   
285
 
Fixed charges as defined
 
$
23,228
 
$
19,488
 
$
17,000
 
$
15,693
 
$
10,016
 
                                 
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
   
3.11
   
5.15
   
6.34
   
5.70
   
11.87
 


 

 
_________________

(a)    Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.



EXHIBIT 12.5
Page 2
 
PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES PLUS PREFERRED
STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS (PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                     
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
22,847
 
$
41,041
 
$
47,717
 
$
37,833
 
$
59,076
 
Interest before reduction for amounts capitalized
   
20,437
   
18,172
   
16,674
   
15,526
   
9,731
 
Provision for income taxes
   
26,121
   
39,921
   
43,044
   
35,959
   
49,752
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
2,791
   
1,316
   
326
   
167
   
285
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
72,196
 
$
100,450
 
$
107,761
 
$
89,485
 
$
118,844
 
                                 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K PLUS
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS):
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
18,651
 
$
16,971
 
$
15,521
 
$
14,228
 
$
8,250
 
Interest on nuclear fuel obligations
   
364
   
141
   
8
   
--
   
--
 
Other interest expense
   
1,422
   
1,060
   
1,145
   
1,298
   
1,481
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
   
3,704
   
3,703
   
3,699
   
3,731
   
2,560
 
Adjustment to preferred stock dividends to state on a pre-income tax basis
   
4,018
   
3,534
   
3,274
   
3,469
   
2,097
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
2,791
   
1,316
   
326
   
167
   
285
 
Fixed charges as defined plus preferred stock dividend requirements
(pre-income tax basis)
 
$
30,950
 
$
26,725
 
$
23,973
 
$
22,893
 
$
14,673
 
                                 
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES PLUS PREFERRED
STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS (PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)
   
2.33
   
3.76
   
4.50
   
3,91
   
8.10
 


________________

(a)    Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.
EX-13.4 41 ex13-4.htm PP - ANNUAL REPORT Unassociated Document


PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

2004 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS



Pennsylvania Power Company, an electric utility operating company of FirstEnergy Corp. and a wholly owned subsidiary of Ohio Edison Company, provides electric service to approximately 157,000 customers in western Pennsylvania.






Contents
Page
   
Glossary of Terms
i-ii
Management Reports
1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
2
Selected Financial Data
3
Management's Discussion and Analysis
4-13
Consolidated Statements of Income
14
Consolidated Balance Sheets
15
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization
16
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity
17
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock
17
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
18
Consolidated Statements of Taxes
19
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
20-35





GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify Pennsylvania Power Company and its affiliates:

ATSI
American Transmission Systems, Inc., owns and operates transmission facilities
CEI
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
Companies
OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec
FES
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESC
FirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
JCP&L
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, an affiliated New Jersey electric utility
Met-Ed
Metropolitan Edison Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
OE
Ohio Edison Company, Penn's Ohio electric utility parent company
Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
Penn
Pennsylvania Power Company
TE
The Toledo Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility

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

ALJ
Administrative Law Judge
AOCL
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
APB
Accounting Principles Board
APB 29
APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Nonmonetary Transactions"
ARB
Accounting Research Bulletin
ARB 43
ARB No. 43, "Restatement and Revision of Accounting Research Bulletins"
ARO
Asset Retirement Obligation
CO2
Carbon Dioxide
CTC
Competitive Transition Charge
ECAR
East Central Area Reliability Coordination Agreement
EITF
Emerging Issues Task Force
EITF 03-1
EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary and Its Application to Certain
Investments"
EITF 03-16
EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"
EITF 97-4
EITF Issue No. 97-4, "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application
of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101"
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FMB
First Mortgage Bonds
FSP FASB Staff Position
FSP EITF 03-1-1
FASB Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue
No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain
Investments"
FSP 106-1
FASB Staff Position No.106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 106-2
FASB Staff Position No.106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 109-1
FASB Staff Position No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs
Creation Act of 2004"
GAAP
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
KWH
Kilowatt-hours
LOC
Letter of Credit
MACT
Maximum Achievable Control Technologies
Medicare Act
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
MISO
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
NAAQS
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Council
NOV
Notices of Violation

i

GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont.
 NOx  Nitrogen Oxide
 NRC  Nuclear Regulatory Commission
 OCI         Other Comprehensive Income
 OPEB Other Post-Employment Benefits
PJM
PJM Interconnection L. L. C.
PPUC
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PUCO
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCA
Public Utility Holding Company Act
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71
SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 87
SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions"
SFAS 101
SFAS No. 101, "Accounting for Discontinuation of Application of SFAS 71"
SFAS 106
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"
SFAS 115
SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities"
SFAS 143
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
SFAS 144
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"
SFAS 150
SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both
Liabilities and Equity"
SO2
Sulfur Dioxide



ii


MANAGEMENT REPORTS

Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who takes responsibility for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent with other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements.

FirstEnergy Corp.’s internal auditors, who are responsible to the Audit Committee of FirstEnergy’s Board of Directors, review the results and performance of operating units within the Company for adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of accounting and reporting systems, as well as managerial and operating controls.

FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee consists of five independent directors whose duties include: consideration of the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company and the objectivity of financial reporting; inquiry into the number, extent, adequacy and validity of regular and special audits conducted by independent auditors and the internal auditors; and reporting to the Board of Directors the Committee’s findings and any recommendation for changes in scope, methods or procedures of the auditing functions. The Committee is directly responsible for appointing the Company’s independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and is charged with reviewing and approving all services performed for the Company by the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and for reviewing and approving the related fees. The Committee reviews the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm's report on internal quality control and reviews all relationships between the independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and the Company, in order to assess the Registered Public Accounting Firm's independence. The Committee also reviews management’s programs to monitor compliance with the Company’s policies on business ethics and risk management. The Committee establishes procedures to receive and respond to complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and allows for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2004.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page 2.




1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Pennsylvania Power Company:

We have completed an integrated audit of Pennsylvania Power Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pennsylvania Power Company and its subsidiary at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2(G) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005


2

PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2001
 
2000
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                       
Operating Revenues
 
$
549,121
 
$
526,581
 
$
506,407
 
$
498,401
 
$
383,112
 
Operating Income
 
$
60,780
 
$
47,363
 
$
60,922
 
$
55,178
 
$
39,979
 
Income Before Cumulative Effect
of Accounting Change
 
$
59,076
 
$
37,833
 
$
47,717
 
$
41,041
 
$
22,847
 
Net Income
 
$
59,076
 
$
48,451
 
$
47,717
 
$
41,041
 
$
22,847
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
56,516
 
$
45,263
 
$
44,018
 
$
37,338
 
$
19,143
 
Total Assets
 
$
921,156
 
$
879,379
 
$
907,748
 
$
960,097
 
$
988,909
 
                                 
CAPITALIZATION AS OF DECEMBER 31:
                               
Common Stockholder’s Equity
 
$
327,379
 
$
230,786
 
$
229,374
 
$
223,788
 
$
213,851
 
Preferred Stock-
                               
Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
39,105
   
39,105
   
39,105
   
39,105
   
39,105
 
Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
--
   
--
   
13,500
   
14,250
   
15,000
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Obligations
   
133,887
   
130,358
   
185,499
   
262,047
   
270,368
 
Total Capitalization
 
$
500,371
 
$
400,249
 
$
467,478
 
$
539,190
 
$
538,324
 
                                 
CAPITALIZATION RATIOS:
                               
Common Stockholder’s Equity
   
65.4
%
 
57.7
%
 
49.1
%
 
41.5
%
 
39.7
%
Preferred Stock-
                               
Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
7.8
   
9.8
   
8.3
   
7.3
   
7.3
 
Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
--
   
--
   
2.9
   
2.6
   
2.8
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Obligations
   
26.8
   
32.5
   
39.7
   
48.6
   
50.2
 
Total Capitalization
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
                                 
DISTRIBUTION KILOWATT-HOUR DELIVERIES
                               
(Millions):
                               
Residential
   
1,551
   
1,506
   
1,533
   
1,391
   
1,387
 
Commercial
   
1,299
   
1,283
   
1,268
   
1,220
   
1,198
 
Industrial
   
1,573
   
1,464
   
1,505
   
1,540
   
1,665
 
Other
   
7
   
6
   
6
   
6
   
6
 
Total
   
4,430
   
4,259
   
4,312
   
4,157
   
4,256
 
                                 
CUSTOMERS SERVED:
                               
Residential
   
138,377
   
137,170
   
136,410
   
134,956
   
121,066
 
Commercial
   
18,730
   
18,455
   
18,397
   
18,153
   
16,634
 
Industrial
   
219
   
219
   
220
   
224
   
177
 
Other
   
85
   
85
   
85
   
87
   
87
 
Total
   
157,411
   
155,929
   
155,112
   
153,420
   
137,964
 
                                 
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
   
200
   
201
   
201
   
256
   
275
 


3

PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
AND FINANCIAL CONDITION


This discussion includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "believe," "estimate" and similar words. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition and deregulation in the electric utility industry, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, legislative and regulatory changes (including revised environmental requirements), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits, fines or other enforcement actions and remedies) of governmental investigations and oversight, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission as disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, the availability and cost of capital, the continuing availability and operation of generating units, our ability to experience growth in the distribution business, our ability to access the public securities and other capital markets, further investigation into the causes of the August 14, 2003, regional power outage and the outcome, cost and other effects of present and potential legal and administrative proceedings and claims related to the outage, the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Results of Operations

Earnings on common stock in 2004 increased to $57 million from $45 million in 2003. Earnings in 2003 included an after-tax credit of $11 million from the cumulative effect of an accounting change due to the adoption of SFAS 143 (see Note 8). Income before the cumulative effect of an accounting change in 2003 was $38 million. Improved results in 2004 resulted from lower nuclear operating costs, higher operating revenues and reduced net interest charges which were partially offset by higher purchased power costs. Operating revenues were higher in 2004 primarily due to significant increases in wholesale sales to FES. Lower nuclear operating costs in 2004 compared with 2003 were due to the absence of scheduled nuclear refueling outages at Beaver Valley Unit 2 and Perry Plant in 2004.

Earnings on common stock in 2003 increased to $45 million from $44 million in 2002. Income before the cumulative effect of an accounting change in 2003 decreased 21% to $38 million from $48 million in 2002. The lower earnings in 2003 were primarily due to higher nuclear operating costs and purchased power costs. These increased costs were partially offset by higher operating revenues, lower fuel costs and reduced financing costs.

Operating revenues increased by $23 million or 4% in 2004 as compared with 2003. The higher revenues primarily resulted from $14 million of increased wholesale revenues in 2004 (primarily to FES) due to an increase in nuclear generation available for sale and higher retail generation revenues. Sales increased in all retail customer sectors for 2004 compared with 2003. Increased generation sales and higher unit prices resulted in a $15 million increase in generation revenues. Distribution deliveries increased in all customer classes in 2004 compared with 2003 reflecting an improving economy in our service area; lower unit prices more than offset the effect of the higher deliveries in 2004, resulting in a $6 million decrease in revenues. Higher deliveries to the steel sector in 2004 were principally responsible for the increase in kilowatt-hour sales to industrial customers.

Operating revenues increased by $20 million or 4% in 2003 as compared with 2002. The higher revenues primarily resulted from increased wholesale revenues of $25 million in 2003, along with higher retail generation sales revenues of $3 million due to higher unit prices, partially offset by a 1% decrease in retail kilowatt-hour sales. These electric generation revenue increases were partially offset by $5 million of lower revenues from distribution deliveries. Wholesale revenue increases from sales to FES reflected higher unit prices, which were partially offset by lower kilowatt-hour sales due to reduced nuclear generation available for sale to FES.

Changes in electric generation and distribution deliveries in 2004 and 2003 compared to the prior years are summarized in the following table:
 
 
4

Changes in KWH Sales
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
         
Electric Generation:
         
Retail
   
4.1
%
 
(1.0
)%
Wholesale
   
10.9
%
 
(11.6
)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
   
8.0
%
 
(7.4
)%
Distribution Deliveries:
             
Residential
   
3.0
%
 
(1.8
)%
Commercial
   
1.3
%
 
1.1
%
Industrial
   
7.5
%
 
(2.7
)%
Total Distribution Deliveries
   
4.0
%
 
(1.3
)%


Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $9 million in 2004 and $34 million in 2003 from the prior year. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.


Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
(In millions)
 
           
Fuel costs
 
$
1
 
$
(4
)
Purchased power costs
   
15
   
9
 
Nuclear operating costs
   
(22
)
 
39
 
Other operating costs
   
(2
)
 
2
 
Provision for depreciation
   
1
   
(2
)
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
--
   
(1
)
General taxes
   
1
   
(2
)
Income taxes
   
15
   
(7
)
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
$
9
 
$
34
 


Higher fuel costs in 2004 compared with 2003 resulted from increased nuclear generation in 2004. Purchased power costs increased in 2004 compared with 2003 as a result of a $15 million increase in power purchased from FES, reflecting higher unit prices and higher kilowatt-hour purchases due to increased retail generation requirements. Nuclear operating costs decreased $22 million, primarily due to one scheduled refueling outage in 2004 compared to three scheduled refueling outages in 2003.
 
Lower fuel costs in 2003, compared with 2002, resulted from reduced nuclear generation. The increased purchased power costs in 2003 reflected higher unit costs and increased kilowatt-hour purchases. Higher nuclear operating costs occurred, in large part, due to three scheduled refueling outages in 2003, compared with one scheduled refueling outage in 2002.

Depreciation charges were relatively unchanged in 2004 compared to the prior year while depreciation decreased by $2 million in 2003 compared with 2002, primarily from lower charges resulting from the implementation of SFAS 143, ($1 million for 2003) and revised service life assumptions for nuclear generating plants ($1 million for 2003).

General taxes decreased $2 million in 2003 from 2002 principally due to settled property tax claims.

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges continued to trend lower, decreasing by $7 million in 2004 and by $3 million in 2003, compared with the prior years. We continued to redeem and refinance outstanding debt, with 2004 redemptions totaling $64 million (including mandatorily redeemable preferred stock). In 2003, redemptions totaled $42 million (including mandatorily redeemable preferred stock).

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

Upon adoption of SFAS 143 in 2003, we recorded an after-tax credit to net income of $11 million. The cumulative adjustment for unrecognized depreciation, accretion offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and ceasing the accounting practice of depreciating non-regulated generation assets using a cost of removal component was an $18 million increase to income, or $11 million net of income taxes.

5

 
Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our cash requirements in 2004 for operating expenses, construction expenditures, scheduled debt maturities and preferred stock redemptions were met without increasing our net debt and preferred stock outstanding. We received $65 million of equity contributions from OE in the second half of 2004. During 2005 and thereafter, we expect to meet our contractual obligations with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

As of December 31, 2004, we had $38,000 of cash and cash equivalents, compared with $40,000 as of December 31, 2003. The major sources for changes in these balances are summarized below.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Net cash provided from operating activities was $115 million in 2004, $116 million in 2003 and $105 million in 2002. Cash provided from 2004, 2003 and 2002 operating activities are as follows:

Operating Cash Flows
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Cash earnings (1)
 
$
140
 
$
99
 
$
119
 
Pension trust contribution(2)
   
(8
)
 
--
   
--
 
Working capital and other
   
(17
)
 
17
   
(14
)
Total
 
$
115
 
$
116
 
$
105
 
 
(1)  Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2)  Pension trust contribution net of $5 million of income tax benefits.


Cash earnings (in the table above) is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating our cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Net Income (GAAP)
 
$
59
 
$
48
 
$
48
 
Non-Cash Charges (Credits):
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
14
   
13
   
15
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
40
   
41
   
42
 
Nuclear fuel and capital lease amortization
   
17
   
16
   
19
 
Deferred income taxes and investment 
    tax credits, net
   
--
   
(5
)
 
(8
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
(18
)
 
--
 
Other non-cash expenses
   
10
   
4
   
3
 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP)
 
$
140
 
$
99
 
$
119
 

Net cash from operating activities decreased $1 million in 2004 compared with 2003 due to a $34 million comparative change in working capital and an $8 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution, partially offset by a $41 million increase in cash earnings as described above under "Results of Operations". The working capital decrease was due to changes of $14 million in receivables and $28 million in accrued tax balances partially offset by an $18 million increase in accounts payable.

Net cash from operating activities increased $11 million in 2003 compared with 2002 due to a $31 million increase in working capital, partially offset by a $20 million decrease in cash earnings as described above under "Results of Operations". Working capital increased principally as a result of changes of $25 million in receivables and $21 million of accrued tax balances partially offset by an $18 million decrease in accounts payable.
 
6
Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities decreased to $25 million in 2004 from $76 million in 2003. This decrease primarily reflects a $65 million equity contribution from OE and a $19 million reduction of common stock dividends to OE. Net cash used for financing activities in 2003 was unchanged from 2002 with a $14 million increase in dividends to OE offsetting a $13 million reduction in net debt redemptions.

Securities Issued or Redeemed
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
New Issues
             
Pollution Control Notes
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
15
 
Short-Term Borrowings, Net
   
1
   
11
   
--
 
                     
Redemptions
                   
First Mortgage Bonds
 
$
63
 
$
41
 
$
1
 
Pollution Control Notes
   
--
   
--
   
15
 
Capital Fuel Leases
   
--
   
--
   
41
 
Preferred Stock
   
1
   
1
   
1
 
Other
   
1
   
--
   
--
 
   
$
65
 
$
42
 
$
58
 

In 2002, net cash used for financing activities totaled $75 million, primarily due to long-term debt redemptions and $32 million of dividend payments.

We had $469,000 of cash and temporary investments (which include short-term notes receivable from associated companies) and $12 million of short-term indebtedness with associated companies as of December 31, 2004. We have obtained authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt up to our charter limit of $51 million (including the utility money pool). We have the capability to issue $515 million of additional FMB on the basis of property additions and retired bonds. Based upon applicable earnings coverage tests, we could issue up to $424 million of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued) as of December 31, 2004.

We have the ability to borrow from our regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet our short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries, as well as proceeds available from bank borrowings. Available bank borrowings include $1.75 billion from FirstEnergy’s and OE’s revolving credit facilities. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal amount of such a 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 the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings under these arrangements in 2004 was 1.43%.

In March 2004, we completed, through a separate wholly owned subsidiary, a receivables financing arrangement that provides borrowing capability of up to $25 million. The borrowing rate is based on bank commercial paper rates. We are required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.40% on the entire finance limit. The facility was undrawn as of December 31, 2004 and matures on March 29, 2005. This receivables financing arrangement is expected to be renewed prior to expiration.

On December 1, 2004, Ohio Water Development Authority Series 1999-A pollution control notes aggregating $5.2 million were remarketed in a Dutch Auction interest mode and insured with municipal bond insurance.

Our access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of our securities and the securities of OE and FirstEnergy. The following table shows securities ratings as of December 31, 2004. The ratings outlook on all securities is stable.

 
Ratings of Securities
       
 
Securities
S&P
Moody’s
Fitch
         
FirstEnergy
Senior unsecured
BB+
Baa3
BBB-
         
OE
Senior secured
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
 
Senior unsecured
BB+
Baa2
BBB
 
Preferred stock
BB
Ba1
BBB-
         
Penn
Senior secured
BBB
Baa1
BBB+
 
Senior unsecured (1)
BB+
Baa2
BBB
 
Preferred stock
BB
Ba1
BBB-
 
 
(1)
Penn’s only senior unsecured debt obligations are pollution control revenue refunding bonds issued in the name of the Ohio
Air Quality Development Authority to which this rating applies.

 

7



On December 10, 2004, S&P reaffirmed FirstEnergy's ‘BBB-' corporate credit rating and kept the outlook stable. S&P noted that the stable outlook reflects FirstEnergy's improving financial profile and cash flow certainty through 2006. S&P stated that should the two refueling outages at the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants scheduled for the first quarter of 2005 be completed successfully without any significant negative findings and delays, FirstEnergy's outlook would be revised to positive. S&P also stated that a ratings upgrade in the next several months did not seem likely, as remaining issues of concern to S&P, primarily the outcome of environmental litigation and SEC investigations, are not likely to be resolved in the short term.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $90 million in 2004 compared to $41 million in 2003. The $49 million increase in 2004 reflects $22 million of increased property additions and a reduction of $28 million in loan repayments from associated companies. Expenditures for property additions include expenditures supporting our distribution of electricity.

Net cash used in investing activities increased to $41 million in 2003 from $28 million in 2002. The $13 million increase in 2003 reflects $25 million of increased property additions, partially offset by a $15 million increase in loan repayments from associated companies.

Our capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $227 million (excluding nuclear fuel) of which approximately $82 million applies to 2005. Investments for additional nuclear fuel during the 2005-2007 period are estimated to be approximately $63 million, of which about $13 million relates to 2005. During the same periods, our nuclear fuel investments are expected to be reduced by approximately $52 million and $17 million, respectively, as the nuclear fuel is consumed. We had no other material obligations as of December 31, 2004 that have not been recognized on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2004, our estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations that we consider firm obligations are as follows:

Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
2005
 
2006-2007
 
2008-2009
 
Thereafter
 
   
(In millions)
 
                       
Long-term debt (3)
 
$
148
 
$
1
 
$
2
 
$
2
 
$
143
 
Preferred stock (1)
   
13
   
1
   
12
   
--
   
--
 
Short-term borrowings
   
12
   
12
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Operating leases
   
1
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
1
 
Purchases (2)
   
81
   
13
   
49
   
19
   
--
 
Total
 
$
255
 
$
27
 
$
63
 
$
21
 
$
144
 

(1)  Subject to mandatory redemption.
(2)  Fuel and power purchases under contracts with fixed or minimum quantities and approximate timing.
(3)  Amounts reflected do not include interest on long-term debt.
Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates is reduced since a significant portion of our debt has fixed interest rates, as noted in the following table.

The table below presents principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by year of maturity for our investment portfolio, debt obligations and preferred stock with mandatory redemption provisions.

8


Comparison of Carrying Value to Fair Value
 
                       
There-
     
Fair
 
Year of Maturity
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
after
 
Total
 
Value
 
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
                                   
Assets
                                 
Investments Other Than Cash
and Cash Equivalents-
                                                 
Fixed Income
             
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
116
 
$
119
 
$
125
 
Average interest rate
               
7.8
%
 
7.8
%
 
7.8
%
 
5.5
%
 
5.5
%
     

                                                   
Liabilities
                                                 
Long-term Debt and Other
Long-Term Obligations:
                                                 
Fixed rate
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
81
 
$
86
 
$
98
 
Average interest rate
   
9.7
%
 
9.7
%
 
9.7
%
 
9.7
%
 
9.7
%
 
6.4
%
 
6.6
%
     
Variable rate
                               
$
62
 
$
62
 
$
62
 
Average interest rate
                                 
2.1
%
 
2.1
%
     
Preferred Stock Subject to
Mandatory Redemption
 
$
1
 
$
1
 
$
11
                   
$
13
 
$
12
 
Average dividend rate
   
7.6
%
 
7.6
%
 
7.6
%
                   
7.6
%
     
Short-term Borrowings
 
$
12
                               
$
12
 
$
12
 
Average interest rate
   
2.0
%
                               
2.0
%
     

Equity Price Risk


Included in our nuclear decommissioning trust investments are marketable equity securities carried at their market value of approximately $57 million and $50 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $6 million reduction in fair value as of December 31, 2004 (see Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

Outlook

We have a continuing responsibility to provide power to those customers not choosing to receive power from an alternative energy supplier subject to certain limits. Adopting new approaches to regulation and experiencing new forms of competition have created new uncertainties. We continue to deliver power to homes and businesses through our existing distribution system, which remains regulated.

Regulatory Matters

Pennsylvania enacted its electric utility competition law in 1996 with the phase in of customer choice for electric generation suppliers completed as of January 1, 2001. We continue to deliver power to homes and businesses through our distribution system, which remains regulated by the PPUC. Our rates have been restructured to itemize (unbundle) the current price of electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission, distribution and stranded cost recovery. In the event customers obtain power from an alternative source, the generation portion of our rates is excluded from their bill and the customers receive a generation charge from the alternative supplier. The stranded cost recovery portion of rates provides for recovery of certain amounts not otherwise considered recoverable in a competitive generation market, including regulatory assets. Under the rate restructuring plan, we are entitled to recover $236 million of stranded costs through the CTC that began in 1999 and ends in 2006.

On January 16, 2004, the PPUC initiated a formal investigation of whether our "service reliability performance deteriorated to a point below the level of service reliability that existed prior to restructuring" in Pennsylvania. Hearings were held in early August 2004. On September 30, 2004, we filed a settlement agreement with the PPUC that addresses the issues related to this investigation. As part of the settlement, we, Met-Ed and Penelec agreed to enhance service reliability, ongoing periodic performance reporting and communications with customers and to collectively maintain our current spending levels of at least $255 million annually on combined capital and operation and maintenance expenditures for transmission and distribution for the years 2005 through 2007. The settlement also outlines an expedited remediation process to address any alleged non-compliance with terms of the settlement and an expedited PPUC hearing process if remediation is unsuccessful. On November 4, 2004, the PPUC accepted the recommendation of the ALJ approving the settlement.

See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for a complete and detailed discussion of regulatory matters.


9

Environmental Matters


We believe we are in compliance with current SO2 and NOx reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. In 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions in the future from our Ohio and Pennsylvania facilities. Various regulatory and judicial actions have since sought to further define NOx reduction requirements (see Note 10(B) - Environmental Matters). We continue to evaluate our compliance plans and other compliance options.

Clean Air Act Compliance-


We are required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. We cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.

We believe we are complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from our facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85% reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. We believe our facilities are also complying with NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIP) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards-

In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which we operate affected facilities.

Mercury Emissions-


In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

10


W. H. Sammis Plant-


In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities covering 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which is owned by OE and Penn. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, which included a complaint against OE and Penn in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. The ruling concludes the liability phase of the case, which deals with applicability of Prevention of Significant Deterioration provisions of the Clean Air Act. The remedy phase of the trial to address any civil penalties and what, if any, actions should be taken to further reduce emissions at the plant has been delayed without rescheduling by the Court because the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement negotiations. The Court indicated, in its August 2003 ruling, that the remedies it "may consider and impose involved a much broader, equitable analysis, requiring the Court to consider air quality, public health, economic impact, and employment consequences. The Court may also consider the less than consistent efforts of the EPA to apply and further enforce the Clean Air Act." The potential penalties that may be imposed, as well as the capital expenditures necessary to comply with substantive remedial measures that may be required, could have a material adverse impact on FirstEnergy's, OE's and our respective financial condition and results of operations. While the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement discussions, management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste-

      As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash, as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

Climate Change-

        In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18% through 2012.
 
We cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by us is lower than many regional competitors due to our diversified generation sources which includes 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 the company's plants. In addition, Ohio and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to the Companies' operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.
 
On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. We are conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by our facilities with the performance standards. Management is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

11

Legal Matters
 
There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to our normal business operations pending against us. The most significant are described below.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which we own a 5.24% interest. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.

Critical Accounting Policies


We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these principles often requires a high degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions that affect financial results. All of our assets are subject to their own specific risks and uncertainties and are regularly reviewed for impairment. Our more significant accounting policies are described below.

Regulatory Accounting

We are subject to regulation that sets the prices (rates) we are permitted to charge our customers based on costs that the regulatory agencies determine we are permitted to recover. At times, regulators permit the future recovery through rates of costs that would be currently charged to expense by an unregulated company. This rate-making process results in the recording of regulatory assets and liabilities based on anticipated future cash inflows and outflows. We regularly review these assets and liabilities to assess their ultimate disposition within the approved regulatory guidelines. Impairment risk associated with regulations assets relates to potentially adverse legislative, judicial or regulatory actions in the future.

Revenue Recognition

We follow the accrual method of accounting for revenues, recognizing revenue for electricity that has been delivered to customers but not yet billed through the end of the accounting period. The determination of electricity sales to individual customers is based on meter readings, which occur on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, electricity delivered to customers since the last meter reading is estimated and a corresponding accrual for unbilled sales is recognized. The determination of unbilled sales requires management to make estimates regarding electricity available for retail load, transmission and distribution line losses, demand by customer class, weather-related impacts, prices in effect for each customer class and electricity provided by alternative suppliers.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting

Our reported costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and postemployment benefits other than pensions are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and certain assumptions.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions we make to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs are also affected by changes to key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations for pension and OPEB costs.

In accordance with SFAS 87, changes in pension and OPEB obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs on the income statement, but generally are recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 delay recognition of changes due to the long-term nature of pension and OPEB obligations and the varying market conditions likely to occur over long periods of time. As such, significant portions of pension and OPEB costs recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of cash benefits provided to plan participants and are significantly influenced by assumptions about future market conditions and plan participants' experience.

In selecting an assumed discount rate, we consider currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Due to recent declines in corporate bond yields and interest rates in general, we reduced the assumed discount rate as of December 31, 2004 to 6.00% from 6.25% and 6.75% used as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

12

Our assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the pension trusts. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, plan assets actually earned 11.1%, 24.2% and (11.3)%, respectively. Our pension costs in 2004 were computed assuming a 9.0% rate of return on plan assets based upon projections of future returns and a pension trust investment allocation of approximately 68% equities, 29% bonds, 2% real estate and 1% cash.

In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (our share was $13 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. FirstEnergy's election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement.

As a result of our voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, we reduced our accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $8 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, we increased our additional minimum liability by $4 million, recording an increase in an intangible asset of $1 million and charging $3 million to OCI. The balance in AOCL of $14 million (net of $10 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Health care cost trends have significantly increased and will affect future OPEB costs. The 2004 and 2005 composite health care trend rate assumptions are approximately 10%-12% and 9%-11%, respectively, gradually decreasing to 5% in later years. In determining our trend rate assumptions, we included the specific provisions of our health care plans, the demographics and utilization rates of plan participants, actual cost increases experienced in its health care plans, and projections of future medical trend rates.

Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with SFAS 144, we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to determine whether conditions exist that would indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be fully recoverable. The accounting standard requires that if the sum of future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from an asset is less than the carrying value of the asset, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset (discounted future net cash flows).

The calculation of future cash flows is based on assumptions, estimates and judgment about future events. The aggregate amount of cash flows determines whether an impairment is indicated. The timing of the cash flows is critical in determining the amount of the impairment.

Nuclear Decommissioning

In accordance with SFAS 143, we recognize an ARO for the future decommissioning of our nuclear power plants. The ARO liability represents an estimate of the fair value of our current obligation related to nuclear decommissioning and the retirement of other assets. A fair value measurement inherently involves uncertainty in the amount and timing of settlement of the liability. We used an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. This approach applies probability weighting to discounted future cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes. The scenarios consider settlement of the ARO at the expiration of the nuclear power plants' current license and settlement based on an extended license term.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for EITF 03-1, which provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.



13



PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


For the Years Ended December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES (Note 2(I))
$
549,121
 
$
526,581
 
$
506,407
 
                   
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                 
Fuel
 
22,894
   
21,443
   
25,180
 
Purchased power (Note 2(I))
 
181,031
   
165,643
   
156,788
 
Nuclear operating costs
 
106,659
   
128,895
   
90,024
 
Other operating costs (Note 2(I))
 
51,180
   
52,809
   
50,523
 
Provision for depreciation
 
14,134
   
13,017
   
15,197
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
 
40,012
   
40,789
   
41,566
 
General taxes
 
23,607
   
22,458
   
24,474
 
Income taxes
 
48,824
   
34,164
   
41,733
 
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
488,341
   
479,218
   
445,485
 
                   
OPERATING INCOME
 
60,780
   
47,363
   
60,922
 
                   
OTHER INCOME (NET OF INCOME TAXES) (Note 2(I))
 
3,464
   
2,807
   
1,960
 
                   
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                 
Interest on long-term debt
 
8,250
   
14,228
   
15,521
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
 
(4,563
)
 
(3,189
)
 
(1,509
)
Other interest expense
 
1,481
   
1,298
   
1,153
 
Net interest charges
 
5,168
   
12,337
   
15,165
 
                   
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE
 
59,076
   
37,833
   
47,717
 
                   
Cumulative effect of accounting change (net of income taxes of $7,532,000)
                 
(Note 2(G))
 
--
   
10,618
   
--
 
                   
NET INCOME
 
59,076
   
48,451
   
47,717
 
                   
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
 
2,560
   
3,188
   
3,699
 
                   
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
$
56,516
 
$
45,263
 
$
44,018
 




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


14

PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
 
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
           
UTILITY PLANT:
           
In service
$
866,303
 
$
808,637
 
Less-Accumulated provision for depreciation
 
356,020
   
324,710
 
   
510,283
   
483,927
 
Construction work in progress-
           
Electric plant
 
104,366
   
68,091
 
Nuclear fuel
 
3,362
   
360
 
   
107,728
   
68,451
 
   
618,011
   
552,378
 
             
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
           
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts (Note 4)
 
143,062
   
133,867
 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies
 
32,985
   
39,179
 
Other
 
722
   
2,195
 
   
176,769
   
175,241
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
38
   
40
 
Notes receivable from associated companies
 
431
   
399
 
Receivables-
           
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $888,000 and $769,000,
           
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)
 
44,282
   
44,861
 
Associated companies
 
23,016
   
24,965
 
Other
 
1,656
   
1,047
 
Materials and supplies, at average cost
 
37,923
   
33,918
 
Prepayments and other
 
8,924
   
9,383
 
   
116,270
   
114,613
 
             
DEFERRED CHARGES:
           
Regulatory assets
 
--
   
27,513
 
Other
 
10,106
   
9,634
 
   
10,106
   
37,147
 
 
$
921,156
 
$
879,379
 
             
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
           
             
CAPITALIZATION (See Consolidated Statements of Capitalization):
           
Common stockholder’s equity
$
327,379
 
$
230,786
 
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption
 
39,105
   
39,105
 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
 
133,887
   
130,358
 
   
500,371
   
400,249
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Currently payable long-term debt
 
26,524
   
93,474
 
Accounts payable-
           
Associated companies
 
46,368
   
40,172
 
Other
 
1,436
   
1,294
 
Notes payable to associated companies
 
11,852
   
11,334
 
Accrued taxes
 
14,055
   
27,091
 
Accrued interest
 
1,872
   
4,396
 
Other
 
8,802
   
8,444
 
   
110,909
   
186,205
 
             
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Accumulated deferred income taxes
 
93,418
   
97,871
 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
 
3,222
   
3,516
 
Asset retirement obligation
 
138,284
   
129,546
 
Retirement benefits
 
49,834
   
54,057
 
Regulatory liabilities
 
18,454
   
--
 
Other
 
6,664
   
7,935
 
   
309,876
   
292,925
 
             
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 5 and 10)
           
 
$
921,156
 
$
879,379
 


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.

15

PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION

As of December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY:
           
Common stock, $30 par value, 6,500,000 shares authorized, 6,290,000 shares outstanding
$
188,700
 
$
188,700
 
Other paid-in capital
 
64,690
   
(310)
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 2(F))
 
(13,706
)
 
(11,783
)
Retained earnings (Note 7(A))
 
87,695
   
54,179
 
Total common stockholder’s equity
 
327,379
   
230,786
 
 
 
Number of Shares
 
Optional
         
 
Outstanding
 
Redemption Price
         
 
2004
 
2003
 
Per Share
 
Aggregate
         
PREFERRED STOCK (Note 7(B)):
                                   
Cumulative, $100 par value-
                                   
Authorized 1,200,000 shares
                                   
4.24%
 
40,000
   
40,000
 
$
103.13
 
$
4,125
   
4,000
   
4,000
 
4.25%
 
41,049
   
41,049
   
105.00
   
4,310
   
4,105
   
4,105
 
4.64%
 
60,000
   
60,000
   
102.98
   
6,179
   
6,000
   
6,000
 
7.75%
 
250,000
   
250,000
   
100.00
   
25,000
   
25,000
   
25,000
 
Total
 
391,049
   
391,049
       
$
39,614
   
39,105
   
39,105
 
                                     
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER
                                   
LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Note 7(C)):
                                   
First mortgage bonds-
                                   
9.740% due 2005-2019
                         
14,643
   
15,617
 
6.375% due 2004
                         
--
   
20,500
 
6.625% due 2004
                         
--
   
14,000
 
8.500% due 2022
                         
--
   
27,250
 
7.625% due 2023
                         
6,500
   
6,500
 
Total first mortgage bonds
                         
21,143
   
83,867
 
                                     
Secured notes-
                                   
    5.400% due 2013
                         
1,000
   
1,000
 
5.400% due 2017
                         
10,600
   
10,600
 
*     1.700% due 2017
                         
17,925
   
17,925
 
5.900% due 2018
                         
16,800
   
16,800
 
*     1.700% due 2021
                         
14,482
   
14,482
 
    6.150% due 2023
                         
12,700
   
12,700
 
*     2.000% due 2027
                         
10,300
   
10,300
 
5.375% due 2028
                         
1,734
   
1,734
 
5.450% due 2028
                         
6,950
   
6,950
 
6.000% due 2028
                         
14,250
   
14,250
 
5.950% due 2029
                         
238
   
238
 
*        1.800% due 2033
                         
5,200
   
--
 
Total secured notes
                         
112,179
   
106,979
 
                                     
Unsecured notes-
                                   
*  3.375% due 2029
                         
14,500
   
14,500
 
*  5.900% due 2033
                         
--
   
5,200
 
Total unsecured notes
                         
14,500
   
19,700
 
                                     
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption
                     
12,750
   
13,500
 
Net unamortized discount on debt
                         
(161
)
 
(214
)
Long-term debt due within one year
                         
(26,524
)
 
(93,474
)
Total long-term debt and other long- 
   term obligations
                         
133,887
   
130,358
 
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
                       
$
500,371
 
$
400,249
 


* Denotes variable rate issue with December 31, 2004 interest rate shown.


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

16

PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY


                 
Accumulated
     
             
Other
 
Other
     
 
Comprehensive
 
Number
 
Par
 
Paid-In
 
Comprehensive
 
Retained
 
 
Income
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
Capital
 
Income (Loss)
 
Earnings
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                     
Balance, January 1, 2002
       
6,290,000
 
$
188,700
 
$
(310
)
$
--
 
$
35,398
 
Net income
$
47,717
                           
47,717
 
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
                                   
benefits, net of $(7,045,000) of
                                   
income taxes
 
(9,932
)
                   
(9,932
)
     
Comprehensive income
$
37,785
                               
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                               
(3,699
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                               
(28,500
)
Balance, December 31, 2002
       
6,290,000
   
188,700
   
(310
)
 
(9,932
)
 
50,916
 
Net income
$
48,451
                           
48,451
 
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
                                   
benefits, net of $(1,290,000) of
                                   
income taxes
 
(1,851
)
                   
(1,851
)
     
Comprehensive income
$
46,600
                               
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                               
(3,188
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                               
(42,000
)
Balance, December 31, 2003
       
6,290,000
   
188,700
   
(310
)
 
(11,783
)
 
54,179
 
Net income
$
59,076
                           
59,076
 
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
                                   
benefits, net of $(1,372,000) of
                                   
income taxes
 
(1,923
)
                   
(1,923
)
     
Comprehensive income
$
57,153
                               
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                               
(2,560
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                               
(23,000
)
Equity contribution from parent
                   
65,000
             
Balance, December 31, 2004
       
6,290,000
 
$
188,700
 
$
64,690
 
$
(13,706
)
$
87,695
 


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK

 
Not Subject to
 
Subject to
 
 
Mandatory Redemption
 
Mandatory Redemption
 
 
Number
 
Par
 
Number
 
Par
 
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Balance, January 1, 2002
 
391,049
 
$
39,105
   
150,000
 
$
15,000
 
Redemptions-
                       
7.625% Series
             
(7,500
)
 
(750
)
Balance, December 31, 2002
 
391,049
   
39,105
   
142,500
   
14,250
 
Redemptions-
                       
7.625% Series
             
(7,500
)
 
(750
)
Balance, December 31, 2003
 
391,049
   
39,105
   
135,000
   
13,500
*
Redemptions-
                       
7.625% Series
             
(7,500
)
 
(750
)
Balance, December 31, 2004
 
391,049
 
$
39,105
   
127,500
 
$
12,750
*


*    Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption is classified as debt under SFAS 150.

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


17

PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Years Ended December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net income
$
59,076
 
$
48,451
 
$
47,717
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
                 
Provision for depreciation
 
14,134
   
13,017
   
15,197
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
 
40,012
   
40,789
   
41,566
 
Nuclear fuel and lease amortization
 
16,790
   
15,947
   
19,204
 
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
 
5,011
   
(5,228
)
 
(7,932
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Note 2(G))
 
--
   
(18,150
)
 
--
 
Pension trust contribution
 
(12,934
)
 
--
   
--
 
Decrease (Increase) in operating assets:
                 
Receivables
 
1,919
   
16,276
   
(8,434
)
Materials and supplies
 
(4,005
)
 
(3,609
)
 
(4,711
)
Prepayments and other current assets
 
459
   
(4,037
)
 
336
 
Increase (Decrease) in operating liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable
 
6,338
   
(11,163
)
 
6,338
 
Accrued taxes
 
(13,036
)
 
14,584
   
(6,346
)
Accrued interest
 
(2,524
)
 
(1,162
)
 
294
 
Asset retirement obligation, net
 
(1,242
)
 
4,112
   
--
 
Other
 
5,097
   
5,814
   
1,361
 
Net cash provided from operating activities
 
115,095
   
115,641
   
104,590
 
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                 
New Financing-
                 
Long-term debt
 
--
   
--
   
14,500
 
Short-term borrowings, net
 
518
   
11,334
   
--
 
Equity contribution from parent
 
65,000
   
--
   
--
 
Redemptions and Repayments-
                 
Preferred stock
 
(750
)
 
(750
)
 
(750
)
Long-term debt
 
(63,903
)
 
(41,155
)
 
(56,837
)
Dividend Payments-
                 
Common stock
 
(23,000
)
 
(42,000
)
 
(28,500
)
Preferred stock
 
(2,560
)
 
(3,188
)
 
(3,699
)
Net cash used for financing activities
 
(24,695
)
 
(75,759
)
 
(75,286
)
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Property additions
 
(93,320
)
 
(70,864
)
 
(46,060
)
Contributions to nuclear decommissioning trusts
 
(1,594
)
 
(1,594
)
 
(1,594
)
Loan repayments from associated companies
 
6,162
   
34,660
   
19,463
 
Other
 
(1,650
)
 
(3,266
)
 
42
 
Net cash used for investing activities
 
(90,402
)
 
(41,064
)
 
(28,149
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
(2
)
 
(1,182
)
 
1,155
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
40
   
1,222
   
67
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
38
 
$
40
 
$
1,222
 
                   
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
                 
Cash paid during the year-
                 
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
$
6,885
 
$
12,449
 
$
13,771
 
Income taxes
$
68,869
 
$
33,502
 
$
60,078
 



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


 
18


PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TAXES

For the Years Ended December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
                   
GENERAL TAXES:
                 
State gross receipts*
$
19,234
 
$
18,028
 
$
18,516
 
Real and personal property
 
1,288
   
2,262
   
3,729
 
State capital stock
 
2,014
   
952
   
1,357
 
Social security and unemployment
 
1,046
   
878
   
750
 
Other
 
25
   
338
   
122
 
Total general taxes
$
23,607
 
$
22,458
 
$
24,474
 
                   
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Currently payable-
                 
Federal
$
33,273
 
$
37,351
 
$
38,972
 
State
 
11,468
   
11,368
   
12,004
 
   
44,741
   
48,719
   
50,976
 
Deferred, net-
                 
Federal
 
5,552
   
(2,424
)
 
(4,144
)
State
 
1,693
   
(392
)
 
(1,193
)
   
7,245
   
(2,816
)
 
(5,337
)
Investment tax credit amortization
 
(2,234
)
 
(2,412
)
 
(2,595
)
Total provision for income taxes
$
49,752
 
$
43,491
 
$
43,044
 
                   
INCOME STATEMENT CLASSIFICATION OF PROVISION FOR
                 
INCOME TAXES:
                 
Operating income
$
48,824
 
$
34,164
 
$
41,733
 
Other income
 
928
   
1,795
   
1,311
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
 
--
   
7,532
   
--
 
Total provision for income taxes
$
49,752
 
$
43,491
 
$
43,044
 
                   
RECONCILIATION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX EXPENSE AT
                 
STATUTORY RATE TO TOTAL PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Book income before provision for income taxes
$
108,828
 
$
91,942
 
$
90,761
 
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
$
38,090
 
$
32,180
 
$
31,766
 
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from:
                 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
 
8,555
   
7,134
   
7,027
 
Amortization of investment tax credits
 
(2,234
)
 
(2,412
)
 
(2,595
)
Amortization of tax regulatory assets
 
5,308
   
5,616
   
5,967
 
Other, net
 
33
   
973
   
879
 
Total provision for income taxes
$
49,752
 
$
43,491
 
$
43,044
 
                   
ACCUMULATED DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AT DECEMBER 31:
                 
Competitive transition charge
$
18,862
 
$
37,280
 
$
56,172
 
Property basis differences
 
87,584
   
77,147
   
72,488
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
 
--
   
--
   
1,045
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
 
1,471
   
2,860
   
4,249
 
Unamortized investment tax credits
 
(1,335
)
 
(1,457
)
 
(1,578
)
Deferred gain for asset sale to affiliated company
 
7,451
   
8,106
   
8,810
 
Other comprehensive income
 
(9,707
)
 
(8,335
)
 
(7,045
)
Other
 
(10,908
)
 
(17,730
)
 
(16,756
)
Net deferred income tax liability
$
93,418
 
$
97,871
 
$
117,385
 

*    Collected from customers through regulated rates and included in revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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


19

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The consolidated financial statements include Penn (Company) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Penn Power Funding LLC. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of OE. The Company follows GAAP and complies with the regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, PPUC and FERC. OE is a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. 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 the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Certain 2003 revenues and expenses have been reclassified and presented on a net basis to conform with the current year presentation.


The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for on the equity basis.

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

2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

(A)   ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF REGULATION-

The Company accounts for the effects of regulation through the application of SFAS 71 when its rates:

·
are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers;
   
·
are cost-based; and
   
·
can be charged to and collected from customers.

An enterprise meeting all of these criteria capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. SFAS 71 is applied only to the parts of the business that meet the above criteria. If a portion of the business applying SFAS 71 no longer meets those requirements, previously recorded regulatory assets are removed from the balance sheet in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 101.

Regulatory Assets and Liabilities-

The Company recognizes, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC and PPUC have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Company’s rate restructuring plan. Based on the rate restructuring plan, the Company continues to bill and collect cost-based rates relating to the Company’s nongeneration operations and continues the application of SFAS 71 to these operations.

Net regulatory assets (liabilities) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Competitive transition costs
 
$
46
 
$
90
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
   
4
   
7
 
Loss on reacquired debt.
   
7
   
6
 
Employee postretirement benefit costs
   
1
   
2
 
Nuclear decommissioning costs
   
(69
)
 
(72
)
Asset removal costs
   
(7
)
 
(6
)
Other
   
--
   
1
 
Net regulatory assets (liabilities)
 
$
(18
)
$
28
 


20

Accounting for Generation Operations-

The application of SFAS 71 was discontinued in 1998 with respect to the Company's generation operations. The SEC's interpretive guidance regarding asset impairment measurement provided that any supplemental regulated cash flows such as a CTC should be excluded from the cash flows of assets in a portion of the business not subject to regulatory accounting practices. If those assets are impaired, a regulatory asset should be established if the costs are recoverable through regulatory cash flows. Consistent with the SEC guidance and EITF 97-4, $227 million of impaired plant investments were recognized by the Company as regulatory assets recoverable through a CTC over a seven-year transition period. Net assets included in utility plant relating to the operations for which the application of SFAS 71 was discontinued were $263 million as of December 31, 2004.

(B)   CASH AND SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-


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. Noncash financing and investing activities included capital lease transactions amounting to $1.5 million for 2002. There were no capital lease transactions in 2004 and 2003.

(C)   REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES-

The Company's principal business is providing electric service to customers in western Pennsylvania. The Company's retail customers are metered on a cycle basis. Electric revenues are recorded based on energy delivered through the end of the calendar month. An estimate of unbilled revenues is calculated to recognize electric service provided between the last meter reading and the end of the month. This estimate includes many factors including estimated weather impacts, customer shopping activity, historical line loss factors and prices in effect for each class of customer. In each accounting period, the Company accrues the estimated unbilled amount receivable as revenue and reverses the related prior period estimate.

Receivables from customers include sales to residential, commercial and industrial customers located in the Company’s service area and sales to wholesale customers. There was no material concentration of receivables as of December 31, 2004 or 2003, with respect to any particular segment of the Company’s customers. Total customer receivables were $44 million (billed - $28 million and unbilled - $16 million) and $45 million (billed - $29 million and unbilled - $16 million) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

(D)   UTILITY PLANT AND DEPRECIATION-


Utility plant reflects original cost of construction (except for nuclear generating units which were adjusted to fair value), including payroll and related costs such as taxes, employee benefits, administrative and general costs, and interest costs incurred to place the assets in service. The costs of normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are expensed as incurred. The Company's accounting policy for planned major maintenance projects is to recognize liabilities as they are incurred.

The Company provides for depreciation on a straight-line basis at various rates over the estimated lives of property included in plant in service. The annual composite rate for electric plant was approximately 2.2% in 2004 and 2003 and 2.3% in 2002.

Jointly - - Owned Generating Stations-

 
The Company, together with OE and other affiliated companies, CEI and TE, own, as tenants in common, various power generating facilities. Each of the companies is obligated to pay a share of the costs associated with any jointly - owned facility in the same proportion as its interest. The Company’s portion of operating expenses associated with jointly - owned facilities is included in the corresponding operating expenses on the Statements of Income. The amounts reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheet under utility plant as of December 31, 2004 include the following:

   
Utility
 
Accumulated
 
Construction
 
Company's
 
   
Plant
 
Provision for
 
Work in
 
Ownership
 
Generating Units
 
in Service
 
Depreciation
 
Progress
 
Interest
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
W. H. Sammis Unit 7
 
$
64
 
$
24
 
$
--
   
20.80
%
Bruce Mansfield Units 1, 2 and 3
   
187
   
102
   
--
   
16.38
%
Beaver Valley Units 1 and 2
   
158
   
27
   
94
   
39.37
%
Perry
   
10
   
2
   
1
   
5.24
%
Total
 
$
419
 
$
155
 
$
95
       

Nuclear Fuel-

Nuclear fuel is recorded at original cost, which includes material, enrichment, fabrication and interest costs incurred prior to reactor load. The Company amortizes the cost of nuclear fuel based on the units of production method.

21

Asset Retirement Obligations-

The Company recognizes a liability for retirement obligations associated with tangible assets in accordance with SFAS 143. This standard requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the long-lived asset and depreciated over time, as described further in Note 8, "Asset Retirement Obligations".

(E)   ASSET IMPAIRMENTS-

Long-Lived Assets-

The Company evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In accordance with SFAS 144, the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment exists, a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated by using available market valuations or the long-lived asset's expected future net discounted cash flows. The calculation of expected cash flows is based on estimates and assumptions about future events.

Investments-

The Company periodically evaluates for impairment investments that include available-for-sale securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts. In accordance with SFAS 115, securities classified as available-for-sale are evaluated to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. The Company considers, among other factors, the length of time 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 investments for impairment. The fair value and unrealized gains and losses of the Company's investments are disclosed in Note 4.

(F)   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME-


Comprehensive income includes net income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and all other changes in common stockholder's equity except those resulting from transactions with OE and preferred stockholders. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $14 million and $12 million, respectively.

(G)   CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE-


Results for 2003 include an after-tax credit to net income of $10.6 million recorded upon the adoption of SFAS 143 in January 2003. The Company identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning and reclamation of a sludge disposal pond at the Bruce Mansfield Plant. As a result of adopting SFAS 143 in January 2003, asset retirement costs of $78 million were recorded as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset, offset by accumulated depreciation of $9 million. The ARO liability at the date of adoption was $121 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. As of December 31, 2002, the Company had recorded decommissioning liabilities of $120 million. The Company expects substantially all of its nuclear decommissioning costs to be recoverable in rates over time. Therefore, it recognized a regulatory liability of $69 million upon adoption of SFAS 143 for the transition amounts subject to refund through rates related to the ARO for nuclear decommissioning. The remaining cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation and accretion, offset by the reduction in the liabilities and the reversal of accumulated estimated removal costs for non-regulated generation assets, was an $18.2 million increase to income, or $10.6 million net of income taxes. If SFAS 143 had been applied during 2002, the impact would not have been material to the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income.

(H)   INCOME TAXES-

Details of the total provision for income taxes are shown on the Consolidated Statements of Taxes. The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carryforward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled. The Company is included in FirstEnergy's consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated tax liability is allocated on a åstand-aloneæ company basis, with the Company recognizing any tax losses or credits it contributed to the consolidated return.

22

(I)   TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED COMPANIES-


Operating revenues, operating expenses and other income include transactions with affiliated companies, primarily ATSI, FES and FESC. FES operates the generation businesses of the Company, OE, CEI and TE. As a result, the Company entered into power supply agreements (PSA) whereby FES purchases all of the Company's nuclear generation and the Company purchases its power from FES to meet its "provider of last resort" obligations. In the fourth quarter of 2003, ATSI transferred operational control of its transmission facilities to MISO and previously affiliated transmission service expenses are now provided under the MISO Open Access Transmission Tariff. In 2002, the Company terminated its nuclear fuel leasing arrangement with OES Fuel and now owns its nuclear fuel. The primary affiliated companies transactions are as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Operating Revenues:
             
PSA revenues from FES
 
$
177
 
$
162
 
$
138
 
Generating units rent from FES
   
20
   
20
   
20
 
Ground lease with ATSI
   
1
   
1
   
1
 
                     
Operating Expenses:
                   
Nuclear fuel leased from OES Fuel
   
--
   
--
   
5
 
Purchased power under PSA
   
181
   
166
   
157
 
Transmission facilities rentals
   
--
   
10
   
13
 
FESC support services
   
15
   
13
   
9
 
                     
Other Income:
                   
Interest income from ATSI
   
3
   
3
   
3
 
Interest income from FES
   
--
   
1
   
1
 

FirstEnergy does not bill directly or allocate any of its costs to any subsidiary company. Costs are allocated to the Company from FESC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. and a "mutual service company" as defined in Rule 93 of the PUHCA. The majority of costs are directly billed or assigned at no more than cost as determined by PUHCA Rule 91. The remaining costs are for services that are provided on behalf of more than one company, or costs that cannot be precisely identified and are allocated using formulas that are filed annually with the SEC on Form U-13-60. The current allocation or assignment formulas used and their bases include multiple factor formulas; each company’s proportionate amount of FirstEnergy’s aggregate direct payroll, number of employees, asset balances, revenues, number of customers, other factors and specific departmental charge ratios. Management believes that these allocation methods are reasonable. Intercompany transactions with OE, FirstEnergy and its other subsidiaries are generally settled under commercial terms within thirty days, except for $4 million payable to affiliates for OPEB obligations.

3.   PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS:


FirstEnergy provides noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees. The trusteed plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company's funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (Company's share was $13 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. The election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement. Since the contribution is deductible for tax purposes, the after-tax cash impact of the voluntary contribution is approximately $300 million (Company's share was $8 million).

FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and copayments, are also available to retired employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. The Company recognizes the expected cost of providing other postretirement benefits to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs may also be affected by changes in key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations and pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31 measurement date for the majority of its plans.

23

Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables provide information applicable to FirstEnergy’s pension and OPEB plans.
Obligations and Funded Status
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Change in benefit obligation
                 
Benefit obligation as of January 1
 
$
4,162
 
$
3,866
 
$
2,368
 
$
2,077
 
Service cost
   
77
   
66
   
36
   
43
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
112
   
136
 
Plan participants’ contributions
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
6
 
Plan amendments
   
--
   
--
   
(281
)
 
(123
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
134
   
222
   
(211
)
 
323
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Benefit obligation as of December 31
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
$
1,930
 
$
2,368
 
                           
Change in fair value of plan assets
                         
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1
 
$
3,315
 
$
2,889
 
$
537
 
$
473
 
Actual return on plan assets
   
415
   
671
   
57
   
88
 
Company contribution
   
500
   
--
   
64
   
68
 
Plan participants’ contribution
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
2
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31
 
$
3,969
 
$
3,315
 
$
564
 
$
537
 
                           
Funded status
 
$
(395
)
$
(847
)
$
(1,366
)
$
(1,831
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
885
   
919
   
730
   
994
 
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
   
63
   
72
   
(378
)
 
(221
)
Unrecognized net transition obligation
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
83
 
Net asset (liability) recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
                           
Amounts Recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31
                         
                           
Accrued benefit cost
 
$
(14
)
$
(438
)
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Intangible assets
   
63
   
72
   
--
   
--
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
504
   
510
   
--
   
--
 
Net amount recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Company's share of net amount recognized
 
$
23
 
$
10
 
$
(43
)
$
(39
)
                           
Increase (decrease) in minimum liability
                         
Included in other comprehensive income
                         
(net of tax)
 
$
(4
)
$
(145
)
 
--
   
--
 
                           
Assumptions Used to Determine
Benefit Obligations As of December 31
                         
                           
Discount rate
   
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
           
                           

Allocation of Plan Assets
As of December 31
                 
Asset Category
                 
Equity securities
   
68
%
 
70
%
 
74
%
 
71
%
Debt securities
   
29
   
27
   
25
   
22
 
Real estate
   
2
   
2
   
--
   
--
 
Cash
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
7
 
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

Information for Pension Plans With an
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in
         
Excess of Plan Assets
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
   
3,983
   
3,753
 
Fair value of plan assets
   
3,969
   
3,315
 


24


                           
   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Service cost
 
$
77
 
$
66
 
$
59
 
$
36
 
$
43
 
$
29
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
249
   
112
   
137
   
114
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(286
)
 
(248
)
 
(346
)
 
(44
)
 
(43
)
 
(52
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
9
   
9
   
9
   
(40
)
 
(9
)
 
3
 
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
9
   
9
 
Recognized net actuarial loss
   
39
   
62
   
--
   
39
   
40
   
11
 
Net periodic cost (income)
 
$
91
 
$
142
 
$
(29
)
$
103
 
$
177
 
$
114
 
Company's share of net periodic cost
 
$
--
 
$
4
 
$
1
 
$
5
 
$
7
 
$
2
 

Weighted-Average Assumptions Used
                         
to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
for Years Ended December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                           
Discount rate
   
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
   
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
 
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
                 


In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the Company's pension trusts. The long-term rate of return is developed considering the portfolio’s asset allocation strategy.

FirstEnergy employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Other assets such as real estate are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives are not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on a continuing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.

Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
         
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next
         
year (pre/post-Medicare)
   
9%-11
%
 
10%-12
%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to
             
decline (the ultimate trend rate)
   
5
%
 
5
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend
             
rate (pre/post-Medicare)
   
2009-2011
   
2009-2011
 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

   
1-Percentage-
 
1-Percentage-
 
   
Point Increase
 
Point Decrease
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Effect on total of service and interest cost
 
$
19
 
$
(16
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
205
 
$
(179
)

Pursuant to FSP 106-1 issued January 12, 2004, FirstEnergy began accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act effective January 1, 2004 because of a plan amendment during the quarter, which required remeasurement of the plan's obligations. The plan amendment, which increases cost-sharing by employees and retirees effective January 1, 2005, reduced the Company's postretirement benefit costs by $2 million during 2004.

Consistent with the guidance in FSP 106-2 issued on May 19, 2004, FirstEnergy recognized a reduction of $318 million in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as a result of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act related to benefits for past service. This reduction was accounted for as an actuarial gain in 2004 pursuant to FSP 106-2. The subsidy reduced the Company's net periodic postretirement benefit costs by $2 million during 2004.

25

As a result of its voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, the Company reduced its accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $8 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, the Company increased its additional minimum liability by $4 million, recording an increase in an intangible asset of $1 million and charging $3 million to OCI. The balance in AOCL of $14 million (net of $10 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets:

   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
2005
 
$
228
 
$
111
 
2006
   
228
   
106
 
2007
   
236
   
109
 
2008
   
247
   
112
 
2009
   
264
   
115
 
Years 2010 - 2014
   
1,531
   
627
 

4.   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Long-term Debt and Other Long-term Obligations-

All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as financial instruments under GAAP and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations as of December 31:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Long-term debt
 
$
148
 
$
160
 
$
211
 
$
228
 
Preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption
   
13
   
12
   
14
   
14
 
   
$
161
 
$
172
 
$
225
 
$
242
 


The fair values of long-term debt and other long-term obligations reflect the present value of the cash outflows relating to those securities based on the current call price, the yield to maturity or the yield to call, as deemed appropriate at the end of each respective year. The yields assumed were based on securities with similar characteristics offered by corporations with credit ratings similar to the Company’s ratings.

Investments-

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these investments. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of investments other than cash and cash equivalents as of December 31:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Debt securities(1):
                 
-Government obligations
 
$
41
 
$
41
 
$
47
 
$
47
 
-Corporate debt securities
   
77
   
83
   
76
   
81
 
-Mortgage-backed securities
   
1
   
1
   
--
   
--
 
     
119
   
125
   
123
   
128
 
Equity securities(1)
   
57
   
57
   
52
   
52
 
   
$
176
 
$
182
 
$
175
 
$
180
 
(1)    Includes nuclear decommissioning trust investments.

The fair value of investments other than cash and cash equivalents represent cost (which approximates fair value) or 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.

26

Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include held-to-maturity securities and available-for-sale securities. Decommissioning trust investments are classified as available-for-sale. The Company has no securities held for trading purposes. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for decommissioning trust investments as of December 31:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                                   
Debt securities
 
$
85
 
$
2
 
$
1
 
$
86
 
$
82
 
$
2
 
$
--
 
$
84
 
Equity securities
   
50
   
8
   
1
   
57
   
47
   
5
   
2
   
50
 
   
$
135
 
$
10
 
$
2
 
$
143
 
$
129
 
$
7
 
$
2
 
$
134
 

Proceeds from the sale of decommissioning trust investments, gross realized gains and losses on those sales, and interest and dividend income for the three years ended December 31, 2004 were as follows:
 

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Proceeds from sales
 
$
41
 
$
47
 
$
53
 
Gross realized gains
   
1
   
2
   
2
 
Gross realized losses
   
1
   
1
   
3
 
Interest and dividend income
   
5
   
5
   
5
 


The following table provides the fair value and gross unrealized losses of nuclear decommissioning trust investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2004.

   
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
   
(In millions)
 
                           
Debt securities
 
$
30
 
$
--
 
$
3
 
$
1
 
$
33
 
$
1
 
Equity securities
   
--
   
--
   
13
   
1
   
13
   
1
 
   
$
30
 
$
--
 
$
16
 
$
2
 
$
46
 
$
2
 

The Company periodically evaluates the securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts for other-than-temporary impairment. The Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the security's fair value has been less than its cost basis and other factors to determine whether an impairment is other than temporary. The Company's decommissioning trusts are subject to regulatory accounting in accordance with SFAS 71. Net unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets since the difference between investments held in trust and the decommissioning liabilities are recovered from or refunded to customers.

The investment policy for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds restricts or limits the 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 fund's custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.

5.   LEASES:

The Company leases office space and other property and equipment under cancelable and noncancelable leases. Consistent with the regulatory treatment, the rentals for capital and operating leases are charged to operating expenses on the Statements of Income. Such costs for the three years ended December 31, 2004, are summarized as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Operating leases
             
Interest element
 
$
0.3
 
$
0.2
 
$
0.1
 
Other
   
0.6
   
0.3
   
0.2
 
Capital leases
                   
Interest element
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Other
   
--
   
--
   
0.1
 
Total rentals
 
$
0.9
 
$
0.5
 
$
0.4
 

27


The future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2004, are:

   
Operating
 
   
Leases
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
2005
 
$
0.1
 
2006
   
0.1
 
2007
   
0.1
 
2008
   
0.1
 
2009
   
0.1
 
Years thereafter
   
0.5
 
Total minimum lease payments
 
$
1.0
 

6.   REGULATORY MATTERS:

In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. With respect to each of these reliability enhancement initiatives, FirstEnergy submitted its response to the respective entity according to any required response dates. In 2004, FirstEnergy completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. Furthermore, FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted, that FirstEnergy had completed the recommended enhancements, policies, procedures and actions it had recommended be completed by June 30, 2004. In addition, FirstEnergy requested, and NERC provided, a technical assistance team of experts to assist in implementing and confirming timely and successful completion of various initiatives. The NERC-assembled independent verification team confirmed on July 14, 2004, that FirstEnergy had implemented the NERC Recommended Actions to Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Future Cascading Blackouts required to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as NERC recommendations contained in the Control Area Readiness Audit Report required to be completed by summer 2004, and recommendations in the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force Report directed toward FirstEnergy and required to be completed by June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy. On December 28, 2004, FirstEnergy submitted a follow-up to its June 30, 2004 Certification and Report of Completion to NERC addressing the minor exceptions, which are now essentially complete.

FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

In May 2004, the PPUC issued an order approving the revised reliability benchmark and standards, including revised benchmarks and standards for the Company. The Company filed a Petition for Amendment of Benchmarks with the PPUC on May 26, 2004 seeking amendment of the benchmarks and standards due to their implementation of automated outage management systems following restructuring. Evidentiary hearings have been scheduled for September 2005. No procedural schedule or hearing date has been set for this proceeding. The Company is unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding.

On January 16, 2004, the PPUC initiated a formal investigation of whether the Company's "service reliability performance deteriorated to a point below the level of service reliability that existed prior to restructuring" in Pennsylvania. Hearings were held in early August 2004. On September 30, 2004, the Company filed a settlement agreement with the PPUC that addresses the issues related to this investigation. As part of the settlement, the Company, Met-Ed and Penelec agreed to enhance service reliability, ongoing periodic performance reporting and communications with customers and to collectively maintain their current spending levels of at least $255 million annually on combined capital and operation and maintenance expenditures for transmission and distribution for the years 2005 through 2007. The settlement also outlines an expedited remediation process to address any alleged non-compliance with terms of the settlement and an expedited PPUC hearing process if remediation is unsuccessful. On November 4, 2004, the PPUC accepted the recommendation of the ALJ approving the settlement.

28


Pennsylvania enacted its electric utility competition law in 1996 with the phase in of customer choice for electric generation suppliers completed as of January 1, 2001. The Company continues to deliver power to homes and businesses through its distribution system, which remains regulated by the PPUC. The Company’s rates have been restructured to itemize (unbundle) the current price of electricity into its component elements - including generation, transmission, distribution and stranded cost recovery. In the event customers obtain power from an alternative source, the generation portion of the Company’s rates is excluded from their bill and the customers receive a generation charge from the alternative supplier. The stranded cost recovery portion of rates provides for recovery of certain amounts not otherwise considered recoverable in a competitive generation market, including regulatory assets. Under the rate restructuring plan, the Company is entitled to recover $236 million of stranded costs through the CTC that began in 1999 and ends in 2006.

7.   CAPITALIZATION:

(A)   RETAINED EARNINGS-

Under the Company’s Charter, the Company’s retained earnings unrestricted for payment of cash dividends on the Company’s common stock were $78.0 million as of December 31, 2004.

(B)   PREFERRED STOCK-

All preferred stock may be redeemed by the Company in whole, or in part, with 30-60 days’ notice.

(C)   LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS-

Preferred Stock Subject to Mandatory Redemption-

The Company’s 7.625% series has an annual sinking fund requirement for 7,500 shares in 2005 and 2006.
 
        The Company's preferred shares are retired at $100 per share plus accrued dividends. Annual sinking fund requirements are $750,000 in 2005 and 2006 and $11.25 million in 2007.

Other Long-Term Debt- 
 
The Company has a FMB indenture under which it issues FMB secured by a direct first mortgage lien on substantially all of its property and franchises, other than specifically excepted property. The Company has various debt covenants under its financing arrangements. The most restrictive of the debt covenants relate to the nonpayment of interest and/or principal on debt which could trigger a default and the maintenance of minimum fixed charge ratios and debt to capitalization ratios. There also exists cross-default provisions among financing arrangements of FirstEnergy and the Company.
 
Based on the amount of FMB authenticated by the mortgage bond trustee through December 31, 2004, the Company's annual sinking fund requirements for all FMB issued under its first mortgage indenture amounts to $10 million. The Company expects to deposit funds with its mortgage bond trustee in 2005 that will then be withdrawn upon the surrender for cancellation of a like principal amount of FMB, which are specifically authenticated for such purposes against unfunded property additions or against previously retired FMB. This method can result in minor increases in the amount of the annual sinking fund requirement.

Sinking fund requirements for FMB and maturing long-term debt during the next five years are $26 million in 2005 and $1.0 million in each year 2006 through 2009. Included in these amounts are various variable interest rate long-term debt which have provisions by which individual debt holders have the option to "put back" or require the respective debt issuer to redeem their debt at those times when the interest rate may change prior to its maturity date. Those amounts are $25 million in 2005, which represents the next time the debt holders may exercise this provision.

The Company's obligations to repay certain pollution control revenue bonds are secured by several series of FMB. Certain pollution control revenue bonds are entitled to the benefit of irrevocable bank LOCs of $10.4 million and noncancelable municipal bond insurance policies of $38 million to pay principal of, or interest on, the pollution control revenue bonds. To the extent that drawings are made under the LOCs or policies, the Company is entitled to a credit against its obligation to repay the related bond. The Company pays an annual fee of 1.0% of the amount of the LOCs to the issuing bank and 0.24% to 0.30% of the amounts of the policies to the insurers and is obligated to reimburse the bank or insurers, as the case may be, for any drawings thereunder.

29


8.   ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:


In January 2003, the Company implemented SFAS 143, which provides accounting standards for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. This statement requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over time the capitalized costs are depreciated and the present value of the asset retirement liability increases, resulting in a period expense. However, rate-regulated entities may recognize a regulatory asset or liability instead of an expense if the criteria for such treatment are met. Upon retirement, a gain or loss would be recognized if the cost to settle the retirement obligation differs from the carrying amount.

The Company identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning and reclamation of a sludge disposal pond related to the Bruce Mansfield Plant. The ARO liability as of the date of adoption of SFAS 143 was $121.3 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. Accretion during 2004 was $8 million, bringing the ARO liability as of December 31, 2004 to $138 million. The ARO includes the Company's obligation for nuclear decommissioning of the Beaver Valley and Perry generating facilities. The Company's share of the obligation to decommission these units was developed based on site-specific studies performed by an independent engineer. The Company utilized an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. The Company maintains nuclear decommissioning trust funds that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning ARO. As of December 31, 2004, the fair value of the decommissioning trust assets was $143 million.

The following table describes changes to the ARO balances during 2004 and 2003.


ARO Reconciliation
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
130
 
$
122
 
Accretion
   
8
   
8
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
138
 
$
130
 

The following table provides the year-end balance of the ARO for 2002, as if SFAS 143 had been adopted on January 1, 2002.

Adjusted ARO Reconciliation
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
114
 
Accretion
   
8
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
122
 

9.   SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:

The Company may borrow from affiliates on a short-term basis. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had borrowed $11.9 million from its affiliates at an average interest rate of 2.0%.

In March 2004, the Company completed, through a separate wholly owned subsidiary, a receivables financing arrangement that provides borrowing capability of up to $25 million. The borrowing rate is based on bank commercial paper rates. The Company is required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.40% on the entire finance limit. The facility was undrawn as of December 31, 2004 and matures on March 29, 2005. This receivables financing arrangement is expected to be renewed prior to expiration.

10.   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

(A)   NUCLEAR INSURANCE-


The Price-Anderson Act limits the public liability relative to a single incident at a nuclear power plant to $10.8 billion. The amount is covered by a combination of private insurance and an industry retrospective rating plan. Based on its ownership interests in the Beaver Valley Station and the Perry Plant, the Company’s maximum potential assessment under the industry retrospective rating plan (assuming the other affiliate co-owners contribute their proportionate shares of any assessments under the retrospective rating plan) would be $84.5 million per incident but not more than $8.4 million in any one year for each incident.

30


The Company is also insured as to its interest in Beaver Valley and Perry under policies issued to the operating company for each plant. Under these policies, up to $2.75 billion is provided for property damage and decontamination and decommissioning costs. The Company has also obtained approximately $280.1 million of insurance coverage for replacement power costs for its interests in Beaver Valley and Perry. Under these policies, the Company can be assessed a maximum of approximately $13.2 million for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year which are in excess of accumulated funds available to the insurer for paying losses.

The Company intends to maintain insurance against nuclear risks as described above as long as it is available. To the extent that replacement power, property damage, decontamination, decommissioning, repair and replacement costs and other such costs arising from a nuclear incident at any of the Company’s plants exceed the policy limits of the insurance in effect with respect to that plant, to the extent a nuclear incident is determined not to be covered by the Company’s insurance policies, or to the extent such insurance becomes unavailable in the future, the Company would remain at risk for such costs.

(B)   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS-


Various federal, state and local authorities regulate the Company with regard to air and water quality and other environmental matters. The effects of compliance on the Company with regard to environmental matters could have a material adverse effect on the Company's earnings and competitive position. These environmental regulations affect the Company's earnings and competitive position to the extent that it 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. Overall, the Company believes it is in material compliance with existing regulations but is unable to predict future change in regulatory policies and what, if any, the effects of such change would be. Generation operations and any related additional capital expenditures for environmental compliance are the responsibility of FirstEnergy's competitive services business unit.

Clean Air Act Compliance-


The Company is required to meet federally approved SO2 regulations. Violations of such regulations can result in shutdown of the generating unit involved and/or civil or criminal penalties of up to $32,500 for each day the unit is in violation. The EPA has an interim enforcement policy for SO2 regulations in Ohio that allows for compliance based on a 30-day averaging period. The Company cannot predict what action the EPA may take in the future with respect to the interim enforcement policy.
 

The Company believes it is complying with SO2 reduction requirements under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 by burning lower-sulfur fuel, generating more electricity from lower-emitting plants, and/or using emission allowances. NOx reductions required by the 1990 Amendments are being achieved through combustion controls and the generation of more electricity at lower-emitting plants. In September 1998, the EPA finalized regulations requiring additional NOx reductions from the Company's facilities. The EPA's NOx Transport Rule imposes uniform reductions of NOx emissions (an approximate 85% reduction in utility plant NOx emissions from projected 2007 emissions) across a region of nineteen states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on a conclusion that such NOx emissions are contributing significantly to ozone levels in the eastern United States. The Company believes its facilities are complying with the NOx budgets established under State Implementation Plans (SIPs) through combustion controls and post-combustion controls, including Selective Catalytic Reduction and Selective Non-Catalytic Reduction systems, and/or using emission allowances.
 
National Ambient Air Quality Standards-

In July 1997, the EPA promulgated changes in the NAAQS for ozone and proposed a new NAAQS for fine particulate matter. On December 17, 2003, the EPA proposed the "Interstate Air Quality Rule" covering a total of 29 states (including Ohio and Pennsylvania) and the District of Columbia based on proposed findings that air pollution emissions from 29 eastern states and the District of Columbia significantly contribute to nonattainment of the NAAQS for fine particles and/or the "8-hour" ozone NAAQS in other states. The EPA has proposed the Interstate Air Quality Rule to "cap-and-trade" NOx and SO2 emissions in two phases (Phase I in 2010 and Phase II in 2015). According to the EPA, SO2 emissions would be reduced by approximately 3.6 million tons annually by 2010, across states covered by the rule, with reductions ultimately reaching more than 5.5 million tons annually. NOx emission reductions would measure about 1.5 million tons in 2010 and 1.8 million tons in 2015. The future cost of compliance with these proposed regulations may be substantial and will depend on whether and how they are ultimately implemented by the states in which the Company operates affected facilities.

31


Mercury Emissions-


In December 2000, the EPA announced it would proceed with the development of regulations regarding hazardous air pollutants from electric power plants, identifying mercury as the hazardous air pollutant of greatest concern. On December 15, 2003, the EPA proposed two different approaches to reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The first approach would require plants to install controls known as MACT based on the type of coal burned. According to the EPA, if implemented, the MACT proposal would reduce nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants by 14 tons to approximately 34 tons per year. The second approach proposes a cap-and-trade program that would reduce mercury emissions in two distinct phases. Initially, mercury emissions would be reduced by 2010 as a "co-benefit" from implementation of SO2 and NOx emission caps under the EPA's proposed Interstate Air Quality Rule. Phase II of the mercury cap-and-trade program would be implemented in 2018 to cap nationwide mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants at 15 tons per year. The EPA has agreed to choose between these two options and issue a final rule by March 15, 2005. The future cost of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.

W. H. Sammis Plant-

In 1999 and 2000, the EPA issued NOV or Compliance Orders to nine utilities covering 44 power plants, including the W. H. Sammis Plant, which is owned by the Company and OE. In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice filed eight civil complaints against various investor-owned utilities, which included a complaint against the Company and OE in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. These cases are referred to as New Source Review cases. The NOV and complaint allege violations of the Clean Air Act based on operation and maintenance of the W. H. Sammis Plant dating back to 1984. The complaint requests permanent injunctive relief to require the installation of "best available control technology" and civil penalties of up to $27,500 per day of violation. On August 7, 2003, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio ruled that 11 projects undertaken at the W. H. Sammis Plant between 1984 and 1998 required pre-construction permits under the Clean Air Act. The ruling concludes the liability phase of the case, which deals with applicability of Prevention of Significant Deterioration provisions of the Clean Air Act. The remedy phase trial to address civil penalties and what, if any, actions should be taken to further reduce emissions at the plant has been delayed without rescheduling by the Court because the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement negotiations. The Court indicated, in its August 2003 ruling, that the remedies it "may consider and impose involved a much broader, equitable analysis, requiring the Court to consider air quality, public health, economic impact, and employment consequences. The Court may also consider the less than consistent efforts of the EPA to apply and further enforce the Clean Air Act." The potential penalties that may be imposed, as well as the capital expenditures necessary to comply with substantive remedial measures that may be required, could have a material adverse impact on FirstEnergy's, the Company's and OE's respective financial condition and results of operations. While the parties are engaged in meaningful settlement discussions, management is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of this matter and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.

Regulation of Hazardous Waste-


As a result of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, and the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, federal and state hazardous waste regulations have been promulgated. Certain fossil-fuel combustion waste products, such as coal ash, were exempted from hazardous waste disposal requirements pending the EPA's evaluation of the need for future regulation. The EPA subsequently determined that regulation of coal ash as a hazardous waste is unnecessary. In April 2000, the EPA announced that it will develop national standards regulating disposal of coal ash under its authority to regulate nonhazardous waste.

Climate Change-


In December 1997, delegates to the United Nations' climate summit in Japan adopted an agreement, the Kyoto Protocol (Protocol), to address global warming by reducing the amount of man-made greenhouse gases emitted by developed countries by 5.2% from 1990 levels between 2008 and 2012. The United States signed the Protocol in 1998 but it failed to receive the two-thirds vote of the United States Senate required for ratification. However, the Bush administration has committed the United States to a voluntary climate change strategy to reduce domestic greenhouse gas intensity - the ratio of emissions to economic output - by 18% through 2012.


The Company cannot currently estimate the financial impact of climate change policies, although the potential restrictions on CO2 emissions could require significant capital and other expenditures. However, the CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated by the Company is lower than many regional competitors due to the Company's diversified generation sources which includes low or non-CO2 emitting gas-fired and nuclear generators.

32

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 the Companies' plants. In addition, Ohio and Pennsylvania have water quality standards applicable to the Companies' operations. As provided in the Clean Water Act, authority to grant federal National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System water discharge permits can be assumed by a state. Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have assumed such authority.

On September 7, 2004, the EPA established new performance standards under Clean Water Act Section 316(b) for reducing impacts on fish and shellfish from cooling water intake structures at certain existing large 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 species are drawn into a facility's cooling water system. The Company is conducting comprehensive demonstration studies, due in 2008, to determine the operational measures, equipment or restoration activities, if any, necessary for compliance by its facilities with the performance standards. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of such studies. Depending on the outcome of such studies, the future cost of compliance with these standards may require material capital expenditures.

 
(C)
OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS-

Power Outages and Related Litigation-

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. On April 5, 2004, the U.S. -Canada Power System Outage Task Force released its final report on the outages. In the final report, the Task Force concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contains 46 "recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations relate to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, relates to activities the Task Force recommends be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which are consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, completion of various reliability recommendations and further received independent verification of completion status from a NERC verification team on July 14, 2004 with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy (see Note 6). FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. As many of these initiatives already were in process, FirstEnergy does not believe that any incremental expenses associated with additional initiatives undertaken during 2004 will have a material effect on its operations or financial results. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of December 31, 2004 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be instituted against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

Legal Matters-

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to the Company's normal business operations pending against the Company. The most significant are described below.

On August 12, 2004, the NRC notified FENOC that it will increase its regulatory oversight of the Perry Nuclear Power Plant as a result of problems with safety system equipment over the past two years. FENOC operates the Perry Nuclear Power Plant, in which the Company owns a 5.24% interest. Although the NRC noted that the plant continues to operate safely, the agency has indicated that its increased oversight will include an extensive NRC team inspection to assess the equipment problems and the sufficiency of FENOC's corrective actions. The outcome of these matters could include NRC enforcement action or other impacts on operating authority. As a result, these matters could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition.

33


11.   NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS:

SFAS 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29"


In December 2004, the FASB issued this Statement amending APB 29, which was based on the principle that nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

SFAS 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4"

In November 2004, the FASB issued this statement to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be "so abnormal" that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by the Company after June 30, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

EITF   Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1. EITF 03-1 provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.

EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"

In March 2004, the FASB ratified the final consensus on Issue 03-16. EITF 03-16 requires that an investment in a limited liability company that maintains a "specific ownership account" for each investor should be viewed as similar to an investment in a limited partnership for determining whether the cost or equity method of accounting should be used. The equity method of accounting is generally required for investments that represent more than a three to five percent interest in a limited partnership. EITF 03-16 was adopted by Penn in the third quarter of 2004 and did not affect the Company's financial statements.
 

FSP 109-1. "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"


Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) "qualified production activities income," as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"


Issued in May 2004, FSP 106-2 provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy provided by the Medicare Act. The effect of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act on the Company's consolidated financial statements is described in Note 3.

34


12.   SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

The following summarizes certain consolidated operating results by quarter for 2004 and 2003.


   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
142.6
 
$
134.6
 
$
143.3
 
$
128.6
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
122.1
   
115.4
   
123.1
   
127.7
 
Operating Income
   
20.5
   
19.2
   
20.2
   
0.9
 
Other Income
   
1.0
   
0.5
   
0.8
   
1.2
 
Net Interest Charges
   
1.8
   
1.8
   
0.6
   
1.0
 
Net Income
 
$
19.7
 
$
17.9
 
$
20.4
 
$
1.1
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
19.1
 
$
17.3
 
$
19.7
 
$
0.4
 

   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
128.3
 
$
116.6
 
$
145.8
 
$
135.8
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
130.2
   
110.3
   
125.9
   
112.8
 
Operating Income (Loss)
   
(1.9
)
 
6.3
   
19.9
   
23.0
 
Other Income
   
0.6
   
0.5
   
0.4
   
1.3
 
Net Interest Charges
   
3.4
   
3.4
   
2.9
   
2.5
 
Income (Loss) Before Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
   
(4.7
)
 
3.4
   
17.4
   
21.8
 
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change (Net of Income Taxes)
   
10.6
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Net Income
 
$
5.9
 
$
3.4
 
$
17.4
 
$
21.8
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
5.0
 
$
2.5
 
$
16.8
 
$
21.1
 

35
EX-21.4 42 ex21-4.htm JCP&L - LIST OF SUBS Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 21.4



PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY
LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
AT DECEMBER 31, 2004



Penn Power Funding LLC - Incorporated in Delaware



Statement of Differences

Exhibit Number 21, List of Subsidiaries of the registrant at December 31, 2004, is not included in the printed document.

EX-23.2 43 ex23-2.htm PP - PWC CONSENT Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 23.2



PENNSYLVANIA POWER COMPANY

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 33-62450 and 33-65156) of Pennsylvania Power Company of our report dated March 7, 2005 relating to the consolidated financial statements, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in the Annual Report to Stockholders, which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated March 7, 2005 relating to the financial statement schedules, which appears in this Form 10-K. 



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005

EX-4.5 44 ex4-5.htm OE - SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE - 7TH

EXHIBIT 4.5

Executed in 30 Counterparts of which

this is Counterpart No. 30

MORTGAGE

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

to

THE BANK OF NEW YORK,
Successor Trustee


FIFTY-FIFTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE
FIRST MORTGAGE BONDS,
DESIGNATED SENIOR NOTE SERIES F BONDS


Dated as of April 1, 2004

This instrument prepared by:

/s/ Marc B. Lasky


Marc B. Lasky, Esq.

Table of Contents

         
    Page
PARTIES
    1  
 
       
RECITALS
    1  
 
       
GRANT
    5  
 
       
EXCEPTED PROPERTY
    5  
 
       
GENERAL SUBJECT CLAUSES
    5  
 
       
Article I CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
    6  
 
       
Section 1.01 Acceptance by Trustee of Property in Trust
    6  
Section 1.02 Recitals by Company
    6  
 
       
Article II CREATION, DESCRIPTION AND FORM OF THE SENIOR NOTE SERIES F BONDS
    6  
 
       
Section 2.01 Creation of Senior Note Series F Bonds
    6  
Section 2.02 Unlimited Principal Amount of Senior Note Series F Bonds Issuable
    6  
Section 2.03 Dating, Maturity and Payment of Principal and Interest of Senior Note Series F Bonds
    7  
Section 2.04 Payment on New Senior Notes Sufficient
    8  
Section 2.05 Registered in Name of the Senior Note Trustee
    8  
Section 2.06 Senior Note Series F Bonds Not Transferable
    8  
Section 2.07 Redemption Provisions
    9  
Section 2.08 Redemption on Demand of Senior Note Trustee
    9  
Section 2.09 Senior Note Series F Bonds as ‘Related Senior Note First Mortgage Bonds’
    9  
Section 2.10 Surrender of Senior Note Series F Bonds
    9  
Section 2.11 Discharge From and After Release Date
    10  
Section 2.12 Form of Senior Note Series F Bonds
    10  
 
       
Article III MISCELLANEOUS
    17  
 
       
Section 3.01 Meaning of Certain Terms
    17  
Section 3.02 Original Indenture and Supplemental Indentures Ratified and Confirmed
    17  
Section 3.03 Execution in Counterparts
    17  

i

         
    Page
TESTIMONIUM
    18  
 
       
SIGNATURES AND SEALS
    18  
 
       
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
    20  
 
       
CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE
    24  

ii

MORTGAGE

     FIFTY-FIFTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE, dated as of the 1st day of April, 2004, made and entered into by and between JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey (hereinafter called the “Company”), party of the first part, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK, a banking corporation of the State of New York, with its principal corporate trust office at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York, 10286, as Successor Trustee under the Original Indenture hereinafter mentioned (the Successor Trustee being hereinafter sometimes called “Trustee”), party of the second part.

     WHEREAS, the Company has heretofore executed and delivered to City Bank Farmers Trust Company an Indenture dated as of March 1, 1946 (hereinafter called the “Original Indenture”), to secure the principal of and the interest and premium (if any) on all bonds at any time issued and outstanding thereunder, to declare the terms and conditions upon which bonds are to be issued thereunder and to subject to the lien thereof certain property therein described; and

     WHEREAS, The Bank of New York is now acting as Successor Trustee under the Original Indenture and the indentures supplemental thereto hereinafter enumerated; and

     WHEREAS, the Original Indenture has heretofore been supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1948, a Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1953, a Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1954, a Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1955, a Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1956, a Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1957, a Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1959, an Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1960, a Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 1, 1962, a Tenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1963, an Eleventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1964, a Twelfth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 1,1965, a Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1966, a Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1967, a Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1968, a Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1969, a Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1970, an Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1970, a Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 1, 1971, a Twentieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 1, 1971, a Twenty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1972, a Twenty-second Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1973, a Twenty-third Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1973, a Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 1, 1973, a Twenty-fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 1, 1974, a Twenty-sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 1, 1975, a Twenty-seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1975, a Twenty-eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1975, a Twenty-ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 1, 1976, a Supplemental Indenture No. 29A dated as of May 31, 1976, a Thirtieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1976, a Thirty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 1977, a Thirty-

1

second Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 20, 1978, a Thirty-third Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 1, 1979, a Thirty-fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 1979, a Thirty-fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 15, 1979, a Thirty-sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1979, a Thirty-seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 1, 1984, a Thirty-eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1985, a Thirty-ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1988, a Fortieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 14, 1988, a Forty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1989, a Forty-second Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1989, a Forty-third Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 1, 1991, a Forty-fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 1, 1992, a Forty-fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1992, a Forty-sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 1993, a Forty-seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 10, 1993, a Forty-eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 15, 1993, a Forty-ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 1, 1993, a Fiftieth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 1, 1994, a Fifty-first Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 15, 1996, a Fifty-second Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 1, 1999, a Fifty-third Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 1, 1999 and a Fifty-fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 2001 (hereinafter respectively called “First Supplemental Indenture,” “Second Supplemental Indenture,” “Third Supplemental Indenture,” “Fourth Supplemental Indenture,” “Fifth Supplemental Indenture,” “Sixth Supplemental Indenture,” “Seventh Supplemental Indenture,” “Eighth Supplemental Indenture,” “Ninth Supplemental Indenture,” “Tenth Supplemental Indenture,” “Eleventh Supplemental Indenture,” “Twelfth Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture,” “Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture,” “Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture,” “Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture,” “Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture,” “Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture,” “Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture,” “Twentieth Supplemental Indenture,” “Twenty-first Supplemental Indenture,” “Twenty-second Supplemental Indenture,” “Twenty-third Supplemental Indenture,” “Twenty-fourth Supplemental Indenture,” “Twenty-fifth Supplemental Indenture,” “Twenty-sixth Supplemental Indenture,” “Twenty-seventh Supplemental Indenture,” “Twenty-eighth Supplemental Indenture,” “Twenty-ninth Supplemental Indenture,” “Supplemental Indenture No. 29A,” “Thirtieth Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirty-first Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirty-second Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirty-third Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirty-fourth Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirty-fifth Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirty-sixth Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirty-seventh Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirty-eighth Supplemental Indenture,” “Thirty-ninth Supplemental Indenture,” “Fortieth Supplemental Indenture,” “Forty-first Supplemental Indenture,” “Forty-second Supplemental Indenture,” “Forty-third Supplemental indenture,” “Forty-fourth Supplemental Indenture,” “Forty-fifth Supplemental Indenture,” “Forty-sixth Supplemental Indenture,” “Forty-seventh Supplemental Indenture,” “Forty-eighth Supplemental Indenture,” “Forty-ninth Supplemental Indenture,” “Fiftieth Supplemental Indenture,” “Fifty-first Supplemental Indenture,” “Fifty-second Supplemental Indenture,” “Fifty-third Supplemental Indenture,” and “Fifty-fourth Supplemental Indenture,” collectively called “the Supplemental Indentures”), for the purposes therein expressed; and

2

     WHEREAS, the Original Indenture has been recorded in the proper recording offices of the following counties in the State of New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Books of Mortgages at the pages respectively stated as follows:

NEW JERSEY

                 
    Mortgage      
County   Book   Page
Burlington
    360       l &c  
Camden
    2423       37 &c  
Essex
    I-103       155 &c  
Hunterdon
    439       284 &c  
Mercer
    732       280 &c  
Middlesex
    871       101 &c  
Monmouth
    1365       l &c  
Morris
    Z-16       1 &c  
Ocean
    385       33 &c  
Passaic
    B-24       1 &c  
Somerset
    386       l &c  
Sussex
    394       148 &c  
Union
    1474       l &c  
Warren
    279       191 &c  

PENNSYLVANIA

                 
Armstrong
    213       421 &c  
Bucks
    2133       151 &c  
Dauphin
    N52       l &c  
Indiana
    200       371 &c  
Montgomery
    7537       1287 &c  
Northampton
    1159       1 &c  

; and

     WHEREAS, the Supplemental Indentures have been recorded in the proper recording offices of the appropriate counties in the State of New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and

     WHEREAS, the Original Indenture, as the same may be amended or supplemented from time to time by indentures supplemental thereto, is hereinafter referred to as “the Indenture”; and

     WHEREAS, the Company has entered into an Indenture dated as of July 1, 1999 (the “Senior Note Indenture”) with United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, under which The Bank of New York is acting as successor trustee (the “Senior Note Trustee”), providing for the issuance of notes thereunder (the “Senior Notes”) from time to time, and pursuant to the Senior Note Indenture the Company has agreed to issue to the Senior Note Trustee, as security for the Senior Notes, a new series of bonds under the

3

Indenture at the time of authentication of each series of Senior Notes issued prior to the Release Date (as defined in the Senior Note Indenture); and

     WHEREAS, for such purposes the Company desires to issue a new series of bonds and by appropriate corporate action in conformity with the terms of the Indenture has duly determined to create a separate series of bonds, which shall be designated as “First Mortgage Bonds, Senior Note Series F” (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Senior Note Series F Bonds”), which said Senior Note Series F Bonds are to be substantially in the form set forth in Article II hereof with the insertion of numbers, denominations, date or dates from which interest shall accrue, maturities, interest rates (or method of determination thereof), interest payment dates and other terms as determined in accordance with the terms of the Indenture; and

     WHEREAS, the Senior Note Series F Bonds shall be issued to the Senior Note Trustee in connection with the concurrent issuance from time to time by the Company of a like aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes (the “New Senior Notes”); and

     WHEREAS, all acts and things prescribed by law and by the certificate of incorporation and by-laws of the Company necessary to make the Senior Note Series F Bonds, when executed by the Company and authenticated by the Trustee, as in the Indenture provided, valid, binding and legal obligations of the Company, entitled in all respects to the security of the Indenture, have been performed or will have been performed prior to execution of such Senior Note Series F Bonds by the Company and authentication thereof by the Trustee; and

     WHEREAS, the Original Indenture authorizes the Company and the Trustee to enter into supplemental indentures for the purpose, among others, of conveying, transferring and assigning to the Trustee, and subjecting to the lien thereof, additional properties thereafter acquired by the Company; and

     WHEREAS, the Company desires to subject specifically to the lien of the Indenture certain property acquired by the Company since May 1, 2001; and

     WHEREAS, by the provisions of Article XVII of the Original Indenture, indentures supplemental to the Original Indenture may be executed and delivered for the purpose of setting forth the terms, provisions and form of the Senior Note Series F Bonds and supplementing the Original Indenture in a manner which is not inconsistent with the provisions thereof and does not adversely affect the interests nor modify the rights of outstanding bonds and for the other purposes therein more fully set forth; and

     WHEREAS, the Company, in the exercise of the powers and authority conferred upon and reserved to it under the provisions of the Original Indenture and pursuant to appropriate action of its Board of Directors, has fully resolved and determined to make, execute and deliver to the Trustee a Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture in the form hereof for the purposes herein provided; and

     WHEREAS, the Company represents that all conditions and requirements necessary to make this Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture, in the form and upon the terms

4

hereof, a valid, binding and legal instrument, in accordance with its terms, and for the purposes herein expressed, have been done, performed and fulfilled, and the execution and delivery hereof, in the form and upon the terms hereof, have been in all respects duly authorized.

     NOW THEREFORE, THIS FIFTY-FIFTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE WITNESSETH: That Jersey Central Power & Light Company, in consideration of the premises, and the execution and delivery by the Trustee of this Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture and for other good and valuable considerations, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, has granted, bargained, sold, aliened, enfeoffed, released, conveyed, mortgaged, assigned, transferred, pledged, set over and confirmed, and by these presents does grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff, release, convey, mortgage, assign, transfer, pledge, set over and confirm unto The Bank of New York, as Successor Trustee as aforesaid, and to its successors in the trust created by the Original Indenture and to its and their successors and assigns forever, all the following properties of the Company, that is to say:

FIRST

     All property additions, as defined in and by Section 1.03 of the Original Indenture, acquired by the Company on or after May 1, 2001, and prior to April 1, 2004 and now owned by the Company.

SECOND

     Also all property of the character and nature specified in the “Second,” “Third,” “Fourth,” “Fifth,” and “Sixth” subdivisions of the granting clauses of the Original Indenture.

     EXPRESSLY EXCEPTING AND EXCLUDING, HOWEVER, from this Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture and from the lien and operation of the Indenture, all property which, prior to the date of this Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture, shall have been released from the lien of, or disposed of by the Company in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture; and all the tracts or parcels of land and premises and all property of every kind and type excepted and excluded from, and not heretofore or hereby expressly subjected to, the lien of the Original Indenture by the terms thereof whether such property was owned by the Company at the date thereof or has been acquired since that date.

     SUBJECT, HOWEVER, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture, to the exceptions, reservations and matters recited in the Indenture, to the reservations, exceptions, limitations and restrictions contained in the several deeds, grants, franchises and contracts or other instruments through which the Company acquired or claims title to the aforesaid property; and subject also to existing leases, to liens on easements or rights of way for transmission or distribution line purposes, to taxes and assessments not in default, to easements for alleys, streets, highways, rights of-way and railroads that may ran across or encroach upon said lands, to

5

joint pole and similar agreements, to undetermined liens and charges, if any, incidental to the construction and other permissible encumbrances, as defined in the Original Indenture, and subject also to the provisions of Section 13.03 of the Original Indenture.

     In trust, nevertheless, upon the terms and trusts set forth in the Indenture.

     AND THIS FIFTY-FIFTH SUPPLEMENTAL INDENTURE FURTHER WITNESSETH: That the Company, for the considerations aforesaid, hereby covenants and agrees to and with the Trustee and its successors in the trust under the Indenture, as follows:

ARTICLE I

CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE.

     Section 1.01 Acceptance by Trustee of Property in Trust. The Trustee hereby accepts the properties hereby mortgaged and conveyed to it upon the trusts hereinbefore referred to and agrees to perform the same upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Indenture.

     Section 1.02 Recitals by Company. The Trustee shall not be responsible in any manner for or with respect to the validity or sufficiency of this Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture, or the due execution hereof by the Company, or for or with respect to the recitals and statements contained herein, all of which recitals and statements are made solely by the Company.

ARTICLE II

CREATION, DESCRIPTION AND FORM OF
THE SENIOR NOTE SERIES F BONDS

     Section 2.01 Creation of Senior Note Series F Bonds. The Company hereby creates a series of bonds to be issued under and secured by the Indenture, to be designated and to be distinguished from bonds of all other series by the title “First Mortgage Bonds, Senior Note Series F.”

     Section 2.02 Unlimited Principal Amount of Senior Note Series F Bonds Issuable. An unlimited principal amount of Senior Note Series F Bonds, being authenticated and delivered from time to time, may forthwith be executed by the Company and delivered to the Trustee and shall be authenticated by the Trustee and delivered (either before or after the filing or recording hereof) to or upon the order of the designated officer or officers of the Company specifying, among other things, the principal amount of the Senior Note Series F Bonds to be issued on the specified date of issuance, the numbers, denominations, date or dates from which interest shall accrue, maturities, interest rates (or method of determination thereof), interest payment dates and other terms of such Senior Note Series F Bonds, upon receipt by the Trustee of the cash, resolutions, certificates, opinions and documents required to be delivered upon the issue of bonds from time to time as provided in the Indenture.

6

     Section 2.03 Dating, Maturity and Payment of Principal and Interest of Senior Note Series F Bonds. Each Senior Note Series F Bond shall be dated the date of its authentication (“issue date”) and shall bear interest from the issue date of said bond or from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for with respect to the Senior Note Series F Bonds, except that so long as there is no existing default in the payment of interest on the Senior Note Series F Bonds, any Senior Note Series F Bond authenticated by the Trustee between the record date (as hereinafter defined) for any interest payment date for such bond and such interest payment date shall bear interest from such interest payment date; provided, however, that if and to the extent the Company shall default in payment of the interest due on such interest payment date, then any such Senior Note Series F Bond shall bear interest from the most recent interest payment date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for with respect to such Senior Note Series F Bond, or, if no interest has been paid on such Senior Note Series F Bond, then from its issue date. Each Senior Note Series F Bond shall be payable on its respective maturity date in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts, and shall bear interest payable in like coin or currency, (i) at the interest rate specified in such Senior Note Series F Bond, or in accordance with the method for determining such rate set forth therein, payable on the interest payment dates specified pursuant to Section 2.02 hereof, and on the maturity date, according to the terms of such Senior Note Series F Bond or on prior redemption or by declaration or otherwise, commencing with the interest payment date first following the issue date of said bond; provided, however, if the issue date of a Senior Note Series F Bond is between the record date for an interest payment date and the interest payment date, interest payments on said bond will commence on the second interest payment date following the issue date, and (ii) at the highest rate of interest borne by any of the bonds outstanding under the Indenture from such date of maturity until they shall be paid or payment thereof shall have been duly provided for, and (to the extent that payment of such interest is enforceable under applicable law) interest on any overdue installment of interest shall be payable at the highest rate of interest borne by any of the bonds outstanding under the Indenture. Principal of and interest on the Senior Note Series F Bonds shall be payable at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York.

     The person in whose name any Senior Note Series F Bond is registered at the close of business on any record date (as hereinafter defined) with respect to any interest payment date shall be entitled to receive the interest payable on such interest payment date (except that in case of any redemption of any Senior Note Series F Bond as provided for herein on a date subsequent to the record date and prior to such interest payment date, interest on such redeemed bonds shall be payable only to the date fixed for redemption thereof and only against surrender of such bond for redemption in accordance with the notice of such redemption) notwithstanding the cancellation of any such Senior Note Series F Bond upon any registration of transfer or exchange subsequent to the record date and prior to such interest payment date; provided, however, that if, and to the extent, the Company shall default in the payment of the interest due on any interest payment date, such defaulted interest shall be paid to the person in whose name such outstanding Senior Note Series F Bond is registered on the day immediately preceding the date of payment of such defaulted interest or, at the election of the Company, on a subsequent record date

7

established by notice given by mail by or on behalf of the Company to the holder of such Senior Note Series F Bond not less than fifteen days preceding such subsequent record date.

     Unless otherwise specified in the written order of the Company delivered pursuant to Section 4.07(a) of the Original Indenture with respect to any Senior Note Series F Bond, the term “record date” shall mean, with respect to any regular interest payment date, the close of business on the 15th day of the calendar month next preceding such interest payment date or, in the case of defaulted interest, the close of business on any subsequent record date established as provided above.

     Section 2.04 Payment on New Senior Notes Sufficient. Upon any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, all or any portion of the New Senior Notes referred to in the form of any Senior Note Series F Bond, whether at maturity or prior to maturity by redemption or otherwise or upon provision for the payment thereof having been made in accordance with Section 5.01(a) of the Senior Note Indenture, such Senior Note Series F Bond in a principal amount equal to the principal amount of such New Senior Notes shall, to the extent of such payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, be deemed paid and the obligation of the Company thereunder to make such payment shall be discharged to such extent and, in the case of the payment of principal (and premium, if any), such Senior Note Series F Bond in a principal amount equal to the related New Senior Notes shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation as provided in Section 4.06 of the Senior Note Indenture. The Trustee may at any time and all times conclusively assume that the obligation of the Company to make payments with respect to the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on any Senior Note Series F Bond, so far as such payments at the time have become due, has been fully satisfied and discharged pursuant to the foregoing sentence unless and until the Trustee shall have received a written notice from the Senior Note Trustee signed by one of its officers stating (i) that timely payment of principal of, or premium or interest on, the New Senior Notes referred to in the form of such Senior Note Series F Bond has not been so made, (ii) that the Company is in arrears as to the payments required to be made by it to the Senior Note Trustee pursuant to the Senior Note Indenture, and (iii) the amount of the arrearage.

     Section 2.05 Registered in Name of the Senior Note Trustee. Each Senior Note Series F Bond is to be issued to and registered in the name of The Bank of New York, as the Senior Note Trustee, or a successor trustee thereto, under the Senior Note Indenture to secure any and all obligations of the Company under the New Senior Notes referred to in the form of any Senior Note Series F Bond and any other series of Senior Notes from time to time outstanding under the Senior Note Indenture.

     Section 2.06 Senior Note Series F Bonds Not Transferable. Except (i) as required to effect an assignment to a successor Trustee under the Senior Note Indenture, (ii) pursuant to Section 4.03 or Section 4.06 of the Senior Note Indenture, or (iii) in compliance with a final order of a court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding of the Company, the Senior Note Series F Bonds are not transferable. The Senior Note Series F Bonds shall be exchangeable for other registered bonds of the same series and for the same aggregate principal amount, in

8

the manner and upon the conditions prescribed in the Indenture, upon the surrender of such bonds at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. The Company covenants and agrees that, notwithstanding Section 2.03 of the Indenture, it will not charge any sum for or in connection with any exchange or transfer of any Senior Note Series F Bond.

     Section 2.07 Redemption Provisions.

(a) Senior Note Series F Bonds shall not be redeemed except (i) as set forth in Section 2.08 hereof; and (ii) by the surrender thereof by the Senior Note Trustee to the Trustee for cancellation at a redemption price of zero upon redemption of all other series of bonds pursuant to Section 8.08 of the Indenture.

(b) In the event the Company redeems any New Senior Notes referred to in the form of any Senior Note Series F Bond prior to maturity in accordance with the provisions of the Senior Note Indenture, the Senior Note Trustee shall on the same date deliver to the Company such Senior Note Series F Bond for cancellation of a principal amount thereof corresponding to such New Senior Notes so redeemed, as provided in Section 4.06 of the Senior Note Indenture.

(c) Senior Note Series F Bonds are not redeemable by the operation of the improvement fund pursuant to Section 5.22 and Section 9.06 of the Indenture or otherwise or by operation of the maintenance and replacement provisions of Section 5.07 and Section 9.06 of the Indenture or otherwise or with the proceeds of released property pursuant to Section 9.06 of the Indenture or otherwise.

     Section 2.08 Redemption on Demand of Senior Note Trustee. The Senior Note Series F Bonds shall be immediately redeemed at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus interest accrued to the redemption date, in whole, upon a written demand for redemption by the Senior Note Trustee stating that the principal of all Senior Notes then outstanding under the Senior Note Indenture has been declared to be immediately due and payable pursuant to the provisions of the first sentence of Section 8.01(a) thereof.

     Section 2.09 Senior Note Series F Bonds as ‘Related Senior Note First Mortgage Bonds’. For purposes of Section 4.07 of the Senior Note Indenture, each Senior Note Series F Bond shall be deemed to be the “Related Senior Note First Mortgage Bond” in respect of the New Senior Notes issued concurrently therewith and referred to in the form of such Senior Note Series F Bond.

     Section 2.10 Surrender of Senior Note Series F Bonds. At any time a New Senior Note shall cease to be entitled to any lien, benefit or security under the Senior Note Indenture pursuant to Section 5.01(b) thereof and the Company shall have provided the Senior Note Trustee with notice thereof, the Senior Note Trustee shall surrender an equal principal amount of the Related Senior Note First Mortgage Bonds, subject to the limitations of Section 4.06 of the Senior Note Indenture, to the Company for cancellation.

9

     Section 2.11 Discharge From and After Release Date. As provided in Section 4.09 of the Senior Note Indenture, from and after the Release Date, the obligations of the Company with respect to the Senior Note Series F Bonds shall be deemed to be satisfied and discharged, the Senior Note Series F Bonds shall cease to secure in any manner any Senior Notes outstanding under the Senior Note Indenture, and, pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Senior Note Indenture, the Senior Note Trustee shall forthwith deliver the Senior Note Series F Bonds to the Company for cancellation.

     Section 2.12 Form of Senior Note Series F Bonds. Unless otherwise specified in the written order of the Company delivered pursuant to Section 4.07(a) of the Original Indenture with respect to any Senior Note Series F Bonds, the form of the Senior Note Series F Bonds and the Trustee’s authentication certificate to be endorsed thereon shall be substantially as follows, the maturity date or dates, denominations, interest rates (or method of determination thereof), interest payment dates and other terms thereof to be appropriately inserted as provided in Section 2.01 of the Original Indenture.

[FORM OF SENIOR NOTE SERIES F BONDS]

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

FIRST MORTGAGE BOND, SENIOR NOTE SERIES F

     
$300,000,000
No. 1  
                 
Issue Date   Interest Rate   Maturity Date
April 23, 2004
    5.625%     May 1, 2016

Interest Payment Dates: May 1 and November 1, commencing November 1, 2004

     JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY, a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey (hereinafter called the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to The Bank of New York, as successor Trustee under the Company’s Indenture dated as of July 1, 1999, or registered assigns, THREE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS on the Maturity Date specified above, unless this Bond shall have been duly called for previous redemption in whole or in part and payment of the redemption price shall have been duly made or provided for, at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment shall be legal tender for the payment of public and private debts, and to pay to the registered holder hereof interest thereon, at said office or agency, in like coin or currency, from the Issue Date specified above, or from the most recent Interest Payment Date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, until said principal sum has been paid or provided for, at the Interest Rate per annum specified above, on the Interest Payment Dates specified above and on the maturity date specified above; provided, however, if the Issue Date is between the record date for an Interest Payment Date and the Interest Payment Date, interest payments will commence on the second Interest Payment Date following the Issue Date; and, to the extent permitted by law, to pay interest on overdue

10

interest at the highest rate of interest borne by any of the bonds outstanding under the Mortgage hereinafter mentioned.

     This bond is one of an issue of bonds of the Company (hereinafter referred to as the “bonds”), not limited in principal amount except as provided in the Mortgage hereinafter mentioned, which may mature at different times, may bear interest at different rates, and may otherwise vary as in the Mortgage hereinafter mentioned provided, and is one of a series known as its First Mortgage Bonds, Senior Note Series F (herein called the “Senior Note Series F Bonds”), all bonds issued and to be issued under and equally and ratably secured (except insofar as any sinking fund or analogous fund, established in accordance with the provisions of the Mortgage hereinafter mentioned, may afford additional security for the bonds of any particular series) by an Indenture, dated as of March 1, 1946, executed by the Company to City Bank Farmers Trust Company, Trustee (herein, together with any indentures supplemental thereto, including, but not by way of limitation, the Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 1, 2004, called the “Mortgage”), under which The Bank of New York is Successor Trustee (herein called the “Trustee”), to which Mortgage reference is made for a description of the property mortgaged and pledged, the nature and extent of the security, the rights and limitations of rights of the holders of the bonds and of the Company in respect thereof, the rights, duties and immunities of the Trustee, and the terms and conditions upon which the bonds are, and are to be, issued and secured. The Senior Note Series F Bonds are described in the Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 1, 2004 between the Company and the Trustee (the “Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture”).

     Under an Indenture dated as of July 1, 1999 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the “Senior Note Indenture”), between the Company and United States Trust Company of New York, as trustee, under which The Bank of New York is acting as successor trustee (hereinafter sometimes called the “Senior Note Trustee”), the Company will issue, concurrently with the issuance of this bond, an issue of notes under the Senior Note Indenture entitled 5.625% Senior Notes due 2016 (the “New Senior Notes”). Pursuant to Article IV of the Senior Note Indenture, this bond is issued to the Senior Note Trustee to secure any and all obligations of the Company under the New Senior Notes and any other series of senior notes from time to time outstanding under the Senior Note Indenture. Payment of principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, the New Senior Notes shall constitute payments on this bond as further provided herein and in the Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture.

     As provided in Section 4.09 of the Senior Note Indenture, from and after the Release Date (as defined in the Senior Note Indenture), the obligations of the Company with respect to this bond shall be deemed to be satisfied and discharged, this bond shall cease to secure in any manner any senior notes outstanding under the Senior Note Indenture, and, pursuant to Section 4.06 of the Senior Note Indenture, the Senior Note Trustee shall forthwith deliver this bond to the Company for cancellation.

     Upon any payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on, all or any portion of the New Senior Notes, whether at maturity or prior to maturity by redemption or otherwise or upon provision for the payment thereof having been made in accordance

11

with Section 5.01(a) of the Senior Note Indenture, such Senior Note Series F Bond in a principal amount equal to the principal amount of such New Senior Notes to the extent of such payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest, be deemed paid and the obligation of the Company thereunder to make such payment shall be discharged to such extent and, in the case of the payment of principal (and premium, if any), such Senior Note Series F Bond in principal amount equal to the related New Senior Notes shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation as provided in Section 4.06 of the Senior Note Indenture. The Trustee may at anytime and all times conclusively assume that the obligation of the Company to make payments with respect to the principal of and premium, if any, and interest on any Senior Note Series F Bond, so far as such payments at the time have become due, has been fully satisfied and discharged pursuant to the foregoing sentence unless and until the Trustee shall have received a written notice from the Senior Note Trustee signed by one of its officers stating (i) that timely payment of principal of, or premium or interest on, the New Senior Notes referred to above has not been made, (ii) that the Company is in arrears as to the payments required to be made by it to the Senior Note Trustee pursuant to the Senior Note Indenture, and (iii) the amount of the arrearage.

     For purposes of Section 4.07 of the Senior Note Indenture, this bond shall be deemed to be the “Related Senior Note First Mortgage Bonds” in respect of the New Senior Notes issued concurrently therewith and referred to above.

     The Mortgage contains provisions permitting the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum (75%) in principal amount of all the bonds at the time outstanding, determined and evidenced as provided in the Mortgage, or in case the rights under the Mortgage of the holders of bonds of one or more, but less than all, of the series of bonds outstanding shall be affected, the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum (75%) in principal amount of the outstanding bonds of such one or more series affected, except that if any such action would affect the bonds of two or more series, the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum (75%) in principal amount of outstanding bonds of such two or more series, which need not include seventy-five per centum (75%) in principal amount of outstanding bonds of each of such series, determined and evidenced as provided in the Mortgage, on behalf of the holders of all the bonds, to waive any past default under the Mortgage and its consequences except a completed default, as defined in the Mortgage, in respect of the payment of the principal of or interest on any bond or except a default arising from the creation of any lien ranking prior to or equal with the lien of the Mortgage on any of the mortgaged property, subject to the condition that, in case the rights of the holders of less than all of the series of bonds outstanding shall be affected, no waiver of any past default or its consequences shall be effective unless approved by the holders of not less than a majority of all the bonds at the time outstanding. The Mortgage also contains provisions permitting the Company and the Trustee, with the consent of the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum (75%) in principal amount of all the bonds at the time outstanding, determined and evidenced as provided in the Mortgage, or in case the rights under the Mortgage of the holders of bonds of one or more, but less than all, of the series of bonds outstanding shall be affected, then with the consent of the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum (75%) in principal amount of the outstanding bonds of such one or more series affected,

12

except that if any such action would affect the bonds of two or more series, the holders of not less than seventy-five per centum (75%) in principal amount of outstanding bonds of such two or more series, which need not include seventy-five per centum (75%) in principal amount of outstanding bonds of each of such series, determined and evidenced as provided in the Mortgage, to execute supplemental indentures adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of the Mortgage or modifying in any manner the rights of the holders of the bonds and coupons thereunto appertaining; provided, however, that no such supplemental indenture shall (i) extend the fixed maturity of any bonds, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of interest thereon, or reduce the principal amount thereof, or, subject to the provisions of the Mortgage, limit the right of a bondholder to institute suit for the enforcement of payment of principal or interest in accordance with the terms of the bonds, without the consent of the holder of each bond so affected, or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentage of bonds, the holders of which are required to consent to any such supplemental indenture, without the consent of the holders of all bonds then outstanding, or (iii) permit the creation of any lien ranking prior to or equal with the lien of the Mortgage on any of the mortgaged property without the consent of the holders of all bonds then outstanding, or (iv) deprive the holder of any outstanding bond of the lien of the Mortgage on any of the mortgaged property. Any such waiver or consent by the holder of this bond (unless effectively revoked as provided in the Mortgage) shall be conclusive and binding upon such holder and upon all future holders of this bond, irrespective of whether or not any notation of such waiver or consent is made upon this bond.

     No reference herein to the Mortgage and no provision of this bond or of the Mortgage shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this bond at the time and place and at the rate and in the coin or currency herein prescribed.

     The Senior Note Series F Bonds are issuable only in fully registered form and in denominations of $1,000 or any higher integral multiple of $1,000.

     Senior Note Series F Bonds shall not be redeemed except as set forth below and except by the surrender thereof by the Senior Note Trustee to the Trustee for cancellation at a redemption price of zero upon redemption of all other series of bonds pursuant to Section 8.08 of the Mortgage. In the event the Company redeems any New Senior Notes referred to above prior to maturity in accordance with the provisions of the Senior Note Indenture, the Senior Note Trustee shall on the same date deliver to the Company this Senior Note Series F Bond for cancellation of a principal amount thereof corresponding to the New Senior Notes so redeemed, as provided in Section 4.06 of the Senior Note Indenture. Senior Note Series F Bonds are not redeemable by the operation of the improvement fund pursuant to Section 5.22 and Section 9.06 of the Indenture or otherwise or by operation of the maintenance and replacement provisions of Section 5.07 and Section 9.06 of the Indenture or otherwise or with the proceeds of released property pursuant to Section 9.06 of the Indenture or otherwise.

     The Senior Note Series F Bonds shall be immediately redeemed at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus interest accrued to the redemption

13

date, in whole, upon a written demand for redemption by the Senior Note Trustee stating that the principal of all Senior Notes then outstanding under the Senior Note Indenture have been declared to be immediately due and payable pursuant to the provisions of the first sentence of Section 8.01(a) thereof.

     The Mortgage provides that if the Company shall deposit with the Trustee in trust for the purpose funds sufficient to pay the principal of all of the bonds of any series, or such of the bonds of any series as have been or are to be called for redemption, and premium, if any, thereon, and all interest payable on such bonds to the date on which they become due and payable, at maturity or upon redemption or otherwise, and complies with the other provisions of the Mortgage in respect thereof, then from the date of such deposit such bonds shall no longer be secured by the lien of the Mortgage.

     The principal hereof may be declared or may become due prior to the express date of the maturity hereof on the conditions, in the manner and at the time set forth in the Mortgage, upon the occurrence of a completed default as in the Mortgage provided.

     This bond is not transferable except (i) as required to effect an assignment to a successor Trustee under the Senior Note Indenture, (ii) pursuant to Section 4.03 or Section 4.06 of the Senior Note Indenture, or (iii) in compliance with a final order of a court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any bankruptcy or reorganization proceeding of the Company. This bond shall be exchangeable for other registered bonds of the same series and for the same aggregate principal amount, in the manner and upon the conditions prescribed in the Mortgage, upon the surrender of such bonds at the office or agency of the Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York. However, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.03 of the Mortgage, no charge shall be made upon any registration of transfer or exchange of bonds of said series. The Company and the Trustee, any paying agent and any bond registrar may deem and treat the person in whose name this bond is registered as the absolute owner hereof, whether or not this bond shall be overdue, for the purpose of receiving payment and for all other purposes and neither the Company nor the Trustee nor any paying agent nor any bond registrar shall be affected by any notice to the contrary.

     No recourse under or upon any obligation, covenant or agreement contained in the Mortgage, or in any bond or coupon thereby secured, or because of any indebtedness thereby secured, shall be had against any incorporator, or against any past, present or future stockholder, officer or director, as such, of the Company or of any successor corporation, either directly or through the Company or any successor corporation under any rule of law, statute or constitution, or by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding or otherwise; it being expressly agreed and understood that the Mortgage, and the obligations thereby secured, are solely corporate obligations, and that no personal liability whatever shall attach to, or be incurred by, such incorporators, stockholders, officers or directors, as such, of the Company or of any successor corporation, or any of them because of the incurring of the indebtedness thereby authorized or under or by reason of any of the obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Mortgage or in any of the bonds or coupons thereby secured, or implied therefrom.

14

     This bond shall not become valid or obligatory for any purpose until THE BANK OF NEW YORK, the Trustee under the Mortgage, or its successor thereunder, shall have signed the certificate of authentication endorsed hereon.

15

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY has caused this bond to be signed in its name by the manual or facsimile signature of its President or one of its Vice Presidents and its corporate seal, or a facsimile thereof, to be affixed hereto and attested by the manual or facsimile signature of its Secretary or one of its Assistant Secretaries.

Dated:

           
    JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
       
  By:    
     
                (Vice) President

Attest:

     

   
(Corporate) Secretary
   

16

[FORM OF TRUSTEE’S CERTIFICATE]

TRUSTEE’S AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATE

     This bond is one of the bonds of the series herein designated, provided for in the within mentioned Mortgage.

         
    THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
       
  By:    
       
                     Authorized Officer

[END OF FORM OF SENIOR NOTE SERIES F BOND]

ARTICLE III
MISCELLANEOUS

     Section 3.01 Meaning of Certain Terms. For all purposes hereof, except as the context may otherwise require, (a) all terms contained herein shall have the meanings given such terms in, and (b) all references herein to sections of the Original Indenture shall be deemed to be to such sections of, the Original Indenture as the same heretofore has been or hereafter may be amended by an indenture or indentures supplemental thereto.

     Section 3.02 Original Indenture and Supplemental Indentures Ratified and Confirmed. As amended and supplemented by the aforesaid indentures supplemental thereto and by this Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture, the Original Indenture is in all respects ratified and confirmed and the Original Indenture and the aforesaid indentures supplemental thereto and this Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture shall be read, taken and construed as one and the same instrument.

     Section 3.03 Execution in Counterparts. This Fifty-fifth Supplemental Indenture shall be simultaneously executed in several counterparts, and all such counterparts executed and delivered, each as an original, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

17

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY, party of the first part, has caused this instrument to be signed in its name and behalf by its President or a Vice President, and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and attested by its Secretary or an Assistant Secretary and The Bank of New York, as Successor Trustee as aforesaid, the party of the second part, in token of its acceptance of the trust hereby created, has caused this instrument to be signed in its name and behalf by an Authorized Officer and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed and attested by an Authorized Officer, all as of the day and year first above written.

           
    JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
       
  By:   /s/ R. H. Marsh
     
 
      Richard H. Marsh
      Senior Vice President and Chief
      Financial Officer

ATTEST:

     
/s/ David W. Whitehead
   

   
David W. Whitehead
   
Corporate Secretary
   

Signed, sealed and delivered by
               JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
               in the presence of:

     
/s/ Ermal Fatusha
   

   
Ermal Fatusha
   
     
/s/ James G. Smith
   

   
James G. Smith
   

           
    THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
       
    As Successor Trustee as aforesaid
 
       
  BY:   /s/ Patricia Gallagher
     
 
      Patricia Gallagher
      Vice President

ATTEST:

     
/s/ Mary LaGumina
   

   
Mary LaGumina
   
Vice President
   

Signed, sealed and delivered by
     THE BANK OF NEW YORK
     in the presence of:

     
/s/ Barbara Bevelaqua
   

   
Barbara Bevelaqua, Vice President
   
     
/s/ Dorothy Miller
   

   
Dorothy Miller, Vice President
   

         
STATE OF OHIO     )  
      ss.:    
COUNTY OF SUMMIT     )  

     BE IT REMEMBERED that on this 20th day of April, 2004 before me, the subscriber, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared David W. Whitehead, the Corporate Secretary of JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY, the corporation named in and which executed the foregoing instrument, who, being by me duly sworn according to law, does depose and say and make proof to my satisfaction that he resides at 28159 Red Raven Road, Pepper Pike, Ohio 44124; that he is the Corporate Secretary of JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY; that the seal affixed to said instrument is the corporate seal of said corporation, the same being well known to him; that it was so affixed by the order of the Board of Directors of said corporation; that Richard H. Marsh is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of said corporation; that he saw said Richard H. Marsh as such Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer sign such instrument, and affix said seal thereto and deliver said instrument and heard him declare that he signed, sealed and delivered said instrument as the voluntary act and deed of said corporation by its order and by order of its Board of Directors, for the uses and purposes therein expressed; and that the said David W. Whitehead signed his name thereto at the same time as subscribing witness, and that Jersey Central Power & Light Company, the mortgagor, has received a true copy of said instrument.

       
  /s/ Susie M. Hoisten
   
  Susie M. Hoisten,
  Notary Public Residence Summit County
  Statewide Jurisdiction Ohio
  My commission expires Dec. 9, 2006
 
   
  Subscribed and sworn to before me the day
and year aforesaid
 
   
  [NOTARIAL SEAL]

         
STATE OF NEW YORK
    )  
    ss.:  
COUNTY OF NEW YORK
    )  

     BE IT REMEMBERED that on this 20th day of April, 2004 before me, the subscriber, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Mary LaGumina, a Vice President of THE BANK OF NEW YORK, the corporation named in and which executed the foregoing instrument, who, being by me duly sworn according to law, does depose and say and make proof to my satisfaction that she resides at 36-26 213th Street, Bayside, New York 11361; that she is a Vice President of THE BANK OF NEW YORK; that the seal affixed to said instrument is the corporate seal of said corporation, the same being well known to her; that it was so affixed by her pursuant to authority granted by the Board of Directors of said corporation; that Patricia Gallagher is a Vice President of said corporation; that she saw said Patricia Gallagher as such Vice President sign and deliver said instrument and heard her declare that she signed and delivered said instrument as the voluntary act and deed of said corporation pursuant to authority granted by its Board of Directors, for the uses and purposes therein expressed; and that the said Mary LaGumina signed her name thereto at the same time as subscribing witness.

       
  /s/ William J. Cassels
   
  William J. Cassels
 
   
  Subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year aforesaid
 
   
  WILLIAM J. CASSELS
  Notary Public, State of New York
  No. 01CA5027729
  Qualified in Bronx County
  Commission Expires May 18, 2006
 
   
  [NOTARIAL SEAL]

         
STATE OF OHIO
    )  
    ss.:  
COUNTY OF SUMMIT
    )  

     On this 20th day of April, 2004, before me came Richard H. Marsh, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did say that he resides at 1126 Woodhaven Boulevard, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333; that he is the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY, one of the corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that he knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that said seal was so affixed by order of the Board of Directors of said corporation; and that he signed his name to said instrument by like order.

       
  /s/ Susie M. Hoisten,
   
  Susie M. Hoisten,
  Notary Public Residence Summit County
  Statewide Jurisdiction Ohio
  My commission expires Dec. 9, 2006
 
   
  Subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year aforesaid
 
   
  [NOTARIAL SEAL]

         
STATE OF NEW YORK
    )  
    ss.:  
COUNTY OF NEW YORK
    )  

     On this 20th day of April, 2004, before me came Patricia Gallagher, to me known, who, being by me duly sworn, did say that she resides at 3684 Alcona Street, Seaford, New York 11783; that she is a Vice President of THE BANK OF NEW YORK, one of the corporations described in and which executed the above instrument; that she knows the seal of said corporation; that the seal affixed to said instrument is such corporate seal; that said seal was so affixed by authority of the Board of Directors of said corporation; and that she signed her name to said instrument by like authority.

       
  /s/ William J. Cassels
   
  William J. Cassels
 
   
  Subscribed and sworn to before me the day and year aforesaid
 
   
  WILLIAM J. CASSELS
  Notary Public, State of New York
  No. 01CA5027729
  Qualified in Bronx County
  Commission Expires May 18, 2006
 
   
  [NOTARIAL SEAL]

CERTIFICATE OF RESIDENCE

     The Bank of New York, Successor Trustee within named, hereby certifies that its precise residence is 101 Barclay Street, in the Borough of Manhattan, in the City of New York, in the State of New York.

           
    THE BANK OF NEW YORK
 
       
  By:   /s/ Patricia Gallagher
       
                     Vice President

EX-12.6 45 ex12-6.htm JCP&L - FIXED CHARGE RATIO Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 12.6
Page 1
 
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES


   
Year Ended
                     
   
December 31,
 
Jan. 1-
 
Nov. 7-
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
Nov. 6, 2001
 
Dec. 31, 2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                                     
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
210,812
 
$
34,467
 
$
30,041
 
$
251,895
 
$
68,017
 
$
111,639
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
                                     
amounts capitalized
   
105,799
   
95,727
   
16,919
   
100,365
   
94,719
   
84,191
 
Provision for income taxes
   
119,875
   
52
   
20,101
   
181,855
   
46,440
   
95,112
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
6,229
   
3,913
   
124
   
3,239
   
5,374
   
7,589
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
442,715
 
$
134,159
 
$
67,185
 
$
537,354
 
$
214,550
 
$
298,531
 
                                       
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                                     
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
85,220
 
$
77,205
 
$
14,234
 
$
92,314
 
$
87,681
 
$
80,840
 
Other interest expense
   
9,879
   
9,427
   
1,080
   
(2,643
)
 
1,691
   
3,351
 
Subsidiary’s preferred stock dividend requirements
   
10,700
   
9,095
   
1,605
   
10,694
   
5,347
   
--
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
6,229
   
3,913
   
124
   
3,239
   
5,374
   
7,589
 
Fixed charges as defined
 
$
112,028
 
$
99,640
 
$
17,043
 
$
103,604
 
$
100,093
 
$
91,780
 
                                       
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED
                                     
CHARGES
   
3.95
   
1.35
   
3.94
   
5.19
   
2.14
   
3.25
 

________________

(a)  Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.


EXHIBIT 12.6
Page 2
JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES PLUS
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS (PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)

   
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
Jan. 1-
 
 
 
Nov. 7-
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
   
2000
 
Nov. 6, 2001
 
Dec. 31, 2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                         
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
210,812
 
$
34,467
 
$
30,041
 
$
251,895
 
$
68,017
 
$
111,639
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
                                     
amounts capitalized
   
105,799
   
95,727
   
16,919
   
100,365
   
94,719
   
84,191
 
Provision for income taxes
   
119,875
   
52
   
20,101
   
181,855
   
46,440
   
95,112
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
6,229
   
3,913
   
124
   
3,239
   
5,374
   
7,589
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
442,715
 
$
134,159
 
$
67,185
 
$
537,354
 
$
214,550
 
$
298,531
 
                                       
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K PLUS
                                     
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
                                     
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS):
                                     
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
85,220
 
$
77,205
 
$
14,234
 
$
92,314
 
$
87,681
 
$
80,840
 
Other interest expense
   
9,879
   
9,427
   
1,080
   
(2,643
)
 
1,691
   
3,351
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
   
17,604
   
13,642
   
2,303
   
9,230
   
5,235
   
500
 
Adjustments to preferred stock dividends to state on a
                                     
pre-income tax basis
   
3,928
   
7
   
467
   
(1,057
)
 
(77
)
 
426
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
6,229
   
3,913
   
124
   
3,239
   
5,374
   
7,589
 
Fixed charges as defined plus preferred stock
dividend requirements (pre-income tax basis)
 
$
122,860
 
$
104,194
 
$
18,208
 
$
101,083
 
$
99,904
 
$
92,706
 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
PLUS PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS
   
3.60
   
1.29
   
3.69
   
5.32
   
2.15
   
3.22
 
 
_________________

(a)  Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.
 
EX-13.5 46 ex13-5.htm JCP&L - ANNUAL REPORT Unassociated Document

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

2004 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS



Jersey Central Power & Light Company is a wholly owned electric utility operating subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. It engages in the distribution and sale of electric energy in an area of approximately 3,300 square miles in New Jersey. It also engages in the sale, purchase and interchange of electric energy with other electric companies. The area it serves has a population of approximately 2.5 million.






Contents
 
Page
 
       
Glossary of Terms
   
i-ii
 
Management Reports
   
1
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
2
 
Selected Financial Data
   
3
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis
   
4-14
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
   
15
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
   
16
 
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization
   
17
 
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity
   
18
 
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock
   
18
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
   
19
 
Consolidated Statements of Taxes
   
20
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
21-36
 







GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify Jersey Central Power & Light Company and its affiliates:

ATSI
American Transmission Systems, Inc., owns and operates transmission facilities
CEI
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
Companies
OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec
FES
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESC
FirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
GPU
GPU, Inc., former parent of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec, which merged with FirstEnergy on
November 7, 2001
GPUS
GPU Service Company, previously provided corporate support services
JCP&L
Jersey Central Power & Light Company
JCP&L Transition
JCP&L Transition Funding LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and issuer of transition
Bonds
Met-Ed
Metropolitan Edison Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
OE
Ohio Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
Penn
Pennsylvania Power Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
TE
The Toledo Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
     
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
     
AOCL
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
APB 29
APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
ARO
Asset Retirement Obligation
BGS
Basic Generation Service
CTC
Competitive Transition Charge
ECAR
East Central Area Reliability Coordination Agreement
EITF
Emerging Issues Task Force
EITF 03-1
EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary and Its Application to Certain
Investments
EITF 03-16
EITF Issue No. 03-16, Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies
EITF97-4
EITF Issue No. 97-4 Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIN 46R
FASB Interpretation (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
FMB
First Mortgage Bonds
FSP
FASB Staff Position
FSP EITF 03-1-1
FASB Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue  No. 03-1,
  The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain  Investments"
FSP 106-1
FASB Staff Position No.106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 109-1
FASB Staff Position No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes,
   to the Tax Deduction and  Qualified Production Activities provided by the American Jobs Creation
   Act of 2004"
GAAP
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
Medicare Act
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
MISO
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
MTC
Market Transition Charge
MW
Megawatts
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Council
NJBPU
New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
NUG
Non-Utility Generation
OCI
Other Comprehensive Income
OPEB
Other Post-Employment Benefits
PJM
PJM Interconnection L.L.C.

i
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont’d


PRP
Potentially Responsible Party
PUCO
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCA
Public Utility Holding Company Act
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SBC
Societal Benefits Charge
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71
SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 87
SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions"
SFAS 101
SFAS No. 101, "Accounting for Discontinuation of Application of SFAS 71"
SFAS 106
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"
SFAS 115
SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities"
SFAS 133
SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
SFAS 140
SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and
Extinguishment of Liabilities
SFAS 142
SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets"
SFAS 143
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
SFAS 144
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"
SPE
Special Purpose Entity
TBC
Transition Bond Charge
TMI-1
Three Mile Island Unit 1
TMI-2
Three Mile Island Unit 2
VIE
Variable Interest Entity


ii


MANAGEMENT REPORTS

Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who takes responsibility for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent with other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements.

FirstEnergy Corp.’s internal auditors, who are responsible to the Audit Committee of FirstEnergy’s Board of Directors, review the results and performance of operating units within the Company for adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of accounting and reporting systems, as well as managerial and operating controls.

FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee consists of five independent directors whose duties include: consideration of the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company and the objectivity of financial reporting; inquiry into the number, extent, adequacy and validity of regular and special audits conducted by independent auditors and the internal auditors; and reporting to the Board of Directors the Committee’s findings and any recommendation for changes in scope, methods or procedures of the auditing functions. The Committee is directly responsible for appointing the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and is charged with reviewing and approving all services performed for the Company by the independent registered public accounting firm and for reviewing and approving the related fees. The Committee reviews the independent registered public accounting firm's report on internal quality control and reviews all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Company, in order to assess the registered public accounting firms' independence. The Committee also reviews management’s programs to monitor compliance with the Company’s policies on business ethics and risk management. The Committee establishes procedures to receive and respond to complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and allows for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2004.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page 2.





1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Jersey Central
Power & Light Company:

We have completed an integrated audit of Jersey Central Power & Light Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Jersey Central Power & Light Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003. As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005

2



JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


               
Nov. 7 -
   
Jan. 1 -
     
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
Dec. 31, 2001
   
Nov. 6, 2001
 
2000
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                             
Operating Revenues
 
$
2,206,987
 
$
2,359,646
 
$
2,328,415
 
$
282,902
   
$
1,838,638
 
$
1,979,297
 
                                         
Operating Income
 
$
183,909
 
$
146,775
 
$
335,209
 
$
43,666
   
$
292,847
 
$
283,227
 
                                         
Net Income
 
$
111,639
 
$
68,017
 
$
251,895
 
$
30,041
   
$
34,467
 
$
210,812
 
                                         
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
111,139
 
$
68,129
 
$
253,359
 
$
29,343
   
$
29,920
 
$
203,908
 
                                         
Total Assets
 
$
7,291,184
 
$
7,579,044
 
$
8,052,755
 
$
8,039,998
         
$
6,009,054
 
                                         
                                         
Capitalization as of December 31:
                                       
Common Stockholder’s Equity
 
$
3,155,362
 
$
3,153,974
 
$
3,274,069
 
$
3,163,701
         
$
1,459,260
 
Preferred Stock-
                                       
Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
12,649
   
12,649
   
12,649
   
12,649
           
12,649
 
Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
44,868
           
51,500
 
Company-Obligated Mandatorily
Redeemable Preferred Securities
   
--
   
--
   
125,244
   
125,250
           
125,000
 
Long-Term Debt
   
1,238,984
   
1,095,991
   
1,210,446
   
1,224,001
           
1,093,987
 
Total Capitalization
 
$
4,406,995
 
$
4,262,614
 
$
4,622,408
 
$
4,570,469
         
$
2,742,396
 
                                         
                                         
Capitalization Ratios:
                                       
Common Stockholder’s Equity
   
71.6
%
 
74.0
%
 
70.8
%
 
69.2
%
         
53.2
%
Preferred Stock-
                                       
Not Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
0.3
   
0.3
   
0.3
   
0.3
           
0.5
 
Subject to Mandatory Redemption
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
1.0
           
1.9
 
Company-Obligated Mandatorily
Redeemable Preferred Securities
   
--
   
--
   
2.7
   
2.7
           
4.5
 
Long-Term Debt
   
28.1
   
25.7
   
26.2
   
26.8
           
39.9
 
Total Capitalization
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
         
100.0
%
                                         
                                         
Distribution Kilowatt-Hour Deliveries (Millions):
                                       
Residential
   
9,355
   
9,104
   
8,976
   
1,428
     
7,042
   
8,087
 
Commercial
   
8,877
   
8,620
   
8,509
   
1,330
     
6,787
   
7,706
 
Industrial
   
3,070
   
3,046
   
3,171
   
474
     
2,670
   
3,307
 
Other
   
73
   
89
   
81
   
17
     
66
   
82
 
Total
   
21,375
   
20,859
   
20,737
   
3,249
     
16,565
   
19,182
 
                                         
                                         
Customers Served:
                                       
Residential
   
941,917
   
931,227
   
921,716
   
909,494
           
896,629
 
Commercial
   
115,861
   
114,270
   
112,385
   
109,985
           
107,479
 
Industrial
   
2,666
   
2,705
   
2,759
   
2,785
           
2,835
 
Other
   
1,320
   
1,345
   
1,393
   
1,484
           
1,551
 
Total
   
1,061,764
   
1,049,547
   
1,038,253
   
1,023,748
           
1,008,494
 






3


JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY


Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition


This discussion includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "believe," "estimate" and similar words. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition and deregulation in the electric utility industry, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, legislative and regulatory changes (including revised environmental requirements), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits, fines or other enforcement actions and remedies) of governmental investigations, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission as disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, the availability and cost of capital, our ability to experience growth in the distribution business, our ability to access the public securities and other capital markets, further investigation into the causes of the August 14, 2003, regional power outage and the outcome, cost and other effects of present and potential legal and administrative proceedings and claims related to the outage, the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Reclassifications

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Revenue amounts related to transmission activities previously recorded as wholesale electric sales revenues were reclassified as transmission revenues. Expenses (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not change previously reported results in 2003 and 2002.

Results of Operations

Earnings on common stock increased to $111 million from $68 million in 2003 principally due to the absence of non-cash charges aggregating $185 million ($109 million after tax) from a 2003 rate case decision disallowing recovery of certain regulatory assets (see Regulatory Matters) and reduced purchased power costs in 2004 which were partially offset by a decline in operating revenues. In 2003, earnings on common stock decreased to $68 million, from $253 million in 2002, as a result of the disallowed costs from the 2003 rate case decision. In addition, higher operating revenues were more than offset by increases in purchased power and other operating costs causing a decline in earnings.

Operating revenues decreased $153 million or 6.5% in 2004 compared with 2003. The decrease in revenues was due to a $107 million decline in distribution throughput revenues and a $49 million decline in wholesale revenues partially offset by a $11 million increase in retail generation revenues. Our BGS obligation has been transferred to external parties as a result of an NJBPU auction process that extended the termination of our BGS obligation through July 2005 (see Note 7 - Regulatory Matters). We had entered into long-term power purchase agreements in connection with the divestiture of our generation facilities and had sold any power in excess of our retail customer needs to the wholesale market. The long-term purchase agreements ended after the first quarter of 2003 and as a result, sales to the wholesale market subsequently decreased. Retail generation sales revenues increased by $11 million in 2004 compared to 2003 due to higher unit prices resulting from the BGS auction. This increase more than offset a composite 13.2% decrease in kilowatt-hour sales (commercial - 16.0% and industrial - 63.4%), which reflected increases in electric generation services to commercial and industrial customers provided by alternative suppliers. The shopping percentage in our franchise area increased 16.7 percentage points and 46.0 percentage points, for the commercial and industrial sectors respectively, while the percentage of shopping by residential customers was relatively unchanged.

The $107 million decrease in distribution deliveries was due to lower unit prices that more than offset the impact of the 2.5% volume increase in 2004 from the previous year. The lower prices reflected the impact of the distribution rate decrease effective August 1, 2003. Warmer temperatures in the summer and improving economic conditions resulted, in large part, in higher residential, commercial and industrial demand.

Operating revenues increased $31 million in 2003 compared with 2002 due to an $87 million increase in wholesale revenues offset by lower revenues from our distribution deliveries. The wholesale revenues increase in 2003 reflected the impact of the BGS auction discussed above.

4

Distribution deliveries increased slightly in 2003 from the previous year. Lower unit prices in 2003 more than offset the impact of the increased volume and reduced revenues by $64 million. In addition, lower 2003 revenues reflected the impact of the distribution rate decrease effective August 1, 2003. Colder temperatures early in the year resulted in higher residential and commercial demand, which was partially offset by a decrease in industrial demand.

Generation sales revenues in 2003 compared to 2002 were lower by $24 million due to an 8.7% decrease in kilowatt-hour sales. The decrease reflected a 9.1 percentage point increase in customers choosing an alternate supplier in 2003 compared to 2002. The reverse was true in 2002 where some customers who were receiving their power from alternate suppliers returned to us as full service customers.

Changes in kilowatt-hour sales by customer class in 2004 and 2003 are summarized in the following table:


           
Changes in Kilowatt-hour Sales
 
2004
 
2003
 
           
Increase (Decrease)
         
Electric Generation:
         
Retail
   
(13.2
)%
 
(8.7
)%
Wholesale
   
(19.1
)%
 
23.1
%
Total Electric Generation Sales
   
(14.7
)%
 
(2.4
)%
Distribution Deliveries:
             
Residential
   
2.8
%
 
1.4
%
Commercial
   
3.0
%
 
1.3
%
Industrial
   
0.8
%
 
(3.9
)%
Total Distribution Deliveries
   
2.5
%
 
0.6
%


Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes decreased $190 million in 2004, after increasing $220 million in 2003, compared to the prior year. These increases include the non-cash charges in 2003 for amounts disallowed by the NJBPU in its rate case decision (see Regulatory Matters), of which $153 million was charged to purchased power and $33 million was charged to amortization of regulatory assets. The following table presents changes in 2004 and 2003 from the prior year by expense category.


Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
(In millions)
 
           
Fuel and purchased power costs
 
$
(220
)
$
234
 
Other operating costs
   
(18
)
 
68
 
Provision for depreciation
   
(24
)
 
(23
)
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
15
   
73
 
General taxes
   
9
   
(2
)
Income taxes
   
48
   
(130
)
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
$
(190
)
$
220
 


Excluding the disallowed deferred energy costs of $153 million in 2003, fuel and purchased power decreased $67 million in 2004 compared to 2003. The lower purchased power costs reflected lower kilowatt-hour purchases due to reduced generation sales requirements as discussed above. Other operating expenses decreased $18 million in 2004 compared to 2003, due to cost containment efforts as demonstrated by the 7% decline in the number of employees and the absence in 2004 of storm restoration costs incurred in the third quarter of 2003.

Depreciation expense declined $24 million in 2004 and $23 million in 2003 compared to the preceding year due to reduced depreciation rates effective August 1, 2003 in connection with the NJBPU rate case decision (see Regulatory Matters). Amortization of regulatory assets, excluding $33 million of disallowed costs in 2003 from the rate decision discussed above, increased $48 million in 2004 and $40 in 2003 due to increased regulatory asset recovery in connection with the NJBPU rate case decision.
 

5

In 2003, excluding the disallowed  deferred energy costs of $153 million, fuel and purchased  power costs increased $81 million, compared to 2002. The increase was due primarily to more power being purchased through two-party agreements and changes to the deferred energy and capacity costs. Other operating expenses increased $68 million in 2003 compared to 2002, due to higher employee benefit costs, storm restoration expenses and costs associated with an accelerated reliability plan within our service territory.

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges decreased $6 million in 2004 and $5 million in 2003, compared to the previous year, reflecting debt redemptions of $290 million and $252 million, respectively. Those decreases were partially offset by interest on $300 million of senior notes issued in April 2004 and $150 million of senior notes issued in May 2003 which were used to redeem outstanding securities in the second and third quarters of 2003.

Preferred Stock Dividend Requirements

Preferred stock dividend requirements were unchanged in 2004 and decreased $1.4 million in 2003, compared to the prior year, due to the redemptions of cumulative preferred stock pursuant to mandatory and optional sinking fund provisions. We realized non-cash gains of $0.6 million in 2003 on the reacquisition of preferred stock.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our cash requirements in 2004 for operating expenses, construction expenditures and scheduled debt maturities were met with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets. During 2005 and thereafter, we expect to meet our contractual obligations with cash from operations.

Changes in Cash Position

As of December 31, 2004, we had $0.2 million of cash and cash equivalents compared with $0.3 million as of December 31, 2003. The major sources for changes in these balances are summarized below.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Our net cash provided from operating activities was $263 million in 2004, $180 million in 2003 and $302 million in 2002, summarized as follows:


Operating Cash Flows
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Cash earnings (1)
 
$
230
 
$
325
 
$
281
 
Pension trust contribution
   
(37
)
 
--
   
--
 
Working capital and other
   
70
   
(145
)
 
21
 
                     
Total
 
$
263
 
$
180
 
$
302
 

 
(1)
Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2)       Pension trust contribution net of $25 million of income tax benefits.

Cash earnings (in the table above) are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating our cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.


Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Net Income (GAAP)
 
$
112
 
$
68
 
$
252
 
Non-Cash Charges (Credits):
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
75
   
99
   
121
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
279
   
263
   
190
 
Revenue credits to customers
   
--
   
(72
)
 
(43
)
Disallowed regulatory assets
   
--
   
153
   
--
 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets
   
(263
)
 
(276
)
 
(352
)
Deferred income taxes
   
30
   
62
   
112
 
Other non-cash expenses
   
(3
)
 
28
   
1
 
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP)
 
$
230
 
$
325
 
$
281
 

6


Net  cash  provided  from  operating  activities  increased  by $83 million in 2004 and decreased by $121 million in 2003, as compared to the previous  year.  The increase in 2004 was due to a $215 million increase in working capital which was partially offset by a $95 million decrease in cash earnings as described under Results of Operations and a $37 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution. The increase in working capital and other was attributable to a $151 million increase in payables and a $53 million increase associated with a NUG power contract restructuring. The decrease in 2003 was due to a $166 million increase in working capital and other requirements (primarily from a $170 million reduction in payables) which was partially offset by a $44 million increase in cash earnings.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities was $82 million, $139 million and $140 million in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These amounts reflect redemptions of debt and preferred stock, in addition to payments of $90 million in 2004, $138 million in 2003 and $191 million in 2002 for common stock dividends to FirstEnergy. The following table provides details regarding new issues and redemptions during each year:


Securities Issued or Redeemed in
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
New Issues
             
Secured Notes
 
$
300
 
$
150
 
$
--
 
Transition Bonds (See Note 8(C))
   
--
   
--
   
320
 
                     
Redemptions
                   
First Mortgage Bonds
 
$
290
 
$
150
 
$
192
 
Medium Term Notes
   
--
   
102
   
--
 
Preferred Stock
   
--
   
125
   
52
 
Transition Bonds
   
16
   
--
   
--
 
Other
   
3
   
--
   
4
 
Total Redemptions
 
$
309
 
$
377
 
$
248
 
                     
Short-term Borrowings, net 
 
$
18
 
$
231
 
$
(18
)


We had $249 million of short-term  indebtedness at the end of 2004, compared to $231 million of short-term  debt at the end of 2003. The Company has obtained authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt up to its charter limit of $415 million (including the utility money pool). We will not issue FMB other than as collateral for senior notes, since our senior note indentures prohibit (subject to certain exceptions) us from issuing any debt which is senior to the senior notes. As of December 31, 2004, we had the capability to issue $644 million of additional senior notes based upon FMB collateral. At year-end 2004, based upon applicable earnings coverage tests and our charter, we could issue $583 million of preferred stock (assuming no additional debt was issued).

We have the ability to borrow from our regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet our short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal, 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 the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings under these arrangements in 2004 was 1.43%.

Our access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of our securities and the securities of FirstEnergy. The following table shows securities ratings as of December 31, 2004. The ratings outlook on all securities is stable.


Ratings of Securities
       
 
Securities
S&P
Moody’s
Fitch
         
FirstEnergy
Senior unsecured
BB+
Baa3
BBB-
         
JCP&L
Senior secured
BBB+
Baa1
BBB+
 
Preferred stock
BB
Ba1
BBB



7

On December 10, 2004, S&P reaffirmed FirstEnergy's ‘BBB-' corporate credit rating and kept the outlook stable. S&P noted that the stable outlook reflects FirstEnergy's improving financial profile and cash flow certainty through 2006. S&P stated that should the two refueling outages at the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants scheduled for the first quarter of 2005 be completed successfully without any significant negative findings and delays, FirstEnergy's outlook would be revised to positive. S&P also stated that a ratings upgrade in the next several months did not seem likely, as remaining issues of concern to S&P, primarily the outcome of environmental litigation and SEC investigations, are not likely to be resolved in the short term.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities increased $136 million in 2004 and decreased $143 million in 2003. The increase in 2004 resulted primarily from a $56 million increase in property additions and a $79 million decrease in loan repayments from associated companies. The 2003 change was principally due to a $155 million increase in loan repayments from associated companies.

Our capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be approximately $511 million for property additions and improvements, of which approximately $178 million applies to 2005.

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2004, our estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations that we considered firm obligations were as follows:

 
Contractual Obligations
 
 
Total
 
 
2005
 
2006-
2007
 
2008-
2009
 
 
Thereafter
 
   
(In millions)
 
                       
Long-term debt (2)
 
$
1,264
 
$
17
 
$
226
 
$
44
 
$
977
 
Short-term borrowings
   
249
   
249
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Operating leases
   
62
   
2
   
3
   
4
   
53
 
Purchases (1)
   
3,374
   
568
   
1,068
   
837
   
901
 
Total
 
$
4,949
 
$
836
 
$
1,297
 
$
885
 
$
1,931
 

(1)  Power purchases under contracts with fixed or minimum quantities and approximate timing.
(2)  Amounts reflected do not include interest on long-term debt.

Market Risk Information

We use various market risk sensitive instruments, including derivative contracts, primarily to manage the risk of price fluctuations. Our Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout our Company. They are responsible for promoting the effective design and implementation of sound risk management programs. They also oversee compliance with corporate risk management policies and established risk management practices.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to market risk primarily due to fluctuations in electricity and natural gas prices. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, we use a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including forward contracts, options and futures contracts. The derivatives are used for hedging purposes. Most of our non-hedge derivative contracts represent non-trading positions that do not qualify for hedge treatment under SFAS 133. The change in the fair value of commodity derivative contracts related to energy production during 2004 is summarized in the following table:


8

Increase (Decrease) in the Fair Value of Commodity Derivative Contracts

   
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
Change in the Fair Value of Commodity Derivative Contracts
             
Outstanding net asset as of January 1, 2004
 
$
16
 
$
--
 
$
16
 
New contract value when entered
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Additions/Change in value of existing contracts
   
(1
)
 
--
   
(1
)
Change in techniques/assumptions
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Settled contracts
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
                     
Net Assets - Derivatives Contracts as of
December 31, 2004 (1)
 
$
15
 
$
--
 
$
15
 
                     
Income Statement Impact of Changes in Commodity Derivative Contracts (2)
   
(1
)
$
--
 
$
(1
)
 
(1) Includes $15 million in non-hedge commodity derivative contracts which are offset by a regulatory liability.
(2)  Represents the increase in value of existing contracts, settled contracts and changes in techniques/assumptions.

Derivatives included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004:


   
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
       
(In millions)
     
Non-Current--
             
Other Deferred Charges
 
$
15
 
$
--
 
$
15
 
                     
Net assets
 
$
15
 
$
--
 
$
15
 


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, we rely on model-based information. The model provides estimates of future regional prices for electricity and an estimate of related price volatility. We use these results to develop estimates of fair value for financial reporting purposes and for internal management decision making. Sources of information for the valuation of derivative contracts by year are summarized in the following table:

Source of Information - Fair Value by Contract Year

   
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
                           
Other external sources (1)
 
$
4
 
$
3
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
7
 
Prices based on models
   
--
   
--
   
2
   
2
   
4
   
8
 
                                       
Total (2)
 
$
4
 
$
3
 
$
2
 
$
2
 
$
4
 
$
15
 

(1) Broker quote sheets.
(2) Includes $15 million from an embedded option that is offset by a regulatory liability and does not affect earnings.

We perform sensitivity analyses to estimate our exposure to the market risk of our commodity position. A hypothetical 10% adverse shift in quoted market prices in the near term on derivative instruments would not have had a material effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows as of December 31, 2004.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates is reduced since our debt has fixed interest rates, as noted in the following table.



9

Comparison of Carrying Value to Fair Value
                       
There-
     
Fair
 
Year of Maturity
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
after
 
Total
 
Value
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
Assets
 
Investments Other Than Cash
and Cash Equivalents-
                                 
Fixed Income
                               
$
218
 
$
218
 
$
218
 
Average interest rate
                                 
4.6
%
 
4.6
%
     

                                                   
Liabilities
Long-term Debt and Other
Long-Term Obligations:
                                                 
Fixed rate
 
$
17
 
$
208
 
$
18
 
$
19
 
$
25
 
$
977
 
$
1,264
 
$
1,252
 
Average interest rate
   
4.2
%
 
6.3
%
 
4.2
%
 
5.4
%
 
5.7
%
 
6.1
%
 
6.1
%
     
Short-term Borrowings
   
249
                               
$
249
 
$
249
 
Average interest rate
   
2.0
%
                               
2.0
%
     


Equity Price Risk

Included in nuclear decommissioning trusts are marketable equity securities carried at their current fair value of approximately $80 million and $69 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $8 million reduction in fair value as of December 31, 2004. (See Note 4 Fair Value of Financial Instruments)

Outlook

Beginning in 1999, all of our customers were able to select alternative energy suppliers. We continue to deliver power to homes and businesses through our existing distribution system, which remains regulated. To support customer choice, rates were restructured into unbundled service charges and additional non-bypassable charges to recover stranded costs.

Regulatory assets are costs which have been authorized by the NJBPU and the FERC for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income when incurred. All of our regulatory assets are expected to continue to be recovered under the provisions of the regulatory proceedings discussed below. Our regulatory assets totaled $2.2 billion and $2.6 billion as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Regulatory Matters

In July 2003, the NJBPU announced our base electric rate proceeding decision, which reduced our annual revenues effective August 1, 2003 and disallowed $153 million of deferred energy costs. The NJBPU decision also provided for an interim return on equity of 9.5% on our rate base. The decision ordered that a Phase II proceeding be conducted to review whether we are in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards. The NJBPU also ordered that any expenditures and projects undertaken by us to increase our system's reliability reviewed as part of the Phase II proceeding, to determine their prudence and reasonableness for rate recovery. In that Phase II proceeding, the NJBPU could increase our return on equity to 9.75% or decrease it to 9.25%, depending on its assessment of the reliability of our service. Any reduction would be retroactive to August 1, 2003. We recorded charges to net income for the year ended December 31, 2003, aggregating $185 million ($109 million net of tax) consisting of the $153 million of disallowed deferred energy costs and $32 million of other disallowed regulatory assets. In its final decision and order issued on May 17, 2004, the NJPBU clarified the method for calculating interest attributable to the cost disallowances, resulting in a $5.4 million reduction from the amount estimated in 2003. We filed an August 15, 2003 interim motion for rehearing and reconsideration with the NJBPU and a June 1, 2004 supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration. On July 7, 2004, the NJBPU granted limited reconsideration and rehearing on the following issues: (1) deferred cost disallowances (2) the capital structure including the rate of return (3) merger savings, including amortization of costs to achieve merger savings; and (4) decommissioning. Management is unable to predict when a decision may be reached by the NJBPU.


10

On July 16, 2004, we filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU requesting an increase in base rates of $36 million for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% return on equity. The filing also requests an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually. The Ratepayer Advocate filed testimony on November 16, 2004 and JCP&L submitted rebuttal testimony on January 4, 2005. Settlement conferences are ongoing.

On July 5, 2003, JCP&L experienced a series of 34.5 kilovolt sub-transmission line faults that resulted in outages on the New Jersey Shore. As a result of an investigation into these outages, the NJBPU issued an order to JCP&L on July 23, 2004 to implement actions to improve reliability in accordance with the findings of a Special Reliability Master (SRM) report and an operations audit.

Employee Matters

On December 8, 2004, employees represented by IBEW System Council U-3 began a strike against the Company. The Company continues to utilize management, other non-union personnel from around FirstEnergy’s system and contractors to perform service reliability and priority maintenance work while the union members are on strike. The labor agreement between the Company and System Council U-3 originally expired on October 31, 2003 but was extended several times and ultimately expired on December 7, 2004. The Company and the leadership of System Council U-3 continue to negotiate in an attempt to reach a new agreement and end the work stoppage. It is unknown when such an agreement will be reached or when the work stoppage will end.

Environmental Matters

We have been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site be held liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, our proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. We have accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $47 million as of December 31, 2004, which are being recovered through a non-bypassable SBC. We do not believe environmental remediation costs will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

Power Outages and Related Litigation

In July 1999, the Mid-Atlantic states experienced a severe heat storm which resulted in power outages throughout the service territories of many electric utilities, including our territory. In an investigation into the causes of the outages and the reliability of the transmission and distribution systems of all four New Jersey electric utilities, the NJBPU concluded that there was not a prima facie case demonstrating that, overall, we provided unsafe, inadequate or improper service to our customers. Two class action lawsuits (subsequently consolidated into a single proceeding) were filed in New Jersey Superior Court in July 1999 against us, GPU and other GPU companies, seeking compensatory and punitive damages arising from the July 1999 service interruptions in the our territory.

In August 2002, the trial court granted partial summary judgment to us and dismissed the plaintiffs' claims for consumer fraud, common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and strict product liability. In November 2003, the trial court granted our motion to decertify the class and denied plaintiffs' motion to permit into evidence their class-wide damage model indicating damages in excess of $50 million. These class decertification and damage rulings were appealed to the Appellate Division. The Appellate Court issued a decision on July 8, 2004, affirming the decertification of the originally certified class but remanding for certification of a class limited to those customers directly impacted by the outages of transformers in Red Bank, New Jersey. On September 8, 2004, the New Jersey Supreme Court denied the motions filed by plaintiffs and us for leave to appeal the decision of the Appellate Court. We are unable to predict the outcome of these matters and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.


11

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. On April 5, 2004, the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force released its final report on the outages. In the final report, the Task Force concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contains 46 recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts. Forty-five of those recommendations relate to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, relates to activities the Task Force recommends be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, and ECAR. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which are consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, completion of various reliability recommendations and further received independent verification of completion status from a NERC verification team on July 14, 2004. FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. As many of these initiatives already were in process, FirstEnergy does not believe that any incremental expenses associated with additional initiatives undertaken during 2004 will have a material effect on its operations or financial results. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of December 31, 2004 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date.

Legal Matters

Various  lawsuits, claims  (including claims for asbestos  exposure) and proceedings  related to our normal  business operations are pending against us, the most significant of which are described above.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these principles often requires a high degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions that affect financial results. All of our assets are subject to their own specific risks and uncertainties and are regularly reviewed for impairment. Our more significant accounting policies are described below.

Regulatory Accounting

We are subject to regulation that sets the prices (rates) we are permitted to charge our customers based on costs that the regulatory agencies determine we are permitted to recover. At times, regulators permit the future recovery through rates of costs that would be currently charged to expense by an unregulated company. This ratemaking process results in the recording of regulatory assets based on anticipated future cash inflows. We regularly review these assets to assess their ultimate recoverability within the approved regulatory guidelines. Impairment risk associated with these assets relates to potentially adverse legislative, judicial or regulatory actions in the future.

Revenue Recognition

We follow the accrual method of accounting for revenues, recognizing revenue for electricity that has been delivered to customers but not yet billed through the end of the accounting period. The determination of electricity sales to individual customers is based on meter readings, which occur on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, electricity delivered to customers since the last meter reading is estimated and a corresponding accrual for unbilled sales is recognized. The determination of unbilled sales requires management to make estimates regarding electricity available for retail load, transmission and distribution line losses, demand by customer class, weather-related impacts, prices in effect for each customer class and electricity provided by alternative suppliers.


12

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting

Our reported costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and postemployment benefits other than pensions are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and certain assumptions.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions we make to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs are also affected by changes to key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations for pension and OPEB costs.

In accordance with SFAS 87, changes in pension and OPEB obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs on the income statement, but generally are recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 delay recognition of changes due to the long-term nature of pension and OPEB obligations and the varying market conditions likely to occur over long periods of time. As such, significant portions of pension and OPEB costs recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of cash benefits provided to plan participants and are significantly influenced by assumptions about future market conditions and plan participants' experience.

In selecting an assumed discount rate, we consider currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Due to recent declines in corporate bond yields and interest rates in general, we reduced the assumed discount rate as of December 31, 2004 to 6.00% from 6.25% and 6.75% used as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Our assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the pension trusts. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, plan assets actually earned 11.1%, 24.2% and (11.3)%, respectively. Our pension costs in 2004 were computed assuming a 9.0% rate of return on plan assets based upon projections of future returns and our pension trust investment allocation of approximately 68% equities, 29% bonds, 2% real estate and 1% cash.

In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (our share was $62 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. FirstEnergy's election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement.

As a result of our voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, we reduced our accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $46 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, we increased our additional minimum liability by $9 million, offset by a charge to OCI. The balance in AOCL of $53 million (net of $37 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Health care cost trends have significantly increased and will affect future OPEB costs. The 2004 and 2005 composite health care trend rate assumptions are approximately 10%-12% and 9%-11%, respectively, gradually decreasing to 5% in later years. In determining our trend rate assumptions, we included the specific provisions of our health care plans, the demographics and utilization rates of plan participants, actual cost increases experienced in our health care plans, and projections of future medical trend rates.
 
Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with SFAS 144, we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to determine whether conditions exist that would indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be fully recoverable. The accounting standard requires that if the sum of future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from an asset is less than the carrying value of the asset, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset (discounted future net cash flows).

The calculation of future cash flows is based on assumptions, estimates and judgment about future events. The aggregate amount of cash flows determines whether an impairment is indicated. The timing of the cash flows is critical in determining the amount of the impairment.


13

Nuclear Decommissioning

In accordance with SFAS 143, we recognize an ARO for the future decommissioning of TMI-2. The ARO liability represents an estimate of the fair value of our current obligation related to nuclear decommissioning and the retirement of other assets. A fair value measurement inherently involves uncertainty in the amount and timing of settlement of the liability. We used an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. This approach applies probability weighting to discounted future cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes. The scenarios consider settlement of the ARO at the expiration of the nuclear power plant's current license and settlement based on an extended license term.

Goodwill

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, we evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and make such evaluations more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment is indicated we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. Our annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004 with no impairment indicated. The forecasts used in our evaluations of goodwill reflect operations consistent with our general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on our future evaluations of goodwill.




14


JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME




 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES (Note 2(H))
$
2,206,987
 
$
2,359,646
 
$
2,328,415
 
                   
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                 
Fuel and purchased power (Note 2(H))
 
1,166,430
   
1,386,899
   
1,153,415
 
Other operating costs (Note 2(H))
 
350,709
   
368,714
   
300,602
 
Provision for depreciation
 
75,163
   
98,711
   
121,444
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
 
278,559
   
263,227
   
190,200
 
General taxes
 
62,792
   
53,481
   
56,049
 
Income taxes
 
89,425
   
41,839
   
171,496
 
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
2,023,078
   
2,212,871
   
1,993,206
 
                   
OPERATING INCOME
 
183,909
   
146,775
   
335,209
 
                   
OTHER INCOME
 
7,761
   
7,026
   
7,653
 
                   
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                 
Interest on long-term debt
 
80,840
   
87,681
   
92,314
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during
                 
construction
 
(615
)
 
(296
)
 
(583
)
Deferred interest
 
(3,545
)
 
(8,639
)
 
(8,815
)
Other interest expense
 
3,351
   
1,691
   
(2,643
)
Subsidiary’s preferred stock dividend requirements
 
--
   
5,347
   
10,694
 
Net interest charges
 
80,031
   
85,784
   
90,967
 
                   
NET INCOME
 
111,639
   
68,017
   
251,895
 
                   
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
 
500
   
500
   
2,125
 
                   
GAIN ON PREFERRED STOCK REACQUISITION
 
--
   
(612
)
 
(3,589
)
                   
EARNINGS ON COMMON STOCK
$
111,139
 
$
68,129
 
$
253,359
 
                   




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


15

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
 
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
           
UTILITY PLANT:
           
In service
$
3,730,767
 
$
3,642,467
 
Less-Accumulated provision for depreciation
 
1,380,775
   
1,367,042
 
   
2,349,992
   
2,275,425
 
Construction work in progress
 
75,012
   
48,985
 
   
2,425,004
   
2,324,410
 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
           
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
 
138,205
   
125,945
 
Nuclear fuel disposal trust
 
159,696
   
155,774
 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies
 
20,436
   
19,579
 
Other
 
19,379
   
18,744
 
   
337,716
   
320,042
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
162
   
271
 
Receivables-
           
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $3,881,000 and $4,296,000
           
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)
 
201,415
   
198,061
 
Associated companies
 
86,531
   
70,012
 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $162,000 and $1,183,000 respectively)
 
39,898
   
46,411
 
Materials and supplies, at average cost
 
2,435
   
2,480
 
Prepayments and other
 
31,489
   
49,360
 
   
361,930
   
366,595
 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
           
Regulatory assets
 
2,176,520
   
2,558,214
 
Goodwill
 
1,985,036
   
2,001,302
 
Other
 
4,978
   
8,481
 
   
4,166,534
   
4,567,997
 
 
$
7,291,184
 
$
7,579,044
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
           
             
CAPITALIZATION(See Consolidated Statements of Capitalization):
           
Common stockholder’s equity
$
3,155,362
 
$
3,153,974
 
Preferred stock not subject to mandatory redemption
 
12,649
   
12,649
 
Long-term debt
 
1,238,984
   
1,095,991
 
   
4,406,995
   
4,262,614
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Currently payable long-term debt
 
16,866
   
175,921
 
Notes payable (Note 10)-
           
Associated companies
 
248,532
   
230,985
 
Accounts payable-
           
Associated companies
 
20,605
   
42,410
 
Other
 
124,733
   
105,815
 
Accrued taxes
 
2,626
   
919
 
Accrued interest
 
10,359
   
14,843
 
Other
 
65,130
   
58,094
 
   
488,851
   
628,987
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Power purchase contract loss liability
 
1,268,478
   
1,473,070
 
Accumulated deferred income taxes
 
645,741
   
640,208
 
Nuclear fuel disposal costs
 
169,884
   
167,936
 
Asset retirement obligation
 
72,655
   
109,851
 
Retirement benefits
 
103,036
   
159,219
 
Other
 
135,544
   
137,159
 
   
2,395,338
   
2,687,443
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
           
(Notes 5 and 11).
           
 
$
7,291,184
 
$
7,579,044
 


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.

16

JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION

As of December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
         
Common stock, par value $10 per share, authorized 16,000,000 shares
         
15,371,270 shares outstanding
 
$
153,713
 
$
153,713
 
Other paid-in capital
   
3,013,912
   
3,029,894
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 2(F))
   
(55,534
)
 
(51,765
)
Retained earnings (Note 8(A))
   
43,271
   
22,132
 
Total common stockholder's equity
   
3,155,362
   
3,153,974
 

   
 
Number of Shares
Outstanding
 
 
Optional
Redemption Price
         
           
   
2004
 
2003
 
Per Share
 
Aggregate
         
PREFERRED STOCK NOT SUBJECT TO
                         
MANDATORY REDEMPTION (Note 8(B)):
                         
Cumulative, without par value-
                         
Authorized 125,000 shares
                         
4.00% Series
   
125,000
   
125,000
 
$
106.50
 
$
13,313
   
12,649
   
12,649
 
                                       
LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 8(C)):
                                     
First mortgage bonds:
                                     
7.125% due 2004
                           
--
   
160,000
 
6.780% due 2005
                           
--
   
50,000
 
6.850% due 2006
                           
40,000
   
40,000
 
7.125% due 2009
                           
5,985
   
6,300
 
7.100% due 2015
                           
12,200
   
12,200
 
8.320% due 2022
                           
--
   
40,000
 
7.980% due 2023
                           
--
   
40,000
 
7.500% due 2023
                           
125,000
   
125,000
 
8.450% due 2025
                           
50,000
   
50,000
 
6.750% due 2025
                           
150,000
   
150,000
 
Total first mortgage bonds
                           
383,185
   
673,500
 
                                       
Secured notes:
                                     
6.450% due 2006
                           
150,000
   
150,000
 
4.190% due 2007
                           
51,723
   
67,312
 
5.390% due 2010
                           
52,297
   
52,297
 
5.810% due 2013
                           
77,075
   
77,075
 
5.625% due 2016
                           
300,000
   
--
 
6.160% due 2017
                           
99,517
   
99,517
 
4.800% due 2018
                           
150,000
   
150,000
 
Total secured notes
                           
880,612
   
596,201
 
Unsecured notes:
                                     
7.69% due 2039
                           
--
   
2,968
 
                                       
Net unamortized discount on debt
                           
(7,947
)
 
(757
)
Long-term debt due within one year
                           
(16,866
)
 
(175,921
)
Total long-term debt
                           
1,238,984
   
1,095,991
 
                                       
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
                         
$
4,406,995
 
$
4,262,614
 


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



17



JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

                   
Accumulated
     
       
Common Stock
 
Other
 
Other
     
   
Comprehensive
 
Number
 
Par
 
Paid-In
 
Comprehensive
 
Retained
 
   
Income
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
Capital
 
Income (Loss)
 
Earnings
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                       
Balance, January 1, 2002
         
15,371,270
 
$
153,713
 
$
2,981,117
 
$
(472
)
$
29,343
 
Net income
 
$
251,895
                           
251,895
 
Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments
   
(393
)
                   
(393
)
     
Comprehensive income
 
$
251,502
                               
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                                 
1,465
 
Cash dividends on common stock
                                 
(190,700
)
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
                     
48,101
             
Balance, December 31, 2002
         
15,371,270
   
153,713
   
3,029,218
   
(865
)
 
92,003
 
Net income
 
$
68,017
                           
68,017
 
Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments
   
(3,020
)
                   
(3,020
)
     
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
benefits, net of $(32,998,000) of income taxes
                                     
   
(47,880
)
                   
(47,880
)
     
Comprehensive income
 
$
17,117
                               
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                                 
(500
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                                 
(138,000
)
Gain on preferred stock reacquisition
                                 
612
 
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
                     
676
             
Balance, December 31, 2003
         
15,371,270
   
153,713
   
3,029,894
   
(51,765
)
 
22,132
 
Net income
 
$
111,639
                           
111,639
 
Net unrealized loss on investments
   
(5
)
                   
(5
)
     
Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments, net of $1,583,000 of income taxes
   
1,697
                     
1,697
       
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
benefits, net of $(3,772,000) of income taxes
                                     
   
(5,461
)
                   
(5,461
)
     
Comprehensive income
 
$
107,870
                               
Cash dividends on preferred stock
                                 
(500
)
Cash dividends on common stock
                                 
(90,000
)
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
                     
(15,982
)
           
Balance, December 31, 2004
         
15,371,270
 
$
153,713
 
$
3,013,912
 
$
(55,534
)
$
43,271
 





CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK

 
Not Subject to
 
Subject to
 
 
Mandatory Redemption
 
Mandatory Redemption
 
 
Number
 
Carrying
 
Number
 
Carrying
 
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Balance, January 1, 2002
 
125,000
 
$
12,649
   
5,515,001
 
$
180,951
 
Redemptions-
                       
7.52% Series
             
(265,000
)
 
(28,951
)
8.65% Series
             
(250,001
)
 
(26,750
)
Amortization of fair market
                       
Value adjustment
                   
(6
)
Balance, December 31, 2002
 
125,000
   
12,649
   
5,000,000
 
$
125,244
 
Redemptions-
                       
8.56% Series
             
(5,000,000
)
 
(125,242
)
Amortization of fair market
                       
value adjustment
                   
(2
)
Balance, December 31, 2003
 
125,000
   
12,649
   
--
   
--
 
Balance, December 31, 2004
 
125,000
 
$
12,649
   
--
 
$
--
 


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




18


JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
             
Net Income
 
$
111,639
 
$
68,017
 
$
251,895
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
                   
cash from operating activities:
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
75,163
   
98,711
   
121,444
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
278,559
   
263,227
   
190,200
 
Deferred costs, net
   
(263,257
)
 
(276,214
)
 
(351,950
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
   
54,887
   
62,372
   
112,315
 
NUG power contract restructuring
   
52,800
   
--
   
--
 
Pension trust contribution
   
(62,499
)
 
--
   
--
 
Revenue credits to customers
   
--
   
(71,984
)
 
(43,016
)
Disallowed regulatory assets
   
--
   
152,500
   
--
 
Accrued retirement benefit obligation
   
(2,986
)
 
8,381
   
--
 
Accrued compensation, net
   
1,014
   
19,864
   
(59
)
Receivables
   
(13,360
)
 
4,528
   
(14,542
)
Materials and supplies
   
45
   
(1,139
)
 
7
 
Accounts payable
   
(2,887
)
 
(153,953
 )  
16,399
 
Other
   
33,535
   
5,642
   
19,597
 
Net cash provided from operating activities
   
262,653
   
179,952
   
302,290
 
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                   
New Financing-
                   
Long-term debt
   
300,000
   
150,000
   
318,106
 
Short-term borrowings, net
   
17,547
   
230,985
   
--
 
Redemptions and Repayments-
                   
Preferred stock
   
--
   
(125,244
)
 
(51,500
)
Long-term debt
   
(308,872
)
 
(251,815
)
 
(196,033
)
Short-term borrowings, net
   
--
   
--
   
(18,149
)
Dividend Payments-
                   
Common stock
   
(90,000
)
 
(138,000
)
 
(190,700
)
Preferred stock
   
(500
)
 
(5,235
)
 
(2,125
)
Net cash used for financing activities
   
(81,825
)
 
(139,309
)
 
(140,401
)
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                   
Property additions
   
(178,877
)
 
(122,930
)
 
(97,346
)
Contributions to decommissioning trusts
   
(2,895
)
 
(2,630
)
 
--
 
Loan repayments from (payments to) associated companies, net
   
(857
)
 
78,112
   
(77,358
)
Other
   
1,692
   
2,253
   
(13,786
)
Net cash used for investing activities
   
(180,937
)
 
(45,195
)
 
(188,490
)
                     
                     
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(109
)
 
(4,552
)
 
(26,601
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
271
   
4,823
   
31,424
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
162
 
$
271
 
$
4,823
 
                     
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
                   
Cash Paid During the Year-
                   
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
 
$
83,341
 
$
101,432
 
$
92,152
 
Income taxes
 
$
58,549
 
$
16,883
 
$
83,776
 



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


19




JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TAXES


 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
GENERAL TAXES:
                 
New Jersey Transitional Energy Facilities Assessment*
$
49,455
 
$
38,668
 
$
39,387
 
Real and personal property
 
4,894
   
3,889
   
4,362
 
Social security and unemployment
 
8,287
   
4,826
   
--
 
Other
 
156
   
6,098
   
12,300
 
Total general taxes
$
62,792
 
$
53,481
 
$
56,049
 
                   
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Currently payable (receivable)-
                 
Federal
$
29,862
 
$
(15,687
)
$
55,731
 
State
 
10,363
   
(245
)
 
13,809
 
   
40,225
   
(15,932
)
 
69,540
 
Deferred, net-
                 
Federal
 
50,817
   
54,252
   
88,758
 
State
 
5,657
   
10,348
   
27,108
 
   
56,474
   
64,600
   
115,866
 
Investment tax credit amortization
 
(1,587
)
 
(2,228
)
 
(3,551
)
Total provision for income taxes
$
95,112
 
$
46,440
 
$
181,855
 
                   
INCOME STATEMENT CLASSIFICATION
                 
OF PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Operating income
$
89,425
 
$
41,839
 
$
171,496
 
Other income
 
5,687
   
4,601
   
10,359
 
Total provision for income taxes
$
95,112
 
$
46,440
 
$
181,855
 
                   
RECONCILIATION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX
                 
EXPENSE AT STATUTORY RATE TO TOTAL
                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Book income before provision for income taxes
$
206,751
 
$
114,457
 
$
433,749
 
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
$
72,363
 
$
40,060
 
$
151,812
 
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from-
                 
Amortization of investment tax credits
 
(1,587
)
 
(2,228
)
 
(3,551
)
Depreciation
 
4,485
   
3,315
   
7,154
 
State income tax, net of federal benefit
 
10,413
   
7,178
   
27,111
 
Other, net
 
9,438
   
(1,885
)
 
(671
)
Total provision for income taxes
$
95,112
 
$
46,440
 
$
181,855
 
                   
ACCUMULATED DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AT
                 
DECEMBER 31:
                 
Property basis differences
$
386,071
 
$
371,811
 
$
297,983
 
Nuclear decommissioning
 
27,123
   
34,663
   
44,775
 
Deferred sale and leaseback costs
 
(17,836
)
 
(16,651
)
 
(16,451
)
Purchase accounting basis difference
 
(1,253
)
 
(1,253
)
 
(1,253
)
Sale of generation assets
 
(15,614
)
 
(17,861
)
 
(17,861
)
Regulatory transition charge
 
213,665
   
197,729
   
224,117
 
Provision for rate refund
 
--
   
--
   
(29,370
)
Customer receivables for future income taxes
 
(27,239
)
 
(4,519
)
 
(5,336
)
Oyster Creek securitization
 
184,245
   
193,558
   
202,448
 
Other comprehensive income
 
(38,353
)
 
(32,998
)
 
--
 
Employee benefits
 
1,652
   
(29,129
)
 
--
 
Other
 
(66,720
)
 
(55,142
)
 
(7,331
)
Net deferred income tax liability
$
645,741
 
$
640,208
 
$
691,721
 

* Collected from customers through regulated rates and included in revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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



20


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The consolidated  financial  statements include JCP&L (Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also holds directly all of the issued and outstanding common shares of its other principal electric utility operating subsidiaries, including OE, CEI, TE, ATSI, Met-Ed and Penelec.

The Company follows GAAP and complies with the regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, NJBPU and the FERC. 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 the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Expenses (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets to conform with the current year presentation of generation commodity costs.

The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries, over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest and VIEs for which the Company or any of its subsidiaries is the primary beneficiary. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for on the equity basis.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Revenue amounts related to transmission activities previously recorded as wholesale electric sales revenues were reclassified as transmission revenues. Expenses (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not change previously reported results in 2003 and 2002.

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

2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

(A)   ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF REGULATION

The Company accounts for the effects of regulation through the application of SFAS 71 to its operating utilities when its rates:

·
are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers;
   
·
are cost-based; and
   
·
can be charged to and collected from customers.

An enterprise meeting all of these criteria capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. SFAS 71 is applied only to the parts of the business that meet the above criteria. If a portion of the business applying SFAS 71 no longer meets those requirements, previously recorded regulatory assets are removed from the balance sheet in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 101.

Regulatory Assets-

The Company recognizes, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC and the NJBPU have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Company’s regulatory plan. The Company continues to bill and collect cost-based rates for its transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Company continue the application of SFAS 71 to those operations.

21

Net regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Regulatory transition charge
 
$
2,215
 
$
2,457
 
Societal benefits charge
   
51
   
82
 
Property losses and unrecovered plant costs
   
50
   
70
 
Liabilities to customers - income taxes
   
(58
)
 
--
 
Employee postretirement benefit costs
   
27
   
30
 
Loss on reacquired debt
   
18
   
15
 
Spent fuel disposal costs
   
(1
)
 
3
 
Component removal costs
   
(150
)
 
(150
)
Other
   
25
   
51
 
Total
 
$
2,177
 
$
2,558
 
               


Regulatory transition charges as of December 31, 2004 include $1.2 billion for the deferral of above-market costs from power supplied by NUGs. These costs are being recovered through BGS and MTC revenues.

Accounting for Generation Operations-

The application of SFAS 71 was discontinued in 1999 with respect to the Company’s  generation operations.  The Company  subsequently divested substantially all of its generating assets. The SEC's interpretive guidance and EITF 97-4 regarding asset impairment measurement, provides that any supplemental regulated cash flows such as a CTC should be excluded from the cash flows of assets in a portion of the business not subject to regulatory accounting practices. If those assets are impaired, a regulatory asset should be established if the costs are recoverable through regulatory cash flows. Net assets included in utility plant relating to operations for which the application of SFAS 71 was discontinued were $39 million as of December 31, 2004.

(B)   CASH AND SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-

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.

(C)   REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES-

The Company’s principal business is providing electric service to customers in New Jersey. The Company’s retail customers are metered on a cycle basis. Electric revenues are recorded based on energy delivered through the end of the calendar month. An estimate of unbilled revenues is calculated to recognize electric service provided between the last meter reading and the end of the month. This estimate includes many factors including estimated weather impacts, customer shopping activity, historical line loss factors and prices in effect for each class of customer. In each accounting period, the Company accrues the estimated unbilled amount receivable as revenue and reverses the related prior period estimate.

Receivables from customers include sales to residential, commercial and industrial customers and sales to wholesale customers. There was no material concentration of receivables as of December 31, 2004 or 2003, with respect to any particular segment of the Company's customers. Total customer receivables were $201 million (billed - $122 million and unbilled - $79 million) and $198 million (billed - $119 million and unbilled - $79 million) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

(D)   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT-

As a result of the Company's acquisition by FirstEnergy, a portion of the Company’s property, plant and equipment was adjusted to reflect fair value. The majority of the Company’s property, plant and equipment is reflected at original cost since such assets remain subject to rate regulation on a historical cost basis. In addition to its wholly owned facilities, the Company holds a 50% ownership interest in Yards Creek Pumped Storage Facility, and its net book value was approximately $19.2 million as of December 31, 2004. The costs of normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are expensed as incurred. The Company's accounting policy for planned major maintenance projects is to recognize liabilities as they are incurred.


22

The Company provides for depreciation on a straight-line basis at various rates over the estimated lives of property included in plant in service. The annualized composite rate was approximately 2.1% in 2004, 2.8% in 2003, and 3.5% in 2002. The reduced depreciation rates in 2004 and 2003 reflect reductions from the NJBPU August 2003 rate decision.
 
(E)   ASSET IMPAIRMENTS-

Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In accordance with SFAS 144, the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment exists, a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated by using available market valuations or the long-lived asset's expected future net discounted cash flows. The calculation of expected cash flows is based on estimates and assumptions about future events.

Goodwill

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment at least annually and would make such an evaluation more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment is indicated, the Company recognizes a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. The Company's 2004 annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004 with no impairment indicated. The forecasts used in the Company's evaluation of goodwill reflect operations consistent with its general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on the Company's future evaluations of goodwill. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had recorded goodwill of $2.0 billion related to the merger. In 2004, the Company adjusted goodwill for interest received on a pre-merger income tax refund and for the reversal of tax valuation allowances related to income tax benefits realized attributable to prior period capital loss carryforwards that were offset by capital gains generated in 2004.

Investments

The Company periodically evaluates for impairment investments that include available-for-sale securities held by their nuclear decommissioning trusts. In accordance with SFAS 115, securities classified as available-for-sale are evaluated to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. The Company considers, among other factors, the length of time 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 investments for impairment. The fair value and unrealized gains and losses of the Company's investments are disclosed in Note 4.

(F)   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME-

Comprehensive income includes net income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and all other changes in common stockholder’s equity except those resulting from transactions with FirstEnergy and preferred stockholders. As of December 31, 2004, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of unrealized losses on derivative instrument hedges of $2 million and a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $53 million. As of December 31, 2003, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of unrealized losses on derivative instrument hedges of $4 million and a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $48 million.

(G)   INCOME TAXES-

Details of the total provision for income taxes are shown on the Consolidated Statements of Taxes. The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carry forward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled. The Company is included in FirstEnergy's consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated tax liability is allocated on a stand-alone company basis, with the Company recognizing the tax benefit for any tax losses or credits it contributes to the consolidated return.

23

(H)   TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED COMPANIES-

Operating revenues, operating expenses and other income included transactions with affiliated companies, primarily FESC, GPUS and FES. GPUS (until it ceased operations in mid-2003) and FESC have provided legal, accounting, financial and other services to the Company. The Company also entered into sale and purchase transactions with affiliates (Met-Ed and Penelec) during the period. Through the BGS auction process, FES is a supplier of power to the Company. The primary affiliated companies transactions are as follows:

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
       
(In millions)
     
Operating Revenues:
             
Wholesale sales-affiliated companies
 
$
49
 
$
36
 
$
18
 
                     
Operating Expenses:
                   
Service Company support services
   
95
   
101
   
140
 
Power purchased from other affiliates
   
--
   
--
   
26
 
Power purchased from FES
   
71
   
55
   
18
 


FirstEnergy does not bill directly or allocate any of its costs to any subsidiary company. Costs are allocated to the Company from FESC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy and a mutual service company as defined in Rule 93 of PUHCA. The majority of costs are directly billed or assigned at no more than cost as determined by PUHCA Rule 91. The remaining costs are for services that are provided on behalf of more than one company, or costs that cannot be precisely identified and are allocated using formulas that are filed annually with the SEC on Form U-13-60. The current allocation or assignment formulas used and their bases include multiple factor formulas: each company’s proportionate amount of FirstEnergy’s aggregate direct payroll, number of employees, asset balances, revenues, number of customers, other factors and specific departmental charge ratios. Management believes that these allocation methods are reasonable. Intercompany transactions with FirstEnergy and its other subsidiaries are generally settled under commercial terms within thirty days, except for a net $48 million receivable from affiliates for OPEB obligations.

3. PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

FirstEnergy  provides  noncontributory  defined  benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of the Company's employees. The trusteed plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company's funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (the Company's share was $62 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. The election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement. Since the contribution is deductible for tax purposes, the after-tax cash impact of the voluntary contribution is approximately $300 million (the Company's share was $37 million).

FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and copayments, are also available to retired employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. The Company recognizes the expected cost of providing other postretirement benefits to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs may also be affected by changes in key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations and pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31 measurement date for the majority of its plans.

24
 
Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables provide information applicable to FirstEnergy’s pension and OPEB plans.

 
Obligations and Funded Status
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Change in benefit obligation
                 
Benefit obligation as of January 1
 
$
4,162
 
$
3,866
 
$
2,368
 
$
2,077
 
Service cost
   
77
   
66
   
36
   
43
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
112
   
136
 
Plan participants’ contributions
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
6
 
Plan amendments
   
--
   
--
   
(281
)
 
(123
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
134
   
222
   
(211
)
 
323
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Benefit obligation as of December 31
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
$
1,930
 
$
2,368
 
                           
Change in fair value of plan assets
                         
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1
 
$
3,315
 
$
2,889
 
$
537
 
$
473
 
Actual return on plan assets
   
415
   
671
   
57
   
88
 
Company contribution
   
500
   
--
   
64
   
68
 
Plan participants’ contribution
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
2
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31
 
$
3,969
 
$
3,315
 
$
564
 
$
537
 
                           
Funded status
 
$
(395
)
$
(847
)
$
(1,366
)
$
(1,831
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
885
   
919
   
730
   
994
 
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
   
63
   
72
   
(378
)
 
(221
)
Unrecognized net transition obligation
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
83
 
Net asset (liability) recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)

Amounts Recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31
                 
                   
Accrued benefit cost
 
$
(14
)
$
(438
)
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Intangible assets
   
63
   
72
   
--
   
--
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
504
   
510
   
--
   
--
 
Net amount recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Company's share of net amount recognized
 
$
68
 
$
13
 
$
(79
)
$
(89
)
                           
Increase (decrease) in minimum liability
included in other comprehensive income
(net of tax)
 
$
(4
)
$
(145
)
 
--
   
--
 
                           
Assumptions Used to Determine
Benefit Obligations As of December 31
                         
                           
Discount rate
   
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
           
                           
Allocation of Plan Assets
As of December 31
Asset Category
                         
Equity securities
   
68
%
 
70
%
 
74
%
 
71
%
Debt securities
   
29
   
27
   
25
   
22
 
Real estate
   
2
   
2
   
--
   
--
 
Cash
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
7
 
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

Information for Pension Plans With an
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in
Excess of Plan Assets
 
 
 
2004
 
 
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
   
3,983
   
3,753
 
Fair value of plan assets
   
3,969
   
3,315
 


25


   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Service cost
 
$
77
 
$
66
 
$
59
 
$
36
 
$
43
 
$
29
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
249
   
112
   
137
   
114
 
Expected return on plan assets
   
(286
)
 
(248
)
 
(346
)
 
(44
)
 
(43
)
 
(52
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
9
   
9
   
9
   
(40
)
 
(9
)
 
3
 
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
9
   
9
 
Recognized net actuarial loss
   
39
   
62
   
--
   
39
   
40
   
11
 
Net periodic cost (income)
 
$
91
 
$
142
 
$
(29
)
$
103
 
$
177
 
$
114
 
Company's share of net periodic cost (income)
 
$
7
 
$
12
 
$
(20
)
$
5
 
$
12
 
$
5
 


Weighted-Average Assumptions Used
                         
to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
for Years Ended December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                           
Discount rate
   
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
   
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
 
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
                 


In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the Company's pension trusts. The long-term rate of return is developed considering the portfolio’s asset allocation strategy.

FirstEnergy employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Other assets such as real estate are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives are not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on a continuing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.


Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
         
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next
year (pre/post-Medicare)
   
9%-11
%
 
10%-12
%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to
decline (the ultimate trend rate)
   
5
%
 
5
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend
rate (pre/post-Medicare)
   
2009-2011
   
2009-2011
 


Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:


   
1-Percentage-
 
1-Percentage-
 
   
Point Increase
 
Point Decrease
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Effect on total of service and interest cost
 
$
19
 
$
(16
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
205
 
$
(179
)


26

Pursuant to FSP 106-1 issued January 12, 2004, FirstEnergy began accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act effective January 1, 2004 because of a plan amendment during the quarter, which required remeasurement of the plan's obligations. The plan amendment, which increases cost-sharing by employees and retirees effective January 1, 2005, reduced the Company’s postretirement benefit costs by $2 million during 2004.

Consistent with the guidance in FSP 106-2 issued on May 19, 2004, FirstEnergy recognized a reduction of $318 million in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as a result of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act related to benefits for past service. This reduction was accounted for as an actuarial gain in 2004 pursuant to FSP 106-2. The subsidy reduced the Company’s net periodic postretirement benefit costs by $5 million during 2004.

As a result of its voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, the Company reduced its accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $46 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, the Company increased its additional minimum liability by $9 million, offset by a charge to OCI. The balance in AOCL of $53 million (net of $37 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets:


   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
2005
 
$
228
 
$
111
 
2006
   
228
   
106
 
2007
   
236
   
109
 
2008
   
247
   
112
 
2009
   
264
   
115
 
Years 2010 - 2014
   
1,531
   
627
 


4. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Long-term Debt and Other Long-term Obligations-

All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as financial instruments under GAAP and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Long-term debt
 
$
1,264
 
$
1,252
 
$
1,273
 
$
1,190
 


The fair values of long-term debt reflect the present value of the cash outflows relating to those securities based on the current call price, the yield to maturity or the yield to call, as deemed appropriate at the end of each respective year. The yields assumed were based on securities with similar characteristics offered by corporations with credit ratings similar to the Company’s ratings.

27

Investments-

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these investments. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of investments other than cash and cash equivalents as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities:(1)
                 
-Government obligations
 
$
208
 
$
208
 
$
200
 
$
200
 
-Corporate debt securities
   
11
   
11
   
13
   
13
 
     
219
   
219
   
213
   
213
 
Equity securities(1)
   
80
   
80
   
70
   
70
 
   
$
299
 
$
299
 
$
283
 
$
283
 

 
(1)
Includes nuclear decommissioning and nuclear fuel disposal trust investments.


The fair value of investments other than cash and cash equivalents represent cost (which  approximates  fair value) or 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.

Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include held-to-maturity securities and available-for-sale securities. Decommissioning trust investments are classified as available-for-sale. The Company has no securities held for trading purposes. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for decommissioning trust investments as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                                   
Debt securities
 
$
55
 
$
3
 
$
--
 
$
58
 
$
53
 
$
4
 
$
--
 
$
57
 
Equity securities
   
72
   
10
   
2
   
80
   
54
   
15
   
--
   
69
 
   
$
127
 
$
13
 
$
2
 
$
138
 
$
107
 
$
19
 
$
--
 
$
126
 


Proceeds from the sale of decommissioning trust investments, gross realized gains and losses on those sales, and interest and dividend income for the three years ended December 31, 2004 were as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Proceeds from sales
 
$
119
 
$
70
 
$
44
 
Gross realized gains
   
15
   
1
   
--
 
Gross realized losses
   
1
   
--
   
--
 
Interest and dividend income
   
4
   
4
   
4
 


28

The following table provides the fair value and gross unrealized losses of nuclear decommissioning trust investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2004.

   
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
   
(In millions)
 
                           
Debt securities
 
$
3
 
$
--
 
$
5
 
$
--
 
$
8
 
$
--
 
Equity securities
   
16
   
2
   
--
   
--
   
16
   
2
 
   
$
19
 
$
2
 
$
5
 
$
--
 
$
24
 
$
2
 


The Company periodically evaluates the securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts for other-than-temporary impairment.  The Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the security's fair value has been less than its cost basis and other factors to determine whether an impairment is other than temporary. The Company's decommissioning trusts are subject to regulatory accounting in accordance with SFAS 71. Net unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets since the difference between investments held in trust and the decommissioning liabilities are recovered from or refunded to customers.

The investment policy for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds restricts or limits the 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 fund's custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.

5.   LEASES:

Consistent with regulatory  treatment, the rentals for capital and operating leases are charged to operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s most significant operating lease relates to the sale and leaseback of a portion of its ownership interest in the Merrill Creek Reservoir project. The interest element related to this lease was $1.4 million, $1.4 million, and $1.2 million for the years 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

As of December 31, 2004, the future minimum lease payments on the Company’s Merrill Creek operating lease, net of reimbursements from subleases, are: $1.7 million, $1.6 million, $1.6 million, $1.6 million and $2.1 million for the years 2005 through 2009, respectively, and $53.0 million for the years thereafter. The Company is recovering its Merrill Creek lease payments, net of reimbursements, through its distribution rates.

6.   VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:

FIN 46R addresses the consolidation of VIEs, including special-purpose entities, that are not controlled through voting interests or in which the equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks and rewards. FirstEnergy adopted FIN 46R for special-purpose entities as of December 31, 2003 and for all other entities in the first quarter of 2004. The first step under FIN 46R is to determine whether an entity is within the scope of FIN 46R, which occurs if it is deemed to be a VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary as defined by FIN 46R.

The Company has evaluated its power  purchase  agreements and determined  that certain  NUG  entities may be VIEs to the extent  they own a plant that sells substantially all of its output to the Company and the contract price for power is correlated with the plant’s variable costs of production. The Company maintains several long-term power purchase agreements with NUG entities. The agreements were structured pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. The Company was not involved in the creation of, and has no equity or debt invested in, these entities.

The Company has determined that for all but six of these entities, the Company has no variable interests in the entities or the entities are governmental or not-for-profit organizations not within the scope of FIN 46R. The Company may hold variable interests in the remaining six entities, which sell their output at variable prices that correlate to some extent with the operating costs of the plants.

As required by FIN 46R, the Company requests on a quarterly basis, the information necessary from these entities to determine whether they are VIEs or whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company has been unable to obtain the requested information, which in most cases, was deemed by the requested entity to be proprietary. As such, the Company applied the scope exception that exempts enterprises unable to obtain the necessary information to evaluate entities under FIN 46R. The maximum exposure to loss from these entities results from increases in the variable pricing component under the contract terms and cannot be determined without the requested data. The purchased power costs from these entities during 2004, 2003 and 2002, were $129 million, $115 million and $107 million, respectively.

29

7.   REGULATORY MATTERS:

In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. With respect to each of these reliability enhancement initiatives, FirstEnergy submitted its response to the respective entity according to any required response dates. In 2004, we completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. Furthermore, FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted, that we had completed the recommended enhancements, policies, procedures and actions it had recommended be completed by June 30, 2004. In addition, FirstEnergy requested, and NERC provided, a technical assistance team of experts to assist in implementing and confirming timely and successful completion of various initiatives. The NERC-assembled independent verification team confirmed on July 14, 2004, that FirstEnergy had implemented the NERC Recommended Actions to Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Future Cascading Blackouts required to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as NERC recommendations contained in the Control Area Readiness Audit Report required to be completed by summer 2004, and recommendations in the U.S. - - Canada Power System Outage Task Force Report directed toward FirstEnergy and required to be completed by June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy. On December 28, 2004, FirstEnergy submitted a follow-up to its June 30, 2004 Certification and Report of Completion to NERC addressing the minor exceptions, which are now essentially complete.

FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be implemented subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

On July 5, 2003, the Company experienced a series of 34.5 kilovolt sub-transmission line faults that resulted in outages on the New Jersey shore. On July 16, 2003, the NJBPU initiated an investigation into the cause of the Company's outages of the July 4, 2003 weekend. The NJBPU selected an SRM to oversee and make recommendations on appropriate courses of action necessary to ensure system-wide reliability. Additionally, pursuant to the stipulation of settlement that was adopted in the NJBPU's Order of March 13, 2003 in its docket relating to the investigation of outages in August 2002, the NJBPU, through an independent auditor working under direction of the NJBPU Staff, undertook a review and focused audit of the Company's Planning and Operations and Maintenance programs and practices (Focused Audit). Subsequent to the initial engagement of the auditor, the scope of the review was expanded to include the outages during July 2003.

Both the independent auditor and the SRM submitted interim reports primarily addressing improvements to be made prior to the next occurrence of peak loads in the summer of 2004. On December 17, 2003, the NJBPU adopted the SRM's interim recommendations related to service reliability. With the assistance of the independent auditor and the SRM, the Company and the NJBPU staff created a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that set out specific tasks to be performed by the Company and a timetable for completion. On March 29, 2004, the NJBPU adopted the MOU and endorsed the Company's ongoing actions to implement the MOU. On June 9, 2004, the NJBPU approved a Stipulation that incorporates the final report of the SRM and the Executive Summary and Recommendation portions of the final report of the Focused Audit. A Final Order in the Focused Audit docket was issued by the NJBPU on July 23, 2004. The Company continues to file compliance reports reflecting activities associated with the MOU and Stipulation.

The Company is permitted to defer for future collection from customers the amounts by which its costs of supplying BGS to non-shopping customers and costs incurred under NUG agreements exceed amounts collected through BGS and MTC rates. As of December 31, 2004, the accumulated deferred cost balance totaled approximately $446 million. New Jersey law allows for securitization of the Company's deferred balance upon application by the Company and a determination by the NJBPU that the conditions of the New Jersey restructuring legislation are met. On February 14, 2003, the Company filed for approval of the securitization of the deferred balance. There can be no assurance as to the extent, if any, that the NJBPU will permit such securitization.


30

In July 2003,  the NJBPU  announced its JCP&L base electric  rate proceeding decision, which reduced the Company's annual revenues effective August 1, 2003 and disallowed $153 million of deferred energy costs. The NJBPU decision also provided for an interim return on equity of 9.5% on the Company's rate base. The decision ordered that a Phase II proceeding be conducted to review whether the Company is in compliance with current service reliability and quality standards. The NJBPU also ordered that any expenditures and projects undertaken by the Company to increase its system's reliability be reviewed as part of the Phase II proceeding, to determine their prudence and reasonableness for rate recovery. In that Phase II proceeding, the NJBPU could increase the Company's return on equity to 9.75% or decrease it to 9.25%, depending on its assessment of the reliability of JCP&L's service. Any reduction would be retroactive to August 1, 2003. The Company recorded charges to net income for the year ended December 31, 2003, aggregating $185 million ($109 million net of tax) consisting of the $153 million of disallowed deferred energy costs and $32 million of other disallowed regulatory assets. In its final decision and order issued on May 17, 2004, the NJPBU clarified the method for calculating interest attributable to the cost disallowances, resulting in a $5.4 million reduction of the original impairment amount estimated in 2003. The Company filed an August 15, 2003 interim motion for rehearing and reconsideration with the NJBPU and a June 1, 2004 supplemental and amended motion for rehearing and reconsideration. On July 7, 2004, the NJBPU granted limited reconsideration and rehearing on the following issues: (1) deferred cost disallowances (2) the capital structure including the rate of return (3) merger savings, including amortization of costs to achieve merger savings; and (4) decommissioning costs. Management is unable to predict when a decision may be reached by the NJBPU.

On July 16, 2004,  the Company  filed the Phase II petition and testimony with the NJBPU, requesting an increase in base rates of $36 million for the recovery of system reliability costs and a 9.75% return on equity. The filing also requests an increase to the MTC deferred balance recovery of approximately $20 million annually. The Ratepayer Advocate filed testimony on November 16, 2004, the Company submitted rebuttal testimony on January 4, 2005. Settlement conferences are ongoing.

The Company  sells all self-supplied energy (NUGs  and owned generation) to the wholesale market with offsetting credits to its deferred energy balance with the exception of 300 MW from the Company's NUG committed supply currently being used to serve BGS customers pursuant to NJBPU order. The BGS auction for periods beginning June 1, 2004 was completed in February 2004 and new BGS tariffs reflecting the auction results became effective June 1, 2004. The NJBPU decision on the BGS post transition year three process was announced on October 22, 2004, approving with minor modifications the BGS procurement process filed by the Company and the other New Jersey electric distribution companies and authorizing the continued use of NUG committed supply to serve 300 MW of BGS load. The auction for the supply period beginning June 1, 2005 was completed in February 2005.

In accordance with an April 28, 2004 NJBPU order, the Company filed testimony on June 7, 2004 supporting a continuation of the current level and duration of the funding of TMI-2 decommissioning costs by New Jersey customers without a reduction, termination or capping of the funding. On September 30, 2004, the Company filed an updated TMI-2 decommissioning study (see Note 9 - Asset Retirement Obligation). This study resulted in an updated total decommissioning cost estimate of $729 million (in 2003 dollars) compared to the estimated $528 million (in 2003 dollars) from the prior 1995 decommissioning study. The Ratepayer Advocate filed comments on February 28, 2005.  A schedule for further proceedings has not yet been set.

8.   CAPITALIZATION:

(A)   RETAINED EARNINGS-

In general, the Company’s FMB indenture restricts the payment of dividends or distributions on or with respect to the Company’s common stock to amounts credited to earned surplus since the date of its indenture. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had retained earnings available to pay common stock dividends of $41.5 million, net of amounts restricted under the Company’s FMB indenture.

(B)   PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK-

Preferred stock may be redeemed by the Company, in whole or in part, with 30-90 days’ notice.

(C)   LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS-

Securitized Transition Bonds

On June 11, 2002, JCP&L Transition Funding LLC (Issuer), a wholly owned limited liability company of the Company, sold $320 million of transition bonds to securitize the recovery of the Company’s bondable stranded costs associated with the previously divested Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station.


31

The Company does not own, nor did it purchase, any of the transition bonds, which are included in long-term debt on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The transition bonds represent obligations only of the Issuer and are collateralized solely by the equity and assets of the Issuer, which consist primarily of bondable transition property. The bondable transition property is solely the property of the Issuer.

Bondable transition property represents the irrevocable right of a utility company to charge, collect and receive from its customers, through a non-bypassable TBC, the principal amount and interest on the transition bonds and other fees and expenses associated with their issuance. The Company, as servicer, manages and administers the bondable transition property, including the billing, collection and remittance of the TBC, pursuant to a servicing agreement with the Issuer. The Company is entitled to a quarterly servicing fee of $100,000 that is payable from TBC collections.

Other Long-term Debt

The  Company’s  FMB indenture,  which secures all of the Company’s  FMBs, serves as a direct first  mortgage lien on  substantially all of the  Company’s property and franchises, other than specifically excepted property.

The Company has various debt covenants under its financing arrangements. The most restrictive of these relate to the nonpayment of interest and/or principal on debt, which could trigger a default. Cross-default provisions also exist between FirstEnergy and the Company.

Based on the amount of bonds authenticated by the Trustee through December 31, 2004, the Company’s annual sinking fund requirements for all bonds issued under the mortgage amount to $24 million. The Company expects to fulfill its sinking fund obligation by providing refundable bonds to the Trustee.

Sinking fund requirements for FMBs and maturing long-term debt for the next five years are:


   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
17
 
2006
   
208
 
2007
   
18
 
2008
   
19
 
2009
   
25
 


9.   ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:

In January 2003, the Company implemented SFAS 143, which provides accounting standards for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. This statement requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over time the capitalized costs are depreciated and the present value of the asset retirement liability increases, resulting in a period expense. However, rate-regulated entities may recognize a regulatory asset or liability instead of an expense if the criteria for such treatment are met. Upon retirement, a gain or loss would be recognized if the cost to settle the retirement obligation differs from the carrying amount.

The Company identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning. The ARO liability as of the date of adoption of SFAS 143 was $103.9 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. As of December 31, 2002, the Company recognized decommissioning liabilities of $129.9 million. The Company expects substantially all nuclear decommissioning costs to be recoverable through regulated rates. Therefore, a regulatory liability of $26 million was recognized upon adoption of SFAS 143. The ARO includes the Company's obligation for the nuclear decommissioning of. The Company's share of the obligation to decommission TMI-2 was developed based on a site-specific study performed by an independent engineer. The Company utilized an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. The Company maintains nuclear decommissioning trust funds that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning ARO. As of December 31, 2004, the fair value of the decommissioning trust assets was $138 million.

In the third quarter of 2004, the Company revised the ARO associated with TMI-2 as the result of a recently completed study and the anticipated operating license extension for TMI-1. The abandoned TMI-2 is adjacent to TMI-1 and the units are expected to be decommissioned concurrently. The net decrease in the Company's TMI-2 ARO liability and corresponding regulatory asset was $43 million.

32

The following table describes changes to the ARO balances during 2004 and 2003.

Reconciliation
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
110
 
$
104
 
Accretion
   
5
   
6
 
Revision in estimated cash flows
   
(42
)
 
--
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
73
 
$
110
 


The following table provides the year-end balance of the ARO related to nuclear decommissioning for 2002, as if SFAS 143 had been adopted on January 1, 2002.

Adjusted ARO Reconciliation
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
98
 
Accretion
   
6
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
104
 


10.   SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:

The Company may borrow from its affiliates on a short-term basis. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had total short-term borrowings outstanding of $248.5 million from its affiliates with an interest rate of 2.0%

11.   COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES:

(A)   NUCLEAR INSURANCE-

The Price-Anderson Act limits the public liability relative to a single incident at a nuclear power plant to $10.8 billion. The amount is covered by a combination of private insurance and an industry retrospective rating plan. Based on its present ownership interest in TMI-2, the Company is exempt from any potential assessment under the industry retrospective rating plan.

The Company is also insured as to its interest in TMI-2 under a policy issued to the operating company for the plant. Under this policy, $150 million is provided for property damage and decontamination and decommissioning costs. Under this policy, the Company can be assessed a maximum of approximately $0.2 million for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year which are in excess of accumulated funds available to the insurer for paying losses.

The Company intends to maintain insurance against nuclear risks as described above as long as it is available. To the extent that property damage, decontamination, decommissioning, repair and replacement costs and other such costs arising from a nuclear incident at TMI-2 exceed the policy limits of the insurance in effect with respect to that plant, to the extent a nuclear incident is determined not to be covered by the Company’s insurance policies, or to the extent such insurance becomes unavailable in the future, the Company would remain at risk for such costs.

(B)   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS-

The Company has been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Company's proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. In addition, the Company has accrued liabilities for environmental remediation of former manufactured gas plants in New Jersey; those costs are being recovered by the Company through a non-bypassable SBC. The Company has accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $47 million as of December 31, 2004. The Company accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that an obligation for such costs exists and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Company's determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.


33

(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's territory. In an investigation into the causes of the outages and the reliability of the transmission and distribution systems of all four New Jersey electric utilities, the NJBPU concluded that there was not a prima facie case demonstrating that, overall, JCP&L provided unsafe, inadequate or improper service to its customers. 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 arising from the July 1999 service interruptions in the JCP&L territory.

In August 2002, the trial court granted partial summary judgment to JCP&L and dismissed the plaintiffs' claims for consumer fraud, common law fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and strict product liability. In November 2003, the trial court granted JCP&L's motion to decertify the class and denied plaintiffs' motion to permit into evidence their class-wide damage model indicating damages in excess of $50 million. These class decertification and damage rulings were appealed to the Appellate Division. The Appellate Court issued a decision on July 8, 2004, affirming the decertification of the originally certified class but remanding for certification of a class limited to those customers directly impacted by the outages of transformers in Red Bank, New Jersey. On September 8, 2004, the New Jersey Supreme Court denied the motions filed by plaintiffs and JCP&L for leave to appeal the decision of the Appellate Court. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of these matters and no liability has been accrued as of December 31, 2004.

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. On April 5, 2004, the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force released its final report on the outages. In the final report, the Task Force concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contains 46 recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts. Forty-five of those recommendations relate to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, relates to activities the Task Force recommends be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, and ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which are consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, completion of various reliability recommendations and further received independent verification of completion status from a NERC verification team on July 14, 2004 with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy (see Note 9). FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. As many of these initiatives already were in process, FirstEnergy does not believe that any incremental expenses associated with additional initiatives undertaken during 2004 will have a material effect on its operations or financial results. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. FirstEnergy has not accrued a liability as of December 31, 2004 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be instituted against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

Legal Matters

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to the Company's normal business operations pending against the Company, the most significant of which are described herein.

34

12.   NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS:

SFAS 153, Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29

In December 2004, the FASB  issued this Statement amending APB 29, which was based on the principle  that nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

SFAS 151, Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4

In November 2004, the FASB issued this statement to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be so abnormal that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by the Company after June 30, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1. EITF 03-1 provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.

EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"

In March 2004, the FASB ratified the final consensus on Issue 03-16. EITF 03-16 requires that an investment in a limited liability company that maintains a "specific ownership account" for each investor should be viewed as similar to an investment in a limited partnership for determining whether the cost or equity method of accounting should be used. The equity method of accounting is generally required for investments that represent more than a three to five percent interest in a limited partnership. EITF 03-16 was adopted by the Company in the third quarter of 2004 and did not affect the Company's financial statements.

FSP 109-1. Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004

Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) qualified production activities income, as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"

Issued in May 2004, FSP 106-2 provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy provided by the Medicare Act. The effect of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act on the Company's consolidated financial statements is described in Note 3.

35

13. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):


   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004(a)
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
498.1
 
$
549.6
 
$
706.6
 
$
452.7
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
466.1
   
494.7
   
634.5
   
427.8
 
Operating Income
   
32.0
   
54.9
   
72.1
   
24.9
 
Other Income
   
1.5
   
1.1
   
2.0
   
3.2
 
Net Interest Charges
   
20.1
   
19.2
   
21.8
   
18.9
 
Net Income
 
$
13.4
 
$
36.8
 
$
52.3
 
$
9.2
 
Earnings on Common Stock
 
$
13.3
 
$
36.7
 
$
52.2
 
$
8.9
 


   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
September 30,
 
December 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating Revenues
 
$
657.0
 
$
542.8
 
$
741.3
 
$
418.6
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
581.6
   
564.5
   
653.8
   
413.0
 
Operating Income (Loss)
   
75.4
   
(21.7
)
 
87.5
   
5.6
 
Other Income
   
1.2
   
2.3
   
0.6
   
3.0
 
Net Interest Charges
   
22.5
   
22.4
   
20.5
   
20.4
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
$
54.1
 
$
(41.8
)
$
67.6
 
$
(11.8
)
Earnings (Loss) Applicable
to Common Stock
 
$
53.9
 
$
(41.4
)
$
67.4
 
$
(11.8
)


(a)
Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 includes an adjustment relating to periods prior to October 1, 2004, that decreased amortization expense and increased regulatory assets by $3.8 million ($2.2 million after tax). The adjustment corrects the accumulated amortization of the MTC deferred balance due to a revised MTC Tariff that became effective on August 1, 2003. Management concluded that the adjustment was not material to the reported results of operations for any quarter of 2003 and 2004, nor was it material to the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of cash flows for any of those quarters.
36
EX-21.5 47 ex21-5.htm ME - LIST OF SUBS Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 21.5



JERSEY CENTRAL POWER & LIGHT COMPANY
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
AT DECEMBER 31, 2004



       
STATE OF
 
NAME OF SUBSIDIARY
 
BUSINESS
 
ORGANIZATION
 
               
JCP&L Preferred Capital, Inc.
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 
JCP&L Capital, L.P.
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JCP&L Transition Funding LLC
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 


Note: JCP&L, along with its affiliates Met-Ed and Penelec, collectively own all of the common stock of Saxton Nuclear Experimental Corporation, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation organized for nuclear experimental purposes which is now inactive. The carrying value of the owners’ investment has been written down to a nominal value.

EX-31.3 48 ex31-3.htm JCP&L - CEO CONTROLS & PROCEDURES CERTIFICATION LETTER Unassociated Document

Exhibit 31.3

Certification



I, Stephen E. Morgan, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Jersey Central Power & Light Company;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this annual report;

4.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and we have:

 
a)
designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this annual report is being prepared;
 
 
b)
designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
 
c)
evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
 
d)
disclosed in this report any change in such registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, such registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

 
a)
all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data; and
 
 
b)
any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.





 Date:  March 9, 2005  
   
   
 
/s/  Stephen E. Morgan
 
Stephen E. Morgan
 
Chief Executive Officer
EX-32.2 49 ex32-2.htm JCP&L - CEO/CFO CERTIFICATION Unassociated Document

Exhibit 32.2



CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Annual Report of Jersey Central Power & Light Company ("Company") on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), each undersigned officer of the Company does hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of his knowledge:

 
(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 
(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.



   
   
   
 
    /s/ Stephen E. Morgan
 
   Stephen E. Morgan    
          President
 
         (Chief Executive Officer)
            March 9, 2005



   
   
   
 
 /s/ Richard H. Marsh
 
Richard H. Marsh
 
Chief Financial Officer
      March 9, 2005

EX-10.17 50 ex10-17.htm FIRST AMENDMENT TO RESTATED PARTIAL REQUIREMENTS AGREEMENT (JCP&L) Unassociated Document
Exhibit 10-17
First Amendment to Restated Partial Requirements Agreement
Among
Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, and
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.


This First Amendment to the Restated Partial Requirements Agreement dated January 1, 2003 ("Restated Agreement") is entered into by and among Metropolitan Edison Company, a Pennsylvania corporation, Pennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania corporation, on behalf of itself and The Waverly Electric Power and Light Company, a New York corporation (collectively "Buyers"), and FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. ("Seller"), an Ohio corporation, on this 29th day of August, 2003. Buyers and Seller are all wholly owned subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company. The Buyers and Sellers may be individually referred to as a "Party" or collectively as "Parties;". Unless specifically modified herein, all terms and conditions of the Restated Agreement remain in full force and effect. All capitalized terms have the same meaning as in the Restated Agreement.

WHEREAS the Parties desire to amend their respective rights and obligations under the Restated Agreement to permit Buyers to obtain all or a portion of their Provider of Last Resort Obligation directly from third party suppliers where it is economic and reasonable to do so;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, covenants and conditions herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, Buyers and Sellers agree as follows:
 

 
      1.
Notwithstanding any provision of the Restated Agreement, the Parties agree that where economic and reasonable to do so, Buyers may purchase all or a portion of capacity, energy, ancillary services and other services necessary to satisfy their Provider of Last Resort Obligation for which Committed Resources have not been obtained from parties other than Seller. Seller may act as agent for Buyer in procuring the capacity, energy, ancillary services, and other services necessary to satisfy Buyers Provider of Last Resort Obligation. Buyers authorize Seller to act as agent for Buyers and to enter into any agreements as are reasonably necessary to obtain the capacity, energy, ancillary services, and other services necessary to satisfy this Provider of Last Resort Obligation on Buyers' behalf.
     
 
      2.
Buyers will be responsible for all costs of the capacity, energy, ancillary services, and other services acquired by Seller on their behalf. Seller will charge no fee or commission for providing this service to Buyers.

 
 


 

 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this First Amendment has been executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the Parties as of August 29, 2003.



 FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.       
 
 
 
By:/s/ Guy L. Pipitone
   

Guy L. Pipitone, Senior Vice President
   
       

 

Metropolitan Edison Company
Pennsylvania Electric Company
The Waverly Electric Power and Light Company




       
By: /s/ Richard H. Marsh    

Richard H. Marsh, Senior Vice President
   
   

 
 
 
 
 
56701

2
 
[Execution Copy]


Restated Partial Requirements Agreement

Among

Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, and FirstEnergy
Solutions Corp.


This Restated Partial Requirements Agreement ("Restated Agreement") dated as January 1,2003, is entered into by and between Metropolitan Edison Company, a Pennsylvania corporation, Pennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania corporation, on behalf of itself and The Waverly Electric Power and Light Company, a New York corporation (collectively "Buyers"), and FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. ("Seller"), an Ohio corporation, all wholly owned subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., a registered utility holding company. The Buyers and Sellers may individually be referred to as a "Party" or collectively as "Parties" in this Restated Agreement.

WHEREAS, Buyers are electric distribution companies with an obligation to serve retail customers under New York and Pennsylvania law (hereinafter "Provider of Last Resort Obligation"); and

WHEREAS, Seller is authorized to sell wholesale capacity, energy, and ancillary services to Buyers under First Revised Service Agreement Nos. 1 and 2 pursuant to Solutions FERC Electric Tariff, Original Volume No.1; and

WHEREAS, Buyers desire to obtain the wholesale capacity, energy and ancillary services necessary to satisfy their retail Provider of Last Resort Obligation from Seller

WHEREAS, the Parties desire to restate their obligations under their Partial Requirements Agreement dated September 1, 2002;
 
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, covenants and conditions herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, Buyers and Seller hereby agree as follows:

1.  
Purchase. Buyers agree to purchase from Seller the portion of their Provider of Last Resort Obligation for which committed capacity, energy and ancillary services resources ("Committed Resources") have not been obtained as of the date of this Restated Agreement. For purposes of this Restated Agreement, Committed Resources include, but are not limited to, non-utility generation under contract to Buyers, Buyer owned generating facilities, purchased power contracts, and distributed generation.
 

 
3
 
 
 
 
 
2.  
Sale. Seller agrees to supply all capacity, energy and ancillary services required to meet the Buyers' Provider of Last Resort Obligation, less any Committed Resources, and will comply with all requirements of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the New York Public Service Commission, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and the applicable requirements of PJM Interconnection, LLC.

3.  
Forecast of Provider of Last Resort Obligation and Committed Resources.  No later than sixty days prior to the beginning of any calendar year, Buyers shall provide Seller a forecast ("Annual Forecast") of their Provider of Last Resort Obligation and Committed Resources for that calendar year. The capacity, energy, and ancillary services requirements associated with the Provider of Last Resort Obligation and Committed Resources for each month of that Annual Forecast will be provided in the format and detail agreed upon by the Parties. Buyers will update the Annual Forecast on a monthly basis for known changes. Buyers will change the amount of Provider of Last Resort Obligation or Committed Resources for any month of the Annual Forecast by written notice to Seller no later than five business days prior to the beginning of that month. Seller will be responsible for supplying all capacity, energy, and ancillary services required by Buyers' Provider of Last Resort customers regardless of the Annual Forecast supplied by Buyers.

4.  
Transmission and Delivery Points. Seller will provide capacity, energy, and ancillary services, including losses, to Buyers at their respective zones within PJM. Title to capacity, energy, and ancillary services will pass to Buyers at the delivery points.

 
 5.
Price for Provider of Last Resort Service. Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company will pay Seller $41.65 and $41.41 per MWH, respectively for all capacity, energy, and ancillary services provided to Buyers under Section 1 of this Restated Agreement. The Parties will agree upon a transfer date for the funds remitted to Seller that will be no less frequently than monthly.

 6.
Effective Date and Term. This Restated Agreement shall be effective January 1,2003 and will remain in effect until December 31,2003. This initial term will be automatically extended for successive periods of one year unless either Party gives sixty days notice of termination to the other Party prior to the end of the calendar year. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, such termination shall not affect or excuse the performance of transactions entered into on behalf of either Party prior to notice of termination. This Restated Agreement shall remain in effect until both Parties have fully performed their obligations under said transactions.

 7.
Regulatory Out Provision. In the event that a Party's obligations under this Restated Agreement are materially and adversely affected by a change in law, rule, regulation, or other action by a governmental authority or regulatory agency, the adversely affected Party may terminate this Restated Agreement upon sixty days written notice to the other Party.


4
 
 
   8.
Governing Law. This Restated Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regard to the choice of law rules thereof.
 
 
9.  
Execution in Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Restated Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be considered an original instrument, but all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become binding when all counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to each Party hereto. Deli very of an executed signature page counterpart by telecopies shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart.

10.  
Representation and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants that it has full authority and right to enter into this Restated Agreement.

11.  
Effect of Restated Agreement. This Restated Agreement supercedes and replaces all prior agreements between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, including the September 1, 2002 Partial Requirements Agreement.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Restated Agreement has been executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the Parties as of the date first above written.

 FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.      
   
 
By: /s/ Arthur R. Garfield
 Arthur R. Garfield, President
   
   


Metropolitan Edison Company
Pennsylvania Electric Company
The Waverly Electric Power and Light Company
 
       
     
By: /s/ H Peter Burg
     H. Peter Burg, President
   
   
 

Date:    March 28, 2003
 
 
cc:  L. Vespoli, A. Garfield, H. Wagner,
       D. Blank, W. Byrd, R. D' Angelo.
       R. Fields, K. Kolich, E. Ogden

From:   M. Beiting

5

Partial Requirements Agreement

Among

Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company, and FirstEnergy
Solutions Corp.


This Partial Requirements Agreement ("Agreement") dated as of September 1, 2002, is entered into by and between Metropolitan Edison Company, a Pennsylvania corporation, Pennsylvania Electric Company, a Pennsylvania corporation, on behalf of itself and The Waverly Power and Light Company, a New York corporation (collectively "Buyers"), and FirstEnergy Solutions Corp. ("Seller"), an Ohio corporation, all wholly owned subsidiaries of FirstEnergy Corp., a registered utility holding company. The Buyers and Sellers may individually be referred to as a "Party" or collectively as "Parties" in this Agreement.

WHEREAS, Buyers are electric distribution companies with an obligation to serve retail customers under New York and Pennsylvania law (hereinafter "Provider of Last Resort Obligation"); and

WHEREAS, Seller is authorized to sell wholesale capacity, energy, and ancillary services to Buyers under First Revised Service Agreement Nos. 1 and 2 pursuant to Solutions FERC Electric Tariff, Original Volume No.1; and

WHEREAS, Buyers desire to obtain the wholesale capacity, energy and ancillary services necessary to satisfy their retail Provider of Last Resort Obligation from Seller;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, covenants and conditions herein contained, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, Buyers and Seller hereby agree as follows:
 

 
    1.
Purchase. Buyers agree to purchase from Seller the portion of their Provider of Last Resort Obligation for which committed capacity, energy and ancillary services resources ("Committed Resources") have not been obtained as of the date of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, Committed Resources include, but are not limited to, non-utility generation under contract to Buyers, Buyer owned generating facilities, purchased power contracts, and distributed generation under contract to Buyers.
 
 
   2.
Sale. Seller agrees to supply all capacity, energy and ancillary services required to meet the Buyers'. Provider of Last Resort Obligation, less any Committed Resources, and will comply with all requirements of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the New York Public Service Commission, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and the applicable requirements of PJM Interconnection, LLC.
 
6

 
    3.
Forecast of Provider of Last Resort Obligation and Committed Resources. No later than five business days after the effective date of this Agreement, and no later than sixty days prior to the beginning of any subsequent calendar year, Buyers shall provide Seller a forecast ("Annual Forecast") of their Provider of Last Resort Obligation and Committed Resources for that calendar year. The capacity, energy, and ancillary services requirements associated with the Provider of Last Resort Obligation and Committed Resources for each month of that Annual Forecast will be provided in the format and detail agreed upon by the Parties. Buyers will update the Annual Forecast on a monthly basis for known changes. Seller will be responsible for supplying all capacity, energy, and ancillary services required by Buyers' Provider of Last Resort customers regardless of the accuracy of the Annual Forecast supplied by Buyers.
 

 
    4.
Transmission and Delivery Points. Seller will provide capacity, energy, and ancillary services, including losses, to Buyers at their respective Transmission Zones within PIM. Title to capacity, energy, and ancillary services will pass to Buyers at the delivery points.
 

 
    5.
Compensation for Provider of Last Resort Service. Seller will provide capacity, energy, and ancillary services to Buyers, and Buyers will remit to Seller all amounts collected from retail customers for Provider of Last Resort generation service under their respective retail tariffs, less: 1) any revenue based taxes paid by Buyers; 2) Buyers' cost of Committed Resources; 3) generation-related PJM costs incurred by Buyers as a direct result of their Provider of Last Resort Obligation; and 4) an amount to be calculated by multiplying the rate determined in Schedule A by the actual monthly sales supplied by Seller. The Parties will agree upon a transfer date for the funds remitted to Seller that will be no less frequently than monthly.
     
     
 
    6.
Effect of Commonwealth Court decision. If the decision in ARRIPA v. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, et al., 792 A.2d 636 (2002) becomes final or is affirmed with respect to the lack of authority under Pennsylvania law for Metropolitan Edison Company and Pennsylvania Electric Company to record deferred Provider of Last Resort Obligations on their books, Buyer may not continue to reduce the shopping credit by application of item 4) in paragraph 5 of this Agreement, and any prior reductions to the shopping credit revenue from application of item 4) will be remitted to Seller.

 
    7.
Effective Date and Term. This Agreement shall be effective September 1, 2002 and will remain in effect until December 31,2002. This initial term will be automatically extended for successive periods of one year unless either Party gives at least sixty days notice of termination to the other Party prior to the end of the calendar year. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, such termination shall not affect or excuse the performance of transactions entered into or incurred on behalf of either Party prior to notice of termination. This Agreement shall remain in effect until both Parties have fully performed said transactions and obligations.
 
 
 
 
7
 
 
 
    8.
Regulatory Out Provision. In the event that a Party's obligations under this Agreement are materially and adversely affected by a change in law, rule, regulation; or other action by a governmental authority or regulatory agency, the adversely affected Party may terminate this Agreement upon sixty days written notice to the other Party.
 
 
 
    9.
Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regard to the choice of law rules thereof.

 
    10.
Execution in Counterparts; Facsimile Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be considered an original instrument, but all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become binding when all counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to each Party hereto. Delivery of an executed signature page counterpart by telecopies shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart.
     
     
 
    11.
Representation and Warranties. Each Party represents and warrants that it has full authority and right to enter into this Agreement.

 
    12.
General. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the subject matter and revokes and supercedes any previous agreement of the Parties related to the subject matter. No amendment or modification to this Agreement will be enforceable unless reduced to writing and executed by both Parties.
 
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been executed and delivered by the duly authorized officers of the Parties as of August 30, 2002.
 
 
 FirstEnergy Solutions Corp.    
Metropolitan Edison Company
Pennsylvania Electric Company
The Waverly Power and Light Company
 
 
 
By:/s/ Guy L. Pipitone
 
  
 
   
                
 
 
 
By: /s/ H. Peter Burg

       Guy L. Pipitone
      Senior Vice President
   

      H. Peter Burg,
       President
   
 
(53237)
 
 
 
 
8
 
 
 
Schedule A
 
 
As a condition of this Agreement, beginning in 2003 Buyers will reduce the shopping credit by the following calculation.
 
      rate = [BALBOP * (Mp / Mf)] / GWHf
      Pay Down Amount = rate* sales supplied by Seller for the calendar month.
 
where,
           BALBOP = Provider of Last Resort Deferred Balance at beginning of period excluding interest accrued subsequent to the effective date of this Agreement
           Mp = Number of months in the period
           Mr = Number of months remaining in the total amortization period
           GWHf = Sales forecasted to be supplied by Seller for the period
 
 
Rate shall be calculated annually for application in the subsequent calendar year.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(53237)
 
 
 
9
 
 
 
 
 
EX-12.7 51 ex12-7.htm ME - FIXED CHARGE RATIO Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 12.7
Page 1
 
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 
   
Year Ended
                     
   
December 31,
 
Jan. 1-
 
Nov. 7-
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
Nov. 6, 2001
 
Dec. 31, 2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                           
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                         
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
81,895
 
$
62,381
 
$
14,617
 
$
63,224
 
$
60,953
 
$
66,955
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
amounts capitalized
   
55,181
   
48,568
   
8,461
   
50,969
   
46,277
   
45,057
 
Provision for income taxes
   
44,088
   
39,449
   
10,905
   
44,372
   
44,006
   
38,217
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
1,543
   
284
   
(693
)
 
515
   
437
   
1,401
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
182,707
 
$
150,682
 
$
33,290
 
$
159,080
 
$
151,673
 
$
151,630
 
                                       
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                                     
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
37,886
 
$
33,101
 
$
5,615
 
$
40,774
 
$
36,657
 
$
40,630
 
Other interest expense
   
10,639
   
9,219
   
1,744
   
2,636
   
5,841
   
4,427
 
Subsidiary's preferred stock dividend requirements
   
6,656
   
6,248
   
1,102
   
7,559
   
3,779
   
--
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
1,543
   
284
   
(693
)
 
515
   
437
   
1,401
 
Fixed charges as defined
 
$
56,724
 
$
48,852
 
$
7,768
 
$
51,484
 
$
46,714
 
$
46,458
 
                                       
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED
CHARGES
   
3.22
   
3.08
   
4.29
   
3.09
   
3.25
   
3.26
 

 
___________________

(a)    Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.


EXHIBIT 12.7
Page 2
 
METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES PLUS
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS (PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)

 
   
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
Jan. 1-
 
 
 
Nov. 7-
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
   
2000
 
Nov. 6, 2001
 
Dec. 31, 2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                           
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                         
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
81,895
 
$
62,381
 
$
14,617
 
$
63,224
 
$
60,953
 
$
66,955
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
amounts capitalized
   
55,181
   
48,568
   
8,461
   
50,969
   
46,277
   
45,057
 
Provision for income taxes
   
44,088
   
39,449
   
10,905
   
44,372
   
44,006
   
38,217
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income
   
1,543
   
284
   
(693
)
 
515
   
437
   
1,401
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
182,707
 
$
150,682
 
$
33,290
 
$
159,080
 
$
151,673
 
$
151,630
 
                                       
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K PLUS
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS):
                                     
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
37,886
 
$
33,101
 
$
5,615
 
$
40,774
 
$
36,657
 
$
40,630
 
Other interest expense
   
10,639
   
9,219
   
1,744
   
2,636
   
5,841
   
4,427
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
   
6,656
   
6,248
   
1,102
   
7,559
   
3,779
   
--
 
Adjustments to preferred stock dividends to state on a
pre-income tax basis
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
1,543
   
284
   
(693
)
 
515
   
437
   
1,401
 
Fixed charges as defined plus preferred stock
                                     
dividend requirements (pre-income tax basis)
 
$
56,724
 
$
48,852
 
$
7,768
 
$
51,484
 
$
46,714
 
$
46,458
 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
PLUS PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)
   
3.22
   
3.08
   
4.29
   
3.09
   
3.25
   
3.26
 

 
___________________

(a)    Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.
EX-13.6 52 ex13-6.htm ME - ANNUAL REPORT Unassociated Document

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

2004 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS


Metropolitan Edison Company is a wholly owned electric utility subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. It engages in the distribution and sale of electric energy in eastern and south central Pennsylvania. The area it serves has a population of approximately 1.2 million.





Contents
 
Page
 
       
Glossary of Terms
   
i-ii
 
Management Reports
   
1
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
2
 
Selected Financial Data
   
3
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis
   
4-13
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
   
14
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
   
15
 
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization
   
16
 
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity
   
17
 
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock
   
17
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
   
18
 
Consolidated Statements of Taxes
   
19
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
20-36
 






GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify Metropolitan Edison Company and its affiliates:

ATSI
American Transmission Systems, Inc., owns and operates transmission facilities
CEI
The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
Companies
OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec
FES
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESC
FirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
GPU
GPU, Inc., former parent of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec, which merged with FirstEnergy on
November 7, 2001
GPUS
GPU Service Company, previously provided corporate support services
JCP&L
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, an affiliated New Jersey electric utility
Met-Ed
Metropolitan Edison Company
MYR
MYR Group, Inc., a utility infrastructure construction service company
OE
Ohio Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
Penn
Pennsylvania Power Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
TE
The Toledo Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
     
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
     
ALJ
Administrative Law Judge
AOCL
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
APB
Accounting Principles Board
APB 25
APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees"
ARO
Asset Retirement Obligation
CTC
Competitive Transition Charge
ECAR
East Central Area Reliability Coordination
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIN
FASB Interpretation
FIN 46R
FIN 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
FMB
First Mortgage Bonds
FSP
FASB Staff Position
FSP EITF 03-1-1
FASB Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue
No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain Investments"
EITF 97-4
EITF Issue No. 97-4, "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101"
FSP 106-1
FASB Staff Position No.106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 106-2
FASB Staff Position No.106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 109-1
FASB Staff Position No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"
GAAP
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
KWH
Kilowatt-hours
Medicare Act
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
MISO
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Council
NUG
Non-Utility Generation
OCI
Other Comprehensive Income
OPEB
Other Post-Employment Benefits
PJM
PJM Interconnection L. L. C.
PLR
Provider of Last Resort




i
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont'd



PPUC
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PRP
Potentially Responsible Party
PUCO
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCA
Public Utility Holding Company Act
RTC
Regulatory Transition Charge
S&P
Standard & Poor's Ratings Service
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71
SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 87
SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions"
SFAS 106
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"
SFAS 133
SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"
SFAS 142
SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets"
SFAS 143
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
SFAS 144
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"
SPE
Special Purpose Entity
TMI-1
Three Mile Island Unit 1
TMI-2
Three Mile Island Unit 2
VIE
Variable Interest Entity





ii


MANAGEMENT REPORTS

Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who takes responsibility for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent with other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements.

FirstEnergy Corp.’s internal auditors, who are responsible to the Audit Committee of FirstEnergy’s Board of Directors, review the results and performance of operating units within the Company for adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of accounting and reporting systems, as well as managerial and operating controls.

FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee consists of five independent directors whose duties include: consideration of the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company and the objectivity of financial reporting; inquiry into the number, extent, adequacy and validity of regular and special audits conducted by independent auditors and the internal auditors; and reporting to the Board of Directors the Committee’s findings and any recommendation for changes in scope, methods or procedures of the auditing functions. The Committee is directly responsible for appointing the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and is charged with reviewing and approving all services performed for the Company by the independent registered public accounting firm and for reviewing and approving the related fees. The Committee reviews the independent registered public accounting firm’s report on internal quality control and reviews all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Company, in order to assess the registered public accounting firm’s independence. The Committee also reviews management’s programs to monitor compliance with the Company’s policies on business ethics and risk management. The Committee establishes procedures to receive and respond to complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and allows for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2004.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page 2.


 
1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Metropolitan Edison Company:

We have completed an integrated audit of Metropolitan Edison Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Metropolitan Edison Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2(G) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003. As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005




2


METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

   
 
 
2004
 
 
 
2003
 
 
 
2002
 
 
Nov. 7 -
Dec. 31, 2001
 
 
Jan. 1 -
Nov. 6, 2001
 
 
 
2000
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                           
Operating Revenues
 
$
1,070,847
 
$
969,788
 
$
986,608
 
$
143,760
 
 
$         824,556
 
$
842,333
 
                                       
Operating Income
 
$
86,197
 
$
83,938
 
$
91,271
 
$
17,367
 
 
$         102,247
 
$
135,211
 
                                       
Income Before Cumulative Effect
Of Accounting Change
 
$
66,955
 
$
60,953
 
$
63,224
 
$
14,617
 
 
$          62,381
 
$
81,895
 
                                     
Net Income
 
$
66,955
 
$
61,170
 
$
63,224
 
$
14,617
 
 
$          62,381
 
$
81,895
 
                                       
Total Assets
 
$
3,245,278
 
$
3,473,987
 
$
3,564,805
 
$
3,607,187
       
$
2,708,062
 
                                       
                                       
 Capitalization as of December 31:                                      
Common Stockholder’s Equity
 
$
1,285,419
 
$
1,292,667
 
$
1,315,586
 
$
1,288,953
       
$
537,013
 
Company-Obligated Trust
Preferred Securities
   
--
   
--
   
92,409
   
92,200
         
100,000
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-
Term Obligations
   
701,736
   
636,301
   
538,790
   
583,077
         
496,860
 
Total Capitalization
 
$
1,987,155
 
$
1,928,968
 
$
1,946,785
 
$
1,964,230
       
$
1,133,873
 
                                       
                                       
Capitalization Ratios:
                                     
Common Stockholder’s Equity
   
64.7
%
 
67.0
%
 
67.6
%
 
65.6
%
       
47.4
%
Company-Obligated Trust
Preferred Securities
   
--
   
--
   
4.7
   
4.7
         
8.8
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-
Term Obligations
   
35.3
   
33.0
   
27.7
   
29.7
         
43.8
 
Total Capitalization
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
       
100.0
%
                                       
                                       
Distribution Kilowatt-Hour Deliveries (Millions):
                                     
Residential
   
5,071
   
4,900
   
4,738
   
793
   
3,712
   
4,377
 
Commercial
   
4,251
   
4,034
   
3,991
   
652
   
3,203
   
3,699
 
Industrial
   
4,042
   
4,047
   
3,972
   
662
   
3,506
   
4,412
 
Other
   
33
   
36
   
35
   
6
   
27
   
38
 
Total
   
13,397
   
13,017
   
12,736
   
2,113
   
10,448
   
12,526
 
                                       
Customers Served:
                                     
Residential
   
464,287
   
455,073
   
448,334
   
442,763
         
436,573
 
Commercial
   
59,495
   
58,825
   
58,010
   
57,278
         
56,080
 
Industrial
   
1,868
   
1,906
   
1,936
   
1,961
         
1,967
 
Other
   
730
   
732
   
728
   
819
         
810
 
Total
   
526,380
   
516,536
   
509,008
   
502,821
         
495,430
 






3


METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition


This discussion includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "believe," "estimate" and similar words. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition and deregulation in the electric utility industry, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, legislative and regulatory changes (including revised environmental requirements), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits, fines or other enforcement actions and remedies) of governmental investigations, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission as disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, the availability and cost of capital, our ability to experience growth in the distribution business, our ability to access the public securities and other capital markets, further investigation into the causes of the August 14, 2003, regional power outage and the outcome, cost and other effects of present and potential legal and administrative proceedings and claims related to the outage, the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Reclassifications

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Revenue amounts related to transmission activities previously recorded as wholesale electric sales revenues were reclassified as transmission revenues. Expenses (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not change previously reported net income in 2003 and 2002.

Results of Operations

Net income increased to $67 million in 2004, compared to $61 million in 2003, due to higher operating revenues partially offset by higher purchased power costs and other operating costs. Net income decreased to $61 million in 2003, compared to $63 million in 2002, due to lower operating revenues and increased operating expenses, including higher employee benefit costs and storm restoration expenses. These reductions to net income were partially offset by lower purchased power costs, principally due to reduced quantities of power purchased through two-party agreements. Net interest charges were lower in 2003 due to debt redemptions and the refinancing of higher-rate debt.

Operating revenues increased by $101 million in 2004, primarily as a result of increases of $31 million and $36 million in retail generation sales and distribution throughput revenues, respectively. The higher generation sales revenues reflect the effect of an 11.8% increase in sales volume partially offset by lower composite prices. The volume increase was due to 8.5% and 34.6% increases, respectively, in sales to the commercial and industrial sectors as a result of customers returning to us from alternate suppliers. Sales by alternative suppliers as a percent of total sales delivered in our franchise area decreased by 2.9 and 20.2 percentage points for commercial and industrial customers, respectively. Higher revenues of $36 million from electricity throughput in 2004 from 2003 were due to higher prices and a 2.9% increase in distribution deliveries. The higher volume reflected an increase in the retail customer base and an improving economy, partially offset by cooler weather in the summer months of 2004. The higher distribution prices were due to the PPUC Restructuring Settlement order (see Regulatory Matters) with a corresponding decrease in retail generation prices. Also contributing to the revenue increase was $34 million of PJM network transmission system revenue, Financial Transmission Rights (FTR)/Auction Revenue Rights (ARR), and PJM congestion credit revenues related to transmission transactions we assumed in 2004 due to a change in our power supply agreement with FES, which also increased transmission expenses by $51 million, as discussed below.

The significant decrease in customer shopping in 2004 reflects our low generation price as provider of last resort. Alternative suppliers have not been able to match that price by a sufficient margin to ensure profitability, particularly in the industrial sector.


4

Operating revenues decreased by $17 million in 2003, compared to 2002. The decrease in 2003 was the result of wholesale sales revenues decreasing $25 million principally due to a reduction in kilowatt-hour sales to affiliate companies and other wholesale customers. An increase in the number of commercial and industrial customers receiving their power from alternate suppliers also contributed to the decrease in operating revenues. Distribution deliveries benefited from higher demand by residential (3.4%), commercial (1.0%), and industrial (1.9%) customers due in large part to colder temperatures in early 2003, which were partially offset by milder summer weather.

Changes in kilowatt-hour sales by customer class are summarized in the following table:

           
Changes in Kilowatt-hour Sales
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
         
Electric Generation:
         
Retail
   
11.8
%
 
1.2
%
Wholesale
   
209.1
%
 
(100.0
)%
Total Electric Generation Sales
   
12.0
%
 
(6.1
)%
Distribution Deliveries:
             
Residential
   
3.5
%
 
3.4
%
Commercial
   
5.4
%
 
1.0
%
Industrial
   
(0.1
)%
 
1.9
%
Total Distribution Deliveries
   
2.9
%
 
2.2
%

Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased $99 million or 11.2% in 2004 and decreased $9 million in 2003:

Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
(In millions)
Purchased power costs
 
$
64
 
$
(6
)
Other operating costs
   
32
   
3
 
Provision for depreciation
   
(3
)
 
(6
)
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
8
   
--
 
General taxes
   
3
   
--
 
Income taxes
   
(5
)
 
--
 
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
$
99
 
$
(9
)

Purchased power costs increased by $64 million in 2004, compared with 2003, primarily due to a 10.7% increase in kilowatt-hour purchases to meet higher retail generation sales requirements. Other operating costs increased by $32 million primarily due to PJM congestion and ancillary transmission expenses that we assumed in 2004 due to a change in our power supply agreement with FES. Depreciation expense decreased in 2004 due to fully depreciating the Energy Management System in 2003. Amortization of regulatory assets increased primarily due to higher regulatory asset amortization from higher revenue recovery of above market NUG costs in 2004. General taxes increased $3 million in 2004 primarily due to higher payroll and gross receipt taxes.

Total operating expenses and taxes decreased $9 million in 2003 compared to 2002. The majority of the decrease resulted from decreases in purchased power costs and depreciation expense, partially offset by higher other operating costs. Purchased power costs decreased by $6 million in 2003 because of reduced kilowatt hours required for customer needs during 2003, partially offset by slightly higher unit costs. The decrease in depreciation charges in 2003, compared to 2002, reflected a reduced depreciable asset base. Other operating costs increased in 2003 primarily due to increased costs to restore customer service resulting from significant storm activity and higher employee benefit costs.

Other Income

Other income increased $4 million in 2004, compared to 2003, due to a $2 million increase in the return on CTC stranded generation regulatory assets, and $2 million of interest income on federal income tax refunds.

Net Interest Charges

Interest on long-term debt increased by $4 million in 2004 as a result of increased debt outstanding from the issuance of $250 million of senior notes in the second quarter of 2004, partially offset by the retirement of $99 million of medium term notes and $100 million of preferred securities during the year. This increase was offset by a $4 million reduction in interest on company obligated manditorily redeemable preferred securities due to the redemption of all of the trust preferred securities in 2004.


5


Net interest charges decreased by $5 million in 2003, compared to 2002. The decrease reflects the refinancing of higher-cost debt in the first quarter of 2003.

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

Upon adoption of SFAS 143 in the first quarter of 2003, we recorded an after-tax credit to net income of $217,000. The cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation, accretion offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and ceasing the accounting practice of depreciating non-regulated generation assets using a cost of removal component was a $371,000 increase to income, or $217,000 net of income taxes.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our cash requirements in 2004 for operating expenses, construction expenditures and scheduled debt maturities were met with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets. During 2005 and thereafter, we expect to meet our contractual obligations with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

As of December 31, 2004, we had $120,000 of cash and cash equivalents compared with $121,000 as of December 31, 2003. The major sources for changes in these balances are summarized below.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Cash flows provided from operating activities totaled $74 million in 2004, $132 million in 2003 and $102 million in 2002. The sources of these changes are as follows:

Operating Cash Flows
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Cash earnings (1)
 
$
151
 
$
180
 
$
146
 
Pension trust contribution(2)
   
(23
)
 
--
   
--
 
Working capital
   
(54
)
 
(48
)
 
(44
)
                     
Total
 
$
74
 
$
132
 
$
102
 

(1) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $16 million of income tax benefits.

Cash earnings (in the table above) are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating our cash-based operating performance. The following table reconciles cash earnings with net income.

Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Net Income (GAAP)
 
$
67
 
$
61
 
$
63
 
Non-Cash Charges (Credits):
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
41
   
44
   
51
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
106
   
98
   
98
 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets
   
(66
)
 
(71
)
 
(86
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
   
3
   
46
   
23
 
Other non-cash expenses
   
--
   
2
   
(3
)
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP)
 
$
151
 
$
180
 
$
146
 

Net cash provided from operating activities decreased $58 million during 2004, compared with 2003. The decrease consisted of lower cash earnings of $29 million, a $23 million after-tax voluntary pension trust contribution in 2004, and a $6 million decrease from changes in working capital. The decrease in cash earnings reflects changes in deferred income tax expense partially offset by other changes as described under "Results of Operations". The decrease in working capital was principally due to changes in receivables partially offset by increases in accounts payable balances. Net cash from operating activities increased by $30 million in 2003 compared to 2002 due to a $34 million increase in cash earnings partially offset by a $4 million decrease in working capital. The increase in cash earnings reflects changes in deferred income tax expense; the working capital decrease primarily reflected changes in receivables partially offset by changes in accrued tax balances.

6


Cash Flows From Financing Activities

In 2004, net cash provided from financing activities was $11 million, including $247 million in proceeds from the issuance of unsecured senior notes during the first quarter of 2004, and $15 million in short-term borrowings. The new financing was partially offset by the redemption of $100 million of unsecured subordinated debentures, $90 million of redeemed first mortgage bonds, redemption of $6 million of other unsecured obligations, and $55 million of common stock dividend payments.

In 2003, net cash used for financing activities of $88 million reflects redemptions of long-term debt of $260 million, repayment of $23 million of short-term borrowings, and $52 million of common stock dividend payments to FirstEnergy, partially offset by $248 million in proceeds from the issuance of secured notes. In 2002, net cash used for financing activities of $54 million reflects redemption of $60 million debt and $60 million of common stock dividend payments to FirstEnergy, partially offset by $50 million in proceeds from the issuance of secured notes, and a $16 million increase in short-term borrowings.

The following table provides details regarding new issues and redemptions during each year:


Securities Issued or Redeemed
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
New Issues
             
Secured notes
 
$
--
 
$
248
 
$
50
 
Unsecured notes
   
247
   
--
   
--
 
                     
Redemptions
                   
First Mortgage Bonds
 
$
90
 
$
260
 
$
60
 
Subordinated Debentures
   
100
   
--
   
--
 
Other - Cowanesque
   
6
   
--
   
--
 
   
$
196
 
$
260
 
$
60
 
Short-term Borrowings, net source /(use) of cash
 
$
15
 
$
(23
)
$
16
 


In March 2004, we completed a receivables financing arrangement that provides borrowings of up to $80 million. The borrowing rate is based on bank commercial paper rates. We are required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.30% on the entire finance limit. The facility was undrawn as of December 31, 2004 and matures on March 29, 2005. We plan to renew the agreement.

We have $80 million of short-term indebtedness at the end of 2004, compared to $65 million at the end of 2003. We have obtained authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt up to $250 million (including the utility money pool). Under the terms of our senior note indenture, we are no longer permitted to issue FMB so long as senior notes are outstanding. These receivables financing arrangements are expected to be renewed prior to expiration.

We have the ability to borrow from our regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet our short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries, as well as proceeds available from bank borrowings. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal amount of such 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 the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings under these arrangements in 2004 was 1.43%.

Our  access to capital  markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of our securities  and that of FirstEnergy. On August 26, 2004, S&P lowered its rating on certain of our Senior Notes to BBB- from BBB. The rationale for the ratings change was that our senior secured notes, in aggregate, now comprise greater than 80% of our total debt outstanding. According to the terms of the senior note indenture, once the 80% threshold is reached, the collateral mortgage bond security falls away and all senior secured notes that were secured by our senior note indenture become unsecured. The one notch lower rating reflects this loss of collateral security. The BBB senior secured rating on our first mortgage bonds remained unchanged.

7


The following table shows the securities ratings as of December 31, 2004. The ratings outlook from the ratings agencies on all securities is stable.

Ratings of Securities
                 
   
Securities
   
S&P
 
 
Moody’s
 
 
Fitch
 
                           
FirstEnergy
   
Senior unsecured
 
 
BB+
 
 
Baa3
 
 
BBB-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Met-Ed
 
 
Senior secured
 
 
BBB
 
 
Baa1
 
 
BBB+
 
 
 
Senior unsecured
 
 
BBB-
 
 
Baa2
 
 
BBB
 

On December 10, 2004, S&P reaffirmed FirstEnergy's ‘BBB-' corporate credit rating and kept the outlook stable. S&P noted that the stable outlook reflects FirstEnergy's improving financial profile and cash flow certainty through 2006. S&P stated that should the two refueling outages at the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants scheduled for the first quarter of 2005 be completed successfully without any significant negative findings and delays, FirstEnergy's outlook would be revised to positive. S&P also stated that a ratings upgrade in the next several months did not seem likely, as remaining issues of concern to S&P, primarily the outcome of environmental litigation and SEC investigations, are not likely to be resolved in the short term.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Cash used for investing activities totaled $85 million in 2004 and $60 million in 2003. The increase resulted from a $10 million increase in property additions, $1 million of additional loans to associated companies, and a $9 million capital transfer from FESC.

Cash used for investing activities totaled $60 million in 2003 and $58 million in 2002. The net cash flows used for investing activities during 2003 resulted from property additions, decommissioning trust investments, and loans to associated companies. Cash used for investing activities during 2002 were for property additions primarily to support our energy delivery operations and decommissioning trust investments.

Our capital spending for the period 2005 through 2007 is expected to be about $205 million for property additions and energy delivery related improvements, of which approximately $67 million applies to 2005.

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2004, our estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations that we consider firm obligations are as follows:


           
2006-
 
2008-
     
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
 
2005
 
2007
 
2009
 
Thereafter
 
   
(In millions)
 
Long-term debt (3)
 
$
730
 
$
30
 
$
151
 
$
7
 
$
542
 
Short-term borrowings
   
80
   
80
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Operating leases (1)
   
49
   
1
   
3
   
3
   
42
 
Purchases (2)
   
2,922
   
309
   
804
   
745
   
1,064
 
Total
 
$
3,781
 
$
420
 
$
958
 
$
755
 
$
1,648
 

(1) Operating lease payments are net of reimbursements from sublessees (see Note 5 - Leases)
(2) Power purchases under contracts with fixed or minimum quantities and approximate timing
   (3) Amounts reflected do not include interest on long-term debt


Market Risk Information

We use various market risk sensitive instruments, including derivative contracts, primarily to manage the risk of price and interest rate fluctuations. Our Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout our Company. They are responsible for promoting the effective design and implementation of sound risk management programs. They also oversee compliance with corporate risk management policies and established risk management practices.

8


Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to market risk primarily due to fluctuations in electricity, natural gas, coal, nuclear fuel and emission allowance prices. To manage the volatility relating to these exposures, we use a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including forward contracts, options, futures contracts and swaps. The derivatives are used principally for hedging purposes and, to a much lesser extent, for trading purposes. Most of our non-hedge derivative contracts represent non-trading positions that do not qualify for hedge treatment under SFAS 133. The change in the fair value of commodity derivative contracts related to energy production during 2004 is summarized in the following table:

Increase in the Fair Value of Derivative Contracts
 
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
Change in the fair value of commodity derivative contracts
             
Outstanding net asset as of January 1, 2004
 
$
31
 
$
--
 
$
31
 
New contract value when entered
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Additions/Increase in value of existing contracts
   
1
   
--
   
1
 
Change in techniques/assumptions
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Settled contracts
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
                     
Net Assets - Derivatives Contracts as of December 31, 2004 (1)
 
$
32
 
$
--
 
$
32
 
                     
Impact of Changes in Commodity Derivative Contracts (2)
                   
Income Statement Effects (Pre-Tax)
 
$
1
 
$
--
 
$
1
 
Balance Sheet Effects:
                   
OCI (Pre-Tax)
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
 

(1)
Includes $31 million in non-hedge commodity derivative contracts, which are offset by a regulatory liability.
(2)
Represents the increase in value of existing contracts, settled contracts and changes in techniques/ assumptions.

Derivatives are included on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004 as follows:


   
Non-Hedge
 
Hedge
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
Current-
             
Other Assets
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
Other liabilities
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
                     
Non-Current-
                   
Other Deferred Charges
   
32
   
--
   
32
 
Other noncurrent liabilities
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
                     
Net assets
 
$
32
 
$
--
 
$
32
 

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, we rely on model-based information. The model provides estimates of future regional prices for electricity and an estimate of related price volatility. We use these results to develop estimates of fair value for financial reporting purposes and for internal management decision making. Sources of information for the valuation of commodity derivative contracts by year are summarized in the following table:


Source of Information - Fair Value by Contract Year
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
                           
Other external sources (1)
   
10
   
4
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
14
 
Prices based on models
   
--
   
--
   
6
   
5
   
7
   
18
 
                                       
Total(2)
 
$
10
 
$
4
 
$
6
 
$
5
 
$
7
 
$
32
 

(1)
Broker quote sheets.
(2)   Includes $31 million from an embedded option that is offset by a regulatory liability and does not affect earnings.

9


We perform sensitivity analyses to estimate our exposure to the market risk of our commodity positions. A hypothetical 10% adverse shift in quoted market prices in the near term on both our trading and nontrading derivative instruments would not have had a material effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows as of December 31, 2004. We estimate that if energy commodity prices experienced an adverse 10% change, net income for the next twelve months would not change, as the prices for all commodity positions are already above the contract price caps.

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to the inherent interest rate risks related to refinancing maturing debt by issuing new debt securities. Our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates is reduced since our debt has fixed interest rates, as noted in the following table.

Comparison of Carrying Value to Fair Value
                       
There-
     
Fair
 
Year of Maturity
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
after
 
Total
 
Value
 
                                   
   
(Dollars in millions)
 
Assets
                                 
Investments Other Than Cash
and Cash Equivalents-
     
Fixed Income
                               
$
83
 
$
83
 
$
83
 
Average interest rate
                                 
4.7
%
 
4.7
%
     

                                                   
Liabilities
                                                 
Long-term Debt and Other
Long-Term Obligations:
   
Fixed rate
 
$
30
 
$
101
 
$
50
 
$
7
       
$
542
 
$
730
 
$
731
 
Average interest rate
   
6.8
%
 
5.7
%
 
5.9
%
 
6.0
%
       
4.9
%
 
5.2
%
     
Short-term Borrowings
   
80
                               
$
80
 
$
80
 
Average interest rate
   
2.0
%
                               
2.0
%
     


Equity Price Risk

Included in nuclear decommissioning trusts are marketable equity securities carried at their current fair value of approximately $134 million and $114 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $13 million reduction in fair value as of December 31, 2004 (see Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

Outlook

Beginning in 1999, all of our customers were able to select alternative energy suppliers. We continue to deliver power to homes and businesses through our existing distribution system, which remains regulated. The PPUC authorized our rate restructuring plan, establishing separate charges for transmission, distribution, generation and stranded cost recovery, which is recovered through a CTC. Customers electing to obtain power from an alternative supplier have their bills reduced based on the regulated generation component, and the customers receive a generation charge from the alternative supplier. We have a continuing responsibility referred to as our PLR obligation to provide power to those customers not choosing to receive power from an alternative energy supplier, subject to certain limits.

We recognize, as regulatory assets, costs which the PPUC and the FERC have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income when incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered under the provisions of the regulatory plan. Our regulatory assets totaled $693 million and $1 billion as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

Regulatory Matters

We purchase a portion of our PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sale agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements that we do not obtain under our NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces our exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for our uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. We are authorized to continue deferring differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.

10


On January 12, 2005, we filed, before the PPUC, a request for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005 estimated to be approximately $4 million per month. Various parties have intervened in this case.

See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a more complete and detailed discussion of regulatory matters in Pennsylvania.

Environmental Matters

We have been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site be held liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2004, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, our proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. We have accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $26,000 as of December 31, 2004.

Legal Matters

Various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to our normal business operations are pending against us, the most significant of which are described above.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these principles often requires a high degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions that affect financial results. All of our assets are subject to their own specific risks and uncertainties and are regularly reviewed for impairment. Our more significant accounting policies are described below.

Goodwill

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and make such evaluations more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment were indicated, we would recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of our goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. Our annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004, with no impairment of goodwill indicated. The forecasts used in our evaluation of goodwill reflect operations consistent with our general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on our future evaluations of goodwill. In the year ended December 31, 2004, we adjusted goodwill related to interest received on a pre-merger income tax refund and for the reversal of tax valuation allowances related to income tax benefits realized attributable to prior period capital loss carryforwards that were used to offset capital gains generated in 2004. As of December 31, 2004, we had recorded goodwill of approximately $870 million.

Regulatory Accounting

We are subject to regulation that sets the prices (rates) it is permitted to charge its customers based on the costs that the regulatory agencies determine the company is permitted to recover. At times, regulators permit the future recovery through rates of costs that would be currently charged to expense by an unregulated company. This rate-making process results in the recording of regulatory assets based on anticipated future cash inflows. We regularly review these assets to assess their ultimate recoverability within the approved regulatory guidelines. Impairment risk associated with these assets relates to potentially adverse legislative, judicial or regulatory actions in the future.

Revenue Recognition

We follow the accrual method of accounting for revenues, recognizing revenue for electricity that has been delivered to customers but not yet billed through the end of the accounting period. The determination of electricity sales to individual customers is based on meter readings, which occur on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, electricity delivered to customers since the last meter reading is estimated and a corresponding accrual for unbilled sales is recognized. The determination of unbilled sales requires management to make estimates regarding electricity available for retail load, transmission and distribution line losses, demand by customer class, weather-related impacts, prices in effect for each customer class and electricity provided by alternative suppliers.

11


Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting

Our reported costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and postemployment benefits other than pensions are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and certain assumptions.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions we make to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs are also affected by changes to key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations for pension and OPEB costs.

In accordance with SFAS 87, changes in pension and OPEB obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs on the income statement, but generally are recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 delay recognition of changes due to the long-term nature of pension and OPEB obligations and the varying market conditions likely to occur over long periods of time. As such, significant portions of pension and OPEB costs recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of cash benefits provided to plan participants and are significantly influenced by assumptions about future market conditions and plan participants' experience.

In selecting an assumed discount rate, we consider currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Due to recent declines in corporate bond yields and interest rates in general, we reduced the assumed discount rate as of December 31, 2004 to 6.00% from 6.25% and 6.75% used as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Our assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the pension trusts. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, plan assets actually earned 11.1%, 24.2% and (11.3)%, respectively. Our pension costs in 2004 were computed assuming a 9.0% rate of return on plan assets based upon projections of future returns and a pension trust investment allocation of approximately 68% equities, 29% bonds, 2% real estate and 1% cash.

In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (our share was $39 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. FirstEnergy's election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement.

As a result of our voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, we reduced our accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $23 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, we increased our additional minimum liability by $16 million, offset by a charge to OCI. The balance in AOCL of $42 million (net of $30 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Health care cost trends have significantly increased and will affect future OPEB costs. The 2004 and 2005 composite health care trend rate assumptions are approximately 10%-12% and 9%-11%, respectively, gradually decreasing to 5% in later years. In determining our trend rate assumptions, we included the specific provisions of our health care plans, the demographics and utilization rates of plan participants, actual cost increases experienced in its health care plans, and projections of future medical trend rates.

Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to determine whether conditions exist that would indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be fully recoverable. The accounting standard requires that if the sum of future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from an asset is less than the carrying value of the asset, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset (discounted future net cash flows).

The calculation of future cash flows is based on assumptions, estimates and judgment about future events. The aggregate amount of cash flows determines whether an impairment is indicated. The timing of the cash flows is critical in determining the amount of the impairment.

12

Nuclear Decommissioning

In accordance with SFAS 143, we recognize an ARO for the future decommissioning of TMI-2. The ARO liability represents an estimate of the fair value of our current obligation related to nuclear decommissioning and the retirement of other assets. A fair value measurement inherently involves uncertainty in the amount and timing of settlement of the liability. We used an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. This approach applies probability weighting to discounted future cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes. The scenarios consider settlement of the ARO at the expiration of the nuclear power plant's current license and settlement based on an extended license term.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations Adopted

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for EITF 03-1, which provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.

13


METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
               
OPERATING REVENUES (Note 2(I))
 
$
1,070,847
 
$
969,788
 
$
986,608
 
                     
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                   
Fuel and purchased power (Note 2(I))
   
554,988
   
491,346
   
497,163
 
Other operating costs (Note 2(I))
   
190,401
   
157,986
   
155,137
 
Provision for depreciation
   
41,161
   
44,160
   
50,838
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
105,675
   
97,784
   
97,957
 
General taxes
   
70,457
   
67,207
   
66,795
 
Income taxes
   
21,968
   
27,367
   
27,447
 
Total operating expenses and taxes
   
984,650
   
885,850
   
895,337
 
                     
OPERATING INCOME
   
86,197
   
83,938
   
91,271
 
                     
OTHER INCOME (NET OF INCOME TAXES)
   
25,537
   
21,782
   
21,742
 
                     
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                   
Interest on long-term debt
   
40,630
   
36,657
   
40,774
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during
                   
construction
   
(278
)
 
(323
)
 
(470
)
Deferred interest
   
--
   
(1,187
)
 
( 710
 )
Other interest expense
   
4,427
   
5,841
   
2,636
 
Subsidiary's preferred stock dividend requirements
   
--
   
3,779
   
7,559
 
Net interest charges
   
44,779
   
44,767
   
49,789
 
                     
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF
                   
ACCOUNTING CHANGE
   
66,955
   
60,953
   
63,224
 
                     
Cumulative effect of accounting change (net of income
                   
taxes of $154,000) (Note 2(G))
   
--
   
217
   
--
 
                     
NET INCOME
 
$
66,955
 
$
61,170
 
$
63,224
 

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


14

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

As of December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
 
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
           
UTILITY PLANT:
           
In service
$
1,800,569
 
$
1,838,567
 
Less-Accumulated provision for depreciation
 
709,895
   
772,123
 
   
1,090,674
   
1,066,444
 
Construction work in progress
 
21,735
   
21,980
 
   
1,112,409
   
1,088,424
 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
           
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
 
216,951
   
192,409
 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies
 
10,453
   
9,892
 
Other
 
34,767
   
34,922
 
   
262,171
   
237,223
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
120
   
121
 
Notes receivable from associated companies
 
18,769
   
10,467
 
Receivables-
           
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $4,578,000 and $4,943,000
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)
 
119,858
   
118,933
 
Associated companies
 
118,245
   
45,934
 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $68,000
for uncollectible accounts in 2003)
 
15,493
   
22,750
 
Prepayments and other
 
11,057
   
6,600
 
   
283,542
   
204,805
 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
           
Regulatory assets
 
693,133
   
1,028,432
 
Goodwill
 
869,585
   
884,279
 
Other
 
24,438
   
30,824
 
   
1,587,156
   
1,943,535
 
 
$
3,245,278
 
$
3,473,987
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
           
             
CAPITALIZATION(See Consolidated Statements of Capitalization):
           
Common stockholder’s equity
$
1,285,419
 
$
1,292,667
 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
 
701,736
   
636,301
 
   
1,987,155
   
1,928,968
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Currently payable long-term debt
 
30,435
   
40,469
 
Short-term borrowings (Note 10)-
           
Associated companies
 
80,090
   
65,335
 
Accounts payable-
           
Associated companies
 
88,879
   
45,459
 
Other
 
26,097
   
33,878
 
Accrued taxes
 
11,957
   
8,762
 
Accrued interest
 
11,618
   
11,848
 
Other
 
23,076
   
22,162
 
   
272,152
   
227,913
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
Accumulated deferred income taxes
 
305,389
   
297,140
 
Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
 
10,868
   
11,696
 
Power purchase contract loss liability
 
349,980
   
584,340
 
Nuclear fuel disposal costs
 
38,408
   
37,936
 
Asset retirement obligation
 
132,887
   
210,178
 
Retirement benefits
 
82,218
   
105,552
 
Other
 
66,221
   
70,264
 
   
985,971
   
1,317,106
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
           
(Notes 5 and 11)
           
 
$
3,245,278
 
$
3,473,987
 


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.

15

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION

As of December 31,
2004
 
2003
 
 
 (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)  
COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
           
Common stock, without par value, authorized 900,000 shares
           
859,500 shares outstanding
$
1,289,943
 
$
1,298,130
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 2(F))
 
(43,490
)
 
(32,474
)
Retained earnings (Note 8(A))
 
38,966
   
27,011
 
Total common stockholder's equity
 
1,285,419
   
1,292,667
 
             
LONG-TERM DEBT (Note 8(C)):
           
First mortgage bonds:
           
6.340% due 2004
 
--
   
40,000
 
6.770% due 2005
 
30,000
   
30,000
 
6.360% due 2006
 
--
   
17,000
 
6.400% due 2006
 
--
   
33,000
 
6.000% due 2008
 
7,830
   
8,265
 
6.100% due 2021
 
28,500
   
28,500
 
5.950% due 2027
 
13,690
   
13,690
 
Total first mortgage bonds
 
80,020
   
170,455
 
             
Secured notes:
           
5.720% due 2006
 
--
   
100,000
 
5.930% due 2007
 
--
   
50,000
 
4.450% due 2010
 
--
   
100,000
 
4.950% due 2013
 
--
   
150,000
 
Total secured notes
 
--
   
400,000
 
             
Unsecured notes:
           
5.720% due 2006
 
100,000
   
--
 
5.930% due 2007
 
50,000
   
--
 
4.450% due 2010
 
100,000
   
--
 
4.950% due 2013
 
150,000
   
--
 
4.875% due 2014
 
250,000
   
--
 
7.690% due 2039
 
--
   
5,936
 
7.350% due 2039
 
--
   
95,711
 
Total unsecured notes
 
650,000
   
101,647
 
             
Net unamortized premium on debt
 
2,151
   
4,668
 
Long-term debt due within one year
 
(30,435
)
 
(40,469
)
Total long-term debt
 
701,736
   
636,301
 
             
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
$
1,987,155
 
$
1,928,968
 


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

16


METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

             
Accumulated
     
     
Common Stock
 
Other
     
 
Comprehensive
 
Number
 
Carrying
 
Comprehensive
 
Retained
 
 
Income
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
Income (Loss)
 
Earnings
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
Balance, January 1, 2002
       
859,500
 
$
1,274,325
 
$
11
 
$
14,617
 
Net income
$
63,224
                     
63,224
 
Net unrealized gain on investment
 
17
               
17
       
Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments
 
(67
)
             
(67
)
     
Comprehensive income
$
63,174
                         
Cash dividends on common stock
                         
(60,000
)
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
             
23,459
             















Balance, December 31, 2002
       
859,500
   
1,297,784
   
(39
)
 
17,841
 
Net income
$
61,170
                     
61,170
 
Net unrealized gain on investments
 
2
               
2
       
Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments
 
78
               
78
       
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
   benefits, net of $(23,062,000) of income
   taxes
 
(32,515
)
             
(32,515
)
     
Comprehensive income
$
28,735
                         
Cash dividends on common stock
                         
(52,000
)
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
             
346
             















Balance, December 31, 2003
       
859,500
   
1,298,130
   
(32,474
)
 
27,011
 
Net income
$
66,955
                     
66,955
 
Net unrealized loss on investments
 
(26
)
             
(26
)
     
Net unrealized loss on derivative
   instruments, net of $(1,279,000) of
   income taxes
 
(1,819
)
             
(1,819
)
     
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement
   benefits, net of $(6,502,000) of income
   taxes
 
(9,171
)
             
(9,171
)
     
 
Comprehensive income
$
55,939
                         
Cash dividends on common stock
                         
(55,000
)
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
             
(8,187
)
           















Balance, December 31, 2004
       
859,500
   
1,289,943
   
(43,490
)
 
38,966
 















                               


CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK

 
Subject to
Mandatory Redemption
 
Number
 
Carrying
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)
           
Balance January 1, 2002
 
4,000,000
 
$
92,200
Amortization of fair market
value adjustment
       
209
 
Balance, December 31, 2002
 
4,000,000
 
$
92,409






FIN 46 Deconsolidation
         
7.35% Series
 
(4,000,000
)
 
(92,618)
Amortization of fair market
value adjustment
       
209
 
Balance, December 31, 2003
 
--
   
--






Balance, December 31, 2004
 
--
 
$
--

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








17


METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Net Income
$
66,955
 
$
61,170
 
$
63,224
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash from operating activities:
                 
 
Provision for depreciation
 
41,161
   
44,160
   
50,838
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
 
105,675
   
97,784
   
97,957
 
Other amortization
 
--
   
--
   
(2,528
)
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets
 
(65,981
)
 
(70,752
)
 
(86,314
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
 
18,495
   
45,832
   
22,564
 
Accrued retirement benefits obligations
 
(186
)
 
(3,284
)
 
63
 
Accrued compensation, net
 
584
   
5,531
   
(2,491
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Note 2(G))
 
--
   
(371
)
 
--
 
Pension trust contribution
 
(38,823
)
 
--
   
--
 
Decrease (increase) in operating assets:
                 
Receivables
 
(65,979
)
 
10,380
   
(24,672
)
Prepayments and other current assets
 
(4,457
)
 
3,131
   
2,508
 
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
                 
Accounts payable
 
35,639
   
(20,988
)
 
(18,657
)
Accrued taxes
 
3,195
   
(7,334
)
 
9,059
 
Accrued interest
 
(230
)
 
(4,600
)
 
(1,020
)
Other
 
(22,222
)
 
(28,171
)
 
(8,657
)
Net cash provided from operating activities
 
73,826
   
132,488
   
101,874
 
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                 
New Financing-
                 
Long-term debt
 
247,606
   
247,696
   
49,750
 
Short-term borrowings, net
 
14,755
   
--
   
16,288
 
Redemptions and Repayments-
                 
Long-term debt
 
(196,371
)
 
(260,466
)
 
(60,000
)
Short-term borrowings, net
 
--
   
(22,964
)
 
--
 
Dividend Payments-
                 
Common stock
 
(55,000
)
 
(52,000
)
 
(60,000
)
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities
 
10,990
   
(87,734
)
 
(53,962
)
                   
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                 
Property additions
 
(52,979
)
 
(43,558
)
 
(44,533
)
Contributions to decommissioning trusts
 
(9,483
)
 
(9,483
)
 
(12,644
)
Loan payments to associated companies, net
 
(8,863
)
 
(7,941
)
 
--
 
Other
 
(13,492
)
 
664
   
(324
)
Net cash used for investing activities
 
(84,817
)
 
(60,318
)
 
(57,501
)
                   
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(1
)
 
(15,564
)
 
(9,589
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
121
   
15,685
   
25,274
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
120
 
$
121
 
$
15,685
 
                   
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
                 
Cash Paid During the Year-
                 
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
$
43,733
 
$
51,505
 
$
46,266
 
Income taxes (refund)
$
33,693
 
$
(25,085
)
$
34,385
 


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


18

METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TAXES

 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
GENERAL TAXES:
                 
State gross receipts *
$
58,900
 
$
53,462
 
$
56,043
 
Real and personal property
 
1,490
   
2,510
   
1,384
 
Social security and unemployment
 
3,800
   
2,448
   
1
 
Other
 
6,267
   
8,787
   
9,367
 
Total general taxes
$
70,457
 
$
67,207
 
$
66,795
 
                   
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Currently payable-
                 
Federal
$
12,679
 
$
(3,435
)
$
15,371
 
State
 
7,043
   
1,763
   
6,437
 
   
19,722
   
(1,672
)
 
21,808
 
Deferred, net-
                 
Federal
 
20,599
   
38,863
   
19,615
 
State
 
(1,276
)
 
7,791
   
3,741
 
   
19,323
   
46,654
   
23,356
 
Investment tax credit amortization
 
(828
)
 
(822
)
 
(792
)
Total provision for income taxes
$
38,217
 
$
44,160
 
$
44,372
 
                   
INCOME STATEMENT CLASSIFICATION
                 
OF PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Operating income
$
21,968
 
$
27,367
 
$
27,447
 
Other income
 
16,249
   
16,639
   
16,925
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
 
--
   
154
   
--
 
Total provision for income taxes
$
38,217
 
$
44,160
 
$
44,372
 
                   
RECONCILIATION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX
                 
EXPENSE AT STATUTORY RATE TO TOTAL
                 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                 
Book income before provision for income taxes
$
105,172
 
$
105,330
 
$
107,596
 
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
$
36,810
 
$
36,866
 
$
37,659
 
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from-
                 
Amortization of investment tax credits
 
(828
)
 
(822
)
 
(792
)
Depreciation
 
2,662
   
1,736
   
1,362
 
State income tax, net of federal benefit
 
3,749
   
6,289
   
6,107
 
Other, net
 
(4,176
)
 
91
   
36
 
Total provision for income taxes
$
38,217
 
$
44,160
 
$
44,372
 
                   
ACCUMULATED DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AT
                 
DECEMBER 31:
                 
Property basis differences
$
257,880
 
$
250,779
 
$
217,351
 
Nuclear decommissioning
 
(4,755
)
 
(6,405
)
 
(4,247
)
Deferred sale and leaseback costs
 
(11,149
)
 
(10,986
)
 
(11,366
)
Non-utility generation costs
 
7,475
   
2,287
   
(4,832
)
Purchase accounting basis difference
 
(642
)
 
(642
)
 
(642
)
Sale of generation assets
 
(1,419
)
 
(1,419
)
 
(1,419
)
Regulatory transition charge
 
95,056
   
88,020
   
88,315
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
 
40,636
   
46,010
   
50,259
 
Other comprehensive income
 
(30,843
)
 
(23,062
)
 
--
 
Employee benefits
 
(5,289
)
 
(17,252
)
 
--
 
Other
 
(41,561
)
 
(30,190
)
 
(16,662
)
Net deferred income tax liability
$
305,389
 
$
297,140
 
$
316,757
 
                   

* Collected from customers through regulated rates and included in revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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




19


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The consolidated financial statements include Met-Ed (Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also holds directly all of the issued and outstanding common shares of its other principal electric utility operating subsidiaries, including OE, CEI, TE, ATSI, JCP&L and Penelec.

The Company follows GAAP and complies with the regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, PPUC and the FERC. 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 the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Revenue amounts related to transmission activities previously recorded as wholesale electric sales revenues were reclassified as transmission revenues. Expenses (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets to conform with the current year presentation of generation commodity costs.

The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for on the equity basis.

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

2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

(A)   ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF REGULATION

The Company accounts for the effects of regulation through the application of SFAS 71 to its operating utilities when its rates:
  • are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers;
  • are cost-based; and
  • can be charged to and collected from customers.
An enterprise meeting all of these criteria capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. SFAS 71 is applied only to the parts of the business that meet the above criteria. If a portion of the business applying SFAS 71 no longer meets those requirements, previously recorded regulatory assets are removed from the balance sheet in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 101.

Regulatory Assets-

The Company recognizes, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC and the PPUC have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Company’s regulatory plan. The Company continues to bill and collect cost-based rates for its transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Company continue the application of SFAS 71 to those operations.

20

Net regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Regulatory transition costs
 
$
692
 
$
926
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
   
90
   
103
 
Nuclear decommissioning costs
   
(122
)
 
(26
)
Employee postretirement benefit costs
   
16
   
18
 
Loss on reacquired debt
   
17
   
8
 
Other
   
--
   
(1
)
Total
 
$
693
 
$
1,028
 


Regulatory transition charges as of December 31, 2004 include $0.5 billion for the deferral of above-market costs from power supplied by NUGs. These costs are being recovered through CTC revenues. The regulatory asset for above-market NUG costs and a corresponding liability are adjusted to fair value at the end of each quarter.

Accounting for Generation Operations-

The application of SFAS 71 was discontinued in 1998 with respect to the Company's generation operations. The Company subsequently divested substantially all of its generating assets. The SEC's interpretive guidance and EITF 97-4 regarding asset impairment measurement provides that any supplemental regulated cash flows such as a CTC should be excluded from the cash flows of assets in a portion of the business not subject to regulatory accounting practices. If those assets are impaired, a regulatory asset should be established if the costs are recoverable through regulatory cash flows. Net assets included in utility plant relating to the operations for which the application of SFAS 71 was discontinued, were $13 million as of December 31, 2004.

(B)
CASH AND SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-

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.

(C)    REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES-


The Company’s principal business is providing electric service to customers in Pennsylvania. The Company’s retail customers are metered on a cycle basis. Electric revenues are recorded based on energy delivered through the end of the calendar month. An estimate of unbilled revenues is calculated to recognize electric service provided between the last meter reading and the end of the month. This estimate includes many factors including estimated weather impacts, customer shopping activity, historical line loss factors and prices in effect for each class of customer. In each accounting period, the Company accrues the estimated unbilled amount receivable as revenue and reverses the related prior period estimate.

Receivables from customers include sales to residential, commercial and industrial customers and sales to wholesale customers. There was no material concentration of receivables as of December 31, 2004 or 2003, with respect to any particular segment of the Company's customers. Total customer receivables were $120 million (billed - $74 million and unbilled - $46 million) and $119 million (billed - $70 million and unbilled - $49 million) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

(D) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT-

As a result of the Company's acquisition by FirstEnergy in 2001, a portion of the Company’s property, plant and equipment was adjusted to reflect fair value. The majority of the Company’s property, plant and equipment continues to be reflected at original cost since such assets remain subject to rate regulation on a historical cost basis. The costs of normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are expensed as incurred. The Company's accounting policy for planned major maintenance projects is to recognize liabilities as they are incurred.

The Company provides for depreciation on a straight-line basis at various rates over the estimated lives of property included in plant in service. The annualized composite rate was approximately 2.4% in 2004, 2.6% in 2003 and 3.0% in 2002. The decrease in the composite depreciation rate reflects changes in the depreciable plant base due to assets with higher depreciation rates being fully depreciated since 2002.

21

(E) ASSET IMPAIRMENTS-
 
Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In accordance with SFAS 144, the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment exists, a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated by using available market valuations or the long-lived asset's expected future net discounted cash flows. The calculation of expected cash flows is based on estimates and assumptions about future events.

Goodwill

In a business  combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated  fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment at least annually and would make such an evaluation more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment is indicated, the Company recognizes a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. The Company's 2004 annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004 with no impairment indicated. The forecasts used in the Company's evaluations of goodwill reflect operations consistent with its general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on the Company's future evaluations of goodwill. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had $870 million of goodwill. In 2004, the Company adjusted goodwill for interest received on a pre-merger income tax refund and for the reversal of tax valuation allowances related to income tax benefits realized attributable to prior period capital loss carryforwards that were offset by capital gains generated in 2004.

Investments

The Company periodically evaluates for impairment investments that include available-for-sale securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts. In accordance with SFAS 115, securities classified as available-for-sale are evaluated to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. The Company considers, among other factors, the length of time 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 investments for impairment. The fair value and unrealized gains and losses of the Company's investments are disclosed in Note 4.

(F) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME-

Comprehensive income includes net income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and all other changes in common stockholder’s equity except those resulting from transactions with FirstEnergy. As of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $42 million and $33 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2004 accumulated other comprehensive loss also consisted of unrealized losses on derivative instrument hedges of $2 million.

(G) CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

As a result of adopting SFAS 143 in January 2003, asset retirement costs were recorded in the amount of $186 million as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset, offset by accumulated depreciation of $186 million. The ARO liability on the date of adoption was $198 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. The remaining cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation and accretion, offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and the reversal of accumulated estimated removal costs for non-regulated generation assets, was a $371,000 increase to income, $217,000 net of tax in the year ended December 31, 2003. If SFAS 143 had been applied during 2002, the impact would not have been material to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.

22


(H) INCOME TAXES-

Details of the total provision for income taxes are shown on the Consolidated Statements of Taxes. The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carryforward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled. The Company is included in FirstEnergy's consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated tax liability is allocated on a "stand-alone" company basis, with the Company recognizing the tax benefit for any tax losses or credits it contributes to the consolidated return.

(I) TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED COMPANIES-

Operating revenues, operating expenses and other income included transactions with affiliated companies, primarily FESC, GPUS and FES. GPUS (until it ceased operations in mid-2003) and FESC have provided legal, accounting, financial and other corporate support services to the Company. The Company also entered into sale and purchase transactions with affiliates (JCP&L and Penelec) during 2002. Effective September 1, 2002, the Company purchases a portion of its PLR responsibility from FES through a wholesale power sale agreement. The primary affiliated companies transactions are as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating Revenues:
             
Wholesale sales-affiliated companies
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
19
 
                     
Operating Expenses:
                   
Power purchased from FES
   
434
   
277
   
172
 
Service Company support services
   
46
   
50
   
68
 
Power purchased from other affiliates
   
--
   
2
   
10
 


FirstEnergy does not bill directly or allocate any of its costs to any subsidiary company. Costs are allocated to the Company from FESC, which is a subsidiary of FirstEnergy and a "mutual service company" as defined in Rule 93 of the PUHCA. The vast majority of costs are directly billed or assigned at no more than cost as determined by PUHCA Rule 91. The remaining costs are for services that are provided on behalf of more than one company, or costs that cannot be precisely identified and are allocated using formulas that are filed annually with the SEC on Form U-13-60. The current allocation or assignment formulas used and their bases include multiple factor formulas: each company’s proportionate amount of FirstEnergy’s aggregate direct payroll, number of employees, asset balances, revenues, number of customers, other factors and specific departmental charge ratios. Management believes that these allocation methods are reasonable. Intercompany transactions with FirstEnergy and its other subsidiaries are generally settled under commercial terms within thirty days, except for a net $33 million receivable from affiliates for OPEB obligations.

3.  
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS:

FirstEnergy provides noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of the Company's employees. The trusteed plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company's funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (the Company's share was $39 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. The election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement. Since the contribution is deductible for tax purposes, the after-tax cash impact of the voluntary contribution is approximately $300 million (the Company's share was $23 million).

FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and copayments, are also available to retired employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. The Company recognizes the expected cost of providing other postretirement benefits to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits.

23

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs may also be affected by changes in key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations and pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31 measurement date for the majority of its plans.

24

Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables provide information applicable to FirstEnergy's pension and OPEB plans.

Obligations and Funded Status
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Change in benefit obligation
                 
Benefit obligation as of January 1
 
$
4,162
 
$
3,866
 
$
2,368
 
$
2,077
 
Service cost
   
77
   
66
   
36
   
43
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
112
   
136
 
Plan participants’ contributions
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
6
 
Plan amendments
   
--
   
--
   
(281
)
 
(123
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
134
   
222
   
(211
)
 
323
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Benefit obligation as of December 31
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
$
1,930
 
$
2,368
 
                           
Change in fair value of plan assets
                         
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1
 
$
3,315
 
$
2,889
 
$
537
 
$
473
 
Actual return on plan assets
   
415
   
671
   
57
   
88
 
Company contribution
   
500
   
--
   
64
   
68
 
Plan participants’ contribution
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
2
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31
 
$
3,969
 
$
3,315
 
$
564
 
$
537
 
                           
Funded status
 
$
(395
)
$
(847
)
$
(1,366
)
$
(1,831
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
885
   
919
   
730
   
994
 
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
   
63
   
72
   
(378
)
 
(221
)
Unrecognized net transition obligation
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
83
 
Net asset (liability) recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
                           
Amounts Recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31
   
                           
Accrued benefit cost
 
$
(14
)
$
(438
)
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Intangible assets
   
63
   
72
   
--
   
--
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
504
   
510
   
--
   
--
 
Net amount recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Company's share of net amount recognized
 
$
49
 
$
10
 
$
(59
)
$
(59
)
                           
Increase (decrease) in minimum liability
included in other comprehensive income
(net of tax)
 
$
(4
)
$
(145
)
 
--
   
--
 
                           
Assumptions Used to Determine
Benefit Obligations As of December 31
   
Discount rate
   
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
           
                           
Allocation of Plan Assets
As of December 31
Asset Category
                         
Equity securities
   
68
%
 
70
%
 
74
%
 
71
%
Debt securities
   
29
   
27
   
25
   
22
 
Real estate
   
2
   
2
   
--
   
--
 
Cash
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
7
 
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%

25


Information for Pension Plans With an
         
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in
         
Excess of Plan Assets
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
   
3,983
   
3,753
 
Fair value of plan assets
   
3,969
   
3,315
 


   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Service cost
   $
77
   $
 66
   $
 59
   $
 36
   $
 43
   $
 29
 
Interest cost    
252
    253      249      112      137      114  
Expected return on plan assets
   
(286
)
 
(248
)
 
(346
)
 
(44
)
 
(43
)
 
(52
)
Amortization of prior service cost
   
9
   
9
   
9
   
(40
)
 
(9
)
 
3
 
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
9
   
9
 
Recognized net actuarial loss
   
39
   
62
   
--
   
39
   
40
   
11
 
Net periodic cost (income)
 
$
91
 
$
142
 
$
(29
)
$
103
 
$
177
 
$
114
 
Company's share of net periodic cost (income)
 
$
--
 
$
5
 
$
(11
)
$
3
 
$
7
 
$
3
 


Weighted-Average Assumptions Used
     
 
Other Benefits
 
to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
Pension Benefits
 
for Years Ended December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
                           
Discount rate
   
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
   
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
 
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
                 


In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the Company's pension trusts. The long-term rate of return is developed considering the portfolio’s asset allocation strategy.

FirstEnergy employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Other assets such as real estate are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives are not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on a continuing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.


Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
         
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next
year (pre/post-Medicare)
 
 
9%-11%
 
 
10%-12%
 
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to
decline (the ultimate trend rate)
   
5
%
 
5
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend
rate (pre/post-Medicare)
   
2009-2011
   
2009-2011
 


Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:


26


   
1-Percentage-
 
1-Percentage-
 
   
Point Increase
 
Point Decrease
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Effect on total of service and interest cost
 
$
19
 
$
(16
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
205
 
$
(179
)
               

Pursuant to FSP 106-1 issued January 12, 2004, FirstEnergy began accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act effective January 1, 2004 because of a plan amendment during the quarter, which required remeasurement of the plan's obligations. The plan amendment, which increases cost-sharing by employees and retirees effective January 1, 2005, reduced the Company's postretirement benefit costs by $2 million during 2004.

Consistent with the guidance in FSP 106-2 issued on May 19, 2004, FirstEnergy recognized a reduction of $318 million in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as a result of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act related to benefits for past service. This reduction was accounted for as an actuarial gain in 2004 pursuant to FSP106-2. The subsidy reduced the Company's net periodic postretirement benefit costs by $4 million during 2004.

As a result of its voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, the Company reduced its accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $23 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, the Company increased its additional minimum liability by $16 million, offset by a charge to OCI. The balance in AOCL of $42 million (net of $30 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets:


   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$
228
 
$
111
 
2006
   
228
   
106
 
2007
   
236
   
109
 
2008
   
247
   
112
 
2009
   
264
   
115
 
Years 2010 - 2014
   
1,531
   
627
 


4.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Long-term Debt and Other Long-term Obligations-

All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as financial instruments under GAAP and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Long-term debt
 
$
730
 
$
731
 
$
576
 
$
593
 
Subordinated debentures to affiliated trusts
   
--
   
--
   
96
   
104
 
   
$
730
 
$
731
 
$
672
 
$
697
 


The fair values of long-term debt and other long-term obligations reflect the present value of the cash outflows relating to those securities based on the current call price, the yield to maturity or the yield to call, as deemed appropriate at the end of each respective year. The yields assumed were based on securities with similar characteristics offered by corporations with credit ratings similar to the Company’s ratings.


27

Investments-

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these investments. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of investments other than cash and cash equivalents as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities:(1)
                 
-Government obligations
 
$
78
 
$
78
 
$
72
 
$
72
 
-Corporate debt securities
   
5
   
5
   
6
   
6
 
     
83
   
83
   
78
   
78
 
Equity securities(1)
   
137
   
137
   
117
   
117
 
   
$
220
 
$
220
 
$
195
 
$
195
 

(1) Includes nuclear decommissioning trust investments.


The fair value of investments other than cash and cash equivalents represent cost (which approximates fair value) or 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.

Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include decommissioning trust investments, which are classified as available-for-sale securities. The Company has no securities held for trading purposes. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for decommissioning trust investments as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
 
 
(In millions) 
Debt securities
 
$
80
 
$
3
 
$
--
 
$
83
 
$
74
 
$
4
 
$
--
 
$
78
 
Equity securities
   
113
   
24
   
3
   
134
   
75
   
40
   
1
   
114
 
   
$
193
 
$
27
 
$
3
 
$
217
 
$
149
 
$
44
 
$
1
 
$
192
 


Proceeds from the sale of decommissioning trust investments, gross realized gains and losses on those sales, and interest and dividend income for the three years ended December 31, 2004 were as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Proceeds from sales
 
$
179
 
$
84
 
$
65
 
Gross realized gains
   
30
   
2
   
1
 
Gross realized losses
   
1
   
1
   
1
 
Interest and dividend income
   
6
   
5
   
5
 


The following table provides the fair value and gross unrealized losses of nuclear decommissioning trust investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2004:


   
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
(In millions)
   
Debt securities
 
$
10
 
$
--
 
$
6
 
$
--
 
$
16
 
$
--
 
Equity securities
   
21
   
3
   
1
   
--
   
22
   
3
 
   
$
31
 
$
3
 
$
7
 
$
--
   
38
 
$
3
 


28


The Company periodically evaluates the securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts for other-than-temporary impairment. The Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the security's fair value has been less than its cost basis and other factors to determine whether an impairment is other than temporary. The recovery of amounts contributed to the Company's decommissioning trusts are subject to regulatory accounting in accordance with SFAS 71. Net unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets since the difference between investments held in trust and the decommissioning liabilities are recovered from or refunded to customers.

The investment policy for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds restricts or limits the 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 fund's custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.

5.
LEASES:

Consistent with regulatory treatment, the rentals for capital and operating leases are charged to operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s most significant operating lease relates to the sale and leaseback of a portion of its ownership interest in the Merrill Creek Reservoir project. The interest element related to this lease was $1.6 million, $1.6 million and $0.2 million for the years 2004, 2003 and 2002.

As of December 31, 2004, the future minimum lease payments on the Company’s Merrill Creek operating lease, net of reimbursements from sublessees, are: $1.5 million, $1.5 million, $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $1.9 million for the years 2005 through 2009, respectively, and $41.9 million for the years thereafter. The Company’s Merrill Creek lease payments were offset against the actual net divestiture proceeds received from the 1999 sales of its generating assets.

6.
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:

FIN 46R addresses the consolidation of VIEs, including special-purpose entities, that are not controlled through voting interests or in which the equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks and rewards. FirstEnergy adopted FIN 46R for special-purpose entities as of December 31, 2003 and for all other entities in the first quarter of 2004. The first step under FIN 46R is to determine whether an entity is within the scope of FIN 46R, which occurs if it is deemed to be a VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary as defined by FIN 46R.

The Company has evaluated its power purchase agreements and determined that certain NUG entities may be VIEs to the extent they own a plant that sells substantially all of its output to the Company and the contract price for power is correlated with the plant’s variable costs of production. The Company maintains several long-term power purchase agreements with NUG entities. The agreements were structured pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. The Company was not involved in the creation of, and has no equity or debt invested in, these entities.

The Company has determined that for all but one of these entities, the Company has no variable interests in the entities or the entities are governmental or not-for-profit organizations not within the scope of FIN 46R. The Company may hold a variable interest in the remaining entity, which sells its output at variable price that correlates to some extent with the operating costs of the plant.

As required by FIN 46R, the Company requests on a quarterly basis, the information necessary from this entity to determine whether it is a VIE or whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company has been unable to obtain the requested information, which was deemed by the requested entity to be proprietary. As such, the Company applied the scope exception that exempts enterprises unable to obtain the necessary information to evaluate entities under FIN 46R. The maximum exposure to loss from this entity results from increases in the variable pricing component under the contract terms and cannot be determined without the requested data. The purchased power costs from this entity during 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $54 million, $53 million and $53 million, respectively.

29


7.
REGULATORY MATTERS:

In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. With respect to each of these reliability enhancement initiatives, FirstEnergy submitted its response to the respective entity according to any required response dates. In 2004, FirstEnergy completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. Furthermore, FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted, that FirstEnergy had completed the recommended enhancements, policies, procedures and actions it had recommended be completed by June 30, 2004. In addition, FirstEnergy requested, and NERC provided, a technical assistance team of experts to assist in implementing and confirming timely and successful completion of various initiatives. The NERC-assembled independent verification team confirmed on July 14, 2004, that FirstEnergy had implemented the NERC Recommended Actions to Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Future Cascading Blackouts required to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as NERC recommendations contained in the Control Area Readiness Audit Report required to be completed by summer 2004, and recommendations in the U.S. - - Canada Power System Outage Task Force Report directed toward FirstEnergy and required to be completed by June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy. On December 28, 2004, FirstEnergy submitted a follow-up to its June 30, 2004 Certification and Report of Completion to NERC addressing the minor exceptions, which are now essentially complete.

FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be implemented subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

In May 2004, the PPUC issued an order approving the revised reliability benchmark and standards, including revised benchmarks and standards for the Company. The Company filed a Petition for Amendment of Benchmarks with the PPUC on May 26, 2004 seeking amendment of the benchmarks and standards due to their implementation of automated outage management systems following restructuring. Evidentiary hearings have been scheduled for September 2005. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding.

On January 16, 2004, the PPUC initiated a formal investigation of whether the Company's "service reliability performance deteriorated to a point below the level of service reliability that existed prior to restructuring" in Pennsylvania. Hearings were held in early August 2004. On September 30, 2004, the Company filed a settlement agreement with the PPUC that addresses the issues related to this investigation. As part of the settlement, the Company, Penelec and Penn agreed to enhance service reliability, ongoing periodic performance reporting and communications with customers and to collectively maintain their current spending levels of at least $255 million annually on combined capital and operation and maintenance expenditures for transmission and distribution for the years 2005 through 2007. The settlement also outlines an expedited remediation process to address any alleged non-compliance with terms of the settlement and an expedited PPUC hearing process if remediation is unsuccessful. On November 4, 2004, the PPUC accepted the recommendation of the ALJ approving the settlement.

In June 2001, the PPUC approved the Settlement Stipulation with all of the major parties in the combined merger and rate relief proceedings which approved the FirstEnergy/GPU merger and provided the Company PLR deferred accounting treatment for energy costs. A February 2002 Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania decision affirmed the PPUC decision regarding approval of the merger, remanded the issues of quantification and allocation of merger savings to the PPUC and denied the PLR deferral accounting treatment. In October 2003, the PPUC issued an order concluding that the Commonwealth Court reversed the PPUC’s June 2001 order in its entirety. In accordance with the PPUC's direction, the Company filed supplements to its tariffs which were effective October 2003 that reflected the CTC rates and shopping credits in effect prior to the June 21, 2001 order.

30


In response to its October 8, 2003 petition, the PPUC denied the Company's accounting request regarding the CTC rate/shopping credit swap by requiring the Company to treat the stipulated CTC rates that were in effect from January 1, 2002 on a retroactive basis. The Company subsequently filed with the Commonwealth Court, on October 31, 2003, an Application for Clarification with the judge, a Petition for Review of the PPUC's October 2 and October 16 Orders, and an application for reargument if the judge, in his clarification order, indicates that the Company's Objection was intended to be denied on the merits. The Reargument Brief before the Commonwealth Court was filed January 28, 2005.

In accordance with  PPUC directives, Met-Ed  and Penelec have been  negotiating with interested parties in an attempt to resolve the merger savings issues that are the subject of remand from the Commonwealth Court. These companies' combined portion of total merger savings is estimated to be approximately $31.5 million. If no settlement can be reached, Met-Ed and Penelec will take the position that any portion of such savings should be allocated to customers during each company's next rate proceeding.

The Company  purchases a portion of its PLR requirements  from FES through a wholesale  power sale agreement. The PLR  sale is automatically  extended for each successive calendar year unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by the Company under its NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces the Company's exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for its uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. The Company is authorized to continue deferring differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.

On January 12, 2005, the Company filed, before the PPUC, a request for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005 estimated to be approximately $4 million per month. Various parties have intervened in this case.

8.
CAPITALIZATION:

(A) RETAINED EARNINGS-

In general, the Company’s FMB indentures restrict the payment of dividends or distributions on or with respect to the Company’s common stock to amounts credited to earned surplus since the date of its indenture. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had retained earnings available to pay common stock dividends of $35.6 million, net of amounts restricted under the Company’s FMB indenture.

(B) PREFERRED AND PREFERENCE STOCK-

The Company’s preferred stock authorization consists of 10 million shares without par value. No preferred shares are currently outstanding.

(C) LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS-

Subordinated Debentures to Affiliated Trust

The Company had formed a statutory business trust to sell preferred securities and invest the gross proceeds in subordinated debentures. Ownership of the Company's trust had been through a separate wholly owned limited partnership. In this transaction, the trust had invested the gross proceeds from the sale of its preferred securities in the preferred securities of the limited partnership, which in turn invested those proceeds in the 7.35% subordinated debentures of the Company. In June 2004, the Company extinguished the subordinated debentures held by its affiliated trust and redeemed all of the associated 7.35% preferred securities (aggregate value of $100 million).

Other Long-term Debt

The Company’s FMB indenture, which secures all of the Company’s FMBs, serve as a direct first mortgage lien on substantially all of the Company’s property and franchises, other than specifically excepted property.

The Company has various debt covenants under its financing arrangements. The most restrictive of these relate to the nonpayment of interest and/or principal on debt, which could trigger a default. Cross-default provisions also exist between FirstEnergy and the Company.


31

Based on the amount of bonds authenticated by the Trustee through December 31, 2004 the Company’s annual sinking fund requirements for all bonds issued under the mortgage amount to $6 million. The Company expects to fulfill its sinking fund obligation by providing refundable bonds to the Trustee.

Sinking fund requirements for FMBs and maturing long-term debt for the next five years are:


   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$ 30
 
2006
   
101
 
2007
   
50
 
2008
   
7
 
2009
   
--
 


The Company’s obligations to repay certain pollution control revenue bonds are secured by several series of FMBs. Certain pollution control revenue bonds are entitled to the benefit of noncancelable municipal bond insurance policies of $42 million to pay principal of, or interest on, the pollution control revenue bonds.

9.
ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION-

In January 2003, the Company implemented SFAS 143, which provides accounting standards for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. This statement requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over time the capitalized costs are depreciated and the present value of the asset retirement liability increases, resulting in a period expense. However, rate-regulated entities may recognize a regulatory asset or liability instead of an expense if the criteria for such treatment are met. Upon retirement, a gain or loss would be recognized if the cost to settle the retirement obligation differs from the carrying amount.

The Company identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning. The ARO liability as of the date of adoption of SFAS 143 was $198 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. As of December 31, 2002, the Company recognized decommissioning liabilities of $260 million. The Company expects substantially all nuclear decommissioning costs to be recoverable through regulated rates. Therefore, a regulatory liability of $61 million was recognized upon adoption of SFAS 143. The ARO includes the Company's obligation for nuclear decommissioning of TMI-2. The Company's share of the obligation to decommission TMI-2 was developed based on a site-specific study performed by an independent engineer. The Company utilized an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. The Company maintains nuclear decommissioning trust funds that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning ARO. As of December 31, 2004, the fair value of the decommissioning trust assets was $217 million.

In the third quarter of 2004, the Company revised the ARO associated with TMI-2 as the result of a recently completed study and the anticipated operating license extension for TMI-1. The abandoned TMI-2 is adjacent to TMI-1 and the units are expected to be decommissioned concurrently. The net decrease in the Company's TMI-2 ARO liability and corresponding regulatory asset was $89 million.

The following table describes changes to the ARO balances during 2004 and 2003.


ARO Reconciliation
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
210
 
$
198
 
Accretion
   
12
   
12
 
Revisions in estimated cash flows
   
(89
)
 
--
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
133
 
$
210
 



32

The following table provides the year-end balance of the ARO related to nuclear decommissioning for 2002, as if SFAS 143 had been adopted on January 1, 2002.

Adjusted ARO Reconciliation
2002
 
(In millions)
   
Beginning balance as of January 1
$187
Accretion
11
Ending balance as of December 31
$198


10.
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:

The Company may borrow from its affiliates on a short-term basis. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had total short-term borrowings of $80 million from its affiliates. The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were 2.0% and 1.7%, respectively.

The Company has, through a separate wholly owned subsidiary, a receivables financing agreement under which the Company can borrow up to an aggregate of $80 million at rates based on certain bank commercial paper and is required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.30% on the entire finance limit. This financing agreement expires on March 29, 2005. These receivables financing arrangements are expected to be renewed prior to expiration.

11.
COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES:

(A) NUCLEAR INSURANCE-

The Price-Anderson Act limits the public liability relative to a single incident at a nuclear power plant to $10.8 billion. The amount is covered by a combination of private insurance and an industry retrospective rating plan. Based on its present ownership interest in TMI-2, the Company is exempt from any potential assessment under the industry retrospective rating plan.

The Company is also insured as to its interest in TMI-2 under a policy issued to the operating company for the plant. Under this policy, $150 million is provided for property damage and decontamination and decommissioning costs. Under this policy, the Company can be assessed a maximum of approximately $0.4 million for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year which are in excess of accumulated funds available to the insurer for paying losses.

The Company intends to maintain insurance against nuclear risks as described above as long as it is available. To the extent that property damage, decontamination, decommissioning, repair and replacement costs and other such costs arising from a nuclear incident at TMI-2 exceed the policy limits of the insurance in effect with respect to that plant, to the extent a nuclear incident is determined not to be covered by the Company’s insurance policies, or to the extent such insurance becomes unavailable in the future, the Company would remain at risk for such costs.

(B) ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS-

The Company has been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. Therefore, environmental liabilities that are considered probable have been recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, based on estimates of the total costs of cleanup, the Company's proportionate responsibility for such costs and the financial ability of other nonaffiliated entities to pay. The Company has accrued liabilities aggregating approximately $26,000 as of December 31, 2004. The Company accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that an obligation for such costs exists and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Company's determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.


33

(C) OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS-

Power Outages and Related Litigation

On August 14,   2003, various states and parts of  southern  Canada  experienced  widespread power  outages. The outages  affected  approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. On April 5, 2004, the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force released its final report on the outages. In the final report, the Task Force concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contains 46 "recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations relate to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, relates to activities the Task Force recommends be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which are consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, completion of various reliability recommendations and further received independent verification of completion status from a NERC verification team on July 14, 2004 with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy (see Regulatory Matters above). FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. As many of these initiatives already were in process, FirstEnergy does not believe that any incremental expenses associated with additional initiatives undertaken during 2004 will have a material effect on its operations or financial results. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. FirstEnergy and the Company have not accrued a liability as of December 31, 2004 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be instituted against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

Legal Matters

There are various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to the Company's normal business operations, pending against the Company, the most significant of which are described above.

12.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS:

SFAS 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29"

In December 2004, the FASB issued this Statement  amending APB 29, which was based on the principle that  nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.


34

SFAS 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4"

In November 2004, the FASB issued this statement to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be "so abnormal" that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by the Company after June 30, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

EITF
Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for Issue 03-1. EITF 03-1 provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.

EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"

In March 2004, the FASB ratified the final consensus on Issue 03-16. EITF 03-16 requires that an investment in a limited liability company that maintains a "specific ownership account" for each investor should be viewed as similar to an investment in a limited partnership for determining whether the cost or equity method of accounting should be used. The equity method of accounting is generally required for investments that represent more than a three to five percent interest in a limited partnership. EITF 03-16 was adopted by the Company in the third quarter of 2004 and did not affect the Company's financial statements.

FSP 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"

Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) "qualified production activities income," as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." FirstEnergy is currently evaluating this FSP but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"

Issued in May 2004, FSP 106-2  provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy provided by the Medicare Act. The effect of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act on the Company's consolidated financial statements is described in Note 3.

35

13.  
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

The following summarizes certain consolidated operating results by quarter for 2004 and 2003.

   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
Sept. 30,
 
Dec. 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
2004
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
260.9
 
$
242.0
 
$
285.4
 
$
282.5
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
237.6
   
228.5
   
265.1
   
253.4
 
Operating Income
   
23.3
   
13.5
   
20.3
   
29.1
 
Other Income
   
5.5
   
6.2
   
6.9
   
7.0
 
Net Interest Charges
   
10.8
   
13.0
   
10.1
   
10.9
 
Net Income
 
$
18.0
 
$
6.7
 
$
17.1
 
$
25.2
 


   
March 31,
 
June 30,
 
Sept. 30,
 
Dec. 31,
 
Three Months Ended
 
2003
 
2003
 
2003 
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
251.2
 
$
217.7
 
$
261.2
 
$
239.7
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
227.2
   
199.2
   
242.0
   
217.5
 
Operating Income
   
24.0
   
18.5
   
19.2
   
22.2
 
Other Income
   
5.2
   
5.3
   
5.2
   
6.1
 
Net Interest Charges
   
12.4
   
11.0
   
10.7
   
10.7
 
Income Before Cumulative Effect of
Accounting Change
   
16.8
   
12.8
   
13.7
   
17.6
 
Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change
(Net of Income Taxes)
   
0.2
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Net Income
 
$
17.0
 
$
12.8
 
$
13.7
 
$
17.6
 




36
EX-21.6 53 ex21-6.htm PE - LIST OF SUBS Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 21.6



METROPOLITAN EDISON COMPANY
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
AT DECEMBER 31, 2004



       
STATE OF
 
NAME OF SUBSIDIRY
 
BUSINESS
 
ORGANIZATION
 
           
York Haven Power Company
 
 
Hydroelectric Generation
 
 
New York
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Met-Ed Preferred Capital, II, Inc.
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 
Met-Ed Capital II, L.P.
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 
Met-Ed Capital Trust
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Met-Et Funding LLC
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Note:  Met-Ed, along with its affiliates JCP&L and Penelec, collectively own all of the common stock of Saxton Nuclear Experimental Corporation, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation organized for nuclear experimental purposes which is now inactive. The carrying value of the owners’ investment has been written down to a nominal value.



EX-12.8 54 ex12-8.htm PE - FIXED CHARGE RATIO Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 12.8
Page 1

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
 
   
 
Year Ended
December 31,
 
 
 
Jan. 1-
 
 
 
Nov. 7-
 
 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
   
2000
 
Nov. 6, 2001
 
Dec. 31, 2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                         
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
39,250
 
$
23,718
 
$
10,795
 
$
50,910
 
$
20,237
 
$
36,030
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
amounts capitalized
   
48,544
   
40,998
   
7,052
   
42,373
   
37,660
   
40,022
 
Provision for income taxes
   
29,754
   
19,402
   
8,231
   
34,248
   
24,836
   
30,001
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income(a)
   
3,020
   
891
   
311
   
1,849
   
3,076
   
3,016
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
120,568
 
$
85,009
 
$
26,389
 
$
129,380
 
$
85,809
 
$
109,069
 
                                       
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                                     
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
29,964
 
$
28,751
 
$
3,972
 
$
31,758
 
$
29,565
 
$
30,029
 
Other interest expense
   
11,546
   
6,008
   
1,979
   
3,061
   
4,318
   
9,993
 
Subsidiary's preferred stock dividend requirements
   
7,034
   
6,239
   
1,101
   
7,554
   
3,777
   
--
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
3,020
   
891
   
311
   
1,849
   
3,076
   
3,016
 
Fixed charges as defined
 
$
51,564
 
$
41,889
 
$
7,363
 
$
44,222
 
$
40,736
 
$
43,038
 
                                       
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED
CHARGES
   
2.34
   
2.03
   
3.58
   
2.93
   
2.11
   
2.53
 
 
__________________

(a)  Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.


EXHIBIT 12.8
Page 2
PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES PLUS
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS (PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)
 
   
Year Ended
                     
   
December 31,
 
Jan. 1-
 
Nov. 7-
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2000
 
Nov. 6, 2001
 
Dec. 31, 2001
 
2002
 
2003
 
2004
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
EARNINGS AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K:
                                     
Income before extraordinary items
 
$
39,250
 
$
23,718
 
$
10,795
 
$
50,910
 
$
20,237
 
$
36,030
 
Interest and other charges, before reduction for
                                     
amounts capitalized
   
48,544
   
40,998
   
7,052
   
42,373
   
37,660
   
40,022
 
Provision for income taxes
   
29,754
   
19,402
   
8,231
   
34,248
   
24,836
   
30,001
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
3,020
   
891
   
311
   
1,849
   
3,076
   
3,016
 
Earnings as defined
 
$
120,568
 
$
85,009
 
$
26,389
 
$
129,380
 
$
85,809
 
$
109,069
 
FIXED CHARGES AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S-K PLUS
                                     
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
                                     
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS):
                                     
Interest on long-term debt
 
$
29,964
 
$
28,751
 
$
3,972
 
$
31,758
 
$
29,565
 
$
30,029
 
Other interest expense
   
11,546
   
6,008
   
1,979
   
3,061
   
4,318
   
9,993
 
Preferred stock dividend requirements
   
7,034
   
6,239
   
1,101
   
7,554
   
3,777
   
--
 
Adjustments to preferred stock dividends to state on a
                                     
pre-income tax basis
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Interest element of rentals charged to income (a)
   
3,020
   
891
   
311
   
1,849
   
3,076
   
3,016
 
Fixed charges as defined plus preferred stock
                                     
dividend requirements (pre-income tax basis)
 
$
51,564
 
$
41,889
 
$
7,363
 
$
44,222
 
$
40,736
 
$
43,038
 
CONSOLIDATED RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                                     
PLUS PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDEND REQUIREMENTS
                                     
(PRE-INCOME TAX BASIS)
   
2.34
   
2.03
   
3.58
   
2.93
   
2.11
   
2.53
 
 

____________________

(a)  Includes the interest element of rentals where determinable plus 1/3 of rental expense where no readily defined interest element can be determined.
 
EX-13.7 55 ex13-7.htm PE - ANNUAL REPORT Unassociated Document

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

2004 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS



Pennsylvania Electric Company is a wholly owned electric utility operating subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. It engages in the distribution and sale of electric energy in an area of approximately 17,600 square miles in western Pennsylvania. It also engages in the sale, purchase and interchange of electric energy with other electric companies. The area it serves has a population of approximately 1.7 million. The Company is a lessee of the property of the Waverly Electric Light & Power Company, which provides electric energy service in Waverly, New York and vicinity.








Contents
 
Page
 
       
Glossary of Terms
 
i-ii
 
Management Reports
 
1
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
   
2
 
Selected Financial Data
   
3
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis
   
4-12
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
   
13
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
   
14
 
Consolidated Statements of Capitalization
   
15
 
Consolidated Statements of Common Stockholder's Equity
   
16
 
Consolidated Statements of Preferred Stock
   
16
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
   
17
 
Consolidated Statements of Taxes
   
18
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
19-34
 







GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following abbreviations and acronyms are used in this report to identify Pennsylvania Electric Company and its affiliates:

ATSI
American Transmission Systems, Inc., owns and operates transmission facilities
Companies
OE, CEI, TE, Penn, JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec
FES
FirstEnergy Solutions Corp., provides energy-related products and services
FESC
FirstEnergy Service Company, provides legal, financial, and other corporate support services
FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy Corp., a registered public utility holding company
GPU
GPU, Inc., former parent of JCP&L, Met-Ed and Penelec, which merged with FirstEnergy on
November 7, 2001
GPUS
GPU Service Company, previously provided corporate support services
JCP&L
Jersey Central Power & Light Company, an affiliated New Jersey electric utility
Met-Ed
Metropolitan Edison Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
OE
Ohio Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
Penelec
Pennsylvania Electric Company
Penn
Pennsylvania Power Company, an affiliated Pennsylvania electric utility
TE
The Toledo Edison Company, an affiliated Ohio electric utility
     
The following abbreviations and acronyms are used to identify frequently used terms in this report:
   
ALJ
Administrative Law Judge
AOCL
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
APB
Accounting Principles Board
APB 29
APB Opinion No. 29, "Accounting for Accounting Research Bulletin"
ARB
Accounting Research Bulletin
ARB 43
ARB No. 43, "Restatement and Revision of Accounting Research Bulletin"
ARO
Asset Retirement Obligation
CTC
Competitive Transition Charge
ECAR
East Central Area Reliability Coordination Agreement
EITF
Emerging Issues Task Force
EITF 03-1
EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary and Its Application to Certain
Investments"
EITF 03-16
EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"
EITF 97-4
EITF Issue No. 97-4 "Deregulation of the Pricing of Electricity - Issues Related to the Application
of FASB Statements No. 71 and 101"
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
FERC
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FIN 46R
FASB Interpretation No. 46 (revised December 2003), "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities"
FMB
First Mortgage Bonds
FSP EITF 03-1-1
FASB Staff Position No. EITF Issue 03-1-1, "Effective Date of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue
No. 03-1, The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to Certain
Investments"
FSP 106-1
FASB Staff Position No.106-1, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 106-2
FASB Staff Position No.106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"
FSP 109-1
FASB Staff Position No. 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities provided by the American
Jobs Creation Act of 2004"
GAAP
Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States
IRS
Internal Revenue Service
Medicare Act
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003
MISO
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.
Moody’s
Moody’s Investors Service
NERC
North American Electric Reliability Council
NUG
Non-Utility Generation
OCI
Other Comprehensive Income
OPEB
Other Post-Employment Benefits
PJM
PJM Interconnection L. L. C.
PLR
Provider of Last Resort



i
GLOSSARY OF TERMS, Cont’d



PPUC
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
PRP
Potentially Responsible Party
PUCO
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
PUHCA
Public Utility Holding Company Act
S&P
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Service
SEC
United States Securities and Exchange Commission
SFAS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
SFAS 71
SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation"
SFAS 87
SFAS No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions"
SFAS 101
SFAS No. 101, "Accounting for Discontinuation of Application of SFAS 71"
SFAS 106
SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions"
SFAS 115
SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities"
SFAS 133
SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities"
SFAS 142
SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets"
SFAS 143
SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations"
SFAS 144
SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets"
SPE
Special Purpose Entity
TMI-1
Three Mile Island Unit 1
TMI-2
Three Mile Island Unit 2
VIE
Variable Interest Entity




ii



MANAGEMENT REPORTS

Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements

The consolidated financial statements were prepared by management, who takes responsibility for their integrity and objectivity. The statements were prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and are consistent with other financial information appearing elsewhere in this report. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements.

FirstEnergy Corp.’s internal auditors, who are responsible to the Audit Committee of FirstEnergy’s Board of Directors, review the results and performance of operating units within the Company for adequacy, effectiveness and reliability of accounting and reporting systems, as well as managerial and operating controls.

FirstEnergy’s Audit Committee consists of five independent directors whose duties include: consideration of the adequacy of the internal controls of the Company and the objectivity of financial reporting; inquiry into the number, extent, adequacy and validity of regular and special audits conducted by independent auditors and the internal auditors; and reporting to the Board of Directors the Committee’s findings and any recommendation for changes in scope, methods or procedures of the auditing functions. The Committee is directly responsible for appointing the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and is charged with reviewing and approving all services performed for the Company by the independent registered public accounting firm and for reviewing and approving the related fees. The Committee reviews the independent registered public accounting firm’s report on internal quality control and reviews all relationships between the independent registered public accounting firm and the Company, in order to assess the registered public accounting firm’s independence. The Committee also reviews management’s programs to monitor compliance with the Company’s policies on business ethics and risk management. The Committee establishes procedures to receive and respond to complaints received by the Company regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters and allows for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees. The Audit Committee held six meetings in 2004.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control - Integrated Framework, management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting under the supervision of the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2004, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears on page 2.





1


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Stockholders and Board of
Directors of Pennsylvania Electric Company:

We have completed an integrated audit of Pennsylvania Electric Company’s 2004 consolidated financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 and audits of its 2003 and 2002 consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, capitalization, common stockholder’s equity, preferred stock, cash flows and taxes present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pennsylvania Electric Company and its subsidiaries at December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 2(G) to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for asset retirement obligations as of January 1, 2003. As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for the consolidation of variable interest entities as of December 31, 2003.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005

2

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


               
Nov. 7 -
   
Jan. 1 -
     
   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
Dec. 31, 2001
   
Nov. 6, 2001
 
2000
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                             
                             
Operating Revenues
 
$
1,036,070
 
$
974,857
 
$
1,027,102
 
$
140,062
   
$
834,548
 
$
901,881
 
                                         
Operating Income
 
$
73,680
 
$
60,245
 
$
88,190
 
$
14,341
   
$
70,049
 
$
80,336
 
                                         
Income Before Cumulative Effect
                                       
of Accounting Change
 
$
36,030
 
$
20,237
 
$
50,910
 
$
10,795
   
$
23,718
 
$
39,250
 
                                         
Net Income
 
$
36,030
 
$
21,333
 
$
50,910
 
$
10,795
   
$
23,718
 
$
39,250
 
                                         
Total Assets
 
$
2,813,752
 
$
3,052,243
 
$
3,163,254
 
$
3,300,269
         
$
2,331,484
 
                                         
                                         
Capitalization as of December 31:
                                       
Common Stockholder’s Equity
 
$
1,305,015
 
$
1,297,332
 
$
1,353,704
 
$
1,306,576
         
$
469,837
 
Company-Obligated Trust
                                       
Preferred Securities
   
--
   
--
   
92,214
   
92,000
           
100,000
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Obligations
   
481,871
   
438,764
   
470,274
   
472,400
           
519,481
 
Total Capitalization
 
$
1,786,886
 
$
1,736,096
 
$
1,916,192
 
$
1,870,976
         
$
1,089,318
 
                                         
                                         
Capitalization Ratios:
                                       
Common Stockholder’s Equity
   
73.0
%
 
74.7
%
 
70.7
%
 
69.8
%
         
43.1
%
Company-Obligated Trust
                                       
Preferred Securities
   
--
   
--
   
4.8
   
4.9
           
9.2
 
Long-Term Debt and Other Long-Term Obligations
   
27.0
   
25.3
   
24.5
   
25.3
           
47.7
 
Total Capitalization
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
         
100.0
%
                                         
                                         
Distribution Kilowatt-Hour Deliveries (Millions):
                                       
Residential
   
4,249
   
4,166
   
4,196
   
721
     
3,264
   
3,949
 
Commercial
   
4,792
   
4,748
   
4,753
   
758
     
3,733
   
4,509
 
Industrial
   
4,589
   
4,443
   
4,336
   
685
     
3,658
   
4,698
 
Other
   
39
   
41
   
42
   
7
     
34
   
40
 
Total
   
13,669
   
13,398
   
13,327
   
2,171
     
10,689
   
13,196
 
                                         
                                         
Customers Served:
                                       
Residential
   
505,999
   
503,738
   
503,007
   
502,901
           
502,052
 
Commercial
   
78,519
   
77,737
   
77,125
   
76,005
           
74,282
 
Industrial
   
2,492
   
2,545
   
2,605
   
2,652
           
2,703
 
Other
   
1,056
   
1,069
   
1,081
   
1,099
           
1,110
 
Total
   
588,066
   
585,089
   
583,818
   
582,657
           
580,147
 




3

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition


This discussion includes forward-looking statements based on information currently available to management. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These statements typically contain, but are not limited to, the terms "anticipate," "potential," "expect," "believe," "estimate" and similar words. Actual results may differ materially due to the speed and nature of increased competition and deregulation in the electric utility industry, economic or weather conditions affecting future sales and margins, changes in markets for energy services, changing energy and commodity market prices, replacement power costs being higher than anticipated or inadequately hedged, maintenance costs being higher than anticipated, legislative and regulatory changes (including revised environmental requirements), adverse regulatory or legal decisions and outcomes (including revocation of necessary licenses or operating permits, fines or other enforcement actions and remedies) of governmental investigations, including by the Securities and Exchange Commission as disclosed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, the availability and cost of capital, our ability to experience growth in the distribution business, our ability to access the public securities and other capital markets, further investigation into the causes of the August 14, 2003, regional power outage and the outcome, cost and other effects of present and potential legal and administrative proceedings and claims related to the outage, the risks and other factors discussed from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, and other similar factors. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Reclassifications

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Revenue amounts related to transmission activities previously recorded as wholesale electric sales revenues were reclassified as transmission revenues. Expenses (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets to conform to the current year presentation. These reclassifications did not change previously reported net income in 2003 and 2002.

Results of Operations

Net income increased to $36 million in 2004, compared to $21 million in 2003. The increase in 2004 resulted from higher operating revenues and other income partially offset by higher purchased power costs and other operating costs. Net income decreased to $21 million or 58.1% in 2003 from $51 million in 2002. In 2003, net income was lower due to lower operating revenues partially offset by reduced purchased power costs, other operating costs and depreciation and amortization charges.

Operating revenues increased by $61 million in 2004 compared to 2003, primarily due to higher revenues from distribution deliveries and transmission revenues, which were partially offset by lower retail generation revenues. Revenues from distribution deliveries increased by $30 million due to higher unit prices and a 2.0% increase in electricity throughput with increases in all customer sectors. Kilowatt-hour deliveries increased to commercial and industrial customers reflecting an improving economy in our service area. Retail generation revenues decreased by $9 million due to lower composite prices. This decrease was partially offset by a 3.1% increase in retail generation kilowatt-hour sales due to generation customers returning to us after switching to alternative suppliers. The lower retail generation prices were due to the PPUC Restructuring Settlement order (see Note 7). There was minimal wholesale sales activity in 2004 and 2003. Transmission revenues increased $40 million in 2004 compared with 2003 due to an amended power supply agreement with FES, which resulted in our recognizing certain transmission revenues that were previously attributed to FES which also increased transmission expenses as discussed below.

The significant decrease in customer shopping in 2004 reflects our low generation price as provider of last resort. Alternative suppliers have not been able to match that price by a sufficient margin to ensure profitability, particularly in the industrial sector.


4

Operating revenues decreased by $52 million in 2003 compared to 2002, primarily due to lower retail generation revenues and wholesale sales revenues slightly offset by higher distribution deliveries revenues. Total retail generation kilowatt-hour sales decreased 2.5% ($22 million in operating revenues) as a result of decreases in industrial sales (7.2%), residential sales (0.7%) and commercial sales (0.6%). The decrease in industrial sales was primarily due to more industrial customers being served by alternative suppliers. Wholesale sales revenues decreased by $32 million in 2003, primarily attributable to lower sales to non-affiliated companies. Kilowatt-hour deliveries increased by 0.5% due to an increase in industrial deliveries as a result of a slightly improving economy - partially offset by lower deliveries to residential and commercial customers.

Changes in electric generation sales and distribution deliveries in 2004 and 2003 are summarized in the following table:


Changes in Kilowatt-hour Sales
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
         
Electric Generation:
             
Retail
   
3.1
%
 
(2.5
)%
Wholesale
   
(100.0
)%
 
(99.5
)%
Total Electric Retail Generation Sales
   
3.1
%
 
(6.4
)%
Distribution Deliveries:
             
Residential
   
2.0
%
 
(0.7
)%
Commercial
   
0.9
%
 
(0.1
)%
Industrial
   
3.3
%
 
2.5
%
Total Distribution Deliveries
   
2.0
%
 
0.5
%

Operating Expenses and Taxes

Total operating expenses and taxes increased by $48 million or 5.2% in 2004 and decreased $24 million or 2.6% in 2003, compared to the preceding year. Higher purchased power costs, other operating costs and income taxes, accounted for the increase in 2004. In 2003, the decrease was due to lower purchased power costs, depreciation, amortization and income taxes, offset in part by an increase in general taxes. The following table presents changes from the prior year by expense category.


Operating Expenses and Taxes - Changes
 
2004
 
2003
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
(In millions)
 
           
Purchase power costs
 
$
20
 
$
(6
)
Other operating costs
   
19
   
(2
)
               
Provision for depreciation
   
(6
)
 
(6
)
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
7
   
(5
)
General taxes
   
1
   
2
 
Income taxes
   
7
   
(7
)
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
$
48
 
$
(24
)


Purchased power costs increased by $20 million or 3.7% in 2004, compared to the prior year. The increase was due primarily to higher kilowatt-hours purchased to meet the increased retail generation sales requirements. Purchased power costs decreased by $6.0 million or 1.1% in 2003, compared to 2002, due primarily to a reduction in kilowatt-hours purchased to support lower kilowatt-hour sales to retail and wholesale customers.

Other operating costs increased by $19 million or 10.5% in 2004, compared to 2003. The increase was primarily due to increased transmission expenses, which were assumed in 2004 due to a change in the power supply agreement with FES and to higher vegetation management costs. Other operating costs were relatively unchanged in 2003 compared to 2002.

Depreciation charges decreased in 2004 primarily due to certain assets being fully depreciated in 2003. Depreciation charges decreased in 2003 compared to 2002 due to information system assets being fully depreciated in 2002 and higher cost of removal charges in 2002 compared to 2003. Amortization of regulatory assets increased in 2004 compared to the prior year due to a higher level of deferred NUG cost recovery. The decrease in 2003 from 2002 was due to lower CTC revenue recovering deferred costs.


5

Net Interest Charges

Net interest charges decreased $2 million in 2004 compared to the prior year, reflecting the redemption of $100 million of 7.34% subordinated debentures in September 2004. This decrease was partially offset by interest expense resulting from intercompany loans through the money pool discussed below. We became a net borrower in 2004 due to a required repayment to the NUG trust fund. In 2003, we were a net lender due to a $106 million withdrawal from the NUG trust. Net interest charges increased $3 million in 2003, compared to the prior year. The increase was due to the change in deferred interest costs, offset in part by lower preferred stock dividend requirements.

Cumulative Effect of Accounting Change

Upon adoption of SFAS 143 in the first quarter of 2003, we recorded an after-tax gain to net income of $1.1 million. The cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation and accretion, offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and ceasing the accounting practice of depreciating non-regulated generation assets using a cost of removal component, was a $1.9 million increase to income, or $1.1 million net of income taxes.

Capital Resources and Liquidity

Our cash requirements in 2004 for operating expenses, construction expenditures and scheduled debt maturities were met with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets. During 2005 and thereafter, we expect to meet our contractual obligations with a combination of cash from operations and funds from the capital markets.

Changes in Cash Position

There was no change as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 in our cash and cash equivalents of $36,000.

Cash Flows From Operating Activities

Our net cash provided from operating activities was $46 million in 2004, $16 million in 2003 and $39 million in 2002, summarized as follows:


Operating Cash Flows
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Cash earnings (1)
 
$
112
 
$
88
 
$
63
 
Pension trust contribution(2)
   
(30
)
 
--
   
--
 
Working capital and other
   
(36
)
 
(72
)
 
(24
)
                     
Total
 
$
46
 
$
16
 
$
39
 

(1) Cash earnings is a non-GAAP measure (see reconciliation below).
(2) Pension trust contribution net of $20 million of income tax benefits.


Cash earnings (in the table above) are not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP. We believe that cash earnings is a useful financial measure because it provides investors and management with an additional means of evaluating our cash-based operating performance.


Reconciliation of Cash Earnings
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Net Income (GAAP)
 
$
36
 
$
21
 
$
51
 
Non-Cash Charges (Credits):
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
47
   
52
   
59
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
50
   
45
   
49
 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets
   
(87
)
 
(80
)
 
(106
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
   
58
   
41
   
11
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
(2
)
 
--
 
Other non-cash expenses
   
8
   
11
   
(1
)
Cash earnings (Non-GAAP)
 
$
112
 
$
88
 
$
63
 


6

Net cash provided from operating activities increased $30 million in 2004 compared to 2003 resulting from increases of $36 million from working capital changes and $24 million in cash earnings, partially offset by a $30 million after-tax voluntary pension contribution. The increase from working capital was principally due to changes in accounts payable balances. The increase in cash earnings is described under "Results of Operations". Net cash from operating activities decreased by $23 million in 2003 compared to 2002 due to a $48 million decrease from changes in working capital partially offset by a $25 million increase in cash earnings which is described under "Results of Operations". The decrease from working capital resulted from a $79 million change in accounts payable partially offset by a $41 million change in receivables.

Cash Flows From Financing Activities

Net cash provided from financing activities of $76 million in 2004 compares to net cash of $49 million used in 2003. The net change reflects a $97 million increase in borrowings and a $28 million decrease in common stock dividend payments to FirstEnergy. The net decrease of $17 million in net cash used for financing activities in 2003 compared to 2002 reflects a $24 million reduction in net debt refinancing activity partially offset by a $7 million increase in common stock dividend payments to FirstEnergy. The following table provides details regarding new issues and redemptions during each year:


Securities Issued or Redeemed
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
New Issues   -   Unsecured notes
 
$
150
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
Redemptions -   Unsecured notes
   
229
   
1
   
50
 
                     
Short-term Borrowings, net (use)/source of cash
   
163
   
(12
)
 
13
 


In March 2004, we completed a receivables financing arrangement providing for borrowings of up to $75 million. The borrowing rate is based on bank commercial paper rates. We are required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.30% on the entire finance limit. The facility was undrawn as of December 31, 2004 and matures on March 29, 2005. These receivables financing arrangements are expected to be renewed prior to expiration.

On September 1, 2004, we redeemed at par $100 million principal amount of our subordinated debentures in connection with the concurrent redemption at par of $100 million principal amount of 7.34% Penelec Capital Trust Preferred Securities.

As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately $241 million of short-term indebtedness, compared to $78 million at the end of 2003. Penelec has obtained authorization from the SEC to incur short-term debt of up to $250 million (including the utility money pool). We will not issue FMB other than as collateral for senior notes, since our senior note indentures prohibit (subject to certain exceptions) us from issuing any debt which is senior to the senior notes. As of December 31, 2004, we had the ability to issue $25 million of additional senior notes based upon FMB collateral. We have no restrictions on the issuance of preferred stock.

We have the ability to borrow from our regulated affiliates and FirstEnergy to meet our short-term working capital requirements. FESC administers this money pool and tracks surplus funds of FirstEnergy and its regulated subsidiaries. Companies receiving a loan under the money pool agreements must repay the principal, 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 the pool and is based on the average cost of funds available through the pool. The average interest rate for borrowings under these arrangements in 2004 was 1.43%.

Our access to capital markets and costs of financing are dependent on the ratings of our securities and that of FirstEnergy. The ratings outlook on all securities is stable.


Ratings of Securities
                 
   
Securities
 
S&P
 
Moody’s
 
Fitch
 
                   
FirstEnergy
 
 
Senior unsecured
 
 
BB+
 
 
Baa3
 
 
BBB-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Penelec
 
 
Senior secured
 
 
BBB
 
 
Baa1
 
 
BBB+
 
 
 
 
Senior unsecured
 
 
BBB-
 
 
Baa2
 
 
BBB
 



7

On December 10, 2004, S&P reaffirmed FirstEnergy's ‘BBB-' corporate credit rating and kept the outlook stable. S&P noted that the stable outlook reflects FirstEnergy's improving financial profile and cash flow certainty through 2006. S&P stated that should the two refueling outages at the Davis-Besse and Perry nuclear plants scheduled for the first quarter of 2005 be completed successfully without any significant negative findings and delays, FirstEnergy's outlook would be revised to positive. S&P also stated that a ratings upgrade in the next several months did not seem likely, as remaining issues of concern to S&P, primarily the outcome of environmental litigation and SEC investigations, are not likely to be resolved in the short term.

Cash Flows From Investing Activities

Cash used for investing activities totaled $123 million in 2004 and cash provided from investing activities totaled approximately $22 million in 2003. In both periods, cash outflows for property additions were made to support the distribution of electricity. In 2004, cash was used for a $51 million repayment to the NUG trust fund, while in 2003 cash was provided from a $106 million withdrawal from the NUG trust fund. Finally, net loan payments to associated companies resulted in cash used of $8 million in 2004, whereas we received net payments of $2 million in 2003.

Our capital spending for the period 2005-2007 is expected to be about $272 million for property additions and improvements, of which approximately $89 million applies to 2005.

Contractual Obligations

As of December 31, 2004, our estimated cash payments under existing contractual obligations that we consider firm obligations were as follows:


 
Contractual Obligations
 
 
Total
 
 
2005
 
2006-
2007
 
2008-
2009
 
 
Thereafter
 
                                           (In millions)
 
                       
Long-term debt (2)
 
$
491
 
$
8
 
$
3
 
$
100
 
$
380
 
Short-term borrowings
   
241
   
241
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Purchases (1)
   
3,437
   
345
   
887
   
793
   
1,412
 
Total
 
$
4,169
 
$
594
 
$
890
 
$
893
 
$
1,792
 

(1) Power purchases under contracts with fixed or minimum quantities and approximate timing
            (2) Amounts reflected do not include interest on long-term debt.
Market Risk Information

We use various market risk sensitive instruments, including derivative contracts, primarily to manage the risk of price fluctuations. Our Risk Policy Committee, comprised of members of senior management, provides general management oversight to risk management activities throughout our Company. They are responsible for promoting the effective design and implementation of sound risk management programs. They also oversee compliance with corporate risk management policies and established risk management practices.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to market  risk primarily due to fluctuations in electricity and natural  gas prices. To manage  the volatility  relating to these exposures, we use a variety of non-derivative and derivative instruments, including options and futures contracts. The derivatives are used for hedging purposes. As of December 31, 2004 and 2003, we had commodity derivative contracts related to energy production that did not qualify for hedge treatment under SFAS 133. The fair value of these contracts was $15 million as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and are included in non-current assets.

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, we rely on model-based information. The model provides estimates of future regional prices for electricity and an estimate of related price volatility. We utilize these results in developing estimates of fair value for financial reporting purposes and for internal management decision making. Sources of information for the valuation of derivative contracts by year are summarized in the following table:


8


Source of Information - Fair Value by Contract Year
                         
                           
   
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
Thereafter
 
Total
 
   
(In millions)
 
                           
Prices based on external sources(1)
 
$
4
 
$
3
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
7
 
Prices based on models
   
--
   
--
   
2
   
2
   
4
   
8
 
                                       
Total(2)
 
$
4
 
$
3
 
$
2
 
$
2
 
$
4
 
$
15
 

(1) Broker quote sheets.
(2) Includes $15 million from an embedded option that is offset by a regulatory liability and does not affect earnings.

We perform sensitivity analyses to estimate our exposure to the market risk of our commodity position. A hypothetical 10% adverse shift in quoted market prices in the near term on derivative instruments would not have had a material effect on our consolidated financial position or cash flows as of December 31, 2004.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to fluctuations in market interest rates is reduced since our debt has fixed interest rates.

Comparison of Carrying Value to Fair Value
 
                       
There-
     
Fair
 
Year of Maturity
 
2005
 
2006
 
2007
 
2008
 
2009
 
after
 
Total
 
Value
 
                                                               (Dollars in millions)
 
Assets
 
Investments Other Than Cash
and Cash Equivalents-
                                 
Fixed Income
                               
$
146
 
$
146
 
$
146
 
Average interest rate
                                 
4.3
%
 
4.3
%
     

Liabilities
Long-term Debt and Other
Long-term Obligations:
                                                 
Fixed rate
 
$
8
       
$
3
       
$
100
 
$
380
 
$
491
 
$
521
 
Average interest rate
   
7.5
%
       
6.1
%
       
6.1
%
 
6.0
%
 
6.0
%
     
Short-term Borrowings
   
241
                               
$
241
 
$
241
 
Average interest rate
   
2.0
%
                               
2.0
%
     

Equity Price Risk

Included in nuclear decommissioning trusts are marketable equity securities carried at their current fair value of approximately $60 million and $54 million at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. A hypothetical 10% decrease in prices quoted by stock exchanges would result in a $6 million reduction in fair value as of December 31, 2004 (see Note 4 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments).

Outlook

Beginning in 1999, all of our customers were able to select alternative energy suppliers. We continue to deliver power to homes and businesses through our existing distribution system, which remains regulated. The PPUC authorized our rate restructuring plan, establishing separate charges for transmission, distribution, generation and stranded cost recovery, which is recovered through a CTC. Customers electing to obtain power from an alternative supplier have their bills reduced based on the regulated generation component, and the customers receive a generation charge from the alternative supplier. We have a continuing responsibility, referred to as our PLR obligation, to provide power to those customers not choosing to receive power from an alternative energy supplier, subject to certain limits.

We recognize, as regulatory assets, costs which the PPUC and the FERC have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income when incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered under our regulatory plan. Our regulatory assets totaled $200 million and $497 million as of December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.

9

Regulatory Matters

We purchase a portion of our PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sale agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements that we do not obtain under our NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces our exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for our uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. We are authorized to continue deferring differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.

On January 12, 2005, we filed, before the PPUC, a request for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005, estimated to be approximately $4 million per month. Various parties have intervened in this case.

See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for a more complete and detailed discussion of regulatory matters in Pennsylvania.

Environmental Matters

We have been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site be held liable on a joint and several basis. We accrue environmental liabilities only when we can conclude that it is probable that we have an obligation for such costs and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in our determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.

Legal Matters

Various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to our normal business operations are pending against us, the most significant of which are described above and in Note 11(C) to the consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Application of these principles often requires a high degree of judgment, estimates and assumptions that affect financial results. All of our assets are subject to their own specific risks and uncertainties and are regularly reviewed for impairment. Our more significant accounting policies are described below.

Goodwill

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, we evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually and make such evaluations more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment were indicated, we would recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of its goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. Our annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004, with no impairment of goodwill indicated. The forecasts used in our evaluation of goodwill reflect operations consistent with our general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on our future evaluations of goodwill. In the year ended December 31, 2004, we adjusted goodwill related to interest received on a pre-merger income tax refund and for the reversal of tax valuation allowances related to income tax benefits realized attributable to prior period capital loss carryforwards that were used to offset capital gains generated in 2004. As of December 31, 2004, we had recorded goodwill of approximately $888 million.

Regulatory Accounting

We are subject to regulation that sets the prices (rates) we are permitted to charge our customers based on the costs that the regulatory agencies determine we are permitted to recover. At times, regulators permit the future recovery through rates of costs that would be currently charged to expense by an unregulated company. This rate-making process results in the recording of regulatory assets based on anticipated future cash inflows. We regularly review these assets to assess their ultimate recoverability within the approved regulatory guidelines. Impairment risk associated with these assets relates to potentially adverse legislative, judicial or regulatory actions in the future.

10

Revenue Recognition

We follow the accrual method of accounting for revenues, recognizing revenue for electricity that has been delivered to customers but not yet billed through the end of the accounting period. The determination of electricity sales to individual customers is based on meter readings, which occur on a systematic basis throughout the month. At the end of each month, electricity delivered to customers since the last meter reading is estimated and a corresponding accrual for unbilled sales is recognized. The determination of unbilled sales requires management to make estimates regarding electricity available for retail load, transmission and distribution line losses, demand by customer class, weather-related impacts, prices in effect for each customer class and electricity provided by alternative suppliers.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Accounting

Our reported costs of providing non-contributory defined pension benefits and postemployment benefits other than pensions are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from actual plan experience and certain assumptions.

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions we make to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs are also affected by changes to key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations for pension and OPEB costs.

In accordance with SFAS 87, changes in pension and OPEB obligations associated with these factors may not be immediately recognized as costs on the income statement, but generally are recognized in future years over the remaining average service period of plan participants. SFAS 87 and SFAS 106 delay recognition of changes due to the long-term nature of pension and OPEB obligations and the varying market conditions likely to occur over long periods of time. As such, significant portions of pension and OPEB costs recorded in any period may not reflect the actual level of cash benefits provided to plan participants and are significantly influenced by assumptions about future market conditions and plan participants' experience.

In selecting an assumed discount rate, we consider currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. Due to recent declines in corporate bond yields and interest rates in general, we reduced the assumed discount rate as of December 31, 2004 to 6.00% from 6.25% and 6.75% used as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Our assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the pension trusts. In 2004, 2003 and 2002, plan assets actually earned 11.1%, 24.2% and (11.3)%, respectively. Our pension costs in 2004 were computed assuming a 9.0% rate of return on plan assets based upon projections of future returns and a pension trust investment allocation of approximately 68% equities, 29% bonds, 2% real estate and 1% cash.

In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (our share was $50 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. FirstEnergy's election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement.

As a result of our voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, we reduced our accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $32 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, we increased our additional minimum liability by $18 million, offset by a charge to OCI. The balance in AOCL of $52 million (net of $37 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Health care cost trends have significantly increased and will affect future OPEB costs. The 2004 and 2005 composite health care trend rate assumptions are approximately 10%-12% and 9%-11%, respectively, gradually decreasing to 5% in later years. In determining our trend rate assumptions, we included the specific provisions of our health care plans, the demographics and utilization rates of plan participants, actual cost increases experienced in its health care plans, and projections of future medical trend rates.


11

Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with SFAS No. 144, we periodically evaluate our long-lived assets to determine whether conditions exist that would indicate that the carrying value of an asset might not be fully recoverable. The accounting standard requires that if the sum of future cash flows (undiscounted) expected to result from an asset is less than the carrying value of the asset, an asset impairment must be recognized in the financial statements. If impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss - calculated as the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset (discounted future net cash flows).

The calculation of future cash flows is based on assumptions, estimates and judgment about future events. The aggregate amount of cash flows determines whether an impairment is indicated. The timing of the cash flows is critical in determining the amount of the impairment.

Nuclear Decommissioning

In accordance with SFAS 143, we recognize an ARO for the future decommissioning of TMI-2. The ARO liability represents an estimate of the fair value of our current obligation related to nuclear decommissioning and the retirement of other assets. A fair value measurement inherently involves uncertainty in the amount and timing of settlement of the liability. We used an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. This approach applies probability weighting to discounted future cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes.

New Accounting Standards and Interpretations Adopted

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for EITF 03-1, which provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, we will continue to evaluate our investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.






12


PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME


 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
 
(In thousands)
 
                   
OPERATING REVENUES (Note 2(I))
$
1,036,070
 
$
974,857
 
$
1,027,102
 
                   
OPERATING EXPENSES AND TAXES:
                 
Fuel and purchased power (Note 2(I))
 
570,369
   
550,155
   
556,133
 
Other operating costs (Note 2(I))
 
197,069
   
178,393
   
180,161
 
Provision for depreciation
 
47,104
   
51,754
   
58,913
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
 
50,403
   
44,908
   
48,990
 
General taxes
 
68,132
   
66,999
   
65,301
 
Income taxes
 
29,313
   
22,403
   
29,414
 
Total operating expenses and taxes
 
962,390
   
914,612
   
938,912
 
                   
OPERATING INCOME
 
73,680
   
60,245
   
88,190
 
                   
OTHER INCOME
 
2,314
   
1,885
   
1,742
 
                   
NET INTEREST CHARGES:
                 
Interest on long-term debt
 
30,029
   
29,565
   
31,758
 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
 
(248
)
 
(320
)
 
(52
)
Deferred interest
 
190
   
4,553
   
(3,299
)
Other interest expense
 
9,993
   
4,318
   
3,061
 
Subsidiary's preferred stock dividend requirements
 
--
   
3,777
   
7,554
 
Net interest charges
 
39,964
   
41,893
   
39,022
 
                   
INCOME BEFORE CUMULATIVE
                 
EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE
 
36,030
   
20,237
   
50,910
 
                   
Cumulative effect of accounting change (net of
income taxes of $777,000) (Note 2(G))
 
--
   
1,096
   
--
 
                   
NET INCOME
$
36,030
 
$
21,333
 
$
50,910
 


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


13

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


As of December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In thousands)
 
ASSETS
         
UTILITY PLANT:
         
In service
 
$
1,981,846
 
$
1,966,624
 
Less-Accumulated provision for depreciation
   
776,904
   
785,715
 
     
1,204,942
   
1,180,909
 
Construction work in progress
   
22,816
   
29,063
 
     
1,227,758
   
1,209,972
 
OTHER PROPERTY AND INVESTMENTS:
             
Nuclear plant decommissioning trusts
   
109,620
   
102,673
 
Non-utility generation trusts
   
95,991
   
43,864
 
Long-term notes receivable from associated companies
   
14,001
   
13,794
 
Other
   
18,746
   
19,635
 
     
238,358
   
179,966
 
CURRENT ASSETS:
             
Cash and cash equivalents
   
36
   
36
 
Receivables-
             
Customers (less accumulated provisions of $4,712,000 and $5,833,000,
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)
   
121,112
   
124,462
 
Associated companies
   
97,528
   
88,598
 
Other (less accumulated provisions of $4,000 and $399,000,
respectively, for uncollectible accounts)
   
12,778
   
15,767
 
               
Notes receivable from associated companies
   
7,352
   
--
 
Prepayments and other
   
7,198
   
2,511
 
     
246,004
   
231,374
 
DEFERRED CHARGES:
             
Goodwill
   
888,011
   
898,547
 
Regulatory assets
   
200,173
   
497,219
 
Accumulated deferred income tax benefits
   
--
   
16,642
 
Other
   
13,448
   
18,523
 
     
1,101,632
   
1,430,931
 
   
$
2,813,752
 
$
3,052,243
 
CAPITALIZATION AND LIABILITIES
             
               
CAPITALIZATION(See Consolidated Statements of Capitalization):
             
Common stockholder’s equity
 
$
1,305,015
 
$
1,297,332
 
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations
   
481,871
   
438,764
 
     
1,786,886
   
1,736,096
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Currently payable long-term debt
   
8,248
   
125,762
 
Short-term borrowings (Note 10)-
             
Associated companies
   
241,496
   
78,510
 
Accounts payable-
             
Associated companies
   
56,154
   
55,831
 
Other
   
25,960
   
40,192
 
Accrued taxes
   
7,999
   
8,705
 
Accrued interest
   
9,695
   
12,694
 
Other
   
23,750
   
21,764
 
     
373,302
   
343,458
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Power purchase contract loss liability
   
382,548
   
670,482
 
Asset retirement obligation
   
66,443
   
105,089
 
Accumulated deferred income taxes
   
37,318
   
--
 
Retirement benefits
   
118,247
   
145,081
 
Other
   
49,008
   
52,037
 
     
653,564
   
972,689
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
             
(Notes 5 and 11)
             
   
$
2,813,752
 
$
3,052,243
 


The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these balance sheets.

14

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAPITALIZATION


As of December 31,
 
2004
 
2003
 
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
         
Common stock, par value $20 per share, authorized 5,400,000 shares
5,290,596 shares outstanding
 
$
105,812
 
$
105,812
 
Other paid-in capital
   
1,205,948
   
1,215,667
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 2 (F))
   
(52,813
)
 
(42,185
)
Retained earnings (Note 8(A))
   
46,068
   
18,038
 
Total common stockholder's equity
   
1,305,015
   
1,297,332
 
               
LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS (Note 8 (C)):
             
First mortgage bonds:
             
6.125% due 2007
   
3,495
   
3,700
 
5.350% due 2010
   
12,310
   
12,310
 
5.350% due 2010
   
12,000
   
12,000
 
5.800% due 2020
   
20,000
   
20,000
 
6.050% due 2025
   
25,000
   
25,000
 
Total first mortgage bonds
   
72,805
   
73,010
 
               
Unsecured notes:
             
5.750% due 2004
   
--
   
125,000
 
7.500% due 2005
   
8,000
   
8,000
 
6.125% due 2009
   
100,000
   
100,000
 
7.770% due 2010
   
35,000
   
35,000
 
5.125% due 2014
   
150,000
   
--
 
6.625% due 2019
   
125,000
   
125,000
 
7.340% due 2039
   
--
   
95,520
 
7.690% due 2039
   
--
   
2,968
 
Total unsecured notes
   
418,000
   
491,488
 
               
Capital lease obligations (Note 5)
   
43
   
540
 
Net unamortized discount on debt
   
(729
)
 
(512
)
Long-term debt due within one year
   
(8,248
)
 
(125,762
)
Total long-term debt and other long-term obligations
   
481,871
   
438,764
 
               
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION
 
$
1,786,886
 
$
1,736,096
 


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

15

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

                   
Accumulated
     
       
Common Stock
 
Other
 
Other
     
   
Comprehensive
 
Number
 
Par
 
Paid-In
 
Comprehensive
 
Retained
 
   
Income
 
of Shares
 
Value
 
Capital
 
Income (Loss)
 
Earnings
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                           
Balance, January 1, 2002
     
5,290,596
 
$105,812
 
$1,188,190
 
$1,779
 
$10,795
 
Net income
 
$
50,910
                           
50,910
 
Net unrealized gain on investments
   
5
                     
5
       
Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments
   
(1,853
)
                   
(1,853
)
     
Comprehensive income
 
$
49,062
                               
Cash dividends on common stock
                                 
(29,000
)
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
                     
27,066
             

Balance, December 31, 2002
         
5,290,596
   
105,812
   
1,215,256
   
(69
)
 
32,705
 
Net income
 
$
21,333
                           
21,333
 
Net unrealized gain on derivative instruments
   
72
                     
72
       
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits,
net of $(29,908,000) of income taxes
   
(42,188
)
                   
(42,188
)
     
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(20,783
)
                             
Cash dividends on common stock
                                 
(36,000
)
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
                     
411
             

Balance, December 31, 2003
         
5,290,596
   
105,812
   
1,215,667
   
(42,185
)
 
18,038
 
Net income
 
$
36,030
                           
36,030
 
Net unrealized loss on investments
   
(2
)
                   
(2
)
     
Net unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net
of $(249,000) of income taxes
   
(353
)
                   
(353
)
     
Minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits,
net of $(7,298,000) of income taxes
                                     
     
(10,273
)
                   
(10,273
)
     
Comprehensive loss
 
$
25,402
                               
Cash dividends on common stock
                                 
(8,000
)
Purchase accounting fair value adjustment
                     
(9,719
)
           

Balance, December 31, 2004
         
5,290,596
 
$
105,812
 
$
1,205,948
 
$
(52,813
)
$
46,068
 





CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PREFERRED STOCK

   
Subject to
Mandatory Redemption
 
   
   
Number
 
Carrying
 
   
of Shares
 
Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
           
Balance, January 1, 2002
   
4,000,000
 
$
92,000
 
Amortization of fair market
value adjustment
         
214
 

Balance, December 31, 2002
   
4,000,000
   
92,214
 

FIN 46 Deconsolidation
             
7.34% Series
   
(4,000,000
)
 
(92,428
)
Amortization of fair market
value adjustment
         
214
 
Balance, December 31, 2003
   
--
   
--
 
Balance, December 31, 2004
   
--
 
$
--
 



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





16


PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
             
Net Income
 
$
36,030
 
$
21,333
 
$
50,910
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
from operating activities:
                   
Provision for depreciation
   
47,104
   
51,754
   
58,913
 
Amortization of regulatory assets
   
50,403
   
44,908
   
48,990
 
Deferred costs recoverable as regulatory assets
   
(87,379
)
 
(80,126
)
 
(105,380
)
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net
   
77,375
   
40,889
   
10,861
 
Accrued retirement benefit obligations
   
5,822
   
2,727
   
--
 
Accrued compensation, net
   
3,226
   
7,956
   
(1,275
)
Cumulative effect of accounting change (Note 2(G))
   
--
   
(1,873
)
 
--
 
Pension trust contribution
   
(50,281
)
 
--
   
--
 
Decrease (Increase) in operating assets:
                   
Receivables
   
(2,591
)
 
13,052
   
(27,509
)
Prepayments and other current assets
   
(4,687
)
 
41
   
6,054
 
Increase (Decrease) in operating liabilities:
                   
Accounts payable
   
(13,909
)
 
(84,700
)
 
(5,514
)
Accrued taxes
   
(705
)
 
(4,215
)
 
(7,984
)
Accrued interest
   
(2,999
)
 
--
   
411
 
Other
   
(11,116
)
 
4,230
   
10,835
 
Net cash provided from operating activities
   
46,293
   
15,976
   
39,312
 
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                   
New Financing-
                   
Long-term debt
   
150,000
   
--
   
--
 
Short-term borrowings, net
   
162,986
   
--
   
12,804
 
Redemptions and Repayments-
                   
Long-term debt
   
(228,670
)
 
(812
)
 
(49,973
)
Short-term borrowings, net
   
--
   
(11,917
)
 
--
 
Dividend Payments-
                   
Common stock
   
(8,000
)
 
(36,000
)
 
(29,000
)
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities
   
76,316
   
(48,729
)
 
(66,169
)
                     
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                   
Property additions
   
(51,801
)
 
(44,657
)
 
(50,671
)
Non-utility generation trusts withdrawals (contributions)
   
(50,614
)
 
66,327
   
49,044
 
Loan repayments from (payments to) associated
companies, net
   
(7,559
)
 
1,721
   
--
 
Other, net
   
(12,635
)
 
(912
)
 
(239
)
Net cash provided from (used for) investing activities
   
(122,609
)
 
22,479
   
(1,866
)
                     
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
--
   
(10,274
)
 
(28,723
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
36
   
10,310
   
39,033
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
36
 
$
36
 
$
10,310
 
                     
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:
                   
Cash Paid During the Year-
                   
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)
 
$
40,765
 
$
37,497
 
$
32,695
 
Income taxes (refund)
 
$
(36,434
)
$
10,695
 
$
43,613
 

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


17

PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TAXES


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In thousands)
 
GENERAL TAXES:
             
State gross receipts*
 
$
55,390
 
$
53,716
 
$
55,505
 
Other
   
12,742
   
13,283
   
9,796
 
Total general taxes
 
$
68,132
 
$
66,999
 
$
65,301
 
                     
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                   
Currently payable-
                   
Federal
 
$
(38,759
)
$
(15,968
)
$
17,554
 
State
   
(8,615
)
 
692
   
5,833
 
     
(47,374
)
 
(15,276
)
 
23,387
 
Deferred, net-
                   
Federal
   
64,435
   
35,136
   
10,600
 
State
   
13,959
   
6,741
   
1,293
 
     
78,394
   
41,877
   
11,893
 
Investment tax credit amortization
   
(1,019
)
 
(988
)
 
(1,032
)
Total provision for income taxes
 
$
30,001
 
$
25,613
 
$
34,248
 
                     
INCOME STATEMENT CLASSIFICATION
                   
OF PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                   
Operating income
 
$
29,313
 
$
22,403
 
$
29,414
 
Other income
   
688
   
2,433
   
4,834
 
Cumulative effect of accounting change
   
--
   
777
   
--
 
Total provision for income taxes
 
$
30,001
 
$
25,613
 
$
34,248
 
                     
RECONCILIATION OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX
                   
EXPENSE AT STATUTORY RATE TO TOTAL
                   
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES:
                   
Book income before provision for income taxes
 
$
66,031
 
$
46,946
 
$
85,158
 
Federal income tax expense at statutory rate
 
$
23,111
 
$
16,431
 
$
29,805
 
Increases (reductions) in taxes resulting from-
                   
Amortization of investment tax credits
   
(1,019
)
 
(988
)
 
(1,032
)
Depreciation
   
1,649
   
2,655
   
1,591
 
State income tax, net of federal benefit
   
3,474
   
4,831
   
4,702
 
Other, net
   
2,786
   
2,684
   
(818
)
Total provision for income taxes
 
$
30,001
 
$
25,613
 
$
34,248
 
                     
ACCUMULATED DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AT
                   
DECEMBER 31:
                   
Property basis differences
 
$
294,220
 
$
291,752
 
$
242,192
 
Nuclear decommissioning
   
(40,349
)
 
(39,869
)
 
(41,665
)
Non-utility generation costs
   
(181,649
)
 
(223,350
)
 
(223,644
)
Purchase accounting basis difference
   
(762
)
 
(762
)
 
(762
)
Sale of generation assets
   
7,495
   
7,495
   
7,495
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
   
52,063
   
55,817
   
52,793
 
Other comprehensive income
   
(37,455
)
 
(29,908
)
 
--
 
Employee benefits
   
(20,397
)
 
(42,368
)
 
--
 
Other
   
(35,848
)
 
(35,449
)
 
(37,926
)
Net deferred income tax liability (asset)
 
$
37,318
 
$
(16,642
)
$
(1,517
)


* Collected from customers through regulated rates and included in revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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





18


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.   ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

The consolidated financial statements include Penelec (Company) and its wholly owned subsidiaries. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of FirstEnergy. FirstEnergy also holds directly all of the issued and outstanding common shares of its other principal electric utility subsidiaries, including OE, CEI, TE, ATSI, JCP&L and Met-Ed.

The Company follows GAAP and complies with the regulations, orders, policies and practices prescribed by the SEC, PPUC and the FERC. 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 the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Revenue amounts related to transmission activities previously recorded as wholesale electric sales revenues were reclassified as transmission revenues. Expenses (including transmission and congestion charges) were reclassified among purchased power, other operating costs and amortization of regulatory assets to conform with the current year presentation of generation commodity costs.

The Company consolidates all majority-owned subsidiaries over which the Company exercises control and, when applicable, entities for which the Company has a controlling financial interest. Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in nonconsolidated affiliates (20-50 percent owned companies, joint ventures and partnerships) over which the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, are accounted for on the equity basis.

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

2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

(A)   ACCOUNTING FOR THE EFFECTS OF REGULATION

The Company accounts for the effects of regulation through the application of SFAS 71 to its operating utilities when its rates:

 
·
are established by a third-party regulator with the authority to set rates that bind customers;
 
 
 
 
·
are cost-based; and
     
 
·
can be charged to and collected from customers.
     

An enterprise meeting all of these criteria capitalizes costs that would otherwise be charged to expense if the rate actions of its regulator make it probable that those costs will be recovered in future revenue. SFAS 71 is applied only to the parts of the business that meet the above criteria. If a portion of the business applying SFAS 71 no longer meets those requirements, previously recorded regulatory assets are removed from the balance sheet in accordance with the guidance in SFAS 101.

Regulatory Assets-

The Company recognizes, as regulatory assets, costs which the FERC and the PPUC have authorized for recovery from customers in future periods or for which authorization is probable. Without the probability of such authorization, costs currently recorded as regulatory assets would have been charged to income as incurred. All regulatory assets are expected to be recovered from customers under the Company’s regulatory plan. The Company continues to bill and collect cost-based rates for its transmission and distribution services, which remain regulated; accordingly, it is appropriate that the Company continue the application of SFAS 71 to those operations.


19

Net regulatory assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are comprised of the following:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Regulatory transition costs
 
$
114
 
$
366
 
Customer receivables for future income taxes
   
119
   
128
 
Nuclear decommissioning costs
   
(47
)
 
(1
)
Loss on reacquired debt and other
   
14
   
4
 
Total
 
$
200
 
$
497
 
               

Regulatory transition charges as of December 31, 2004 consist primarily of deferred charges for above-market costs from power supplied by NUGs. These costs are being recovered through CTC revenues. The regulatory asset for above-market NUG costs and a corresponding liability are adjusted to fair value at the end of each quarter.

Accounting for Generation Operations-

The application of SFAS 71 was discontinued in 1999 with respect to the Company's generation operations. The Company subsequently divested substantially all of its generating assets. The SEC's interpretive guidance and EITF 97-4 regarding asset impairment measurement, provides that any supplemental regulated cash flows such as a CTC should be excluded from the cash flows of assets in a portion of the business not subject to regulatory accounting practices. If those assets are impaired, a regulatory asset should be established if the costs are recoverable through regulatory cash flows.

(B)   CASH AND SHORT-TERM FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS-

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.

(C)   REVENUES AND RECEIVABLES-

The Company’s principal business is providing electric service to customers in Pennsylvania. The Company’s retail customers are metered on a cycle basis. Electric revenues are recorded based on energy delivered through the end of the calendar month. An estimate of unbilled revenues is calculated to recognize electric service provided between the last meter reading and the end of the month. This estimate includes many factors including estimated weather impacts, customer shopping activity, historical line loss factors and prices in effect for each class of customer. In each accounting period, the Company accrues the estimated unbilled amount receivable as revenue and reverses the related prior period estimate.

Receivables from customers include sales to residential, commercial and industrial customers and sales to wholesale customers. There was no material concentration of receivables as of December 31, 2004 or 2003, with respect to any particular segment of the Company's customers. Total customer receivables were $121 million (billed - $76 million and unbilled - $45 million) and $124 million (billed - $73 million and unbilled - $51 million) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

(D)   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT-

As a result of the Company's acquisition by FirstEnergy in 2001, a portion of the Company’s property, plant and equipment was adjusted to reflect fair value. The majority of the Company’s property, plant and equipment continues to be reflected at original cost since such assets remain subject to rate regulation on a historical cost basis. The costs of normal maintenance, repairs and minor replacements are expensed as incurred. The Company's accounting policy for planned major maintenance projects is to recognize liabilities as they are incurred.

The Company provides for depreciation on a straight-line basis at various rates over the estimated lives of property included in plant in service. The annualized composite rate was approximately 2.5% in 2004, 2.7% in 2003, and 3.0% in 2002. The decrease in the composite depreciation rate reflects changes in the depreciable plant base due to assets with higher depreciation rates being fully depreciated since 2002.


20

(E)   ASSET IMPAIRMENTS-

Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. In accordance with SFAS 144, the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If an impairment exists, a loss is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds its estimated fair value. Fair value is estimated by using available market valuations or the long-lived asset's expected future net discounted cash flows. The calculation of expected cash flows is based on estimates and assumptions about future events.

Goodwill

In a business combination, the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is recognized as goodwill. Based on the guidance provided by SFAS 142, the Company evaluates its goodwill for impairment at least annually and would make such an evaluation more frequently if indicators of impairment should arise. In accordance with the accounting standard, if the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), the goodwill is tested for impairment. If an impairment is indicated, the Company recognizes a loss - calculated as the difference between the implied fair value of a reporting unit's goodwill and the carrying value of the goodwill. The Company's 2004 annual review was completed in the third quarter of 2004 with no impairment indicated. The forecasts used in the Company's evaluations of goodwill reflect operations consistent with its general business assumptions. Unanticipated changes in those assumptions could have a significant effect on the Company's future evaluations of goodwill. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had $888 million of goodwill. In 2004, the Company adjusted goodwill for interest received on a pre-merger income tax refund and for the reversal of tax valuation allowances related to income tax benefits realized attributable to prior period capital loss carryforwards that were offset by capital gains generated in 2004.

Investments

The Company periodically evaluates for impairment investments that include available-for-sale securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts. In accordance with SFAS 115, securities classified as available-for-sale are evaluated to determine whether a decline in fair value below the cost basis is other than temporary. If the decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, the cost basis of the security is written down to fair value. The Company considers, among other factors, the length of time 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 investments for impairment. The fair value and unrealized gains and losses of the Company's investments are disclosed in Note 4.

(F)   COMPREHENSIVE INCOME-

Comprehensive income includes net income as reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income and all other changes in common stockholder’s equity except those resulting from transactions with FirstEnergy. As of December 31, 2004, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $52 million and unrealized losses on derivative instrument hedges of $1 million. As of December 31, 2003, accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of a minimum liability for unfunded retirement benefits of $42 million.

(G)   CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

As a result of adopting SFAS 143 in January 2003, asset retirement costs were recorded in the amount of $93 million as part of the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset, offset by accumulated depreciation of $93 million. The ARO liability on the date of adoption was $99 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. The remaining cumulative effect adjustment for unrecognized depreciation and accretion, offset by the reduction in the existing decommissioning liabilities and the reversal of accumulated estimated removal costs for non-regulated generation assets, was a $1.9 million increase to income ($1.1 million net of tax) in the year ended December 31, 2003. If SFAS 143 had been applied during 2002, the impact would not have been material to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.


21

(H)   INCOME TAXES-

Details of the total provision for income taxes are shown on the Consolidated Statements of Taxes. The Company records income taxes in accordance with the liability method of accounting. Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for tax purposes. Investment tax credits, which were deferred when utilized, are being amortized over the recovery period of the related property. Deferred income tax liabilities related to tax and accounting basis differences and tax credit carryforward items are recognized at the statutory income tax rates in effect when the liabilities are expected to be paid. Deferred tax assets are recognized based on income tax rates expected to be in effect when they are settled. The Company is included in FirstEnergy's consolidated federal income tax return. The consolidated tax liability is allocated on a "stand-alone" company basis, with the Company recognizing the tax benefit for any tax losses or credits it contributes to the consolidated return.

(I)   TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATED COMPANIES-

Operating revenues, operating expenses and other income included transactions with affiliated companies, primarily FESC, GPUS and FES. GPUS (until it ceased operations in mid-2003) and FESC have provided legal, accounting, financial and other corporate support services to the Company. The Company also entered into sale and purchase transactions with affiliates (JCP&L and Met-Ed) during 2002. Effective September 1, 2002, the Company purchases a portion of its PLR responsibility from FES through a wholesale power sale agreement. The primary affiliated companies transactions are as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Operating Revenues:
                   
Wholesale sales-affiliated companies
 
$
--
 
$
--
 
$
9
 
                     
Operating Expenses:
                   
Power purchased from FES
   
404
   
307
   
188
 
Service Company support services
   
45
   
55
   
82
 
Power purchased from other affiliates
   
--
   
5
   
10
 


FirstEnergy does not bill directly or allocate any of its costs to any subsidiary company. Costs are allocated to the Company from FESC, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy and a "mutual service company" as defined in Rule 93 of the PUHCA. The vast majority of costs are directly billed or assigned at no more than cost as determined by PUHCA Rule 91. The remaining costs are for services that are provided on behalf of more than one company, or costs that cannot be precisely identified and are allocated using formulas that are filed annually with the SEC on Form U-13-60. The current allocation or assignment formulas used and their bases include multiple factor formulas; each company’s proportionate amount of FirstEnergy’s aggregate total for direct payroll, number of employees, asset balances, revenues, number of customers, other factors and specific departmental charge ratios. It is management’s belief that allocation methods utilized are reasonable. Intercompany transactions with FirstEnergy and its other subsidiaries are generally settled under commercial terms within thirty days, except for a net $45 million receivable from affiliates for OPEB obligations.

3.  
PENSION AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS:

FirstEnergy provides noncontributory defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of the Company's employees. The trusteed plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. The Company's funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. In the third quarter of 2004, FirstEnergy made a $500 million voluntary contribution to its pension plan (Company's share was $50 million). Prior to this contribution, projections indicated that cash contributions of approximately $600 million would have been required during the 2006 to 2007 time period under minimum funding requirements established by the IRS. The election to pre-fund the plan is expected to eliminate that funding requirement. Since the contribution is deductible for tax purposes, the after-tax cash impact of the voluntary contribution is approximately $300 million (the Company's share was $30 million).

FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and copayments, are also available to retired employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. The Company recognizes the expected cost of providing other postretirement benefits to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits.


22

Pension and OPEB costs are affected by employee demographics (including age, compensation levels, and employment periods), the level of contributions made to the plans, and earnings on plan assets. Such factors may be further affected by business combinations, which impact employee demographics, plan experience and other factors. Pension and OPEB costs may also be affected by changes in key assumptions, including anticipated rates of return on plan assets, the discount rates and health care trend rates used in determining the projected benefit obligations and pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31 measurement date for the majority of its plans.

Unless otherwise indicated, the following tables provide information applicable to FirstEnergy’s pension and OPEB plans.

 
Obligations and Funded Status
 
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
Other Benefits
 
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Change in benefit obligation
                 
Benefit obligation as of January 1
 
$
4,162
 
$
3,866
 
$
2,368
 
$
2,077
 
Service cost
   
77
   
66
   
36
   
43
 
Interest cost
   
252
   
253
   
112
   
136
 
Plan participants’ contributions
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
6
 
Plan amendments
   
--
   
--
   
(281
)
 
(123
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
   
134
   
222
   
(211
)
 
323
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Benefit obligation as of December 31
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
$
1,930
 
$
2,368
 
                           
Change in fair value of plan assets
                         
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1
 
$
3,315
 
$
2,889
 
$
537
 
$
473
 
Actual return on plan assets
   
415
   
671
   
57
   
88
 
Company contribution
   
500
   
--
   
64
   
68
 
Plan participants’ contribution
   
--
   
--
   
14
   
2
 
Benefits paid
   
(261
)
 
(245
)
 
(108
)
 
(94
)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31
 
$
3,969
 
$
3,315
 
$
564
 
$
537
 
                           
Funded status
 
$
(395
)
$
(847
)
$
(1,366
)
$
(1,831
)
Unrecognized net actuarial loss
   
885
   
919
   
730
   
994
 
Unrecognized prior service cost (benefit)
   
63
   
72
   
(378
)
 
(221
)
Unrecognized net transition obligation
   
--
   
--
   
--
   
83
 
Net asset (liability) recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
                           
Amounts Recognized in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31
                         
                           
Accrued benefit cost
 
$
(14
)
$
(438
)
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Intangible assets
   
63
   
72
   
--
   
--
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
   
504
   
510
   
--
   
--
 
Net amount recognized
 
$
553
 
$
144
 
$
(1,014
)
$
(975
)
Company's share of net amount recognized
 
$
64
 
$
14
 
$
(92
)
$
(86
)
                           
Increase (decrease) in minimum liability
included in other comprehensive income
(net of tax)
 
$
(4
)
$
(145
)
 
--
   
--
 
                           
Assumptions Used to Determine
Benefit Obligations As of December 31
                         
                           
Discount rate
   
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.00
%
 
6.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
           
                           
Allocation of Plan Assets
As of December 31
Asset Category
                         
                           
Equity securities
   
68
%
 
70
%
 
74
%
 
71
%
Debt securities
   
29
   
27
   
25
   
22
 
Real estate
   
2
   
2
   
--
   
--
 
Cash
   
1
   
1
   
1
   
7
 
Total
   
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%


23
 
Information for Pension Plans With an
         
Accumulated Benefit Obligation in
         
Excess of Plan Assets
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
Projected benefit obligation
 
$
4,364
 
$
4,162
 
Accumulated benefit obligation
   
3,983
   
3,753
 
Fair value of plan assets
   
3,969
   
3,315
 
 
   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
Service cost
 
$77
 
$66
 
$59
 
$36
 
$43
 
$29
 
Interest cost
 
 252
 
 253
 
 249
 
 112
 
 137
 
 114
 
Expected return on plan assets
 
 (286)
 
 (248)
 
 (346)
 
 (44)
 
 (43)
 
 (52)
 
Amortization of prior service cost
 
 9
 
 9
 
 9
 
 (40)
 
 (9)
 
 3
 
Amortization of transition obligation (asset)
 
 --
 
 --
 
 --
 
 --
 
 9
 
 9
 
Recognized net actuarial loss
 
 39
 
 62
 
 --
 
 39
 
 40
 
 11
 
Net periodic cost (income)
 
$91
 
$142
 
$(29)
 
$103
 
$177
 
$114
 
Company's share of net periodic cost (income)
 
$--
 
$7
 
$(16)
 
$3
 
$10
 
$3
 
                                 
Weighted-Average Assumptions Used
                               
to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
for Years Ended December 31
 
 2004
 
 2003
 
 2002
 
 2004
 
 2003
 
 2002
 
                                 
Discount rate
   
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
 
6.25
%
 
6.75
%
 
7.25
%
Expected long-term return on plan assets
   
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
 
9.00
%
 
9.00
%
 
10.25
%
Rate of compensation increase
   
3.50
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
                 
 
 
In selecting an assumed discount rate, FirstEnergy considers currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and other postretirement benefit obligations. The assumed rate of return on pension plan assets considers historical market returns and economic forecasts for the types of investments held by the Company's pension trusts. The long-term rate of return is developed considering the portfolio’s asset allocation strategy.

FirstEnergy employs a total return investment approach whereby a mix of equities and fixed income investments are used to maximize the long-term return of plan assets for a prudent level of risk. Risk tolerance is established through careful consideration of plan liabilities, plan funded status, and corporate financial condition. The investment portfolio contains a diversified blend of equity and fixed-income investments. Furthermore, equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalizations. Other assets such as real estate are used to enhance long-term returns while improving portfolio diversification. Derivatives may be used to gain market exposure in an efficient and timely manner; however, derivatives are not used to leverage the portfolio beyond the market value of the underlying investments. Investment risk is measured and monitored on a continuing basis through periodic investment portfolio reviews, annual liability measurements, and periodic asset/liability studies.


Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
         
As of December 31
 
2004
 
2003
 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next
year (pre/post-Medicare)
   
9%-11
%
 
10%-12
%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to
decline (the ultimate trend rate)
   
5
%
 
5
%
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend
rate (pre/post-Medicare)
   
2009-2011
   
2009-2011
 


Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:

24


   
1-Percentage-
 
1-Percentage-
 
   
Point Increase
 
Point Decrease
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Effect on total of service and interest cost
 
$
19
 
$
(16
)
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation
 
$
205
 
$
(179
)


Pursuant to FSP 106-1 issued January 12, 2004, FirstEnergy began accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act effective January 1, 2004 because of a plan amendment during the quarter, which required remeasurement of the plan's obligations. The plan amendment, which increases cost-sharing by employees and retirees effective January 1, 2005, reduced the Company’s postretirement benefit costs by $2 million during 2004.

Consistent with the guidance in FSP 106-2 issued on May 19, 2004, FirstEnergy recognized a reduction of $318 million in the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as a result of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act related to benefits for past service. This reduction was accounted for as an actuarial gain in 2004 pursuant to FSP 106-2. The subsidy reduced the Company's net periodic postretirement benefit costs by $5 million during 2004.

As a result of its voluntary contribution and the increased market value of pension plan assets, the Company reduced its accrued benefit cost as of December 31, 2004 by $32 million. As prescribed by SFAS 87, the Company increased its additional minimum liability by $18 million, offset by a charge to OCI. The balance in AOCL of $52 million (net of $37 million in deferred taxes) will reverse in future periods to the extent the fair value of trust assets exceeds the accumulated benefit obligation.

Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets:

   
Pension Benefits
 
Other Benefits
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
2005
 
$
228
 
$
111
 
2006
   
228
   
106
 
2007
   
236
   
109
 
2008
   
247
   
112
 
2009
   
264
   
115
 
Years 2010 - 2014
   
1,531
   
627
 


4. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:

Long-term Debt and Other Long-term Obligations-

All borrowings with initial maturities of less than one year are defined as financial instruments under GAAP and are reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at cost, which approximates their fair market value. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of long-term debt and other long-term obligations as of December 31:

   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Long-term debt
 
$
491
 
$
521
 
$
468
 
$
508
 
Subordinated debentures to affiliated trusts
   
--
   
--
   
96
   
104
 
   
$
491
 
$
521
 
$
564
 
$
612
 



25

The fair values of long-term debt and other long-term obligations reflect the present value of the cash outflows relating to those securities based on the current call price, the yield to maturity or the yield to call, as deemed appropriate at the end of each respective year. The yields assumed were based on securities with similar characteristics offered by corporations with credit ratings similar to the Company’s ratings.

Investments-

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these investments. The following table provides the approximate fair value and related carrying amounts of investments other than cash and cash equivalents as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Carrying
 
Fair
 
Carrying
 
Fair
 
   
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
Debt securities: (1)
                 
-Government obligations
 
$
146
 
$
146
 
$
92
 
$
92
 
-Corporate debt securities
   
--
   
--
   
1
   
1
 
     
146
   
146
   
93
   
93
 
Equity securities (1)
   
62
   
62
   
56
   
56
 
   
$
208
 
$
208
 
$
149
 
$
149
 

(1) Includes nuclear decommissioning and NUG trust investments.


The fair value of investments other than cash and cash equivalents represent cost (which approximates fair value) or 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.

Investments other than cash and cash equivalents include held-to-maturity securities and available-for-sale securities. Decommissioning trust investments are classified as available-for-sale. The Company has no securities held for trading purposes. The following table summarizes the amortized cost basis, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values for decommissioning trust investments as of December 31:


   
2004
 
2003
 
   
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Cost
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
   
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Basis
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Value
 
   
(In millions)
 
                                   
Debt securities
 
$
49
 
$
1
 
$
--
 
$
50
 
$
47
 
$
2
 
$
--
 
$
49
 
Equity securities
   
55
   
7
   
2
   
60
   
36
   
18
   
--
   
54
 
                                                   
   
$
104
 
$
8
 
$
2
 
$
110
 
$
83
 
$
20
 
$
--
 
$
103
 


Proceeds from the sale of decommissioning trust investments, gross realized gains and losses on those sales, and interest and dividend income for the three years ended December 31, 2004 were as follows:


   
2004
 
2003
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
               
Proceeds from sales
 
$
102
 
$
41
 
$
24
 
Gross realized gains
   
18
   
1
   
--
 
Gross realized losses
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Interest and dividend income
   
3
   
3
   
3
 



26

The following table provides the fair value and gross unrealized losses of nuclear decommissioning trust investments that are deemed to be temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2004:


   
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or More
 
Total
 
   
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
Fair
 
Unrealized
 
   
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
Value
 
Losses
 
   
(In millions)
 
                           
Debt securities
 
$
8
 
$
--
 
$
4
 
$
--
 
$
12
 
$
--
 
Equity securities
   
13
   
2
   
--
   
--
   
13
   
2
 
   
$
21
 
$
2
 
$
4
 
$
--
 
$
25
 
$
2
 


The Company periodically evaluates the securities held by its nuclear decommissioning trusts for other-than-temporary impairment. The Company considers the length of time and the extent to which the security's fair value has been less than its cost basis and other factors to determine whether an impairment is other than temporary. The recovery of amounts contributed to the Company's decommissioning trusts are subject to regulatory accounting in accordance with SFAS 71. Net unrealized gains and losses are recorded as regulatory liabilities or assets since the difference between investments held in trust and the decommissioning liabilities are recovered from or refunded to customers.

The investment policy for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds restricts or limits the 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 fund's custodian or managers and their parents or subsidiaries.

5. LEASES:

Consistent with regulatory treatment, the rentals for capital leases are charged to operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company has a capital lease for a building that expires in 2005. In 2004, total rentals related to this capital lease were $0.5 million. In each of 2003 and 2002, total rentals related to this capital lease were $0.7 million, comprised of an interest element of $0.1 million and other costs of $0.6 million.

As of December 31, 2004, the future minimum lease payments on the Company’s capital lease discussed above are $40,000 for the year 2005.

6. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES:

FIN 46R addresses the consolidation of VIEs, including special-purpose entities, that are not controlled through voting interests or in which the equity investors do not bear the residual economic risks and rewards. FirstEnergy adopted FIN 46R for special-purpose entities as of December 31, 2003 and for all other entities in the first quarter of 2004. The first step under FIN 46R is to determine whether an entity is within the scope of FIN 46R, which occurs if it is deemed to be a VIE. The Company consolidates VIEs when it is determined to be the primary beneficiary as defined by FIN 46R.

The Company has evaluated its power purchase agreements and determined that certain NUG entities may be VIEs to the extent they own a plant that sells substantially all of its output to the Company and the contract price for power is correlated with the plant’s variable costs of production. The Company maintains several long-term power purchase agreements with NUG entities. The agreements were structured pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978. The Company was not involved in the creation of, and has no equity or debt invested in, these entities.

The Company has determined that for all but two of these entities, the Company has no variable interests in the entities or the entities are governmental or not-for-profit organizations not within the scope of FIN 46R. The Company may hold variable interests in the remaining two entities, which sell their output at variable prices that correlate to some extent with the operating costs of the plants.

As required by FIN 46R, the Company requests on a quarterly basis, the information necessary from these entities to determine whether they are VIEs or whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company has been unable to obtain the requested information, which was deemed by the requested entity to be proprietary. As such, the Company applied the scope exception that exempts enterprises unable to obtain the necessary information to evaluate entities under FIN 46R. The maximum exposure to loss from these entities results from increases in the variable pricing component under the contract terms and cannot be determined without the requested data. The purchased power costs from these entities during 2004, 2003 and 2002 were $27 million, $27 million and $24 million, respectively.


27

7.   REGULATORY MATTERS:

In late 2003 and early 2004, a series of letters, reports and recommendations were issued from various entities, including governmental, industry and ad hoc reliability entities (PUCO, FERC, NERC and the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force) regarding enhancements to regional reliability. With respect to each of these reliability enhancement initiatives, FirstEnergy submitted its response to the respective entity according to any required response dates. In 2004, FirstEnergy completed implementation of all actions and initiatives related to enhancing area reliability, improving voltage and reactive management, operator readiness and training, and emergency response preparedness recommended for completion in 2004. Furthermore, FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted, that FirstEnergy had completed the recommended enhancements, policies, procedures and actions it had recommended be completed by June 30, 2004. In addition, FirstEnergy requested, and NERC provided, a technical assistance team of experts to assist in implementing and confirming timely and successful completion of various initiatives. The NERC-assembled independent verification team confirmed on July 14, 2004, that FirstEnergy had implemented the NERC Recommended Actions to Prevent and Mitigate the Impacts of Future Cascading Blackouts required to be completed by June 30, 2004, as well as NERC recommendations contained in the Control Area Readiness Audit Report required to be completed by summer 2004, and recommendations in the U.S. - Canada Power System Outage Task Force Report directed toward FirstEnergy and required to be completed by June 30, 2004, with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy. On December 28, 2004, FirstEnergy submitted a follow-up to its June 30, 2004 Certification and Report of Completion to NERC addressing the minor exceptions, which are now essentially complete.

FirstEnergy is proceeding with the implementation of the recommendations that were to be completed subsequent to 2004 and will continue to periodically assess the FERC-ordered Reliability Study recommendations for forecasted 2009 system conditions, recognizing revised load forecasts and other changing system conditions which may impact the recommendations. Thus far, implementation of the recommendations has not required, nor is expected to require, substantial investment in new, or material upgrades, to existing equipment. FirstEnergy notes, however, that FERC or other applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. Finally, the PUCO is continuing to review the FirstEnergy filing that addressed upgrades to control room computer hardware and software and enhancements to the training of control room operators, before determining the next steps, if any, in the proceeding.

In May 2004, the PPUC issued an order approving the revised reliability benchmark and standards, including revised benchmarks and standards for the Company. The Company filed a Petition for Amendment of Benchmarks with the PPUC on May 26, 2004 seeking amendment of the benchmarks and standards due to their implementation of automated outage management systems following restructuring. Evidentiary hearings have been scheduled for September 2005. FirstEnergy is unable to predict the outcome of this proceeding.

On January 16, 2004, the PPUC initiated a formal investigation of whether the Company's "service reliability performance deteriorated to a point below the level of service reliability that existed prior to restructuring" in Pennsylvania. Hearings were held in early August 2004. On September 30, 2004, the Company filed a settlement agreement with the PPUC that addresses the issues related to this investigation. As part of the settlement, the Company, Met-Ed and Penn agreed to enhance service reliability, ongoing periodic performance reporting and communications with customers and to collectively maintain their current spending levels of at least $255 million annually on combined capital and operation and maintenance expenditures for transmission and distribution for the years 2005 through 2007. The settlement also outlines an expedited remediation process to address any alleged non-compliance with terms of the settlement and an expedited PPUC hearing process if remediation is unsuccessful. On November 4, 2004, the PPUC accepted the recommendation of the ALJ approving the settlement.

In June 2001, the PPUC approved the Settlement Stipulation with all of the major parties in the combined merger and rate relief proceedings which approved the FirstEnergy/GPU merger and provided the Company PLR deferred accounting treatment for energy costs. A February 2002 Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania decision affirmed the PPUC decision regarding approval of the merger, remanded the issue of merger savings to the PPUC and denied the PLR deferral accounting treatment. In October 2003, the PPUC issued an order concluding that the Commonwealth Court reversed the PPUC’s June 2001 order in its entirety. In accordance with the PPUC's direction, the Company filed supplements to their tariffs which were effective October 2003 that reflected the CTC rates and shopping credits in effect prior to the June 21, 2001 order.


28

In response to its October 8, 2003 petition, the PPUC approved June 30, 2004 as the date for the Company's NUG trust fund refunds and denied its accounting request regarding the CTC rate/shopping credit swap by requiring the Company to treat the stipulated CTC rates that were in effect from January 1, 2002 on a retroactive basis. The Company subsequently filed with the Commonwealth Court, on October 31, 2003, an Application for Clarification with the judge, a Petition for Review of the PPUC's October 2 and October 16 Orders, and an application for reargument if the judge, in his clarification order, indicates that the Company's Objection was intended to be denied on the merits. The Reargument Brief before the Commonwealth Court was filed January 28, 2005.

In accordance with PPUC directives, Met-Ed and Penelec have been negotiating with interested parties in an attempt to resolve the merger savings issues that are the subject of remand from the Commonwealth Court. These companies' combined portion of total merger savings is estimated to be approximately $31.5 million. If no settlement can be reached, Met-Ed and Penelec will take the position that any portion of such savings should be allocated to customers during each company's next rate proceeding.

The Company purchases a portion of its PLR requirements from FES through a wholesale power sale agreement. The PLR sale is automatically extended for each successive calendar year unless any party elects to cancel the agreement by November 1 of the preceding year. Under the terms of the wholesale agreement, FES retains the supply obligation and the supply profit and loss risk, for the portion of power supply requirements not self-supplied by the Company under its NUG contracts and other power contracts with nonaffiliated third party suppliers. This arrangement reduces the Company's exposure to high wholesale power prices by providing power at a fixed price for its uncommitted PLR energy costs during the term of the agreement with FES. The Company is authorized to continue deferring differences between NUG contract costs and current market prices.

On January 12, 2005, the Company filed, before the PPUC, a request for deferral of transmission-related costs beginning January 1, 2005, estimated to be approximately $4 million per month. Various parties have intervened in this case.

8.   CAPITALIZATION:

(A)   RETAINED EARNINGS-

In general, the Company’s FMB indentures restrict the payment of dividends or distributions on or with respect to the Company’s common stock to amounts credited to earned surplus since the date of its indenture. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had retained earnings available to pay common stock dividends of $36.0 million, net of amounts restricted under the Company’s FMB indentures.

(B)   PREFERRED STOCK-

The Company’s preferred stock authorization consists of 11.435 million shares without par value. No preferred shares are currently outstanding.

(C)   LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS-

Subordinated Debentures to Affiliated Trust

The Company had formed a statutory business trust to sell preferred securities and invest the gross proceeds in subordinated debentures. Ownership of the Company's trust had been through a separate wholly owned limited partnership. In this transaction, the trust had invested the gross proceeds from the sale of its preferred securities in the preferred securities of the limited partnership, which in turn invested those proceeds in the 7.34% subordinated debentures of the Company. On September 1, 2004, the Company extinguished the subordinated debentures held by its affiliated trust and redeemed all of the associated 7.34% preferred securities (aggregate value of $100 million).

Other Long-term Debt

The Company’s FMB indenture, which secures all of the Company’s FMBs, serve as a direct first mortgage lien on substantially all of the Company’s property and franchises, other than specifically excepted property.

The Company has various debt covenants under its financing arrangements. The most restrictive of these relate to the nonpayment of interest and/or principal on debt, which could trigger a default. Cross-default provisions also exist between FirstEnergy and the Company.


29

Based on the amount of bonds authenticated by the Trustee through December 31, 2004, the Company’s annual sinking fund requirements for all bonds issued under the mortgage amount to approximately $1 million. The Company expects to fulfill its sinking fund obligation by providing bondable property additions to the Trustee.

Sinking fund requirements for FMB and maturing long-term debt for the next five years are:


   
(In millions)
 
2005
 
$ 8
 
2006
 
--
 
2007
 
3
 
2008
   
--
 
2009
   
100
 


The Company’s obligations to repay certain pollution control revenue bonds are secured by several series of FMB. Certain pollution control revenue bonds are entitled to the benefit of noncancelable municipal bond insurance policies of $69 million to pay principal of, or interest on, the pollution control revenue bonds.

9.   ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION:

In January 2003, the Company implemented SFAS 143, which provides accounting standards for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. This statement requires recognition of the fair value of a liability for an ARO in the period in which it is incurred. The associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. Over time the capitalized costs are depreciated and the present value of the asset retirement liability increases, resulting in a period expense. However, rate-regulated entities may recognize a regulatory asset or liability instead of an expense if the criteria for such treatment are met. Upon retirement, a gain or loss would be recognized if the cost to settle the retirement obligation differs from the carrying amount.

The Company identified applicable legal obligations as defined under the new standard for nuclear power plant decommissioning. The ARO liability as of the date of adoption of SFAS 143 was $99.1 million, including accumulated accretion for the period from the date the liability was incurred to the date of adoption. As of December 31, 2002, the Company recognized decommissioning liabilities of $129.9 million. The Company expects substantially all nuclear decommissioning costs to be recoverable through regulated rates. Therefore, a regulatory liability of $30.8 million was recognized upon adoption of SFAS 143. The ARO includes the Company's obligation for nuclear decommissioning of TMI-2. The Company's share of the obligation to decommission TMI-2 was developed based on a site-specific study performed by an independent engineer. The Company utilized an expected cash flow approach to measure the fair value of the nuclear decommissioning ARO. The Company maintains nuclear decommissioning trust funds that are legally restricted for purposes of settling the nuclear decommissioning ARO. As of December 31, 2004, the fair value of the decommissioning trust assets was $110 million.

In the third quarter of 2004, the Company revised the ARO associated with TMI-2 as the result of a recently completed study and the anticipated operating license extension for TMI-1. The abandoned TMI-2 is adjacent to TMI-1 and the units are expected to be decommissioned concurrently. The net decrease in the Company's TMI-2 ARO liability and corresponding regulatory asset was $44 million.

The following table describes changes to the ARO balances during 2004 and 2003.


ARO Reconciliation
 
2004
 
2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
           
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
105
 
$
99
 
Accretion
   
5
   
6
 
Revisions in estimated cash flows
   
(44
)
 
--
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
66
 
$
105
 



30

The following table provides the year-end balance of the ARO for 2002, as if SFAS 143 had been adopted on January 1, 2002.

Adjusted ARO Reconciliation
 
2002
 
   
(In millions)
 
       
Beginning balance as of January 1
 
$
93
 
Accretion
   
6
 
Ending balance as of December 31
 
$
99
 


 


10.   SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:

The Company may borrow from its affiliates on a short-term basis. As of December 31, 2004, the Company had total short-term borrowings of $241.5 million from its affiliates. The weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2004 and 2003 were 2.0% and 1.7%, respectively.

The Company has a receivables financing agreement under which the Company can borrow up to an aggregate of $75 million at rates based on certain bank commercial paper and is required to pay an annual facility fee of 0.30% on the entire finance limit. This financing agreement expires on March 29, 2005. These receivables financing arrangements are expected to be renewed prior to expiration.

11.   COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES AND CONTINGENCIES:

(A)   NUCLEAR INSURANCE-

The Price-Anderson Act limits the public liability relative to a single incident at a nuclear power plant to $10.8 billion. The amount is covered by a combination of private insurance and an industry retrospective rating plan. Based on its present ownership interest in TMI-2, the Company is exempt from any potential assessment under the industry retrospective rating plan.

The Company is also insured as to its interest in TMI-2 under a policy issued to the operating company for the plant. Under this policy, $150 million is provided for property damage and decontamination and decommissioning costs. Under this policy, the Company can be assessed a maximum of approximately $0.2 million for incidents at any covered nuclear facility occurring during a policy year which are in excess of accumulated funds available to the insurer for paying losses.

The Company intends to maintain insurance against nuclear risks as described above as long as it is available. To the extent that property damage, decontamination, decommissioning, repair and replacement costs and other such costs arising from a nuclear incident at TMI-2 exceed the policy limits of the insurance in effect with respect to that plant, to the extent a nuclear incident is determined not to be covered by the Company’s insurance policies, or to the extent such insurance becomes unavailable in the future, the Company would remain at risk for such costs.

(B)   ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS-

The Company has been named as a PRP 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 PRPs for a particular site are liable on a joint and several basis. The Company accrues environmental liabilities only when it concludes that it is probable that an obligation for such costs exists and can reasonably determine the amount of such costs. Unasserted claims are reflected in the Company's determination of environmental liabilities and are accrued in the period that they are both probable and reasonably estimable.


31

(C)   OTHER LEGAL PROCEEDINGS-

Power Outages and Related Litigation

On August 14, 2003, various states and parts of southern Canada experienced widespread power outages. The outages affected approximately 1.4 million customers in FirstEnergy's service area. On April 5, 2004, the U.S. -Canada Power System Outage Task Force released its final report on the outages. In the final report, the Task Force concluded, among other things, that the problems leading to the outages began in FirstEnergy’s Ohio service area. Specifically, the final report concludes, among other things, that the initiation of the August 14, 2003 power outages resulted from an alleged failure of both FirstEnergy and ECAR to assess and understand perceived inadequacies within the FirstEnergy system; inadequate situational awareness of the developing conditions; and a perceived failure to adequately manage tree growth in certain transmission rights of way. The Task Force also concluded that there was a failure of the interconnected grid's reliability organizations (MISO and PJM) to provide effective real-time diagnostic support. The final report is publicly available through the Department of Energy’s website (www.doe.gov). FirstEnergy believes that the final report does not provide a complete and comprehensive picture of the conditions that contributed to the August 14, 2003 power outages and that it does not adequately address the underlying causes of the outages. FirstEnergy remains convinced that the outages cannot be explained by events on any one utility's system. The final report contains 46 "recommendations to prevent or minimize the scope of future blackouts." Forty-five of those recommendations relate to broad industry or policy matters while one, including subparts, relates to activities the Task Force recommends be undertaken by FirstEnergy, MISO, PJM, ECAR, and other parties to correct the causes of the August 14, 2003 power outages. FirstEnergy implemented several initiatives, both prior to and since the August 14, 2003 power outages, which are consistent with these and other recommendations and collectively enhance the reliability of its electric system. FirstEnergy certified to NERC on June 30, 2004, completion of various reliability recommendations and further received independent verification of completion status from a NERC verification team on July 14, 2004 with minor exceptions noted by FirstEnergy (see Regulatory Matters above). FirstEnergy’s implementation of these recommendations included completion of the Task Force recommendations that were directed toward FirstEnergy. As many of these initiatives already were in process, FirstEnergy does not believe that any incremental expenses associated with additional initiatives undertaken during 2004 will have a material effect on its operations or financial results. FirstEnergy notes, however, that the applicable government agencies and reliability coordinators may take a different view as to recommended enhancements or may recommend additional enhancements in the future that could require additional, material expenditures. FirstEnergy and the Company have not accrued a liability as of December 31, 2004 for any expenditures in excess of those actually incurred through that date.

FirstEnergy is vigorously defending these actions, but cannot predict the outcome of any of these proceedings or whether any further regulatory proceedings or legal actions may be instituted against the Companies. In particular, if FirstEnergy or its subsidiaries were ultimately determined to have legal liability in connection with these proceedings, it could have a material adverse effect on FirstEnergy's or its subsidiaries' financial condition and results of operations.

Legal Matters

Various lawsuits, claims (including claims for asbestos exposure) and proceedings related to the Company's normal business operations are pending against the Company, the most significant of which are described above.

12.   NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS:

    SFAS 153, "Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets - an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29"

In December 2004, the FASB issued this Statement amending APB 29, which was based on the principle that nonmonetary assets should be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. The guidance in APB 29 included certain exceptions to that principle. SFAS 153 eliminates the exception from fair value measurement for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with an exception for exchanges that do not have commercial substance. This Statement specifies that a nonmonetary exchange has commercial substance if the future cash flows of the entity are expected to change significantly as a result of the exchange. The provisions of this statement are effective for nonmonetary exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005 and are to be applied prospectively. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.


32

SFAS 151, "Inventory Costs - an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4"

In November 2004, the FASB issued this statement to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs and wasted material (spoilage). Previous guidance stated that in some circumstances these costs may be "so abnormal" that they would require treatment as current period costs. SFAS 151 requires abnormal amounts for these items to always be recorded as current period costs. In addition, this Statement requires that allocation of fixed production overheads to the cost of conversion be based on the normal capacity of the production facilities. The provisions of this statement are effective for inventory costs incurred by the Company after June 30, 2005. The Company is currently evaluating this standard but does not expect it to have a material impact on the financial statements.

EITF Issue No. 03-1, "The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and its Application to Certain Investments"

In March 2004, the EITF reached a consensus on the application guidance for EITF 03-1, which provides a model for determining when investments in certain debt and equity securities are considered other than temporarily impaired. When an impairment is other-than-temporary, the investment must be measured at fair value and the impairment loss recognized in earnings. The recognition and measurement provisions of EITF 03-1, which were to be effective for periods beginning after June 15, 2004, were delayed by the issuance of FSP EITF 03-1-1 in September 2004. During the period of delay, the Company will continue to evaluate its investments as required by existing authoritative guidance.

EITF Issue No. 03-16, "Accounting for Investments in Limited Liability Companies"

In March 2004, the FASB ratified the final consensus on Issue 03-16. EITF 03-16 requires that an investment in a limited liability company that maintains a "specific ownership account" for each investor should be viewed as similar to an investment in a limited partnership for determining whether the cost or equity method of accounting should be used. The equity method of accounting is generally required for investments that represent more than a three to five percent interest in a limited partnership. EITF 03-16 was adopted by Penelec in the third quarter of 2004 and did not affect the Company's financial statements.

FSP 109-1, "Application of FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, to the Tax Deduction and Qualified Production Activities Provided by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004"

Issued in December 2004, FSP 109-1 provides guidance related to the provision within the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (Act) that provides a tax deduction on qualified production activities. The Act includes a tax deduction of up to 9 percent (when fully phased-in) of the lesser of (a) "qualified production activities income," as defined in the Act, or (b) taxable income (after the deduction for the utilization of any net operating loss carryforwards). This tax deduction is limited to 50 percent of W-2 wages paid by the taxpayer. The FASB believes that the deduction should be accounted for as a special deduction in accordance with SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." The Company is currently evaluating this FSP but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.

FSP 106-2, "Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003"

Issued in May 2004, FSP 106-2 provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Medicare Act for employers that sponsor postretirement  health care plans that provide prescription drug benefits. FSP 106-2 also requires certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy provided by the Medicare Act. The effect of the federal subsidy provided under the Medicare Act on the Company's consolidated financial statements is described in Note 3.


33

14. SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

The following summarizes certain consolidated operating results by quarter for 2004 and 2003:

Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2004
 
June 30, 2004
 
September 30, 2004
 
December 31, 2004
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
256.4
 
$
242.2
 
$
254.3
 
$
283.1
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
240.9
   
229.3
   
226.9
   
265.3
 
Operating Income
   
15.5
   
12.9
   
27.4
   
17.8
 
Other Income
   
--
   
0.4
   
1.3
   
0.7
 
Net Interest Charges
   
9.8
   
10.2
   
10.5
   
9.4
 
Net Income
 
$
5.7
 
$
3.1
 
$
18.2
 
$
9.1
 

Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2003
 
June 30, 2003
 
September 30, 2003
 
December 31, 2003
 
   
(In millions)
 
                   
Operating Revenues
 
$
254.9
 
$
231.9
 
$
242.1
 
$
245.9
 
Operating Expenses and Taxes
   
242.2
   
215.6
   
228.5
   
228.3
 
Operating Income
   
12.7
   
16.3
   
13.6
   
17.6
 
Other Income (Expense)
   
(0.2
)
 
0.5
   
0.5
   
1.0
 
Net Interest Charges
   
8.3
   
8.1
   
9.0
   
16.4
 
Income Before Cumulative
Effect of Accounting Change
   
4.2
   
8.7
   
5.1
   
2.2
 
Cumulative Effect of Accounting
   
1.1
   
--
   
--
   
--
 
Change (Net of Income Taxes)
 
Net Income
 
$
5.3
 
$
8.7
 
$
5.1
 
$
2.2
 
EX-21.7 56 ex21-7.htm LIST OF SUBS - PENELEC Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 21.7



PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
AT DECEMBER 31, 2004


 
NAME OF SUBSIDIRY
 
 
BUSINESS
 
STATE OF 
ORGANIZATION
 
               
Nineveh Water Company
   
Water Service
 
 
Pennsylvania
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Waverly Electric Light
 
 
Electric Distribution
 
 
Pennsylvania
 
and Power Company
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Penelec Preferred Capital II, Inc.
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 
Penelec Capital II, L.P.
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 
Penelec Capital Trust
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Penelec Funding LLC
 
 
Special-Purpose Finance
 
 
Delaware
 


Note: Penelec, along with its affiliates JCP&L and Met-Ed, collectively own all of the common stock of Saxton Nuclear Experimental Corporation, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation organized for nuclear experimental purposes which is now inactive. The carrying value of the owners’ investment has been written down to a nominal value.

EX-23.3 57 ex23-3.htm PWC CONSENT - PENELEC Unassociated Document

EXHIBIT 23.3



PENNSYLVANIA ELECTRIC COMPANY

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-62295, 333-62295-01 and 333-62295-02) of Pennsylvania Electric Company of our report dated March 7, 2005 relating to the consolidated financial statements, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in the Annual Report to Stockholders, which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference of our report dated March 7, 2005 relating to the financial statement schedules, which appears in this Form 10-K. 



PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio
March 7, 2005 




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