Core Viewpoint - The trial centers around a $4.3 million payment made by FirstEnergy to lawyer Sam Randazzo, alleged to be part of a $60 million bribery scandal involving regulatory favors [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations and Legal Proceedings - Prosecutors claim that FirstEnergy executives Chuck Jones and Michael Dowling orchestrated the payment to Randazzo in exchange for regulatory favors, with both pleading not guilty to corruption charges [2]. - The trial is expected to last eight weeks, with prosecutors asserting that the defendants knowingly engaged in corrupt activities [3]. - The case is linked to a broader bribery scheme involving former Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder, who was convicted of racketeering in 2023 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence [6]. Group 2: Defense Arguments - The defense argues that the payment to Randazzo was a legitimate settlement of a consulting agreement and not a bribe, emphasizing the importance of details in the case [4][12]. - Jones' attorney presented communications suggesting that the payment was aboveboard and handled through normal corporate channels [12]. - The defense has identified 58 potential witnesses, including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who appointed Randazzo, although neither he nor his former lieutenant governor has been accused of wrongdoing [8][9]. Group 3: Context and Background - Randazzo, who was appointed as the top utility regulator, is no longer available to testify as he died by suicide in 2024 after facing numerous charges [7]. - FirstEnergy admitted in 2021 to using dark money groups to fund the bribery plot, which included a $1 billion nuclear plant bailout [6].

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA) has filed a new Default Service Plan (DSP) with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PaPUC) aimed at enhancing customer protections and simplifying energy choices [1][2] Group 1: Default Service Plan Overview - The DSP outlines how FE PA will procure electricity starting June 1, 2027, for customers who do not select an alternative supplier, emphasizing the importance of electricity generation supply, which constitutes approximately 60% of a typical customer's bill in Pennsylvania [2] - FE PA, operating under various local names, serves over two million customers in Pennsylvania [3] Group 2: Customer Protections and Pricing Mechanism - The plan introduces new safeguards to prevent customers from overpaying for electricity, addressing the challenges posed by rising household costs [4] - FE PA will continue to utilize a competitive auction process to purchase electricity at the lowest cost for customers, with large industrial customers paying an hourly market-based price if they do not choose an alternate supplier [5] Group 3: Auction Process and Timing - FE PA plans to engage CRA International, Inc. to manage the auction process, with auctions scheduled for January, April, and November in 2027, and in January and November from 2028 to 2031 [6] Group 4: Time-of-Use Program Adjustments - The proposed plan includes adjustments to the Time-of-Use program, shortening peak hours from 2-9 p.m. to 3-7 p.m. to help customers save by shifting energy use to off-peak hours [7] Group 5: Supplier Guidelines and Customer Options - New guidelines for suppliers will encourage competitive pricing below the utility's standard rate, providing customers with more opportunities to save, while also limiting the amount automatically paid to suppliers each billing cycle [10] - Residential customers will revert to FE PA's standard default service upon the expiration of fixed-term supply contracts unless they opt to continue with their current supplier [10]

Core Insights - FirstEnergy has launched an initiative to plant trees and support environmental causes, with a total of 131,000 trees planted since 2020 through employee volunteer efforts [1][2] Group 1: Community Engagement - Nearly 800 FirstEnergy employees volunteered to enhance community environments, focusing on strategic tree planting locations away from power lines [2] - In 2025, FirstEnergy employees participated in 151 events, contributing 3,438 hours to tree-planting efforts, with over half of these events in underserved communities [3] Group 2: Environmental Impact - In 2025, FirstEnergy's Green Teams also established 26 community gardens covering 113,289 square feet, promoting pollinator health [3] - The goal for 2026 is to plant over 26,000 trees, including native species like red maple, hickory, oak, and dogwood, in collaboration with nonprofits and community groups [4] Group 3: Regional Contributions - In Ohio, nearly 14,000 trees were donated and planted by 440 employees at 70 events [8] - In Pennsylvania, over 6,000 trees were donated and planted by 62 employees at 16 events [8] - In West Virginia and Maryland, more than 7,000 trees were donated and planted by 227 employees at 50 events, while in New Jersey, over 2,000 trees were planted by 68 employees at 15 events [8]

Core Viewpoint - Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp, has received approval to launch a pilot program aimed at facilitating the transition of Maryland school systems to zero-emission electric buses, addressing financial barriers and supporting cleaner transportation for students [1][2][3]. Group 1: Program Details - The pilot program will cost $11.1 million and is set to launch in early 2026, running for five years or until funds are exhausted [4]. - The program will cover the cost difference of approximately $250,000 between diesel and electric buses, as well as the costs for charging equipment and necessary electrical upgrades [2][4]. - Potomac Edison will provide full technical and administrative support to assist school systems in identifying charging locations, installing equipment, and training personnel on vehicle operation and charging [7]. Group 2: Environmental and Technological Impact - The initiative aligns with Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, which mandates public school systems to purchase or contract only zero-emission vehicles [2]. - The program will explore vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing stored energy in bus batteries to flow back to the grid when buses are not in use, potentially enhancing grid reliability during emergencies [3][7]. Group 3: Company Background - FirstEnergy Corp operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., serving over six million customers across multiple states, including Maryland [5]. - Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers in various counties in Maryland, indicating a significant local impact of the program [4].

Group 1 - FirstEnergy Corp. is recognized as one of the 10 High Yield Utility Stocks to Buy in 2026 [1] - FirstEnergy operates one of America's largest investor-owned electric systems, with 10 electric distribution companies serving customers across multiple states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York [2] - Wolfe Research upgraded FirstEnergy from 'Peer Perform' to 'Outperform' with a price target of $50, citing a 10% growth in the utility's rate base due to increased Federal Energy Regulatory Commission transmission capex [3] Group 2 - Morgan Stanley raised FirstEnergy's price target from $47 to $49 while maintaining an 'Overweight' rating, indicating an upside of over 3% from current levels [4] - FirstEnergy has an annual dividend yield of 3.76%, placing it among the 14 Best Utility Dividend Stocks to Buy Now [5]

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec) has completed a significant upgrade in McKean County, enhancing electric service reliability for over 1,000 customers [1][3] - The upgrades are part of a $538 million investment under the Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP) III, aimed at improving electric system reliability [3][4] - FirstEnergy plans to invest $28 billion through its Energize365 program from 2025 to 2029 to modernize the electric grid [4] Infrastructure Improvements - New underground lines have been installed to connect to the Bradford West Substation, allowing for increased power capacity and system reliability [1][6] - The project includes the installation of stronger cables that can carry more electricity and the addition of backup capabilities to minimize outages [6] - The upgrades also involve protective measures for new equipment, such as sturdy plastic pipes to safeguard underground power lines from environmental factors [6] Community Impact - The upgrades are expected to significantly improve service reliability for the Bradford community, addressing customer needs for dependable electricity [3][4] - Penelec serves approximately 597,000 customers across 17,600 square miles in northern and central Pennsylvania and western New York [4]

Core Viewpoint - FirstEnergy Corp. is prepared to respond to a winter storm affecting its service area, emphasizing safety and energy management for customers during extreme cold weather [1][2]. Group 1: Company Preparedness - FirstEnergy has activated an incident command structure to coordinate restoration efforts and ensure resources are available as conditions change [3]. - The company has made significant investments, including a $28 billion Energize365 program, to enhance system reliability and prepare for winter weather [6]. - Ongoing tree trimming and routine aerial inspections are conducted to prevent outages caused by snow, ice, and high winds [6]. Group 2: Customer Safety and Energy Management - Customers are advised to take simple steps to manage energy use during extreme cold, which can help reduce bills and strain on the electric system [5]. - Specific safety tips include keeping space heaters away from flammable materials, using indoor-rated heaters, and ensuring proper ventilation for generators [7][11]. - The company provides resources for customers to learn more about energy-saving programs and bill assistance options [8]. Group 3: Outage Reporting and Communication - In the event of power outages, customers can report issues through multiple channels, including phone, text, and online [12]. - FirstEnergy emphasizes its commitment to integrity, safety, and reliability, serving six million customers across several states [9].

Company Overview - FirstEnergy Corp. has a market capitalization of $27.3 billion and operates as a regulated electric utility holding company, focusing on electricity transmission and distribution in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States [1] Earnings Expectations - The company is scheduled to announce its fiscal Q4 2025 earnings results on February 17, with analysts predicting an adjusted EPS of $0.53, representing a 20.9% decline from $0.67 in the same quarter last year [2] - For fiscal 2025, the expected adjusted EPS is $2.54, a decrease of 3.4% from $2.63 in fiscal 2024, but anticipated to grow by 6.7% year over year to $2.71 in fiscal 2026 [3] Stock Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, FirstEnergy's shares have increased by 18.5%, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's return of 13.3% and the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund's gain of 9% during the same period [4] Dividend Declaration - On December 17, FirstEnergy announced a quarterly dividend of 44.5 cents per share, payable on March 1, 2026, to shareholders of record as of February 6, 2026 [5] Analyst Ratings - The consensus view on FirstEnergy stock is cautiously optimistic, with a "Moderate Buy" rating. Among 16 analysts, six recommend a "Strong Buy," one a "Moderate Buy," and nine a "Hold." The mean price target is $50.08, indicating a potential 6% upside from current market prices [5]

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to support the Fill a Glass with Hope® program, which aims to provide 200,000 servings of fresh milk to families in need in Pennsylvania [1][4] - The total investment by the FirstEnergy Foundation in the program has reached $250,000 since its inception in 2016, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to addressing food insecurity [1][4] Program Overview - Fill a Glass with Hope® is the first statewide charitable fresh milk program in the U.S., having provided over 41 million servings of milk to Pennsylvania food banks, equating to three glasses of milk for every resident in the state [2] - The program is a collaboration involving Feeding Pennsylvania, the American Dairy Association Northeast, and the Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association [2] Impact of Donations - Milk is a highly requested but rarely donated item at food banks due to its perishable nature; the program ensures the delivery of fresh milk to families, especially children [3] - Every dollar donated to the program translates to eight glasses of milk for local food banks, demonstrating the significant impact of financial contributions [3] Recent Contributions - The recent $25,000 donation will provide approximately 200,000 servings of milk to families in need, particularly in areas served by FirstEnergy [4] - In September 2025, the Foundation distributed $750,000 in grants to 37 food banks and pantries during Hunger Action Month, totaling $2.5 million to 104 hunger-relief organizations across six states [4] Foundation Overview - The FirstEnergy Foundation supports 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofits that address critical community needs, distributing over $5.5 million in community support in 2025 [6] - The Foundation does not accept unsolicited grant applications, focusing instead on targeted community involvement [7]

Core Insights - FirstEnergy Corp. has received approval from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) for a settlement agreement that will provide $275 million in restitution and refunds to customers of Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison [1][2] Financial Impact - The settlement resolves four regulatory proceedings and will return $250 million directly to customers, with an additional $5 million in credits for residential customers [2] - Average residential customers using 1,000 kWh per month are expected to receive approximately $65.61 in bill credits over three months [3] - The settlement allocates $20 million for programs supporting low-income residential customers through bill assistance, weatherization, and energy efficiency initiatives [3] Company Strategy - FirstEnergy's President, Torrence Hinton, emphasized that the agreement allows the company to move past legacy issues and demonstrates a commitment to customer service and transparency with regulators [4] - The company plans to invest $14 billion in Ohio's transmission and distribution infrastructure, workforce, and facilities through 2029 to enhance energy resilience [4] Customer Bill Impacts - Following the settlement and the proposed PUCO rate review order, average monthly bill impacts for residential customers using 1,000 kWh per month will vary, with specific decreases and increases noted for different companies [5][7]