FirstEnergy Corp. Statement

Rhea-AI Summary

On July 22, 2021, FirstEnergy Corp. announced compliance with a deferred prosecution agreement related to a Department of Justice investigation. The company admitted to using 501(c)(4) entities to influence Ohio's legislative process by concealing payments made to public officials in exchange for official actions. This method was chosen due to the lack of donor disclosure requirements associated with 501(c)(4) organizations, enabling significant financial contributions without limits. FirstEnergy is committed to integrity and operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S.

Positive

• FirstEnergy operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the U.S., providing reliability and operational excellence.
• The company serves customers across multiple states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York.

Negative

• The use of 501(c)(4) entities to conceal payments raises legal and ethical concerns regarding corporate governance.
• The company's admission of influencing the legislative process may damage its reputation and investor confidence.

AKRON, Ohio, July 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In accordance with its obligations under the previously announced deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio to resolve the Department of Justice investigation, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) issued the following statement:

"Central to FirstEnergy Corp.'s effort to influence the legislative process in Ohio was the use of 501(c)(4) corporate entities. FirstEnergy Corp. used the 501(c)(4) corporate form as a mechanism to conceal payments for the benefit of public officials and in return for official action. FirstEnergy Corp. used 501(c)(4) entities in this way because the law does not require disclosure of donors to a 501(c)(4) and there is no ceiling that limits the amount of expenditures that can be paid to a 501(c)(4) entity for the purpose of influencing the legislative process. This effort would not have been possible, both in the nature and volume of money provided, without the use of a 501(c)(4) entity."

FirstEnergy is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its ten electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate more than 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy on Twitter @FirstEnergyCorp or online at www.firstenergycorp.com.

 

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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.

FAQ

What did FirstEnergy Corp announce on July 22, 2021?

On July 22, 2021, FirstEnergy announced compliance with a deferred prosecution agreement related to a Department of Justice investigation.

What was FirstEnergy's involvement with 501(c)(4) entities?

FirstEnergy used 501(c)(4) entities to conceal payments to public officials for legislative influence, avoiding donor disclosure.

Which states does FirstEnergy Corp serve?

FirstEnergy serves customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York.

How does FirstEnergy's use of 501(c)(4) entities impact investors?

The use of 501(c)(4) entities to influence legislation may negatively affect investor confidence and the company's reputation.

What is FirstEnergy's commitment mentioned in the PR?

FirstEnergy is committed to integrity, safety, reliability, and operational excellence.