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PENSION AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
PENSION AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS PENSION AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
FirstEnergy provides noncontributory qualified defined benefit pension plans that cover substantially all of its employees and non-qualified pension plans that cover certain employees. The plans provide defined benefits based on years of service and compensation levels. Under the cash-balance portion of the pension plan (for employees hired on or after January 1, 2014), FirstEnergy credits amounts to eligible employee notional cash-balance accounts based on a pay credit and an interest credit.
In addition, FirstEnergy provides a minimum amount of noncontributory life insurance to retired employees in addition to optional contributory insurance to a closed group of retired employees. Health care benefits, which include certain employee contributions, deductibles and co-payments, are also available upon retirement to certain employees, their dependents and, under certain circumstances, their survivors. FirstEnergy recognizes the expected cost of providing pension and OPEB to employees and their beneficiaries and covered dependents from the time employees are hired until they become eligible to receive those benefits. FirstEnergy also has obligations to former or inactive employees after employment, but before retirement, for disability-related benefits.

FirstEnergy’s pension funding policy is based on actuarial computations using the projected unit credit method. FirstEnergy does not currently expect to have a required contribution to the pension plan until 2027, which based on various assumptions, including an expected rate of return on assets of 8.5% for 2025, is expected to be approximately $300 million. However, FirstEnergy may elect to contribute to the pension plan voluntarily.
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. 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 for pension and OPEB costs. FirstEnergy uses a December 31 measurement date for its pension and OPEB plans or whenever a plan is determined to qualify for a remeasurement. The fair value of the plan assets represents the actual market value as of the measurement date.
In December 2023, FirstEnergy, executed a lift-out transaction with Banner Life Insurance Company and Reinsurance Group of America that transferred approximately $683 million of plan assets and $719 million of plan obligations, associated with approximately 1,900 former competitive generation employees, who will assume future and full responsibility to fund and
administer their benefit payments. There was no change to the pension benefits for any participants as a result of the transfer. The transaction was funded by pension plan assets and resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $36 million, which was included in the fourth quarter 2023 pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment charge.

Additionally, in January 2025, FirstEnergy executed a lift-out transaction with MetLife, that transferred approximately $640 million of plan assets and $652 million of plan obligations, associated with approximately 2,000 former competitive generation employees, who will assume future and full responsibility to fund and administer their benefit payments. Similar to the lift-out in 2023, there was no change to the pension benefits for any participant as a result of the transfer and the transaction was funded by pension plan assets. FirstEnergy believes that this lift-out transaction, in addition to the lift-out in 2023, further de-risked potential volatility with the pension plan assets and liabilities, and will continue to evaluate other lift-outs in the future based on market and other conditions.
Actuarial Assumptions PensionOPEB
2024
2023 (2)
20222024
2023 (2)
2022
Assumptions Related to Benefit Obligations:
Discount rate5.72 %5.05 %5.23 %5.60 %4.97 %5.16 %
Rate of compensation increase4.30 %4.30 %4.30 %N/AN/AN/A
Cash balance weighted average interest crediting rate4.37 %4.94 %4.04 %N/AN/AN/A
Assumptions Related to Benefit Costs:(1)
Effective rate for interest on benefit obligations 4.92 %
5.10% / 4.80%
2.44 %4.88 %5.06 %2.18 %
Effective rate for service costs 5.17 %
5.34% / 5.11%
3.28 %5.23 %5.41 %3.41 %
Effective rate for interest on service costs 5.05 %
5.22% / 4.94%
2.96 %5.16 %5.33 %3.24 %
Expected return on plan assets8.00 %8.00 %7.50 %7.00 %7.00 %7.50 %
Rate of compensation increase4.30 %4.30 %4.10 %N/AN/AN/A
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates:
Health care cost trend rate assumed (pre/post-Medicare)N/AN/AN/A
7.00%-
6.00%
7.00%-
6.50%
6.00%-
5.50%
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)N/AN/AN/A4.50 %4.50 %4.50 %
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rateN/AN/AN/A203520332029
(1) Excludes impact of pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustments.
(2) As a result of the interim plan remeasurement during 2023, different rates were in effect from January 1, 2023, through April 30, 2023 compared to May 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023.

Discount Rate - The discount rate is determined using currently available rates of return on high-quality fixed income investments expected to be available during the period to maturity of the pension and OPEB obligations. FirstEnergy utilizes a spot rate approach in the estimation of the components of benefit cost by applying specific spot rates along the full yield curve to the relevant projected cash flows. FirstEnergy utilizes an analytical tool developed by its actuary to determine the discount rates.

Expected Return on Plan Assets - The expected return on pension and OPEB assets is based on input from investment consultants, including the trusts’ asset allocation targets, the historical performance of risk-based and fixed income securities and other factors. The gains or losses generated as a result of the difference between expected and actual returns on plan assets is recognized as a pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever a plan is determined to qualify for remeasurement.

Pension and OPEB Returns202420232022
 Actual gains or (losses) on plan assets - $ millions$3 $751 $(1,830)
Actual gains or (losses) on plan assets - %0.7 %11.2 %(19.1)%
Expected return on plan assets - $ millions$565 $601 $696 
Expected return on plan assets - %
8.00% for pension

7.00% for OPEB
8.00% for pension

7.00% for OPEB
7.50 %

Mortality Rates - During 2024, the Society of Actuaries elected not to release a new mortality improvement scale. It was determined that the Pri-2012 mortality table with projection scale MP-2021, actuarially adjusted to reflect increased mortality due
to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 was most appropriate and such was utilized to determine the obligation as of December 31, 2024, for the FirstEnergy pension and OPEB plans. This adjustment acknowledges COVID-19 cannot be eradicated and assumes reductions in other causes will not offset future COVID-19 deaths enough to produce a normal level of improvements.

Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits) - In addition to service costs, interest on obligations, expected return on plan assets, and prior service costs, FirstEnergy recognizes in net periodic benefit costs a pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment for the change in the fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever a plan is determined to qualify for a remeasurement. Service costs, net of capitalization, are reported within Other operating expenses on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income. Non-service costs, other than the pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment, which is separately shown, are reported within Miscellaneous income, net, within Other Income (Expense) on FirstEnergy’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Credits) for the Years Ended December 31,PensionOPEB
202420232022202420232022
 (In millions)
Service cost(1)
$140 $139 $184 $3 $2 $3 
Interest cost 398 428 273 20 21 11 
Expected return on plan assets (530)(570)(657)(35)(31)(39)
Amortization of prior service costs (credits)2 2 2 (1)(8)(11)
Special termination benefits(2)
— 21 — — 8 — 
Pension & OPEB mark-to-market66 108 (98)(44)(30)26 
Net periodic benefit costs (credits)$76 $128 $(296)$(57)$(38)$(10)
(1) Includes amounts capitalized.
(2) Related to benefits provided in connection with the PEER.

For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, approximately $(8) million, $36 million and $15 million, respectively, of the annual pension and OPEB mark-to-market charges (credits) were allocated to companies under forward-looking formula rates, and expected to be refunded or recovered through formula transmission rates.

FirstEnergy recognizes a pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment for the change in fair value of plan assets and net actuarial gains and losses annually in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year and whenever a plan is determined to qualify for remeasurement.

In 2024, FirstEnergy recognized a $22 million pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment loss, primarily reflecting lower than expected return on assets and demographic changes partially offset by a 67 basis points increase in the discount rate used to measure pension benefit obligations.

The size of the $750 million voluntary contribution made on May 12, 2023, in relation to total pension assets triggered a remeasurement of the pension plan, and as a result, FirstEnergy recognized a non-cash, pre-tax pension and OPEB mark-to-market adjustment gain of approximately $59 million in the second quarter of 2023. FirstEnergy elected the practical expedient to remeasure pension plan assets and obligations as of April 30, 2023, which is the month-end closest to the date of the voluntary contribution.

PensionOPEB
Obligations/Funded Status - Qualified and Non-Qualified Plans2024202320242023
(In millions)
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation as of January 1$8,363 $8,828$441 $439
Service cost140 1393 2
Interest cost398 42820 21
Plan participants’ contributions— —4 4
Special termination benefits— 21— 8
Medicare retiree drug subsidy— —1 —
Lift-out transaction — (719)— —
Actuarial loss (gain)(526)256(14)8
Benefits paid(551)(590)(48)(41)
Benefit obligation as of December 31$7,824 $8,363$407 $441
Change in fair value of plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets as of January 1$6,879 $6,693$516 $460
Actual return on plan assets(62)68265 69
Lift-out transaction — (683)— —
Company contributions30 77730 24
Plan participants’ contributions— —4 4
Benefits paid(551)(590)(48)(41)
Fair value of plan assets as of December 31$6,296 $6,879$567 $516
Funded Status:
Qualified plan$(1,165)$(1,090)$— $—
Non-qualified plans(363)(394)— —
Funded Status - Net asset (liability) as of December 31 (1)
$(1,528)$(1,484)$160 $75
Accumulated benefit obligation$7,572 $7,324 $— $— 
Amounts Recognized in AOCI:
Prior service cost (credit)$2 $4 $1 $(1)
(1) The pension net liability is included in “Retirement benefits,” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The OPEB net asset is included in “Other” non-current assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following tables set forth pension financial assets that are accounted for at fair value by level within the fair value hierarchy. See Note 11, "Fair Value Measurements," for a description of each level of the fair value hierarchy. There were no significant transfers between levels during 2024 and 2023.
December 31, 2024Asset Allocation
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
(In millions)
Cash and short-term securities$— $1,173 $— $1,173 19 %
Public equity1,585 5 — 1,590 25 %
Fixed income— 1,425 — 1,425 23 %
Derivatives(95)37 — (58)(1)%
Total(1)
$1,490 $2,640 $— $4,130 66 %
Private - equity and debt funds(2)
1,273 20 %
Insurance-linked securities(2)
39 1 %
Hedge funds(2)
253 4 %
Real estate funds(2)
554 9 %
Total Investments$6,249 100 %
(1) Excludes $47 million as of December 31, 2024, of receivables, payables, taxes, cash collateral for derivatives and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.
(2) NAV used as a practical expedient to approximate fair value.

December 31, 2023Asset Allocation
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
(In millions)
Cash and short-term securities$— $755 $— $755 11 %
Public equity1,811 4 — 1,815 26 %
Fixed income— 1,784 — 1,784 26 %
Derivatives2 37 — 39 — %
Total(1)
$1,813 $2,580 $— $4,393 63 %
Private - equity and debt funds(2)
1,296 19 %
Insurance-linked securities(2)
107 2 %
Hedge funds(2)
410 6 %
Real estate funds(2)
721 10 %
Total Investments$6,927 100 %
(1) Excludes $(48) million as of December 31, 2023, of receivables, payables, taxes and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.
(2) NAV used as a practical expedient to approximate fair value.

Private – equity and debt funds: Private equity and private debt funds primarily include limited partnerships that invest in equity or directly originated senior loans of high-quality middle market operating companies. Distributions are received periodically through the liquidation of underlying assets in each fund. For most private equity and debt funds, immediate access to capital at the limited partner’s discretion is not available and such funds prevent full redemption and return of capital until fund liquidation. The purpose of each fund is to maximize total return of capital with an emphasis on minimizing default risk. Each fund’s NAV is made available to fund participants quarterly.

Insurance Linked Securities funds: The insurance linked securities funds invest in securities which indirectly participate in portfolios of reinsurance and retrocession contracts which primarily cover catastrophe property risks. Redemptions can be achieved with 90-day notices with gating factors that may apply. The purpose of these investments is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns that are demonstrably uncorrelated with traditional asset classes. Each fund’s NAV is made available to fund participants monthly.

Hedge funds: The hedge funds invest in a combination of long and short equity, multi-strategy, global macro and structured credit strategies. Redemptions can be achieved with 90-day notices with gating factors that may apply. The purpose of these investments is to deliver diversified risk-adjusted returns to traditional asset classes. Each fund’s NAV is made available to fund participants monthly.

Real estate funds: The real estate funds primarily invest in U.S commercial real estate markets that include office, residential, retail, industrial, life science/lab space, storage and student housing. The investment values of the real estate properties are determined on a quarterly basis by independent market appraisers hired by the board of directors of each fund. Distributions from each fund will be received as the underlying investments of the fund are liquidated. Each investor’s ability to withdraw capital from certain funds may be limited depending on whether a queue has been established. The purpose of each fund is to invest in real estate and real estate related assets that generate a total return from current income and capital appreciation which exceeds the applicable fund’s index. Each fund’s NAV is made available to fund participants quarterly.

As of December 31, 2024, and 2023, the OPEB trust investments measured at fair value were as follows:
December 31, 2024Asset Allocation
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
(In millions)
Cash and short-term securities$— $112 $— $112 20 %
Public equity314 — — 314 55 %
Fixed income— 146 — 146 25 %
Total(1)
$314 $258 $— $572 100 %
(1) Excludes $(5) million as of December 31, 2023, of receivables, payables, taxes and accrued income associated with financial instruments reflected within the fair value table.

December 31, 2023Asset Allocation
Level 1Level 2Level 3Total
(In millions)
Cash and short-term securities$— $100 $— $100 19 %
Public equity258 — — 258 50 %
Fixed income:— 158 — 158 31 %
Total(1)
$258 $258 $— $516 100 %

FirstEnergy’s target asset allocations for its pension and OPEB trust portfolios for 2024 were as follows:
Target Asset Allocations
Pension OPEB
Equities30 %50 %
Fixed income28.5 %50 %
Alternative investments 5 %— %
Real estate10 %— %
Private - equity and debt funds20 %— %
Cash and derivatives 6.5 %— %
100 %100 %
FirstEnergy follows a total return investment approach using a mix of equities, fixed income and other available investments while taking into account the pension plan liabilities to optimize the long-term return on 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. Equity investments are diversified across U.S. and non-U.S. stocks, as well as growth, value, and small and large capitalization funds. Other assets such as real estate and private equity 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.

Taking into account estimated employee future service, FirstEnergy expects to make the following benefit payments from plan assets and other payments, net of participant contribution.
OPEB
Pension Benefit Payments
Benefit Payments (1)
Subsidy Receipts
(In millions)
2025$1,150 $43 $— 
2026514 42 (1)
2027519 41 — 
2028524 39 (1)
2029528 37 — 
Years 2030-20342,652 163 (3)
(1) Net of participant contributions.