OUR APPROACH
As a utility obligated to provide reliable and affordable power to customers, FirstEnergy has a legitimate stake in public policy outcomes and a responsibility to advocate for public policy issues that impact the company and its stakeholders. We have continued to reshape our approach to political and public policy engagement, ensuring closer alignment to our strategic goals and core values. This enhanced approach also includes more robust oversight and disclosure of the company’s advocacy going forward. We engage thoughtfully and responsibly as we advocate for our interests and attempt to effect positive change for the customers and communities we serve.
Our Political & Public Engagement Policy guides that principled engagement by providing strong, clear expectations for the Company, its directors, officers, employees and those acting on the company’s behalf. In addition, in conjunction with the responsibilities of the full board, the Corporate Governance, Corporate Responsibility and Political Oversight Committee Charter includes robust oversight requirements of the company’s Political and Lobbying Action Plan.
CORPORATE ENGAGEMENT REPORT
As we develop FirstEnergy’s strategies, programs and positions regarding a variety of issues that affect the company, we seek insight from various stakeholder groups, including local, state and federal policymakers, consumer and small-business advocates, peer utilities, customers, investors, non-governmental organizations, chambers of commerce and trade associations. We are committed to considering and balancing all our company’s strategies and goals, including those related to climate change, in the assessment and development of our positions on proposed legislation and regulations.
Our Corporate Engagement Report provides insight into our public policy engagement and advocacy in alignment with our commitment to the highest standards of business conduct and ethical behavior as the foundation for achieving our mission. The report also encompasses information related to direct and indirect lobbying activities, including contributions to 501(c)(4) organizations and to 501(c)(6) trade organizations, where membership dues exceed $25,000. That includes an evaluation of any pertinent alignment between those organizations and our climate position and strategy – including our pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and our support for the intent of the Paris Agreement.
Updates to contributions noted in the Corporate Engagement Report can be found here: