FirstEnergy Recognized as One of America's Most Trusted Companies for 2026

FirstEnergy: A Beacon of Trust in 2026

In a remarkable achievement, FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) has been honored by Forbes as one of America's Most Trusted Companies for 2026. This recognition places FirstEnergy among a select group of organizations that have demonstrated ethical practices and reliability in their operations. The dual accolades from Forbes—namely, being listed among America's Most Trusted Companies and America's Best Companies—underscore the utility's commitment to foster an environment of operational excellence and satisfaction among its customers and employees.

The Journey Toward Recognition

Brian X. Tierney, President and CEO of FirstEnergy, expressed his gratitude for this recognition, underscoring the importance of the company's ongoing efforts to earn customer trust. Tierney stated, "Recognition from Forbes highlights the importance of our ongoing efforts to strengthen our company for our employees, customers, and communities we serve." This statement reflects FirstEnergy's dedication not only to its business model but also to the societal impact it aims to cultivate.

Forbes assesses companies based on rigorous criteria, including feedback gathered through independent surveys of U.S. residents. Notably, companies must be publicly traded, have over 1,000 employees, and achieve high ratings in trustworthiness, which factors in transparency and ethical conduct.

Transparent Evaluation Methodology

Forbes’ evaluation for the Most Trusted Companies list derives from a survey that scrutinizes various facets of corporate conduct, including ethical practices and the reliability of services. Out of 2,000 eligible candidates, only the top 300 companies are selected based on the ratings gathered from employees, customers, investors, and media.

Similarly, the America’s Best Companies list is curated based on several metrics highlighting employee satisfaction, customer experience, and financial strength. For this evaluation, over 60 different measures were reviewed across 11 categories, ultimately spotlighting the top 500 companies that sustain a robust reputation and deliver consistent value.

Investment in Infrastructure and Communities

The recognition of FirstEnergy arrives at a critical juncture, particularly as the company rolls out significant investments to modernize its infrastructure. For instance, in 2025, FirstEnergy earmarked $5.5 million for enhancing its power grid, which is pivotal for improving service reliability and minimizing outages. This initiative is part of Energize365, a long-term commitment involving $28 billion investment aimed at modernizing electric systems through 2029.

Additionally, through the FirstEnergy Foundation, the company has pledged more than $5.5 million to support initiatives in its multi-state service area. These financial contributions reinforce FirstEnergy’s overarching mission to uplift communities while enhancing the quality of life.

Over the past two years, FirstEnergy employees have invested more than 40,000 volunteer hours, collaborating with local organizations to provide essential resources such as food and shelter for community members in need. This commitment to community service signifies a corporate ethos that prioritizes human welfare alongside business goals.

About FirstEnergy

FirstEnergy Corp. serves as a cornerstone in the electric utility sector, dedicated to integrity and service excellence. With a vast distribution network, the company caters to over six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. Moreover, through its subsidiaries, it manages approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines connecting critical regions, thus underscoring its role as one of the nation’s largest investor-owned electric systems.

To stay connected and learn more about its future initiatives and contributions, FirstEnergy encourages the public to follow their official online channels.

In Conclusion, FirstEnergy's recognition by Forbes not only serves as a testament to its operational standards but also as a motivator for continuous improvement geared toward enriching lives and maintaining trust in essential services. While the accolades shine a light on its achievements, they also emphasize the significance of the work still to come, aligning with the company's vision of a brighter future for both its customers and employees.