FirstEnergy Ohio Utilities' PIPP RFP Auction: Information Session for Prospective Bidders on Wednesday, February 18, 2026

On February 18, 2026, an Information Session for prospective bidders will take place concerning the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) RFP auction for FirstEnergy Corp.’s Ohio utility subsidiaries, which include Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison. This initiative, managed by CRA International, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRAI), aims to secure full requirements service for PIPP customers for the upcoming 12-month delivery period from June 2026 to May 2027. The selected PIPP supplier will be responsible for servicing the PIPP load during this timeframe.

The session will provide essential details on how interested bidders can participate in the auction. Registration for prospective suppliers will commence a day after the session, February 19, and applications will be accepted until March 4. On March 16, registered bidders are required to submit their bids. For further information regarding the auction process, interested parties can visit the dedicated website at firstenergypipprfp.com.

CRA International, known for its expertise in economic, financial, and management consulting, has significant experience in auction design and energy market operations. The firm’s Energy Practice provides strategic advice on the evolving energy landscape, encompassing regulatory and commercial insights, which is crucial for the successful implementation of the auction process.

Charles River Associates, as a long-established consulting firm since 1965, offers a unique blend of industry knowledge and functional expertise that assists clients in navigating complex economic challenges. More information about CRA can be found at www.crai.com, and stakeholders are encouraged to follow the firm on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates. The PIPP RFP auction represents a key opportunity for suppliers and reflects FirstEnergy's commitment to supporting energy solutions for Ohio residents.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) auction for FirstEnergy Corp.'s Ohio utilities presents a strategic opportunity for potential bidders in the energy supply market. Scheduled for June 2026 through May 2027, this auction provides a unique chance to engage in providing full requirements service to PIPP customers, a demographic often in need of reliable and affordable energy solutions.

With the energy sector undergoing significant transitions due to regulatory changes and a growing emphasis on sustainability, bidders should assess current market conditions and develop compelling proposals that align with both the financial viability and the social responsibilities associated with serving PIPP customers. This demographic typically consists of low-income households who require stable and affordable energy procurement options, making a robust understanding of the socio-economic factors affecting energy consumption essential.

Prospective bidders should pay close attention to the upcoming information session on February 18, 2026, which will offer insights from CRA International, Inc., known for its expertise in auction design and market implementation. This session will be crucial for understanding the specific needs of FirstEnergy's subsidiaries – Ohio Edison, The Illuminating Company, and Toledo Edison – as well as aligning bidding strategies with regulatory expectations.

The timeline provided indicates that Supplier Applications will be accepted starting February 19, with bidding submissions due by March 16. Firms should utilize the period leading up to these dates to carefully analyze their capacity, cost structures, and potential partnerships to enhance competitiveness.

Given the significance of the economic landscape and the imperative to serve vulnerable populations, bidders who can articulate a strong value proposition emphasizing both affordability and reliability will likely position themselves favorably in this auction process. Therefore, early engagement with the resources provided at firstenergypipprfp.com could facilitate strategic insights critical to success.