In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, The FirstEnergy Foundation will match FirstEnergy employee contributions made through American Red Cross chapters in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the states where the company has operations.

FirstEnergy also is assisting in the restoration efforts with 95 employees -- including 35 line crews -- currently working in Florida to help restore electrical service to customers of Florida Power & Light affected by the hurricane. When the crews are released at the end of this week, they will travel to the Gulf region -- the exact location is still being determined -- to help with the restoration efforts there.

In addition, FirstEnergy released about 320 electrical and forestry contractors from their existing commitments so they could travel south to assist with the restoration efforts.

"I am proud of our employees' willingness to provide support - both financially and by applying their professional knowledge and expertise - to help others in a time of crisis," said FirstEnergy President and CEO Anthony J. Alexander.

The FirstEnergy Foundation is funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp. and provides support to non-profit, tax-exempt health and human services agencies; educational organizations; cultural and arts programs and institutions; and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy's seven electric operating companies and in areas where the company has facilities.

FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio.