Potomac Edison Launches Electric School Bus Program
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: 1h ago
0mins
Should l Buy FE?
Source: PRnewswire
- Program Background: Potomac Edison has received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch an $11.1 million pilot program aimed at assisting local school systems in transitioning to cleaner, zero-emission school buses, expected to start in early 2026 and run for five years or until funds are exhausted.
- Financial Support: The program will cover the cost difference of approximately $250,000 between diesel and electric buses, along with expenses for charging equipment and electrical upgrades, significantly reducing the initial investment burden on school systems and accelerating the adoption of electric buses.
- Environmental Impact: This initiative not only helps Maryland public schools comply with the Climate Solutions Now Act but also promotes healthier transportation options, improves community air quality, and provides students with quieter rides, leading to long-term savings for school districts.
- Technological Innovation: Potomac Edison will also explore how electric buses can support grid reliability through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, presenting a promising opportunity that could benefit customers across the service area and enhance the company's strategic position in the renewable energy sector.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy FE?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on FE
Wall Street analysts forecast FE stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for FE is 49.25 USD with a low forecast of 46.00 USD and a high forecast of 54.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
10 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 46.890
Low
46.00
Averages
49.25
High
54.00
Current: 46.890
Low
46.00
Averages
49.25
High
54.00
About FE
FirstEnergy Corp. and its subsidiaries are involved in the transmission, distribution, and generation of electricity through its segments: Distribution, Integrated and Stand-Alone Transmission. The Distribution Segment, which consists of the Ohio Companies and FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company (FE PA), distributes electricity in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Integrated segment includes the distribution and transmission operations under Jersey Central Power & Light Company (JCP&L), Monongahela Power Company (MP) and The Potomac Edison Company (PE), as well as MP's regulated generation operations. The segment distributes electricity in New Jersey, West Virginia and Maryland, provides transmission infrastructure, and operates 3,604 MWs of regulated net maximum generation capacity. The Stand-Alone Transmission segment consists of its ownership in FET and KATCo, which includes transmission infrastructure owned and operated by the Transmission Companies and used to transmit electricity.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Potomac Edison Launches Electric School Bus Program
- Program Background: Potomac Edison has received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch an $11.1 million pilot program aimed at assisting local school systems in transitioning to cleaner, zero-emission school buses, expected to commence in early 2026.
- Financial Support: The program will cover the cost difference of approximately $250,000 between diesel and electric buses, along with expenses for charging equipment and electrical upgrades, significantly reducing the initial investment burden for schools and facilitating the implementation of sustainable transportation.
- Technological Innovation: The initiative will test vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing electric school buses to feed stored energy back to the grid when not in use, thereby enhancing grid reliability, particularly during emergencies, and improving power stability in the service area.
- Long-term Impact: By providing technical and administrative support, Potomac Edison will assist school systems in identifying charging locations, installing necessary equipment, and training personnel, ensuring the smooth integration of electric buses and advancing Maryland's clean transportation goals.
See More
Potomac Edison Launches Electric School Bus Program
- Program Background: Potomac Edison has received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch an $11.1 million pilot program aimed at assisting local school systems in transitioning to cleaner, zero-emission school buses, expected to start in early 2026 and run for five years or until funds are exhausted.
- Financial Support: The program will cover the cost difference of approximately $250,000 between diesel and electric buses, along with expenses for charging equipment and electrical upgrades, significantly reducing the initial investment burden on school systems and accelerating the adoption of electric buses.
- Environmental Impact: This initiative not only helps Maryland public schools comply with the Climate Solutions Now Act but also promotes healthier transportation options, improves community air quality, and provides students with quieter rides, leading to long-term savings for school districts.
- Technological Innovation: Potomac Edison will also explore how electric buses can support grid reliability through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, presenting a promising opportunity that could benefit customers across the service area and enhance the company's strategic position in the renewable energy sector.
See More
FirstEnergy's $60 Million Bribery Trial Begins
- Bribery Payment Uncovered: FirstEnergy, based in Ohio, made a $4.3 million payment to lawyer and lobbyist Sam Randazzo in 2019, just before he became the state's top utility regulator, revealing potential conflicts of interest and misconduct.
- Investigation Context: This case is central to a $60 million bribery investigation, with prosecutors alleging that then-FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and Senior VP Michael Dowling orchestrated the hefty payout to secure several lucrative regulatory favors from Randazzo.
- Trial Progress: According to the Associated Press, opening statements in the trial are expected to begin Tuesday in Akron, marking a critical phase in the legal scrutiny of FirstEnergy and its executives, which could impact the company's reputation and future operations.
- Corporate Image Rebuilding: Despite the bribery scandal, FirstEnergy recently received an upgraded rating from Wolfe Securities, indicating some progress in rebuilding its credibility; however, the trial's developments may still exert pressure on its stock price and market confidence.
See More
FirstEnergy Invests $538 Million to Enhance Electric Service for Penelec Customers
- Service Upgrade: FirstEnergy has completed an upgrade in McKean County for over 1,000 Bradford customers, with new underground cables that can carry more power, enhancing system reliability and flexibility.
- Outage Risk Reduction: The installation of redundant power lines allows for quick switching to alternative lines during issues, significantly reducing outage risks and bolstering support for local economic growth.
- Long-term Investment Plan: This upgrade is part of FirstEnergy's $538 million Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan aimed at modernizing the electric grid to enhance reliability and meet future customer needs.
- Future Development Strategy: FirstEnergy plans to invest $28 billion through the Energize365 program from 2025 to 2029 to build a smarter, more secure grid that meets the demands of today's and tomorrow's customers.
See More
FirstEnergy's $538 Million Investment Enhances Electric Service for Penelec Customers
- Service Upgrade: FirstEnergy has completed an upgrade in McKean County for Penelec customers, with new underground cables providing more reliable electric service to over 1,000 customers in Bradford and Bradford Township, expected to significantly reduce outages and speed restoration.
- Long-Term Investment: This upgrade is part of FirstEnergy's Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP III), which allocates $538 million for enhancing electric system reliability in Penelec's service area, supporting local economic growth.
- Grid Modernization Goals: FirstEnergy plans to invest $28 billion through its Energize365 program between 2025 and 2029, aiming to create a smarter, more secure grid that meets the needs of today's customers and supports sustainable growth.
- Extensive Customer Base: Penelec serves approximately 597,000 customers across 17,600 square miles in northern and central Pennsylvania and western New York, underscoring its significant role and impact in the regional electric market.
See More
FirstEnergy Upgraded to Outperform with $50 Target Amid Growth Prospects
- Rating Upgrade: Wolfe Research upgraded FirstEnergy from Peer Perform to Outperform with a $50 price target, citing the stock's discount to regulated peers and an anticipated rebound heading into 2026.
- Capex Opportunities: Analyst Steve Fleishman highlighted that opportunities in FERC transmission and West Virginia generation could drive rate base growth above 10%, with earnings growth projected at the upper end of the 6%-8% CAGR, requiring only 30% of incremental capex.
- Credit Metrics Improvement: FirstEnergy's credit metrics and ratings are now aligned with peers, indicating a successful rebuilding of credibility after last year's disappointing earnings, which positions the company for above-average growth.
- Regulatory Risk Mitigation: With the conclusion of last year's HB6 fine, the regulatory overhang in Ohio is expected to be lifted, and the successful legislative session earlier this year has averted potential risks, creating a favorable environment for future growth.
See More
Potomac Edison Launches Electric School Bus Program
- Program Background: Potomac Edison has received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch an $11.1 million pilot program aimed at assisting local school systems in transitioning to cleaner, zero-emission school buses, expected to commence in early 2026.
- Financial Support: The program will cover the cost difference of approximately $250,000 between diesel and electric buses, along with expenses for charging equipment and electrical upgrades, significantly reducing the initial investment burden for schools and facilitating the implementation of sustainable transportation.
- Technological Innovation: The initiative will test vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, allowing electric school buses to feed stored energy back to the grid when not in use, thereby enhancing grid reliability, particularly during emergencies, and improving power stability in the service area.
- Long-term Impact: By providing technical and administrative support, Potomac Edison will assist school systems in identifying charging locations, installing necessary equipment, and training personnel, ensuring the smooth integration of electric buses and advancing Maryland's clean transportation goals.
See More
Potomac Edison Launches Electric School Bus Program
- Program Background: Potomac Edison has received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch an $11.1 million pilot program aimed at assisting local school systems in transitioning to cleaner, zero-emission school buses, expected to start in early 2026 and run for five years or until funds are exhausted.
- Financial Support: The program will cover the cost difference of approximately $250,000 between diesel and electric buses, along with expenses for charging equipment and electrical upgrades, significantly reducing the initial investment burden on school systems and accelerating the adoption of electric buses.
- Environmental Impact: This initiative not only helps Maryland public schools comply with the Climate Solutions Now Act but also promotes healthier transportation options, improves community air quality, and provides students with quieter rides, leading to long-term savings for school districts.
- Technological Innovation: Potomac Edison will also explore how electric buses can support grid reliability through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, presenting a promising opportunity that could benefit customers across the service area and enhance the company's strategic position in the renewable energy sector.
See More
FirstEnergy's $60 Million Bribery Trial Begins
- Bribery Payment Uncovered: FirstEnergy, based in Ohio, made a $4.3 million payment to lawyer and lobbyist Sam Randazzo in 2019, just before he became the state's top utility regulator, revealing potential conflicts of interest and misconduct.
- Investigation Context: This case is central to a $60 million bribery investigation, with prosecutors alleging that then-FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones and Senior VP Michael Dowling orchestrated the hefty payout to secure several lucrative regulatory favors from Randazzo.
- Trial Progress: According to the Associated Press, opening statements in the trial are expected to begin Tuesday in Akron, marking a critical phase in the legal scrutiny of FirstEnergy and its executives, which could impact the company's reputation and future operations.
- Corporate Image Rebuilding: Despite the bribery scandal, FirstEnergy recently received an upgraded rating from Wolfe Securities, indicating some progress in rebuilding its credibility; however, the trial's developments may still exert pressure on its stock price and market confidence.
See More
FirstEnergy Invests $538 Million to Enhance Electric Service for Penelec Customers
- Service Upgrade: FirstEnergy has completed an upgrade in McKean County for over 1,000 Bradford customers, with new underground cables that can carry more power, enhancing system reliability and flexibility.
- Outage Risk Reduction: The installation of redundant power lines allows for quick switching to alternative lines during issues, significantly reducing outage risks and bolstering support for local economic growth.
- Long-term Investment Plan: This upgrade is part of FirstEnergy's $538 million Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan aimed at modernizing the electric grid to enhance reliability and meet future customer needs.
- Future Development Strategy: FirstEnergy plans to invest $28 billion through the Energize365 program from 2025 to 2029 to build a smarter, more secure grid that meets the demands of today's and tomorrow's customers.
See More
FirstEnergy's $538 Million Investment Enhances Electric Service for Penelec Customers
- Service Upgrade: FirstEnergy has completed an upgrade in McKean County for Penelec customers, with new underground cables providing more reliable electric service to over 1,000 customers in Bradford and Bradford Township, expected to significantly reduce outages and speed restoration.
- Long-Term Investment: This upgrade is part of FirstEnergy's Long Term Infrastructure Improvement Plan (LTIIP III), which allocates $538 million for enhancing electric system reliability in Penelec's service area, supporting local economic growth.
- Grid Modernization Goals: FirstEnergy plans to invest $28 billion through its Energize365 program between 2025 and 2029, aiming to create a smarter, more secure grid that meets the needs of today's customers and supports sustainable growth.
- Extensive Customer Base: Penelec serves approximately 597,000 customers across 17,600 square miles in northern and central Pennsylvania and western New York, underscoring its significant role and impact in the regional electric market.
See More
FirstEnergy Upgraded to Outperform with $50 Target Amid Growth Prospects
- Rating Upgrade: Wolfe Research upgraded FirstEnergy from Peer Perform to Outperform with a $50 price target, citing the stock's discount to regulated peers and an anticipated rebound heading into 2026.
- Capex Opportunities: Analyst Steve Fleishman highlighted that opportunities in FERC transmission and West Virginia generation could drive rate base growth above 10%, with earnings growth projected at the upper end of the 6%-8% CAGR, requiring only 30% of incremental capex.
- Credit Metrics Improvement: FirstEnergy's credit metrics and ratings are now aligned with peers, indicating a successful rebuilding of credibility after last year's disappointing earnings, which positions the company for above-average growth.
- Regulatory Risk Mitigation: With the conclusion of last year's HB6 fine, the regulatory overhang in Ohio is expected to be lifted, and the successful legislative session earlier this year has averted potential risks, creating a favorable environment for future growth.
See More
