SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ---------------------------------------------- IN THE MATTER OF CERTIFICATE FIRSTENERGY CORP. PURSUANT TO RULE 24 File No. 70-10138 (Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935) ---------------------------------------------- This Certificate of Notification pursuant to Rule 24 under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended (the "Act"), is filed by FirstEnergy Corp. ("FirstEnergy"), a registered holding company, in connection with FirstEnergy's indirect acquisition of a membership interest in PowerTree Carbon Company, LLC ("PowerTree"), a Delaware limited liability company, as authorized by Order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") dated November 10, 2003, in this proceeding (Holding Co. Act Release No. 27756). FirstEnergy hereby certifies to the Commission pursuant to Rule 24 that FirstEnergy, through its indirect wholly-owned non-utility subsidiary, FirstEnergy Generation Corp., has acquired a membership interest in PowerTree and made its initial capital contribution to PowerTree. A "past tense" opinion of counsel is filed as Exhibit F hereto. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the undersigned company has duly caused this document to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. FirstEnergy Corporation By: /s/ Harvey L. Wagner ---------------- Name: Harvey L. Wagner Title: Vice President and Controller Dated: December 18, 2003