-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, PvWc6JuvkuLyZ/ps3CXPB1rfOoidHQEmi7EDF4/VFnRnoaYah0x+B0tfhdZqGaWN OQr/XqLpGuyz0elJoh6hkQ== 0000107815-07-000077.txt : 20070801 0000107815-07-000077.hdr.sgml : 20070801 20070801094816 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000107815-07-000077 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 6 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20070630 FILED AS OF DATE: 20070801 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070801 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000107815 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC SERVICES [4911] IRS NUMBER: 390476280 STATE OF INCORPORATION: WI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-01245 FILM NUMBER: 071014615 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 231 W MICHIGAN ST STREET 2: PO BOX 2046 CITY: MILWAUKEE STATE: WI ZIP: 53290-0001 BUSINESS PHONE: 414-221-2345 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 231 W MICHIGAN ST STREET 2: PO BOX 2046 CITY: MILWAUKEE STATE: WI ZIP: 53201 10-Q 1 we0630200710q.htm WISCONSIN ELECTRIC 6/30/07 10-Q WE 10-Q 6-30-2007

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2007

 

Commission

Registrant; State of Incorporation

IRS Employer

File Number

Address; and Telephone Number

Identification No.

001-01245

WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY

39-0476280

(A Wisconsin Corporation)

231 West Michigan Street

P.O. Box 2046

Milwaukee, WI 53201

(414) 221-2345

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes [X]    No [  ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer [  ]    Accelerated filer [  ]    Non-accelerated filer [X].

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes [  ]    No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date (June 30, 2007):

Common Stock, $10 Par Value,

33,289,327 shares outstanding.

All of the common stock of Wisconsin Electric Power Company is owned by Wisconsin Energy Corporation.





 

WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY

                                    

FORM 10-Q REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item

Page

Introduction

7

Part I -- Financial Information

1.

Financial Statements

    Consolidated Condensed Income Statements

8

    Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

9

    Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

10

    Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

11

2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of

    Financial Condition and Results of Operations

17

3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

33

4.

Controls and Procedures

33

Part II -- Other Information

1.

Legal Proceedings

33

1A.

Risk Factors

34

4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

35

6.

Exhibits

35

Signatures

36



2


 

DEFINITION OF ABBREVIATIONS AND INDUSTRY TERMS

The abbreviations and terms set forth below are used throughout this report and have the meanings assigned to them below.

Wisconsin Electric Subsidiary and Affiliates

Primary Subsidiary and Affiliates

Bostco

Bostco LLC

Edison Sault

Edison Sault Electric Company

We Power

W.E. Power, LLC

Wisconsin Gas

Wisconsin Gas LLC

Wisconsin Energy

Wisconsin Energy Corporation

Significant Assets

OC 1

Oak Creek expansion Unit 1

OC 2

Oak Creek expansion Unit 2

Point Beach

Point Beach Nuclear Plant

PWGS

Port Washington Generating Station

PWGS 1

Port Washington Generating Station Unit 1

PWGS 2

Port Washington Generating Station Unit 2

Other Affiliates

NMC

Nuclear Management Company, LLC

Federal and State Regulatory Agencies

EPA

United States Environmental Protection Agency

FAA

Federal Aviation Administration

FERC

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

MPSC

Michigan Public Service Commission

NRC

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission

PSCW

Public Service Commission of Wisconsin

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission

WDNR

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Environmental Terms

BTA

Best Technology Available

CAIR

Clean Air Interstate Rule

CO2

Carbon Dioxide

CWA

Clean Water Act

NAAQS

National Ambient Air Quality Standards

NOX

Nitrogen Oxide

PM2.5

Fine Particulate Matter

SIP

State Implementation Plans

SO2

Sulfur Dioxide

WPDES

Wisconsin Pollution Discharge Elimination System



3



DEFINITION OF ABBREVIATIONS AND INDUSTRY TERMS

The abbreviations and terms set forth below are used throughout this report and have the meanings assigned to them below.

Other Terms and Abbreviations

ALJ

Wisconsin Administrative Law Judge

Compensation Committee

Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Wisconsin Energy

CPCN

Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

FPL

FPL Group, Inc.

FTRs

Financial Transmission Rights

LMP

Locational Marginal Price

MISO

Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc.

MISO Midwest Market

MISO bid-based energy market

PTF

Power the Future

RTO

Regional Transmission Organizations

Measurements

MW

Megawatt(s) (One MW equals one million watts)

MWh

Megawatt-hour(s)

Accounting Terms

AFUDC

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

FASB

Financial Accounting Standards Board

FIN

FASB Interpretation

GAAP

Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

OPEB

Other Post-Retirement Employee Benefits

SFAS

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards

Accounting Pronouncements

FIN 46

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

FIN 48

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

SFAS 109

Accounting for Income Taxes

SFAS 123R

Share-Based Payment (Revised 2004)

SFAS 133

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

SFAS 149

Amendment of SFAS 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

SFAS 157

Fair Value Measurements

SFAS 159

The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities



4


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this report and other documents or oral presentations are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning management's expectations and projections regarding completion of construction projects, regulatory matters, fuel costs, sources of electric energy supply, the proposed sale of Point Beach, coal and gas deliveries, remediation costs, environmental and other capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other matters. In some cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "may," "objectives," "plans," "possible," "potential," "projects" or similar terms or variations of these terms.

Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in forward-looking statements. In addition to the assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with these statements, factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements or otherwise affect our future results of operations and financial condition include, among others, the following:

  • Factors affecting utility operations such as unusual weather conditions; catastrophic weather-related or terrorism-related damage; availability of electric generating facilities; unscheduled generation outages, or unplanned maintenance or repairs; unanticipated events causing scheduled generation outages to last longer than expected; unanticipated changes in fossil fuel, nuclear fuel, purchased power, coal supply, gas supply or water supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments; nonperformance by electric energy or natural gas suppliers under existing power purchase or gas supply contracts; nuclear or environmental incidents; resolution of used nuclear fuel storage and disposal issues; electric transmission or gas pipeline system constraints; unanticipated organizational structure or key personnel changes; collective bargaining agreements with union employees or work stoppages; inflation rates; or demographic and economic factors affecting ut ility service territories or operating environment.
  • Regulatory factors such as unanticipated changes in rate-setting policies or procedures; unanticipated changes in regulatory accounting policies and practices; industry restructuring initiatives; transmission or distribution system operation and/or administration initiatives; recovery of costs of previous investments made under traditional regulation; recovery of costs associated with adoption of changed accounting standards; required changes in facilities or operations to reduce the risks or impacts of potential terrorist activities; required approvals for new construction; changes in the NRC's regulations related to Point Beach or a permanent repository for used nuclear fuel; changes in the regulations of the EPA as well as the WDNR, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources or the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, including but not limited to regulations relating to the release of emissions from fossil-fueled power plants such as CO2, SO2, NOX, small par ticulates or mercury, water quality and lead paint; and regulations relating to the intake and discharge of water; the siting approval process for new generation and transmission facilities; recovery of costs associated with implementation of a bid-based energy market; or changes in the regulations from the WDNR related to the siting approval process for new pipeline construction.
  • The changing electric and gas utility environment as market-based forces replace strict industry regulation and other competitors enter the electric and gas markets resulting in increased wholesale and retail competition.


5


  • Unanticipated operational and/or financial consequences related to implementation of the MISO Midwest Market that started in April 2005.
  • Consolidation of the industry as a result of the combination and acquisition of utilities in the Midwest, nationally and globally as a result of the repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 or otherwise.
  • Factors related to the proposed sale of Point Beach including receipt of the necessary approvals by various regulatory agencies, including the NRC, PSCW, MPSC and FERC, for the transaction; and our ability to retain certain assets for the benefit of customers in the decommissioning trusts.
  • Factors which impede execution of Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy, including receipt of necessary state and federal regulatory approvals, timely and successful resolution of legal challenges, local opposition to siting of new generating facilities, construction risks, including the adverse interpretation or enforcement of permit conditions by the permitting agencies, and obtaining the investment capital from outside sources necessary to implement the strategy.
  • Changes in social attitudes regarding the utility and power industries.
  • Customer business conditions including demand for their products or services and supply of labor and material used in creating their products and services.
  • The cost and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims and changes in those matters.
  • Factors affecting the availability or cost of capital such as: changes in interest rates and other general capital market conditions; our capitalization structure; market perceptions of the utility industry, us or any of our subsidiaries; or security ratings.
  • Federal, state or local legislative factors such as changes in tax laws or rates; changes in trade, monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations; electric and gas industry restructuring initiatives; changes in the Price-Anderson Act; changes in environmental laws and regulations; or changes in allocation of energy assistance, including state public benefits funds.
  • Implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the effect of state level proceedings and the development of regulations by federal and other agencies, including FERC.
  • Authoritative GAAP or policy changes from such standard setting bodies as the FASB, the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.
  • Unanticipated technological developments that result in competitive disadvantages and create the potential for impairment of existing assets.
  • Other business or investment considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in our SEC filings or in other publicly disseminated written documents, including the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

Wisconsin Electric Power Company expressly disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



6


 

INTRODUCTION

Wisconsin Electric Power Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy, was incorporated in the state of Wisconsin in 1896. We maintain our principal executive offices in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Unless qualified by their context when used in this document, the terms the Company, our, us or we refer to Wisconsin Electric and its subsidiary.

We conduct our operations primarily in three operating segments: an electric utility segment, a natural gas utility segment and a steam utility segment. We serve approximately 1,104,200 electric customers in Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, approximately 453,800 gas customers in Wisconsin and approximately 460 steam customers in metro Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For further financial information about our business segments, see Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 8 -- Segment Information in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

Wisconsin Energy is also the parent company of Wisconsin Gas, a natural gas distribution utility, which serves customers throughout Wisconsin; Edison Sault, an electric utility which serves customers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; and We Power, an unregulated company that was formed in 2001 to design, construct, own and lease to us the new generating capacity included in Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy, which is described further in this report and in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have combined common functions with Wisconsin Gas and operate under the trade name of "We Energies."

Proposed Sale of Point Beach:   In December 2006, we announced that we had signed a definitive agreement with an affiliate of FPL to sell Point Beach for approximately $998 million, subject to closing price adjustments. See Note 3 -- Proposed Sale of Point Beach in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in this report.

Other:    Bostco is our non-utility subsidiary that develops and invests in real estate. As of June 30, 2007, Bostco had $38.7 million of assets.

We have prepared the unaudited interim financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. We have condensed or omitted some information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP pursuant to these rules and regulations. This Form 10-Q, including the financial statements contained herein, should be read in conjunction with our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the financial statements and notes therein.



7


 

PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30

Six Months Ended June 30

2007

2006

2007

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

Operating Revenues

$            758.2

$            685.8

$         1,673.7

$         1,558.5

Operating Expenses

   Fuel and purchased power

231.1

183.7

459.7

352.1

   Cost of gas sold

67.0

55.9

266.9

259.9

   Other operation and maintenance

282.9

265.8

557.3

532.3

   Depreciation, decommissioning

      and amortization

66.8

65.0

136.7

133.9

   Property and revenue taxes

22.4

21.1

45.5

43.4

Total Operating Expenses

670.2

591.5

1,466.1

1,321.6

Operating Income

88.0

94.3

207.6

236.9

Equity in Earnings of Transmission Affiliate

9.3

8.2

18.7

16.7

Other Income, net

17.5

11.5

27.6

23.3

Interest Expense

23.2

21.6

46.9

43.8

Income Before Income Taxes

91.6

92.4

207.0

233.1

Income Taxes

35.7

35.3

80.9

88.6

Net Income

55.9

57.1

126.1

144.5

Preferred Stock Dividend Requirement

0.3

0.3

0.6

0.6

Earnings Available for Common Stockholder

$              55.6

$              56.8

$            125.5

$            143.9

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

   



8


 

WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2007

December 31, 2006

(Millions of Dollars)

Assets

Property, Plant and Equipment

   In service

$           7,698.0 

$          7,570.4 

   Accumulated depreciation

(2,960.6)

(2,914.0)

4,737.4 

4,656.4 

 

   Construction work in progress

97.3 

99.7 

   Leased facilities, net

395.6 

404.0 

 

   Nuclear fuel, net

119.5 

130.9 

      Net Property, Plant and Equipment

5,349.8 

5,291.0 

Investments

   Nuclear decommissioning trust fund

929.1 

881.6 

   Equity investment in transmission affiliate

206.0 

201.2 

   Other

0.4 

0.4 

      Total Investments

1,135.5 

1,083.2 

Current Assets

   Cash and cash equivalents

10.1 

18.2 

   Accounts receivable

263.6 

297.2 

   Accrued revenues

149.1 

189.3 

   Materials, supplies and inventories

274.3 

313.0 

   Prepayments and other

108.4 

110.7 

      Total Current Assets

805.5 

928.4 

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

   Regulatory assets

911.2 

859.5 

   Other

114.4 

95.7 

      Total Deferred Charges and Other Assets

1,025.6 

955.2 

Total Assets

$           8,316.4 

$          8,257.8 

Capitalization and Liabilities

Capitalization

   Common equity

$           2,577.7 

$          2,528.6 

   Preferred stock

30.4 

30.4 

   Long-term debt

1,337.6 

1,337.1 

   Capital lease obligations

537.2 

534.5 

      Total Capitalization

4,482.9 

4,430.6 

Current Liabilities

   Long-term debt and capital lease obligations due currently

286.3 

280.5 

   Short-term debt

274.4 

304.2 

   Accounts payable

268.3 

287.2 

   Accrued liabilities

197.0 

201.9 

   Other

63.3 

86.8 

      Total Current Liabilities

1,089.3 

1,160.6 

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

   Regulatory liabilities

1,195.4 

1,142.3 

   Deferred income taxes - long-term

482.4 

510.1 

   Asset retirement obligations

380.2 

371.1 

   Other

686.2 

643.1 

      Total Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities

2,744.2 

2,666.6 

Total Capitalization and Liabilities

$           8,316.4 

$          8,257.8 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of

   these financial statements.



9


 

WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30

2007

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

Operating Activities

   Net income

$              126.1 

$              144.5 

   Reconciliation to cash

      Depreciation, decommissioning and amortization

141.5 

138.7 

      Nuclear fuel expense amortization

14.6 

14.7 

      Equity in earnings of transmission affiliate

(18.7)

(16.7)

      Distribution from transmission affiliate

13.9 

13.1 

      Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net

(28.6)

(18.4)

      Change in - Accounts receivable and accrued revenues

73.8 

98.7 

                          Inventories

38.7 

43.7 

                          Other current assets

2.3 

(16.0)

                          Accounts payable

(18.6)

(76.6)

                          Accrued income taxes, net

(17.8)

45.2 

                          Deferred costs, net

(38.9)

(21.5)

                          Other current liabilities

(11.1)

17.9 

      Other

21.4 

41.9 

Cash Provided by Operating Activities

298.6 

409.2 

Investing Activities

   Capital expenditures

(194.7)

(187.3)

   Investment in transmission affiliate

-   

(8.7)

   Nuclear fuel

(3.1)

(16.0)

   Nuclear decommissioning funding

(8.8)

(8.8)

   Proceeds from investments within nuclear decommissioning trust

213.4 

301.7 

   Purchases of investments within nuclear decommissioning trust

(213.4)

(301.7)

   Other

5.5 

(3.5)

Cash Used in Investing Activities

(201.1)

(224.3)

Financing Activities

   Dividends paid on common stock

(89.8)

(89.8)

   Dividends paid on preferred stock

(0.6)

(0.6)

   Issuance of long-term debt

23.4 

-   

   Retirement of long-term debt

(14.1)

(15.2)

   Change in short-term debt

(29.8)

(194.0)

   Capital contribution from parent

-   

100.0 

   Other

5.3 

0.6 

Cash Used in Financing Activities

(105.6)

(199.0)

Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

(8.1)

(14.1)

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

18.2 

23.2 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

$                10.1 

$                  9.1 

Supplemental Information - Cash Paid For

   Interest (net of amount capitalized)

$                47.4 

$                43.2 

   Income taxes (net of refunds)

$              112.5 

$                67.9 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of

   these financial statements.



10


 

WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 

 1 -- GENERAL INFORMATION

Our accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, we have included all adjustments, normal and recurring in nature, necessary to a fair presentation of the results of operations, cash flows and financial position in the accompanying income statements, statements of cash flows and balance sheets. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the entire fiscal year 2007 because of seasonal and other factors.

Modifications to Prior Statements:   We have modified certain income statement, balance sheet and cash flows presentations. Prior year financial statement amounts have been reclassified to conform to their current year presentation. These reporting changes had no impact on net income, total assets, or cash provided, or used in operating, investing or financing activities.

 

 2 -- NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Uncertainty in Income Taxes:   In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, an interpretation of SFAS 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the enterprise's financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109. As of January 1, 2007, the adoption date for FIN 48, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits was approximately $13.3 million, which included estimated accrued interest and penalties of $0.8 million. We recognize accrued interest and penalties in the provision for income taxes. The impact of adopting FIN 48 was not material. As of the date of adoption, the net amount of the unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would impact the effective tax rate for continuing operations was approximately $8.4 million. We do not anticipate any significant increases or decreases in the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months. Our primary tax jurisdictions include federal and the State of Wisconsin. Currently, the tax years of 2004 through 2006 are subject to federal examination and the tax years of 2002 through 2006 are subject to examination by the State of Wisconsin.

Fair Value Measurements:   In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157. SFAS 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities and also defines fair value, provides a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures related to fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the provisions of SFAS 157, and we expect to adopt it on January 1, 2008.

Fair Value Option:   In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159. SFAS 159 permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value and also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements. SFAS 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entity's first fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2007. We are currently evaluating the provisions of SFAS 159, and we expect to adopt it on January 1, 2008.



11


 

 3 -- PROPOSED SALE OF POINT BEACH

In December 2006, we announced that we had signed a definitive agreement with an affiliate of FPL to sell Point Beach for approximately $998 million, subject to closing price adjustments. We also entered into a long-term power purchase agreement to purchase all of the existing capacity and energy of the plant. This long-term power purchase agreement will become effective upon the closing of the sale. The sale of the plant and the long-term power purchase agreement are subject to review and approval by various regulatory agencies, including the NRC, PSCW, MPSC and FERC. As of June 30, 2007, we have received approval from FERC. We anticipate closing the sale during the third quarter of 2007.

Under the terms of the asset sale agreement, the buyer is to assume the obligation to decommission the plant, and we will transfer certain decommissioning funds to the buyer. The total amount of funds that are to be transferred to the buyer are subject to approval by the PSCW.

We expect that the gain from the proposed sale and any decommissioning funds retained by the Company, less transaction related costs, will be credited to our customers as determined by the various regulatory authorities in rate proceedings.

 

 4 -- COMMON EQUITY

Share-Based Compensation Expense:   For a description of share-based compensation, including Wisconsin Energy stock options, restricted stock and performance units, see Note N -- Common Equity in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Effective January 1, 2006, Wisconsin Energy adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective method. We utilize the straight-line attribution method for recognizing share-based compensation expense under SFAS 123R. Accordingly, for employee awards, equity classified share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite service period. There were no modifications to outstanding Wisconsin Energy stock options held by our employees during the period.

The following table summarizes recorded pre-tax share-based compensation expense and the related tax benefit for Wisconsin Energy share-based awards made to our employees and directors.

Three Months Ended
June 30

Six Months Ended
June 30

2007

2006

2007

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

  Stock options

$2.2  

$1.7  

$6.2  

$3.4  

  Performance units

1.2  

1.0  

1.1  

2.3  

  Restricted stock

0.1  

0.1  

0.2  

0.2  

   Share-based compensation expense

$3.5  

$2.8  

$7.5  

$5.9  

Related Tax Benefit

$1.4  

$1.1  

$3.0  

$2.4  



12


Stock Option Activity:   During the first six months of 2007, the Compensation Committee granted 1,252,690 Wisconsin Energy options to our employees that had an estimated fair value of $8.72 per share. During the first six months of 2006, the Compensation Committee granted 1,163,219 Wisconsin Energy options to our employees that had an estimated fair value of $7.55 per share. The following assumptions were used to value the Wisconsin Energy options using a binomial option pricing model:

2007

2006

Risk free interest rate

4.7% - 5.1%

4.3% - 4.4%

Dividend yield

2.2%

2.4%

Expected volatility

13.0% - 20.0%

17.0% - 20.0%

Expected forfeiture rate

2.0%

2.0%

Expected life (years)

6.0

6.3

The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury interest rate whose term is consistent with the expected life of the stock options. Dividend yield, expected volatility, expected forfeiture rate and expected life assumptions are based on Wisconsin Energy's historical experience.

The following is a summary of our employees' Wisconsin Energy stock option activity through the three and six months ended June 30, 2007.

Stock Options

Number of
Options

Weighted-Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
(Millions)

Outstanding as of April 1, 2007

6,831,456  

$34.83    

   Granted

-      

    -        

   Exercised

(184,989) 

$24.88    

   Forfeited

-      

    -        

Outstanding at June 30, 2007

6,646,467  

$35.10    

Outstanding as of January 1, 2007

6,327,794  

$31.43    

   Granted

1,252,690  

$47.76    

   Exercised

(923,053) 

$27.06    

   Forfeited

(10,964) 

$35.66    

Outstanding as of June 30, 2007

6,646,467  

$35.10    

7.1

$60.7

Exercisable as of June 30, 2007

3,477,844  

$29.98    

5.9

$49.5

The intrinsic value of Wisconsin Energy options exercised by our employees was $4.3 million and $19.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, and $0.8 million and $2.7 million for the same periods in 2006, respectively. Cash received by Wisconsin Energy from exercises of their options by our employees was $24.2 million and $4.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The related tax benefit for the same periods was approximately $7.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively.



13


The following table summarizes information about our employees' non-vested Wisconsin Energy options for the six months ended June 30, 2007. There was no activity related to non-vested stock options during the second quarter.

Non-Vested Stock Options

Number
of
Options

Weighted-
Average
Fair
Value

Non-vested as of January 1, 2007

2,286,578  

$7.93  

   Granted

1,252,690  

$8.72  

   Vested

(363,481) 

$8.25  

   Forfeited

(7,164) 

$8.18  

Non-vested as of June 30, 2007

3,168,623  

$8.21  

As of June 30, 2007, our total compensation costs related to non-vested Wisconsin Energy stock options not yet recognized was approximately $12.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over the next 22 months on a weighted-average basis.

The following table summarizes information about Wisconsin Energy stock options held by our employees that are outstanding as of June 30, 2007:

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

Weighted-Average

Weighted-Average

Range of Exercise Prices

Number

Exercise
Price

Remaining
Contractual
Life
(years)




Number

Exercise
Price

Remaining
Contractual
Life
(years)

$12.79  to  $23.05

589,828   

$21.76   

4.1

589,828   

$21.76   

4.1

$25.31  to  $31.07

1,243,147   

$27.20   

5.3

1,243,147   

$27.20   

5.3

$33.44  to  $47.76

4,813,492   

$38.78   

8.0

1,644,869   

$35.04   

6.9

6,646,467   

$35.10   

7.1

3,477,844   

$29.98   

5.9

Restricted Shares:   The Compensation Committee has also approved Wisconsin Energy restricted stock grants to certain key employees and directors. The following restricted stock activity related to our employees occurred during the three and six months ended June 30 2007:




Restricted Shares


Number
of
Shares

Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

Outstanding as of April 1, 2007

103,815  

   Granted

-      

   Released / Forfeited

(3,951) 

$25.31

Outstanding as of June 30, 2007

99,864  

Outstanding as of January 1, 2007

131,945  

   Granted

-      

   Released / Forfeited

(32,081) 

$24.32

Outstanding as of June 30, 2007

99,864  



14


Wisconsin Energy records the market value of the restricted stock awards on the date of grant. We then amortize our share of allocated expense over the vesting period of the awards. The intrinsic value of Wisconsin Energy restricted stock held by our employees and vesting was $0.2 million and $1.5 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, and $0.2 million for the same periods in 2006. The related tax benefit was $0.1 million and $0.6 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, and $0.1 million for the same periods in 2006.

As of June 30, 2007, total compensation cost related to our share of Wisconsin Energy restricted stock not yet recognized was approximately $1.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over the next 65 months on a weighted-average basis.

Performance Units:   In January 2007 and 2006, the Compensation Committee granted 124,655 and 135,392 Wisconsin Energy performance units, respectively, to our officers and other key employees under the Wisconsin Energy Performance Unit Plan. Under the grants, the ultimate number of units that will be awarded is dependent upon the achievement of certain financial performance of Wisconsin Energy's stock over a three year period. We are accruing our share of compensation costs over the three year period based on our estimate of the final expected value of the award. Wisconsin Energy performance units held by our employees and vesting were approximately $0.6 million, with a related tax benefit of $0.3 million, during the six months ended June 30, 2007. Wisconsin Energy performance shares earned as of December 31, 2006, vested and were distributed during the first quarter of 2007 and had a total intrinsic value of $6.5 million. The tax b enefit realized due to the distribution of performance shares was approximately $1.9 million. As of June 30, 2007, total compensation cost related to performance units not yet recognized was approximately $7.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over the next 24 months on a weighted-average basis.

Restrictions:   Various financing arrangements and regulatory requirements impose certain restrictions on our ability to transfer funds to Wisconsin Energy in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. In addition, under Wisconsin law, we are prohibited from loaning funds, either directly or indirectly, to Wisconsin Energy. See Note N -- Common Equity in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on these restrictions.

We do not believe that these restrictions will materially affect our operations or limit any normal dividend payments in the foreseeable future.

Comprehensive Income:   Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and distributions to owners. During the six months ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006, total comprehensive income was equal to net income.

 

 5 -- DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

We follow SFAS 133, as amended by SFAS 149, effective July 1, 2003, which requires that every derivative instrument be recorded on the balance sheet as an asset or liability measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. For most energy related physical and financial contracts in our regulated operations that qualify as derivatives under SFAS 133, the PSCW allows the effects of the fair market value accounting to be offset to regulatory assets and liabilities. As of June 30, 2007, we recognized $10.5 million in regulatory assets and $2.1 million in regulatory liabilities related to derivatives.



15


 6 -- BENEFITS

The components of our net periodic pension and OPEB costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 were as follows:

Pension Benefits

OPEB

2007

2006

2007

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

Three Months Ended June 30

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

    Service cost

$6.5   

$7.1   

$2.6   

$2.6   

    Interest cost

15.5   

14.9   

3.7   

3.4   

    Expected return on plan assets

(15.2)  

(15.2)  

(2.3)  

(2.2)  

Amortization of:

    Transition obligation

-   

-     

0.1   

0.2   

    Prior service cost (credit)

1.5   

1.4   

(3.4)  

(3.4)  

    Actuarial loss

3.6   

4.9   

1.5   

1.6   

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

$11.9  

$13.1   

$2.2   

$2.2   

Six Months Ended June 30

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

    Service cost

$13.7   

$15.3   

$5.5   

$5.9   

    Interest cost

30.7   

29.8   

7.5   

7.1   

    Expected return on plan assets

(30.8)  

(30.0)  

(4.6)  

(4.4)  

Amortization of:

    Transition obligation

-   

-     

0.2   

0.2   

    Prior service cost (credit)

2.8   

2.7   

(6.7)  

(6.7)  

    Actuarial loss

7.6   

10.2   

2.9   

3.5   

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

$24.0   

$28.0   

$4.8   

$5.6   

 

 7 -- GUARANTEES

We enter into various guarantees to provide financial and performance assurance to third parties. As of June 30, 2007, we had the following guarantees:

Maximum Potential
Future Payments

Outstanding as of
June 30, 2007

Liability Recorded
as of June 30, 2007

(Millions of Dollars)

$234.1      

$0.2      

$  -      

We guarantee the potential retrospective premiums that could be assessed under our nuclear insurance program (see Note F -- Nuclear Operations in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Postemployment benefits:   Postemployment benefits provided to former or inactive employees are recognized when an event occurs. The estimated liability, excluding severance benefits, for such benefits was $8.6 million as of June 30, 2007 and $9.0 million as of December 31, 2006.



16


 8 -- SEGMENT INFORMATION

Summarized financial information concerning our reportable operating segments for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 is shown in the following table.

Reportable Operating Segments

Electric

Gas

Steam

Total

(Millions of Dollars)

Three Months Ended

June 30, 2007

  Operating Revenues (a)

$654.4

$96.7

$7.1

$758.2

  Operating Income

$84.5

$3.1

$0.4

$88.0

June 30, 2006

  Operating Revenues (a)

$594.7

$85.5

$5.6

$685.8

  Operating Income (Loss)

$93.5

$1.3

($0.5

)

$94.3

Six Months Ended

June 30, 2007

  Operating Revenues (a)

$1,289.1

$364.8

$19.8

$1,673.7

  Operating Income

$159.8

$42.8

$5.0

$207.6

June 30, 2006

  Operating Revenues (a)

$1,196.9

$347.1

$14.5

$1,558.5

  Operating Income

$206.3

$29.2

$1.4

$236.9

(a)

We account for all intersegment revenues at tariff rates established by the PSCW. Intersegment revenues are not material.

 

 9 -- COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Environmental Matters:   We periodically review our exposure for remediation costs as evidence becomes available indicating that our remediation liability has changed. Based on current information, we believe that future costs in excess of the amounts accrued and/or disclosed on all presently known and quantifiable environmental contingencies will not be material to our financial position or results of operations.

 

 

ITEM 2.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                 AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

EARNINGS

We had net income of $55.9 million for the second quarter of 2007, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 2.1%, from the second quarter of 2006. The decrease primarily reflects the timing of fuel and purchased power costs and recoveries of these costs during the second quarter of 2007 compared with the second quarter

17


of 2006. A scheduled nuclear outage at Point Beach during the second quarter of 2007 reduced our electric generation, increasing our average cost of generation and forcing us to replace that lost generation with more expensive natural gas-fired generation and purchased power. This reduction to net income was partially offset by the settlement of a billing dispute and a gain on the sale of land in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A more detailed analysis of our financial results follows.

 

Electric Utility Revenues and Sales

The following table compares our electric utility operating revenues and MWh sales by customer class during the second quarter of 2007 with the second quarter of 2006 including favorable (better (B)) or unfavorable (worse (W)) variances.

Three Months Ended June 30

Electric Revenues

MWh Sales

2007

B(W)

2006

2007

B(W)

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

(Thousands)

Customer Class

  Residential

$211.0

$20.8

$190.2

1,920.7

112.2

1,808.5

  Small Commercial/Industrial

208.2

18.3

189.9

2,233.8

74.9

2,158.9

  Large Commercial/Industrial

178.9

19.2

159.7

2,802.2

26.2

2,776.0

  Other-Retail

4.5

0.3

4.2

38.3

1.1

37.2

    Total Retail Sales

602.6

58.6

544.0

6,995.0

214.4

6,780.6

  Other-Municipal

21.7

6.1

15.6

457.4

7.1

450.3

  Resale-Utilities

18.4

(6.9

)

25.3

302.1

(288.1

)

590.2

  Other Operating Revenues

11.7

1.9

9.8

-    

-    

-    

Total

$654.4

$59.7

$594.7

7,754.5

(66.6

)

7,821.1

Weather -- Degree Days (a)

  Cooling (183 Normal)

181

38

143

(a)

As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a twenty-year moving average.

Our electric utility operating revenues increased by $59.7 million, or approximately 10.0%, when compared to the second quarter of 2006. We estimate that $8.6 million of the increase was due to more favorable weather. Approximately $9.0 million of the increase relates to a settlement of a billing dispute with our largest customers, two iron ore mines. For further information on the mines arbitration, see Item 1 -- Legal Proceedings -- Other Matters -- Arbitration Proceedings in Part II of this report. In addition, our revenues were approximately $30.1 million higher in the second quarter of 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006 due to revenues attributable to fuel and purchased power. Our policy for electric fuel revenues is to not recognize revenue for any currently billable amounts if it is probable that we will refund those amounts to customers. In 2006, we experienced lower than expected fuel and purchased power costs, and we established $30.1 million of reser ves to reflect amounts that we expected to refund to customers. No such reserves have been established in 2007, as we are experiencing higher fuel and purchased power costs. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $6.9 million in opportunity sales as compared to the second quarter of 2006 due to lower plant availability.

Our total electric sales volumes decreased by approximately 0.9% in the second quarter of 2007; however, our retail sales volume increased by 3.2% as compared to the same period last year. The

18


increase in retail sales was led by an increase in residential and commercial sales, which was driven by warmer weather in 2007 as compared to 2006. The increase in retail sales was offset by a 48.8% decline in wholesale sales (Resale - Utilities) due to lower plant availability as a result of planned outages.

 

Fuel and Purchased Power

Our fuel and purchased power costs increased by $47.4 million, or 25.8%, when compared to the second quarter of 2006. As noted above, our total electric sales volume decreased by approximately 0.9% in the quarter; however, our average fuel and purchased power cost per MWh increased by $6.31 or approximately 26.9%. In the second quarter of 2007, we had a 28.0% reduction in MWh output at our nuclear units due primarily to a scheduled refueling outage at Point Beach. In 2006, the scheduled refueling outage at Point Beach occurred in the fourth quarter. As a result of the reduced nuclear output, approximately 20.4% of our MWh sales in the second quarter of 2007 were supplied by higher cost natural gas-fired generation and purchased power as compared to 14.3% in the second quarter of 2006.

For further information, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources - Utility Rates and Regulatory Matters below.

 

Gas Utility Revenues, Gross Margin and Therm Deliveries

A comparison follows of gas utility operating revenues, gross margin and gas deliveries during the second quarter of 2007 with the second quarter of 2006. We believe gross margin is a better performance indicator than revenues because changes in the cost of gas sold flow through to revenue under gas cost recovery mechanisms. Between the comparative periods, total gas operating revenues increased by $11.2 million, or 13.1%, primarily because of higher natural gas prices.

Three Months Ended June 30

2007

B (W)

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

Gas Operating Revenues

$96.7

$11.2

$85.5

Cost of Gas Sold

67.0

(11.1

)

55.9

Gross Margin

$29.7

$0.1

$29.6



19


The following table compares gas utility gross margin and natural gas therm deliveries by customer class during the second quarter of 2007 with the second quarter of 2006.

Three Months Ended June 30

Gross Margin

Therm Deliveries

2007

B (W)

2006

2007

B (W)

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

(Millions)

Customer Class

  Residential

$19.5

$0.1

$19.4

45.8

0.6

45.2

  Commercial/Industrial

6.0

-   

6.0

28.1

0.7

27.4

  Interruptible

0.1

-   

0.1

1.4

0.3

1.1

    Total Retail Gas Sales

25.6

0.1

25.5

75.3

1.6

73.7

  Transported Gas

3.4

-   

3.4

69.1

3.1

66.0

  Other

0.7

-   

0.7

-   

-   

-   

Total

$29.7

$0.1

$29.6

144.4

4.7

139.7

Weather -- Degree Days (a)

  Heating (945 Normal)

880

109

771

(a)

As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a twenty-year moving average.

Our gas margins increased by $0.1 million, or approximately 0.3%, when compared to the second quarter of 2006. We estimate that a majority of this increase was related to increased sales primarily resulting from unseasonably cold weather in April 2007.

 

Other Operation and Maintenance Expenses

Our other operation and maintenance expenses increased by approximately $17.1 million, or 6.4%, when compared to the second quarter of 2006. This increase is primarily attributed to an increase in nuclear operation and maintenance expenses related to the timing of scheduled outages at Point Beach. In the second quarter of 2006, we did not have a scheduled nuclear refueling outage as was experienced in the second quarter of 2007.

 

Other Income, net

Other income, net increased by approximately $6.0 million, or 52.2%, when compared to the second quarter of 2006. The largest increase relates to a gain on sale of property. In May 2007, we sold land in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a pre-tax gain of approximately $7.0 million compared with no significant gains during the same period in 2006. This increase was offset, in part, by a decrease in AFUDC of $2.5 million related to the new scrubber we put in service at our Pleasant Prairie Power Plant during the fourth quarter of 2006. This scrubber was installed as part of our EPA consent decree spending. For further information on the consent decree with the EPA, see Note Q -- Commitments and Contingencies in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Income Taxes

For the second quarter of 2007, our effective tax rate was 39.0% compared with a 38.2% rate during the second quarter of 2006.



20


 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -- SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2007

EARNINGS

We had net income of $126.1 million for the first six months of 2007, a decrease of $18.4 million, or 12.7%, from the first six months of 2006. The decrease primarily reflects the timing of fuel and purchased power costs and recoveries of these costs during the first six months of 2007 compared with the first six months of 2006. Nuclear and coal outages during the first six months of 2007 reduced our electric generation, increasing our average cost of generation and forcing us to replace that lost generation with more expensive natural gas-fired generation and purchased power. This reduction to net income was partially offset by more favorable weather during the first six months of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006, which increased total retail sales. In addition, during the first six months of 2007, we recorded the settlement of a billing dispute and a gain on the sale of land in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. A more detailed analysis of our financi al results follows.

 

Electric Utility Revenues and Sales

The following table compares our electric utility operating revenues and MWh sales by customer class during the first six months of 2007 with the first six months of 2006 including favorable (better (B)) or unfavorable (worse (W)) variances.

Six Months Ended June 30

Electric Revenues

MWh Sales

2007

B(W)

2006

2007

B(W)

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

(Thousands)

Customer Class

  Residential

$439.0

$37.4

$401.6

4,015.0

199.2

3,815.8

  Small Commercial/Industrial

411.1

32.4

378.7

4,475.5

157.8

4,317.7

  Large Commercial/Industrial

335.4

24.9

310.5

5,425.8

(45.1

)

5,470.9

  Other-Retail

9.5

0.3

9.2

80.3

(0.5

)

80.8

    Total Retail Sales

1,195.0

95.0

1,100.0

13,996.6

311.4

13,685.2

  Other-Municipal

41.3

9.5

31.8

919.6

(3.5

)

923.1

  Resale-Utilities

32.5

(14.5

)

47.0

567.2

(429.3

)

996.5

  Other Operating Revenues

20.3

2.2

18.1

-    

-    

-    

Total

$1,289.1

$92.2

$1,196.9

15,483.4

(121.4

)

15,604.8

Weather -- Degree Days (a)

  Heating (4,177 Normal)

4,151

445

3,706

  Cooling (183 Normal)

188

45

143

(a)

As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a twenty-year moving average.

 

Our electric utility operating revenues increased by $92.2 million, or approximately 7.7%, when compared to the first six months of 2006. We estimate that $14.9 million of the increase relates to pricing increases that were received in late January 2006 that were in effect for the entire six month period ended June 30, 2007. In addition, we estimate that $22.4 million of the increase was due to more

21


favorable weather. Approximately $9.0 million of the increase relates to a settlement of a billing dispute with our largest customers, two iron ore mines. For further information on the mines arbitration, see Item 1 -- Legal Proceedings -- Other Matters -- Arbitration Proceedings in Part II of this report. In addition, our revenues were approximately $34.1 million higher in the first six months of 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006 due to revenues attributable to fuel and purchased power. Our policy for electric fuel revenues is to not recognize revenue for any currently billable amounts if it is probable that we will refund those amounts to customers. In 2006, we experienced lower than expected fuel and purchased power costs and we established $34.1 million of reserves to reflect amounts that we expected to refund to customers. No such reserves have been established in 2007 as we are experiencing higher fuel and purchased power costs. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $14.5 million in opportunity sales as compared to the first six months of 2006 due to lower plant availability.

Our total electric sales volume decreased by approximately 0.8%; however, our retail sales volume increased by 2.3% as compared to the same period last year. The increase in retail sales was led by an increase in residential and commercial sales which was driven by favorable winter weather in 2007 as compared to 2006. The increase in retail sales was offset by a 43.1% decline in wholesale sales (Resale-Utilities) due to lower plant availability.

 

Fuel and Purchased Power

Our fuel and purchased power costs increased by $107.6 million, or 30.6%, when compared to the first six months of 2006. As noted above, our total electric sales volume decreased by approximately 0.8% in the first six months of 2007; however, our average fuel and purchased power cost per MWh increased by $7.13 or approximately 31.6%. In the first six months of 2007, we had a 14.0% reduction in MWh output at our nuclear units due primarily to a planned refueling outage at Point Beach. Additionally, generation from our coal units was 13.0% lower in the first six months of 2007 due primarily to coal unit outages in the first quarter of 2007 as compared to 2006. In 2006, the scheduled refueling outage at Point Beach occurred in the fourth quarter. As a result of the reduced coal and nuclear output, approximately 23.9% of our MWh sales in the first six months of 2007 were supplied by higher cost natural gas-fired generation and purchased power as compared to 13.4% in the first six months of 2006.

For further information, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources - Utility Rates and Regulatory Matters below.

 



22


Gas Utility Revenues, Gross Margin and Therm Deliveries

A comparison follows of gas utility operating revenues, gross margin and gas deliveries during the first six months of 2007 with the first six months of 2006. We believe gross margin is a better performance indicator than revenues because changes in the cost of gas sold flow through to revenue under gas cost recovery mechanisms. Between the comparative periods, total gas operating revenues increased by $17.7 million, or 5.1%, primarily because of higher natural gas prices and the new rates that went into effect at the end of January 2006.

Six Months Ended June 30

2007

B (W)

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

Gas Operating Revenues

$364.8

$17.7

$347.1

Cost of Gas Sold

266.9

(7.0

)

259.9

Gross Margin

$97.9

$10.7

$87.2

The following table compares gas utility gross margin and natural gas therm deliveries by customer class during the first six months of 2007 with the first six months of 2006.

Six Months Ended June 30

Gross Margin

Therm Deliveries

2007

B (W)

2006

2007

B (W)

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

(Millions)

Customer Class

  Residential

$65.0

$7.3

$57.7

211.2

26.8

184.4

  Commercial/Industrial

23.1

3.3

19.8

124.0

11.4

112.6

  Interruptible

0.4

0.1

0.3

4.2

0.9

3.3

    Total Retail Gas Sales

88.5

10.7

77.8

339.4

39.1

300.3

  Transported Gas

8.0

0.1

7.9

169.1

18.2

150.9

  Other

1.4

(0.1

)

1.5

-   

-   

-   

Total

$97.9

$10.7

$87.2

508.5

57.3

451.2

Weather -- Degree Days (a)

  Heating (4,177 Normal)

4,151

445

3,706

(a)

As measured at Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Normal degree days are based upon a twenty-year moving average.

Our gas margins increased by $10.7 million, or 12.3%, when compared to the first six months of 2006. We estimate that approximately $7.0 million of this increase related to increased sales as a result of more normal winter weather. The first six months of 2007 were approximately 12.0% colder than the same period in 2006. As a result, our retail therm deliveries increased approximately 13.0% as compared to the first six months of 2006. In addition, we estimate that our gas margins improved by approximately $2.3 million due to a rate order that went into effect in the latter part of January 2006 and was effective for the entire six month period ended June 30, 2007.

 

Other Operation and Maintenance Expenses

Our other operation and maintenance expenses increased by $25.0 million, or approximately 4.7%, when compared to the first six months of 2006. In January 2006, we received a rate order to cover increased expenses related to transmission costs, bad debt costs and PTF costs. We estimate that for the first six

23


months of 2007, other operation and maintenance expenses (and revenues) were approximately $11.4 million higher than the same period last year as a result of the January 2006 rate order. In the first six months of 2007, we had a scheduled nuclear refueling outage. We did not have a similar outage in the first six months of 2006. This resulted in an increase of approximately $19.1 million in nuclear operation and maintenance expenses between the comparative periods. This increase is offset, in part, due to a $8.3 million reduction in benefit related costs and other factors.

 

Other Income, net

Other income, net increased by approximately $4.3 million, or 18.5%, when compared to the six months ended June 30, 2006. The largest increase relates to a gain on the sale of property. In May 2007, we sold land in Northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for a pre-tax gain of approximately $7.0 million. This increase is offset by a decrease in AFUDC of $4.8 million related to the new scrubber we put in service at our Pleasant Prairie Power Plant during the fourth quarter of 2006. This scrubber was installed as part of our EPA consent decree spending. For further information on the consent decree with the EPA, see Note Q -- Commitments and Contingencies in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Income Taxes

For the first six months of 2007, our effective tax rate was 39.1% compared with a 38.0% rate during the first six months of 2006.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

CASH FLOWS

The following summarizes our cash flows during the first six months of 2007 and 2006:

Six Months Ended June 30

Wisconsin Electric Power Company

2007

2006

(Millions of Dollars)

Cash Provided by (Used in)

   Operating Activities

$298.6

$409.2

   Investing Activities

($201.1

)

($224.3

)

   Financing Activities

($105.6

)

($199.0

)

Operating Activities

Cash provided by operating activities decreased by $110.6 million as compared to the first six months of 2006. This decline is due primarily to higher tax payments and changes in working capital requirements. Tax payments increased due to the prepaid balance of income taxes as of December 31, 2005, which reduced tax payments in 2006. In the six months ended June 30, 2007, we had unfavorable recoveries of fuel and purchased power costs of $37.1 million. In the same period in 2006, we had favorable recoveries of fuel and purchased power costs of $54.0 million, including deferred fuel costs. In addition, we experienced lower cash proceeds from the use of gas in storage as we have reduced the working capital balances as of December 2006 as compared to December 2005.



24


Investing Activities

During the first six months of 2007, cash used in investing activities was $201.1 million, a decrease of $23.2 million over the same period in 2006. This decrease was due primarily to decreased purchases of nuclear fuel and decreased new investments in our transmission affiliate.

Financing Activities

During the first six months of 2007, we used $105.6 million for financing activities compared with $199.0 million used for financing activities during the same period in 2006. The primary uses of cash for financing activities during the first six months of 2007 and 2006 were to reduce short-term debt and to pay dividends on common stock. During the first six months of 2006, the decrease in short-term debt was approximately $164.2 million more than the comparable period in 2007. This was partially offset by a $100 million capital contribution from Wisconsin Energy in April 2006; a capital contribution has not been received in 2007.

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND REQUIREMENTS

Capital Resources

We anticipate meeting our capital requirements during the remaining six months of 2007 primarily through internally generated funds and short-term borrowings, supplemented by the issuance of intermediate or long-term debt securities depending on market conditions and other factors. Beyond 2007, we anticipate meeting our capital requirements through internally generated funds supplemented, when required, by short-term borrowings, the issuance of debt securities and equity contributions from Wisconsin Energy.

We have access to the capital markets and have been able to generate funds internally and externally to meet our capital requirements. Our ability to attract the necessary financial capital at reasonable terms is critical to our overall strategic plan. We believe that we have adequate capacity to fund our operations for the foreseeable future through our existing borrowing arrangement, our access to capital markets and internally generated cash.

We have a credit agreement that provides liquidity support for our obligations with respect to commercial paper and for general corporate purposes.

As of June 30, 2007, we had approximately $495.9 million of available unused lines under our bank back-up credit facility and approximately $274.4 million of total consolidated short-term debt outstanding.

We review our bank back-up credit facility needs on an ongoing basis and expect to be able to maintain adequate credit facilities to support our operations. The following table summarizes our facility at June 30, 2007:

Total Facility

Letters
of Credit

Credit Available

Facility
Expiration

Facility
Term

(Millions of Dollars)

$500.0

$4.1

$495.9

March 2011

5 year



25


 

Capital Requirements

Capital requirements during the remainder of 2007 are expected to be principally for capital expenditures and long-term debt maturities. Our 2007 annual capital expenditure budget, excluding the purchase of nuclear fuel, is approximately $600 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements:   We are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk as a part of our normal course of business, including financial guarantees and letters of credit which support commodity contracts and other payment obligations. We continue to believe that these agreements do not have, and are not reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to our investors. For further information, see Note 7 -- Guarantees in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in this report.

We have identified three tolling and purchased power agreements with third parties but have been unable to determine if we are the primary beneficiary of any of these three variable interest entities as defined by FIN 46. As a result, we do not consolidate these entities. Instead, we account for one of these contracts as a capital lease and for the other two contracts as operating leases. For additional information, see Note D -- Variable Interest Entities in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We have included our contractual obligations under all three of these contracts in our evaluation of Contractual Obligations/Commercial Commitments discussed below.

Contractual Obligations/Commercial Commitments:   Our total contractual obligations and other commercial commitments were approximately $6.9 billion as of June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006. Contractual obligations increased primarily due to purchase obligations for new wind turbines in the first quarter of 2007. This increase was offset by expiring coal supply contracts and periodic payments related to these types of obligations made in the ordinary course of business during the six months ended June 30, 2007.

 

FACTORS AFFECTING RESULTS, LIQUDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following is a discussion of certain factors that may affect our results of operations, liquidity and capital resources. The following discussion should be read together with the information under the heading "Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources" in Item 7 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which provides a more complete discussion of factors affecting us, including market risks and other significant risks, Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy, utility rates and regulatory matters, electric system reliability, environmental matters, legal matters, nuclear operations, industry restructuring and competition and other matters.

 

POWER THE FUTURE

Under Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy, we expect to meet a significant portion of our future generation needs through the leasing of the PWGS and the Oak Creek expansion, which are being constructed by We Power. We will lease the new units from We Power under long-term leases, and we expect to recover the lease payments in our electric rates. See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Power the Future in Item 7 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information on PTF.



26


Port Washington:    Construction of PWGS 2 is well underway. Site preparation, including removal of the old coal units at the site, was completed in early 2006, and all of the major components have been procured. The unit is expected to begin commercial operation during the second quarter of 2008.

Oak Creek Expansion:   The CPCN granted for the construction of the Oak Creek expansion was the subject of a number of legal challenges by third parties; these legal challenges were resolved in June 2005. We have received all permits necessary to commence construction, which began in June 2005. Certain of these permits continue to be contested but remain in effect unless and until overturned by a reviewing court or administrative law judge.

A contested case hearing for the WPDES permit was held in March 2006. The ALJ upheld the issuance of the permit in a decision issued in July 2006. In August 2006, the opponents filed in Dane County Circuit Court for judicial review of the ALJ's decision upholding the issuance of the permit. In March 2007, the Dane County Circuit Court affirmed in part the decision by the ALJ to uphold the WDNR's issuance of the permit. The Court also remanded certain aspects of the ALJ's decision for further consideration based on the January 2007 decision by the Federal Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit concerning the federal rule on cooling water intake systems for existing facilities (the Phase II rule) (Riverkeeper, Inc. v. EPA, Nos. 04-6692-ag(L) (2d Cir. 2007)). The Second Circuit found certain portions of the Phase II rule impermissible and remanded several parts of the Phase II rule to the EPA for further consideration or potential additional rulemaking. Consistent wi th its announcement in March, in July 2007, the EPA formally suspended the Phase II rule in its entirety and directed states to use their "best professional judgment" in evaluating intake systems.

In light of these actions, we have requested that the WDNR modify the WPDES permit. We have submitted additional information to the WDNR as part of that process. We anticipate that completion of the review and a decision on the modification of the permit may take the remainder of 2007. When a permit is modified through the modification procedure under state law, as under federal regulations, the existing permit continues in full force and effect during the modification process. A modified permit will be subject to public notice and comment and a request for a contested case proceeding.

In June 2007, the ALJ granted our motion to stay the administrative proceeding on the remanded permit pending WDNR's action on our request to modify the permit. In June 2007, the opponents filed a motion with the Dane County Circuit Court requesting an order directing the ALJ to re-decide the issues on remand without review by WDNR and directing us to cease construction on the intake system. Briefs on the issues were submitted in July 2007, and a hearing is scheduled for August 2007.

 

UTILITY RATES AND REGULATORY MATTERS

2008 Rate Case

In May, 2007, we initiated rate proceedings with the PSCW. We have asked the PSCW to approve a comprehensive plan which would result in net price increases of 7.5% in 2008 and 7.5% in 2009 for our electric customers in Wisconsin, a 1.8% price increase in 2008 for our gas customers and approximately 16.0% price increases in 2008 for all steam customers in Milwaukee.

Electric pricing increases are largely needed to allow us to continue progress on previously approved initiatives, including: costs associated with generation capacities, primarily the new PTF plants approved by the PSCW in 2002 and 2003; recovery of costs associated with transmission; compliance with environmental regulations; continuation of investment in renewable and efficiency programs, including the new wind facilities approved by the PSCW in February 2007; and scheduled recovery of regulatory assets.



27


The proposed net price increase for electric customers in Wisconsin reflects credits expected from the pending sale of Point Beach. If the sale is approved and closed, there will be an estimated $653 million of proceeds available to offset the required price increases in Wisconsin. Our proposed plan, if approved, would apply $107 million to recover existing regulatory assets in 2008. Our plan would provide monthly bill credits of approximately $372 million in 2008 and $188 million, including interest, in 2009, and any remaining proceeds in our next scheduled rate filing. The proposed credits have a significant impact on net price increases for electric customers. For example, a $50 million increase or decrease in the pricing credits provided in 2008, while leaving the other components of our proposal unchanged, would result in a corresponding decrease or increase of approximately 2.5% in the net price change to electric customers in 2008.

If the Point Beach sale is not approved or otherwise is not completed, the credits would not be available. The new prices, which will be subject to a full review by the PSCW, are expected to be implemented in January 2008.

 

2006 Rate Order

Electric Rates:   In January 2006, we received an order from the PSCW that allowed us to increase annual electric revenues by approximately $222.0 million, or 10.6%, to recover increased costs associated with investments in Wisconsin Energy's PTF units, transmission services and fuel and purchased power, as well as costs associated with additional sources of renewable energy. The rate increase was based on an authorized return on equity of 11.2%. The order also required us to refund to customers, with interest, any fuel revenues that we received in excess of fuel and purchased power costs that we incurred, as defined by the Wisconsin fuel rules. The original order stipulated that any refund would also include interest at short-term rates. This refund provision expired December 31, 2006.

During 2006, we experienced lower than expected fuel and purchased power costs. In September 2006, we requested and received approval from the PSCW to refund favorable fuel recoveries including accrued interest at short-term rates. In addition, in September 2006, the PSCW determined that if the total recoveries for 2006 exceeded $36 million, interest on the amount in excess of $36 million would be paid at the rate of 11.2%, our authorized return on equity, rather than at short-term rates as originally set forth in the order. During October 2006, we refunded $28.7 million, including interest, to Wisconsin retail customers as a credit on their bill, and an additional $10.3 million, including interest, in the first quarter of 2007.

For 2007, we returned to the traditional fuel cost adjustment clause in the Wisconsin retail jurisdiction whereby fuel revenues may be adjusted prospectively if fuel and purchased power costs fall outside a pre-established annual band of plus or minus 2%.

Gas Rates:   Our gas operations went through a traditional rate proceeding whereby the revenues were set to recover projected costs and to provide a return on rate base. The January 2006 order provided for an increase in gas revenues of $21.4 million annually, or 2.9%, which was based on an authorized return on equity of 11.2%.

Steam Rates:   The steam rate proceeding was a traditional rate proceeding. The January 2006 order provided for an increase in steam rates of $7.8 million, or 31.5%, to be phased in over a two year period beginning in 2006. The rate increase was based on an authorized return on equity of 11.2%.



28


 

Limited Rate Adjustment Requests

2005 Fuel Recovery Filing:   In February 2005, we filed an application with the PSCW for an increase in electric rates in the amount of $114.9 million due to the increased costs of fuel and purchased power as a result of customer growth and the increase in our reliance upon natural gas as a fuel source. We received approval for the increase in fuel recoveries on an interim basis in March 2005. In November 2005, we received the final rate order, which authorized an additional $7.7 million in rate increases, for a total increase of $122.6 million (6.2%). In December 2005, two parties filed suit against the PSCW in Dane County Circuit Court challenging the PSCW's decision to allow fuel cost recovery, while allowing us to keep the savings that resulted from the WICOR, Inc. acquisition. As a condition of the PSCW approval of the WICOR acquisition, we were restricted from increasing Wisconsin rates for a five year period ending December 31,&n bsp;2005, with certain limited exceptions, but we were allowed to keep the savings generated from the merger. In July 2006, the Dane County Circuit Court affirmed the PSCW's decision. In August 2006, the opponents appealed this decision to the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. On July 18, 2007, the Court of Appeals affirmed the Dane County Circuit Court decision upholding the PSCW's order. The Petitioners have 30 days from the date of the Court of Appeals decision within which to file a Petition for Review with the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

 

Other Regulatory Matters

Coal Generation Forced Outage - 2007:   In March 2007, we requested and received approval from the PSCW to defer as a regulatory asset approximately $13.2 million related to replacement power costs due to a forced outage of Unit 1 at the Pleasant Prairie Power Plant. The outage extended from February 2007 through March 2007.

Wholesale Electric Rates:   In August 2006, we filed a wholesale rate case with FERC. The filing requested an annual increase in rates of approximately $16.7 million applicable to four existing wholesale electric customers. In November 2006, FERC accepted the rate filing subject to refund with interest. Three of the existing customers' rates were effective January 1, 2007. The remaining largest wholesale customer's rates were effective May 1, 2007. A settlement of the rate filing is pending before FERC.

Fuel Rules:   In June 2006, the PSCW opened a docket (01-AC-224) in which it was looking into revising the current fuel rules (Chapter PSC 116). In February 2007, five Wisconsin utilities regulated by the fuel rules, including us, filed a joint proposal to modify the existing rules in this docket. The proposal recommends modifying the rules to allow for escrow accounting for fuel costs outside a plus or minus 1% annual band width of fuel costs allowed in rates. It further recommends that the escrow balance be trued-up annually following the end of each calendar year. We are unable to predict if or when the PSCW will make any changes to the existing fuel rules.

See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Rates and Regulatory Matters in Item 7 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our utility rates and other regulatory matters.

 

WIND GENERATION

In June 2005, we purchased the development rights to two wind farm projects (Blue Sky Green Field) from Navitas Energy Inc. We plan to develop the wind sites and construct wind turbines with a combined generating capacity of approximately 145 MW. We filed for approval of a CPCN with the

29


PSCW in March 2006. Hearings were held at the end of November 2006. In February 2007, the PSCW issued a written notice approving the CPCN.

In addition to the CPCN approval, we secured other required permits, including all requested FAA permits, and began construction in June 2007. We will continue working to secure any additional permits necessary. During March 2007, we entered into a final agreement with Vestas Wind Systems for the purchase of wind turbines. Equipment is expected to begin arriving at the site during the fourth quarter of 2007. We have also entered into service and warranty agreements with Vestas that will cover the first two years of operation. In May 2007, we entered into an agreement with Alliant Energy EPC, LLC to construct the wind farm. We estimate that the capital cost of the project, excluding AFUDC, will be approximately $300 million. We currently expect the turbines to be placed into service no later than the second quarter of 2008.

 

NUCLEAR OPERATIONS

We own two 518 MW electric generating units at Point Beach in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. The plant is operated by NMC, a joint venture of the Company and affiliates of other unaffiliated utilities. We have entered into a definitive agreement with an affiliate of FPL to sell Point Beach for approximately $998 million, subject to closing price adjustments. See Note 3 -- Proposed Sale of Point Beach in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements in this report and Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Nuclear Operations in Item 7 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the sale of Point Beach.

Each Unit at Point Beach has a scheduled refueling outage approximately every 18 months. During 2007, we had one scheduled outage which began at the end of the first quarter and was successfully completed in May 2007. In 2006, we had one scheduled refueling outage that took place during the fourth quarter. See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Nuclear Operations in Item 7 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding our nuclear operations.

 

ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION

MISO:   In connection with its status as a FERC approved RTO, MISO implemented a bid-based energy market, the MISO Midwest Market, which commenced operations on April 1, 2005. In April 2006, FERC issued an order determining that MISO had not applied its energy markets tariff correctly in the assessment of Revenue Sufficiency Guarantee charges. FERC ordered MISO to resettle all affected transactions retroactive to April 1, 2005. In October 2006 and March 2007, we received additional rulings from FERC on these issues. FERC's rulings have been challenged by MISO, us and numerous other market participants. MISO commenced with the retroactive resettlement of the market associated with the currently effective orders in July 2007, with completion anticipated in January 2008. Due to the complexity of the order and pending challenges, we are evaluating the overall financial implication to us.

As part of this energy market, MISO developed a market-based platform for valuing transmission congestion and losses premised upon the LMP system that has been implemented in certain northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. The LMP system includes the ability to mitigate or eliminate congestion costs through the use of FTRs. FTRs are allocated to market participants by MISO. A new allocation of FTRs was completed in April 2007 for the period June 1, 2007 through May 31, 2008. We were granted substantially all of the FTRs that we were permitted to request during the allocation process.



30


MISO is in the process of developing a market for two ancillary services, regulation reserves and contingency reserves. In February 2007, MISO filed tariff revisions to include ancillary services. The MISO ancillary services market is proposed to begin in 2008. We currently self-provide both regulation reserves and contingency reserves. In the MISO ancillary services market, we expect that we will buy/sell regulation and contingency reserves from/to the market. The MISO ancillary services market is expected to reduce overall ancillary services costs in the MISO footprint. We anticipate achieving a net reduction in fuel costs but are unable to determine the amount of savings we will realize at this time. The MISO ancillary services market is also expected to enable MISO to assume significant balancing area responsibilities such as frequency control and disturbance control.

See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Industry Restructuring and Competition -- Electric Transmission and Energy Markets in Item 7 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding MISO.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Clean Water Act:   Section 316(b) of the CWA requires that the location, design, construction and capacity of cooling water intake structures reflect the BTA for minimizing adverse environmental impact. This law dates back to 1972; however, prior to September 2004, there were no federal rules that defined precisely how states and EPA regions determined that an existing intake met BTA requirements. The Phase II rule established, for the first time, national performance standards and compliance alternatives for existing facilities that are designed to minimize the potential adverse environmental impacts to aquatic organisms associated with water withdrawals from cooling water intakes. Costs associated with implementation of the Phase II rule for our Oak Creek Power Plant, We Power's Oak Creek expansion and PWGS were included in project costs.

In January 2007, the Federal Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued a decision concerning the Phase II rule for existing facilities (Riverkeeper, Inc. v. EPA, Nos. 04-6692-ag(L) (2d Cir. 2007)). The Second Circuit found certain portions of the rule impermissible and remanded several parts of the Phase II rule to the EPA for further consideration or potential additional rulemaking. Consistent with its announcement in March, in July 2007, the EPA formally suspended the Phase II rule in its entirety and directed states to use their "best professional judgment" in evaluating intake systems. We will work with the relevant state agencies as permits for our facilities come due for renewal to determine what, if any, actions need to be taken. Until the EPA completes its reconsideration and rulemaking, we cannot predict what impact these changes to the federal rules may have on our facilities. For additional information on this matter related to the Oak Creek expansion, see Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Power the Future -- Oak Creek Expansion in this report.

Greenhouse Gases:   There have been international efforts seeking legally binding reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases, principally CO2, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Kyoto, Japan. While the current administration has not supported U.S. ratification of the Kyoto Protocol or other legislation requiring reductions in CO2, in 2002, it announced a goal of reducing the greenhouse gas intensity of the U.S. economy by 18% by 2012. In addition, in December 2004, the United States Department of Energy announced the Climate VISION program in furtherance of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. We continue to take voluntary measures to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases. We also continue to analyze the state and federal legislative proposals for greenhouse gas regulation, including mandatory restrictions on CO2; however, we are unable at this time to definitively determine the impact of such fut ure regulations on our operations or rates.

We continue to support flexible, market-based strategies to curb greenhouse gas emissions. These strategies include emissions trading, joint implementation projects and credit for early actions. We also

31


support a voluntary approach that encourages technology development and transfer and includes all sectors of the economy and all significant global emitters.

Our emissions in future years will continue to be influenced by several actions completed, planned or underway as part of the PTF strategy, including:

  • Repowering the Port Washington Power Plant from coal to natural gas combined cycle units.
  • Adding coal-fired units as part of the Oak Creek expansion that will be the most efficient coal units in our system.
  • Increasing investment in energy efficiency and conservation.
  • Maintaining and increasing non-emitting generation by adding 145 MW of wind capacity and increasing customer participation in the Energy for Tomorrow® renewable energy program.
  • Successful renewal of the Point Beach units' operating licenses.

National Ambient Air Quality Standards:   In 2000 and 2001, Michigan and Wisconsin finalized state rules implementing phased emission reductions required to meet the NAAQS for 1-hour ozone. In 2004, the EPA began implementing NAAQS for 8-hour ozone and PM2.5. In December 2006, the EPA further revised the PM2.5 standard, and in June 2007, the EPA announced its proposal to further lower the 8-hour ozone standard.

8-hour Ozone Standard:   In April 2004, the EPA designated 10 counties in Southeastern Wisconsin as non-attainment areas for the 8-hour ozone NAAQS. States were required to develop and submit SIPs to the EPA by June 2007 to demonstrate how they intend to comply with the 8-hour ozone NAAQS. The rule that applies to emissions from our power plants in the affected areas of Wisconsin has been adopted by the state. The required reductions will be accomplished through implementation of the CAIR. (See below for further information regarding CAIR.) We believe compliance with the NOx emission reduction requirements under the agreements with the WDNR and EPA will substantially mitigate costs to comply with the EPA's 8-hour ozone NAAQS. In June 2007, the EPA announced its proposal to further lower the 8-hour standard. The proposal is undergoing public comment. Until this proposal becomes a final rule, we are unable to predict the impact on the operation of ou r existing coal-fired generation facilities.

PM2.5 Standard:   In December 2004, the EPA designated PM2.5 non-attainment areas in the country. All counties in Wisconsin and all counties in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan were designated as in attainment with the standard. It is unknown at this time whether Wisconsin or Michigan will require additional emission reductions as part of state or regional implementation of the PM2.5 standard and what impact those requirements would have on operation of our existing coal-fired generation facilities. In December 2006, a more restrictive federal standard became effective, which may place some counties into non-attainment status. This standard is currently being litigated. Until such time as the states develop rules and submit SIPs to the EPA to demonstrate how they intend to comply with the standard, we are unable to predict the impact of this more restrictive standard on the operation of our existing coal-fired generation facilities or the new We Power PTF generating units being leased by us including OC 1, OC 2 and PWGS.

Clean Air Interstate Rule: The EPA issued the final CAIR regulation in March 2005 to facilitate the states in meeting the 8-hour ozone and PM2.5 standards by addressing the regional transport of SO2 and NOx. CAIR requires NOx and SO2 emission reductions in two phases from electric generating units located in a 28-state region within the eastern United States. Wisconsin and Michigan are affected states under CAIR. The phase 1 compliance deadline is January 1, 2009 for NOx and January 1, 2010 for SO2, and the phase 2 compliance deadline is January 1, 2015 for both NOx and SO2. Overall, the CAIR is

32


expected to result in a 70% reduction in SO2 emissions and a 65% reduction in NOx emissions from 2002 emission levels. The states were required to develop and submit implementation plans by no later than March 2007. A final CAIR rule has been adopted in Wisconsin and Michigan. We believe that compliance with the NOx and SO2 emission reductions requirements under the agreements with the WDNR and EPA will substantially mitigate costs to comply with the CAIR rule.

See Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Environmental Matters in Item 7 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding environmental matters affecting our operations.

 

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

For information concerning market risk exposures at Wisconsin Electric Power Company, see Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Market Risks and Other Significant Risks, in Part II of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures:   Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective (i) in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and (ii) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Fina ncial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting:   There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The following should be read in conjunction with Item 3. Legal Proceedings in Part I of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Item 1. Legal Proceedings in Part II of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2007.

In addition to those legal proceedings discussed in our reports to the SEC, we are currently, and from time to time, subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business. Although the results

33


of these legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe, after consultation with legal counsel, that the ultimate resolution of these proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

 

UTILITY RATES AND REGULATORY MATTERS

See Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Utility Rates and Regulatory Matters in Part I of this report for information concerning rate matters in the jurisdictions where we do business.

Power the Future:   See Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Factors Affecting Results, Liquidity and Capital Resources -- Power the Future in Part I of this report for information concerning Wisconsin Energy's PTF strategy.

 

OTHER MATTERS

Stray Voltage:   In recent years, several actions by dairy farmers have been commenced or claims made against us for loss of milk production and other damages to livestock allegedly caused by stray voltage resulting from the operation of our electrical system.

In May 2005, a stray voltage lawsuit was filed against us. This lawsuit was settled in June 2007. This claim against us did not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Even though any claims which may be made against us with respect to stray voltage and ground currents are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, we continue to evaluate various options and strategies to mitigate this risk.

 

Arbitration Proceedings:   In May 2007, we entered into a settlement agreement with our largest industrial customers, two iron ore mines in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The settlement is a full and complete resolution of all claims and disputes between the parties for electric service rendered by us under the current power purchase agreements through March 31, 2007. The MPSC approved the settlement in May 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, the mines paid us approximately $9.0 million and we released to the mines all funds held in escrow. The settlement also provides a mutually satisfactory pricing structure through December 31, 2007, when the power purchase agreements with the mines expire. Beginning January 1, 2008, the mines will be eligible to receive electric service from us in accordance with tariffs approved by the MPSC.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

See Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risk factors applicable to us.



34


 

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

At our 2007 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on April 30, 2007, for which we did not solicit proxies, ten incumbent directors as listed in our Information Statement dated March 29, 2007 (Information Statement) were elected for terms expiring in 2008. Each director received 33,289,327 votes (100% of votes cast). Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the shares entitled to vote. Any shares not voted, whether by withheld authority or otherwise, have no effect in the election of directors. There was no solicitation in opposition to the nominees in the Information Statement.

Further information concerning these matters is contained in the Information Statement.

 

 

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.

2  

Plan of Acquisition, Reorganization, Arrangement, Liquidation or Succession

2.1  

Letter Agreement between Wisconsin Electric Power Company and FPL Energy Point Beach, LLC, dated May 24, 2007, which effectively amends the Asset Sale Agreement between the parties and FPL Capital Group, Inc. (Exhibit 2.1 to Wisconsin Energy Corporation's 6/30/07 Form 10-Q (File No. 001-09057).)

12  

Statements re Computation of Ratios

12.1  

Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

31  

Rule 13a-14(a) / 15d-14(a) Certifications

31.1  

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2  

Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32  

Section 1350 Certifications

32.1  

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2  

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.



35


 

 

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY

(Registrant)

/s/STEPHEN P. DICKSON                          

Date: August 1, 2007

Stephen P. Dickson, Vice President and Controller, Principal Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer

 



36


 

 

EX-12 2 weex12.htm WISCONSIN ELECTRIC EXHIBIT 12.1 EXHIBIT 12

EXHIBIT 12.1

WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY

STATEMENT OF COMPUTATION OF

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(Unaudited)

Six

Months

Ended

Twelve Months Ended

6/30/07

6/30/07

12/31/06

12/31/05

12/31/04

12/31/03

12/31/02

(Millions of Dollars)

Pre-tax Income

$202.2 

$411.2 

$438.5 

$443.6 

$397.1 

$406.4 

$414.6 

Subtract:

    Capitalized Interest

(0.8)

(3.3)

(5.1)

(4.6)

(0.9)

(1.2)

(1.7)

Earnings Before Adding Fixed Charges (a)

201.4 

407.9 

433.4 

439.0 

396.2 

405.2 

412.9 

Fixed Charges

    Interest on Long-Term Debt

41.2 

81.4 

79.2 

82.9 

85.1 

88.4 

91.7 

    Other Interest Expense

6.5 

12.1 

13.0 

7.4 

5.4 

4.2 

3.2 

    Estimated Interest Component of Rentals

23.4 

48.6 

47.8 

36.9 

27.7 

18.2 

11.4 

Total Fixed Charges as Defined (b)

71.1 

142.1 

140.0 

127.2 

118.2 

110.8 

106.3 

Total Earnings as Defined

$272.5 

$550.0 

$573.4 

$566.2 

$514.4 

$516.0 

$519.2 

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

3.8x

3.9x

4.1x

4.5x

4.4x

4.7x

4.9x

 (a) Earnings before adding fixed charges is determined by starting with pre-tax income (less undistributed equity in earnings of

        unconsolidated affiliates) and subtracting capitalized interest.

 (b) Fixed Charges consists of interest charges on our long-term debt and short-term borrowings (including a representative portion of

        lease expense), capitalized interest and amortization of debt expenses.

EX-31 3 weex311.htm WISCONSIN ELECTRIC EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATIONS

Exhibit 31.1

Certification Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a),
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Gale E. Klappa, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Wisconsin Electric Power Company;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.   The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)      Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)      Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)      Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.   The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)      All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)      Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 1, 2007


                  /s/GALE E. KLAPPA            
                  Gale E. Klappa
                  Chief Executive Officer

EX-31 4 weex312.htm WISCONSIN ELECTRIC EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATIONS

Exhibit 31.2

Certification Pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a),
as Adopted Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

I, Allen L. Leverett, certify that:

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Wisconsin Electric Power Company;

2.   Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.   The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

a)      Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)      Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

c)      Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.   The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)      All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)      Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 1, 2007


                  /s/ALLEN L. LEVERETT      
                  Allen L. Leverett
                  Chief Financial Officer

EX-32 5 weex321.htm WISCONSIN ELECTRIC EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATIONS

Exhibit 32.1

Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Wisconsin Electric Power Company (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2007 (the "Report"), I, Gale E. Klappa, as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

        (1)     The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

        (2)     The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/GALE E. KLAPPA            
Gale E. Klappa
Chief Executive Officer
August 1, 2007

EX-32 6 weex322.htm WISCONSIN ELECTRIC EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATIONS

Exhibit 32.2

Certification Pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Wisconsin Electric Power Company (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2007, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 1, 2007 (the "Report"), I, Allen L. Leverett, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to the best of my knowledge, that:

        (1)     The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

        (2)     The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 

/s/ALLEN L. LEVERETT
Allen L. Leverett
Chief Financial Officer
August 1, 2007

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