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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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) |
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231 West Michigan Street |
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P.O. Box 2046 |
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Milwaukee, WI 53201 |
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(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 |
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FORM 10-Q REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS |
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Item |
Page |
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Introduction |
7 |
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Part I -- Financial Information |
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1. |
Financial Statements |
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Consolidated Condensed Income Statements |
8 |
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Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets |
9 |
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Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows |
10 |
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Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements |
11 |
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2. |
Management's Discussion and Analysis of |
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Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
17 |
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3. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
33 |
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4. |
Controls and Procedures |
33 |
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Part II -- Other Information |
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1. |
Legal Proceedings |
33 |
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1A. |
Risk Factors |
34 |
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4. |
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
35 |
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6. |
Exhibits |
35 |
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Signatures |
36 |
DEFINITION OF ABBREVIATIONS AND INDUSTRY TERMS |
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The abbreviations and terms set forth below are used throughout this report and have the meanings assigned to them below. |
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Wisconsin Electric Subsidiary and Affiliates |
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Primary Subsidiary and Affiliates |
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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 |
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Other Affiliates |
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NMC |
Nuclear Management Company, LLC |
|
Federal and State Regulatory Agencies |
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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 |
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BTA |
Best Technology Available |
|
CAIR |
Clean Air Interstate Rule |
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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 |
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. |
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Other Terms and Abbreviations |
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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 |
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Measurements |
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MW |
Megawatt(s) (One MW equals one million watts) |
|
MWh |
Megawatt-hour(s) |
|
Accounting Terms |
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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 |
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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 |
|
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:
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.
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.
PART I -- FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
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ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
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WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY |
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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED INCOME STATEMENTS |
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(Unaudited) |
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Three Months Ended June 30 |
Six Months Ended June 30 |
||||||||
2007 |
2006 |
2007 |
2006 |
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(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 |
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Other operation and maintenance |
282.9 |
265.8 |
557.3 |
532.3 |
|||||
Depreciation, decommissioning |
|||||||||
and amortization |
66.8 |
65.0 |
136.7 |
133.9 |
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Property and revenue taxes |
22.4 |
21.1 |
45.5 |
43.4 |
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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 |
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The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements. |
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|
WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY |
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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS |
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(Unaudited) |
||||
June 30, 2007 |
December 31, 2006 |
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(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 |
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these financial statements. |
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WISCONSIN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY |
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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS |
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(Unaudited) |
||||
Six Months Ended June 30 |
||||
2007 |
2006 |
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(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 |
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these financial statements. |
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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.
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 |
Six Months Ended |
|||||||
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 |
||||
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 |
Weighted-Average |
Weighted- |
Aggregate |
||||
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.
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 |
Weighted- |
||
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 |
Remaining |
|
Exercise |
Remaining |
||||||
$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:
|
|
Weighted- |
||
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 |
|||
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.
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 |
Outstanding as of |
Liability Recorded |
||
(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.
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
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
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 |
|||||
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 |
Credit Available |
Facility |
Facility |
||||
(Millions of Dollars) |
||||||||
$500.0 |
$4.1 |
$495.9 |
March 2011 |
5 year |
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.
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.
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%.
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
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.
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
Our emissions in future years will continue to be influenced by several actions completed, planned or underway as part of the PTF strategy, including:
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
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
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
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.
See Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risk factors applicable to us.
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.
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. |
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 |
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(Registrant) |
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/s/STEPHEN P. DICKSON |
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Date: August 1, 2007 |
Stephen P. Dickson, Vice President and Controller, Principal Accounting Officer and duly authorized officer |