-----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, RITthPg8rLpsnXCGkaxXaacKkgHcINc9sT9GPQG6qR4QsZOGlUd5JQtrsi0jT4bd ivqj8lMR5x8wWnEzoDVrqw== 0000950137-07-011659.txt : 20070808 0000950137-07-011659.hdr.sgml : 20070808 20070808100333 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950137-07-011659 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 424B5 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 FILED AS OF DATE: 20070808 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20070808 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: WISCONSIN POWER & LIGHT CO CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000107832 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTRIC & OTHER SERVICES COMBINED [4931] IRS NUMBER: 390714890 STATE OF INCORPORATION: WI FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 424B5 SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-143831 FILM NUMBER: 071033849 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4902 NORTH BILTMORE LANE STREET 2: PO BOX 77007 CITY: MADISON STATE: WI ZIP: 53707-1007 BUSINESS PHONE: 608-4583314 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4902 N BILTMORE LANE STREET 2: PO BOX 77007 CITY: MADISON STATE: WI ZIP: 53707-1007 424B5 1 c17457b5e424b5.htm PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT e424b5
Table of Contents

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities and are not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
 
Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-143831
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
DATED AUGUST 8, 2007
 
Prospectus Supplement
(To Prospectus dated June 27, 2007)
 
$300,000,000
 
Wisconsin Power and Light Company
 
% Debentures due 2037
 
 
 
 
We will pay interest on the debentures on           and           of each year, beginning on          , 2008. The debentures will mature on          , 2037. We may redeem some or all of the debentures at any time and from time to time at the redemption prices described in this prospectus supplement.
 
The debentures will be our unsecured senior obligations and rank equally with our other unsecured senior indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The debentures will not be listed on any securities exchange.
 
Investing in the debentures involves risks. See “Risk Factors” on page 15 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
 
 
                 
    Per
       
    Debenture     Total  
 
Public offering price(1)
          %   $        
Underwriting discount
      %   $    
Proceeds, before expenses, to Wisconsin Power and Light Company(1)
      %   $  
 
 
(1) Plus accrued interest if any, from August   , 2007, if settlement occurs after that date.
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
The debentures will be available for delivery in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company on or about August   , 2007.
 
 
 
 
Joint Book-Running Managers
Banc of America Securities LLC Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
 
 
 
Co- Managers
Citi KeyBanc Capital Markets
 
The date of this prospectus supplement is August   , 2007


 


Table of Contents

 
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering. The second part, the accompanying prospectus, gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. You should read the entire prospectus supplement, as well as the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference that are described under “Where You Can Find More Information” in the accompanying prospectus. Some of these documents, however, are filed on a combined basis with our parent, Alliant Energy Corporation, and its direct subsidiary, Interstate Power and Light Company. Information contained in these documents relating to these entities is filed by them on their own behalf and not by us. The debentures are not obligations of Alliant Energy Corporation or Interstate Power and Light Company and you should not rely on that information when deciding whether to invest in our debentures. In the event that the description of the offering varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in this prospectus supplement.
 
You should rely only on the information relating to Wisconsin Power and Light Company contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the respective dates of those documents in which the information is contained. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
 
Unless we otherwise indicate or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus supplement to “we,” “our,” “us” or similar references mean Wisconsin Power and Light Company.
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, Wisconsin 53718, and our telephone number is (608) 458-3311.


ii


Table of Contents

 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
This prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the information we incorporate by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus contain forward-looking statements that are intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding anticipated financial performance, business strategy and management’s plans and objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements can be identified as such because the statements generally include words such as “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “plan” or “objective” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is contained from time to time in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factor disclosure beginning on page 15 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some, but not all, of the risks and uncertainties include the following:
 
  •  federal and state regulatory or governmental actions, including the impact of energy-related legislation and regulatory agency orders;
 
  •  our ability to obtain adequate and timely rate relief to allow for, among other things, the recovery of operating costs and deferred expenditures, the earning of reasonable rates of return and the payment of expected levels of dividends;
 
  •  current or future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries;
 
  •  economic and political conditions in our service territories;
 
  •  issues related to the availability of our generating facilities and the supply and delivery of fuel and purchased electricity and price thereof, including the ability to recover purchased power, fuel and fuel-related costs through rates in a timely manner;
 
  •  the impact fuel and fuel-related prices and other economic conditions may have on customer demand for our services and our ability to collect unpaid bills;
 
  •  unanticipated issues in connection with our construction of new generating facilities;
 
  •  unanticipated construction and acquisition expenditures;
 
  •  issues associated with our environmental remediation efforts and with environmental compliance generally;
 
  •  weather effects on results of operations;
 
  •  financial impacts of our hedging strategies, including the impact of weather hedges on our earnings;
 
  •  issues related to electric transmission, including operating in the Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO) energy market, the impacts of potential future billing adjustments from MISO and recovery of costs incurred;
 
  •  unanticipated issues related to the bankruptcy of Calpine Corporation that could adversely impact our purchased power agreements;
 
  •  the direct or indirect effects resulting from terrorist incidents or responses to such incidents;
 
  •  unplanned outages at our generating facilities and risks related to recovery of incremental costs through rates;
 
  •  inflation and interest rates;
 
  •  developments that adversely impact our ability to implement our strategic plan;
 
  •  employee workforce factors, including changes in key executives, collective bargaining agreements or work stoppages;
 
  •  access to technological developments; and
 
  •  our ability to continue cost controls and operational efficiencies.
 
We assume no obligation, and disclaim any duty, to update these forward-looking statements.


iii


Table of Contents

 
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY
 
This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. This summary may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read this entire prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus carefully before making a decision to invest in our debentures.
 
Our Company
 
We are a public utility serving customers primarily in Wisconsin. We are engaged principally in:
 
  •  the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy in selective markets in Wisconsin;
 
  •  the purchase, distribution, transportation and sale of natural gas in selective markets in Wisconsin; and
 
  •  the provision of various other energy-related services.
 
As of June 30, 2007, we served approximately 451,000 electric customers in approximately 600 communities and approximately 175,000 gas customers in approximately 240 communities.
 
All of our common stock is owned by Alliant Energy Corporation, an energy-services provider with subsidiaries, including us, serving primarily electric and natural gas customers in the Midwest.
 
We are subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, or PSCW, with respect to various portions of our operations. We are also subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC. Our parent corporation, Alliant Energy Corporation, is a “holding company” and we are a “subsidiary company” and a “holding company” within the Alliant Energy Corporation “holding company system” as defined under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005. As a result, we are subject to some of the regulatory provisions of that Act.
 
The Offering
 
The following is a brief summary of some of the terms of this offering. For a more complete description of the terms of the debentures, see “Description of the Debentures” in this prospectus supplement and “Description of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.
 
 
Issuer Wisconsin Power and Light Company
 
Debentures offered $300 million aggregate principal amount of     % debentures due 2037.
 
Maturity           , 2037.
 
Interest payment dates           and           of each year, beginning          , 2008.
 
Ranking The debentures will be unsecured and rank equally with our other unsecured senior indebtedness from time to time outstanding. The debentures will also be subordinated to any secured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing such indebtedness. We do not currently have any secured indebtedness.
 
Optional redemption The debentures will be redeemable, at our option, in whole or in part at any time and from time to time, at the redemption prices described in “Description of Debentures — Optional Redemption.”


S-1


Table of Contents

 
Covenants The indenture governing the debentures contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability to:
 
• create some types of secured indebtedness without providing for the debentures to be equally and ratably secured; and
 
• consolidate, merge or sell assets.
 
These covenants are subject to important exceptions and qualifications, which are described under the heading “Description of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.
 
Ratings Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services has assigned our existing senior unsecured long-term indebtedness a rating of A-. Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. has assigned our existing senior unsecured long-term indebtedness a rating of A2. We have applied for ratings for the debentures. Ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold the debentures. We cannot give any assurance that the ratings will be retained for any time period or that they will not be revised downward or withdrawn by the ratings agencies.
 
Use of proceeds We estimate that the net proceeds from the offering will be approximately $      million. We intend to use the proceeds from this offering to repay short-term debt incurred to repay $105 million aggregate principal amount of 7% senior debentures that became due in June 2007 and to finance utility construction expenditures, to issue a common stock dividend to our parent corporation to realign our capital structure, and for general working capital purposes. The weighted average interest rate for our short-term debt as of June 30, 2007 was 5.46%.
 
Denomination The debentures will be issued in minimum denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of $1,000.
 
Absence of market for the debentures The debentures are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We currently have no intention to apply to list the debentures on any securities exchange or to seek their admission to trading on any automated quotation system. Accordingly, we cannot provide any assurance as to the development or liquidity of any market for the debentures. See “Underwriting.”


S-2


Table of Contents

Summary Consolidated Financial Information
 
The summary consolidated financial information below was selected or derived from our consolidated financial statements. The unaudited interim period financial information, in our opinion, includes all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, necessary for a fair presentation for the periods shown. Results for the six months ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. The information set forth below is qualified in its entirety by and should be read in conjunction with our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our consolidated financial statements and related notes incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”
 
                                         
                      Six Months Ended
 
    Year Ended December 31,     June 30,  
    2004     2005     2006     2006     2007  
    (In millions)  
 
Income Statement Data:
                                       
Operating revenues
  $ 1,209.8     $ 1,409.6     $ 1,401.3     $ 682.2     $ 710.9  
Operating income
    182.8       174.6       184.9       91.0       89.8  
Net income
    113.7       105.1       105.3       50.6       53.2  
Earnings available for common stock
    110.4       101.8       102.0       48.9       51.5  
 
                                 
    As of December 31,     As of June 30,  
    2005     2006     2006     2007  
    (In millions)  
 
Balance Sheet Data:
                               
Current assets
  $ 410.4     $ 430.8     $ 366.9     $ 360.4  
Property, plant and equipment, net
    1,708.5       1,755.3       1,723.7       1,793.7  
Investments and other non-current assets
    548.7       513.0       520.5       494.1  
Current liabilities
    424.5       498.9       446.7       428.0  
Long-term debt, net (excludes current portion)
    364.3       298.6       298.5       298.7  
Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits
    756.2       730.8       740.0       745.1  
 
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
The following table sets forth our ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods presented:
 
                         
    Six Months
Year Ended December 31,   Ended June 30
2002   2003   2004   2005   2006   2006   2007
 
3.48
  4.65   4.10   3.22   3.00   2.93   2.96


S-3


Table of Contents

 
USE OF PROCEEDS
 
We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from this offering of approximately $      million, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We intend to use the proceeds from this offering to repay short-term debt incurred to repay $105 million aggregate principal amount of 7% senior debentures that became due in June 2007 and to finance utility construction expenditures, to issue a common stock dividend to our parent corporation to realign our capital structure, and for general working capital purposes. The weighted average interest rate for our short-term debt as of June 30, 2007 was 5.46%. Our intended uses of proceeds comply with the requirements of the PSCW applicable to us.
 
CAPITALIZATION
 
The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of June 30, 2007 on an actual basis and as adjusted to give effect to this offering and the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the offering as described under “Use of Proceeds.”
 
                         
    As of June 30, 2007  
                % of Total as
 
    Actual     As Adjusted     Adjusted  
    (In millions)  
 
Common stock
  $ 66.2     $ 66.2       3.9 %
Additional paid-in capital
    568.8       568.8       33.7  
Retained earnings
    488.6       388.6       23.0  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (7.2 )     (7.2 )     (0.4 )
                         
Total common equity
    1,116.4       1,016.4       60.2  
Cumulative preferred stock
    60.0       60.0       3.6  
Long-term debt (excluding current portion)
    298.7       598.7       35.5  
Short-term debt
    212.0       12.0       0.7  
                         
Total capitalization (including short-term debt)
  $ 1,687.1     $ 1,687.1       100.0 %
                         


S-4


Table of Contents

 
THE COMPANY
 
We are a public utility serving customers primarily in Wisconsin. We are engaged principally in:
 
  •  the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy in selective markets in Wisconsin;
 
  •  the purchase, distribution, transportation and sale of natural gas in selective markets in Wisconsin; and
 
  •  the provision of various other energy-related products and services.
 
As of June 30, 2007, we served approximately 451,000 electric customers in approximately 600 communities and approximately 175,000 gas customers in approximately 240 communities.
 
All of our common stock is owned by Alliant Energy Corporation, an energy-services provider with subsidiaries, including us, serving primarily electric and natural gas customers in the Midwest.
 
Competitive Strengths
 
We believe that our competitive strengths include the following:
 
Favorable Regulatory Environment:  During 2005, 2006 and the first half of 2007 we received generally favorable outcomes from the rate cases we filed in Wisconsin. The PSCW approved aggregate annual retail electric and gas rate increases totaling $135 million for us, an aggregate increase of 13.5% over rates in effect at the beginning of 2005. The FERC also approved an annual wholesale electric rate increase of $8 million for us that went in effect at the beginning of 2005. In 2007, the PSCW authorized a return on common equity of 10.8%.
 
Enhanced Regulatory and Investment Certainty:  In addition to traditional ratemaking principles, the Wisconsin legislature enacted a measure with the goal of assuring reliable electric energy for Wisconsin. The law allows a public utility that proposes to purchase or to construct an electric generation facility to apply to the PSCW for an order specifying in advance the rate-making principles that the PSCW will apply to the public utility’s recovery of the capital costs of the facility. If accepted, then such an order would be binding for the specified life of the facility. Additionally, the PSCW has approved a plan that provides enhanced investment certainty by leasing generation from an affiliate.
 
Our Generation Plans:  We are pursuing many investments to provide new generation capacity for our customers. Our plans include:
 
  •  In May 2007, we received approval from the PSCW to construct a 68 megawatt wind farm project in Fond du Lac County, Wisconsin. In June 2007, we entered into a contract to purchase 41 wind turbines for the project. The wind farm is expected to become operational by the end of 2008.
 
  •  In April 2007, we filed for approval from the PSCW to purchase a 300 megawatt, simple cycle, natural gas-fired electric generating facility in Neenah, Wisconsin, from Alliant Energy Resources, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of our parent corporation. We intend to replace the output currently obtained under a power-purchase agreement with output from the Neenah facility.
 
  •  In February 2007, we filed for approval from the PSCW to proceed with construction of a new 300 megawatt base-load coal-fired facility, with a preferred site of the new facility being adjacent to the Nelson Dewey Generating Station in Cassville, Wisconsin. We expect a decision from the PSCW in September 2008.
 
  •  We are currently exploring various options with respect to the construction of 200 megawatts of wind-generated capacity, which we anticipate having operational in part in 2009 and in whole by 2010.
 
Operate Our Distribution Business to High Standards of Customer Service and Reliability.  We have almost a century of experience in operating and managing rate-regulated electric and gas distribution businesses and we use this experience to seek to achieve high standards of customer service and reliability in a cost-effective manner.


S-5


Table of Contents

Strategy
 
Our strategic objectives are to:
 
  •  increase our megawatt capacity through investment in new electric power generation and other long-term arrangements, subject to the receipt of appropriate regulatory incentives, which reduces our reliance on purchased power;
 
  •  increase plant availability and prudently control the cost of energy production;
 
  •  enhance service reliability and operational excellence;
 
  •  meet or exceed customer service expectations;
 
  •  maintain favorable regulatory relationships;
 
  •  practice proactive environmental compliance utilizing proven technologies; and
 
  •  continue to deliver strong operating results.
 
Operations
 
During 2006, we had total operating revenues of approximately $1,401.3 million, which included $1,111.4 million in electric revenues, or 79% of revenues, $273.9 million in gas revenues, or 20% of revenues, and $16.0 million in other revenues, or 1% of revenues. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues in 2006. Our electric and gas revenues for 2006, sales for 2006 and customers as of December 31, 2006 consisted of the following:
 
                                                 
    Electric  
    Revenues     %     Sales     %     Customers     %  
    (Millions)           (Thousands of
                   
                megawatt-hours)                    
 
Residential
  $ 385.9       34.7 %     3,513       23.5 %     400,602       87.4 %
Commercial
    212.4       19.1 %     2,277       15.3 %     54,777       11.9 %
Industrial
    323.0       29.1 %     4,948       33.2 %     1,046       0.2 %
Other
    190.1       17.1 %     4,183       28.0 %     2,092       0.5 %
                                                 
Total
  $ 1,111.4       100.0 %     14,921       100.0 %     458,517       100.0 %
                                                 
 
                                                 
    Gas  
    Revenues     %     Sales     %     Customers     %  
    (Millions)           (Thousands of
                   
                dekatherms)                    
 
Residential
  $ 144.9       52.9 %     11,270       25.9 %     162,726       89.4 %
Commercial
    84.4       30.8 %     8,155       18.8 %     19,097       10.5 %
Industrial
    8.3       3.0 %     876       2.0 %     275       0.1 %
Other
    36.3       13.3 %     23,210       53.3 %     N/A       N/A  
                                                 
Total
  $ 273.9       100.0 %     43,511       100.0 %     182,098       100.0 %
                                                 
 
Electric Operations.  In 2006, we had a maximum peak hour demand of 2,941 megawatts in July. During 2006, our sources of generation included 51% coal, 47% purchased-power and 2% gas/other.
 
Gas Operations.  The gas utility operations accounted for 20% of our operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006. We maintain purchase agreements with several suppliers of natural gas from various gas producing regions of the U.S. and Canada. The majority of the gas supply contracts are for terms of six months or less, with the remaining supply contracts having terms through 2007.


S-6


Table of Contents

Transmission Assets
 
On January 1, 2001, we transferred our transmission assets with no gain or loss to a transmission-only company, American Transmission Company LLC (ATC). At December 31, 2006, we had an ownership percentage in ATC of approximately 18%. The transfer has not resulted in a significant impact on our financial condition or results of operations since the FERC allows ATC to earn a return on the contributed assets comparable to the return we were formerly allowed by the PSCW and the FERC. During 2006, ATC distributed to us, in the form of dividends, $19 million or approximately 80% of our equity earnings from ATC. ATC realizes its revenues from the provision of transmission services to both participants in ATC as well as non-participants. ATC is a transmission-owning member of the Midwest Independent System Operator and the Mid-America Interconnected Network, Inc. Regional Reliability Council.
 
Rates and Regulatory Environment
 
We are subject to regulation by the PSCW regarding retail utility rates and standards of service, accounting requirements, issuance and use of proceeds of securities, approval of the location and construction of electric generating facilities, certain other additions and extensions to facilities, and in other respects. Retail rates are set by the PSCW using a forward-looking test year and may be adjusted in base rate case proceedings, in fuel rate cases under Wisconsin’s fuel adjustment rules and through other regulatory mechanisms. In 2005, Wisconsin enacted Act 7, which provides Wisconsin companies with the necessary rate making principles — and resulting, increased regulatory and investment certainty — prior to making certain generation investments in Wisconsin.
 
We are currently addressing the recovery of our utility cost increases through several rate filings. Our recent rate cases are summarized as follows (dollars in millions):
 
                                                 
                                Expected
     
                    Final
    Final
    Final
     
    Utility
  Filing
    Increase
    Increase
    Effective
    Effective
    Return
Case
  Type   Date     Requested     Granted     Date     Date     on Equity
 
2007 Retail (F-R)(a)
  Electric     5/07       (a )     (a )     (a )     (a )   N/A
2008 Retail(b)
  Electric     4/07     $ 26       *       *       1/08     10.8%
Wholesale
  Electric     9/06       (c )     *       *       (c )   *
2007 Retail
  Electric/Gas     3/06       96     $ 34       1/07       N/A     10.8%
2005 Retail (F-R)(d)
  Electric     8/05       96       54       9/06       N/A     N/A
2005 Retail (F-R)
  Electric     3/05       26       26       7/05       N/A     N/A
2005-2006 Retail
  Electric/Gas     9/04       63       21       7/05       N/A     11.5%
                                                 
Total
              $ 307     $ 135                      
                                                 
 
 
To be determined.
 
(F-R) Fuel-related
 
(a) In May 2007, we notified the PSCW that our actual average fuel-related costs for the month of March 2007 had fallen below the monthly fuel monitoring range set in our most recent base rate case and that projected average fuel-related costs for 2007 could be below the annual monitoring range to warrant a decrease in retail electric rates. Our notification also included a request for the PSCW to set our retail electric rates subject to refund. Our notification initiated a proceeding in which fuel-related costs and retail electric rates will be reviewed and retail electric rates may be adjusted, if warranted. To the extent this proceeding determines overcollections occurred, we will refund the excess collected from ratepayers. In June 2007, the PSCW issued an order approving our request to set retail rates subject to refund effective June 1, 2007. As a result, we recorded $2.5 million of reserves at June 30, 2007 for the estimated refund related to the recovery of retail fuel-related costs for June 2007.
 
(b) In April 2007, we filed a request with the PSCW to reopen our 2007 test year case for the limited purpose of increasing electric rates in an amount equal to deferral credits that will be fully amortized on


S-7


Table of Contents

December 31, 2007. We are also seeking clarification that we are authorized to record allowance for funds used during construction on all construction work in process (CWIP) balances in excess of the CWIP balance included in the 2007 test year.
 
(c) In December 2006, we received an order from the FERC authorizing an interim increase, subject to refund, effective in June 2007 relating to our request to implement a formula rate structure for our wholesale electric customers. The proposed rate structure uses formulas based on historical data for capacity-related costs which adjust annually on June 1, and for energy costs, including fuel, which adjust monthly, to determine applicable wholesale rates. Based on 2006 costs and usage, interim rates implemented on June 1, 2007 would result in an annual revenue increase of approximately $18 million. This represents an increase of 12% from previously approved rates that were based on a 2005 forecasted test year. Final rates to be approved by the FERC may result from a settlement process or a fully litigated process. We and our customers are currently engaged in settlement discussions.
 
(d) In June 2007, the PSCW approved a $3.3 million refund, including interest, to our retail customers related to the overcollection of retail fuel-related costs during the second half of 2006. We expect to complete the refund in the third quarter of 2007 and had fully reserved the refund at June 30, 2007.
 
The FERC has jurisdiction under the Federal Power Act over some of our electric utility facilities and operations, wholesale rates and accounting practices, and in some other respects.
 
Our parent corporation, Alliant Energy Corporation, is a “holding company” and we are a “subsidiary company” and a “holding company” within the Alliant Energy Corporation “holding company system” as defined under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005. As a result, we are subject to some of the regulatory provisions of that Act.
 
DESCRIPTION OF DEBENTURES
 
We have summarized provisions of the debentures below. This summary supplements and, to the extent inconsistent with, replaces the description of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities under the caption “Description of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus. We will issue the debentures as a separate series of securities under an indenture between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee. The indenture is described in the accompanying prospectus.
 
General
 
The indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured debt securities that we may issue under it, and provides that we may issue, without the consent of holders of the debentures, securities under the indenture from time to time in one or more series pursuant to the terms of one or more supplemental indentures or officers’ certificates creating the series. We also may, without the consent of the holder of the debentures, issue additional debentures having the same ranking and the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as the debentures. Any such additional debentures having such similar terms, together with the debentures, may constitute a single series of debentures under the indenture.
 
The indenture does not give holders of the debentures protection in the event we engage in a highly leveraged or other transaction that may adversely affect holders of the debentures. As of the date of this prospectus supplement, we have $60 million aggregate principal amount of 5.7% debentures due 2008, $100 million aggregate principal amount of 7.625% debentures due 2010 and $100 million aggregate principal amount of 6.25% debentures due 2034 outstanding under the indenture.
 
No sinking fund will be established for the benefit of the debentures.
 
Maturity and Interest
 
We are initially offering the debentures in the aggregate principal amount of $300 million. The debentures will mature on          , 2037.


S-8


Table of Contents

Each debenture will bear interest from August   , 2007, or from and including the most recent interest payment date to which we have paid interest, at the rate of     % per year. Interest on the debentures will be payable semi-annually in arrears, on           and          , commencing          , 2008, to the persons in whose names the debentures are registered at the close of business on the fifteenth calendar day (whether or not a business day) before each interest payment date. Interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.
 
Ranking
 
The debentures will be our senior, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations, ranking equally and ratably with all our other senior, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations from time to time outstanding. The debentures will be effectively subordinated to all of our future secured indebtedness to the extent of the assets securing such debt. We do not currently have any secured indebtedness.
 
As of June 30, 2007, giving pro forma effect to this offering and our expected use of the net proceeds of the offering, we would have had $598.7 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured long-term debt outstanding.
 
Optional Redemption
 
The debentures will be redeemable as a whole or in part, at our option at any time or from time to time, at a redemption price equal to the greater of (i) 100% of the principal amount of such debentures and (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest thereon (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the Treasury Rate plus           basis points, plus in each case accrued interest to the date of redemption.
 
“Comparable Treasury Issue” means the United States Treasury security or securities selected by an Independent Investment Banker as having an actual or interpolated maturity comparable to the remaining term of the debentures to be redeemed that would be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate debt securities of a comparable maturity to the remaining term of such debentures.
 
“Independent Investment Banker” means one of the Reference Treasury Dealers appointed by the Trustee after consultation with us.
 
“Comparable Treasury Price” means, with respect to any redemption date, (A) the average of the Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations for such redemption date, after excluding the highest and lowest such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, or (B) if the Trustee obtains fewer than four such Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations, the average of all such quotations.
 
“Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations” means, with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any redemption date, the average, as determined by the Trustee, of the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount) quoted in writing to the Trustee by the Reference Treasury Dealers at 3:30 p.m. New York time on the third business day preceding such redemption date.
 
“Reference Treasury Dealer” means each of Banc of America Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Citigroup Global Markets Inc. or their affiliates which are primary U.S. Government securities dealers, and one additional primary U.S. Government securities dealer located in The City of New York (a “Primary Treasury Dealer”) selected by us, and their respective successors; provided, however, that if any of the foregoing or their affiliates shall cease to be Primary Treasury Dealer, we shall substitute therefor another Primary Treasury Dealer.
 
“Treasury Rate” means, with respect to any redemption date, the rate per annum equal to the semiannual equivalent yield to maturity or interpolated (on a day count basis) of the Comparable Treasury Issue, assuming a price for the Comparable Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such redemption date.


S-9


Table of Contents

Notice of any redemption will be mailed at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of debentures to be redeemed.
 
Unless we default in payment of the redemption price, on and after the redemption date interest will cease to accrue on the debentures or portions thereof called for redemption.
 
The Trustee
 
U.S. Bank National Association will act as trustee, registrar, transfer agent and paying agent for the debentures. We can remove the trustee with or without cause so long as no event which is, or after notice or lapse of time would become, an event of default shall have occurred and be continuing.
 
We and certain of our affiliates maintain banking and other business relationships in the ordinary course of business with the trustee and its affiliates. In addition, the trustee and certain of its affiliates may serve as trustee for other securities issued by us or by our affiliates.
 
To the extent provided in the indenture, the trustee will have a prior claim on amounts held by it under the indenture for the payment of its compensation and expenses and for the repayment of advances made by it to effect performance of some covenants in the indenture.
 
Book-Entry Delivery and Settlement
 
We will issue the debentures in the form of one or more global certificates, which we refer to as global securities. We will deposit the global securities with or on behalf of The Depository Trust Company, referred to as DTC, and registered in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of DTC, or else the global securities will remain in the custody of the trustee in accordance with the FAST Balance Certificate Agreement between DTC and the trustee.
 
DTC has advised us that:
 
  •  DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered under Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
 
  •  DTC holds securities that its direct participants deposit with DTC and facilitates the settlement among direct participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in direct participants’ accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates;
 
  •  direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, trust companies, clearing corporations and other organizations;
 
  •  DTC is owned by a number of its direct participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange LLC and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.;
 
  •  access to the DTC system is also available to indirect participants such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly; and
 
  •  the rules applicable to DTC and its direct and indirect participants are on file with the SEC.
 
We have provided the following descriptions of the operations and procedures of DTC solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of DTC and are subject to change by them from time to time. Neither we, the underwriters nor the trustee take any responsibility for these operations or procedures, and you are urged to contact DTC or its participants directly to discuss these matters.
 
We expect that under procedures established by DTC:
 
  •  upon deposit of the global securities with DTC or its custodian, DTC will credit on its internal system the accounts of direct participants designated by the underwriters with portions of the principal amounts of the global securities; and


S-10


Table of Contents

 
  •  ownership of the debentures will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of the debentures will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee, with respect to interests of direct participants, and the records of direct and indirect participants, with respect to interests of persons other than participants.
 
The laws of some jurisdictions require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of those securities in the form of a certificate. For that reason, it may not be possible to transfer interests in a global security to those persons. In addition, because DTC can act only on behalf of its participants, who in turn act on behalf of persons who hold interests through participants, the ability of a person having an interest in a global security to pledge or transfer that interest to persons or entities that do not participate in DTC’s system, or otherwise to take actions in respect of that interest, may be affected by the lack of a physical definitive security in respect of that interest.
 
So long as DTC or its nominee is the registered owner of a global security, DTC or that nominee will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debentures represented by that global security for all purposes under the indenture and under the debentures. Except as described below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not be entitled to have debentures represented by that global security registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive the debentures in the form of a physical certificate and will not be considered the owners or holders of the debentures under the indenture or under the debentures, and may not be entitled to give the trustee directions, instructions or approvals. For that reason, each holder owning a beneficial interest in a global security must rely on DTC’s procedures and, if that holder is not a direct or indirect participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which that holder owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder of debentures under the indenture or the global security.
 
Neither we nor the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of DTC’s records relating to the debentures or relating to payments made by DTC on account of the debentures, or any responsibility to maintain, supervise or review any of DTC’s records relating to the debentures.
 
We will make payments on the debentures represented by the global securities to DTC or its nominee, as the registered owner of the debentures. We expect that when DTC or its nominee receives any payment on the debentures represented by a global security, DTC will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their beneficial interests in the global security as shown in DTC’s records. We also expect that payments by DTC’s participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global security held through those participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. DTC’s participants will be responsible for those payments.
 
Payments on the debentures represented by the global securities will be made in immediately available funds. Transfers between participants in DTC will be made in accordance with DTC’s rules and will be settled in immediately available funds.
 
Certificated Debentures
 
We will issue certificated debentures to each person that DTC identifies as the beneficial owner of debentures represented by the global securities upon surrender by DTC of the global securities only if:
 
  •  DTC notifies us that it is no longer willing or able to act as a depository for the global securities, and we have not appointed a successor depository within 90 days of that notice;
 
  •  an event of default with respect to the debentures has occurred and is continuing; or
 
  •  we decide not to have the debentures represented by a global security.
 
Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC, its nominee or any direct or indirect participant in identifying the beneficial owners of the related debentures. We and the trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be protected in relying on, instructions from DTC or its nominee, including instructions about the registration and delivery, and the respective principal amounts, of the debentures to be issued.


S-11


Table of Contents

 
UNDERWRITING
 
Banc of America Securities LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a purchase agreement among us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters severally and not jointly has agreed to purchase from us, the principal amount of debentures set forth opposite its name below.
 
         
    Principal Amount
 
Underwriters
  of Debentures  
 
Banc of America Securities LLC
  $    
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated
       
Citigroup Global Markets Inc. 
       
KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. 
       
         
Total
  $ 300,000,000  
         
 
The underwriters have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the purchase agreement, to purchase all of the debentures sold under the purchase agreement if any of these debentures are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the purchase agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the purchase agreement may be terminated.
 
The underwriters are offering the debentures, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the debentures, and other conditions contained in the purchase agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
 
The debentures are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We do not intend to list the debentures on any securities exchange or to seek their admission to trading on any automated quotation system. The representatives have advised us that they intend to make a market in the debentures but the underwriters are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market making at any time without notice. No assurance can be given as to the liquidity of the trading market for the debentures.
 
Commissions and Discounts
 
The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the debentures to the public at the public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of     % of the principal amount of the debentures. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of     % of the principal amount of the debentures to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may be changed.
 
The expenses of this offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $150,000 and are payable by us.
 
No Sale of Similar Securities
 
We have agreed, with exceptions, not to sell or transfer any of our debentures for 15 days after the date of this prospectus supplement without first obtaining the written consent of the representatives on behalf of the underwriters. Specifically, we have agreed not to directly or indirectly:
 
  •  offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any debt securities;
 
  •  sell any option or contract to purchase any debt securities;
 
  •  purchase any option or contract to sell any debt securities;


S-12


Table of Contents

 
  •  grant any option, right or warrant to sell any debt securities;
 
  •  lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any debt securities;
 
  •  file a registration statement related to any debt securities; or
 
  •  enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any debt securities, whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of debt securities or other securities, in cash or otherwise.
 
This lockup provision applies to the debt securities and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with the debt securities.
 
Indemnification
 
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.
 
Price Stabilization and Short Position
 
In connection with the offering, the underwriters are permitted to engage in transactions that stabilize the market price of the debentures. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain the price of the debentures.
 
If the underwriters create a short position in the debentures in connection with the offering, i.e., if they sell more debentures than are listed on the cover page of this prospectus supplement, then the representatives may reduce that short position by purchasing debentures in the open market. Purchases of our debentures to stabilize or reduce a short position could cause the price of our debentures to be higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases.
 
In general, purchases of a security to stabilize the price or to reduce a short position may cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of these purchases.
 
Neither we nor any of the underwriters makes any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the debentures. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters makes any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
 
Other Relationships
 
Some of the underwriters or their affiliates have provided investment or commercial banking services to us or our affiliates in the past and are likely to do so in the future. They receive customary fees and commissions for these services. In particular, affiliates of Banc of America Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. are lenders under our credit facility.
 
VALIDITY OF THE DEBENTURES
 
The validity of the debentures will be passed upon for us by Foley & Lardner LLP. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, New York, New York.
 
EXPERTS
 
The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedules incorporated in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus by reference from Wisconsin Power and Light Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference (which report expresses an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedules and includes an explanatory paragraph referring to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”), and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.


S-13


Table of Contents

 
Wisconsin Power and Light Company
 
$300,000,000 Aggregate Amount
 
 
 
 
Preferred Stock
 
Debt Securities
 
 
 
 
By this prospectus, we may offer from time to time up to an aggregate of $300,000,000 of our securities. We will provide specific terms of the securities, including the offering prices, in supplements to this prospectus. The supplements may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read this prospectus and the prospectus supplement relating to the specific issue of securities carefully before you invest.
 
 
 
 
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
 
 
 
 
 
The date of this prospectus is June 27, 2007.


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
         
    Page
 
About This Prospectus
  2
Wisconsin Power and Light Company
  3
Use of Proceeds
  3
Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends
  3
Description of Preferred Stock
  4
Description of Debt Securities
  7
Global Securities
  13
Plan of Distribution
  14
Where You Can Find More Information
  17
Legal Matters
  17
Experts
  17
 
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
 
In this prospectus, “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Wisconsin Power and Light Company.
 
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell the securities or combinations of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings with a maximum aggregate offering price of up to $300,000,000. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer. Each time we offer securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.”
 
We may use this prospectus to offer from time to time shares of our preferred stock and our unsecured debt securities. In this prospectus, we sometimes refer to our preferred stock and debt securities collectively as the securities.
 
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and the accompanying prospectus supplement is accurate as of the date of their respective covers. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.


2


Table of Contents

 
WISCONSIN POWER AND LIGHT COMPANY
 
We are a public utility serving customers primarily in Wisconsin. We are engaged principally in:
 
  •  the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy in selective markets in Wisconsin;
 
  •  the purchase, distribution, transportation and sale of natural gas in selective markets in Wisconsin; and
 
  •  the provision of various other energy-related products and services.
 
All of our common stock is owned by Alliant Energy Corporation, an energy-services provider with subsidiaries, including us, serving primarily electric and natural gas customers. Providing its customers in the Midwest with regulated electricity and natural gas service is Alliant Energy Corporation’s primary focus.
 
We are subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin with respect to various portions of our operations. We are also subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Alliant Energy Corporation is a registered holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 2005 and is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission under that Act. We are also subject to some requirements of that Act.
 
Our principal executive offices are located at 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, Wisconsin 53718 and our telephone number is (608) 458-3311.
 
USE OF PROCEEDS
 
Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for general corporate purposes. These purposes may include repayment of our short-term debt, financing capital expenditures and funding additional working capital. Until we use the net proceeds from the sale of the securities for these purposes, we may place the proceeds in temporary investments.
 
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
 
The following table shows our ratios of earnings to fixed charges and to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends for the periods presented:
 
                                                 
                        Three
                        Months
                        Ended
    Year Ended December 31,   March 31,
    2002   2003   2004   2005   2006   2007
 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges
    3.48       4.65       4.10       3.22       3.00       3.75  
Ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends
    3.15       4.19       3.76       3.01       2.82       3.52  


3


Table of Contents

 
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED STOCK
 
The following description of our preferred stock summarizes the general terms and provisions that apply to our preferred stock. We will describe the particular terms of any series of preferred stock more specifically in each prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. We will indicate in the prospectus supplement whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of preferred stock.
 
The following is a summary of some general terms and provisions of our preferred stock. Since this is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. The summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our restated articles of organization, which are filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.”
 
General
 
Our total authorized capital stock as set forth in our restated articles of organization is $240,000,000, divided into 3,750,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value, provided that the aggregate stated value of the shares of preferred stock may not exceed $150 million at any time and 18,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $5 per share. As of the date of this prospectus, all of our outstanding common stock was owned by our parent corporation, Alliant Energy Corporation.
 
Under our restated articles of organization, our board of directors may establish one or more series of preferred stock to be issued out of authorized preferred stock. Our board of directors, without approval of our shareowners, may determine some rights and preferences of the shares of preferred stock of any series so established.
 
Issuance in Series
 
Prior to the issuance of shares of each series of our preferred stock, our board of directors is required to adopt resolutions and file articles of amendment to our restated articles of organization with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
 
All shares of our preferred stock of all series constitute one class of stock and are of equal rank and confer equal rights, subject to variations in the following respects which our board of directors is authorized to fix prior to the issue of each new series:
 
  •  stated value;
 
  •  dividend rate (which may be fixed or variable);
 
  •  redemption terms (but the redemption price may not be less than the stated value); and
 
  •  sinking fund provisions, if any.
 
All authorized and unissued shares of preferred stock may, within the limitations stated in our restated articles or organization, be issued in series bearing the permitted variable terms as fixed by the board of directors prior to the issuance of each series.
 
Dividend Rights
 
Holders of preferred stock are entitled, in respect of each share held, to cumulative dividends on the stated value of the preferred stock at the rate specified in the designation of such share, and no more, in preference to the common stock, payable quarterly, when declared by our board of directors out of our surplus or net profits available for that purpose. We will not pay or set apart any dividend for any share of preferred stock unless we also pay or set apart for all shares of all series a uniform percentage of the annual dividend to which the shares are respectively entitled. Quarterly dividend periods in respect of the preferred stock end on the last day of February, May, August and November in each year, and dividends declared with respect to the shares of preferred stock are usually paid on the 15th day of the next succeeding month. The prospectus


4


Table of Contents

supplement with respect to each series of preferred stock will set forth the date from which dividends on that series will be cumulative.
 
Limitation on Dividends on Common Stock
 
Our restated articles of organization provide that so long as any preferred stock is outstanding, we will not, in any 12-month period, declare or pay cash dividends on our common stock, or make any distribution on, or purchase or otherwise acquire for value, any of our common stock, amounting in the aggregate to:
 
  •  more than 50% of our net income available for dividends on the common stock for the 12 months preceding the declaration of any such dividend or distribution, or any such purchase, if our common stock equity would be less than 20% of our total capitalization after the declaration, payment, distribution or purchase; or
 
  •  more than 75% of our net income available for dividends on the common stock if our common stock equity would be 20% or more but less than 25% of our total capitalization after the declaration, payment, distribution or purchase.
 
If our common stock equity is more than 25% of total capitalization, then we may not declare or pay any common stock dividend that would reduce the capitalization ratio to less than 25%, except as permitted above.
 
Redemption Provisions
 
The preferred stock and any series of the preferred stock is redeemable in whole or in part at our option at any time or from time to time, subject to any restrictions on such right of redemption which may be specified for any series, on not less than 30 days’ notice at the stated value of each share to be redeemed plus any applicable redemption premium and unpaid accrued dividends. The prospectus supplement with respect to each series of preferred stock will specify the specific redemption terms for that series. We may repurchase shares of preferred stock to the extent permitted by law.
 
Voting Rights
 
Every record holder of outstanding shares of preferred stock, regardless of series, and every record holder of outstanding shares of common stock is entitled to vote as a single class in respect to the election of directors and upon all other matters, except as otherwise provided in the following paragraphs or under Wisconsin law. Alliant Energy Corporation, the sole holder of our common stock, has one vote for each share it holds. Every holder of preferred stock has, for each share of preferred stock held by him or her, that number of votes (including any fractional vote) determined by dividing the stated value of the share of preferred stock by 100. Shareowners have no cumulative voting rights in connection with the election of directors, which means that holders of shares entitled to exercise more than 50% of the voting power are entitled to elect all of the directors to be elected at any meeting of shareowners. Our restated articles of organization provide that our board of directors is to be divided into three classes, with staggered terms of three years each.
 
Notwithstanding the classification of our board of directors, if and when dividends on the preferred stock are in default in an amount equal to four full quarterly dividends on all shares of the preferred stock and until all dividends then in default on the preferred stock have been paid, the record holders of the preferred stock, as a class, will be entitled at each shareowners’ meeting at which directors are elected to elect the smallest number of directors necessary to constitute a majority of our full board of directors. The record holders of the common stock, as a class, will be entitled to elect the remaining directors. In the case of any vacancy in our board of directors occurring for a director elected by the holders of the preferred stock, as a class, because dividends were in default on the preferred stock, the holders of the shares of preferred stock then outstanding and entitled to vote may elect a successor to hold office for the unexpired term of the director whose place is vacant. Similarly, in the case of any vacancy in our board of directors occurring for a director elected by the holders of the common stock, as a class, because dividends were in default on the preferred stock, the holders of the shares of common stock then outstanding and entitled to vote may elect a successor to hold office for the unexpired term of the director whose place is vacant. If and when all dividends then in default on the


5


Table of Contents

preferred stock are paid, the voting power of the preferred stock and of the common stock will revert to the status existing before such default, subject to the revesting of this special voting right in the preferred stock in case of a further like default. Dividends in default will be deemed to have been paid whenever they are declared and paid, or declared and provision made for their payment, or whenever we have surplus and net profits legally available for the payment of the dividends that have accrued since the default giving rise to the special voting right.
 
So long as any preferred stock is outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote of the holders having at least two-thirds of the total number of votes possessed by all holders of the stock as a class, unless provision is made for the redemption or other retirement of such stock:
 
  •  amend our restated articles of organization to create or authorize any stock ranking prior in any respect to the preferred stock, or issue any such stock;
 
  •  change the terms and provisions of the preferred stock so as to affect adversely the rights and preferences of the holders of the preferred stock, provided that if any change would affect adversely the holders of one or more, but less than all, of the outstanding series, only the consent of the holders having at least two-thirds of the total number of votes possessed by all holders of each series so adversely affected is required;
 
  •  issue any shares of preferred stock or shares of any stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock, other than in exchange for or to redeem or retire shares of preferred stock or shares of any stock ranking on parity with the preferred stock having an aggregate amount of par value and/or stated value of not less than the aggregate amount of par value or stated value of the shares to be issued, unless:
 
  •  our gross income available for the payment of interest for a 12-month period within the 15 months next preceding such issue was at least 11/2 times the sum of:
 
  •  the interest for one year on all funded indebtedness and our notes payable maturing more than 12 months after the issue of the shares, to be outstanding at the date of such issue, and
 
  •  an amount equal to one year’s dividend on the preferred stock and all equal or prior ranking stock to be outstanding after the issuance of said shares; and
 
  •  the capital represented by the common stock and our surplus accounts is not less than the aggregate amount payable upon the involuntary dissolution, liquidation or winding up of our company in respect of all the preferred stock and all equal or prior ranking stock outstanding after the issue of the shares proposed to be issued.
 
So long as any preferred stock is outstanding, we will not, without the affirmative vote of the holders having at least a majority of the total number of votes possessed by all holders of such stock as a class, unless provision is made for the redemption or other retirement of such stock:
 
  •  issue or assume any unsecured indebtedness (defined in our restated articles of organization to generally mean all unsecured notes, debentures or other unsecured securities that have a final maturity date of less than three years), other than for the refunding of outstanding secured or unsecured indebtedness or the retiring of preferred stock or any equal or prior ranking stock, if immediately after the issue or assumption the total principal amount of all unsecured indebtedness issued or assumed by us and to be outstanding would exceed 20% of the sum of:
 
  •  the total principal amount of all our secured debt securities then outstanding, and
 
  •  our capital and surplus; or
 
  •  merge or consolidate with any other corporation or sell all or substantially all our assets, unless the transaction (or the issue or assumption of securities in connection with the transaction) has been ordered, approved or permitted by any federal commission or regulatory authority then having jurisdiction.


6


Table of Contents

 
Liquidation Rights
 
In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, the holders of preferred stock would be entitled to be paid in full, out of our net assets, the stated value of their shares and, to the extent there may be profits properly applicable to the preferred stock (whether capitalized or not) or any unpaid dividends accrued on the preferred stock, in preference to the holders of common stock.
 
Assessability
 
All shares of our preferred stock will, when issued, be fully paid and nonassessable.
 
Preemptive Rights
 
No shares of our preferred stock will have any preemptive or similar rights.
 
Ranking
 
The preferred stock will rank, with respect to dividends and upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up:
 
  •  senior to all classes or series of our common stock and to all of our equity securities ranking junior to the preferred stock;
 
  •  on a parity with all of our equity securities the terms of which specifically provide that the equity securities rank on a parity with the preferred stock; and
 
  •  junior to all of our equity securities the terms of which specifically provide that the equity securities rank senior to our preferred stock.
 
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
The following description of the terms of our debt securities summarizes the general terms and provisions that apply to our debt securities. We will describe the particular terms of any debt securities more specifically in each prospectus supplement relating to those debt securities. We will indicate in the prospectus supplement whether the general terms and provisions described in this prospectus apply to a particular series of debt securities.
 
From time to time we may issue, in one or more series, debt securities under an indenture, dated as of June 20, 1997, between us and U.S. Bank National Association, as successor trustee, as supplemented and amended from time to time. This indenture, as supplemented and amended, is referred to in this prospectus as the indenture. This section summarizes the indenture. Since this is only a summary, it does not contain all of the information that may be important to you. The summary is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the indenture which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and incorporated by reference into this prospectus. See “Where You Can Find More Information.” Parenthetical section references under this heading are references to sections of the indenture.
 
General
 
The indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured debt securities that we may issue under it, and provides that we may issue securities under the indenture from time to time in one or more series pursuant to the terms of one or more supplemental indentures or officers’ certificates creating the series. (Section 2.01).


7


Table of Contents

Terms
 
We will describe in each prospectus supplement the following terms that apply to the debt securities offered under that prospectus supplement:
 
  •  the title of the series of debt securities;
 
  •  the aggregate principal amount of the series of debt securities;
 
  •  the interest rate, if any, or the method of calculating the interest rate on the debt securities;
 
  •  the date from which interest will accrue and the record dates for the payment of interest on the debt securities;
 
  •  the dates when principal and interest are payable on the debt securities;
 
  •  the manner of paying principal and interest on the debt securities;
 
  •  the places where principal and interest are payable on the debt securities;
 
  •  the registrar, transfer agent and paying agent for the debt securities;
 
  •  the terms of any mandatory or optional redemption by us;
 
  •  the terms of any redemption at the option of the holders of the debt securities;
 
  •  whether the debt securities are to be issuable as registered securities, bearer securities or both, and whether and upon what terms any registered securities may be exchanged for bearer securities and vice versa;
 
  •  whether the debt securities are to be represented in whole or in part by a global security and the terms of any global security;
 
  •  any tax indemnity provisions;
 
  •  if the debt securities provide that payments of principal or interest may be made in a currency other than that in which debt securities are denominated, the manner for determining such payments;
 
  •  if amounts of principal or interest on the debt securities may be determined by reference to an index, formula or other method, the manner for determining the amounts;
 
  •  provisions for electronic issuance of debt securities or for debt securities in uncertificated form;
 
  •  the portion of principal payable upon acceleration of a discounted debt security;
 
  •  whether the covenant referred to below under “Certain Covenants — Limitations on Liens” applies, and any events of default or restrictive covenants in addition to or in lieu of those set forth in the indenture;
 
  •  whether and upon what terms debt securities may be defeased;
 
  •  the forms of the debt securities or any coupon; and
 
  •  any additional provisions or other special terms not inconsistent with the provisions of the indenture, including any terms that may be required or advisable under United States or other applicable laws or regulations, or advisable in connection with the marketing of the debt securities. (Section 2.01).
 
Ranking
 
The debt securities will be our senior, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations, ranking equally and ratably with all our other senior, unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. The debt securities will be effectively subordinated to any of our future secured indebtedness.


8


Table of Contents

Payments
 
Unless we otherwise state in the prospectus supplement, we will pay principal of, and premium and interest on, if any, the debt securities at the office or agency we maintain for that purpose, initially the corporate trust office of the trustee. We will name in the prospectus supplement all paying agents we initially designate for the debt securities. If we fail to maintain a paying agent for a series, then the trustee will act as the paying agent. (Section 2.03). We will provide in the prospectus supplement the dates from which interest will accrue on a series of debt securities and the record dates for interest payable on any debt securities.
 
Unless we otherwise state in the prospectus supplement, and except in special circumstances set forth in the indenture, we will pay principal and interest on bearer debt securities only upon surrender of bearer debt securities and coupons at a paying agency we maintain for that purpose located outside of the United States. During any period for which it is necessary in order to conform to United States tax law or regulations, we will maintain a paying agent outside the United States to which the bearer debt securities and coupons may be presented for payment and we will provide the necessary funds to the paying agent upon reasonable notice. (Section 2.04).
 
Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations
 
We may issue the debt securities as original issue discount securities, bearing no interest or bearing interest at a rate, which, at the time of issuance, is below market rates, to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount. We will describe some material U.S. federal income tax and other considerations applicable to any debt securities that are issued as original issue discount securities in the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
If the purchase price of any debt securities is payable in one or more foreign currencies or composite currencies, if any debt securities are denominated in one or more foreign currencies or composite currencies or if any payments on the debt securities are payable in one or more foreign currencies or composite currencies, then we will describe the restrictions, elections, some U.S. federal income tax considerations, specific terms and other information about the debt securities and the foreign currency or composite currencies in the prospectus supplement.
 
Restrictive Covenants
 
Except as otherwise set forth under “— Defeasance” below, for so long as any debt securities remain outstanding or any amount remains unpaid on any of the debt securities, we will comply with the terms of the covenants set forth below. If we issue additional series of securities under the indenture in the future, then those series may or may not have different covenants.
 
Limitations on Liens
 
So long as any series of debt securities as to which this covenant applies remain outstanding, the indenture provides generally that we will not, and we will not permit any of our subsidiaries to, create or allow to be created or to exist any lien on any of our properties or assets to secure any indebtedness, without making effective a provision that makes the debt securities to which this limitation applies equally and ratably secured with or prior to all such indebtedness and with any other indebtedness that is also entitled to be equally secured. This restriction does not apply to or prevent the creation or existence of:
 
  •  liens on property that existed when we acquired or constructed the property or were created within one year after that time;
 
  •  liens on property that secure payment of all or part of the purchase price or construction cost of the property, including the extension of any liens to repairs or improvements made on the property;
 
  •  any extensions, renewals or replacements, in whole or in part, of liens permitted by the above-listed items;


9


Table of Contents

 
  •  the pledge of any bonds or other securities at any time issued under any of the liens permitted by the above-listed items;
 
  •  tax liens and other governmental charges for the then current year that are not delinquent;
 
  •  liens incurred for charges that not delinquent, including mechanics’, laborers’, materialmen’s and similar liens, and any of these liens, whether or not delinquent, whose validity is being contested;
 
  •  liens incidental to construction or current operations which have not at the time been filed or asserted or the payment of which has been adequately secured or which are not material in amount;
 
  •  liens securing indebtedness neither assumed by us nor on account of which we customarily pay interest;
 
  •  any right which any governmental authority may have by virtue of any franchise, license, contract or statute to purchase any of our property on payment of reasonable compensation, or to terminate any franchise, license or other rights or to regulate our property and business;
 
  •  the lien of judgments covered by insurance, or upon appeal and covered by the filing of any appeal bond, or if not so covered not exceeding $1,000,000 in aggregate amount;
 
  •  easements or reservations in respect of our property for certain purposes that do not interfere with our proper operation and development of the property for the purpose of roads, pipelines or other rights-of-way and similar purposes, none of which interfere with our proper operation and development of the property affected;
 
  •  liens for which moneys sufficient for the discharge has been deposited in trust with the trustee and authority has been granted to the trustee to apply the moneys to the discharge of the lien;
 
  •  any defects in title and any terms, conditions or exceptions expressed in deeds or other instruments by which we have acquired property that do not materially adversely affect the operations of our company as a whole;
 
  •  the pledge of cash or marketable securities to obtain any indemnity, performance or similar bond in the ordinary course of business, or as security for the payment for taxes or other assessments being contested in good faith, or for the purpose of obtaining a stay or discharge in legal proceedings;
 
  •  the pledge or assignment in the ordinary course of business of electricity, gas (either natural or artificial) or steam, accounts receivable or customers’ installment paper;
 
  •  rights reserved to or vested in others to take or receive any part of the electricity, gas, steam or any by-products generated or produced by or from any of our properties;
 
  •  any landlord’s lien;
 
  •  liens created or assumed by us in connection with the issuance of debt securities, the interest on which is excludable from the gross income of the holder pursuant to specified sections of the Internal Revenue Code, for the purpose of financing the acquisition or construction of property to be used by us, limited to the property financed;
 
  •  liens of the trustee to secure our payment obligations under the indemnification provisions of the indenture;
 
  •  liens affixing to our property or the property of a subsidiary at the time a person consolidates with or merges into, or transfers all or substantially all of its assets to, our company or a subsidiary, provided that in the opinion of our board of directors or management the property acquired pursuant to the consolidation, merger or asset transfer is adequate security for the lien; and
 
  •  liens or encumbrances not otherwise permitted if, at the incurrence of and after giving effect to the lien, the aggregate of all our obligations secured by the lien does not exceed 10% of our tangible net worth. (Sections 4.06 and 4.07).


10


Table of Contents

 
This restriction will not apply to or prevent the creation or existence of leases made, or existing on property acquired, in the ordinary course of business. (Section 4.07).
 
Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets
 
The indenture provides that unless the officers’ certificate or supplemental indenture establishing a series of debt securities otherwise provides, we will not consolidate with or merge into any other person, or sell all or substantially all of our assets to any other person unless:
 
  •  either we are the continuing corporation, or the person is an entity organized and existing under the laws of the United States or any state, and the entity will expressly assume the payment of the principal of and interest on the debt securities outstanding and the performance and observance of all of our covenants and conditions under the indenture by executing a supplemental indenture satisfactory to the trustee;
 
  •  we or the person will not, immediately after the merger or consolidation, or the sale or conveyance, be in default in the performance of any covenant or condition under the indenture; and
 
  •  after giving effect to the transaction, no event which, after notice or lapse of time, would become a default under the indenture, will have occurred or be continuing. (Section 5.01).
 
The indenture further provides that our successor will be substituted for us, after which all of our obligations under the indenture will terminate. (Section 5.02).
 
Events of Default
 
Unless the officers’ certificate or supplemental indenture establishing the series otherwise provides, each of the following will be an event of default with respect to the debt securities of a series under the indenture:
 
  •  we default in any payment of interest on any debt securities of the series when the interest becomes due and payable, and the default continues for 60 days;
 
  •  we default in the payment of principal of any debt securities of the series when the principal becomes due and payable at maturity or upon redemption, acceleration or otherwise;
 
  •  we default in the payment or satisfaction of any sinking fund obligation with respect to any debt securities of a series as required by the officers’ certificate or supplemental indenture establishing the series, and the default continues for 60 days;
 
  •  we default in the performance of any of our other agreements applicable to the series, and the default continues for 90 days after notice of the default;
 
  •  specified events relating to our bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; and
 
  •  a specified event of default provided for in the terms of the series of the debt securities.
 
The failure to redeem any debt securities subject to a conditional redemption is not an event of default if any event on which such redemption is so conditioned does not occur before the redemption date. (Section 6.01).
 
If an event of default occurs and is continuing on a series, then the trustee by notice to us, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the series by notice to us and the trustee, may declare the principal of and accrued interest on all of the debt securities of the series to be due and payable immediately. (Section 6.02).
 
Modification of the Indenture
 
The holders of at least a majority in principal amount of a series may waive any existing default on the series and its consequences under the indenture. However, holders cannot waive a default in the payment of the principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on, any debt securities or a default in respect of a provision we


11


Table of Contents

describe in the following paragraph. (Section 6.04). These defaults cannot be waived without the consent of each holder of the outstanding debt securities of the series.
 
With the consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of debt securities of all series of the debt securities affected by the supplemental indenture, we and the trustee can enter into supplemental indentures to amend or modify the indenture. However, we cannot make modifications or amendments without the consent of all of the holders of the outstanding series of debt securities if the amendments or modifications would:
 
  •  extend the stated maturity of the principal of, or any installment or principal of or interest on, any debt security of the series;
 
  •  reduce the principal amount of or the rate of interest on or premium (if any), payable upon the redemption of the debt securities of the series;
 
  •  reduce our obligation to pay principal amounts, or reduce the amount of the principal of a discounted security that would be due and payable upon a declaration of acceleration of the maturity;
 
  •  change the coin or currency in which we must pay principal of, or premium, if any, or interest on the debt securities of a series;
 
  •  impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment of principal of, or premium or interest on, the debt securities after the due date of the payment;
 
  •  reduce the percentage in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series, the consent of which is required to enter into any supplemental indenture or amend the terms and conditions of that series;
 
  •  reduce the amount of debt securities whose holders must consent to an amendment or waiver of the provisions of the indenture; or
 
  •  make modifications to any of the provisions we describe in this paragraph and in the paragraph immediately above, except to provide that certain other provisions of the indenture cannot be modified or waived without the consent of the holders of each debt security affected (Section 9.02).
 
We and the trustee can also enter into supplemental indentures to amend or modify the indenture or the debt securities without the consent of any holders of the debt securities. We can only do so if those amendments or modifications would be limited to specific purposes, including:
 
  •  showing that another person has succeeded us and assumed our obligations under the covenants of the indenture and the debt securities;
 
  •  adding to the covenants made by us for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities, or to surrender any right or power conferred on us;
 
  •  adding to or changing any of the provisions of the indenture in respect of the debt securities to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in bearer form or to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities of any series in uncertificated form;
 
  •  adding, changing or eliminating any of the provisions of the indenture, but only if the change does not adversely affect the rights of holders of the debt securities under the indenture in any material respect;
 
  •  securing the debt securities of any series;
 
  •  establishing the form or terms of debt securities of any series;
 
  •  evidencing and providing for the appointment of a successor trustee or a change in any of the provisions of the indenture to facilitate administration by more than one trustee;
 
  •  making clarifying changes to ambiguous, incorrect or inconsistent language in the indenture or the debt securities that do not adversely affect the rights of the holders of the debt securities under the indenture in any material respect;


12


Table of Contents

 
  •  making changes to the provisions of the indenture as is necessary to effect qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 or under any similar federal statute, and to add to the indenture any other provisions as are expressly permitted by the Trust Indenture Act; or
 
  •  amending or supplementing the restrictions on and procedures for resale and other transfers of any series of debt securities to reflect any changes in laws or regulations. (Section 9.01).
 
Defeasance
 
Unless the officers’ certificate or supplemental indenture establishing the terms of the series otherwise provides, debt securities of a series may be defeased in accordance with their terms as set forth below. We may at any time terminate as to a series all of our obligations except for certain obligations, including obligations of ours and/or the trustee’s to execute and authenticate the debt securities, to take certain actions with respect to bearer securities, to require paying agents to hold certain moneys in trust, to maintain security holder lists, to register the transfer or exchange of a debt security, to replace destroyed, lost or stolen debt securities and coupons, to compensate and indemnify the trustee, to take certain actions in connection with the replacement or removal of the trustee and to repay excess money or securities to our company. This is known as legal defeasance. In addition, we may at any time terminate as to a series our obligations with respect to the debt securities and coupons of the series under the covenant described under “Certain Covenants — Limitations on Liens” and any other restrictive covenants that may be applicable to a particular series. This is known as covenant defeasance.
 
We may exercise our legal defeasance option notwithstanding our prior exercise of our covenant defeasance option. If we exercise our legal defeasance option, then a series may not be accelerated because of an event of default. If we exercise our covenant defeasance option, then a series may not be accelerated by reference to the covenant described under “Certain Covenants — Limitations on Liens” or any other restrictive covenants that may be applicable to a particular series. (Section 8.01).
 
If we desire to exercise our legal defeasance or covenant defeasance option as to a series of securities under the indenture, then we must deposit in trust with the trustee money or U.S. government obligations. We must also comply with some other provisions. In particular, we must obtain:
 
  •  an opinion of tax counsel that the defeasance will not result in recognition of any gain or loss to holders of the debt securities for federal income tax purposes; and
 
  •  an opinion from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants that the payments of principal and interest when due on the deposited U.S. government obligations without reinvestment plus any deposited money without investment will be sufficient to pay the principal and interest when due on all of the debt securities to maturity or redemption, as the case may be. (Section 8.02).
 
Governing Law
 
The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin. (Section 10.09).
 
GLOBAL SECURITIES
 
We may issue the securities in whole or in part in the form of one or more global certificates or notes, which we refer to as global securities, that we will deposit with a depository or its nominee that we identify in the applicable prospectus supplement.
 
We will describe the specific terms of the depository arrangement covering the securities in the prospectus supplement relating to that series. We anticipate that the following provisions will apply to all depository arrangements.
 
Upon the issuance of the securities in the form of one or more global securities, the depository or its custodian will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the number of shares or principal


13


Table of Contents

amount of securities of the individual beneficial interests represented by these global securities to the respective accounts of persons who have accounts with the depository. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities will be shown on, and the transfer of this ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depository or its nominee with respect to interests of participants and the records of participants with respect to interests of persons other than participants. These accounts initially will be designated by or on behalf of the underwriters, initial purchasers or agents, or by us if we offer and sell the securities directly, and ownership of beneficial interests in the global securities will be limited to participants or persons who hold interests through participants. Qualified institutional buyers may hold their interests in the global securities directly through the depository if they are participants in this system, or indirectly through organizations which are participants in this system. The laws of some states of the United States may require that some purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in definitive registered form. These limits and the laws may impair your ability to own, transfer or pledge interests in the global securities.
 
So long as the depository, or its nominee, is the registered owner or holder of the securities, the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the securities represented by the global securities for all purposes. No beneficial owner of an interest in the global securities will be able to transfer that interest except in accordance with the depository’s procedures.
 
We will make dividend payments on, or payments of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the global securities to the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global securities. We will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interest.
 
We expect that the depository or its nominee, upon receipt of any dividend payment on, or payment of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on, the global securities, will credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the securities as shown on the records of the depository or its nominee. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities held through the participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practice, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for their customers. These payments will be the responsibility of the participants. Transfers between participants in the depository will be effected in the ordinary way through the depository’s settlement system in accordance with the depository rules and will be settled in same day funds.
 
We will issue securities in certificated form in exchange for global securities if:
 
  •  the depository notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as a depository for the global securities or ceases to be a “clearing agency” registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a successor depository is not appointed by us within 90 days of the notice;
 
  •  an event of default under the instrument governing the securities has occurred and is continuing; or
 
  •  we determine that the securities will no longer be represented by global securities.
 
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
We may sell the offered securities in and outside the United States (1) through underwriters or dealers, (2) directly to purchasers, including our affiliates, (3) through agents or (4) through a combination of any of these methods. The prospectus supplement will include the following information:
 
  •  the terms of the offering;
 
  •  the names of any underwriters, dealers or agents;
 
  •  the name or names of any managing underwriter or underwriters;
 
  •  the purchase price of the securities;
 
  •  the net proceeds from the sale of the securities;


14


Table of Contents

 
  •  any delayed delivery arrangements;
 
  •  any underwriting discounts, commissions and other items constituting underwriters’ compensation;
 
  •  any initial public offering price;
 
  •  any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers; and
 
  •  any commissions paid to agents.
 
Sale Through Underwriters or Dealers
 
If we use underwriters in the sale, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account for resale to the public. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at a fixed public offering price or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Underwriters may offer securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of the offered securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
 
Representatives of the underwriters through whom the offered securities are sold for public offering and sale may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate short covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Over-allotment involves syndicate sales in excess of the offering size, which creates a syndicate short position. Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the offered securities so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the offered securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Penalty bids permit the representative of the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the offered securities originally sold by such syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Such stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the offered securities to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of such transactions. These transactions may be effected on a national securities exchange and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
 
Some or all of the securities that we offer though this prospectus may be new issues of securities with no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom we sell our securities for public offering and sale may make a market in those securities, but they will not be obligated to do so and they may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of the liquidity of, or continued trading markets for, any securities that we offer.
 
If we use dealers in the sale of securities, we will sell the securities to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. We will include in the prospectus supplement the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.
 
Direct Sales and Sales through Agents
 
We may sell the securities directly to a limited number of purchasers or a single purchaser. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. We may also sell the securities through agents designated from time to time. In the prospectus supplement, we will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities, and we will describe any commissions payable to the agent. Unless we inform you otherwise in the prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment.
 
We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to any sale of those securities. We will describe the terms of any such sales in the prospectus supplement.


15


Table of Contents

Remarketing Arrangements
 
Offered securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more remarketing firms, acting as principals for their own accounts or as agents for us. Any remarketing firm will be identified and the terms of its agreements, if any, with us and its compensation will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, in connection with the securities remarketed.
 
Delayed Delivery Arrangements
 
If we so indicate in the prospectus supplement, we may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities from us at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.
 
General Information
 
We may have agreements with the underwriters, dealers and agents to indemnify them against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute with respect to payments that the underwriters, dealers or agents may be required to make.
 
Underwriters, dealers and agents may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in the ordinary course of our business.


16


Table of Contents

 
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
 
We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. We have also filed a registration statement on Form S-3, including exhibits, under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement, but does not contain all of the information included in the registration statement or the exhibits. You may read and copy the registration statement and any other document that we file at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington D.C. You can call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference room. You can also find our public filings with the SEC on the internet at a web site maintained by the SEC located at http://www.sec.gov.
 
We are “incorporating by reference” specified documents that we file with the SEC, which means:
 
  •  incorporated documents are considered part of this prospectus;
 
  •  we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents; and
 
  •  information we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede information contained in this prospectus.
 
We incorporate by reference herein:
 
  •  our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006;
 
  •  our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007;
 
  •  our Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 6, 2007; and
 
  •  any future filings we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (i) after the date of the registration statement on Form S-3 filed under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to securities offered by this prospectus and prior to the effectiveness of such registration statement and (ii) after the date of this prospectus and before the end of the offering of the securities pursuant to this prospectus.
 
Some of these reports, however, are filed on a combined basis with our parent, Alliant Energy Corporation, and its direct subsidiary, Interstate Power and Light Company. Information contained in these reports relating to these entities is filed by them on their own behalf and not by us.
 
You may request a copy of any of these filings, at no cost, by writing to F. J. Buri, Corporate Secretary, Wisconsin Power and Light Company, 4902 North Biltmore Lane, Madison, Wisconsin 53718, or by calling Mr. Buri at (608) 458-3311.
 
LEGAL MATTERS
 
The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Foley & Lardner LLP.
 
EXPERTS
 
The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedules incorporated in this prospectus by reference from Wisconsin Power and Light Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is incorporated herein by reference (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans”), and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.


17


Table of Contents

 
$300,000,000
 
Wisconsin Power and Light Company
 
     % Debentures due 2037
 
­ ­
 
 
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
          , 2007
 
 
Joint Book-Running Managers
 
Banc of America Securities LLC
 
Merrill Lynch & Co
 
Co-Managers
 
Citi
 
KeyBanc Capital Markets
 

GRAPHIC 3 c17457b5c17457001.jpg GRAPHIC begin 644 c17457b5c17457001.jpg M_]C_X``02D9)1@`!`0$`8`!@``#_X0!X17AI9@``24DJ``@````&`#$!`@`1 M````5@````$#!0`!````:`````,#`0`!`````B9%!1!1`0`!`````0!R`!%1 M!``!````Q`X``!)1!``!````Q`X```````!-:6-R;W-O9G0@3V9F:6-E`(&@ MA@$`C[$``/_;`$,`"`8&!P8%"`<'!PD)"`H,%`T,"PL,&1(3#Q0=&A\>'1H< M'"`D+B<@(BPC'!PH-RDL,#$T-#0?)SD].#(\+C,T,O_;`$,!"0D)#`L,&`T- M&#(A'"$R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R,C(R M,C(R,C(R,C(R,O_``!$(`#P`D`,!(@`"$0$#$0'_Q``?```!!0$!`0$!`0`` M`````````0(#!`4&!P@)"@O_Q`"U$``"`0,#`@0#!04$!````7T!`@,`!!$% M$B$Q008346$'(G$4,H&1H0@C0K'!%5+1\"0S8G*""0H6%Q@9&B4F)R@I*C0U M-CH.$A8:'B(F* MDI.4E9:7F)F:HJ.DI::GJ*FJLK.TM;:WN+FZPL/$Q<;'R,G*TM/4U=;7V-G: MX>+CY.7FY^CIZO'R\_3U]O?X^?K_Q``?`0`#`0$!`0$!`0$!`````````0(# M!`4&!P@)"@O_Q`"U$0`"`0($!`,$!P4$!``!`G<``0(#$00%(3$&$D%1!V%Q M$R(R@0@40I&AL<$)(S-2\!5B7J"@X2%AH>(B8J2DY25EI>8 MF9JBHZ2EIJ>HJ:JRL[2UMK>XN;K"P\3%QL?(RKR\_3U]O?X^?K_V@`,`P$``A$#$0`_`.!\5_$7QC:>,=;MK?Q'J$4$-_/' M'&LI`51(P`'L!4O@OXA^+[[QSH%I=>(M0FMY]0@CEC>4D.ID4$'V(KF/&=O, M?'/B`B&0@ZE<\[3_`,]6J;P%;S#XA^&R89`!JEL22I_YZ+0!],_&?5=0T7X< M75[IEY-:7*SQ*)87*L`6Y&17SQIGBKXF:WYO]DZGXCO_`"<>9]D,LNS.<9VY MQG!Z^AKWOX]?\DKO/^OB'_T,5YY^SQKNCZ)_PDG]K:K8V'G?9O+^UW"1;\>; MG&XC.,CIZB@#E_MOQD_N>,O^_%Q_A7NE_P".&\#?"C2-5UQ)Y=6DLX8Q;SY6 M66X*`D/GD8Y+$_S-=59^+O#6HW<=I9>(=)N;F0X2&"]C=V.,\*&R>*^=_P!H M?6);SQW;Z7O/D6%JN$_VW^9C^6S\J`,V#Q-\5/B'?SS:1>:HRQG+)I\AMXHL M]%R"!^9)J]X<^+7C+P/K_P#9OBHWEY;(P6XM[T9GC!_B5CR>.<$D'VSFO=_A MCH4/A_X=Z-:QQJDDMNMS.1U:20!CD]\9`^@%>,/$ M>M_$$6>J:W?7EM]DE?RIYBRY&W!P:WOA/K4FH_!#Q%I\SEFTZ&YCCSVC:(L! M^9>N'_9]_P"2FC_KRE_]EH`^JZ\_^,^JZAHOPXNKW3+R:TN5GB42PN58`MR, MBO0*\S^/7_)*[S_KXA_]#%`'@FF>*?B;K0E.E:EXDOQ%CS#:F679G.,[=>T;18/$(U75K"P,K6_EBZN4BWX$F<;B, MXR/SKW&W\9^%KNYBMK;Q+H\T\K!(XH[Z)F=CP``&R2?2@#S7QW%XOB^$6AZ[ M8ZKJEGJ=A9Q-J40D='D#*NYG'7XAN_@]\7 MD9?,>WM9@Z'O-:OQ^)VDC_>7VH`^DOB+XK3P=X)O]4#@717R;0'^*9N%X[XY M8^RFO*/@?=^+O%7B"?4]4U_4I]*L%P8I+ABLTK#A2.X`RQ_X#ZU@?&_Q=_PE MWBNPT'1I?M5I;!-GDG(FGD`QCUP"H'N6KWSP'X4A\&>$++1X\-*B^9<2#_EI M*W+'Z=A[`4`>?:O^T+IND:U?Z:^@WU.T/]H'3=;U_3 MM*CT&[B>]N8[=9&F4A2[!O^25WG_7Q#_P"ABO`/`'PVU+XA?VA_9]Y:6WV'R]_VC=\V M_=C&`?[A_.O?_CU_R2N\_P"OB'_T,5Q?[,O_`#-/_;I_[6H`M>!O@;KGA;QI MINMW6IZ=-!:.S.D1?<+XKZB[`@30P.GN/+5?YJ:^MZ\*_ M:(\'SWEK9^*;.(O]E3[/>!1DB/.4?Z`D@_[PH`]@\,SI=>%-'N(B#'+8PNN/ M0H#7G/[1%Q'%\.K>)B-\NH1A1WX5R3_GUKG?A1\9=$TGPK#H?B:YDM9+(%(+ MCR6D62/.0IV`D$=.F,`5Q?Q=^(47Q`URRL=&29].M"5ARA#3RL0"P7KC@`#K MU]:`.H^"T#K\+_'-P0?+>%T7TRL+D_\`H0KG?V??^2FC_KRE_P#9:]C\.>$W M\'?!._TV<`7DFGW-Q=8[2/&>/P`5?^`U\_\`PJ\6:=X,\9C5M46=K;[-)%B! M`S9.,<$CTH`^R*\S^/7_`"2N\_Z^(?\`T,53_P"&AO!7_/+5?_`=?_BZJ_%3 MQ#9>*_@6VMZ<)1:7-Q'L$RA6^64H<@$]U-`'B_@'X::E\04OWT^]M+861C#_ M`&C=\V_=C&`?[IKTCPQ\`M?T/Q5I.JSZKILD5G=Q3NB&3O%-"8OL\8?[N_./?M">&;:_\'Q^(!A+O39%0M_?B=@NW\&((_'UKTSPYK]GXHT"UUK3Q*+6Y M#&,2J%;ABIR`3W!KD/CC_P`DDU?_`'X/_1R4`>1?L^^&;;6/%]SJ]UAUTF-7 MBC/>5\A6_`*WXX/:OJ&OGO\`9F_X^/$O^Y;?SEKZ$H`\MU/X">$]5U6\U&>[ MU99KN=YY`D\84,S%CC*=,FG:3\!_"FC:S9:I;7>K-/9SI<1B2>,J61@PR`@X MR*]0HH`P_%WA6Q\9Z!+HVHRW$5M(ZN6MV57RIR.6!'Z5E^!?AQH_P_\`M_\` M9-S?3?;O+\S[6Z-C9NQC:J_WSUSVKL**`"F2Q1SPO#-&LD3J5='&0P/4$'J* M?10!Y-K/[/GA+4KQ[FSFOM-WG)A@=6C'T#`D?3./:MSP?\(?"W@Z[6^MH9KR M_3[ES>,&,?\`N@``'WQGWKO:*`*VHV4>I:9=V$S.L5S"\+E"`P5@0<9[\UY1 M_P`,X^#_`/H):Y_W_A_^-5[!10!X_P#\,X^#_P#H):Y_W_A_^-5UDOPQT67X M>0^"FNM0&FPN7642)YQ/F&3D[-O5C_#TKM**`/'_`/AG'P?_`-!+7/\`O_#_ M`/&J/^&'K3PIX=M-$L9)Y+:U#!'G8% MSN8LA!)]JD1L;-V,;57^\?6NQHHH`\L\%RZIJ'CS5)[JX\3R M6\&I7T2%[A#I^U9'54VXW9`QCMD5#HFJZU]G\+>*9M9NYVUW43;7&G.X,$<3 M^9M$:XRK)L7)SS\V:]-TW2[328IX[1"BSW$MS("Q.9)&+,>?4D\5CV/@/P_I MVO?VS;6DBW(=Y(T,[F*)W^^R1D[5)R@!/!UY27R=9N88][9V M(I&%'L*Y'X)Y8G:Y427%Y&UDV)64!$'[P$`=^X/M776O@30 M[+Q(^O6Z7:7KS/.W^ER>67<$,=F=O?TINC>`M"T'5CJ6GI=I.2YVM=R-'ER2 MWR$[>I/:@#G/",WB&Y\9SZ'J%[&_,$LS2Y-\9CN@W^NV/.??%6_BOK]] MHN@VD>ESW27D\S.RVH_>&&.-F=@=K8"G82<=..]=A::/966JZAJ4$96ZU`QF MX8L2&V+M7`Z#CTJKX@\+:5XF6W&I13%[M+Z&X%R"#&UPJ[4F="49U_V2RG!]*H^$[RYN[_Q0EQ/)*MOK+PPAVSY M:>1"=H]!EB?Q-:NB:)8^'M,33M-C>*TC9C'$TC.$!.<`DD@9/3M64O@30T\2 MOKZ)=I?/-Y[;;N01L^`,E,[3P!V[4`-0_M+S-YW^?NW;MW7&>W3''2GW'A32+F'48I8'*ZC,>6G`]*`.$\5G5KGQ;XGEM/$FHZ8NCZ1%>6\<,J^0SXD)\Q&!!!V#TI/$ M7BO6[35O".KPO(MK_9;ZAJ=DF`?#VO:N^I:E;333 M2(D67>MZM??"G0;JWU'4Y;B]UQX#-8SA9Y8C/.H5';C[JJ!GC@5H>(GU/2?ASI M""\\3P7%QJL44QDN$DU#8SL"H9/E)(`VCGJ,UUDGP_\`#TGA:T\-_9IDTRTF M,\"1W#JR/N9LA@<]7;O5FW\'Z1;:79:0^;<.["53N!+$Y(SV/% M`&3\--0O+_0]0%WGZ3::9+?2VL91KZX-S/EB0TA55)'IPJ_E6/ MKO@30_$6KQZI?I="[2%8`\%U)%E`Q8`A2,\L:`&>$KVZN]6\5QW%Q)*EMJQB MA5VR(T\F([1Z#))_&N#^'^I^(KWQ/82K=>(+NTFFOEU)KV/-G&J.ZP^0Y'WL MA00">_3%=\/`>A#Q*^OJEVE^\PGB:
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----