10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2011

or

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

Commission File Number: 001-31387

Northern States Power Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Minnesota	41-1967505
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
414 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, Minnesota	55401
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(612) 330-5500

 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  xYes  oNo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 and Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  xYes  oNo

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer x	Smaller reporting company o
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  oYes  xNo

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding at Aug. 1, 2011
Common Stock, $0.01 par value	1,000,000 shares

Northern States Power Company (a Minnesota corporation) meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H (1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format specified in General Instruction H (2) to such Form 10-Q.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item l.	Financial Statements (Unaudited)	3
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	28
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	34
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	34
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	34
Item 6.	Exhibits	36
SIGNATURES		37

Certifications Pursuant to Section 302	1
Certifications Pursuant to Section 906	1
Statement Pursuant to Private Litigation	1

This Form 10-Q is filed by Northern States Power Company, a Minnesota corporation (NSP-Minnesota). NSP-Minnesota is a wholly owned subsidiary of Xcel Energy Inc. Xcel Energy Inc. wholly owns the following subsidiaries: NSP-Minnesota; Northern States Power Company, a Wisconsin corporation (NSP-Wisconsin); Public Service Company of Colorado, a Colorado corporation (PSCo); and Southwestern Public Service Company, a New Mexico corporation (SPS). Additional information on Xcel Energy Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, Xcel Energy) is available on various filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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PART 1 — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1 — FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NSP-MINNESOTA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

(amounts in thousands of dollars)

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
Operating revenues
Electric	$	908,070		$	842,620		$	1,812,207		$	1,692,852
Natural gas		96,922			68,227			380,648			340,620
Other		5,534			5,443			10,563			9,925
Total operating revenues		1,010,526			916,290			2,203,418			2,043,397
Operating expenses
Electric fuel and purchased power		378,597			351,653			752,674			724,733
Cost of natural gas sold and transported		56,970			36,220			258,212			240,546
Cost of sales — other		2,865			2,869			5,791			5,570
Other operating and maintenance expenses		261,626			263,576			516,840			512,588
Conservation program expenses		29,926			15,965			68,412			35,451
Depreciation and amortization		104,355			99,258			204,828			195,540
Taxes (other than income taxes)		40,334			39,387			85,987			79,607
Total operating expenses		874,673			808,928			1,892,744			1,794,035
Operating income		135,853			107,362			310,674			249,362
Other (expense) income, net		(1,205	)		21			1,679			(357	)
Allowance for funds used during construction — equity		10,146			8,056			19,739			17,501
Interest charges and financing costs
Interest charges — includes other financing costs of $1,616, $1,413, $3,042 and $2,811, respectively		52,313			49,352			103,928			99,533
Allowance for funds used during construction — debt		(5,961	)		(4,135	)		(11,284	)		(9,477	)
Total interest charges and financing costs		46,352			45,217			92,644			90,056
Income before income taxes		98,442			70,222			239,448			176,450
Income taxes		33,219			26,182			82,050			68,271
Net income	$	65,223		$	44,040		$	157,398		$	108,179

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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NSP-MINNESOTA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(amounts in thousands of dollars)

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2011			2010
Operating activities
Net income	$	157,398		$	108,179
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		207,493			193,484
Nuclear fuel amortization		43,732			49,551
Deferred income taxes		85,421			68,773
Amortization of investment tax credits		(1,347	)		(1,558	)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction		(19,739	)		(17,501	)
Net realized and unrealized hedging and derivative transactions		(4,401	)		(6,099	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		24,654			21,978
Accrued unbilled revenues		57,260			46,542
Inventories		47,168			36,142
Other current assets		(538	)		(35,812	)
Accounts payable		46,431			(116,181	)
Net regulatory assets and liabilities		(8,480	)		(11,638	)
Other current liabilities		(10,792	)		(16,065	)
Pension and other employee benefits		(43,484	)		2,458
Change in other noncurrent assets		(2,586	)		(194	)
Change in other noncurrent liabilities		(26,893	)		(12,296	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		551,297			309,763
Investing activities
Utility capital/construction expenditures		(622,360	)		(575,303	)
Merricourt refund		101,261			-
Merricourt deposit		(90,833	)		-
Allowance for equity funds used during construction		19,739			17,501
Purchase of investments in external decommissioning fund		(1,226,490	)		(3,001,198	)
Proceeds from the sale of investments in external decommissioning fund		1,226,504			3,006,616
Investments in utility money pool arrangement		(432,000	)		(41,500	)
Repayments from utility money pool arrangement		432,000			48,500
Advances to affiliate		(111,300	)		(190,500	)
Advances from affiliate		148,300			206,000
Other investments		(3,691	)		2,007
Net cash used in investing activities		(558,870	)		(527,877	)
Financing activities
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net		5,000			45,000
Borrowings under utility money pool arrangement		300			479,500
Repayments under utility money pool arrangement		(300	)		(419,500	)
Repayment of long-term debt, including reacquisition premiums		(30	)		(91	)
Capital contributions from parent		125,000			211,431
Dividends paid to parent		(116,007	)		(116,091	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		13,963			200,249
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		6,390			(17,865	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		38,408			46,303
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	44,798		$	28,438
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	(89,977	)	$	(91,308	)
Cash paid for income taxes, net		(4,211	)		(25,974	)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing transactions:
Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable	$	23,513		$	24,387

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

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NSP-MINNESOTA AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(amounts in thousands of dollars)

Assets	June 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	44,798	$	38,408
Notes receivable from affiliates		-		37,000
Accounts receivable, net		294,227		313,485
Accounts receivable from affiliates		21,470		26,866
Accrued unbilled revenues		192,133		249,393
Inventories		233,005		280,173
Regulatory assets		148,171		164,943
Derivative instruments		40,677		39,892
Prepayments and other		41,213		39,229
Total current assets		1,015,694		1,189,389
Property, plant and equipment, net		8,464,159		7,822,220
Other assets
Nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments		1,407,360		1,366,069
Regulatory assets		697,833		671,391
Derivative instruments		93,170		101,258
Other		32,920		31,333
Total other assets		2,231,283		2,170,051
Total assets	$	11,711,136	$	11,181,660
Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	$	5	$	19
Short-term debt		5,000		-
Accounts payable		402,867		384,455
Accounts payable to affiliates		53,448		61,753
Taxes accrued		121,127		140,020
Accrued interest		68,494		66,641
Dividends payable to parent		58,259		58,372
Derivative instruments		20,686		27,311
Regulatory liabilities		52,405		42,122
Other		105,465		103,525
Total current liabilities		887,756		884,218
Deferred credits and other liabilities
Deferred income taxes		1,572,299		1,449,082
Deferred investment tax credits		33,090		34,437
Asset retirement obligations		1,180,095		875,361
Regulatory liabilities		468,990		462,574
Pension and employee benefit obligations		310,506		351,130
Derivative instruments		189,587		197,771
Other		67,590		93,025
Total deferred credits and other liabilities		3,822,157		3,463,380
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Capitalization
Long-term debt		3,338,388		3,337,893
Common stock – authorized 5,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value; outstanding 1,000,000 shares		10		10
Additional paid in capital		2,366,387		2,241,387
Retained earnings		1,293,442		1,251,938
Accumulated other comprehensive income		2,996		2,834
Total common stockholder's equity		3,662,835		3,496,169
Total liabilities and equity	$	11,711,136	$	11,181,660

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

NSP-MINNESOTA AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (UNAUDITED)

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), the financial position of NSP-Minnesota and its subsidiaries as of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010; the results of its operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010; and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed.  Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after June 30, 2011 up to the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements.  These statements contain all necessary adjustments and disclosures resulting from that evaluation.  The Dec. 31, 2010 balance sheet information has been derived from the audited 2010 consolidated financial statements included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010.  These notes to the consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on Feb. 28, 2011.  Due to the seasonality of NSP-Minnesota’s electric and natural gas sales, interim results are not necessarily an appropriate base from which to project annual results.

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies set forth in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies and are incorporated herein by reference.

2. Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued

Fair Value Measurement — In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) — Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04), which provides additional guidance for fair value measurements.  These updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC or Codification) include clarifications regarding existing fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements, and also specific new guidance for items such as measurement of instruments classified within stockholders’ equity and disclosures regarding the sensitivity of Level 3 measurements to changes in valuation model inputs.  These updates to the Codification are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2011.  NSP-Minnesota does not expect the implementation of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Comprehensive Income — In June 2011, the FASB issued Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) — Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU No. 2011-05), which updates the Codification to require the presentation of the components of net income, the components of other comprehensive income (OCI) and total comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive statements of net income and comprehensive income.  These updates do not affect the items reported in OCI or the guidance for reclassifying such items to net income.  These updates to the Codification are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2011.  NSP-Minnesota does not expect the implementation of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

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3. Selected Balance Sheet Data

(Thousands of Dollars)	June 30, 2011			Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable	$	313,423		$	334,481
Less allowance for bad debts		(19,196	)		(20,996	)
	$	294,227		$	313,485
Inventories
Materials and supplies	$	126,058		$	122,706
Fuel		78,445			95,804
Natural gas		28,502			61,663
	$	233,005		$	280,173
Property, plant and equipment, net
Electric plant	$	11,200,392		$	10,563,424
Natural gas plant		987,908			979,256
Common and other property		523,965			510,577
Construction work in progress		715,751			695,292
Total property, plant and equipment		13,428,016			12,748,549
Less accumulated depreciation		(5,347,096	)		(5,222,980	)
Nuclear fuel		1,968,017			1,837,697
Less accumulated amortization		(1,584,778	)		(1,541,046	)
	$	8,464,159		$	7,822,220

4. Income Taxes

Except to the extent noted below, the circumstances set forth in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of other income tax matters, and are incorporated herein by reference.

Federal Audit — NSP-Minnesota is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files a consolidated federal income tax return.  The statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy’s 2006 federal income tax return expired in August 2010.  The statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy’s 2007 federal income tax return expires in September 2011.  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced an examination of tax years 2008 and 2009 in the third quarter of 2010.  As of June 30, 2011, the IRS had not proposed any material adjustments to tax years 2008 and 2009.
 

State Audits — NSP-Minnesota is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files consolidated state income tax returns.  As of June 30, 2011, NSP-Minnesota’s earliest open tax year that is subject to examination by state taxing authorities under applicable statutes of limitations is 2007.  As of June 30, 2011, there were no state income tax audits in progress.
 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits — The unrecognized tax benefit balance includes permanent tax positions, which if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate (ETR).  In addition, the unrecognized tax benefit balance includes temporary tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility.  A change in the period of deductibility would not affect the ETR but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.

A reconciliation of the amount of unrecognized tax benefit is as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)	June 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Unrecognized tax benefit - Permanent tax positions	$	4.6	$	4.0
Unrecognized tax benefit - Temporary tax positions		18.4		18.5
Unrecognized tax benefit balance	$	23.0	$	22.5

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The unrecognized tax benefit balance was reduced by the tax benefits associated with net operating loss (NOL) and tax credit carryforwards.  The amounts of tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards are as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)	June 30, 2011			Dec. 31, 2010
NOL and tax credit carryforwards	$	(12.4	)	$	(11.0	)

The increase in the unrecognized tax benefit balance of $0.3 million from March 31, 2011 to June 30, 2011and $0.5 million from Dec. 31, 2010 to June 30, 2011 was due to the addition of similar uncertain tax positions related to current and prior years’ activity.  NSP-Minnesota’s amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months as the IRS audit progresses and state audits resume.  As the IRS examination moves closer to completion, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease up to approximately $15 million.

The payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is partially offset by the interest benefit associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards.  The payables for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010 were not material.  No amounts were accrued for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2011 or Dec. 31, 2010.

5. Rate Matters

Except to the extent noted below, the circumstances set forth in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of other rate matters, and are incorporated herein by reference.

Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings —Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)

Base Rate

NSP-Minnesota Electric Rate Case— In November 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the MPUC to increase annual electric rates in Minnesota for 2011 by approximately $150 million, or an increase of 5.62 percent.  The rate filing is based on a 2011 forecast test year and included a requested return on equity (ROE) of 11.25 percent, an electric rate base of approximately $5.6 billion and an equity ratio of 52.56 percent.  NSP-Minnesota requested an additional increase of $48.3 million or 1.81 percent effective Jan. 1, 2012, to address certain known and measurable cost increases in 2012.

The MPUC approved an interim rate increase of $123 million, subject to refund, effective Jan. 2, 2011.  The interim rates will remain in effect until the MPUC makes its final decision on the case.

In May 2011, NSP-Minnesota revised its rate increase request to approximately $126.4 million or 4.7 percent for 2011, largely due to a revised requested ROE of 10.85 percent. NSP-Minnesota also reduced its requested increase for 2012 to $44.7 million.  The Department of Energy Resource (DOER) (formerly the Office of Energy Security or OES) recommended a $58 million rate increase, based on a 10.37 percent ROE and a $31 million adjustment for income taxes related to bonus depreciation. The Office of Attorney General (OAG) and the Xcel Large Industrial Group recommended a rate reduction and refund of depreciation reserves and reductions to or elimination of incentive compensation costs. The OAG recommended refunding the liability associated with retiree medical benefits.

At the hearings in June 2011, NSP-Minnesota resolved differences with the DOER on income taxes and sales forecast. NSP-Minnesota also made an adjustment to bad debt and incentive compensation expense.  As a result of these adjustments, NSP-Minnesota revised its requested rate increase to $122.8 million.  The DOER revised its recommended rate increase to approximately $84.7 million, reflecting these same changes. The primary differences between the NSP-Minnesota requested rate increase and the DOER updated recommendation are associated with the ROE and incentive compensation issues. The DOER recommended an additional rate increase of $34 million in 2012.  In the second quarter of 2011, NSP-Minnesota recorded a provision for revenue subject to refund of approximately $15 million, which should be sufficient to address an outcome that is more consistent with the DOER position than NSP-Minnesota’s position on various issues.  NSP-Minnesota cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this pending regulatory proceeding.  The MPUC decision is expected in the fourth quarter of 2011.

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Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings — North Dakota Public Service Commission (NDPSC)

NSP-Minnesota North Dakota Electric Rate Case — In December 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the NDPSC to increase 2011 electric rates in North Dakota by approximately $19.8 million, or an increase of 12 percent.  The rate filing is based on a 2011 forecast test year and includes a requested ROE of 11.25 percent, an electric rate base of approximately $328 million, and an equity ratio of 52.56 percent.  NSP-Minnesota requested an additional increase of $4.2 million, or 2.6 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2012, to address certain known and measurable cost increases in 2012.

In May 2011, NSP-Minnesota revised its rate request to approximately $18.0 million, or an increase of 11 percent for 2011, and $2.4 million, or 1.4 percent, for the additional increase in 2012, due to the termination of the Merricourt wind project.

The NDPSC approved an interim rate increase of approximately $17.4 million, subject to refund, effective Feb. 18, 2011.  The interim rates will remain in effect until the NDPSC makes its final decision on the case, which is anticipated in the first quarter of 2012.  The remaining schedule is listed below:

· Intervenor direct testimony due Aug. 18, 2011;

· Rebuttal testimony due Sept. 20, 2011; and

· Evidentiary hearings due Oct. 18-21, 2011.

Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings — South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SDPUC)

NSP-Minnesota South Dakota Electric Rate Case — In June 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the SDPUC to increase South Dakota electric rates by $14.6 million annually, effective in 2012.  The proposed increase included $0.7 million in revenues currently recovered through automatic recovery mechanisms.  Net of current automatic recovery mechanisms, the requested increase was $13.9 million.  The request is based on a 2010 historic test year adjusted for known and measurable changes, a requested ROE of11 percent, a rate base of $323.4 million, and an equity ratio of 52.48 percent.  NSP-Minnesota also requested approval of a nuclear cost recovery rider to recover the actual investment cost of the Monticello life cycle management and enhanced power uprate project that is not reflected in the test year.

Electric, Purchased Gas and Resource Adjustment Clauses

Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) Rider — CIP expenses are recovered through a charge embedded in base rates and a rider that is adjusted annually.  Under the 2010 electric CIP rider request filed in October 2010, NSP-Minnesota estimates recovery of $66.7 million through the rider during the November 2010 to September 2011 timeframe.  This is in addition to an expected $48.1 million recovered through the conservation cost recovery charge component of base rates.  NSP-Minnesota estimates recovery of approximately $18.6 million through the natural gas CIP rider filed in November 2010, during the December 2010 to September 2011 timeframe.  This is in addition to an expected $3.0 million recovered through the conservation cost recovery charge component of base rates.  Assuming MPUC approval, NSP-Minnesota estimates it will recover a total of approximately $136.4 million associated with CIP programs in 2011.

In April 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed its annual rider petitions requesting recovery of approximately $84.8 million of electric CIP expenses and financial incentives and $4.5 million of natural gas CIP expenses and financial incentives to be recovered during the October 2011 through September 2012 timeframe.  This proposed recovery through the riders is in addition to an estimated $52.6 million and $3.8 million to be recovered through the electric and gas conservation cost recovery charge component of base rates, respectively.  Assuming MPUC approval, NSP-Minnesota estimates it will recover a total of approximately $145.7 million associated with CIP programs in 2012.
 

Renewable Development Fund (RDF) Rider —The MPUC has approved an RDF rider that allows annual adjustments to retail electric rates to provide for the recovery of RDF program and project expenses.  The primary components of RDF costs are legislatively mandated expenses such as renewable energy production incentive payments, RDF grant project payments, and RDF program administrative costs.  In October 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed its annual request to recover $19.2 million in expenses for 2011.  In May 2011, the MPUC approved recovery of the costs requested.

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Annual Automatic Adjustment Report for 2009/2010 — In September 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed its annual electric and natural gas automatic adjustment reports for July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.  During that time period, $749.5 million in fuel and purchased energy costs were recovered from Minnesota electric customers through the fuel clause adjustment.  In addition, approximately $354.5 million of purchased natural gas and transportation costs were recovered from Minnesota natural gas customers through the purchased gas adjustment.  The DOER recommended approval of the 2009/2010 gas report in June 2011, and the report is pending MPUC action.  The electric report is pending DOER comments and MPUC action.

The MPUC approved the 2008/2009 gas annual automatic adjustment report in March 2011.  Approval of the 2008/2009 electric report is pending DOER comments and MPUC action.

Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings — Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Rate Increase for Grandfathered Transmission Service Customers — In May 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the FERC to revise the rate applicable to eight wholesale customers taking transmission service under a “grandfathered” 1998 rate schedule (known as Tm-1).  The change would set the Tm-1 transmission service rate equal to the similar rate under the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) Tariff, and would increase Tm-1 rates by about $5 million annually, or 120 percent.  In December 2010, NSP-Minnesota and Tm-1 customers reached a settlement in principle, which will result in an increase in revenues for NSP-Minnesota of approximately $3.5 million annually.  In January 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed for authorization to place the settlement rates into effect on an interim basis and the FERC Administrative Law Judge granted the motion.  NSP-Minnesota filed the settlement agreement with the FERC on April 25, 2011and is waiting approval.  

6. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Except as noted below and in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the circumstances set forth in Notes 11, 12 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of commitments and contingent liabilities, including those regarding public liability for claims resulting from any nuclear incident and are incorporated herein by reference. The following include commitments, contingencies and unresolved contingencies that are material to NSP-Minnesota’s financial position.

Commitments

Variable Interest Entities— The accounting guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities requires enterprises to consider the activities that most significantly impact an entity’s financial performance, and power to direct those activities, when determining whether an enterprise is a variable interest entity’s primary beneficiary.

Purchased Power Agreements — Under certain purchased power agreements, NSP-Minnesota purchases power from independent power producing entities that own natural gas or biomass fueled power plants for which NSP-Minnesota is required to reimburse natural gas or biomass fuel costs, or to participate in tolling arrangements under which NSP-Minnesota procures the natural gas required to produce the energy that it purchases.

NSP-Minnesota has evaluated each of these variable interest entities for possible consolidation, including review of qualitative factors such as the length and terms of the contract, control over operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses, historical and estimated future fuel and electricity prices, and financing activities.  NSP-Minnesota has concluded that these entities are not required to be consolidated in its consolidated financial statements because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities’ economic performance.  NSP-Minnesota had approximately 1,064 megawatts (MW) of capacity under long-term purchased power agreements as of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010 with entities that have been determined to be variable interest entities.  These agreements have expiration dates through the year 2028.

Environmental Contingencies

NSP-Minnesota has been, or is currently, involved with the cleanup of contamination from certain hazardous substances at several sites.  In many situations, NSP-Minnesota believes it will recover some portion of these costs through insurance claims.  Additionally, where applicable, NSP-Minnesota is pursuing, or intends to pursue, recovery from other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) and through the rate regulatory process.  New and changing federal and state environmental mandates can also create added financial liabilities for NSP-Minnesota, which are normally recovered through the rate regulatory process.  To the extent any costs are not recovered through the options listed above, NSP-Minnesota would be required to recognize an expense.

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Site Remediation —The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and comparable state laws impose liability, without regarding the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons responsible for the release of hazardous substances to the environment.NSP-Minnesota must pay all or a portion of the cost to remediate sites where past activities of NSP-Minnesota or other parties have caused environmental contamination.  Environmental contingencies could arise from various situations including sites of former manufactured gas plants operated by NSP-Minnesota, its predecessors or other entities; and third party sites, such as landfills, for which NSP-Minnesota is alleged to be a PRP that sent hazardous materials and wastes.  At June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, the liability for the cost of remediating these sites was estimated to be $3.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of which $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, was considered to be a current liability.

Asbestos Removal —Some of NSP-Minnesota’s facilities contain asbestos.  Most asbestos will remain undisturbed until the facilities that contain it are demolished or removed.  NSP-Minnesota has recorded an estimate for final removal of the asbestos as an asset retirement obligation.  See additional discussion of asset retirement obligations in Note 12 of the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010.  It may be necessary to remove some asbestos to perform maintenance or make improvements to other equipment.  The cost of removing asbestos as part of other work is not expected to be material and is recorded as incurred as operating expenses for maintenance projects, capital expenditures for construction projects or removal costs for demolition projects.

Other Environmental Requirements

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Rulemaking — In December 2009, the EPA issued its “endangerment” finding that GHG emissions endanger public health and welfare.  In January 2011, new EPA permitting requirements became effective for GHG emissions of new and modified large stationary sources, which are applicable to the construction of new power plants or power plant modifications that increase emissions above a certain threshold.  The EPA plans to propose GHG regulations applicable to emissions from existing power plants under the Clean Air Act (CAA).  In June 2011, the EPA announced that they have delayed the proposal date to September 2011, but still plan on issuing final rules in May 2012.

Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) — On July 7, 2011, the EPA issued its CSAPR.  The rule, previously called the Transport Rule, addresses long range transport of particulate matter and ozone by requiring reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) from utilities located in the eastern half of the U.S.  The CSAPR sets more stringent requirements than the proposed Transport Rule.  The rule creates an emissions trading program, although interstate trading under the rule will be significantly restricted.  NSP-Minnesota may comply by either reducing emissions, purchasing allowances, or a combination of the two.  The CSAPR is a final rule and requires compliance beginning in 2012.

NSP-Minnesota is still evaluating compliance options.   NSP-Minnesota anticipates that it will ultimately comply with the rule through execution of their existing resource and emission control plans as well as through allowance purchases and other activities.  Because the CSAPR requires compliance in 2012, NSP-Minnesota may be required to take additional short-term action (including redispatching its system to reduce coal plant operating hours) in order to decrease emissions from its facilities prior to the installation of emission controls.  NSP-Minnesota is still evaluating a short-term compliance strategy.  NSP-Minnesota believes the cost of any required capital investment, allowance purchases or redispatch costs will be recoverable from customers.

Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) — In 2005, the EPA issued the CAIR to further regulate SO2 and NOx emissions.  In 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated and remanded the CAIR, but subsequently allowed the CAIR to continue into effect pending the EPA’s adoption of a new rule that addressed the deficiencies found by the court.  CSAPR replaces the CAIR, and will be applicable to NSP-Minnesota’s plants beginning in 2012.  The CAIR does not apply in Minnesota because the court specifically found that the EPA had not adequately justified the application of the CAIR to Minnesota.

Under the CAIR’s cap and trade structure, companies can comply through capital investments in emission controls or purchase of emission allowances from other utilities making reductions on their systems.  The CSAPR will establish a new emissions market for SO2 and NOx, and NSP-Minnesota does not yet have enough information to estimate the cost of future CSAPR allowance purchases.  NSP-Minnesota believes the cost of any required capital investment or allowance purchases will be recoverable from customers.

Electric Generating Unit (EGU) Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Rule — In 2005, the EPA issued the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR), which regulated mercury emissions from power plants.  In February 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the CAMR, which impacted federal CAMR requirements, but not necessarily state-only mercury legislation and rules.

In March 2011, the EPA issued the proposed EGU MACT designed to address emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants for coal-fired utility units greater than 25 MW.  The EPA intends to issue the final rule by November 2011.  NSP-Minnesota anticipates that the EPA will require affected facilities to demonstrate compliance within three to four years.

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Minnesota Mercury Legislation — In 2006, the Minnesota legislature enacted the Mercury Emissions Reduction Act (Act) providing a process for plans, implementation and cost recovery for utility efforts to curb mercury emissions at certain power plants.  For NSP-Minnesota, the Act covers units at the A.S. King and Sherco generating facilities.  NSP-Minnesota installed and is operating continuous mercury emission monitoring systems at these generating facilities.

In November 2008, the MPUC approved the implementation of the Sherco Unit 3 and A.S. King mercury emission reduction plans.  A sorbent injection control system was installed at Sherco Unit 3 in December 2009 and at A.S. King in December 2010.  In 2010, NSP-Minnesota collected the revenue requirements associated with these projects through the mercury cost reduction (MCR) rider.  In the 2010 Minnesota electric general rate case, NSP-Minnesota proposed moving the costs of these projects into base rates as part of the interim rates effective on Jan. 2, 2011.  Concurrent with the implementation of interim rates, the MCR rider was reduced to zero.

In December 2009, NSP-Minnesota filed its mercury control plan at Sherco Units 1 and 2 with the MPUC and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).  In October 2010, the MPUC approved the plan, which will require installation of mercury controls on Sherco Units 1 and 2 by the end of 2014.  NSP-Minnesota has incurred $1.5 million in study costs to date and spent $0.6 million through Dec. 31, 2010 for testing and studying of technologies.  At June 30, 2011, the estimated annual testing and study cost is $0.5 million.  NSP-Minnesota projects installation costs of $12.0 million for the two units and O&M expense of $10.0 million per year beginning in 2014.

Regional Haze Rules — In 2005, the EPA finalized amendments to its regional haze rules.  These amendments apply to the provisions of the regional haze rule that require emission controls, known as best available retrofit technology (BART), for industrial facilities emitting air pollutants that reduce visibility in certain national parks and wilderness areas throughout the U.S.

NSP-Minnesota submitted its BART alternatives analysis for Sherco Units 1 and 2 in 2006.  The MPCA reviewed the BART analyses for all units in Minnesota and determined that overall, compliance with CAIR is better than BART.  The MPCA completed their determination and proposed SO2 and NOx limits in the draft SIP that are equivalent to the reductions made under CAIR.  Neither the MPCA nor the EPA has yet made a determination that that the compliance with the CSAPR is better than BART or that compliance with the CSAPR will fulfill the obligation to comply with BART.

In October 2009, the DOI certified that a portion of the visibility impairment in Voyageurs and Isle Royale National Parks is reasonably attributable to emissions from NSP-Minnesota’s Sherco Units 1 and 2.  The EPA is required to make its own determination as to whether Sherco Units 1 and 2 cause or contribute to visibility impairment and, if so, whether the level of controls proposed by MPCA is appropriate.

The MPCA determined that this certification does not alter the proposed SIP.  The SIP proposes BART controls for the Sherco generating facilities that are designed to improve visibility in the national parks, but does not require selective catalytic reduction (SCR) on Units 1 and 2.  The MPCA concluded that the minor visibility benefits derived from SCR do not outweigh the substantial costs.  In December 2009, the MPCA Citizens Board approved the SIP, which has been submitted to the EPA for approval.  In June 2011, the EPA provided comments to the MPCA on the SIP, stating the EPA’s preliminary review indicates that SCR controls should be added to Sherco Units 1 and 2, and inviting further comment from the MPCA.  It is not yet known what the final requirements of the SIP will be.  Until the EPA takes final action on the SIP, the total cost of compliance cannot be estimated.

Federal Clean Water Act (CWA Section 316 (b)) — The federal CWA requires the EPA to regulate cooling water intake structures to assure that these structures reflect the best technology available (BTA) for minimizing adverse environmental impacts to aquatic species.  In April 2011, the EPA published the proposed rule that was modified to address earlier court decisions.  The proposed rule sets prescriptive standards for minimization of aquatic species impingement but leaves entrainment reduction requirements at the discretion of the permit writer and the regional EPA office.   NSP-Minnesota is evaluating the proposed rule, including possible additional capital and operating expenses, and plans to offer comments to the EPA.  Due to the uncertainty of the final regulatory requirements, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the overall cost of this rulemaking at this time.

As part of NSP-Minnesota’s 2009 CWA permit renewal for the Black Dog plant, the MPCA required that the plant submit a plan for compliance with the CWA.  The compliance plan was submitted for MPCA review and approval in April 2010.  The MPCA is currently reviewing the proposal in consultation with the EPA.  NSP-Minnesota anticipates a decision on the plan by the end of 2011.

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Proposed Coal Ash Regulation — NSP-Minnesota’s operations generate hazardous wastes that are subject to the Federal Resource Recovery and Conservation Act and comparable state laws that impose detailed requirements for handling, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste.  In June 2010, the EPA published a proposed rule seeking comment on whether to regulate coal combustion byproducts (often referred to as coal ash) as hazardous or nonhazardous waste.  Coal ash is currently exempt from hazardous waste regulation.  If the EPA ultimately issues a final rule under which coal ash is regulated as hazardous waste, NSP-Minnesota’s costs associated with the management and disposal of coal ash would significantly increase, and the beneficial reuse of coal ash would be negatively impacted.  The EPA has not announced a planned date for a final rule.  The timing, scope and potential cost of any final rule that might be implemented are not determinable at this time.

Notice of Violation (NOV) — In June 2011, NSP-Minnesota received an NOV from the EPA alleging violations of the New Source Review (NSR) requirements of the CAA at the Sherburne County plant and Black Dog plant in Minnesota.  The NOV specifically alleges that various maintenance, repair and replacement projects undertaken at the plants in the mid 2000s should have required a permit under the NSR process.  NSP-Minnesota believes it has acted in full compliance with the CAA and NSR process.  NSP-Minnesota also believes that the projects identified in the NOV fit within the routine maintenance, repair and replacement exemption contained within the NSR regulations or are otherwise not subject to the NSR requirements.  NSP-Minnesota disagrees with the assertions contained in the NOV and intends to vigorously defend its position.

Legal Contingencies

Lawsuits and claims arise in the normal course of business.  Management, after consultation with legal counsel, has recorded an estimate of the probable cost of settlement or other disposition.  The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot presently be determined.  Accordingly, the ultimate resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on NSP-Minnesota’s financial position and results of operations.

Environmental Litigation

State of Connecticut vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. — In 2004, the attorneys general of eight states and New York City, as well as several environmental groups, filed lawsuits in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York against the following utilities, including Xcel Energy Inc., the parent company of NSP-Minnesota, to force reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions:  American Electric Power Co., Southern Co., Cinergy Corp. (merged into Duke Energy Corporation) and Tennessee Valley Authority.  The lawsuits allege that CO2 emitted by each company is a public nuisance.  The lawsuits do not demand monetary damages.  Instead, the lawsuits ask the court to order each utility to cap and reduce its CO2 emissions.  In September 2005, the court granted plaintiffs’ motion to dismiss on constitutional grounds.  In August 2010, this decision was reversed by the Second Circuit and was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.  On June 20, 2011, the Supreme Court issued a ruling reversing the Second Circuit’s decision, thereby dismissing plaintiffs’ federal claims and remanding the case for further proceedings regarding the state law claims.

Native Village of Kivalina vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. — In 2008, the City and Native Village of Kivalina, Alaska, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Xcel Energy Inc., the parent company of NSP-Minnesota, and 23 other utility, oil, gas and coal companies.  Plaintiffs claim that defendants’ emission of CO2 and other GHGs contribute to global warming, which is harming their village.  Xcel Energy Inc. and NSP-Minnesota believe the claims asserted in this lawsuit are without merit and joined with other utility defendants in filing a motion to dismiss in June 2008.  In October 2009, the U.S. District Court dismissed the lawsuit on constitutional grounds.  In November 2009, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  It is unknown when the Ninth Circuit will render a final opinion.  The amount of damages claimed by plaintiffs is unknown, but likely includes the cost of relocating the village of Kivalina.  Plaintiffs’ alleged relocation is estimated to cost between $95 million to $400 million.  No accrual has been recorded for this matter.

Comer vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. — On May 27, 2011, less than one year after their initial lawsuit was dismissed, plaintiffs in this purported class action lawsuit filed a second lawsuit against more than 85 utility, oil, chemical and coal companies in U.S. District Court in Mississippi.  The complaint alleges defendants’ CO2 emissions intensified the strength of Hurricane Katrina and increased the damage plaintiffs purportedly sustained to their property.  Plaintiffs base their claims on public and private nuisance, trespass and negligence.  Among the defendants named in the complaint are Xcel Energy Inc., SPS, PSCo, NSP-Wisconsin and NSP-Minnesota.  The amount of damages claimed by plaintiffs is unknown.  It is believed that this lawsuit is without merit.  No accrual has been recorded for this matter.

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Employment, Tort and Commercial Litigation

Merricourt Wind Project Litigation — On April 1, 2011, NSP-Minnesota terminated its agreements with enXco Development Corporation (enXco) for the development of a 150 MW wind project in southeastern North Dakota.  NSP-Minnesota’s decision to terminate the agreements was based in large part on the adverse impact this project could have on endangered or threatened species protected by federal law and the uncertainty in cost and timing in mitigating this impact.  NSP-Minnesota also terminated the agreements due to enXco’s nonperformance of certain other conditions, including failure to obtain a Certificate of Site Compatibility, and the failure to close on the contracts by an agreed upon date of March 31, 2011.  As a result, NSP-Minnesota recorded a $101 million deposit in the first quarter 2011, which was collected in April 2011.  On May 5, 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed a declaratory judgment action in U.S. District Court in Minnesota to obtain a determination that it acted properly in terminating the agreements. On that same day, enXco also filed a separate lawsuit in the same court seeking, among other things, in excess of $240 million for an alleged breach of contract.  NSP-Minnesota believes enXco’s lawsuit is without merit and has filed a motion to dismiss.  Arguments related to this motion are expected to be presented to the court on Sept. 16, 2011.  No accrual has been recorded for this matter.

Nuclear Power Operations and Waste Disposal

Nuclear Waste Disposal Litigation — In 1998, NSP-Minnesota filed a complaint in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims against the U.S. requesting breach of contract damages for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel by Jan. 31, 1998, as required by the contract between the U.S. and NSP-Minnesota.  At trial, NSP-Minnesota claimed damages in excess of $100 million through Dec. 31, 2004.  In September 2007, the court awarded NSP-Minnesota $116.5 million in damages.  In February 2008, the U.S. filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and NSP-Minnesota cross-appealed on the cost of capital issue.

In August 2007, NSP-Minnesota filed a second complaint against the U.S. in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (NSP II), again claiming breach of contract damages for the DOE’s continuing failure to abide by the terms of the contract.  This lawsuit claimed damages for the period Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2008, which included costs associated with the storage of spent nuclear fuel at Prairie Island and Monticello, as well as the costs of complying with state regulation relating to the storage of spent nuclear fuel.

In July 2011, the U.S. and NSP-Minnesota executed a settlement agreement resolving both lawsuits, providing an initial $100 million payment from the U.S. to NSP-Minnesota and providing a method by which NSP-Minnesota can recover its spent fuel storage costs through 2013, currently estimated to be an additional $100 million.  The settlement does not address costs for used fuel storage after 2013; such costs could be the subject of future litigation.NSP-Minnesota will make the appropriate regulatory filings to address the best means of returning these settlement amounts to ratepayers and to deal with costs of litigation.

7. Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments

Commercial Paper — NSP-Minnesota meets its short-term liquidity requirements primarily through the issuance of commercial paper and borrowings under its credit facility.  The following table presents commercial paper outstanding for NSP-Minnesota:

(Millions of Dollars)	Three Months Ended  June 30, 2011			Twelve Months Ended  Dec. 31, 2010
Borrowing limit	$	500		$	482
Amount outstandingat period end		5			-
Average amount outstanding		5			35
Maximum amount outstanding		29			389
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis		0.34	%		0.37	%
Weighted average interest rate at end of period		0.31			N/A

Credit Facilities — In order to use its commercial paper program to fulfill short-term funding needs, NSP-Minnesota must have a revolving credit facility in place at least equal to the amount of its commercial paper borrowing limit and cannot issue commercial paper in an amount exceeding available capacity under the credit agreement.

During March of 2011, NSP-Minnesota executed a new 4-year credit agreement.  The total size of the credit facility is $500 million and terminates in March 2015. NSP-Minnesota has the right to request an extension of the revolving termination date for two additional one year periods, subject to majority bank group approval.

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The line of credit provides short-term financing in the form of notes payable to banks, letters of credit and back-up support for commercial paper borrowings.  Other features of NSP-Minnesota’s credit facility include:

· The credit facility may be increased by up to $100 million.

· The credit facility has a financial covenant requiring that NSP-Minnesota’s debt-to-total capitalization ratio be less than or equal to 65 percent.  NSP-Minnesota was in compliance as its debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 48 percent and 49 percent at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, respectively.  If NSP-Minnesota does not comply with the covenant, an event of default may be declared, and if not remedied, any outstanding amounts due under the facility can be declared due by the lender.

· The credit facility has a cross-default provision that provides NSP-Minnesota will be in default on its borrowings under the facility if Xcel Energy Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, comprising 15 percent or more of the consolidated assets, defaults on any indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $75 million.

· The interest rates under the line of credit are based on the Eurodollar rate, plus a borrowing margin based on the applicable credit ratings of 100 to 200 basis points per year.

· The commitment fees, also based on applicable long-term credit ratings, are calculated on the unused portion of the line of credit at a range of 10 to 35 basis points per year.

· NSP-Wisconsin’s intercompany borrowing arrangement with NSP-Minnesota was subsequently terminated.

At June 30, 2011, NSP-Minnesota had the following committed credit facility available (in millions of dollars):

Credit Facility		Drawn (a)		Available
$	500.0	$	12.1	$	487.9

(a) Includes outstanding commercial paper and letters of credit.

All credit facility bank borrowings, outstanding letters of credit and outstanding commercial paper reduce the available capacity under the credit facility.  NSP-Minnesota had no direct advances on the credit facility outstanding at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010.

Letters of Credit — NSP-Minnesota uses letters of credit, generally with terms of one year, to provide financial guarantees for certain operating obligations.  At June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, there were $7.1 million and $5.3 million of letters of credit outstanding, respectively, under the credit facility.  An additional $1.1 million of letters of credit not issued under the credit facility were outstanding at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010.  The contract amounts of these letters of credit approximate their fair value and are subject to fees determined in the marketplace.

Money Pool — Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries have established a money pool arrangement that allows for short-term investments in and borrowings between the utility subsidiaries.  Xcel Energy Inc. may make investments in the utility subsidiaries at market-based interest rates; however, the money pool arrangement does not allow the utility subsidiaries to make investments in Xcel Energy Inc.

The following table presents money pool borrowings for NSP-Minnesota:

(Millions of Dollars)	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011			Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31, 2010
Borrowing limit	$	250		$	250
Amount outstandingat period end		-			-
Average amount outstanding		-			18
Maximum amount outstanding		-			142
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis		-	%		0.37	%
Weighted average interest rate at end of period		N/A			N/A

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8. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosuresprovides a single definition of fair value and requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchal framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value is established by this guidance.  The three Levels in the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices.

Level 2 — Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, or priced with discounted cash flow or option pricing models using highly observable inputs.

Level 3 — Significant inputs to pricing have little or no observability as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those valued with models requiring significant management judgment or estimation.

Specific valuation methods include the following:

Cash equivalents— The fair values of cash equivalents are generally based on cost plus accrued interest; money market funds are measured using quoted net asset values.

Investments in equity securities and other funds— Equity securities are valued using quoted prices in active markets.  The fair values for commingled funds and international equity funds are measured using net asset values, which take into consideration the value of underlying fund investments, as well as the other accrued assets and liabilities of a fund, in order to determine a per share market value.  The investments in commingled funds and international equity funds may be redeemed for net asset value.

Investments in debt securities—  Debt securities are primarily priced using recent trades and observable spreads from benchmark interest rates for similar securities, except for asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, which also require significant, subjective risk-based adjustments to the interest rate used to discount expected future cash flows, which include estimated principal prepayments.  Therefore, fair value measurements for asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have been assigned a Level 3.

Commodity derivatives—  The methods utilized to measure the fair value of commodity derivatives include the use of forward prices and volatilities to value commodity forwards and options.  Levels are assigned to these fair value measurements based on the significance of the use of subjective forward price and volatility forecasts for commodities and delivery locations with limited observability, or the significance of contractual settlements that extend to periods beyond those readily observable on active exchanges or quoted by brokers.  Electric commodity derivatives include financial transmission rights (FTRs), for which fair value is determined using complex predictive models and inputs including forward commodity prices as well as subjective forecasts of retail and wholesale demand, generation and resulting transmission system congestion.  Given the limited observability of management’s forecasts for several of these inputs, fair value measurements for FTRs have been assigned a Level 3.

NSP-Minnesota continuously monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparties to its commodity derivative contracts and assesses each counterparty’s ability to perform on the transactions set forth in the contracts.  Given this assessment, as well as an assessment of the impact of NSP-Minnesota’s own credit risk when determining the fair value of commodity derivative liabilities, the impact of considering credit risk was immaterial to the fair value of commodity derivative assets and liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets.

Non-Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires NSP-Minnesota to maintain a portfolio of investments to fund the costs of decommissioning its nuclear generating plants.  Together with all accumulated earnings or losses, the assets of the nuclear decommissioning fund are legally restricted for the purpose of decommissioning the Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear generating plants.  The fund contains cash equivalents, debt securities, equity securities, and other investments - all classified as available-for-sale securities under the applicable accounting guidance.  NSP-Minnesota plans to reinvest matured securities until decommissioning begins.

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NSP-Minnesota recognizes the costs of funding the decommissioning of its nuclear generating plants over the lives of the plants, assuming rate recovery of all costs.  Given the purpose and legal restrictions on the use of nuclear decommissioning fund assets, realized and unrealized gains on fund investments over the life of the fund are deferred as an offset of NSP-Minnesota’s regulatory asset for nuclear decommissioning costs.  Consequently, any realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities in the nuclear decommissioning fund, including any other-than-temporary impairments, are deferred as a component of the regulatory asset for nuclear decommissioning.

Unrealized gains for the nuclear decommissioning fund were $100.6 million and $82.5 million at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, respectively, and unrealized losses and amounts recorded as other-than-temporary impairments were $56.0 million and $65.2 million at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, respectively.

The following tables present the cost and fair value of NSP-Minnesota’s non-derivative instruments recurring fair value measurements, the nuclear decommissioning fund investments, at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010:

	June 30, 2011
			Fair Value
(Thousands of Dollars)	Cost		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Nuclear decommissioning fund (a)
Cash equivalents	$	64,873	$	62,384	$	2,489	$	-	$	64,873
Commingled funds		220,000		-		223,922		-		223,922
International equity funds		54,563		-		63,736		-		63,736
Debt securities:
Government securities		241,914		-		244,286		-		244,286
US corporate bonds		189,055		-		197,611		-		197,611
Foreign securities		19,542		-		20,626		-		20,626
Municipal bonds		32,392		-		33,474		-		33,474
Asset-backed securities		20,198		-		-		21,004		21,004
Mortgage-backed securities		58,680		-		-		62,271		62,271
Equity securities:
Common stock		442,416		456,426		-		-		456,426
Total	$	1,343,633	$	518,810	$	786,144	$	83,275	$	1,388,229

(a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet, which also includes $19.1 million of miscellaneous investments.

	Dec. 31, 2010
			Fair Value
(Thousands of Dollars)	Cost		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Nuclear decommissioning fund (a)
Cash equivalents	$	83,837	$	76,281	$	7,556	$	-	$	83,837
Commingled funds		131,000		-		133,080		-		133,080
International equity funds		54,561		-		58,584		-		58,584
Debt securities:
Government securities		146,473		-		146,654		-		146,654
US corporate bonds		279,028		-		288,304		-		288,304
Foreign securities		1,233		-		1,581		-		1,581
Municipal bonds		100,277		-		97,557		-		97,557
Asset-backed securities		32,558		-		-		33,174		33,174
Mortgage-backed securities		68,072		-		-		72,589		72,589
Equity securities:
Common stock		436,334		435,270		-		-		435,270
Total	$	1,333,373	$	511,551	$	733,316	$	105,763	$	1,350,630

(a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet, which also includes $15.4 million of miscellaneous investments.

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The following tables present the changes in Level 3 nuclear decommissioning fund investments:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2011								2010
	Mortgage-				Asset-				Mortgage-				Asset-
	Backed				Backed				Backed				Backed
(Thousands of Dollars)	Securities				Securities				Securities				Securities
Balance at April 1		$	98,367			$	26,020			$	109,044			$	44,125
Purchases			52,952				-				-				2,538
Settlements			(88,584	)			(5,206	)			(45,329	)			(6,757	)
(Losses) gains recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities			(464	)			190				1,344				161
Balance at June 30		$	62,271			$	21,004			$	65,059			$	40,067

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2011								2010
	Mortgage-				Asset-				Mortgage-				Asset-
	Backed				Backed				Backed				Backed
(Thousands of Dollars)	Securities				Securities				Securities				Securities
Balance at Jan. 1		$	72,589			$	33,174			$	81,189			$	11,918
Purchases			99,065				756				46,477				36,042
Settlements			(108,457	)			(13,116	)			(66,175	)			(8,109	)
(Losses) gains recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities			(926	)			190				3,568				216
Balance at June 30		$	62,271			$	21,004			$	65,059			$	40,067

The following table summarizes the final contractual maturity dates of the debt securities in the nuclear decommissioning fund, by asset class at June 30, 2011:

	Final Contractual Maturity
(Thousands of Dollars)	Due in 1 Year or Less		Due in 1 to 5 Years		Due in 5 to 10 Years		Due after 10 Years		Total
Government securities	$	8,540	$	140,767	$	84,652	$	10,327	$	244,286
US corporate bonds		349		50,672		127,922		18,668		197,611
Foreign securities		-		14,061		6,565		-		20,626
Municipal bonds		-		-		22,862		10,612		33,474
Asset-backed securities		-		9,889		11,115		-		21,004
Mortgage-backed securities		-		-		1,103		61,168		62,271
Debt securities	$	8,889	$	215,389	$	254,219	$	100,775	$	579,272

Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements

NSP-Minnesota enters into derivative instruments, including forward contracts, futures, swaps and options, for trading purposes and to reduce risk in connection with changes in interest rates, utility commodity prices, vehicle fuel prices, as well as variances in forecasted weather.

Interest Rate Derivatives — NSP-Minnesota enters into various instruments that effectively fix the interest payments on certain floating rate debt obligations or effectively fix the yield or price on a specified benchmark interest rate for an anticipated debt issuance for a specific period.  These derivative instruments are generally designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.

At June 30, 2011, accumulated OCI related to interest rate derivatives included $0.1 million of net gains expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the related hedged interest rate transactions impact earnings.

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Short-Term Wholesale and Commodity Trading Risk — NSP-Minnesota conducts various short-term wholesale and commodity trading activities, including the purchase and sale of electric capacity, energy and energy-related products.  NSP-Minnesota’s risk management policy allows management to conduct these activities within guidelines and limitations as approved by its risk management committee, which is made up of management personnel not directly involved in the activities governed by the policy.

Commodity Derivatives — NSP-Minnesota enters into derivative instruments to manage variability of future cash flows from changes in commodity prices in its electric and natural gas operations, as well as for trading purposes.  This could include the purchase or sale of energy or energy-related products, natural gas to generate electric energy, gas for resale, and vehicle fuel.

At June 30, 2011, NSP-Minnesota had vehicle fuel contracts designated as cash flow hedges extending through December 2014.  NSP-Minnesota also enters into derivative instruments that mitigate commodity price risk on behalf of electric and natural gas customers but are not designated as qualifying hedging transactions.  Changes in the fair value of non-trading commodity derivative instruments are recorded in OCI or deferred as a regulatory asset or liability.  The classification as a regulatory asset or liability is based on commission approved regulatory recovery mechanisms.  NSP-Minnesota recorded immaterial amounts to income related to the ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

At June 30, 2011, accumulated OCI related to commodity derivative cash flow hedges included $0.1 million of net gains expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the hedged transactions occur.

Additionally, NSP-Minnesota enters into commodity derivative instruments for trading purposes not directly related to commodity price risks associated with serving its electric and natural gas customers.  Changes in the fair value of these commodity derivatives are recorded in electric operating revenue, net of amounts credited to customers under margin-sharing mechanisms.

The following table details the gross notional amounts of commodity forwards, options, and FTRs at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010:

(Amounts in Thousands) (a)(b)	June 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity		70,731		44,376
MMBtu of natural gas		14,380		14,100
Gallons of vehicle fuel		385		440

(a) Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities.

(b) Notional amounts for options are also included on a gross basis, but are weighted for the probability of exercise.

Financial Impact of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges — The impact of qualifying interest rate and vehicle fuel cash flow hedges on NSP-Minnesota’s accumulated OCI, included as a component of common stockholder’s equity, is detailed in the following tables:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges at April 1	$	5,075		$	4,254
After-tax net unrealized losses related to derivatives accounted for as hedges		(8	)		(144	)
After-tax net realized (gains) losses on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings		(46	)		258
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges at June 30	$	5,021		$	4,368

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges at Jan. 1	$	4,977		$	3,941
After-tax net unrealized gains (losses) related to derivatives accounted for as hedges		105			(133	)
After-tax net realized (gains) losses on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings		(61	)		560
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges at June 30	$	5,021		$	4,368

NSP-Minnesota had no derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  Therefore, no gains or losses from fair value hedges or related hedged transactions were recognized for these periods.

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The following tables detail the impact of derivative activity during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, on OCI, regulatory assets and liabilities, and income:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Fair Value Changes Recognized						Pre-Tax Amounts Reclassified into
	During the Period in:						Income During the Period from:						Pre-Tax Gains
	Other			Regulatory			Other			Regulatory			Recognized
	Comprehensive			Assets and			Comprehensive			Assets and			During the Period
(Thousands of Dollars)	Loss			Liabilities			Loss			Liabilities			in Income
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate	$	-		$	-		$	(27	)(a)	$	-		$	-
Vehicle fuel and other commodity		(36	)		-			(33	)(e)		-			-
Total	$	(36	)	$	-		$	(60	)	$	-		$	-
Other derivative instruments
Trading commodity	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	1,320	(b)
Electric commodity		-			10,299			-			(8,666	)(c)		-
Natural gas commodity		-			(1,534	)		-			-			-
Total	$	-		$	8,765		$	-		$	(8,666	)	$	1,320

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Fair Value Changes Recognized					Pre-Tax Amounts Reclassified into
	During the Period in:					Income During the Period from:						Pre-Tax Gains
	Other		Regulatory			Other			Regulatory			Recognized
	Comprehensive		Assets and			Comprehensive			Assets and			During the Period
(Thousands of Dollars)	Income		Liabilities			Loss			Liabilities			in Income
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate	$	-	$	-		$	(54	)(a)	$	-		$	-
Vehicle fuel and other commodity		177		-			(55	)(e)		-			-
Total	$	177	$	-		$	(109	)	$	-		$	-
Other derivative instruments
Trading commodity	$	-	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	6,675	(b)
Electric commodity		-		19,145			-			(17,555	)(c)		-
Natural gas commodity		-		(3,553	)		-			10,928	(d)		-
Total	$	-	$	15,592		$	-		$	(6,627	)	$	6,675

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	Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
	Fair Value Changes Recognized						Pre-Tax Amounts Reclassified into
	During the Period in:						Income During the Period from:						Pre-Tax Gains
	Other			Regulatory			Other			Regulatory			Recognized
	Comprehensive			Assets and			Comprehensive			Assets and			During the Period
(Thousands of Dollars)	Loss			Liabilities			Income (Loss)			Liabilities			in Income
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate	$	-		$	-		$	(27	)(a)	$	-		$	-
Vehicle fuel and other commodity		(244	)		-			464	(e)		-			-
Total	$	(244	)	$	-		$	437		$	-		$	-
Other derivative instruments
Trading commodity	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	497	(b)
Electric commodity		-			7,597			-			(2,111	)(c)		-
Natural gas commodity		-			(800	)		-			-			-
Total	$	-		$	6,797		$	-		$	(2,111	)	$	497

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
	Fair Value Changes Recognized						Pre-Tax Amounts Reclassified into
	During the Period in:						Income During the Period from:						Pre-Tax Gains
	Other			Regulatory			Other			Regulatory			Recognized
	Comprehensive			Assets and			Comprehensive			Assets and			During the Period
(Thousands of Dollars)	Loss			Liabilities			Income (Loss)			Liabilities			in Income
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate	$	-		$	-		$	(54	)(a)	$	-		$	-
Vehicle fuel and other commodity		(226	)		-			1,000	(e)		-			-
Total	$	(226	)	$	-		$	946		$	-		$	-
Other derivative instruments
Trading commodity	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	6,127	(b)
Electric commodity		-			(9,582	)		-			(4,838	)(c)		-
Natural gas commodity		-			(7,845	)		-			586	(d)		-
Total	$	-		$	(17,427	)	$	-		$	(4,252	)	$	6,127

(a) Recorded to interest charges.

(b) Recorded to electric operating revenues.  Portions of these gains and losses are shared with electric customers through margin-sharing mechanisms and deducted from gross revenue, as appropriate.

(c) Recorded to electric fuel and purchased power; these derivative settlement gains and losses are shared with electric customers through fuel and purchased energy cost-recovery mechanisms, and reclassified out of income as regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate.

(d) Recorded to cost of natural gas sold and transported; these derivative settlement gains and losses are shared with natural gas customers through purchased natural gas cost-recovery mechanisms, and reclassified out of income as regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate.

(e) Recorded to O&M expenses.

Credit Related Contingent Features — Contract provisions of the derivative instruments that NSP-Minnesota enters into may require the posting of collateral or settlement of the contracts for various reasons, including if NSP-Minnesota is unable to maintain its credit ratings. If the credit ratings at NSP-Minnesota were downgraded below investment grade, no contracts underlying NSP-Minnesota’s derivative liabilities at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010 would have required the posting of collateral or contract settlement.

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Certain of NSP-Minnesota’s derivative instruments are also subject to contract provisions that contain adequate assurance clauses.  These provisions allow counterparties to seek performance assurance, including cash collateral, in the event that NSP-Minnesota’s ability to fulfill its contractual obligations is reasonably expected to be impaired.  As of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, NSP-Minnesota had no collateral posted related to adequate assurance clauses in derivative contracts.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements—The following table presents, for each of the hierarchy Levels, NSP-Minnesota’s derivative assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2011:

	June 30, 2011
	Fair Value
							Fair Value		Counterparty
(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Netting (b)			Total
Current derivative assets
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Vehicle fuel and other commodity	$	-	$	111	$	-	$	111	$	-		$	111
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity		410		22,409		42		22,861		(9,405	)		13,456
Electric commodity		-		-		6,601		6,601		(2,618	)		3,983
Natural gas commodity		18		41		-		59		(41	)		18
Total current derivative assets	$	428	$	22,561	$	6,643	$	29,632	$	(12,064	)		17,568
Purchased power agreements (a)													23,109
Current derivative instruments												$	40,677
Noncurrent derivative assets
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Vehicle fuel and other commodity	$	-	$	157	$	-	$	157	$	-		$	157
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity		-		29,817		-		29,817		(2,975	)		26,842
Total noncurrent derivative assets	$	-	$	29,974	$	-	$	29,974	$	(2,975	)		26,999
Purchased power agreements (a)													66,171
Noncurrent derivative instruments												$	93,170

Current derivative liabilities
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity	$	184	$	17,408	$	29	$	17,621	$	(12,367	)	$	5,254
Electric commodity		-		-		2,618		2,618		(2,618	)		-
Natural gas commodity		61		1,560		-		1,621		(41	)		1,580
Total current derivative liabilities	$	245	$	18,968	$	2,647	$	21,860	$	(15,026	)		6,834
Purchased power agreements (a)													13,852
Current derivative instruments												$	20,686
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity	$	-	$	12,617	$	-	$	12,617	$	(2,975	)	$	9,642
Total noncurrent derivative liabilities	$	-	$	12,617	$	-	$	12,617	$	(2,975	)		9,642
Purchased power agreements (a)													179,945
Noncurrent derivative instruments												$	189,587

(a) In 2003, as a result of implementing new guidance on the normal purchase exception for derivative accounting, NSP-Minnesota began recording several long-term purchased power agreements at fair value due to accounting requirements related to underlying price adjustments.  As these purchases are recovered through normal regulatory recovery mechanisms in the respective jurisdictions, the changes in fair value for these contracts were offset by regulatory assets and liabilities.  During 2006, NSP-Minnesota qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception.  Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities.

(b) The accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging permits the netting of receivables and payables for derivatives and related collateral amounts when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists between NSP-Minnesota and a counterparty.  A master netting agreement is an agreement between two parties who have multiple contracts with each other that provides for the net settlement of all contracts in the event of default on or termination of any one contract.

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NSP-Minnesota recognizes transfers between Levels as of the beginning of each period.  There were no transfers of amounts between Levels for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

The following tables present, for each of the hierarchy Levels, NSP-Minnesota’s derivative assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at Dec. 31, 2010:

	Dec. 31, 2010
	Fair Value
							Fair Value		Counterparty
(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Netting (b)			Total
Current derivative assets
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Vehicle fuel and other commodity	$	-	$	70	$	-	$	70	$	-		$	70
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity		487		31,253		-		31,740		(18,719	)		13,021
Electric commodity		-		-		3,619		3,619		(1,226	)		2,393
Natural gas commodity		-		187		-		187		(187	)		-
Total current derivative assets	$	487	$	31,510	$	3,619	$	35,616	$	(20,132	)		15,484
Purchased power agreements (a)													24,408
Current derivative instruments												$	39,892
Noncurrent derivative assets
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Vehicle fuel and other commodity	$	-	$	83	$	-	$	83	$	-		$	83
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity		-		25,850		-		25,850		(2,477	)		23,373
Natural gas commodity		-		125		-		125		(48	)		77
Total noncurrent derivative assets	$	-	$	26,058	$	-	$	26,058	$	(2,525	)		23,533
Purchased power agreements (a)													77,725
Noncurrent derivative instruments												$	101,258

Current derivative liabilities
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity	$	392	$	25,416	$	-	$	25,808	$	(21,337	)	$	4,471
Electric commodity		-		-		1,227		1,227		(1,227	)		-
Natural gas commodity		20		9,156		-		9,176		(187	)		8,989
Total current derivative liabilities	$	412	$	34,572	$	1,227	$	36,211	$	(22,751	)		13,460
Purchased power agreements (a)													13,851
Current derivative instruments												$	27,311
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity	$	-	$	13,351	$	-	$	13,351	$	(2,478	)	$	10,873
Natural gas commodity		-		75		-		75		(48	)		27
Total noncurrent derivative liabilities	$	-	$	13,426	$	-	$	13,426	$	(2,526	)		10,900
Purchased power agreements (a)													186,871
Noncurrent derivative instruments												$	197,771

(a) In 2003, as a result of implementing new guidance on the normal purchase exception for derivative accounting, NSP-Minnesota began recording several long-term purchased power agreements at fair value due to accounting requirements related to underlying price adjustments.  As these purchases are recovered through normal regulatory recovery mechanisms in the respective jurisdictions, the changes in fair value for these contracts were offset by regulatory assets and liabilities.  During 2006, NSP-Minnesota qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception.  Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities.

(b) The accounting guidance for derivatives and hedgingpermits the netting of receivables and payables for derivatives and related collateral amounts when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists between NSP-Minnesota and a counterparty.  A master netting agreement is an agreement between two parties who have multiple contracts with each other that provides for the net settlement of all contracts in the event of default on or termination of any one contract.

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The following table presents the changes in Level 3 commodity derivatives for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010
Balance at April 1	$	2,332		$	3,614
Purchases		-			397
Settlements		27			(10	)
Gains recognized in earnings (a)		4			913
Gains recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities		10,299			6,993
Gains reclassified from regulatory assets and liabilities to earnings		(8,666	)		(2,700	)
Balance at June 30	$	3,996		$	9,207

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010
Balance at Jan. 1	$	2,392		$	27,237
Purchases		-			(957	)
Settlements		(59	)		61
Gains (losses) recognized in earnings (a)		72			(1,797	)
Gains (losses) recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities		19,145			(9,911	)
Gains reclassified from regulatory assets and liabilities to earnings		(17,554	)		(5,426	)
Balance at June 30	$	3,996		$	9,207

(a) These amounts relate to commodity derivatives held at the end of the period.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

The historical cost and fair value of NSP-Minnesota’s long-term debt are as follows:

	June 30, 2011				Dec. 31, 2010
	Historical				Historical
(Thousands of Dollars)	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Long-term debt, including current portion	$	3,338,393	$	3,649,605	$	3,337,912	$	3,673,214

The fair value of NSP-Minnesota’s long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues, or the current rates for debt of the same remaining maturities and credit quality.  The fair value estimates presented are based on information available to management as of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010.  These fair value estimates have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since that date, and current estimates of fair values may differ significantly.

As of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, the historical cost of cash and cash equivalents, notes and accounts receivable, notes and accounts payable and accrued liabilities are representative of fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

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9. Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Interest (expense) income	$	(126	)	$	389		$	2,953		$	1,194
Other nonoperating income		138			2			332			22
Insurance policy expense		(1,217	)		(351	)		(1,606	)		(1,552	)
Other nonoperating expense		-			(19	)		-			(21	)
Other (expense) income, net	$	(1,205	)	$	21		$	1,679		$	(357	)

10. Segment Information

NSP-Minnesota has the following reportable segments: regulated electric, regulated natural gas and all other.

· NSP-Minnesota’s regulated electric utility segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.  In addition, this segment includes sales for resale and provides wholesale transmission service to various entities in the U.S. Regulated electric utility also includes NSP-Minnesota’s commodity trading operations.

· NSP-Minnesota’s regulated natural gas utility segment transports, stores and distributes natural gas in portions of Minnesota and North Dakota.

·   Revenues from operating segments not included above are below the necessary quantitative thresholds and are therefore included in the all other category.  Those primarily include appliance repair services, nonutility real estate activities and revenues associated with processing solid waste into refuse-derived fuel.

Operating results from the regulated electric utility and regulated natural gas utility serve as the primary basis for the chief operating decision maker to evaluate the dual performance of NSP-Minnesota.  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010.  These segments are managed separately because the revenue streams are dependent upon regulated rate recovery, which is separately determined for each segment.

Asset and capital expenditure information is not provided for NSP-Minnesota’s reportable segments because as an integrated electric and natural gas utility, NSP-Minnesota operates significant assets that are not dedicated to a specific business segment, and reporting assets and capital expenditures by business segment would require arbitrary and potentially misleading allocations which may not necessarily reflect the assets that would be required for the operation of the business segments on a stand-alone basis.

To report income from continuing operations for regulated electric and regulated natural gas utility segments the majority of costs are directly assigned to each segment.  However, some costs, such as common depreciation, common O&M expenses and interest expense are allocated based on cost causation allocators.  A general allocator is used for certain general and administrative expenses, including office supplies, rent, property insurance and general advertising.

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	Regulated		Regulated			All		Reconciling			Consolidated
(Thousands of Dollars)	Electric		Natural Gas			Other		Eliminations			Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
Operating revenues from external customers	$	908,070	$	96,922		$	5,534	$	-		$	1,010,526
Intersegment revenues		171		148			-		(319	)		-
Total revenues	$	908,241	$	97,070		$	5,534	$	(319	)	$	1,010,526
Net income	$	61,870	$	74		$	3,279	$	-		$	65,223
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
Operating revenues from external customers	$	842,620	$	68,227		$	5,443	$	-		$	916,290
Intersegment revenues		110		2,406			-		(2,516	)		-
Total revenues	$	842,730	$	70,633		$	5,443	$	(2,516	)	$	916,290
Net income (loss)	$	45,934	$	(3,889	)	$	1,995	$	-		$	44,040

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
Operating revenues from external customers	$	1,812,207	$	380,648	$	10,563	$	-		$	2,203,418
Intersegment revenues		296		339		-		(635	)		-
Total revenues	$	1,812,503	$	380,987	$	10,563	$	(635	)	$	2,203,418
Net income	$	130,174	$	21,149	$	6,075	$	-		$	157,398
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
Operating revenues from external customers	$	1,692,852	$	340,620	$	9,925	$	-		$	2,043,397
Intersegment revenues		148		3,767		-		(3,915	)		-
Total revenues	$	1,693,000	$	344,387	$	9,925	$	(3,915	)	$	2,043,397
Net income	$	86,377	$	16,209	$	5,593	$	-		$	108,179

11. Comprehensive Income

The components of total comprehensive income are shown below:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Net income	$	65,223		$	44,040		$	157,398		$	108,179
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized (losses) gains — marketable securities		-			(108	)		50			(97	)
Changes in unrecognized amounts of pension and retiree medical benefits		34			27			68			50
After-tax net unrealized (losses) gains related to derivatives accounted for as hedges		(8	)		(144	)		105			(133	)
After-tax net realized (gains) losses on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings		(46	)		258			(61	)		560
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(20	)		33			162			380
Comprehensive income	$	65,203		$	44,073		$	157,560		$	108,559

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12. Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Pension and other postretirement benefit disclosures below generally represent Xcel Energy consolidated information unless specifically identified as being attributable to NSP-Minnesota.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
							Postretirement Health
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Care Benefits
Xcel Energy
Service cost	$	20,548		$	18,956		$	1,097		$	965
Interest cost		40,791			41,853			10,492			10,861
Expected return on plan assets		(55,514	)		(58,035	)		(8,013	)		(7,131	)
Amortization of transition obligation		-			-			3,611			3,611
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		5,633			5,164			(1,233	)		(1,233	)
Amortization of net loss		20,527			13,134			3,304			3,113
Net periodic benefit cost		31,985			21,072			9,258			10,186
Costs not recognized and additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation		(10,715	)		(6,314	)		973			973
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	21,270		$	14,758		$	10,231		$	11,159
NSP-Minnesota
Net periodic benefit cost	$	13,530		$	9,428		$	2,703		$	2,833
Costs not recognized due to the effects of regulation		(10,140	)		(6,314	)		-			-
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	3,390		$	3,114		$	2,703		$	2,833

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
							Postretirement Health
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Care Benefits
Xcel Energy
Service cost	$	38,660		$	36,574		$	2,412		$	2,003
Interest cost		80,706			82,505			21,043			21,390
Expected return on plan assets		(110,800	)		(116,159	)		(15,981	)		(14,265	)
Amortization of transition obligation		-			-			7,222			7,222
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		11,266			10,328			(2,466	)		(2,466	)
Amortization of net loss		39,256			24,158			6,647			5,822
Net periodic benefit cost		59,088			37,406			18,877			19,706
Costs not recognized and additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation		(18,600	)		(13,640	)		1,946			1,946
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	40,488		$	23,766		$	20,823		$	21,652
NSP-Minnesota
Net periodic benefit cost	$	23,813		$	16,754		$	5,230		$	5,322
Costs not recognized due to the effects of regulation		(17,450	)		(13,640	)		-			-
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	6,363		$	3,114		$	5,230		$	5,322

Voluntary contributions of $134 million were made to three of Xcel Energy’s pension plans in January 2011, including $41.4 million related to NSP-Minnesota. Based on updated valuation results received in March 2011 for the NCE Non-Bargaining Pension Plan, Xcel Energy made a required contribution of $3.3 million to the NCE Non-Bargaining Pension Plan in July 2011.

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Item 2 — MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Discussion of financial condition and liquidity for NSP-Minnesota is omitted per conditions set forth in general instructions H (1) (a) and (b) of Form 10-Q for wholly owned subsidiaries.  It is replaced with management’s narrative analysis of the results of operations set forth in general instructions H (2) (a) of Form 10-Q for wholly owned subsidiaries (reduced disclosure format).

Financial Review

The following discussion and analysis by management focuses on those factors that had a material effect on NSP-Minnesota’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows during the periods presented, or are expected to have a material impact in the future.  It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements.  Due to the seasonality of NSP-Minnesota’s electric and natural gas sales, such interim results are not necessarily an appropriate base from which to project annual results.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical statements contained in this report, the matters discussed in the following discussion and analysis are forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Such forward-looking statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “should” and similar expressions.  Actual results may vary materially.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update them to reflect changes that occur after that date.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions, including inflation rates, monetary fluctuations and their impact on capital expenditures and the ability of NSP-Minnesota and its subsidiaries to obtain financing on favorable terms; business conditions in the energy industry, including the risk of a slow down in the U.S. economy or delay in growth recovery; trade, fiscal, taxation and environmental policies in areas where NSP-Minnesota has a financial interest; customer business conditions; competitive factors, including the extent and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets served by NSP-Minnesota and its subsidiaries; unusual weather; effects of geopolitical events, including war and acts of terrorism; state, federal and foreign legislative and regulatory initiatives that affect cost and investment recovery, have an impact on rates or have an impact on asset operation or ownership or impose environmental compliance conditions; structures that affect the speed and degree to which competition enters the electric and natural gas markets; costs and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims; actions by regulatory bodies impacting NSP-Minnesota’s nuclear operations, including those affecting costs, operations or the approval of requests pending before the NRC; financial or regulatory accounting policies imposed by  regulatory bodies; availability or cost of capital; employee workforce factors; the items described under Factors Affecting Results of Operations; and the other risk factors listed from time to time by NSP-Minnesota in reports filed with the SEC, including “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of NSP-Minnesota’s Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, and Item 1A and Exhibit 99.01 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.

Results of Operations

NSP-Minnesota’s net income was approximately $157.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with approximately $108.2 million for  the same period in 2010.The increases are primarily due to interim rate increases, subject to refund, in Minnesota and North Dakota effective in the first quarter of 2011, partially offset by higher O&M expenses, property taxes and depreciation expense.

Electric Revenues and Margins

Electric revenues and fuel and purchased power expenses are largely impacted by the fluctuation in the price of natural gas, coal and uranium used in the generation of electricity, but as a result of the design of fuel recovery mechanisms to recover current expenses, these price fluctuations have little impact on electric margin.  The following table details the electric revenues and margin:

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(Millions of Dollars)	2011				2010
Electric revenues		$	1,812			$	1,693
Electric fuel and purchased power			(753	)			(725	)
Electric margin		$	1,059			$	968

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The following summarizes the components of the changes in electric revenues and margin for the six months ended June 30:

Electric Revenues

(Millions of Dollars)	2011 vs. 2010
Retail rate increases (Minnesota interim, North Dakota interim)	$	48
Fuel and purchased power cost recovery		33
Conservation revenue, (offset by expenses)		21
Transmission revenue		9
Interchange agreement billing with NSP-Wisconsin		9
Non-fuel riders		7
Retail sales increase (excluding weather impact)		5
Conservation incentive		4
Trading		(7	)
Firm wholesale		(7	)
Other, net		(3	)
Total increase in electric revenues	$	119

Electric Margin

(Millions of Dollars)	2011 vs. 2010
Retail rate increases (Minnesota interim, North Dakota interim)	$	48
Conservation revenue, (offset by expenses)		21
Non-fuel riders		7
Retail fuel recovery timing		6
Retail sales increase (excluding impact of weather)		5
Conservation incentive		4
Firm wholesale		(4	)
Other, net		4
Total increase in electric margin	$	91

Natural Gas Revenues and Margins

The cost of natural gas tends to vary with changing sales requirements and unit cost of natural gas purchases.  However, due to purchased natural gas cost recovery mechanisms for retail customers, fluctuations in the cost of natural gas have little effect on natural gas margin.  The following table details natural gas revenues and margin:

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(Millions of Dollars)	2011				2010
Natural gas revenues		$	381			$	341
Cost of natural gas sold and transported			(258	)			(241	)
Natural gas margin		$	123			$	100

The following summarizes the components of the changes in natural gas revenues and margin for the six months ended June 30:

Natural Gas Revenues

(Millions of Dollars)	2011 vs. 2010
Purchased natural gas adjustment clause recovery	$	19
Conservation revenue, (offset by expenses)		12
Estimated impact of weather		7
Other, net		2
Total increase in natural gas revenues	$	40

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Natural Gas Margin

(Millions of Dollars)	2011 vs. 2010
Conservation revenue, (offset by expenses)	$	12
Estimated impact of weather		7
Other, net		4
Total increase in natural gas margin	$	23

Non-Fuel Operating Expenses and Other Items

O&M Expenses — O&M expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2011 increased $4.3 million compared with the same period in 2010.  The following summarizes the components of the changes for the six months ended June 30:

(Millions of Dollars)	2011 vs. 2010
Higher interchange costs	$	5
Lower plant generation costs		(2	)
Other, net		1
Total increase in O&M expenses	$	4

Conservation Program Expenses — Conservation program expenses increased $33.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with the same period in 2010.  The higher expense is attributable to an increase in the rider rates used to recover the program expenses.  NSP-Minnesota has established conservation incentive programs designed to encourage its retail customers to conserve energy or change energy usage patterns in order to reduce peak demand on the gas and/or electric system.  This, in turn, reduces the need for additional plant capacity, reduces emissions, serves to achieve other environmental goals as well as reduces energy costs to participating customers.  NSP-Minnesota recovers conservation program expenses concurrently through riders and base rates.

Depreciation and Amortization — Depreciation and amortization expense increased by approximately $9.3 million, or 4.7 percent, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with the same period in 2010.  The increase is primarily due to the Nobles wind project commencing commercial operations in late 2010 and normal system expansion.

Taxes (Other Than Income Taxes) — Taxes (other than income taxes) increased by approximately $6.4 million, or 8.0 percent, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with the same period in 2010.  The increase was due to increased property and payroll taxes.

Interest Charges — Interest charges increased by approximately $4.4 million, or 4.4 percent, for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with the same period in 2010.  The increase is due to higher long-term debt levels to fund investments in utility operations, partially offset by lower interest rates.

Income Taxes —Income tax expense increased by $13.8 million for the second quarter of 2011, compared with the same period in 2010.  The increase in income tax expense was primarily due to an increase in pretax income, partially offset by an increase in wind production tax credits in 2011 and a write-off of tax benefits previously recorded for Medicare Part D subsidies in 2010.  The effective tax rate was 34.3 percent for the second quarter of 2011, compared with 38.7 percent for the same period in 2010.  The lower effective tax rate for the first six months of 2011, as compared to 2010, was primarily due to higher forecasted wind production tax credits in 2011.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Equity and Debt (AFUDC) —AFUDC increased by approximately $4.0 million, or 15.0 percent for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with the same period in 2010.  The increase is primarily due to construction projects related to the Monticello extended power uprate.

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Factors Affecting Results of Operations

Public Utility Regulation

Wind Generation — NSP-Minnesota invested approximately $500 million in wind generation through 2010.  The 201 MW Nobles wind project in southwestern Minnesota began commercial operations in 2010.  The portion of the costs for the Nobles wind project assigned to Minnesota electric retail customers is currently being collected through the renewable energy standard rider.  NSP-Minnesota had included the costs for the Nobles wind project in its current pending rate case in Minnesota and if approved, the costs will be recovered in base rates when final rates are implemented.

On April 1, 2011, NSP-Minnesota terminated its agreement with enXco for the development of the 150 MW Merricourt wind project in North Dakota.  NSP-Minnesota’s decision to terminate the agreement was based in large part on the adverse impact this project could have on endangered or threatened species protected by federal law and the uncertainty in cost and timing in mitigating this impact.  NSP-Minnesota also terminated the agreement due to the nonperformance by enXco of certain other conditions, including failure to obtain a Certificate of Site Compatibility, and the failure to close on the contracts by an agreed upon date of March 31, 2011.  The Merricourt wind project was projected to cost approximately $400 million and was expected to reach commercial operation in 2011.

On May 5, 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed a declaratory judgment action in U.S. District Court in Minnesota to obtain a determination that it acted properly in terminating the agreement. On that same day, enXco also filed a separate lawsuit in the same court seeking, among other things, in excess of $240 million for an alleged breach of contract.  NSP-Minnesota believes enXco’s lawsuit is without merit and filed in response a motion to dismiss.  Arguments related to this motion are expected to be presented to the court on Sept. 16, 2011.

NSP-Minnesota Transmission Certificate of Need (CONs) — In May 2009, the MPUC granted a CON to construct three 345 kilovolt (KV) electric transmission lines as part of the CapX2020 project.  The project to build the three lines includes construction of approximately 700 miles of new facilities at a cost of approximately $1.9 billion.  NSP-Minnesota and NSP-Wisconsin are responsible for approximately $1.0 billion of the total cost.  The remainder of the costs will be born by other utilities in the upper Midwest.  These cost estimates will be revised after the regulatory process is completed.

NSP-Minnesota and Great River Energy filed four route permit applications with the MPUC in addition to a facility permit application with the SDPUC, a certificate of corridor compatibility application with the NDPSC and a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) application with the PSCW.  The MPUC has issued route permits for the Monticello, Minn. to St. Cloud, Minn. project, the Minnesota portion of the Fargo, ND to St. Cloud, Minn. project and the Minnesota portion of the Brookings, SD to Hampton, Minn. project.  The SDPUC granted the facility permit for the South Dakota portion of the Brookings, SD project in June 2011.  The remaining required permit activities are on-going in North Dakota for the Fargo project and in Wisconsin and Minnesota for the Hampton, Minn. to La Crosse, Wis. project.

Also in June 2011, the MISO granted approval of the Brookings line as a multi value line, subject to regional cost allocation contingent on approving the portfolio of projects with which it was evaluated.  The projects studied create a net benefit to the region in aggregate and the MISO expects to take up approvals of the remainder of the portfolio by the end of 2011.

Bemidji to Grand Rapids Project

In July 2009, the MPUC approved the CON application for a 230 KV CapX2020 transmission line between Bemidji, Minn. and Grand Rapids, Minn.  Route permit hearings were concluded in May 2010, and a route permit was approved by the MPUC in November 2010.  In February 2011, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwa filed a letter with the MPUC requesting suspension or revocation of the route permit.  The MPUC has denied granting that request pending court action on the issue.  This line is expected to entail construction of approximately 68 miles of new facilities at a cost of $100 million.  Construction related activities began in January 2011 and are expected to be completed in 2012.  The estimated project cost to NSP-Minnesota is approximately $26 million.

Hiawatha Transmission Project

In November 2010, NSP-Minnesota submitted a CON application to the MPUC for two 115 KV lines in Minneapolis, Minn.  Hearings on the CON are expected to be held in late 2011 with an expectation of an MPUC decision of the CON and route permit by the end of 2011.

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Glencoe to Waconia Project

In November 2010, NSP-Minnesota submitted a CON to the MPUC for 115 KV transmission line upgrades to the Glencoe, Minn. to Waconia, Minn. 69 KV line.  This was followed by a route permit application filed in December 2010.  Hearings on both applications are expected to be held in the third quarter of 2011 with an expectation of an MPUC decision regarding both applications by the end of 2011.

Bluff Creek to Westgate Project

In April 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed a notice plan in anticipation of filing a request for a CON for the upgrade of a 69 KV line to 115 KV in or near the cities of Chanhassen, Shorewood, Excelsior, Deephaven, Greenwood, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie, Minn.

Black Dog Repowering CON — In March 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with Minnesota regulators to approve a CON for a project to retire its last two coal-burning units (Units 3 and 4) at the Black Dog plant in Burnsville, Minn. and replace them with combined-cycle natural gas burning units.  Units 1 and 2 were converted to natural gas combined-cycle operation in 2002.

The proposed Black Dog repowering project would replace the remaining 253 MW of coal-fired generating capacity at the site with about 700 MW of natural gas-fired generation.  The Black Dog proposal requires review and approval by various state agencies, including the MPCA and MPUC. 

If the Black Dog project is approved, site preparation could begin in 2012 and foundation construction in 2013.  The new natural gas powered facility is expected to cost approximately $600 million and is proposed to come on line in 2016.  The proposed in-service date is subject to potential change depending on projected load requirements.

Under the MPUC process, competitive alternatives to the Black Dog project were to be filed by July 1, 2011.  On June 30, 2011, Calpine Corporation filed a competitive proposal to build out its Mankato Energy Center thereby adding 345 MW of capacity.

Nuclear Power Operations and Waste Disposal

NSP-Minnesota owns two nuclear generating plants: the Monticello plant, which has one unit, and the Prairie Island plant, which has two units.  See Note 13 to the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 for further discussion regarding the nuclear generating plants.  Nuclear power plant operation produces gaseous, liquid and solid radioactive wastes.  The discharge and handling of such wastes are controlled by federal regulation.  High-level radioactive wastes primarily include used nuclear fuel.  Low-level radioactive waste consists primarily of demineralizer resins, paper, protective clothing, rags, tools and equipment that have become contaminated through use in the plant.

NRC Regulation — The NRC regulates the nuclear operations of NSP-Minnesota.  Decisions by the NRC can significantly impact the operations of the nuclear plants.  The event at the nuclear plant in Fukushima, Japan could impact the NRC’s deliberations on NSP-Minnesota’s power uprates discussed below.  This event could also result in additional regulation by the NRC, which could require additional capital expenditures or operating expenses.  The NRC has created an internal task force that will develop recommendations for NRC consideration on whether it should require immediate emergency preparedness and mitigating enhancements at U.S. reactors and any changes to NRC regulations, inspection procedures, and licensing processes.  On July 12, 2011, the task force released its recommendations in a written report.  The report confirms the safety of U.S. nuclear energy facilities and recommends actions to enhance U.S. nuclear plant readiness to safely manage severe events.  If the Commissioners adopt the recommendations in the report, a schedule for implementation and compliance will be established that licensees must adhere to.  To better coordinate response activities, the U.S. nuclear energy industry has created a steering committee made up of representatives from major electric sector organizations to integrate and coordinate the industry’s ongoing responses.  In addition, the NRC has completed inspecting licensees’ preparedness to deal with power losses or damage to large areas of a reactor site following extreme events.

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Nuclear Plant Power Uprates and Life Extension

Monticello Nuclear Extended Power Uprate — In 2008, NSP-Minnesota filed for an extended power uprate of approximately 71 MW for NSP-Minnesota’s Monticello plant.  The MPUC approved the extended power uprate in 2008.  The filing was placed on hold by the NRC staff to address concerns raised by the Advisory Committee for Reactor Safety related to containment pressure associated with pump performance.  The containment pressure issue was addressed by the NRC staff in early 2011 and the NRC Commissioners provided direction to the NRC staff in a Staff Requirements memorandum in March 2011.  NSP-Minnesota was subsequently verbally informed that the NRC staff was resuming their reviews of all active extended power uprate license amendment applications that had been placed on hold pending resolution of the containment pressure issue.  NSP-Minnesota is currently working with the NRC staff to determine what needs to be done to complete the extended power uprate license amendment application and continue to work toward completing the extended power uprate modifications during the mid-cycle outage scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2011.  This schedule is expected to allow NSP-Minnesota to operate Monticello at the higher power level once final NRC approval is obtained.

Prairie Island Life Extension— In June 2011, the NRC issued renewed operating licenses for Prairie Island Units 1 and 2, allowing Unit 1 to operate until 2033 and Unit 2 until 2034.

Prairie Island Nuclear Extended Power Uprate — In 2008, NSP-Minnesota filed for an extended power uprate of approximately 164 MW for Prairie Island Units 1 and 2, which the MPUC approved in 2009.  NSP-Minnesota is working toward filing an application to the NRC requesting an extended power uprate for both units at Prairie Island in late 2011.  It is anticipated that the NRC’s review of this application would take approximately two years with approval expected before the end of 2013.  The extended power uprates are scheduled to be implemented during the 2014 and 2015 refueling outages.

Summary of Recent Federal Regulatory Developments

The FERC has jurisdiction over rates for electric transmission service in interstate commerce and electricity sold at wholesale, hydro facility licensing, natural gas transportation, accounting practices and certain other activities of NSP-Minnesota, including enforcement of North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) mandatory electric reliability standards.  State and local agencies have jurisdiction over many of NSP-Minnesota’s activities, including regulation of retail rates and environmental matters.  See additional discussion in the summary of recent federal regulatory developments and public utility regulation sections of the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010.  In addition to the matters discussed below, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of other regulatory matters.

Compliance Audits and Self Reports

In November 2010, the NSP System (the electric production and transmission system of NSP-Minnesota is managed as an integrated system with that of NSP-Wisconsin, jointly referred to as the NSP System) filed a self-report with the Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO) regarding potential violations of certain NERC critical infrastructure protection standards (CIPS).  Additional self-reports of potential violations of CIPS standards were filed in January 2011.  Based on the issues identified with CIPS compliance, the NSP System submitted a mitigation plan that provides for a comprehensive review of its CIPS compliance programs.  Whether and to what extent penalties may be assessed against the NSP System for the issues identified and self-reported to date is unclear.

In February and March 2011, the NSP System was subject to a comprehensive triennial audit by the MRO regarding compliance with various NERC mandatory reliability standards, including CIPS.  The MRO found potential violations of seven standards; five are related to CIPS.  The written MRO reports are now being completed, and none of the potential violations are expected to result in a material penalty.

NERC Compliance Investigations

In September 2007, portions of the NSP System and transmission systems west and north of the NSP System briefly islanded from the rest of the Eastern Interconnection as a result of a series of transmission line outages.  In addition, service to approximately 790 MW of load was temporarily interrupted, primarily in Saskatchewan, Canada.  In late 2010, NERC transferred responsibility for completing the compliance investigation to the MRO.  The final outcome of the compliance investigation, and whether and to what extent penalties for violations may be assessed, is unknown at this time.

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In February 2010, the NERC notified NSP-Minnesota that it was commencing a non-public investigation of NSP-Minnesota maintenance practices associated with insulating oil levels in bulk electric system substations, as the result of an anonymous complaint received by the NERC.  In February 2011, NERC transferred responsibility for completing the compliance investigation to the MRO.  The MRO reviewed the status of insulating oil levels during the triennial compliance audit in first quarter 2011.  In July 2011, the NERC issued a preliminary findings report with three potential violations of NERC reliability standards, which NSP-Minnesota will respond to in August 2011.  The outcomes of the compliance investigations, and whether and to what extent the NERC or the MRO may seek to impose penalties for alleged violations, are unknown at this time.

Item 4 — CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

NSP-Minnesota maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.  In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures ensure that information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO), allowing timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  As of June 30, 2011, based on an evaluation carried out under the supervision and with the participation of NSP-Minnesota’s management, including the CEO and CFO, of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and the procedures, the CEO and CFO have concluded that NSP-Minnesota’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

No change in NSP-Minnesota’s internal control over financial reporting has occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, NSP-Minnesota’s internal control over financial reporting.

Part II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 — LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the normal course of business, various lawsuits and claims have arisen against NSP-Minnesota.  After consultation with legal counsel, NSP-Minnesota has recorded an estimate of the probable cost of settlement or other disposition for such matters.

Additional Information

See Notes 5 and 6 of the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of legal proceedings, including Regulatory Matters and Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, which are hereby incorporated by reference.  Reference also is made to Item 3 and Notes 11and 12 of NSP-Minnesota’s consolidated financial statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 for a description of certain legal proceedings presently pending.

Item 1A — RISK FACTORS

Except to the extent updated or described below, NSP-Minnesota’s risk factors are documented in Item 1A of Part I of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Operational Risks

We are subject to the risks of nuclear generation.

Our two nuclear stations, Prairie Island and Monticello, subject us to the risks of nuclear generation, which include:

· The risks associated with use of radioactive material in the production of energy, the management, handling, storage and disposal of these radioactive materials and the current lack of a long-term disposal solution for radioactive materials;

· Limitations on the amounts and types of insurance commercially available to cover losses that might arise in connection with nuclear operations; and

· Uncertainties with respect to the technological and financial aspects of decommissioning nuclear plants at the end of licensed lives.

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The NRC has authority to impose licensing and safety-related requirements for the operation of nuclear generation facilities.  In the event of non-compliance, the NRC has the authority to impose fines or shut down a unit, or both, depending upon its assessment of the severity of the situation, until compliance is achieved.  Revised NRC safety requirements could necessitate substantial capital expenditures or a substantial increase in operating expenses at our nuclear plants.  In addition, the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations reviews our nuclear operations and nuclear generation facilities.  Compliance with the Institute for Nuclear Power Operations’ recommendations could result in substantial capital expenditures or a substantial increase in operating expenses.

If an incident did occur, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.  Furthermore, the non-compliance of other nuclear facilities operators with applicable regulations or the occurrence of a serious nuclear incident at other facilities could result in increased regulation of the industry as a whole, which could then increase our compliance costs and impact the results of operations of its facilities.  The recent events at the nuclear facilities in Fukushima, Japan could result in increased regulation of the nuclear generation industry as a whole, and additional requirements with respect to emergency planning and demonstrated ability to operate nuclear facilities in the event of natural disasters or other events.  This increased regulation could increase our compliance costs and impact the results of operations of our nuclear facilities.  Furthermore, these events could cause increased regulatory review and scrutiny by the NRC which could lead to delays in the process for obtaining required regulatory reviews and approvals.

Public Policy Risks

We may be subject to legislative and regulatory responses to climate change and emissions, with which compliance could be difficult and costly.

Increased public awareness and concern regarding climate change may result in more regional and/or federal requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of GHGs.  Numerous states have announced or adopted programs to stabilize and reduce GHGs, and federal legislation has been introduced in both houses of Congress.  Internationally, other nations have already agreed to regulate emissions of GHGs pursuant to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, also known as the “Kyoto Protocol,” by 2012.  In addition, in 2009, the U.S. submitted a non-binding GHG emission reduction target of 17 percent compared to 2005 levels pursuant to the Copenhagen Accord.  Such legislative and regulatory responses related to climate change and new interpretations of existing laws through climate change litigation create financial risk as our electric generating facilities are likely to be subject to regulation under climate change laws introduced at either the state or federal level within the next few years.

The EPA has taken steps to regulate GHGs under the CAA. In December 2009, the EPA issued a finding that GHG emissions endanger public health and welfare, and that motor vehicle emissions contribute to the GHGs in the atmosphere. This endangerment finding created a mandatory duty for the EPA to regulate GHGs from light duty motor vehicles.  In January 2011, new EPA permitting requirements became effective for GHG emissions of new and modified large stationary sources, which are applicable to construction of new power plants or power plant modifications that increase emissions above a certain threshold.  The EPA has also announced that it will propose GHG regulations applicable to emissions from existing power plants in September 2011, with final standards to be issued in May 2012.

We are also currently a party to climate change lawsuits and may be subject to additional climate change lawsuits, including lawsuits similar to those described in Note 6, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.  An adverse outcome in any of these cases could require substantial capital expenditures that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly require payment of substantial penalties or damages.  Defense costs associated with such litigation can also be significant.  Such payments or expenditures could affect results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates.

35

Many of the federal and state climate change legislative proposals use a cap and trade policy structure, in which GHG emissions from a broad cross-section of the economy would be subject to an overall cap.  Under the proposals, the cap becomes more stringent with the passage of time. The proposals establish mechanisms for GHG sources, such as power plants, to obtain “allowances” or permits to emit GHGs during the course of a year.  The sources may use the allowances to cover their own emissions or sell them to other sources that do not hold enough emission allowances for their own operations.  Proponents of the cap and trade policy believe it will result in the most cost effective, flexible emission reductions.  There are many uncertainties, however, regarding when and in what form climate change legislation or regulation will be enacted.  The impact of legislation and regulations, including a cap and trade structure, on us and our customers will depend on a number of factors, including whether GHG sources in multiple sectors of the economy are regulated, the overall GHG emissions cap level, the degree to which GHG offsets are allowed, the allocation of emission allowances to specific sources and the indirect impact of carbon regulation on natural gas and coal prices.  While we do not have operations outside of the U.S., any international treaties or accords could have an impact to the extent they lead to future federal or state regulations.  Another important factor is our ability to recover the costs incurred to comply with any regulatory requirements that are ultimately imposed.  We may not be able to timely recover all costs related to complying with regulatory requirements imposed on us.  If our regulators do not allow us to recover all or a part of the cost of capital investment or the O&M costs incurred to comply with the mandates, it could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

We are also subject to a significant number of proposed and potential rules that will impact our coal-fired and other generation facilities.  These include, but are not limited to, rules associated with mercury, regional haze, ozone, ash management and cooling water intake systems.  The costs of investment to comply with these rules could be substantial.  We may not be able to timely recover all costs related to complying with regulatory requirements imposed on us.

Item 6 — EXHIBITS

*Indicates incorporation by reference

t Furnished, herewith, not filed.  Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

3.01*	Articles of Incorporation and Amendments of Northern Power Corp. (renamed NSP-Minnesota on Aug. 21, 2000)(Exhibit 3.01 to Form 10-12G (file no. 000-31709) dated Oct. 5, 2000).
3.02*	By-Laws (Exhibit 3.02 to Form 8-K (file no. 001-31387) dated June 3, 2008).
31.01	Principal Executive Officer’s and Principal Financial Officer’s certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.01	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.01	Statement pursuant to Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
101t	The following materials from NSP-Minnesota’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011 are formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):  (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow, (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholder’s Equity and Comprehensive Income, (v) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, and (vi) document and entity information.

36

SIGNATURES

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

		Northern States Power Company (a Minnesota corporation)
Aug. 1, 2011
	By:	/s/ TERESA S. MADDEN
		Teresa S. Madden
		Vice President and Controller
		/s/ DAVID M. SPARBY
		David M. Sparby
		Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

37

EX-31.01

EXHIBIT 31.01

CERTIFICATION

I, Judy M. Poferl, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Northern States Power Company (a Minnesota corporation);

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

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

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

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

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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

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

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

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

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

Date:   Aug. 1, 2011

/s/ JUDY M. POFERL

Judy M. Poferl

President and Chief Executive Officer

1

EXHIBIT 31.02

CERTIFICATION

I, David M. Sparby, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of Northern States Power Company (a Minnesota corporation);

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

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

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

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

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

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

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

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

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

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

Date:  Aug. 1, 2011

/s/ DAVID M. SPARBY

David M. Sparby

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

2

EX-32.01

Exhibit 32.01

OFFICER CERTIFICATION

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Northern States Power Company (NSP-Minnesota) on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, as filed with the SEC on the date hereof (Form 10-Q), each of the undersigned officers of NSP-Minnesota certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to such officer’s knowledge:

(1) The Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of NSP-Minnesota as of the dates and for the periods expressed in the Form 10-Q.

Date:  Aug. 1, 2011

/s/ JUDY M. POFERL

Judy M. Poferl

President and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ DAVID M. SPARBY

David M. Sparby

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to NSP-Minnesota and will be retained by NSP-Minnesota and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.

1

EX-99.01

Exhibit 99.01

NSP-Minnesota Cautionary Factors

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act provides a “safe harbor” for forward-looking statements to encourage such disclosures without the threat of litigation, providing those statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful, cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those projected in the statement.  Forward-looking statements are made in written documents and oral presentations of NSP-Minnesota, Xcel Energy Inc. or any of its other subsidiaries.  These statements are based on management’s beliefs as well as assumptions and information currently available to management.  Such forward-looking statements are intended to be identified in this document by the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “possible,” “potential,” “should” and similar expressions.  In addition to any assumptions and other factors referred to specifically in connection with such forward-looking statements, factors that could cause NSP-Minnesota’s actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in any forward-looking statements include, among others, the following:

· Economic conditions, including inflation rates, monetary fluctuations and their impact on capital expenditures;

· The risk of a significant slowdown in growth or decline in the U.S. economy, the risk of delay in growth recovery in the U.S. economy or the risk of increased cost for insurance premiums, security and other items as a consequence of past or future terrorist attacks;

· Trade, monetary, fiscal, taxation and environmental policies of governments, agencies and similar organizations in geographic areas where NSP-Minnesota has a financial interest;

· Customer business conditions, including demand for their products or services and supply of labor and materials used in creating their products and services;

· Financial or regulatory accounting principles or policies imposed by the FASB, the SEC, the FERC and similar entities with regulatory oversight;

· Availability or cost of capital such as changes in: interest rates; market perceptions of the utility industry, NSP-Minnesota, Xcel Energy Inc. or any of its other subsidiaries; or security ratings;

· Factors affecting utility and nonutility operations such as unusual weather conditions; catastrophic weather-related damage; unscheduled generation outages, maintenance or repairs; unanticipated changes to fossil fuel, nuclear fuel or natural gas supply costs or availability due to higher demand, shortages, transportation problems or other developments; nuclear or environmental incidents; or electric transmission or natural gas pipeline constraints;

· Employee workforce factors, including loss or retirement of key executives, collective bargaining agreements with union employees, or work stoppages;

· Increased competition in the utility industry or additional competition in the markets served by NSP-Minnesota, Xcel Energy Inc. and its other subsidiaries;

· State, federal and foreign legislative and regulatory initiatives that affect cost and investment recovery, have an impact on rate structures and affect the speed and degree to which competition enters the electric and natural gas markets; industry restructuring initiatives; transmission system operation and/or administration initiatives; recovery of investments made under traditional regulation; nature of competitors entering the industry; retail wheeling; a new pricing structure; and former customers entering the generation market;

· Environmental laws and regulations, including legislation and regulations relating to climate change, and the associated cost of  compliance;

· Rate-setting policies or procedures of regulatory entities, including environmental externalities, which are values established by regulators assigning environmental costs to each method of electricity generation when evaluating generation resource options;

· Nuclear regulatory policies and procedures, including operating regulations and spent nuclear fuel storage;

· Social attitudes regarding the utility and power industries;

· Cost and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings, settlements, investigations and claims;

· Technological developments that result in competitive disadvantages and create the potential for impairment of existing assets;

· Risks associated with implementations of new technologies; and

· Other business or investment considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in SEC filings, including “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of NSP-Minnesota’s form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, or in other publicly disseminated written documents.

NSP-Minnesota undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  The foregoing review of factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

1

XML



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Interest charges and financing costs
Other financing costs	$ 1,616	$ 1,413	$ 3,042	$ 2,811

XML



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Operating activities
Net income	$ 157,398	$ 108,179
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	207,493	193,484
Nuclear fuel amortization	43,732	49,551
Deferred income taxes	85,421	68,773
Amortization of investment tax credits	(1,347)	(1,558)
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	(19,739)	(17,501)
Net realized and unrealized hedging and derivative transactions	(4,401)	(6,099)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	24,654	21,978
Accrued unbilled revenues	57,260	46,542
Inventories	47,168	36,142
Other current assets	(538)	(35,812)
Accounts payable	46,431	(116,181)
Net regulatory assets and liabilities	(8,480)	(11,638)
Other current liabilities	(10,792)	(16,065)
Pension and other employee benefits	(43,484)	2,458
Change in other noncurrent assets	(2,586)	(194)
Change in other noncurrent liabilities	(26,893)	(12,296)
Net cash provided by operating activities	551,297	309,763
Investing activities
Utility capital/construction expenditures	(622,360)	(575,303)
Merricourt refund	101,261	0
Merricourt deposit	(90,833)	0
Allowance for equity funds used during construction	19,739	17,501
Purchase of investments in external decommissioning fund	(1,226,490)	(3,001,198)
Proceeds from the sale of investments in external decommissioning fund	1,226,504	3,006,616
Investments in utility money pool arrangement	(432,000)	(41,500)
Repayments from utility money pool arrangement	432,000	48,500
Advances to affiliate	(111,300)	(190,500)
Advances from affiliate	148,300	206,000
Other investments	(3,691)	2,007
Net cash used in investing activities	(558,870)	(527,877)
Financing activities
Proceeds from short-term borrowings, net	5,000	45,000
Borrowings under utility money pool arrangement	300	479,500
Repayments under utility money pool arrangement	(300)	(419,500)
Repayment of long-term debt, including reacquisition premiums	(30)	(91)
Capital contributions from parent	125,000	211,431
Dividends paid to parent	(116,007)	(116,091)
Net cash provided by financing activities	13,963	200,249
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,390	(17,865)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	38,408	46,303
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	44,798	28,438
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest (net of amounts capitalized)	(89,977)	(91,308)
Cash paid for income taxes, net	(4,211)	(25,974)
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing transactions:
Property, plant and equipment additions in accounts payable	$ 23,513	$ 24,387

XML



Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Aug. 01, 2011
Entity Registrant Name	NORTHERN STATES POWER CO
Entity Central Index Key	0001123852
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,000,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2011
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2011

XML



Rate Matters

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Rate Matters [Abstract]

Rate Matters

5. Rate Matters

Except to the extent noted below, the circumstances set forth in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of other rate matters, and are incorporated herein by reference.

Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings -Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)

Base Rate

NSP-Minnesota Electric Rate Case- In November 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the MPUC to increase annual electric rates in Minnesota for 2011 by approximately $150 million, or an increase of 5.62 percent.  The rate filing is based on a 2011 forecast test year and included a requested return on equity (ROE) of 11.25 percent, an electric rate base of approximately $5.6 billion and an equity ratio of 52.56 percent.  NSP-Minnesota requested an additional increase of $48.3 million or 1.81 percent effective Jan. 1, 2012, to address certain known and measurable cost increases in 2012.

The MPUC approved an interim rate increase of $123 million, subject to refund, effective Jan. 2, 2011.  The interim rates will remain in effect until the MPUC makes its final decision on the case.

In May 2011, NSP-Minnesota revised its rate increase request to approximately $126.4 million or 4.7 percent for 2011, largely due to a revised requested ROE of 10.85 percent. NSP-Minnesota also reduced its requested increase for 2012 to $44.7 million.  The Department of Energy Resource (DOER) (formerly the Office of Energy Security or OES) recommended a $58 million rate increase, based on a 10.37 percent ROE and a $31 million adjustment for income taxes related to bonus depreciation. The Office of Attorney General (OAG) and the Xcel Large Industrial Group recommended a rate reduction and refund of depreciation reserves and reductions to or elimination of incentive compensation costs. The OAG recommended refunding the liability associated with retiree medical benefits.

At the hearings in June 2011, NSP-Minnesota resolved differences with the DOER on income taxes and sales forecast. NSP-Minnesota also made an adjustment to bad debt and incentive compensation expense.  As a result of these adjustments, NSP-Minnesota revised its requested rate increase to $122.8 million.  The DOER revised its recommended rate increase to approximately $84.7 million, reflecting these same changes. The primary differences between the NSP-Minnesota requested rate increase and the DOER updated recommendation are associated with the ROE and incentive compensation issues. The DOER recommended an additional rate increase of $34 million in 2012.  In the second quarter of 2011, NSP-Minnesota recorded a provision for revenue subject to refund of approximately $15 million, which should be sufficient to address an outcome that is more consistent with the DOER position than NSP-Minnesota's position on various issues.  NSP-Minnesota cannot predict the ultimate outcome of this pending regulatory proceeding.  The MPUC decision is expected in the fourth quarter of 2011.

Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings - North Dakota Public Service Commission (NDPSC)

NSP-Minnesota North Dakota Electric Rate Case - In December 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the NDPSC to increase 2011 electric rates in North Dakota by approximately $19.8 million, or an increase of 12 percent.  The rate filing is based on a 2011 forecast test year and includes a requested ROE of 11.25 percent, an electric rate base of approximately $328 million, and an equity ratio of 52.56 percent.  NSP-Minnesota requested an additional increase of $4.2 million, or 2.6 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2012, to address certain known and measurable cost increases in 2012.

In May 2011, NSP-Minnesota revised its rate request to approximately $18.0 million, or an increase of 11 percent for 2011, and $2.4 million, or 1.4 percent, for the additional increase in 2012, due to the termination of the Merricourt wind project.

The NDPSC approved an interim rate increase of approximately $17.4 million, subject to refund, effective Feb. 18, 2011.  The interim rates will remain in effect until the NDPSC makes its final decision on the case, which is anticipated in the first quarter of 2012.  The remaining schedule is listed below:

· Intervenor direct testimony due Aug. 18, 2011;

· Rebuttal testimony due Sept. 20, 2011; and

· Evidentiary hearings due Oct. 18-21, 2011.

Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings - South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SDPUC)

NSP-Minnesota South Dakota Electric Rate Case - In June 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the SDPUC to increase South Dakota electric rates by $14.6 million annually, effective in 2012.  The proposed increase included $0.7 million in revenues currently recovered through automatic recovery mechanisms.  Net of current automatic recovery mechanisms, the requested increase was $13.9 million.  The request is based on a 2010 historic test year adjusted for known and measurable changes, a requested ROE of11 percent, a rate base of $323.4 million, and an equity ratio of 52.48 percent.  NSP-Minnesota also requested approval of a nuclear cost recovery rider to recover the actual investment cost of the Monticello life cycle management and enhanced power uprate project that is not reflected in the test year.

Electric, Purchased Gas and Resource Adjustment Clauses

Conservation Improvement Program (CIP) Rider - CIP expenses are recovered through a charge embedded in base rates and a rider that is adjusted annually.  Under the 2010 electric CIP rider request filed in October 2010, NSP-Minnesota estimates recovery of $66.7 million through the rider during the November 2010 to September 2011 timeframe.  This is in addition to an expected $48.1 million recovered through the conservation cost recovery charge component of base rates.  NSP-Minnesota estimates recovery of approximately $18.6 million through the natural gas CIP rider filed in November 2010, during the December 2010 to September 2011 timeframe.  This is in addition to an expected $3.0 million recovered through the conservation cost recovery charge component of base rates.  Assuming MPUC approval, NSP-Minnesota estimates it will recover a total of approximately $136.4 million associated with CIP programs in 2011.

In April 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed its annual rider petitions requesting recovery of approximately $84.8 million of electric CIP expenses and financial incentives and $4.5 million of natural gas CIP expenses and financial incentives to be recovered during the October 2011 through September 2012 timeframe.  This proposed recovery through the riders is in addition to an estimated $52.6 million and $3.8 million to be recovered through the electric and gas conservation cost recovery charge component of base rates, respectively.  Assuming MPUC approval, NSP-Minnesota estimates it will recover a total of approximately $145.7 million associated with CIP programs in 2012.
 

Renewable Development Fund (RDF) Rider -The MPUC has approved an RDF rider that allows annual adjustments to retail electric rates to provide for the recovery of RDF program and project expenses.  The primary components of RDF costs are legislatively mandated expenses such as renewable energy production incentive payments, RDF grant project payments, and RDF program administrative costs.  In October 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed its annual request to recover $19.2 million in expenses for 2011.  In May 2011, the MPUC approved recovery of the costs requested.

Annual Automatic Adjustment Report for 2009/2010 - In September 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed its annual electric and natural gas automatic adjustment reports for July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010.  During that time period, $749.5 million in fuel and purchased energy costs were recovered from Minnesota electric customers through the fuel clause adjustment.  In addition, approximately $354.5 million of purchased natural gas and transportation costs were recovered from Minnesota natural gas customers through the purchased gas adjustment.  The DOER recommended approval of the 2009/2010 gas report in June 2011, and the report is pending MPUC action.  The electric report is pending DOER comments and MPUC action.

The MPUC approved the 2008/2009 gas annual automatic adjustment report in March 2011.  Approval of the 2008/2009 electric report is pending DOER comments and MPUC action.

Pending and Recently Concluded Regulatory Proceedings - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Rate Increase for Grandfathered Transmission Service Customers - In May 2010, NSP-Minnesota filed a request with the FERC to revise the rate applicable to eight wholesale customers taking transmission service under a “grandfathered” 1998 rate schedule (known as Tm-1).  The change would set the Tm-1 transmission service rate equal to the similar rate under the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) Tariff, and would increase Tm-1 rates by about $5 million annually, or 120 percent.  In December 2010, NSP-Minnesota and Tm-1 customers reached a settlement in principle, which will result in an increase in revenues for NSP-Minnesota of approximately $3.5 million annually.  In January 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed for authorization to place the settlement rates into effect on an interim basis and the FERC Administrative Law Judge granted the motion.  NSP-Minnesota filed the settlement agreement with the FERC on April 25, 2011and is waiting approval.  

XML



Segment Information

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Segment Information [Abstract]

Segment Information

10. Segment Information

NSP-Minnesota has the following reportable segments: regulated electric, regulated natural gas and all other.

· NSP-Minnesota's regulated electric utility segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.  In addition, this segment includes sales for resale and provides wholesale transmission service to various entities in the U.S. Regulated electric utility also includes NSP-Minnesota's commodity trading operations.

· NSP-Minnesota's regulated natural gas utility segment transports, stores and distributes natural gas in portions of Minnesota and North Dakota.

·   Revenues from operating segments not included above are below the necessary quantitative thresholds and are therefore included in the all other category.  Those primarily include appliance repair services, nonutility real estate activities and revenues associated with processing solid waste into refuse-derived fuel.

Operating results from the regulated electric utility and regulated natural gas utility serve as the primary basis for the chief operating decision maker to evaluate the dual performance of NSP-Minnesota.  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010.  These segments are managed separately because the revenue streams are dependent upon regulated rate recovery, which is separately determined for each segment.

Asset and capital expenditure information is not provided for NSP-Minnesota's reportable segments because as an integrated electric and natural gas utility, NSP-Minnesota operates significant assets that are not dedicated to a specific business segment, and reporting assets and capital expenditures by business segment would require arbitrary and potentially misleading allocations which may not necessarily reflect the assets that would be required for the operation of the business segments on a stand-alone basis.

To report income from continuing operations for regulated electric and regulated natural gas utility segments the majority of costs are directly assigned to each segment.  However, some costs, such as common depreciation, common O&M expenses and interest expense are allocated based on cost causation allocators.  A general allocator is used for certain general and administrative expenses, including office supplies, rent, property insurance and general advertising.

	Regulated		Regulated			All		Reconciling			Consolidated
(Thousands of Dollars)	Electric		Natural Gas			Other		Eliminations			Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
Operating revenues from external customers	$	908,070	$	96,922		$	5,534	$	-		$	1,010,526
Intersegment revenues		171		148			-		(319	)		-
Total revenues	$	908,241	$	97,070		$	5,534	$	(319	)	$	1,010,526
Net income	$	61,870	$	74		$	3,279	$	-		$	65,223
Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
Operating revenues from external customers	$	842,620	$	68,227		$	5,443	$	-		$	916,290
Intersegment revenues		110		2,406			-		(2,516	)		-
Total revenues	$	842,730	$	70,633		$	5,443	$	(2,516	)	$	916,290
Net income (loss)	$	45,934	$	(3,889	)	$	1,995	$	-		$	44,040

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
Operating revenues from external customers	$	1,812,207	$	380,648	$	10,563	$	-		$	2,203,418
Intersegment revenues		296		339		-		(635	)		-
Total revenues	$	1,812,503	$	380,987	$	10,563	$	(635	)	$	2,203,418
Net income	$	130,174	$	21,149	$	6,075	$	-		$	157,398
Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
Operating revenues from external customers	$	1,692,852	$	340,620	$	9,925	$	-		$	2,043,397
Intersegment revenues		148		3,767		-		(3,915	)		-
Total revenues	$	1,693,000	$	344,387	$	9,925	$	(3,915	)	$	2,043,397
Net income	$	86,377	$	16,209	$	5,593	$	-		$	108,179

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies set forth in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies and are incorporated herein by reference.

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Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments [Abstract]

Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments

7. Borrowings and Other Financing Instruments

Commercial Paper - NSP-Minnesota meets its short-term liquidity requirements primarily through the issuance of commercial paper and borrowings under its credit facility.  The following table presents commercial paper outstanding for NSP-Minnesota:

(Millions of Dollars)	Three Months Ended  June 30, 2011			Twelve Months Ended  Dec. 31, 2010
Borrowing limit	$	500		$	482
Amount outstandingat period end		5			-
Average amount outstanding		5			35
Maximum amount outstanding		29			389
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis		0.34	%		0.37	%
Weighted average interest rate at end of period		0.31			N/A

Credit Facilities - In order to use its commercial paper program to fulfill short-term funding needs, NSP-Minnesota must have a revolving credit facility in place at least equal to the amount of its commercial paper borrowing limit and cannot issue commercial paper in an amount exceeding available capacity under the credit agreement.

During March of 2011, NSP-Minnesota executed a new 4-year credit agreement.  The total size of the credit facility is $500 million and terminates in March 2015. NSP-Minnesota has the right to request an extension of the revolving termination date for two additional one year periods, subject to majority bank group approval.

The line of credit provides short-term financing in the form of notes payable to banks, letters of credit and back-up support for commercial paper borrowings.  Other features of NSP-Minnesota's credit facility include:

· The credit facility may be increased by up to $100 million.

· The credit facility has a financial covenant requiring that NSP-Minnesota's debt-to-total capitalization ratio be less than or equal to 65 percent.  NSP-Minnesota was in compliance as its debt-to-total capitalization ratio was 48 percent and 49 percent at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, respectively.  If NSP-Minnesota does not comply with the covenant, an event of default may be declared, and if not remedied, any outstanding amounts due under the facility can be declared due by the lender.

· The credit facility has a cross-default provision that provides NSP-Minnesota will be in default on its borrowings under the facility if Xcel Energy Inc. or any of its subsidiaries, comprising 15 percent or more of the consolidated assets, defaults on any indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $75 million.

· The interest rates under the line of credit are based on the Eurodollar rate, plus a borrowing margin based on the applicable credit ratings of 100 to 200 basis points per year.

· The commitment fees, also based on applicable long-term credit ratings, are calculated on the unused portion of the line of credit at a range of 10 to 35 basis points per year.

· NSP-Wisconsin's intercompany borrowing arrangement with NSP-Minnesota was subsequently terminated.

At June 30, 2011, NSP-Minnesota had the following committed credit facility available (in millions of dollars):

Credit Facility		Drawn (a)		Available
$	500.0	$	12.1	$	487.9

(a) Includes outstanding commercial paper and letters of credit.

All credit facility bank borrowings, outstanding letters of credit and outstanding commercial paper reduce the available capacity under the credit facility.  NSP-Minnesota had no direct advances on the credit facility outstanding at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010.

Letters of Credit - NSP-Minnesota uses letters of credit, generally with terms of one year, to provide financial guarantees for certain operating obligations.  At June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, there were $7.1 million and $5.3 million of letters of credit outstanding, respectively, under the credit facility.  An additional $1.1 million of letters of credit not issued under the credit facility were outstanding at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010.  The contract amounts of these letters of credit approximate their fair value and are subject to fees determined in the marketplace.

Money Pool - Xcel Energy Inc. and its utility subsidiaries have established a money pool arrangement that allows for short-term investments in and borrowings between the utility subsidiaries.  Xcel Energy Inc. may make investments in the utility subsidiaries at market-based interest rates; however, the money pool arrangement does not allow the utility subsidiaries to make investments in Xcel Energy Inc.

The following table presents money pool borrowings for NSP-Minnesota:

(Millions of Dollars)	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011			Twelve Months Ended Dec. 31, 2010
Borrowing limit	$	250		$	250
Amount outstandingat period end		-			-
Average amount outstanding		-			18
Maximum amount outstanding		-			142
Weighted average interest rate, computed on a daily basis		-	%		0.37	%
Weighted average interest rate at end of period		N/A			N/A

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Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits [Abstract]

Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

12. Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits

Pension and other postretirement benefit disclosures below generally represent Xcel Energy consolidated information unless specifically identified as being attributable to NSP-Minnesota.

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
							Postretirement Health
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Care Benefits
Xcel Energy
Service cost	$	20,548		$	18,956		$	1,097		$	965
Interest cost		40,791			41,853			10,492			10,861
Expected return on plan assets		(55,514	)		(58,035	)		(8,013	)		(7,131	)
Amortization of transition obligation		-			-			3,611			3,611
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		5,633			5,164			(1,233	)		(1,233	)
Amortization of net loss		20,527			13,134			3,304			3,113
Net periodic benefit cost		31,985			21,072			9,258			10,186
Costs not recognized and additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation		(10,715	)		(6,314	)		973			973
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	21,270		$	14,758		$	10,231		$	11,159
NSP-Minnesota
Net periodic benefit cost	$	13,530		$	9,428		$	2,703		$	2,833
Costs not recognized due to the effects of regulation		(10,140	)		(6,314	)		-			-
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	3,390		$	3,114		$	2,703		$	2,833

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
							Postretirement Health
(Thousands of Dollars)	Pension Benefits						Care Benefits
Xcel Energy
Service cost	$	38,660		$	36,574		$	2,412		$	2,003
Interest cost		80,706			82,505			21,043			21,390
Expected return on plan assets		(110,800	)		(116,159	)		(15,981	)		(14,265	)
Amortization of transition obligation		-			-			7,222			7,222
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)		11,266			10,328			(2,466	)		(2,466	)
Amortization of net loss		39,256			24,158			6,647			5,822
Net periodic benefit cost		59,088			37,406			18,877			19,706
Costs not recognized and additional cost recognized due to the effects of regulation		(18,600	)		(13,640	)		1,946			1,946
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	40,488		$	23,766		$	20,823		$	21,652
NSP-Minnesota
Net periodic benefit cost	$	23,813		$	16,754		$	5,230		$	5,322
Costs not recognized due to the effects of regulation		(17,450	)		(13,640	)		-			-
Net benefit cost recognized for financial reporting	$	6,363		$	3,114		$	5,230		$	5,322

Voluntary contributions of $134 million were made to three of Xcel Energy's pension plans in January 2011, including $41.4 million related to NSP-Minnesota. Based on updated valuation results received in March 2011 for the NCE Non-Bargaining Pension Plan, Xcel Energy made a required contribution of $3.3 million to the NCE Non-Bargaining Pension Plan in July 2011.

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Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]

Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

8. Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities

Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosuresprovides a single definition of fair value and requires certain disclosures about assets and liabilities measured at fair value. A hierarchal framework for disclosing the observability of the inputs utilized in measuring assets and liabilities at fair value is established by this guidance.  The three Levels in the hierarchy are as follows:

Level 1 - Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices.

Level 2 - Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, or priced with discounted cash flow or option pricing models using highly observable inputs.

Level 3 - Significant inputs to pricing have little or no observability as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those valued with models requiring significant management judgment or estimation.

Specific valuation methods include the following:

Cash equivalents- The fair values of cash equivalents are generally based on cost plus accrued interest; money market funds are measured using quoted net asset values.

Investments in equity securities and other funds- Equity securities are valued using quoted prices in active markets.  The fair values for commingled funds and international equity funds are measured using net asset values, which take into consideration the value of underlying fund investments, as well as the other accrued assets and liabilities of a fund, in order to determine a per share market value.  The investments in commingled funds and international equity funds may be redeemed for net asset value.

Investments in debt securities-  Debt securities are primarily priced using recent trades and observable spreads from benchmark interest rates for similar securities, except for asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities, which also require significant, subjective risk-based adjustments to the interest rate used to discount expected future cash flows, which include estimated principal prepayments.  Therefore, fair value measurements for asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have been assigned a Level 3.

Commodity derivatives-  The methods utilized to measure the fair value of commodity derivatives include the use of forward prices and volatilities to value commodity forwards and options.  Levels are assigned to these fair value measurements based on the significance of the use of subjective forward price and volatility forecasts for commodities and delivery locations with limited observability, or the significance of contractual settlements that extend to periods beyond those readily observable on active exchanges or quoted by brokers.  Electric commodity derivatives include financial transmission rights (FTRs), for which fair value is determined using complex predictive models and inputs including forward commodity prices as well as subjective forecasts of retail and wholesale demand, generation and resulting transmission system congestion.  Given the limited observability of management's forecasts for several of these inputs, fair value measurements for FTRs have been assigned a Level 3.

NSP-Minnesota continuously monitors the creditworthiness of the counterparties to its commodity derivative contracts and assesses each counterparty's ability to perform on the transactions set forth in the contracts.  Given this assessment, as well as an assessment of the impact of NSP-Minnesota's own credit risk when determining the fair value of commodity derivative liabilities, the impact of considering credit risk was immaterial to the fair value of commodity derivative assets and liabilities presented in the consolidated balance sheets.

Non-Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires NSP-Minnesota to maintain a portfolio of investments to fund the costs of decommissioning its nuclear generating plants.  Together with all accumulated earnings or losses, the assets of the nuclear decommissioning fund are legally restricted for the purpose of decommissioning the Monticello and Prairie Island nuclear generating plants.  The fund contains cash equivalents, debt securities, equity securities, and other investments - all classified as available-for-sale securities under the applicable accounting guidance.  NSP-Minnesota plans to reinvest matured securities until decommissioning begins.

NSP-Minnesota recognizes the costs of funding the decommissioning of its nuclear generating plants over the lives of the plants, assuming rate recovery of all costs.  Given the purpose and legal restrictions on the use of nuclear decommissioning fund assets, realized and unrealized gains on fund investments over the life of the fund are deferred as an offset of NSP-Minnesota's regulatory asset for nuclear decommissioning costs.  Consequently, any realized and unrealized gains and losses on securities in the nuclear decommissioning fund, including any other-than-temporary impairments, are deferred as a component of the regulatory asset for nuclear decommissioning.

Unrealized gains for the nuclear decommissioning fund were $100.6 million and $82.5 million at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, respectively, and unrealized losses and amounts recorded as other-than-temporary impairments were $56.0 million and $65.2 million at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, respectively.

The following tables present the cost and fair value of NSP-Minnesota's non-derivative instruments recurring fair value measurements, the nuclear decommissioning fund investments, at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010:

	June 30, 2011
			Fair Value
(Thousands of Dollars)	Cost		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Nuclear decommissioning fund (a)
Cash equivalents	$	64,873	$	62,384	$	2,489	$	-	$	64,873
Commingled funds		220,000		-		223,922		-		223,922
International equity funds		54,563		-		63,736		-		63,736
Debt securities:
Government securities		241,914		-		244,286		-		244,286
US corporate bonds		189,055		-		197,611		-		197,611
Foreign securities		19,542		-		20,626		-		20,626
Municipal bonds		32,392		-		33,474		-		33,474
Asset-backed securities		20,198		-		-		21,004		21,004
Mortgage-backed securities		58,680		-		-		62,271		62,271
Equity securities:
Common stock		442,416		456,426		-		-		456,426
Total	$	1,343,633	$	518,810	$	786,144	$	83,275	$	1,388,229

(a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet, which also includes $19.1 million of miscellaneous investments.

	Dec. 31, 2010
			Fair Value
(Thousands of Dollars)	Cost		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Nuclear decommissioning fund (a)
Cash equivalents	$	83,837	$	76,281	$	7,556	$	-	$	83,837
Commingled funds		131,000		-		133,080		-		133,080
International equity funds		54,561		-		58,584		-		58,584
Debt securities:
Government securities		146,473		-		146,654		-		146,654
US corporate bonds		279,028		-		288,304		-		288,304
Foreign securities		1,233		-		1,581		-		1,581
Municipal bonds		100,277		-		97,557		-		97,557
Asset-backed securities		32,558		-		-		33,174		33,174
Mortgage-backed securities		68,072		-		-		72,589		72,589
Equity securities:
Common stock		436,334		435,270		-		-		435,270
Total	$	1,333,373	$	511,551	$	733,316	$	105,763	$	1,350,630

(a) Reported in nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments on the consolidated balance sheet, which also includes $15.4 million of miscellaneous investments.

The following tables present the changes in Level 3 nuclear decommissioning fund investments:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2011								2010
	Mortgage-				Asset-				Mortgage-				Asset-
	Backed				Backed				Backed				Backed
(Thousands of Dollars)	Securities				Securities				Securities				Securities
Balance at April 1		$	98,367			$	26,020			$	109,044			$	44,125
Purchases			52,952				-				-				2,538
Settlements			(88,584	)			(5,206	)			(45,329	)			(6,757	)
(Losses) gains recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities			(464	)			190				1,344				161
Balance at June 30		$	62,271			$	21,004			$	65,059			$	40,067

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2011								2010
	Mortgage-				Asset-				Mortgage-				Asset-
	Backed				Backed				Backed				Backed
(Thousands of Dollars)	Securities				Securities				Securities				Securities
Balance at Jan. 1		$	72,589			$	33,174			$	81,189			$	11,918
Purchases			99,065				756				46,477				36,042
Settlements			(108,457	)			(13,116	)			(66,175	)			(8,109	)
(Losses) gains recognized as regulatory assets and liabilities			(926	)			190				3,568				216
Balance at June 30		$	62,271			$	21,004			$	65,059			$	40,067

The following table summarizes the final contractual maturity dates of the debt securities in the nuclear decommissioning fund, by asset class at June 30, 2011:

	Final Contractual Maturity
(Thousands of Dollars)	Due in 1 Year or Less		Due in 1 to 5 Years		Due in 5 to 10 Years		Due after 10 Years		Total
Government securities	$	8,540	$	140,767	$	84,652	$	10,327	$	244,286
US corporate bonds		349		50,672		127,922		18,668		197,611
Foreign securities		-		14,061		6,565		-		20,626
Municipal bonds		-		-		22,862		10,612		33,474
Asset-backed securities		-		9,889		11,115		-		21,004
Mortgage-backed securities		-		-		1,103		61,168		62,271
Debt securities	$	8,889	$	215,389	$	254,219	$	100,775	$	579,272

Derivative Instruments Fair Value Measurements

NSP-Minnesota enters into derivative instruments, including forward contracts, futures, swaps and options, for trading purposes and to reduce risk in connection with changes in interest rates, utility commodity prices, vehicle fuel prices, as well as variances in forecasted weather.

Interest Rate Derivatives - NSP-Minnesota enters into various instruments that effectively fix the interest payments on certain floating rate debt obligations or effectively fix the yield or price on a specified benchmark interest rate for an anticipated debt issuance for a specific period.  These derivative instruments are generally designated as cash flow hedges for accounting purposes.

At June 30, 2011, accumulated OCI related to interest rate derivatives included $0.1 million of net gains expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the related hedged interest rate transactions impact earnings.

Short-Term Wholesale and Commodity Trading Risk - NSP-Minnesota conducts various short-term wholesale and commodity trading activities, including the purchase and sale of electric capacity, energy and energy-related products.  NSP-Minnesota's risk management policy allows management to conduct these activities within guidelines and limitations as approved by its risk management committee, which is made up of management personnel not directly involved in the activities governed by the policy.

Commodity Derivatives - NSP-Minnesota enters into derivative instruments to manage variability of future cash flows from changes in commodity prices in its electric and natural gas operations, as well as for trading purposes.  This could include the purchase or sale of energy or energy-related products, natural gas to generate electric energy, gas for resale, and vehicle fuel.

At June 30, 2011, NSP-Minnesota had vehicle fuel contracts designated as cash flow hedges extending through December 2014.  NSP-Minnesota also enters into derivative instruments that mitigate commodity price risk on behalf of electric and natural gas customers but are not designated as qualifying hedging transactions.  Changes in the fair value of non-trading commodity derivative instruments are recorded in OCI or deferred as a regulatory asset or liability.  The classification as a regulatory asset or liability is based on commission approved regulatory recovery mechanisms.  NSP-Minnesota recorded immaterial amounts to income related to the ineffectiveness of cash flow hedges for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

At June 30, 2011, accumulated OCI related to commodity derivative cash flow hedges included $0.1 million of net gains expected to be reclassified into earnings during the next 12 months as the hedged transactions occur.

Additionally, NSP-Minnesota enters into commodity derivative instruments for trading purposes not directly related to commodity price risks associated with serving its electric and natural gas customers.  Changes in the fair value of these commodity derivatives are recorded in electric operating revenue, net of amounts credited to customers under margin-sharing mechanisms.

The following table details the gross notional amounts of commodity forwards, options, and FTRs at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010:

(Amounts in Thousands) (a)(b)	June 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity		70,731		44,376
MMBtu of natural gas		14,380		14,100
Gallons of vehicle fuel		385		440

(a) Amounts are not reflective of net positions in the underlying commodities.

(b) Notional amounts for options are also included on a gross basis, but are weighted for the probability of exercise.

Financial Impact of Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges - The impact of qualifying interest rate and vehicle fuel cash flow hedges on NSP-Minnesota's accumulated OCI, included as a component of common stockholder's equity, is detailed in the following tables:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges at April 1	$	5,075		$	4,254
After-tax net unrealized losses related to derivatives accounted for as hedges		(8	)		(144	)
After-tax net realized (gains) losses on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings		(46	)		258
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges at June 30	$	5,021		$	4,368

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges at Jan. 1	$	4,977		$	3,941
After-tax net unrealized gains (losses) related to derivatives accounted for as hedges		105			(133	)
After-tax net realized (gains) losses on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings		(61	)		560
Accumulated other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges at June 30	$	5,021		$	4,368

NSP-Minnesota had no derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  Therefore, no gains or losses from fair value hedges or related hedged transactions were recognized for these periods.

The following tables detail the impact of derivative activity during the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, on OCI, regulatory assets and liabilities, and income:

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Fair Value Changes Recognized						Pre-Tax Amounts Reclassified into
	During the Period in:						Income During the Period from:						Pre-Tax Gains
	Other			Regulatory			Other			Regulatory			Recognized
	Comprehensive			Assets and			Comprehensive			Assets and			During the Period
(Thousands of Dollars)	Loss			Liabilities			Loss			Liabilities			in Income
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate	$	-		$	-		$	(27	)(a)	$	-		$	-
Vehicle fuel and other commodity		(36	)		-			(33	)(e)		-			-
Total	$	(36	)	$	-		$	(60	)	$	-		$	-
Other derivative instruments
Trading commodity	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	1,320	(b)
Electric commodity		-			10,299			-			(8,666	)(c)		-
Natural gas commodity		-			(1,534	)		-			-			-
Total	$	-		$	8,765		$	-		$	(8,666	)	$	1,320

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
	Fair Value Changes Recognized					Pre-Tax Amounts Reclassified into
	During the Period in:					Income During the Period from:						Pre-Tax Gains
	Other		Regulatory			Other			Regulatory			Recognized
	Comprehensive		Assets and			Comprehensive			Assets and			During the Period
(Thousands of Dollars)	Income		Liabilities			Loss			Liabilities			in Income
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate	$	-	$	-		$	(54	)(a)	$	-		$	-
Vehicle fuel and other commodity		177		-			(55	)(e)		-			-
Total	$	177	$	-		$	(109	)	$	-		$	-
Other derivative instruments
Trading commodity	$	-	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	6,675	(b)
Electric commodity		-		19,145			-			(17,555	)(c)		-
Natural gas commodity		-		(3,553	)		-			10,928	(d)		-
Total	$	-	$	15,592		$	-		$	(6,627	)	$	6,675

	Three Months Ended June 30, 2010
	Fair Value Changes Recognized						Pre-Tax Amounts Reclassified into
	During the Period in:						Income During the Period from:						Pre-Tax Gains
	Other			Regulatory			Other			Regulatory			Recognized
	Comprehensive			Assets and			Comprehensive			Assets and			During the Period
(Thousands of Dollars)	Loss			Liabilities			Income (Loss)			Liabilities			in Income
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate	$	-		$	-		$	(27	)(a)	$	-		$	-
Vehicle fuel and other commodity		(244	)		-			464	(e)		-			-
Total	$	(244	)	$	-		$	437		$	-		$	-
Other derivative instruments
Trading commodity	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	497	(b)
Electric commodity		-			7,597			-			(2,111	)(c)		-
Natural gas commodity		-			(800	)		-			-			-
Total	$	-		$	6,797		$	-		$	(2,111	)	$	497

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2010
	Fair Value Changes Recognized						Pre-Tax Amounts Reclassified into
	During the Period in:						Income During the Period from:						Pre-Tax Gains
	Other			Regulatory			Other			Regulatory			Recognized
	Comprehensive			Assets and			Comprehensive			Assets and			During the Period
(Thousands of Dollars)	Loss			Liabilities			Income (Loss)			Liabilities			in Income
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges
Interest rate	$	-		$	-		$	(54	)(a)	$	-		$	-
Vehicle fuel and other commodity		(226	)		-			1,000	(e)		-			-
Total	$	(226	)	$	-		$	946		$	-		$	-
Other derivative instruments
Trading commodity	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-		$	6,127	(b)
Electric commodity		-			(9,582	)		-			(4,838	)(c)		-
Natural gas commodity		-			(7,845	)		-			586	(d)		-
Total	$	-		$	(17,427	)	$	-		$	(4,252	)	$	6,127

(a) Recorded to interest charges.

(b) Recorded to electric operating revenues.  Portions of these gains and losses are shared with electric customers through margin-sharing mechanisms and deducted from gross revenue, as appropriate.

(c) Recorded to electric fuel and purchased power; these derivative settlement gains and losses are shared with electric customers through fuel and purchased energy cost-recovery mechanisms, and reclassified out of income as regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate.

(d) Recorded to cost of natural gas sold and transported; these derivative settlement gains and losses are shared with natural gas customers through purchased natural gas cost-recovery mechanisms, and reclassified out of income as regulatory assets or liabilities, as appropriate.

(e) Recorded to O&M expenses.

Credit Related Contingent Features- Contract provisions of the derivative instruments that NSP-Minnesota enters into may require the posting of collateral or settlement of the contracts for various reasons, including if NSP-Minnesota is unable to maintain its credit ratings. If the credit ratings at NSP-Minnesota were downgraded below investment grade, no contracts underlying NSP-Minnesota's derivative liabilities at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010 would have required the posting of collateral or contract settlement.

Certain of NSP-Minnesota's derivative instruments are also subject to contract provisions that contain adequate assurance clauses.  These provisions allow counterparties to seek performance assurance, including cash collateral, in the event that NSP-Minnesota's ability to fulfill its contractual obligations is reasonably expected to be impaired.  As of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, NSP-Minnesota had no collateral posted related to adequate assurance clauses in derivative contracts.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements-The following table presents, for each of the hierarchy Levels, NSP-Minnesota's derivative assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2011:

	June 30, 2011
	Fair Value
							Fair Value		Counterparty
(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Netting (b)			Total
Current derivative assets
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Vehicle fuel and other commodity	$	-	$	111	$	-	$	111	$	-		$	111
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity		410		22,409		42		22,861		(9,405	)		13,456
Electric commodity		-		-		6,601		6,601		(2,618	)		3,983
Natural gas commodity		18		41		-		59		(41	)		18
Total current derivative assets	$	428	$	22,561	$	6,643	$	29,632	$	(12,064	)		17,568
Purchased power agreements (a)													23,109
Current derivative instruments												$	40,677
Noncurrent derivative assets
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Vehicle fuel and other commodity	$	-	$	157	$	-	$	157	$	-		$	157
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity		-		29,817		-		29,817		(2,975	)		26,842
Total noncurrent derivative assets	$	-	$	29,974	$	-	$	29,974	$	(2,975	)		26,999
Purchased power agreements (a)													66,171
Noncurrent derivative instruments												$	93,170

Current derivative liabilities
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity	$	184	$	17,408	$	29	$	17,621	$	(12,367	)	$	5,254
Electric commodity		-		-		2,618		2,618		(2,618	)		-
Natural gas commodity		61		1,560		-		1,621		(41	)		1,580
Total current derivative liabilities	$	245	$	18,968	$	2,647	$	21,860	$	(15,026	)		6,834
Purchased power agreements (a)													13,852
Current derivative instruments												$	20,686
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity	$	-	$	12,617	$	-	$	12,617	$	(2,975	)	$	9,642
Total noncurrent derivative liabilities	$	-	$	12,617	$	-	$	12,617	$	(2,975	)		9,642
Purchased power agreements (a)													179,945
Noncurrent derivative instruments												$	189,587

(a) In 2003, as a result of implementing new guidance on the normal purchase exception for derivative accounting, NSP-Minnesota began recording several long-term purchased power agreements at fair value due to accounting requirements related to underlying price adjustments.  As these purchases are recovered through normal regulatory recovery mechanisms in the respective jurisdictions, the changes in fair value for these contracts were offset by regulatory assets and liabilities.  During 2006, NSP-Minnesota qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception.  Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities.

(b) The accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging permits the netting of receivables and payables for derivatives and related collateral amounts when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists between NSP-Minnesota and a counterparty.  A master netting agreement is an agreement between two parties who have multiple contracts with each other that provides for the net settlement of all contracts in the event of default on or termination of any one contract.

NSP-Minnesota recognizes transfers between Levels as of the beginning of each period.  There were no transfers of amounts between Levels for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

The following tables present, for each of the hierarchy Levels, NSP-Minnesota's derivative assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at Dec. 31, 2010:

	Dec. 31, 2010
	Fair Value
							Fair Value		Counterparty
(Thousands of Dollars)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Netting (b)			Total
Current derivative assets
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Vehicle fuel and other commodity	$	-	$	70	$	-	$	70	$	-		$	70
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity		487		31,253		-		31,740		(18,719	)		13,021
Electric commodity		-		-		3,619		3,619		(1,226	)		2,393
Natural gas commodity		-		187		-		187		(187	)		-
Total current derivative assets	$	487	$	31,510	$	3,619	$	35,616	$	(20,132	)		15,484
Purchased power agreements (a)													24,408
Current derivative instruments												$	39,892
Noncurrent derivative assets
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges:
Vehicle fuel and other commodity	$	-	$	83	$	-	$	83	$	-		$	83
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity		-		25,850		-		25,850		(2,477	)		23,373
Natural gas commodity		-		125		-		125		(48	)		77
Total noncurrent derivative assets	$	-	$	26,058	$	-	$	26,058	$	(2,525	)		23,533
Purchased power agreements (a)													77,725
Noncurrent derivative instruments												$	101,258

Current derivative liabilities
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity	$	392	$	25,416	$	-	$	25,808	$	(21,337	)	$	4,471
Electric commodity		-		-		1,227		1,227		(1,227	)		-
Natural gas commodity		20		9,156		-		9,176		(187	)		8,989
Total current derivative liabilities	$	412	$	34,572	$	1,227	$	36,211	$	(22,751	)		13,460
Purchased power agreements (a)													13,851
Current derivative instruments												$	27,311
Noncurrent derivative liabilities
Other derivative instruments:
Trading commodity	$	-	$	13,351	$	-	$	13,351	$	(2,478	)	$	10,873
Natural gas commodity		-		75		-		75		(48	)		27
Total noncurrent derivative liabilities	$	-	$	13,426	$	-	$	13,426	$	(2,526	)		10,900
Purchased power agreements (a)													186,871
Noncurrent derivative instruments												$	197,771

(a) In 2003, as a result of implementing new guidance on the normal purchase exception for derivative accounting, NSP-Minnesota began recording several long-term purchased power agreements at fair value due to accounting requirements related to underlying price adjustments.  As these purchases are recovered through normal regulatory recovery mechanisms in the respective jurisdictions, the changes in fair value for these contracts were offset by regulatory assets and liabilities.  During 2006, NSP-Minnesota qualified these contracts under the normal purchase exception.  Based on this qualification, the contracts are no longer adjusted to fair value and the previous carrying value of these contracts will be amortized over the remaining contract lives along with the offsetting regulatory assets and liabilities.

(b) The accounting guidance for derivatives and hedgingpermits the netting of receivables and payables for derivatives and related collateral amounts when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists between NSP-Minnesota and a counterparty.  A master netting agreement is an agreement between two parties who have multiple contracts with each other that provides for the net settlement of all contracts in the event of default on or termination of any one contract.

The following table presents the changes in Level 3 commodity derivatives for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010:

	Three Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010
Balance at April 1	$	2,332		$	3,614
Purchases		-			397
Settlements		27			(10	)
Gains recognized in earnings (a)		4			913
Gains recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities		10,299			6,993
Gains reclassified from regulatory assets and liabilities to earnings		(8,666	)		(2,700	)
Balance at June 30	$	3,996		$	9,207

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010
Balance at Jan. 1	$	2,392		$	27,237
Purchases		-			(957	)
Settlements		(59	)		61
Gains (losses) recognized in earnings (a)		72			(1,797	)
Gains (losses) recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities		19,145			(9,911	)
Gains reclassified from regulatory assets and liabilities to earnings		(17,554	)		(5,426	)
Balance at June 30	$	3,996		$	9,207

(a) These amounts relate to commodity derivatives held at the end of the period.

Fair Value of Long-Term Debt

The historical cost and fair value of NSP-Minnesota's long-term debt are as follows:

	June 30, 2011				Dec. 31, 2010
	Historical				Historical
(Thousands of Dollars)	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
Long-term debt, including current portion	$	3,338,393	$	3,649,605	$	3,337,912	$	3,673,214

The fair value of NSP-Minnesota's long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues, or the current rates for debt of the same remaining maturities and credit quality.  The fair value estimates presented are based on information available to management as of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010.  These fair value estimates have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since that date, and current estimates of fair values may differ significantly.

As of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, the historical cost of cash and cash equivalents, notes and accounts receivable, notes and accounts payable and accrued liabilities are representative of fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

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Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

6. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Except as noted below and in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the circumstances set forth in Notes 11, 12 and 13 to the consolidated financial statements in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of commitments and contingent liabilities, including those regarding public liability for claims resulting from any nuclear incident and are incorporated herein by reference. The following include commitments, contingencies and unresolved contingencies that are material to NSP-Minnesota's financial position.

Commitments

Variable Interest Entities- The accounting guidance for consolidation of variable interest entities requires enterprises to consider the activities that most significantly impact an entity's financial performance, and power to direct those activities, when determining whether an enterprise is a variable interest entity's primary beneficiary.

Purchased Power Agreements - Under certain purchased power agreements, NSP-Minnesota purchases power from independent power producing entities that own natural gas or biomass fueled power plants for which NSP-Minnesota is required to reimburse natural gas or biomass fuel costs, or to participate in tolling arrangements under which NSP-Minnesota procures the natural gas required to produce the energy that it purchases.

NSP-Minnesota has evaluated each of these variable interest entities for possible consolidation, including review of qualitative factors such as the length and terms of the contract, control over operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses, historical and estimated future fuel and electricity prices, and financing activities.  NSP-Minnesota has concluded that these entities are not required to be consolidated in its consolidated financial statements because it does not have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entities' economic performance.  NSP-Minnesota had approximately 1,064 megawatts (MW) of capacity under long-term purchased power agreements as of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010 with entities that have been determined to be variable interest entities.  These agreements have expiration dates through the year 2028.

Environmental Contingencies

NSP-Minnesota has been, or is currently, involved with the cleanup of contamination from certain hazardous substances at several sites.  In many situations, NSP-Minnesota believes it will recover some portion of these costs through insurance claims.  Additionally, where applicable, NSP-Minnesota is pursuing, or intends to pursue, recovery from other potentially responsible parties (PRPs) and through the rate regulatory process.  New and changing federal and state environmental mandates can also create added financial liabilities for NSP-Minnesota, which are normally recovered through the rate regulatory process.  To the extent any costs are not recovered through the options listed above, NSP-Minnesota would be required to recognize an expense.

Site Remediation -The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and comparable state laws impose liability, without regarding the legality of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons responsible for the release of hazardous substances to the environment.NSP-Minnesota must pay all or a portion of the cost to remediate sites where past activities of NSP-Minnesota or other parties have caused environmental contamination.  Environmental contingencies could arise from various situations including sites of former manufactured gas plants operated by NSP-Minnesota, its predecessors or other entities; and third party sites, such as landfills, for which NSP-Minnesota is alleged to be a PRP that sent hazardous materials and wastes.  At June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010, the liability for the cost of remediating these sites was estimated to be $3.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of which $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively, was considered to be a current liability.

Asbestos Removal -Some of NSP-Minnesota's facilities contain asbestos.  Most asbestos will remain undisturbed until the facilities that contain it are demolished or removed.  NSP-Minnesota has recorded an estimate for final removal of the asbestos as an asset retirement obligation.  See additional discussion of asset retirement obligations in Note 12 of the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010.  It may be necessary to remove some asbestos to perform maintenance or make improvements to other equipment.  The cost of removing asbestos as part of other work is not expected to be material and is recorded as incurred as operating expenses for maintenance projects, capital expenditures for construction projects or removal costs for demolition projects.

Other Environmental Requirements

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Rulemaking - In December 2009, the EPA issued its “endangerment” finding that GHG emissions endanger public health and welfare.  In January 2011, new EPA permitting requirements became effective for GHG emissions of new and modified large stationary sources, which are applicable to the construction of new power plants or power plant modifications that increase emissions above a certain threshold.  The EPA plans to propose GHG regulations applicable to emissions from existing power plants under the Clean Air Act (CAA).  In June 2011, the EPA announced that they have delayed the proposal date to September 2011, but still plan on issuing final rules in May 2012.

Cross State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR)- On July 7, 2011, the EPA issued its CSAPR.  The rule, previously called the Transport Rule, addresses long range transport of particulate matter and ozone by requiring reductions in sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) from utilities located in the eastern half of the U.S.  The CSAPR sets more stringent requirements than the proposed Transport Rule.  The rule creates an emissions trading program, although interstate trading under the rule will be significantly restricted.  NSP-Minnesota may comply by either reducing emissions, purchasing allowances, or a combination of the two.  The CSAPR is a final rule and requires compliance beginning in 2012.

NSP-Minnesota is still evaluating compliance options.   NSP-Minnesota anticipates that it will ultimately comply with the rule through execution of their existing resource and emission control plans as well as through allowance purchases and other activities.  Because the CSAPR requires compliance in 2012, NSP-Minnesota may be required to take additional short-term action (including redispatching its system to reduce coal plant operating hours) in order to decrease emissions from its facilities prior to the installation of emission controls.  NSP-Minnesota is still evaluating a short-term compliance strategy.  NSP-Minnesota believes the cost of any required capital investment, allowance purchases or redispatch costs will be recoverable from customers.

Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) - In 2005, the EPA issued the CAIR to further regulate SO2 and NOx emissions.  In 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated and remanded the CAIR, but subsequently allowed the CAIR to continue into effect pending the EPA's adoption of a new rule that addressed the deficiencies found by the court.  CSAPR replaces the CAIR, and will be applicable to NSP-Minnesota's plants beginning in 2012.  The CAIR does not apply in Minnesota because the court specifically found that the EPA had not adequately justified the application of the CAIR to Minnesota.

Under the CAIR's cap and trade structure, companies can comply through capital investments in emission controls or purchase of emission allowances from other utilities making reductions on their systems.  The CSAPR will establish a new emissions market for SO2 and NOx, and NSP-Minnesota does not yet have enough information to estimate the cost of future CSAPR allowance purchases.  NSP-Minnesota believes the cost of any required capital investment or allowance purchases will be recoverable from customers.

Electric Generating Unit (EGU) Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) Rule - In 2005, the EPA issued the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR), which regulated mercury emissions from power plants.  In February 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the CAMR, which impacted federal CAMR requirements, but not necessarily state-only mercury legislation and rules.

In March 2011, the EPA issued the proposed EGU MACT designed to address emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants for coal-fired utility units greater than 25 MW.  The EPA intends to issue the final rule by November 2011.  NSP-Minnesota anticipates that the EPA will require affected facilities to demonstrate compliance within three to four years.

Minnesota Mercury Legislation - In 2006, the Minnesota legislature enacted the Mercury Emissions Reduction Act (Act) providing a process for plans, implementation and cost recovery for utility efforts to curb mercury emissions at certain power plants.  For NSP-Minnesota, the Act covers units at the A.S. King and Sherco generating facilities.  NSP-Minnesota installed and is operating continuous mercury emission monitoring systems at these generating facilities.

In November 2008, the MPUC approved the implementation of the Sherco Unit 3 and A.S. King mercury emission reduction plans.  A sorbent injection control system was installed at Sherco Unit 3 in December 2009 and at A.S. King in December 2010.  In 2010, NSP-Minnesota collected the revenue requirements associated with these projects through the mercury cost reduction (MCR) rider.  In the 2010 Minnesota electric general rate case, NSP-Minnesota proposed moving the costs of these projects into base rates as part of the interim rates effective on Jan. 2, 2011.  Concurrent with the implementation of interim rates, the MCR rider was reduced to zero.

In December 2009, NSP-Minnesota filed its mercury control plan at Sherco Units 1 and 2 with the MPUC and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).  In October 2010, the MPUC approved the plan, which will require installation of mercury controls on Sherco Units 1 and 2 by the end of 2014.  NSP-Minnesota has incurred $1.5 million in study costs to date and spent $0.6 million through Dec. 31, 2010 for testing and studying of technologies.  At June 30, 2011, the estimated annual testing and study cost is $0.5 million.  NSP-Minnesota projects installation costs of $12.0 million for the two units and O&M expense of $10.0 million per year beginning in 2014.

Regional Haze Rules - In 2005, the EPA finalized amendments to its regional haze rules.  These amendments apply to the provisions of the regional haze rule that require emission controls, known as best available retrofit technology (BART), for industrial facilities emitting air pollutants that reduce visibility in certain national parks and wilderness areas throughout the U.S.

NSP-Minnesota submitted its BART alternatives analysis for Sherco Units 1 and 2 in 2006.  The MPCA reviewed the BART analyses for all units in Minnesota and determined that overall, compliance with CAIR is better than BART.  The MPCA completed their determination and proposed SO2 and NOx limits in the draft SIP that are equivalent to the reductions made under CAIR.  Neither the MPCA nor the EPA has yet made a determination that that the compliance with the CSAPR is better than BART or that compliance with the CSAPR will fulfill the obligation to comply with BART.

In October 2009, the DOI certified that a portion of the visibility impairment in Voyageurs and Isle Royale National Parks is reasonably attributable to emissions from NSP-Minnesota's Sherco Units 1 and 2.  The EPA is required to make its own determination as to whether Sherco Units 1 and 2 cause or contribute to visibility impairment and, if so, whether the level of controls proposed by MPCA is appropriate.

The MPCA determined that this certification does not alter the proposed SIP.  The SIP proposes BART controls for the Sherco generating facilities that are designed to improve visibility in the national parks, but does not require selective catalytic reduction (SCR) on Units 1 and 2.  The MPCA concluded that the minor visibility benefits derived from SCR do not outweigh the substantial costs.  In December 2009, the MPCA Citizens Board approved the SIP, which has been submitted to the EPA for approval.  In June 2011, the EPA provided comments to the MPCA on the SIP, stating the EPA's preliminary review indicates that SCR controls should be added to Sherco Units 1 and 2, and inviting further comment from the MPCA.  It is not yet known what the final requirements of the SIP will be.  Until the EPA takes final action on the SIP, the total cost of compliance cannot be estimated.

Federal Clean Water Act (CWA Section 316 (b)) - The federal CWA requires the EPA to regulate cooling water intake structures to assure that these structures reflect the best technology available (BTA) for minimizing adverse environmental impacts to aquatic species.  In April 2011, the EPA published the proposed rule that was modified to address earlier court decisions.  The proposed rule sets prescriptive standards for minimization of aquatic species impingement but leaves entrainment reduction requirements at the discretion of the permit writer and the regional EPA office.   NSP-Minnesota is evaluating the proposed rule, including possible additional capital and operating expenses, and plans to offer comments to the EPA.  Due to the uncertainty of the final regulatory requirements, it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate of the overall cost of this rulemaking at this time.

As part of NSP-Minnesota's 2009 CWA permit renewal for the Black Dog plant, the MPCA required that the plant submit a plan for compliance with the CWA.  The compliance plan was submitted for MPCA review and approval in April 2010.  The MPCA is currently reviewing the proposal in consultation with the EPA.  NSP-Minnesota anticipates a decision on the plan by the end of 2011.

Proposed Coal Ash Regulation - NSP-Minnesota's operations generate hazardous wastes that are subject to the Federal Resource Recovery and Conservation Act and comparable state laws that impose detailed requirements for handling, storage, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste.  In June 2010, the EPA published a proposed rule seeking comment on whether to regulate coal combustion byproducts (often referred to as coal ash) as hazardous or nonhazardous waste.  Coal ash is currently exempt from hazardous waste regulation.  If the EPA ultimately issues a final rule under which coal ash is regulated as hazardous waste, NSP-Minnesota's costs associated with the management and disposal of coal ash would significantly increase, and the beneficial reuse of coal ash would be negatively impacted.  The EPA has not announced a planned date for a final rule.  The timing, scope and potential cost of any final rule that might be implemented are not determinable at this time.

Notice of Violation (NOV) - In June 2011, NSP-Minnesota received an NOV from the EPA alleging violations of the New Source Review (NSR) requirements of the CAA at the Sherburne County plant and Black Dog plant in Minnesota.  The NOV specifically alleges that various maintenance, repair and replacement projects undertaken at the plants in the mid 2000s should have required a permit under the NSR process.  NSP-Minnesota believes it has acted in full compliance with the CAA and NSR process.  NSP-Minnesota also believes that the projects identified in the NOV fit within the routine maintenance, repair and replacement exemption contained within the NSR regulations or are otherwise not subject to the NSR requirements.  NSP-Minnesota disagrees with the assertions contained in the NOV and intends to vigorously defend its position.

Legal Contingencies

Lawsuits and claims arise in the normal course of business.  Management, after consultation with legal counsel, has recorded an estimate of the probable cost of settlement or other disposition.  The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot presently be determined.  Accordingly, the ultimate resolution of these matters could have a material adverse effect on NSP-Minnesota's financial position and results of operations.

Environmental Litigation

State of Connecticut vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. - In 2004, the attorneys general of eight states and New York City, as well as several environmental groups, filed lawsuits in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York against the following utilities, including Xcel Energy Inc., the parent company of NSP-Minnesota, to force reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions:  American Electric Power Co., Southern Co., Cinergy Corp. (merged into Duke Energy Corporation) and Tennessee Valley Authority.  The lawsuits allege that CO2 emitted by each company is a public nuisance.  The lawsuits do not demand monetary damages.  Instead, the lawsuits ask the court to order each utility to cap and reduce its CO2 emissions.  In September 2005, the court granted plaintiffs' motion to dismiss on constitutional grounds.  In August 2010, this decision was reversed by the Second Circuit and was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.  On June 20, 2011, the Supreme Court issued a ruling reversing the Second Circuit's decision, thereby dismissing plaintiffs' federal claims and remanding the case for further proceedings regarding the state law claims.

Native Village of Kivalina vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. - In 2008, the City and Native Village of Kivalina, Alaska, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Xcel Energy Inc., the parent company of NSP-Minnesota, and 23 other utility, oil, gas and coal companies.  Plaintiffs claim that defendants' emission of CO2 and other GHGs contribute to global warming, which is harming their village.  Xcel Energy Inc. and NSP-Minnesota believe the claims asserted in this lawsuit are without merit and joined with other utility defendants in filing a motion to dismiss in June 2008.  In October 2009, the U.S. District Court dismissed the lawsuit on constitutional grounds.  In November 2009, plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.  It is unknown when the Ninth Circuit will render a final opinion.  The amount of damages claimed by plaintiffs is unknown, but likely includes the cost of relocating the village of Kivalina.  Plaintiffs' alleged relocation is estimated to cost between $95 million to $400 million.  No accrual has been recorded for this matter.

Comer vs. Xcel Energy Inc. et al. - On May 27, 2011, less than one year after their initial lawsuit was dismissed, plaintiffs in this purported class action lawsuit filed a second lawsuit against more than 85 utility, oil, chemical and coal companies in U.S. District Court in Mississippi.  The complaint alleges defendants' CO2 emissions intensified the strength of Hurricane Katrina and increased the damage plaintiffs purportedly sustained to their property.  Plaintiffs base their claims on public and private nuisance, trespass and negligence.  Among the defendants named in the complaint are Xcel Energy Inc., SPS, PSCo, NSP-Wisconsin and NSP-Minnesota.  The amount of damages claimed by plaintiffs is unknown.  It is believed that this lawsuit is without merit.  No accrual has been recorded for this matter.

Employment, Tort and Commercial Litigation

Merricourt Wind Project Litigation - On April 1, 2011, NSP-Minnesota terminated its agreements with enXco Development Corporation (enXco) for the development of a 150 MW wind project in southeastern North Dakota.  NSP-Minnesota's decision to terminate the agreements was based in large part on the adverse impact this project could have on endangered or threatened species protected by federal law and the uncertainty in cost and timing in mitigating this impact.  NSP-Minnesota also terminated the agreements due to enXco's nonperformance of certain other conditions, including failure to obtain a Certificate of Site Compatibility, and the failure to close on the contracts by an agreed upon date of March 31, 2011.  As a result, NSP-Minnesota recorded a $101 million deposit in the first quarter 2011, which was collected in April 2011.  On May 5, 2011, NSP-Minnesota filed a declaratory judgment action in U.S. District Court in Minnesota to obtain a determination that it acted properly in terminating the agreements. On that same day, enXco also filed a separate lawsuit in the same court seeking, among other things, in excess of $240 million for an alleged breach of contract.  NSP-Minnesota believes enXco's lawsuit is without merit and has filed a motion to dismiss.  Arguments related to this motion are expected to be presented to the court on Sept. 16, 2011.  No accrual has been recorded for this matter.

Nuclear Power Operations and Waste Disposal

Nuclear Waste Disposal Litigation - In 1998, NSP-Minnesota filed a complaint in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims against the U.S. requesting breach of contract damages for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel by Jan. 31, 1998, as required by the contract between the U.S. and NSP-Minnesota.  At trial, NSP-Minnesota claimed damages in excess of $100 million through Dec. 31, 2004.  In September 2007, the court awarded NSP-Minnesota $116.5 million in damages.  In February 2008, the U.S. filed an appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and NSP-Minnesota cross-appealed on the cost of capital issue.

In August 2007, NSP-Minnesota filed a second complaint against the U.S. in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims (NSP II), again claiming breach of contract damages for the DOE's continuing failure to abide by the terms of the contract.  This lawsuit claimed damages for the period Jan. 1, 2005 through Dec. 31, 2008, which included costs associated with the storage of spent nuclear fuel at Prairie Island and Monticello, as well as the costs of complying with state regulation relating to the storage of spent nuclear fuel.

In July 2011, the U.S. and NSP-Minnesota executed a settlement agreement resolving both lawsuits, providing an initial $100 million payment from the U.S. to NSP-Minnesota and providing a method by which NSP-Minnesota can recover its spent fuel storage costs through 2013, currently estimated to be an additional $100 million.  The settlement does not address costs for used fuel storage after 2013; such costs could be the subject of future litigation.NSP-Minnesota will make the appropriate regulatory filings to address the best means of returning these settlement amounts to ratepayers and to deal with costs of litigation.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Capitalization
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	5,000,000	5,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	1,000,000	1,000,000

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Accounting Pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]

Accounting Pronouncements

2. Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued

Fair Value Measurement - In May 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2011-04), which provides additional guidance for fair value measurements.  These updates to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC or Codification) include clarifications regarding existing fair value measurement principles and disclosure requirements, and also specific new guidance for items such as measurement of instruments classified within stockholders' equity and disclosures regarding the sensitivity of Level 3 measurements to changes in valuation model inputs.  These updates to the Codification are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2011.  NSP-Minnesota does not expect the implementation of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

Comprehensive Income - In June 2011, the FASB issued Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) - Presentation of Comprehensive Income (ASU No. 2011-05), which updates the Codification to require the presentation of the components of net income, the components of other comprehensive income (OCI) and total comprehensive income in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate, but consecutive statements of net income and comprehensive income.  These updates do not affect the items reported in OCI or the guidance for reclassifying such items to net income.  These updates to the Codification are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after Dec. 15, 2011.  NSP-Minnesota does not expect the implementation of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

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Selected Balance Sheet Data

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Selected Balance Sheet Data [Abstract]

Selected Balance Sheet Data

3. Selected Balance Sheet Data

(Thousands of Dollars)	June 30, 2011			Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts receivable	$	313,423		$	334,481
Less allowance for bad debts		(19,196	)		(20,996	)
	$	294,227		$	313,485
Inventories
Materials and supplies	$	126,058		$	122,706
Fuel		78,445			95,804
Natural gas		28,502			61,663
	$	233,005		$	280,173
Property, plant and equipment, net
Electric plant	$	11,200,392		$	10,563,424
Natural gas plant		987,908			979,256
Common and other property		523,965			510,577
Construction work in progress		715,751			695,292
Total property, plant and equipment		13,428,016			12,748,549
Less accumulated depreciation		(5,347,096	)		(5,222,980	)
Nuclear fuel		1,968,017			1,837,697
Less accumulated amortization		(1,584,778	)		(1,541,046	)
	$	8,464,159		$	7,822,220

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Comprehensive Income

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Comprehensive Income [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income

11. Comprehensive Income

The components of total comprehensive income are shown below:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Net income	$	65,223		$	44,040		$	157,398		$	108,179
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized (losses) gains - marketable securities		-			(108	)		50			(97	)
Changes in unrecognized amounts of pension and retiree medical benefits		34			27			68			50
After-tax net unrealized (losses) gains related to derivatives accounted for as hedges		(8	)		(144	)		105			(133	)
After-tax net realized (gains) losses on derivative transactions reclassified into earnings		(46	)		258			(61	)		560
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(20	)		33			162			380
Comprehensive income	$	65,203		$	44,073		$	157,560		$	108,559

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Income Taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

4. Income Taxes

Except to the extent noted below, the circumstances set forth in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of other income tax matters, and are incorporated herein by reference.

Federal Audit - NSP-Minnesota is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files a consolidated federal income tax return.  The statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy's 2006 federal income tax return expired in August 2010.  The statute of limitations applicable to Xcel Energy's 2007 federal income tax return expires in September 2011.  The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced an examination of tax years 2008 and 2009 in the third quarter of 2010.  As of June 30, 2011, the IRS had not proposed any material adjustments to tax years 2008 and 2009.
 

State Audits - NSP-Minnesota is a member of the Xcel Energy affiliated group that files consolidated state income tax returns.  As of June 30, 2011, NSP-Minnesota's earliest open tax year that is subject to examination by state taxing authorities under applicable statutes of limitations is 2007.  As of June 30, 2011, there were no state income tax audits in progress.
 

Unrecognized Tax Benefits - The unrecognized tax benefit balance includes permanent tax positions, which if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate (ETR).  In addition, the unrecognized tax benefit balance includes temporary tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility.  A change in the period of deductibility would not affect the ETR but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authority to an earlier period.

A reconciliation of the amount of unrecognized tax benefit is as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)	June 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Unrecognized tax benefit - Permanent tax positions	$	4.6	$	4.0
Unrecognized tax benefit - Temporary tax positions		18.4		18.5
Unrecognized tax benefit balance	$	23.0	$	22.5

The unrecognized tax benefit balance was reduced by the tax benefits associated with net operating loss (NOL) and tax credit carryforwards.  The amounts of tax benefits associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards are as follows:

(Millions of Dollars)	June 30, 2011			Dec. 31, 2010
NOL and tax credit carryforwards	$	(12.4	)	$	(11.0	)

The increase in the unrecognized tax benefit balance of $0.3 million from March 31, 2011 to June 30, 2011and $0.5 million from Dec. 31, 2010 to June 30, 2011 was due to the addition of similar uncertain tax positions related to current and prior years' activity.  NSP-Minnesota's amount of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change in the next 12 months as the IRS audit progresses and state audits resume.  As the IRS examination moves closer to completion, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits could decrease up to approximately $15 million.

The payable for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits is partially offset by the interest benefit associated with NOL and tax credit carryforwards.  The payables for interest related to unrecognized tax benefits at June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010 were not material.  No amounts were accrued for penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2011 or Dec. 31, 2010.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 44,798	$ 38,408
Notes receivable from affiliates	0	37,000
Accounts receivable, net	294,227	313,485
Accounts receivable from affiliates	21,470	26,866
Accrued unbilled revenues	192,133	249,393
Inventories	233,005	280,173
Regulatory assets	148,171	164,943
Derivative instruments	40,677	39,892
Prepayments and other	41,213	39,229
Total current assets	1,015,694	1,189,389
Property, plant and equipment, net	8,464,159	7,822,220
Other assets
Nuclear decommissioning fund and other investments	1,407,360	1,366,069
Regulatory assets	697,833	671,391
Derivative instruments	93,170	101,258
Other	32,920	31,333
Total other assets	2,231,283	2,170,051
Total assets	11,711,136	11,181,660
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	5	19
Short-term debt	5,000	0
Accounts payable	402,867	384,455
Accounts payable to affiliates	53,448	61,753
Taxes accrued	121,127	140,020
Accrued interest	68,494	66,641
Dividends payable to parent	58,259	58,372
Derivative instruments	20,686	27,311
Regulatory liabilities	52,405	42,122
Other	105,465	103,525
Total current liabilities	887,756	884,218
Deferred credits and other liabilities
Deferred income taxes	1,572,299	1,449,082
Deferred investment tax credits	33,090	34,437
Asset retirement obligations	1,180,095	875,361
Regulatory liabilities	468,990	462,574
Pension and employee benefit obligations	310,506	351,130
Derivative instruments	189,587	197,771
Other	67,590	93,025
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	3,822,157	3,463,380
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Capitalization
Long-term debt	3,338,388	3,337,893
Common stock - authorized 5,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value; outstanding 1,000,000 shares	10	10
Additional paid in capital	2,366,387	2,241,387
Retained earnings	1,293,442	1,251,938
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,996	2,834
Total common stockholder's equity	3,662,835	3,496,169
Total liabilities and equity	$ 11,711,136	$ 11,181,660

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Management's Opinion

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Management's Opinion [Abstract]

Management's Opinion

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), the financial position of NSP-Minnesota and its subsidiaries as of June 30, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2010; the results of its operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010; and its cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.  All adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature, except as otherwise disclosed.  Management has also evaluated the impact of events occurring after June 30, 2011 up to the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements.  These statements contain all necessary adjustments and disclosures resulting from that evaluation.  The Dec. 31, 2010 balance sheet information has been derived from the audited 2010 consolidated financial statements included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010.  These notes to the consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.  Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the NSP-Minnesota Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010, filed with the SEC on Feb. 28, 2011.  Due to the seasonality of NSP-Minnesota's electric and natural gas sales, interim results are not necessarily an appropriate base from which to project annual results.

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Other Income (Expense), Net

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2011

Other Income (Expense), Net [Abstract]

Other Income (Expense), Net

9. Other Income (Expense), Net

Other income (expense), net consisted of the following:

	Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(Thousands of Dollars)	2011			2010			2011			2010
Interest (expense) income	$	(126	)	$	389		$	2,953		$	1,194
Other nonoperating income		138			2			332			22
Insurance policy expense		(1,217	)		(351	)		(1,606	)		(1,552	)
Other nonoperating expense		-			(19	)		-			(21	)
Other (expense) income, net	$	(1,205	)	$	21		$	1,679		$	(357	)

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (USD $) In Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2010
Operating revenues
Electric	$ 908,070	$ 842,620	$ 1,812,207	$ 1,692,852
Natural gas	96,922	68,227	380,648	340,620
Other	5,534	5,443	10,563	9,925
Total operating revenues	1,010,526	916,290	2,203,418	2,043,397
Operating expenses
Electric fuel and purchased power	378,597	351,653	752,674	724,733
Cost of natural gas sold and transported	56,970	36,220	258,212	240,546
Cost of sales - other	2,865	2,869	5,791	5,570
Other operating and maintenance expenses	261,626	263,576	516,840	512,588
Conservation program expenses	29,926	15,965	68,412	35,451
Depreciation and amortization	104,355	99,258	204,828	195,540
Taxes (other than income taxes)	40,334	39,387	85,987	79,607
Total operating expenses	874,673	808,928	1,892,744	1,794,035
Operating income	135,853	107,362	310,674	249,362
Other (expense) income, net	(1,205)	21	1,679	(357)
Allowance for funds used during construction - equity	10,146	8,056	19,739	17,501
Interest charges and financing costs
Interest charges - includes other financing costs of $1,616, $1,413, $3,042 and $2,811, respectively	52,313	49,352	103,928	99,533
Allowance for funds used during construction - debt	(5,961)	(4,135)	(11,284)	(9,477)
Total interest charges and financing costs	46,352	45,217	92,644	90,056
Income before income taxes	98,442	70,222	239,448	176,450
Income taxes	33,219	26,182	82,050	68,271
Net income	$ 65,223	$ 44,040	$ 157,398	$ 108,179