EX-99.2 17 ex99210k10.htm EXHIBIT 99.2 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF VERMONT TRANSCO LLC ex99210k10.htm
 
 

 

EXHIBIT 99.2
 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(With Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm Thereon)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 

VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
 
Table of Contents
 
 
   
Page(s)
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 1
 
 
Balance Sheets
 2 - 3
 
 
Statements of Income
 4
 
 
Statements of Changes in Members' Equity
 5
 
 
Statements of Cash Flows
 6 - 7
 
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 8 - 27
 

 
 

 


 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
The Stockholder and Board of Directors
Vermont Electric Power Company, Inc. as
Manager of Vermont Transco LLC:
 
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Vermont Transco LLC (the Company) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related statements of income, changes in members’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Vermont Transco LLC as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010 in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
 
 
/s/KPMG LLP
 
 
March 8, 2011
 
 
 
Vt. Reg. No. 92-0000241
 

 
 

 

VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Balance Sheets
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
Assets
 
2010
   
2009
 
Utility plant (notes 2 and 4)
  $ 841,651,793       727,217,713   
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (107,263,675 )       (97,522,547 )  
Net utility plant
    734,388,118        629,695,166   
Current assets:
               
Cash
    2,066,045        733,150   
Bond sinking fund deposits
    564,000        526,000   
Bond interest deposits
    4,537,947        4,573,388   
Accounts receivable:
               
Affiliated companies
          1,938,667   
Other       8,967,385         6,963,198   
Due from Vermont Electric Power Company, Inc. (note 1(b))
    9,767,793        38,157,854   
Note receivable – related party (note 8)
    125,000        925,000   
Note receivable – Vermont Electric Power Company, Inc. (note 8)
          10,000,000   
Materials and supplies
    7,333,500        6,248,996   
Prepaids and other assets
    1,143,965        1,562,514   
Total current assets
    34,505,635        71,628,767   
Regulatory and other assets:
               
Regulatory assets
    3,659,535        4,230,885   
Unamortized debt expense, net
    2,563,063        2,712,165   
Deferred project costs and other
    5,740,634        3,156,985   
Total regulatory and other assets
    11,963,232        10,100,035   
Total assets
  $ 780,856,985       711,423,968   

(Continued)

 
2

 

VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Balance Sheets
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
 
Members’ Equity and Liabilities
 
2010
   
2009
 
Capitalization:
           
  Members’ equity (note 3)
  $ 406,915,930       325,469,433   
  Mandatorily redeemable membership units (notes 3, 8, and 13)
    10,000,000        10,000,000   
  First mortgage bonds, net of current maturities (note 4)
    317,272,000        329,093,000   
Total capitalization
    734,187,930        664,562,433   
Commitments and contingencies (notes 7, 11, and 13)
               
Current liabilities:
               
  Bank overdraft
    891,788        2,975,031   
  Current maturities of long-term obligations (note 4)
    11,821,000        2,313,115   
  Accounts payable:
               
   Affiliated companies
    1,236,182        1,168,310   
   Other     7,182,351        9,175,336   
  Accrued interest
    4,563,321        4,575,485   
  Accrued construction expenses
    4,699,609        9,961,114   
  Accrued expenses
    2,781,167        3,917,234   
Total current liabilities
    33,175,418        34,085,625   
Long-term liabilities:
               
  Deferred cost of removal liabilities
    4,732,373        3,339,769   
  Deferred income
    660,920        659,160   
  Due to Vermont Electric Power Company, Inc. (note 1(b))
    8,100,344        8,776,981   
Total liabilities
    46,669,055        46,861,535   
Total capitalization and liabilities
  $ 780,856,985       711,423,968   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 

 
3

 

VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Statements of Income
 
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 
     
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Operating revenues:
                 
Transmission revenues
  $ 102,547,684       90,649,734        73,575,150   
Rent of transmission facilities to others
    999,587        2,435,380        1,624,487   
        103,547,271        93,085,114        75,199,637   
Operating expenses:
                       
Transmission expenses:
                       
Operations
    4,069,124        3,369,434        3,396,212   
Maintenance
    6,490,760        5,625,653        4,854,048   
Charges for transmission facilities of others
    44,183        41,705        42,602   
Administrative and general expenses
    5,581,386        7,718,153        8,672,360   
Depreciation and amortization
    16,031,969        13,942,091        10,740,097   
Taxes other than income
    11,445,565        10,485,062        7,405,913   
 
Total operating expenses
    43,662,987        41,182,098        35,111,232   
 
Operating income
    59,884,284        51,903,016        40,088,405   
Other (income) expenses:
                       
Interest on first mortgage bonds
    18,197,213        13,477,726        11,994,760   
Other interest expense
    803,189        1,057,144        572,468   
Amortization of debt expense
    148,791        101,560        97,788   
Other     114,130        12,712        27,602   
Interest and other income
    (267,338 )       (239,474 )       (111,327 )  
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
    (4,394,038 )     (2,151,956 )     (3,256,055 )
Allowance for equity funds during construction
    (6,566,209 )       (2,977,719 )       (4,884,082 )  
 
Total other expenses, net
    8,035,738        9,279,993        4,441,154   
 
Income before tax
  $ 51,848,546       42,623,023        35,647,251   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 
 
4

 

VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Statements of Changes in Members’ Equity
 
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 
                     
Total
 
   
Membership units
   
Members’
   
members’
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
equity
   
equity
 
Balances at December 31, 2007
  $ 176,134,540       15,615,560        6,451,691        198,201,791   
Issuance of membership units
    22,782,180        15,900,820              38,683,000   
Income before tax
                35,647,251        35,647,251   
Distribution of income before tax to members
                (22,853,661 )       (22,853,661 )  
Balances at December 31, 2008
  $ 198,916,720       31,516,380        19,245,281        249,678,381   
Membership units at December 31, 2008
    19,891,672        3,151,638                   
Balances at December 31, 2008
  $ 198,916,720       31,516,380        19,245,281        249,678,381   
Issuance of membership units
    44,808,770        15,239,020              60,047,790   
Income before tax
                42,623,023        42,623,023   
Distribution of income before tax to members
                (26,879,761 )       (26,879,761 )  
Balances at December 31, 2009
  $ 243,725,490       46,755,400        34,988,543        325,469,433   
Membership units at December 31, 2009
    24,372,549        4,675,540                   
Balances at December 31, 2009
  $ 243,725,490       46,755,400        34,988,543        325,469,433   
Issuance of membership units
    61,687,300        6,274,980              67,962,280   
Income before tax
                51,848,546        51,848,546   
Distribution of income before tax to members
                (38,364,329 )       (38,364,329 )  
Balances at December 31, 2010
  $ 305,412,790       53,030,380        48,472,760        406,915,930   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 
5

 

VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Statements of Cash Flows
 
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Income before tax
  $ 51,848,546       42,623,023        35,647,251   
Adjustments to reconcile income before tax to net
                       
cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    15,460,619        13,370,741        10,168,747   
Amortization of regulatory assets
    571,350        571,350        571,350   
Amortization of debt expense
    148,791        101,560        97,788   
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    (65,520 )       (1,517,900 )       (24,303 )  
Materials and supplies
    (1,084,504 )       435,812        (957,340 )  
Regulatory assets
                 
Accounts payable
    (4,389,293 )       3,772,475        2,099,253   
Due from related party
          (311,153 )       13,847,108   
Other assets and liabilities
    (3,276,130 )       1,975,888        3,104,015   
Net cash provided by operating activities
    59,213,859        61,021,796        64,553,869   
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Change in bond sinking fund deposits
    (38,000 )       (36,000 )       (33,000 )  
Advances to repayments of related party
    10,800,000        (225,000 )       (9,850,000 )  
Capital expenditures, including interest capitalized
    (121,558,292 )       (166,183,460 )       (98,870,739 )  
Net cash used in investing activities
    (110,796,292 )       (166,444,460 )       (108,753,739 )  
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Change in bank overdraft
    (2,083,243 )       1,380,293        (218,324 )  
Proceeds from bond issuance
          135,000,000         
Repayment of bonds
    (2,161,000 )       (2,014,000 )       (1,877,000 )  
Debt issue costs
    311        (1,014,724 )       (47,370 )  
Borrowings of notes payable to bank
                20,857,520   
Repayments of notes payable to bank
          (20,857,520 )        
Repayment of other long-term debt
    (152,115 )       (292,121 )       (400,682 )  
Due from Vermont Electric Power Company, Inc., net
    27,713,424        (39,287,043 )        
Issuance of membership units
    67,962,280        60,047,790        38,683,000   
Issuance of mandatorily redeemable membership units
                10,000,000   
Distribution of income before tax to members
    (38,364,329 )       (26,879,761 )       (22,853,661 )  
Net cash provided by financing activities
    52,915,328        106,082,914        44,143,483   
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    1,332,895        660,250        (56,387 )  
Cash, beginning of year
    733,150        72,900        129,287   
Cash, end of year
  $ 2,066,045       733,150        72,900   
 
(Continued)
 
6

 
 

 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Statements of Cash Flows
 
Years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                 
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 8,052,319       7,830,970        9,392,394   
Noncash investing activity:
                       
 In 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Company recorded accrued construction expenses of $(7,725,685), $(337,977), and $(8,698,749), respectively.
 
 
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 


 
7

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009

 
(1)  
Summary of Significant Accounting Principles
 
(a)  
Description of Business
 
On June 2, 2006, VT Transco LLC (the Company) was formed as a Vermont Limited Liability Company. The Company became operational effective June 30, 2006. The Company’s purpose is to plan, construct, operate, own, and maintain electric transmission and related facilities to provide for an adequate and reliable transmission system that meets the needs of all users on the system and supports equal transmission access to a competitive wholesale electric energy market. The Company is subject to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as to rates, terms of service and financing and by state regulatory commissions as to other aspects of business, including the construction of electric transmission assets.
 
The largest owners of membership units are as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
VELCO
    9 %     11 %
Central Vermont Public Service Corporation (CVPS)
    37       33  
Green Mountain Power Company (GMP)
    28       28  
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority (VPPSA)
    11       12  
 
VELCO has transmission contracts with the State of Vermont, acting by and through the Vermont Department of Public Service, and with all of the electric utilities providing service in the State of Vermont. As part of the Transfer and Assumption Agreement, these transmission contracts were legally transferred to the Company effective June 30, 2006. These transmission contracts have been reviewed and approved by the FERC. The transmission contracts provide, among other things, for the Company to earn an annual return equal to 11.5% of outstanding Class A Member units and an annual return equal to 13.3% of outstanding Class B Member units. These earnings, at the discretion of VELCO are distributed quarterly to the contributing utilities.
 
(b)  
Corporate Manager
 
The Company is managed by the corporate manager, VELCO (the Manager). The Company and VELCO have common ownership and operate as a single functional unit. Under the Company’s operating agreement, the Manager has complete discretion over the day-to-day business of the Company and provides all management services to the Company at cost. The Company itself has no employees and no governance structure separate from the Manager. The Company’s operating agreement establishes that all expenses of the Manager related to managing the Company are paid for by the Company. These expenses consist primarily of all payroll and benefit related costs. All such costs are recorded in the Company’s accounts as if they were direct expenses of the Company, and a corresponding due to Manager is recorded for the amount to be reimbursed to VELCO at a future date for such payroll and benefit related costs.
 
Additionally, the Company has included in the payable to VELCO, amounts related to taxes collected for deferred income taxes that have been recognized in rates and recorded as a deferred tax liability by VELCO prior to June 30, 2006; and for such liabilities that have arisen subsequent to
 
(Continued)
 
8

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
June 30, 2006, pursuant to the Management Services Agreement for which a payment obligation was assumed by the Company pursuant to the Transfer and Assumption Agreement. The deferred tax liability is due to temporary differences related to the deductibility of the excess of the tax over book depreciation. As these temporary differences reverse in future years, the Company will repay the obligation to the Manager. During December 2009, cash received from the sale of the Company’s membership units was deposited to a VT Transco bank account which was subsequently transferred to VELCO, resulting in a receivable from VELCO at December 31, 2009.
 
As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the following amounts were due to/from VELCO and were included in the Company’s balance sheet:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Liability due to taxes collected
  $ (12,498,349 )     (11,425,140 )
Receivable due from VELCO
    14,165,798       40,806,013  
  Due to VELCO, net   $ 1,667,449       29,380,873  
 
(c)  
Regulatory Accounting
 
The Company accounts for certain transactions in accordance with permitted regulatory treatment. As such, regulators may permit specific incurred costs, typically treated as expenses by unregulated entities, to be deferred and expensed in future periods when it is probable that such costs will be recovered in customer rates. Incurred costs are deferred as regulatory assets when the Company concludes that it is probable future revenues will be provided to permit recovery of the previously incurred cost. The Company analyzes evidence supporting deferral, including provisions for recovery in regulatory orders, past regulatory precedent, other regulatory correspondence, and legal representations. A regulatory liability is recorded when amounts that have been recorded by the Company are likely to be refunded to customers through the rate-setting process.
 
On December 9, 2005, the FERC approved a filing allowing at that time VELCO, now the Company, to begin amortizing over a ten year period the deferred depreciation charges the Company incurred when taking depreciation under the bond sinking fund method. This regulatory asset which accounts for the difference between depreciation reported in the financial statements and depreciation previously recovered in rates is $2,126,944 and $2,552,332 as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
On June 16, 2006, the FERC approved a filing allowing at the time VELCO, now the Company, to accumulate as a regulatory asset the costs associated with the Company’s formation and to amortize and recover that asset over a fifteen year period to commence when the Company began operations. This regulatory asset is $1,532,591 and $1,678,553 as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
As more fully described in note 7, the defined benefit pension and other postretirement regulatory assets of VELCO represent the unrecognized pension costs and postretirement costs that would normally be recorded as a component of other comprehensive income. Since these amounts represent costs that are expected to be recovered in future rates, they are recorded as regulatory assets in the
 
(Continued)
 
9

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
financial statements of the Manager. The regulatory asset related to these plans totaled $5,390,601 and $4,688,246 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and is included in due from (to) VELCO in the accompanying financial statements.
 
The Company continually assesses whether regulatory assets continue to meet the criteria for probability of future recovery. This assessment includes consideration of factors such as changes in the regulatory environment, and recent rate orders to other regulated entities under the same jurisdiction. If future recovery of certain regulatory assets becomes improbable, the affected assets would be written off in the period in which such determination is made.
 
(d)  
Revenue Recognition
 
Electric transmission service for utilities, municipalities, municipal electric companies, electric cooperatives, and other eligible entities is provided through the Company’s facilities under the ISO-NE open-access transmission tariff regulated by FERC and the 1991 Vermont Transmission Agreement. The Company charges for these services under FERC approved rates. The 1991 Vermont Transmission Agreement specifies the general terms and conditions of service on the transmission system and the approved rates set forth the revenue to be billed monthly based on actual cost of service plus an 11.5% return on capital for Class A Member units and a 13.3% return on capital for Class B Member units. The effect of unbilled revenue at the end of the accounting period represents the difference between billed and actual costs for the month of December and is $402,010 and $0 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and has been reported in prepaids and other assets in the accompanying financial statements.
 
(e)  
Utility Plant
 
Utility plant in service is stated at cost. Assets transferred to the Company from VELCO have been recorded at their original cost in utility plant with the related reserves for accumulated depreciation also recorded. (See note 2 for additional information.)
 
Major expenditures for plant and those that substantially increase useful lives are capitalized. The Company recognizes depreciation expense on gross plant at an average rate of 2.63% at December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 based on rates developed in a depreciation rate study. This method is consistent with the straight-line method of depreciation.
 
Software is recorded at cost. Amortization is recorded at straight-line rates over the estimated useful life of the assets which is five years.
 
(f)  
Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets, such as utility plant and regulatory assets subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as
(Continued)
 
10

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
considered necessary. As long as its assets continue to be recovered through the ratemaking process, the Company believes that such impairment is unlikely.
 
(g)  
Allowance for Borrowed Funds Used during Construction
 
Allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) represents the cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance the construction of transmission assets. The portion of AFUDC attributable to borrowed funds and the cost of equity funds is included as other income in the statements of income. AFUDC is not currently realized in cash, but is recovered in the form of increased revenue collected as a result of depreciation of the property. The Company capitalized AFUDC at an average rate of 7.50%, 5.75% and 7.35% in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
(h)  
Materials and Supplies Inventory
 
Materials and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis.
 
(i)  
Unamortized Debt Expense
 
Costs associated with the original issuance of long-term debt have been capitalized and amortized over the term of the debt using the effective-interest rate method. Amortization expense amounted to $148,791, $101,560 and $97,788 in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
(j)  
Income Taxes
 
The Company is a limited liability company that has elected to be treated as a partnership under the Internal Revenue Code and applicable state statutes. As such, it is not liable for federal or state income taxes. The Company’s members (except certain tax-exempt members) report their share of the Company’s earnings, gains, losses, deductions and tax credits on their respective federal and state income tax returns. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include a provision for federal and state income tax expense. Income before tax reported on the statements of income is the Company’s net income.
 
Beginning with the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, included in FASB ASC Subtopic 740-10, Income Taxes—Overall, as of January 1, 2009, the Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company has concluded there are no material uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2010. Prior to the adoption of FASB Interpretation No. 48, the Company recognized the effect of income tax positions only if such positions were probable of being sustained.
 
The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in administrative and general expenses.
 
(Continued)
 
11

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(k)  
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans
 
The Manager sponsors a defined benefit pension plan covering employees of the Company hired before January 1, 2008 who meet certain age and service requirements. The benefits are based on years of service and final average pay. The cost of this plan is recovered by the Company in rates and reimbursed to the Manager.
 
The Manager also sponsors a defined benefit healthcare plan for substantially all employees. The Manager measures the costs of its obligation based on its best estimate. The net periodic costs are recognized as employees render the services necessary to earn the postretirement benefits. The cost of this plan is recovered by the Company in rates and reimbursed to the Manager.
 
The Company adopted the measurement date provisions of FASB ASC 715-30, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans during fiscal year 2008 which required the Company to change its measurement date for plan assets and benefit obligations to December 31. The Manager adopted the measurement date provisions during fiscal year 2008, which required the Manager to change its measurement date for plan assets and benefit obligations to December 31. Prior to 2008, the Manager measured its plan assets and benefit obligations as of September 30. The total impact of the change in measurement date for both plans totaled $380,780 and was recovered in rates in 2009.
 
(l)  
Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the valuation of utility plant, the recoverability of regulatory assets, assumptions used to estimate obligations related to employee benefits, and the assumptions used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments.
 
(m)  
Commitments and Contingencies
 
Liabilities for loss contingencies, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines, and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the assessment can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs are expensed as incurred.
 
(n)  
Government Grants
 
The Company recognizes government grants when there is reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to the grant arrangement and the grant will be received. Government grants are recognized in the income statement over the periods in which the Company recognizes the related costs for which the government grant is intended to compensate.
 
(Continued)
 
12

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
When government grants are related to the oversight of sub-recipients, the grants are recognized as management revenue in the income statement. For government grants related to reimbursements of capital expenditures, the grants are recognized as a reduction of the basis of the asset and recognized in the Income Statement over the estimated useful life of the depreciable asset as reduced depreciation expense. For government grants related to billings from sub-recipients, the grants are recognized as receivables from the government agency and payables to the sub-recipient on the balance sheet as the Company does not have rights to the funds passing through to sub-recipients. The Company records government grants receivable on the balance sheet in accounts receivable.
 
(2)  
Utility Plant
 
Utility plant consists of the following at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Land and rights of way
  $ 80,148,733       58,577,888  
Transmission equipment
    657,074,976       484,504,675  
Communications equipment
    22,542,074       15,163,134  
Buildings and office equipment
    59,813,941       46,971,015  
Construction work-in-process
    22,072,069       122,001,001  
      841,651,793       727,217,713  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    107,263,675       97,522,547  
    $ 734,388,118       629,695,166  
 
Depreciation and amortization expense was $15,460,619, $13,370,741 and $10,168,747 as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
(3)  
Members’ Equity
 
The Company’s members include municipalities, electric cooperatives, and investor-owned utilities. Class A Membership units are issued to taxable and tax exempt entities, and Class B Membership units are issued solely to tax exempt entities, such as the municipal utilities and electric cooperatives. At June 30, 2006, each member was issued membership interests in proportion to the value of transmission assets and/or cash it contributed to the Company for a total of $78,000,100 in Class A and Class B Membership units. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, each member was issued additional membership units in proportion to the value of cash it contributed to the Company for a total of $67,962,280, $60,047,790 and $38,683,000, respectively, in Class A and Class B Membership units. See note 13 for discussion of the $10,000,000 of mandatorily redeemable membership units issued to the Manager in 2008.
 
(Continued)
 
13

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
Member’s equity as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 is as stated in the table that follows.
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Village or Morrisville
  $ 1,311,868       1,311,868       1,311,867  
Swanton Village
    612,110       612,110       612,110  
Vermont Electric Cooperative
    9,089,123       5,289,123       5,289,123  
Washington Electric Cooperative
    4,305,483       3,611,960       2,929,675  
Central Vermont Public Service Corporation
    156,337,602       114,763,263       87,698,447  
Village of Stowe
    22,011,714       21,071,663       19,451,068  
Village of Northfield
    306,502       306,503       306,503  
Green Mountain Power Corporation
    122,298,889       95,228,388       77,559,339  
City of Burlington Electric Department
    17,589,949       17,425,924       9,841,861  
Village of Hyde Park
    139,561       139,561       139,562  
Vermont Electric Power Company, Inc.
    30,971,485       30,068,009       27,269,351  
Village of Lyndonville
    131,000              
Vermont Public Power Supply Authority
    41,810,644       35,641,061       17,269,475  
    $ 406,915,930       325,469,433       249,678,381  
 
Distribution of income before tax to members is at the discretion of the Manager. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Company distributed $38,364,329, $26,879,761 and $22,853,661, respectively, of its income before tax to its member in proportion to each member’s percentage interest in the Company.
 
(Continued)
 
14

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
(4)  
Long-Term Debt
 
The Company has assumed all of the long-term debt associated with the assets that were transferred from VELCO. VELCO remains a co-obligor with the Company for First Mortgage Bond Series L, N, O, and P. Series Q, R and S were issued solely by the Company, with VELCO having no repayment obligation.
 
(a)  
First Mortgage Bonds
 
The Company’s First Mortgage Bonds outstanding include the following series at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Series L, 7.30% due through 2018
  $ 6,758,000       7,412,000  
Series N, 7.42%, due through 2012
    19,727,000       20,813,000  
Series O, 6.26% due through 2034
    22,608,000       23,029,000  
Series P, 5.72% due through 2036
    30,000,000       30,000,000  
Series Q, 5.59%, due through 2036
    35,000,000       35,000,000  
Series R, 5.75%, due through 2037
    80,000,000       80,000,000  
Series S, 4.81%, due through 2029
    135,000,000       135,000,000  
      329,093,000       331,254,000  
Less bonds to be retired within one year
    11,821,000       2,161,000  
    $ 317,272,000       329,093,000  
 
In October 2009, the Company received the proceeds from the sale of its Series S First Mortgage Bonds for the principal amount of $135,000,000, which the Company used to paydown its existing line of credit.
 
The First Mortgage Bonds are secured by a first mortgage lien on the Company’s utility plant. The bonds to be retired through principal payments within the next five years and thereafter will amount to:
 
2011
  $ 11,821,000  
2012
    19,789,000  
2013
    11,821,000  
2014
    13,916,000  
2015
    14,513,000  
Thereafter
    257,233,000  
                                   Total   $ 329,093,000  
 
(Continued)
 
15

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
The terms of the indenture, as supplemented, under which the First Mortgage Bonds were issued, require, among other restrictions, that the total of Class A and B Members’ investment and indebtedness of the Company subordinated to the First Mortgage Bonds must equal at least one-third of the aggregate principal amount of the bonds outstanding or $109,697,667 at December 31, 2010. The Company believes it is in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2010.
 
(b)  
Other Debt
 
Other debt included notes payable of $152,115 at December 31, 2009, bearing interest at 5.44%, which matured June 1, 2010. The notes were secured by a lien on certain office equipment and furniture.
 
(5)  
Notes Payable to Bank
 
The Company has an unsecured $100,000,000 line-of-credit agreement with a financial institution, reduced by certain standby letters of credit, expiring on December 20, 2011 to provide interim financing for utility plant construction. The Company’s Manager is also an obligor on this facility. As part of this agreement, the Company agrees to pay 0.15% per annum on the daily unused line of credit amount. Average daily borrowings were $23,926,753 in 2010 at a weighted average interest rate of 2.72%. There were no amounts outstanding under the agreement at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
(6)  
Income Taxes
 
Income tax liabilities are the responsibility of the Company’s members (except certain tax-exempt members) and are not reflected in these financial statements. However, the Company is allowed to recover in rates, as a component of its cost of service, the amount of income taxes that are the responsibility of its members based on their ownership in the Company. Accordingly, the Company includes a provision for its members’ federal and state current and deferred income tax expenses in its regulatory financial reports and rate filings. For purposes of determining the Company’s revenue requirement under FERC-approved rates, rate base is reduced by an amount equivalent to net accumulated deferred taxes, including excess deferred tax reserves. Such amounts were approximately $45,700,000 in 2010 and $34,400,000 in 2009, and are primarily related to accelerated tax depreciation and other plant-related differences and VELCO’s portion is included in liability due to VELCO (note 1(b)).
 
(Continued)
 
16

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(7)  
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
 
The Manager reports the net over-or-under funded position of a defined benefit pension and other postretirement plans as an asset or liability, with any unrecognized prior service costs, transition obligations or gains/losses reported as a component of other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, unless the amount will be recoverable in future customer rates, in which case it would be recorded as a regulatory asset. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Manager recorded a regulatory asset of $4,546,992 and $3,908,985, respectively, an unfunded defined pension obligation of $4,934,040 and $4,296,099, respectively, and a postretirement healthcare obligation of $883,735 and $922,732, respectively, and related regulatory asset of $843,609 and $779,261, respectively. Such amounts are reported in due to VELCO in the accompanying balance sheets.
 
(a)  
Defined Benefit Plan
 
The Manager sponsors a defined benefit pension plan (the Plan) covering employees of the Company hired before January 1, 2008 who meet certain age and service requirements. The benefits are based on years of service and levels of compensation during the five years before retirement. The costs of the Manager’s plan are an obligation of the Company as part of the Manager’s fee.
 
The following sets forth the Plan’s benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
Pension benefits
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
           
     Benefit obligation at beginning of year   $ 17,171,882       17,053,020  
     Service cost     1,013,619       1,016,923  
     Interest cost     1,008,694       944,414  
     Actuarial loss (gain)     1,363,118       (1,108,509 )
     Benefits paid     (533,439 )     (733,966 )
     Benefit obligation at end of year     20,023,874       17,171,882  
Change in plan assets:
               
     Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year     12,875,783       10,881,288  
     Actual return on plan assets     1,722,490       1,822,461  
     Employer contribution     1,025,000       906,000  
     Benefits paid     (533,439 )     (733,966 )
     Fair value of plan assets at end of year     15,089,834       12,875,783  
                               Funded status   $ (4,934,040 )     (4,296,099 )
Accumulated benefit obligation
  $ 14,680,249       12,575,266  
 
(Continued)
 
17

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, which are recorded as a regulatory asset, are as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net actuarial loss
  $ 4,217,808       3,527,325  
Unrecognized prior service cost
    329,184       381,660  
    $ 4,546,992       3,908,985  
 
The amount of the regulatory asset expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic pension cost in 2011 is $81,450.
 
Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
 
   
Pension benefits
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                 
    Service cost   $ 1,013,619       1,016,923       1,253,617  
    Interest cost     1,008,694       944,414       1,114,591  
    Expected return on plan assets     (1,078,827 )     (1,026,169 )     (1,135,735 )
    Recognized net actuarial loss     28,974       11,235       27,818  
    Net amortization     52,476       52,476       65,596  
                     Net periodic benefit cost   $ 1,024,936       998,879       1,325,887  
 
The actuarial assumptions used to determine the pension benefit obligation are as follows:
 
   
Pension benefits
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Weighted average assumptions:
                 
    Discount rate, pension expense     6.00 %     6.00 %     6.25 %
    Discount rate, projected benefit obligation     5.56       6.00       6.00  
    Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets     7.50       7.50       7.50  
    Rate of compensation increase     4.50       4.50       4.50  

(Continued)
 
18

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
Projected benefit payments to be paid in each year from 2010 to 2015 and the aggregate benefits to be paid in the five years from 2016 to 2020 are as follows:
 
   
Pension
 
   
benefit
 
   
payments
 
Fiscal years ending December 31:
     
    2011   $ 471,660  
    2012     499,034  
    2013     571,281  
    2014     772,596  
    2015     524,374  
    2016 – 2020     4,853,538  
Expected contribution for next fiscal year
  $ 1,200,000  
 
The following indicates the weighted average asset allocation percentage of the fair value of total plan assets for each major type of plan asset as of December 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
Plan assets
   
Asset allocation
 
Asset class
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Money market
  $ 1,348,099       1,346,097       9 %     10 %
Equities
    9,306,708       7,704,246       62       60  
Fixed income
    4,435,017       3,825,440       29       30  
                        Total   $ 15,089,824       12,875,783       100 %     100 %
 
The Manager’s investment policy seeks to achieve sufficient growth to enable the plan to meet future benefit obligations to participants. The current asset allocation targets are 65% equity and 35% fixed income, reflecting the mid to long-term nature of the liabilities associated with the plan. The primary goals in the management of plan assets are to maintain the funds purchasing power and to maximize the mid to long-term total returns within a moderate risk environment by seeking both current income and the potential for long-term growth. Plan investments held at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are classified as Level 1 based on the fair value hierarchy discussed in note 10.
 
(b)  
Postretirement Plan
 
The Manager’s current postretirement benefit plan offers healthcare and life insurance benefits and these costs are an obligation of the Company under its contract with the Manager. The Manager accrues the cost of postretirement benefits during the employees’ years of service. When the Manager began accrual accounting for such costs in 1993, it elected to recognize previously unaccrued postretirement benefit costs, known as the transition obligation, by amortizing these costs ratably over a 20-year period. For the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, the Manager
 
(Continued)
 
19

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
contributed $131,129, $32,141 and $137,891, respectively, toward these benefits. The Company anticipates contributing $180,000 for these benefits in 2011.
 
The FERC has established certain guidelines that all FERC-regulated companies, including the Company, must follow in order to recover postretirement benefit costs in rates. The guidelines generally allow for the recovery of postretirement benefits when accrued. However, these guidelines do require that all postretirement benefit costs be funded when accrued. The Manager’s current plan is to fund its annual postretirement benefits accrual by making deposits into a 401(h) account, a separate account established within the pension investment fund and through a Voluntary Employees’ Benefit Association (VEBA). Additionally, these guidelines require the Manager to advise the FERC of its plans for accruing and funding postretirement benefit costs. The Manager filed its plans with the FERC in 1995, although such plans have not yet been approved by the FERC.
 
The following sets forth the Plan’s benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets and funded status at December 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
Postretirement benefits
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Change in projected benefit obligation:
           
     Benefit obligation at beginning of year   $ 1,496,132       1,594,557  
     Service cost     107,413       93,871  
     Interest cost     81,284       82,303  
     Actuarial gain     128,721       (90,981 )
     Benefits paid     (178,168 )     (183,618 )
     Benefit obligation at end of year     1,635,382       1,496,132  
Change in plan assets:
               
     Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year     573,400       773,509  
     Actual return on plan assets     47,118       83,017  
     Employer contribution, net of reimbursement from VEBA     309,297       (99,508 )
     Benefits paid     (178,168 )     (183,618 )
     Fair value of plan assets at end of year     751,647       573,400  
                                 Funded status   $ (883,735 )     (922,732 )

(Continued)
 
20

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
Items not yet recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, which are recorded as a regulatory asset, are as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Change in measurement date to be recovered in rates
  $ 38,910       61,145  
Net actuarial loss
    804,699       718,116  
    $ 843,609       779,261  
 
The amount of the regulatory asset expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost in 2011 is $60,002.
 
Assumed healthcare cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the healthcare plans. A 1.0% increase in the trend rate would increase the postretirement accumulated benefit obligation by $11,832 and a 1.0% decrease in the trend rate would decrease the postretirement accumulated benefit obligation by $11,126 in 2011.
 
Net periodic benefit costs as of December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 are as follows:
 
   
Postretirement benefits
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
                 
     Service cost   $ 107,413       93,871       95,852  
     Interest cost     81,284       82,303       113,129  
     Expected return on plan assets     (42,747 )     (40,515 )     (71,111 )
     Recognized net actuarial loss     22,234       22,234       27,793  
     Net amortization     37,768       32,953       37,360  
                         Net periodic benefit Cost   $ 205,952       190,846       203,023  

(Continued)
 
21

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
The actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic postretirement benefit costs are as follows:
 
   
Postretirement benefits
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Weighted average assumptions:
                 
    Discount rate, postretirement benefit     5.50 %     6.25 %     6.25 %
    Discount rate, projected benefit obligation     5.08       5.50       6.25  
    Expected return on plan assets     6.50       6.50       7.50  
    Rate of compensation increase     4.50       4.50       4.50  
 
The following indicates the weighted average asset allocation percentage of the fair value of total plan assets for each major type of plan asset as of December 31, 2010 and 2009:
 
   
Plan assets
   
Asset allocation
 
Asset class
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash and equivalents
  $ 118,858       81,442       16 %     14 %
Equities
    553,043       491,958       73       86  
Fixed Income
    79,746             11        
                            Total   $ 751,647       573,400       100 %     100 %
 
The Manager’s investment policy seeks to achieve sufficient growth to enable the plan to meet future benefit obligations to participants. The current asset allocation targets are 87% equity, 12% fixed income and 1% cash, reflecting the mid to long-term nature of the liabilities associated with the plan. The primary goals in the management of plan assets are to maintain the funds purchasing power and to maximize the mid to long-term total returns within a moderate risk environment by seeking both current income and the potential for long-term growth. Plan investments held at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are classified as Level 1 based on the fair value hierarchy discussed in note 10.
 
(c)  
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
 
The Manager sponsors a nonqualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan to provide certain employees and former members of the Board of Directors of the Manager with additional retirement income. The Manager is funding the cost of the plan in part through life insurance contracts, the cash surrender value of which was $3,770,968 and $3,487,486 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The cost of these plans, net of the increase in cash surrender value and insurance proceeds, if any, has been charged to operating expense in the accompanying statements of income. The actuarial assumptions used to determine net benefit costs under this plan are a discount rate of 3.925%, 5.00% and 6.00%, and a rate of compensation increase of 3% at December 31, 2010, 2009
(Continued)
 
22

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
and 2008. Aggregate benefits payable amounted to $3,690,898 and $4,673,191 at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and is recorded in due to VELCO.
 
(d)  
Deferred Compensation
 
The Manager has a deferred compensation plan for current and past officers and directors. Amounts deferred are at the option of the officer or director, and include annual interest on the amounts deferred. The total deferred compensation at December 31, 2010 and 2009 is $1,145,278 and $1,096,421, respectively, and is recorded in due to VELCO.
 
(e)  
Defined Contribution Plan
 
The Manager sponsors a defined contribution plan to which eligible employees may contribute part of their salaries and wages within prescribed limits. Employees are eligible to participate in this plan during their first year of employment, if the employee has attained age 18. Additional matching contributions may be made on the employees’ behalf based on the results of operations. The Manager contributed $518,174, $378,615 and $354,666 in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
(8)  
Related Party Transactions
 
On December 31, 2008, the Manager borrowed $10,000,000 from the Company to purchase 1,000,000 mandatorily redeemable membership units in the Company. This demand note, which charged Interest at an Adjusted Libor Rate as calculated by KeyBank National Association, was paid off in 2010 by the Manager borrowing directly from KeyBank.
 
Amounts included in due from related party at December 31, 2010 and 2009 are related to ongoing operating activities between the Company and VELCO.
 
The Manager and the Company have made available an unsecured, short-term credit facility to their related party, Vermont Electronic Transmission Company, Inc. (VETCO). The facility allows for borrowings of up to $2,000,000. The balance outstanding at December 31, 2010 and 2009 was $125,000 and $925,000, respectively.
 
CVPS personnel provide the Company with certain operational, maintenance, construction, and administrative services. In addition, payments were made by the Company to CVPS for material and supplies and insurance. These services are provided at cost and amounted to $479,844 and $465,075 in 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
Similarly, GMP provides the Company with certain construction, maintenance, and operational services. These services are provided at cost or as the result of a competitive bidding process and amounted to $1,583,140 and $1,775,411 in 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
(9)  
Asset Retirement Obligations
 
The Company continually reviews the regulations, laws, and contractual obligations to which it is party to identify situations where there are legal obligations to perform asset retirement activities. This review has identified a limited number of leases and railroad crossing agreements which obligate the Company to perform asset retirement activities upon termination. In considering how to determine the fair value of these obligations, the Company has determined that because of the limited number and limited size of the
 
(Continued)
 
23

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
asset retirement obligations, the fair value of the obligations would not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operation and cash flows.
 
Deferred cost of removal represents estimated asset retirement costs that have previously been recovered from ratepayers for other than legal obligations. The Company expects, over time, to settle or recover through the rate-setting process any over or under collected net cost of removal. Cost of removal included in depreciation expense totaled $4,732,373 and $3,339,769 in 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
(10)  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2010 and 2009. Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Carrying
         
Carrying
       
   
amount
   
Fair value
   
amount
   
Fair value
 
Financial assets:
                       
    Cash   $ 2,066,045       2,066,045       733,150       733,150  
    Bond sinking fund deposits     564,000       564,000       526,000       526,000  
    Bond interest deposits     4,537,947       4,537,947       4,573,388       4,573,388  
    Accounts receivable     8,967,385       8,967,385       8,901,865       8,901,865  
    Notes receivable     125,000       125,000       10,925,000       10,925,000  
    Due from VELCO     9,767,793       9,767,793       38,157,854       38,157,854  
Financial liabilities:
                               
    Accounts payable   $ 8,418,533       8,418,533       10,343,646       10,343,646  
    Accrued interest     4,563,321       4,563,321       4,575,485       4,575,485  
    Current maturities long-term obligations     11,821,000       11,821,000       2,313,115       2,313,757  
    First mortgage bonds     317,272,000       328,376,057       329,093,000       325,414,901  
    Construction and other accrued expenses     7,480,776       7,480,776       13,878,348       13,878,348  
    Due to VELCO     8,100,344       8,100,344       14,534,600       14,534,600  
 
The carrying amounts shown in the table are included in the balance sheets under the indicated captions. The fair values of the financial instruments shown in the above table as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 represent management’s best estimates of the amounts that would be received to sell those assets or that would be paid to transfer those liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at that date. Those fair value measurements maximize the use of observable inputs. However, in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date, the fair value measurement reflects the Company’s own judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Those judgments are developed by the Company based on the best information available in the circumstances.
 
(Continued)
 
24

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments:
 
·  
Cash, bond sinking fund deposits, bond interest deposits trade accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued interest on bonds due from (to) VELCO, and construction and other accrued expenses: The carrying amounts, at face value or cost plus accrued interest, approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
 
·  
Notes receivable: Because of the short-term maturity of this instrument, cost approximates fair value.
 
·  
Long-term debt and first mortgage bonds: The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is determined by discounting the future cash flows of each instrument at rates that reflect, among other things, market interest rates. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Company utilized Moody’s long-term corporate bond yield average for utility entities with an Aa rating.
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
 
The Company adopted ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures on January 1, 2008 for fair value measurements of financial assets and financial liabilities and for fair value measurements of nonfinancial items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financials on a recurring basis. On January 1, 2009, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 820 for fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a nonrecurring basis. This guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to measurements involving significant unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:
 
Level 1: Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
 
Level 2: Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. This value is based on other observable inputs, including quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active.
 
Level 3: Pricing inputs include significant inputs that are generally less observable. Unobservable inputs may be used to measure the asset or liability where observable inputs are not available.
 
There were no financial or nonfinancial assets or liabilities reported at fair value in the December 31, 2010 or 2009 financial statements.
 
(11)  
Business and Credit Concentrations
 
(a)  
Significant Customers
 
One customer, ISO New England individually represents 98% and 74% of total accounts receivable at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
(Continued)
 
25

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
 
(b)  
Significant Capital Projects
 
The Company is in the process of performing construction projects to enhance services to its customers. Costs capitalized amounted to approximately $117,000,000 and $163,000,000 in 2010 and 2009, respectively, which related to projects estimated to be completed from 2009 – 2012, including: Lamoille County 115 kV Line, Southern Loop Project, Northwest Reliability Project, and East Avenue Loop. The Company has budgeted $123,000,000 for 2011 related to these and other projects which will be financed through bond issuance, capital contributions, and borrowings on the line of credit.
 
(12)  
Federal Stimulus Funds
 
On October 27, 2009, the Department of Energy announced that Vermont’s electric utilities will receive $69,000,000 in federal stimulus funds to deploy advanced metering, new customer service enhancements and grid automation. As the prime recipient of Vermont’s Smart Grid stimulus application, the Company expects to receive a grant of over $3,000,000 to manage the overall project on behalf of the Vermont Distribution Utilities. The agreement includes provisions for funding and other requirements. The agreement was executed on April 15, 2010 and became effective on April 19, 2010. The Company is eligible to receive reimbursement of 50% of the total project costs incurred from August 6, 2009, up to $3 million. Through December 31, 2010, $1,100,000 of operating expenses were incurred. The Company has submitted requests for reimbursement of $500,000 and have received $400,000 to date. The 50% of costs not reimbursed by the DOE are billed to the Vermont Distribution Utilities that are sub-recipients of the grant.
 
(13)  
Commitments
 
The Company reached a settlement with the Lamoille County municipal distribution utilities regarding cost allocations associated with the construction of a ten mile transmission line and associated substations that will benefit Lamoille County residents. Each member utility is allowed to purchase shares in the Company and use the arbitrage to assist in offsetting the “specific facility” costs. The specific facility charges are limited to an amount, stated in the settlement agreement, plus the difference between the member utilities interest payments on borrowed funds used to purchase Company membership units and the return on those units. After the ten year specific facility period as detailed in the settlement agreement, the membership units allocated are required to be resold to all Vermont distribution utilities with any remaining shares being re-purchased by the Company.
 
Additionally, VELCO, as manager is responsible to make up the difference between the specific facility payments of the individual utilities and the actual specific facility charges based on $33,421,303 of specific facility assets. To accomplish this, VELCO acquired 1,000,000 of the Company’s membership units. As stated in the settlement agreement, these units are mandatorily redeemable in ten years when the shortfall has been fully covered. Under FASB ASC 480-10, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity, $10,000,000 has been recorded in the financial statements as a long-term liability for mandatorily redeemable 1,000,000 membership units.
 
(Continued)
 
26

 
 
VERMONT TRANSCO LLC
 
Notes to Financial Statements
 
December 31, 2010 and 2009
(14)  
Subsequent Events
 
The Company has evaluated subsequent events from the balance sheet date through March 8, 2011, the date at which the financial statements were available to be issued, and determined there are no other items to disclose.
 

 
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