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Retirement Benefits
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2012
Retirement Benefits

12:RETIREMENT BENEFITS

CMS Energy and Consumers provide pension, OPEB, and other retirement benefits to employees under a number of different plans.  These plans include:

·

a non-contributory, qualified defined benefit Pension Plan (closed to new non-union participants as of July 1, 2003 and closed to new union participants as of September 1, 2005);

·

a qualified cash balance Pension Plan for certain employees hired between July 1, 2003 and August 31, 2005;

·

a non-contributory, qualified DCCP for employees hired on or after September 1, 2005;

·

benefits to certain management employees under a non-contributory, nonqualified DB SERP (closed to new participants as of March 31, 2006);

·

a non-contributory, nonqualified DC SERP for certain management employees hired or promoted on or after April 1, 2006;

·

health care and life insurance benefits under an OPEB plan; and

·

a contributory, qualified defined contribution 401(k) plan.

Pension Plan:  Participants in the Pension Plan include CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ present employees, employees of their subsidiaries, and employees of Panhandle, a former CMS Energy subsidiary.  Pension Plan trust assets are not distinguishable by company.

CMS Energy and Consumers provide an employer contribution of five percent of base pay to the DCCP 401(k) plan for employees hired on or after September 1, 2005.  On January 1, 2011, the employer contribution was increased to six percent.  Employees are not required to contribute in order to receive the plan’s employer contribution.

Participants in the cash balance Pension Plan, effective July 1, 2003 to August 31, 2005, also participate in the DCCP as of September 1, 2005.  Additional pay credits under the cash balance Pension Plan were discontinued as of September 1, 2005.  DCCP expense for CMS Energy and Consumers was $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, and $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

DB SERP:  The DB SERP is a non-qualified plan as defined by the Internal Revenue Code.  DB SERP benefits are paid from a rabbi trust established in 1988.  DB SERP rabbi trust earnings are taxable.  Presented in the following table are the fair value of trust assets, ABO, and contributions for CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ DB SERP:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust assets

 

$
128 

 

$
114 

 

ABO

 

 
130 

 

 
117 

 

Contributions

 

 
13 

 

 
27 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust assets

 

$
87 

 

$
75 

 

ABO

 

 
86 

 

 
76 

 

Contributions

 

 
9 

 

 
20 

 

DC SERP:    On April 1, 2006, CMS Energy and Consumers implemented a DC SERP and froze further new participation in the DB SERP.  The DC SERP provides participants benefits ranging from 5 percent to 15 percent of total compensation.  The DC SERP requires a minimum of five years of participation before vesting.  CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ contributions to the plan, if any, are placed in a grantor trust.  For CMS Energy and Consumers, trust assets were $1 million at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  DC SERP assets are included in other non-current assets on CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ consolidated balance sheets.  CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ DC SERP expense was less than $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

401(k):  The 401(k) plan employer match equals 60 percent of eligible contributions up to the first six percent of an employee’s wages.  The total 401(k) plan cost for CMS Energy, including Consumers, was $16 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.  The total 401(k) plan cost for Consumers was $16 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

OPEB:  Participants in the OPEB plan include all regular full-time employees covered by the employee health care plan on the day before retirement from either CMS Energy or Consumers at age 55 or older with at least ten full years of applicable continuous service.  Regular full-time employees who qualify for Pension Plan disability retirement and have 15 years of applicable continuous service may also participate in the OPEB plan.  Retiree health care costs were based on the assumption that costs would increase 8.0 percent for those under 65 and 7.5 percent for those over 65 in 2013 and 7.5 percent in 2012 for all retirees.  The rate of increase was assumed to decline to five percent for all retirees by 2019 and thereafter.

The assumptions used in the health care cost-trend rate affect service, interest, and PBO costs.  Presented in the following table are the effects of a one-percentage-point change in the health care cost-trend assumption:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

One Percentage 

One Percentage 

 

Years Ended December 31

Point Increase 

Point Decrease 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on total service and interest cost component

 

$
23 

 

$
(19)

 

Effect on PBO

 

 
281 

 

 
(242)

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on total service and interest cost component

 

$
22 

 

$
(18)

 

Effect on PBO

 

 
273 

 

 
(235)

 

Assumptions:  Presented in the following table are the weighted-average assumptions used in CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ retirement benefits plans to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and DB SERP

 

OPEB

 

December 31
2012 

 
2011 

 
2010 

 

 
2012 

 
2011 

 
2010 

 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average for benefit
   obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate1

 
4.10 

%

 
4.90 

%

 
5.40 

%

 

 
4.40 

%

 
5.10 

%

 
5.60 

%

 

Mortality table2

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension

 
3.00 

%

 
3.50 

%

 
4.00 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DB SERP

 
5.50 

%

 
5.50 

%

 
5.50 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average for net
   periodic benefit cost
   obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate1

 
4.90 

%

 
5.40 

%

 
5.85 

%

 

 
5.10 

%

 
5.60 

%

 
6.00 

%

 

Expected long-term rate of
   return on plan assets3

 
7.75 

%

 
8.00 

%

 
8.00 

%

 

 
7.25 

%

 
7.50 

%

 
7.50 

%

 

Mortality table2

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension

 
3.50 

%

 
4.00 

%

 
4.00 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DB SERP

 
5.50 

%

 
5.50 

%

 
5.50 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1The discount rate reflects the rate at which benefits could be effectively settled and is equal to the equivalent single rate resulting from a yield curve analysis.  This analysis incorporated the projected benefit payments specific to CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ Pension Plan and OPEB plan and the yields on high quality corporate bonds rated Aa or better.

2The mortality assumption was based on the RP-2000 mortality tables with projection of future mortality improvements using Scale AA, which aligned with the IRS prescriptions for cash funding valuations under the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

3CMS Energy and Consumers determined the long-term rate of return using historical market returns, the present and expected future economic environment, the capital market principles of risk and return, and the expert opinions of individuals and firms with financial market knowledge.  CMS Energy and Consumers considered the asset allocation of the portfolio in forecasting the future expected total return of the portfolio.  The goal was to determine a long-term rate of return that could be incorporated into the planning of future cash flow requirements in conjunction with the change in the liability.  Annually, CMS Energy and Consumers review for reasonableness and appropriateness the forecasted returns for various classes of assets used to construct an expected return model.  CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ expected long-term rate of return on Pension Plan assets was 7.75 percent in 2012.  The actual return on Pension Plan assets was 14.1 percent in 2012, four percent in 2011, and 13 percent in 2010.

Costs:  Presented in the following tables are the costs and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations incurred in CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ retirement benefits plans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension and DB SERP

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 
2010 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$
49 

 

$
49 

 

$
45 

 

Interest expense

 

 
105 

 

 
106 

 

 
104 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(125)

 

 
(112)

 

 
(92)

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
79 

 

 
65 

 

 
52 

 

Prior service cost

 

 
5 

 

 
5 

 

 
5 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost

 

$
113 

 

$
113 

 

$
114 

 

Regulatory adjustment1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
30 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost after regulatory adjustment

 

$
113 

 

$
113 

 

$
144 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$
48 

 

$
48 

 

$
44 

 

Interest expense

 

 
100 

 

 
101 

 

 
99 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(122)

 

 
(109)

 

 
(89)

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
77 

 

 
63 

 

 
50 

 

Prior service cost

 

 
5 

 

 
5 

 

 
5 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost

 

$
108 

 

$
108 

 

$
109 

 

Regulatory adjustment1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
30 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost after regulatory adjustment

 

$
108 

 

$
108 

 

$
139 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

OPEB

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 
2010 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic OPEB cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$
32 

 

$
27 

 

$
26 

 

Interest expense

 

 
82 

 

 
77 

 

 
80 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(66)

 

 
(66)

 

 
(60)

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
46 

 

 
30 

 

 
32 

 

Prior service credit

 

 
(20)

 

 
(20)

 

 
(17)

 

Net periodic OPEB cost

 

$
74 

 

$
48 

 

$
61 

 

Regulatory adjustment1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
5 

 

Net periodic OPEB cost after regulatory adjustment

 

$
74 

 

$
48 

 

$
66 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic OPEB cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$
31 

 

$
26 

 

$
25 

 

Interest expense

 

 
79 

 

 
74 

 

 
77 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(61)

 

 
(61)

 

 
(56)

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
47 

 

 
31 

 

 
33 

 

Prior service credit

 

 
(20)

 

 
(20)

 

 
(16)

 

Net periodic OPEB cost

 

$
76 

 

$
50 

 

$
63 

 

Regulatory adjustment1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
5 

 

Net periodic OPEB cost after regulatory adjustment

 

$
76 

 

$
50 

 

$
68 

 

 

1Regulatory adjustments are the differences between amounts included in rates and the periodic benefit cost calculated.  These regulatory adjustments were offset by surcharge revenues, which resulted in no impact to net income for the years presented.  The pension and OPEB regulatory asset was less than $1 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

For CMS Energy, the estimated net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit Pension Plans that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 from the regulatory asset is $98 million and from AOCI is $2 million.  For Consumers, the estimated net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit Pension Plans that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 from the regulatory asset is $98 million.  For CMS Energy, the estimated net loss and prior service credit for the OPEB plans that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 from the regulatory asset is $23 million, with a decrease from AOCI of $1 million.  For Consumers, the estimated net loss and prior service credit for the OPEB plans that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 from the regulatory asset is $23 million.

CMS Energy and Consumers amortize net gains and losses in excess of ten percent of the greater of the PBO or the MRV over the average remaining service period.  The estimated period of amortization of gains and losses for CMS Energy and Consumers was 11 years for pension and 13 years for OPEB for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and 12 years for pension and 14 years for OPEB for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Prior service cost amortization is established in the year in which the prior service cost first occurred, and is based on the same amortization period for all future years until the prior service costs are fully amortized.  CMS Energy and Consumers had new prior service credits for OPEB in 2010.  The estimated period of amortization of these new prior service credits for CMS Energy and Consumers was ten years for OPEB for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Reconciliations:  Presented in the following tables are reconciliations of the funded status of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ retirement benefits plans with their retirement benefits plans’ liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension Plan

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

 

$
2,072 

 

$
1,896 

 

Service cost

 

 
48 

 

 
48 

 

Interest cost

 

 
99 

 

 
100 

 

Actuarial loss

 

 
249 

 

 
107 

 

Benefits paid

 

 
(114)

 

 
(79)

 

Benefit obligation at end of period

 

 
2,354 

 

 
2,072 

 

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period

 

$
1,626 

 

$
1,401 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 
215 

 

 
54 

 

Company contribution

 

 

 -

 

 
250 

 

Actual benefits paid

 

 
(114)

 

 
(79)

 

Plan assets at fair value at end of period

 

 
1,727 

 

 
1,626 

 

Funded status1

 

$
(627)

 

$
(446)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions     

 

DB SERP

 

OPEB

 

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 
2012 
2011 

 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

 

$
127 

 

$
118 

 

 

$
1,641 

 

$
1,410 

 

 

Service cost

 

 
1 

 

 
1 

 

 

 
32 

 

 
27 

 

 

Interest cost

 

 
6 

 

 
6 

 

 

 
82 

 

 
77 

 

 

Actuarial loss

 

 
16 

 

 
8 

 

 

 
25 

 

 
180 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

 
(6)

 

 
(6)

 

 

 
(51)

2

 
(53)

2

 

Benefit obligation at end of period

 

$
144 

 

$
127 

 

 

$
1,729 

3

$
1,641 

3

 

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

$
924 

 

$
887 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 
108 

 

 
23 

 

 

Company contribution

 

 
6 

 

 
6 

 

 

 
65 

 

 
67 

 

 

Actual benefits paid

 

 
(6)

 

 
(6)

 

 

 
(50)

2

 
(53)

2

 

Plan assets at fair value at end of period

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

$
1,047 

 

$
924 

 

 

Funded status

 

$
(144)

 

$
(127)

 

 

$
(682)

 

$
(717)

 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

 

$
85 

 

$
77 

 

 

$
1,585 

 

$
1,358 

 

 

Service cost

 

 
1 

 

 
1 

 

 

 
31 

 

 
26 

 

 

Interest cost

 

 
4 

 

 
4 

 

 

 
79 

 

 
74 

 

 

Actuarial loss

 

 
13 

 

 
6 

 

 

 
24 

 

 
178 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

 
(3)

 

 
(3)

 

 

 
(49)

2

 
(51)

2

 

Benefit obligation at end of period

 

$
100 

 

$
85 

 

 

$
1,670 

3

$
1,585 

3

 

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

$
861 

 

$
825 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 
101 

 

 
21 

 

 

Company contribution

 

 
3 

 

 
3 

 

 

 
64 

 

 
66 

 

 

Actual benefits paid

 

 
(3)

 

 
(3)

 

 

 
(48)

2

 
(51)

2

 

Plan assets at fair value at end of period

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

$
978 

 

$
861 

 

 

Funded status

 

$
(100)

 

$
(85)

 

 

$
(692)

 

$
(724)

 

 

 

1            At December 31, 2012, $590 million of the total funded status of the Pension Plan was attributable to Consumers based on an allocation of expenses.  At December 31, 2011, $414 million of the funded status of the Pension Plan was attributable to Consumers based on an allocation of expenses.

2            CMS Energy received payments of $5 million in each of 2012, 2011, and 2010 for the Medicare Part D subsidies.  Consumers received payments of $5 million in each of 2012, 2011, and 2010 for the Medicare Part D subsidies.  The Medicare Part D subsidy payments are used to pay OPEB plan benefits.

3            The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 established a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) and a federal subsidy, which is tax-exempt, to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.  In 2010, the Health Care Acts repealed these tax-exempt deductions for years beginning after December 31, 2012.  The Medicare Part D annualized reduction in net OPEB cost for CMS Energy was $20 million for 2012, $26 million for 2011, and $28 million for 2010.  Consumers’ Medicare Part D annualized reduction in net OPEB costs was $19 million for 2012, $25 million for 2011, and $26 million for 2010.  The reduction for CMS Energy and Consumers included $7 million for 2012, $9 million for 2011, and $10 million for 2010 in capitalized OPEB costs.

At December 31, 2012, CMS Energy classified $7 million of DB SERP liabilities as current liabilities, and $627 million of Pension Plan, $137 million of DB SERP, and $682 million of OPEB liabilities as non-current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets.  At December 31, 2011, CMS Energy classified $7 million of DB SERP liabilities as current liabilities, and $446 million of Pension Plan, $120 million of DB SERP, and $717 million of OPEB liabilities as non-current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets.

At December 31, 2012, Consumers classified $4 million of DB SERP liabilities as current liabilities, and $590 million of Pension Plan, $96 million of DB SERP, and $692 million of OPEB liabilities as non-current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets.  At December 31, 2011, Consumers classified $4 million of DB SERP liabilities as current liabilities, and $414 million of Pension Plan, $81 million of DB SERP, and $724 million of OPEB liabilities as non-current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets.

Presented in the following table are the Pension Plan PBO, ABO, and fair value of plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension PBO

 

$
2,354 

 

$
2,072 

 

Pension ABO

 

 
2,054 

 

 
1,765 

 

Fair value of Pension Plan assets

 

 
1,727 

 

 
1,626 

 

Items Not Yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:  Presented in the following table are the amounts recognized in regulatory assets and AOCI that have not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.  For additional details on regulatory assets, see Note 3, Regulatory Matters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension and DB SERP

 

OPEB

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$
1,095 

 

$
1,014 

 

 

$
704 

 

$
766 

 

Prior service cost (credit)

 

 
13 

 

 
17 

 

 

 
(112)

 

 
(132)

 

AOCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss (gain)

 

 
98 

 

 
81 

 

 

 
(7)

 

 
(5)

 

Prior service cost (credit)

 

 

 -

 

 
2 

 

 

 
(3)

 

 
(3)

 

Total amounts recognized in regulatory assets
   and AOCI

 

$
1,206 

 

$
1,114 

 

 

$
582 

 

$
626 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$
1,095 

 

$
1,014 

 

 

$
704 

 

$
766 

 

Prior service cost (credit)

 

 
13 

 

 
17 

 

 

 
(112)

 

 
(132)

 

AOCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
38 

 

 
27 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Total amounts recognized in regulatory assets
   and AOCI

 

$
1,146 

 

$
1,058 

 

 

$
592 

 

$
634 

 

Plan Assets:  Presented in the following tables are the fair values of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ Pension Plan and OPEB plan assets, by asset category and by level within the fair value hierarchy.  For additional details regarding the fair value hierarchy, see Note 6, Fair Value Measurements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension Plan

 

December 31, 2012

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
33 

 

$
33 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
26 

 

 

 -

 

 
26 

 

Corporate debt3

 

 
277 

 

 

 -

 

 
277 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
8 

 

 

 -

 

 
8 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
27 

 

 

 -

 

 
27 

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
319 

 

 
319 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds9

 

 
1,037 

 

 

 -

 

 
1,037 

 

Total

 

$
1,727 

 

$
352 

 

$
1,375 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension Plan

 

December 31, 2011

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
241 

 

$
241 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
24 

 

 

 -

 

 
24 

 

Corporate debt3

 

 
236 

 

 

 -

 

 
236 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
10 

 

 

 -

 

 
10 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
23 

 

 

 -

 

 
23 

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
257 

 

 
257 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds9

 

 
835 

 

 

 -

 

 
835 

 

Total

 

$
1,626 

 

$
498 

 

$
1,128 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

OPEB Plan

 

December 31, 2012

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
118 

 

$
118 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
4 

 

 

 -

 

 
4 

 

Corporate debt4

 

 
38 

 

 

 -

 

 
38 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
1 

 

 

 -

 

 
1 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
4 

 

 

 -

 

 
4 

 

Common stocks7

 

 
75 

 

 
75 

 

 

 -

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
300 

 

 
300 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds10

 

 
507 

 

 

 -

 

 
507 

 

Total

 

$
1,047 

 

$
493 

 

$
554 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
111 

 

$
111 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
3 

 

 

 -

 

 
3 

 

Corporate debt4

 

 
35 

 

 

 -

 

 
35 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
1 

 

 

 -

 

 
1 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
3 

 

 

 -

 

 
3 

 

Common stocks7

 

 
70 

 

 
70 

 

 

 -

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
281 

 

 
281 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds10

 

 
474 

 

 

 -

 

 
474 

 

Total

 

$
978 

 

$
462 

 

$
516 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

OPEB Plan

 

December 31, 2011

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
64 

 

$
64 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
203 

 

 

 -

 

 
203 

 

Corporate debt4

 

 
28 

 

 

 -

 

 
28 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
71 

 

 

 -

 

 
71 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
3 

 

 

 -

 

 
3 

 

Common stocks7

 

 
113 

 

 
113 

 

 

 -

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
31 

 

 
31 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds10

 

 
411 

 

 

 -

 

 
411 

 

Total

 

$
924 

 

$
208 

 

$
716 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
60 

 

$
60 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
189 

 

 

 -

 

 
189 

 

Corporate debt4

 

 
26 

 

 

 -

 

 
26 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
66 

 

 

 -

 

 
66 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
3 

 

 

 -

 

 
3 

 

Common stocks7

 

 
105 

 

 
105 

 

 

 -

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
29 

 

 
29 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds10

 

 
383 

 

 

 -

 

 
383 

 

Total

 

$
861 

 

$
194 

 

$
667 

 

 

1            Cash and short-term investments consist of money market funds with daily liquidity.

1

U.S. government and agencies securities consist of U.S. Treasury notes and other debt securities backed by the U.S. government and related agencies.  These securities were valued based on quoted market prices.

2

At December 31, 2012, corporate debt investments in the Pension Plan comprised investment grade bonds (68 percent) and non-investment grade, high-yield bonds (32 percent) of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.  At December 31, 2011, corporate debt investments in the Pension Plan comprised investment grade bonds (69 percent) and non-investment grade, high-yield bonds (31 percent) of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.  These securities are valued based on quoted market prices, when available, or yields presently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.

3

At December 31, 2012, corporate debt investments in the OPEB plan comprised investment grade bonds (68 percent) and non-investment grade, high-yield bonds (32 percent) of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.  At December 31, 2011, corporate debt investments in the OPEB plan comprised investment grade bonds (69 percent) and non-investment grade, high-yield bonds (31 percent) of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.  These securities are valued based on quoted market prices, when available, or yields presently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.

4

State and municipal bonds were valued using a matrix-pricing model that incorporates Level 2 market-based information.  The fair value of the bonds was derived from various observable inputs, including benchmark yields, reported securities trades, broker/dealer quotes, bond ratings, and general information on market movements for investment grade state and municipal securities normally considered by market participants when pricing such debt securities.

5

Foreign corporate debt securities were valued based on quoted market prices, when available, or on yields available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.

6

Common stocks in the OPEB plan consist of equity securities with low transaction costs that were actively managed and tracked by the S&P 500 Index.  These securities were valued at their quoted closing prices.

7

Mutual funds represent shares in registered investment companies that are priced based on the daily quoted NAVs that are publicly available and are the basis for transactions to buy or sell shares in the funds.

8

Pooled funds in the Pension Plan include both common and collective trust funds as well as special funds that contain only employee benefit plan assets from two or more unrelated benefit plans.  At December 31, 2012, these funds comprised investments in U.S. equity securities (51 percent), foreign equity securities (26 percent), foreign fixed-income securities (14 percent), U.S. fixed-income securities (four percent), and alternative investments (five percent).  At December 31, 2011, these funds comprised investments in U.S. equity securities (53 percent), foreign equity securities (22 percent), foreign fixed-income securities (16 percent), U.S. fixed-income securities (five percent), and alternative investments (four percent).  These investments were valued at the quoted NAV provided by the fund managers that is the basis for transactions to buy or sell shares in the funds.

9

Pooled funds in the OPEB plan include both common and collective trust funds as well as special funds that contain only employee benefit plan assets from two or more unrelated benefit plans.  At December 31, 2012, these funds comprised investments in U.S. equity securities (65 percent), foreign equity securities (21 percent), foreign fixed-income securities (nine percent), U.S. fixed-income securities (three percent), and alternative investments (two percent).  At December 31, 2011, these funds comprised investments in U.S. equity securities (88 percent), foreign equity securities (six percent), foreign fixed-income securities (four percent), U.S. fixed-income securities (one percent), and alternative investments (one percent).  These investments are valued at the quoted NAV provided by the fund managers that is the basis for transactions to buy or sell shares in the funds.

Presented in the following table are the contributions to CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ OPEB plan and Pension Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPEB1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VEBA trust

 

$
45 

 

$
48 

 

401(h) component

 

 
20 

 

 
19 

 

 

 

$
65 

 

$
67 

 

Pension2

 

$

 -

 

$
250 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPEB1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VEBA trust

 

$
45 

 

$
47 

 

401(h) component

 

 
19 

 

 
19 

 

 

 

$
64 

 

$
66 

 

Pension2

 

$

 -

 

$
245 

 

 

1

CMS Energy, including Consumers, plans to contribute $74 million to the OPEB plan in 2013, of which Consumers plans to contribute $73 million.

2

CMS Energy, including Consumers, planned to contribute $50 million to the Pension Plan in 2013, of which Consumers planned to contribute $49 million.  This Pension Plan contribution was made in January 2013.

Contributions include required and discretionary amounts.  Actual future contributions will depend on future investment performance, changes in discount rates, and various factors related to the populations participating in the plans.

In 2011, CMS Energy reached its target asset allocation for Pension Plan assets of 50 percent equity, 30 percent fixed income, and 20 percent alternative-strategy investments.  This target asset allocation is expected to continue to maximize the long-term return on plan assets, while maintaining a prudent level of risk.  The level of acceptable risk is a function of the liabilities of the plan.  Equity investments are diversified mostly across the S&P 500 Index, with lesser allocations to the S&P MidCap and SmallCap Indexes and Foreign Equity Funds.  Fixed-income investments are diversified across investment grade instruments of government and corporate issuers as well as high-yield and global bond funds.  Alternative strategies are diversified across absolute return investment approaches and global tactical asset allocation.  CMS Energy and Consumers use annual liability measurements, quarterly portfolio reviews, and periodic asset/liability studies to evaluate the need for adjustments to the portfolio allocation.

CMS Energy and Consumers established union and non-union VEBA trusts to fund their future retiree health and life insurance benefits.  These trusts are funded through the ratemaking process for Consumers and through direct contributions from the non-utility subsidiaries.  In 2012, CMS Energy and Consumers adjusted their target asset allocation to 50 percent equity, 20 percent fixed income, and 30 percent alternative-strategy investments.  This target allocation is expected to continue to maximize the long-term return on plan assets, while maintaining a prudent level of risk.  The level of acceptable risk is a function of the liabilities of the plan.  Equity investments are diversified mostly across the S&P 500 Index, with lesser allocations to the S&P SmallCap Index and Foreign Equity Funds.  Fixed-income investments are diversified across investment grade instruments of government and corporate issuers.  Alternative strategies are diversified across absolute return investment approaches and global tactical asset allocation.  CMS Energy and Consumers use annual liability measurements, quarterly portfolio reviews, and periodic asset/liability studies to evaluate the need for adjustments to the portfolio allocation.

Benefit Payments:  Presented in the following table are the expected benefit payments for each of the next five years and the five-year period thereafter:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension 

DB SERP 

OPEB1

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

$
120 

 

$
7 

 

$
61 

 

2014

 

 
128 

 

 
8 

 

 
65 

 

2015

 

 
138 

 

 
8 

 

 
70 

 

2016

 

 
144 

 

 
8 

 

 
74 

 

2017

 

 
149 

 

 
8 

 

 
79 

 

2018-2022

 

 
793 

 

 
46 

 

 
451 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

$
117 

 

$
4 

 

$
59 

 

2014

 

 
125 

 

 
4 

 

 
63 

 

2015

 

 
134 

 

 
4 

 

 
67 

 

2016

 

 
140 

 

 
4 

 

 
71 

 

2017

 

 
146 

 

 
4 

 

 
76 

 

2018-2022

 

 
773 

 

 
20 

 

 
432 

 

 

1

CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ OPEB benefit payments are net of employee contributions and expected Medicare Part D prescription drug subsidy payments.  For CMS Energy, subsidies to be received are estimated to be $6 million for 2013, $7 million for each of 2014 and 2015, $8 million for each of 2016 and 2017, and $51 million combined for 2018 through 2022.  For Consumers, subsidies to be received are estimated to be $6 million for each of 2013 and 2014, $7 million for each of 2015 and 2016, $8 million for 2017, and $48 million combined for 2018 through 2022.

Collective Bargaining Agreements:    At December 31, 2012, unions represented 43 percent of CMS Energy’s employees and 45 percent of Consumers’ employees.  The UWUA represents Consumers’ operating, maintenance, construction, and call center employees.  The USW represents Zeeland employees.  Union contracts expire in 2015.

Consumers Energy Company [Member]
  
Retirement Benefits

12:RETIREMENT BENEFITS

CMS Energy and Consumers provide pension, OPEB, and other retirement benefits to employees under a number of different plans.  These plans include:

·

a non-contributory, qualified defined benefit Pension Plan (closed to new non-union participants as of July 1, 2003 and closed to new union participants as of September 1, 2005);

·

a qualified cash balance Pension Plan for certain employees hired between July 1, 2003 and August 31, 2005;

·

a non-contributory, qualified DCCP for employees hired on or after September 1, 2005;

·

benefits to certain management employees under a non-contributory, nonqualified DB SERP (closed to new participants as of March 31, 2006);

·

a non-contributory, nonqualified DC SERP for certain management employees hired or promoted on or after April 1, 2006;

·

health care and life insurance benefits under an OPEB plan; and

·

a contributory, qualified defined contribution 401(k) plan.

Pension Plan:  Participants in the Pension Plan include CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ present employees, employees of their subsidiaries, and employees of Panhandle, a former CMS Energy subsidiary.  Pension Plan trust assets are not distinguishable by company.

CMS Energy and Consumers provide an employer contribution of five percent of base pay to the DCCP 401(k) plan for employees hired on or after September 1, 2005.  On January 1, 2011, the employer contribution was increased to six percent.  Employees are not required to contribute in order to receive the plan’s employer contribution.

Participants in the cash balance Pension Plan, effective July 1, 2003 to August 31, 2005, also participate in the DCCP as of September 1, 2005.  Additional pay credits under the cash balance Pension Plan were discontinued as of September 1, 2005.  DCCP expense for CMS Energy and Consumers was $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, and $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

DB SERP:  The DB SERP is a non-qualified plan as defined by the Internal Revenue Code.  DB SERP benefits are paid from a rabbi trust established in 1988.  DB SERP rabbi trust earnings are taxable.  Presented in the following table are the fair value of trust assets, ABO, and contributions for CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ DB SERP:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust assets

 

$
128 

 

$
114 

 

ABO

 

 
130 

 

 
117 

 

Contributions

 

 
13 

 

 
27 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trust assets

 

$
87 

 

$
75 

 

ABO

 

 
86 

 

 
76 

 

Contributions

 

 
9 

 

 
20 

 

DC SERP:    On April 1, 2006, CMS Energy and Consumers implemented a DC SERP and froze further new participation in the DB SERP.  The DC SERP provides participants benefits ranging from 5 percent to 15 percent of total compensation.  The DC SERP requires a minimum of five years of participation before vesting.  CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ contributions to the plan, if any, are placed in a grantor trust.  For CMS Energy and Consumers, trust assets were $1 million at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.  DC SERP assets are included in other non-current assets on CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ consolidated balance sheets.  CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ DC SERP expense was less than $1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.

401(k):  The 401(k) plan employer match equals 60 percent of eligible contributions up to the first six percent of an employee’s wages.  The total 401(k) plan cost for CMS Energy, including Consumers, was $16 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010.  The total 401(k) plan cost for Consumers was $16 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and $15 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

OPEB:  Participants in the OPEB plan include all regular full-time employees covered by the employee health care plan on the day before retirement from either CMS Energy or Consumers at age 55 or older with at least ten full years of applicable continuous service.  Regular full-time employees who qualify for Pension Plan disability retirement and have 15 years of applicable continuous service may also participate in the OPEB plan.  Retiree health care costs were based on the assumption that costs would increase 8.0 percent for those under 65 and 7.5 percent for those over 65 in 2013 and 7.5 percent in 2012 for all retirees.  The rate of increase was assumed to decline to five percent for all retirees by 2019 and thereafter.

The assumptions used in the health care cost-trend rate affect service, interest, and PBO costs.  Presented in the following table are the effects of a one-percentage-point change in the health care cost-trend assumption:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

One Percentage 

One Percentage 

 

Years Ended December 31

Point Increase 

Point Decrease 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on total service and interest cost component

 

$
23 

 

$
(19)

 

Effect on PBO

 

 
281 

 

 
(242)

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect on total service and interest cost component

 

$
22 

 

$
(18)

 

Effect on PBO

 

 
273 

 

 
(235)

 

Assumptions:  Presented in the following table are the weighted-average assumptions used in CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ retirement benefits plans to determine benefit obligations and net periodic benefit cost:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and DB SERP

 

OPEB

 

December 31
2012 

 
2011 

 
2010 

 

 
2012 

 
2011 

 
2010 

 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average for benefit
   obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate1

 
4.10 

%

 
4.90 

%

 
5.40 

%

 

 
4.40 

%

 
5.10 

%

 
5.60 

%

 

Mortality table2

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension

 
3.00 

%

 
3.50 

%

 
4.00 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DB SERP

 
5.50 

%

 
5.50 

%

 
5.50 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average for net
   periodic benefit cost
   obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discount rate1

 
4.90 

%

 
5.40 

%

 
5.85 

%

 

 
5.10 

%

 
5.60 

%

 
6.00 

%

 

Expected long-term rate of
   return on plan assets3

 
7.75 

%

 
8.00 

%

 
8.00 

%

 

 
7.25 

%

 
7.50 

%

 
7.50 

%

 

Mortality table2

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 
2000 

 

 

Rate of compensation increase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension

 
3.50 

%

 
4.00 

%

 
4.00 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DB SERP

 
5.50 

%

 
5.50 

%

 
5.50 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1The discount rate reflects the rate at which benefits could be effectively settled and is equal to the equivalent single rate resulting from a yield curve analysis.  This analysis incorporated the projected benefit payments specific to CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ Pension Plan and OPEB plan and the yields on high quality corporate bonds rated Aa or better.

2The mortality assumption was based on the RP-2000 mortality tables with projection of future mortality improvements using Scale AA, which aligned with the IRS prescriptions for cash funding valuations under the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

3CMS Energy and Consumers determined the long-term rate of return using historical market returns, the present and expected future economic environment, the capital market principles of risk and return, and the expert opinions of individuals and firms with financial market knowledge.  CMS Energy and Consumers considered the asset allocation of the portfolio in forecasting the future expected total return of the portfolio.  The goal was to determine a long-term rate of return that could be incorporated into the planning of future cash flow requirements in conjunction with the change in the liability.  Annually, CMS Energy and Consumers review for reasonableness and appropriateness the forecasted returns for various classes of assets used to construct an expected return model.  CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ expected long-term rate of return on Pension Plan assets was 7.75 percent in 2012.  The actual return on Pension Plan assets was 14.1 percent in 2012, four percent in 2011, and 13 percent in 2010.

Costs:  Presented in the following tables are the costs and other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations incurred in CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ retirement benefits plans:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension and DB SERP

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 
2010 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$
49 

 

$
49 

 

$
45 

 

Interest expense

 

 
105 

 

 
106 

 

 
104 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(125)

 

 
(112)

 

 
(92)

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
79 

 

 
65 

 

 
52 

 

Prior service cost

 

 
5 

 

 
5 

 

 
5 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost

 

$
113 

 

$
113 

 

$
114 

 

Regulatory adjustment1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
30 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost after regulatory adjustment

 

$
113 

 

$
113 

 

$
144 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$
48 

 

$
48 

 

$
44 

 

Interest expense

 

 
100 

 

 
101 

 

 
99 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(122)

 

 
(109)

 

 
(89)

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
77 

 

 
63 

 

 
50 

 

Prior service cost

 

 
5 

 

 
5 

 

 
5 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost

 

$
108 

 

$
108 

 

$
109 

 

Regulatory adjustment1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
30 

 

Net periodic pension and DB SERP cost after regulatory adjustment

 

$
108 

 

$
108 

 

$
139 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

OPEB

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 
2010 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic OPEB cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$
32 

 

$
27 

 

$
26 

 

Interest expense

 

 
82 

 

 
77 

 

 
80 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(66)

 

 
(66)

 

 
(60)

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
46 

 

 
30 

 

 
32 

 

Prior service credit

 

 
(20)

 

 
(20)

 

 
(17)

 

Net periodic OPEB cost

 

$
74 

 

$
48 

 

$
61 

 

Regulatory adjustment1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
5 

 

Net periodic OPEB cost after regulatory adjustment

 

$
74 

 

$
48 

 

$
66 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic OPEB cost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Service cost

 

$
31 

 

$
26 

 

$
25 

 

Interest expense

 

 
79 

 

 
74 

 

 
77 

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 
(61)

 

 
(61)

 

 
(56)

 

Amortization of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
47 

 

 
31 

 

 
33 

 

Prior service credit

 

 
(20)

 

 
(20)

 

 
(16)

 

Net periodic OPEB cost

 

$
76 

 

$
50 

 

$
63 

 

Regulatory adjustment1

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 
5 

 

Net periodic OPEB cost after regulatory adjustment

 

$
76 

 

$
50 

 

$
68 

 

 

1Regulatory adjustments are the differences between amounts included in rates and the periodic benefit cost calculated.  These regulatory adjustments were offset by surcharge revenues, which resulted in no impact to net income for the years presented.  The pension and OPEB regulatory asset was less than $1 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011.

For CMS Energy, the estimated net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit Pension Plans that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 from the regulatory asset is $98 million and from AOCI is $2 million.  For Consumers, the estimated net loss and prior service cost for the defined benefit Pension Plans that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 from the regulatory asset is $98 million.  For CMS Energy, the estimated net loss and prior service credit for the OPEB plans that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 from the regulatory asset is $23 million, with a decrease from AOCI of $1 million.  For Consumers, the estimated net loss and prior service credit for the OPEB plans that will be amortized into net periodic benefit cost in 2013 from the regulatory asset is $23 million.

CMS Energy and Consumers amortize net gains and losses in excess of ten percent of the greater of the PBO or the MRV over the average remaining service period.  The estimated period of amortization of gains and losses for CMS Energy and Consumers was 11 years for pension and 13 years for OPEB for each of the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 and 12 years for pension and 14 years for OPEB for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Prior service cost amortization is established in the year in which the prior service cost first occurred, and is based on the same amortization period for all future years until the prior service costs are fully amortized.  CMS Energy and Consumers had new prior service credits for OPEB in 2010.  The estimated period of amortization of these new prior service credits for CMS Energy and Consumers was ten years for OPEB for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Reconciliations:  Presented in the following tables are reconciliations of the funded status of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ retirement benefits plans with their retirement benefits plans’ liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension Plan

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

 

$
2,072 

 

$
1,896 

 

Service cost

 

 
48 

 

 
48 

 

Interest cost

 

 
99 

 

 
100 

 

Actuarial loss

 

 
249 

 

 
107 

 

Benefits paid

 

 
(114)

 

 
(79)

 

Benefit obligation at end of period

 

 
2,354 

 

 
2,072 

 

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period

 

$
1,626 

 

$
1,401 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 
215 

 

 
54 

 

Company contribution

 

 

 -

 

 
250 

 

Actual benefits paid

 

 
(114)

 

 
(79)

 

Plan assets at fair value at end of period

 

 
1,727 

 

 
1,626 

 

Funded status1

 

$
(627)

 

$
(446)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions     

 

DB SERP

 

OPEB

 

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 
2012 
2011 

 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

 

$
127 

 

$
118 

 

 

$
1,641 

 

$
1,410 

 

 

Service cost

 

 
1 

 

 
1 

 

 

 
32 

 

 
27 

 

 

Interest cost

 

 
6 

 

 
6 

 

 

 
82 

 

 
77 

 

 

Actuarial loss

 

 
16 

 

 
8 

 

 

 
25 

 

 
180 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

 
(6)

 

 
(6)

 

 

 
(51)

2

 
(53)

2

 

Benefit obligation at end of period

 

$
144 

 

$
127 

 

 

$
1,729 

3

$
1,641 

3

 

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

$
924 

 

$
887 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 
108 

 

 
23 

 

 

Company contribution

 

 
6 

 

 
6 

 

 

 
65 

 

 
67 

 

 

Actual benefits paid

 

 
(6)

 

 
(6)

 

 

 
(50)

2

 
(53)

2

 

Plan assets at fair value at end of period

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

$
1,047 

 

$
924 

 

 

Funded status

 

$
(144)

 

$
(127)

 

 

$
(682)

 

$
(717)

 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of period

 

$
85 

 

$
77 

 

 

$
1,585 

 

$
1,358 

 

 

Service cost

 

 
1 

 

 
1 

 

 

 
31 

 

 
26 

 

 

Interest cost

 

 
4 

 

 
4 

 

 

 
79 

 

 
74 

 

 

Actuarial loss

 

 
13 

 

 
6 

 

 

 
24 

 

 
178 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

 
(3)

 

 
(3)

 

 

 
(49)

2

 
(51)

2

 

Benefit obligation at end of period

 

$
100 

 

$
85 

 

 

$
1,670 

3

$
1,585 

3

 

Plan assets at fair value at beginning of period

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

$
861 

 

$
825 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

 

 
101 

 

 
21 

 

 

Company contribution

 

 
3 

 

 
3 

 

 

 
64 

 

 
66 

 

 

Actual benefits paid

 

 
(3)

 

 
(3)

 

 

 
(48)

2

 
(51)

2

 

Plan assets at fair value at end of period

 

$

 -

 

$

 -

 

 

$
978 

 

$
861 

 

 

Funded status

 

$
(100)

 

$
(85)

 

 

$
(692)

 

$
(724)

 

 

 

1            At December 31, 2012, $590 million of the total funded status of the Pension Plan was attributable to Consumers based on an allocation of expenses.  At December 31, 2011, $414 million of the funded status of the Pension Plan was attributable to Consumers based on an allocation of expenses.

2            CMS Energy received payments of $5 million in each of 2012, 2011, and 2010 for the Medicare Part D subsidies.  Consumers received payments of $5 million in each of 2012, 2011, and 2010 for the Medicare Part D subsidies.  The Medicare Part D subsidy payments are used to pay OPEB plan benefits.

3            The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 established a prescription drug benefit under Medicare (Medicare Part D) and a federal subsidy, which is tax-exempt, to sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans that provide a benefit that is actuarially equivalent to Medicare Part D.  In 2010, the Health Care Acts repealed these tax-exempt deductions for years beginning after December 31, 2012.  The Medicare Part D annualized reduction in net OPEB cost for CMS Energy was $20 million for 2012, $26 million for 2011, and $28 million for 2010.  Consumers’ Medicare Part D annualized reduction in net OPEB costs was $19 million for 2012, $25 million for 2011, and $26 million for 2010.  The reduction for CMS Energy and Consumers included $7 million for 2012, $9 million for 2011, and $10 million for 2010 in capitalized OPEB costs.

At December 31, 2012, CMS Energy classified $7 million of DB SERP liabilities as current liabilities, and $627 million of Pension Plan, $137 million of DB SERP, and $682 million of OPEB liabilities as non-current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets.  At December 31, 2011, CMS Energy classified $7 million of DB SERP liabilities as current liabilities, and $446 million of Pension Plan, $120 million of DB SERP, and $717 million of OPEB liabilities as non-current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets.

At December 31, 2012, Consumers classified $4 million of DB SERP liabilities as current liabilities, and $590 million of Pension Plan, $96 million of DB SERP, and $692 million of OPEB liabilities as non-current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets.  At December 31, 2011, Consumers classified $4 million of DB SERP liabilities as current liabilities, and $414 million of Pension Plan, $81 million of DB SERP, and $724 million of OPEB liabilities as non-current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets.

Presented in the following table are the Pension Plan PBO, ABO, and fair value of plan assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension PBO

 

$
2,354 

 

$
2,072 

 

Pension ABO

 

 
2,054 

 

 
1,765 

 

Fair value of Pension Plan assets

 

 
1,727 

 

 
1,626 

 

Items Not Yet Recognized as a Component of Net Periodic Benefit Cost:  Presented in the following table are the amounts recognized in regulatory assets and AOCI that have not been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost.  For additional details on regulatory assets, see Note 3, Regulatory Matters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension and DB SERP

 

OPEB

 

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$
1,095 

 

$
1,014 

 

 

$
704 

 

$
766 

 

Prior service cost (credit)

 

 
13 

 

 
17 

 

 

 
(112)

 

 
(132)

 

AOCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss (gain)

 

 
98 

 

 
81 

 

 

 
(7)

 

 
(5)

 

Prior service cost (credit)

 

 

 -

 

 
2 

 

 

 
(3)

 

 
(3)

 

Total amounts recognized in regulatory assets
   and AOCI

 

$
1,206 

 

$
1,114 

 

 

$
582 

 

$
626 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Regulatory assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$
1,095 

 

$
1,014 

 

 

$
704 

 

$
766 

 

Prior service cost (credit)

 

 
13 

 

 
17 

 

 

 
(112)

 

 
(132)

 

AOCI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 
38 

 

 
27 

 

 

 

 -

 

 

 -

 

Total amounts recognized in regulatory assets
   and AOCI

 

$
1,146 

 

$
1,058 

 

 

$
592 

 

$
634 

 

Plan Assets:  Presented in the following tables are the fair values of CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ Pension Plan and OPEB plan assets, by asset category and by level within the fair value hierarchy.  For additional details regarding the fair value hierarchy, see Note 6, Fair Value Measurements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension Plan

 

December 31, 2012

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
33 

 

$
33 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
26 

 

 

 -

 

 
26 

 

Corporate debt3

 

 
277 

 

 

 -

 

 
277 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
8 

 

 

 -

 

 
8 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
27 

 

 

 -

 

 
27 

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
319 

 

 
319 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds9

 

 
1,037 

 

 

 -

 

 
1,037 

 

Total

 

$
1,727 

 

$
352 

 

$
1,375 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension Plan

 

December 31, 2011

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
241 

 

$
241 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
24 

 

 

 -

 

 
24 

 

Corporate debt3

 

 
236 

 

 

 -

 

 
236 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
10 

 

 

 -

 

 
10 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
23 

 

 

 -

 

 
23 

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
257 

 

 
257 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds9

 

 
835 

 

 

 -

 

 
835 

 

Total

 

$
1,626 

 

$
498 

 

$
1,128 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

OPEB Plan

 

December 31, 2012

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
118 

 

$
118 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
4 

 

 

 -

 

 
4 

 

Corporate debt4

 

 
38 

 

 

 -

 

 
38 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
1 

 

 

 -

 

 
1 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
4 

 

 

 -

 

 
4 

 

Common stocks7

 

 
75 

 

 
75 

 

 

 -

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
300 

 

 
300 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds10

 

 
507 

 

 

 -

 

 
507 

 

Total

 

$
1,047 

 

$
493 

 

$
554 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
111 

 

$
111 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
3 

 

 

 -

 

 
3 

 

Corporate debt4

 

 
35 

 

 

 -

 

 
35 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
1 

 

 

 -

 

 
1 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
3 

 

 

 -

 

 
3 

 

Common stocks7

 

 
70 

 

 
70 

 

 

 -

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
281 

 

 
281 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds10

 

 
474 

 

 

 -

 

 
474 

 

Total

 

$
978 

 

$
462 

 

$
516 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

OPEB Plan

 

December 31, 2011

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
64 

 

$
64 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
203 

 

 

 -

 

 
203 

 

Corporate debt4

 

 
28 

 

 

 -

 

 
28 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
71 

 

 

 -

 

 
71 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
3 

 

 

 -

 

 
3 

 

Common stocks7

 

 
113 

 

 
113 

 

 

 -

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
31 

 

 
31 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds10

 

 
411 

 

 

 -

 

 
411 

 

Total

 

$
924 

 

$
208 

 

$
716 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and short-term investments1

 

$
60 

 

$
60 

 

$

 -

 

U.S. government and agencies securities2

 

 
189 

 

 

 -

 

 
189 

 

Corporate debt4

 

 
26 

 

 

 -

 

 
26 

 

State and municipal bonds5

 

 
66 

 

 

 -

 

 
66 

 

Foreign corporate bonds6

 

 
3 

 

 

 -

 

 
3 

 

Common stocks7

 

 
105 

 

 
105 

 

 

 -

 

Mutual funds8

 

 
29 

 

 
29 

 

 

 -

 

Pooled funds10

 

 
383 

 

 

 -

 

 
383 

 

Total

 

$
861 

 

$
194 

 

$
667 

 

 

1            Cash and short-term investments consist of money market funds with daily liquidity.

1

U.S. government and agencies securities consist of U.S. Treasury notes and other debt securities backed by the U.S. government and related agencies.  These securities were valued based on quoted market prices.

2

At December 31, 2012, corporate debt investments in the Pension Plan comprised investment grade bonds (68 percent) and non-investment grade, high-yield bonds (32 percent) of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.  At December 31, 2011, corporate debt investments in the Pension Plan comprised investment grade bonds (69 percent) and non-investment grade, high-yield bonds (31 percent) of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.  These securities are valued based on quoted market prices, when available, or yields presently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.

3

At December 31, 2012, corporate debt investments in the OPEB plan comprised investment grade bonds (68 percent) and non-investment grade, high-yield bonds (32 percent) of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.  At December 31, 2011, corporate debt investments in the OPEB plan comprised investment grade bonds (69 percent) and non-investment grade, high-yield bonds (31 percent) of U.S. issuers from diverse industries.  These securities are valued based on quoted market prices, when available, or yields presently available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.

4

State and municipal bonds were valued using a matrix-pricing model that incorporates Level 2 market-based information.  The fair value of the bonds was derived from various observable inputs, including benchmark yields, reported securities trades, broker/dealer quotes, bond ratings, and general information on market movements for investment grade state and municipal securities normally considered by market participants when pricing such debt securities.

5

Foreign corporate debt securities were valued based on quoted market prices, when available, or on yields available on comparable securities of issuers with similar credit ratings.

6

Common stocks in the OPEB plan consist of equity securities with low transaction costs that were actively managed and tracked by the S&P 500 Index.  These securities were valued at their quoted closing prices.

7

Mutual funds represent shares in registered investment companies that are priced based on the daily quoted NAVs that are publicly available and are the basis for transactions to buy or sell shares in the funds.

8

Pooled funds in the Pension Plan include both common and collective trust funds as well as special funds that contain only employee benefit plan assets from two or more unrelated benefit plans.  At December 31, 2012, these funds comprised investments in U.S. equity securities (51 percent), foreign equity securities (26 percent), foreign fixed-income securities (14 percent), U.S. fixed-income securities (four percent), and alternative investments (five percent).  At December 31, 2011, these funds comprised investments in U.S. equity securities (53 percent), foreign equity securities (22 percent), foreign fixed-income securities (16 percent), U.S. fixed-income securities (five percent), and alternative investments (four percent).  These investments were valued at the quoted NAV provided by the fund managers that is the basis for transactions to buy or sell shares in the funds.

9

Pooled funds in the OPEB plan include both common and collective trust funds as well as special funds that contain only employee benefit plan assets from two or more unrelated benefit plans.  At December 31, 2012, these funds comprised investments in U.S. equity securities (65 percent), foreign equity securities (21 percent), foreign fixed-income securities (nine percent), U.S. fixed-income securities (three percent), and alternative investments (two percent).  At December 31, 2011, these funds comprised investments in U.S. equity securities (88 percent), foreign equity securities (six percent), foreign fixed-income securities (four percent), U.S. fixed-income securities (one percent), and alternative investments (one percent).  These investments are valued at the quoted NAV provided by the fund managers that is the basis for transactions to buy or sell shares in the funds.

Presented in the following table are the contributions to CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ OPEB plan and Pension Plan:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

Years Ended December 31
2012 
2011 

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPEB1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VEBA trust

 

$
45 

 

$
48 

 

401(h) component

 

 
20 

 

 
19 

 

 

 

$
65 

 

$
67 

 

Pension2

 

$

 -

 

$
250 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPEB1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VEBA trust

 

$
45 

 

$
47 

 

401(h) component

 

 
19 

 

 
19 

 

 

 

$
64 

 

$
66 

 

Pension2

 

$

 -

 

$
245 

 

 

1

CMS Energy, including Consumers, plans to contribute $74 million to the OPEB plan in 2013, of which Consumers plans to contribute $73 million.

2

CMS Energy, including Consumers, planned to contribute $50 million to the Pension Plan in 2013, of which Consumers planned to contribute $49 million.  This Pension Plan contribution was made in January 2013.

Contributions include required and discretionary amounts.  Actual future contributions will depend on future investment performance, changes in discount rates, and various factors related to the populations participating in the plans.

In 2011, CMS Energy reached its target asset allocation for Pension Plan assets of 50 percent equity, 30 percent fixed income, and 20 percent alternative-strategy investments.  This target asset allocation is expected to continue to maximize the long-term return on plan assets, while maintaining a prudent level of risk.  The level of acceptable risk is a function of the liabilities of the plan.  Equity investments are diversified mostly across the S&P 500 Index, with lesser allocations to the S&P MidCap and SmallCap Indexes and Foreign Equity Funds.  Fixed-income investments are diversified across investment grade instruments of government and corporate issuers as well as high-yield and global bond funds.  Alternative strategies are diversified across absolute return investment approaches and global tactical asset allocation.  CMS Energy and Consumers use annual liability measurements, quarterly portfolio reviews, and periodic asset/liability studies to evaluate the need for adjustments to the portfolio allocation.

CMS Energy and Consumers established union and non-union VEBA trusts to fund their future retiree health and life insurance benefits.  These trusts are funded through the ratemaking process for Consumers and through direct contributions from the non-utility subsidiaries.  In 2012, CMS Energy and Consumers adjusted their target asset allocation to 50 percent equity, 20 percent fixed income, and 30 percent alternative-strategy investments.  This target allocation is expected to continue to maximize the long-term return on plan assets, while maintaining a prudent level of risk.  The level of acceptable risk is a function of the liabilities of the plan.  Equity investments are diversified mostly across the S&P 500 Index, with lesser allocations to the S&P SmallCap Index and Foreign Equity Funds.  Fixed-income investments are diversified across investment grade instruments of government and corporate issuers.  Alternative strategies are diversified across absolute return investment approaches and global tactical asset allocation.  CMS Energy and Consumers use annual liability measurements, quarterly portfolio reviews, and periodic asset/liability studies to evaluate the need for adjustments to the portfolio allocation.

Benefit Payments:  Presented in the following table are the expected benefit payments for each of the next five years and the five-year period thereafter:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Millions  

 

Pension 

DB SERP 

OPEB1

 

CMS Energy, including Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

$
120 

 

$
7 

 

$
61 

 

2014

 

 
128 

 

 
8 

 

 
65 

 

2015

 

 
138 

 

 
8 

 

 
70 

 

2016

 

 
144 

 

 
8 

 

 
74 

 

2017

 

 
149 

 

 
8 

 

 
79 

 

2018-2022

 

 
793 

 

 
46 

 

 
451 

 

Consumers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

 

$
117 

 

$
4 

 

$
59 

 

2014

 

 
125 

 

 
4 

 

 
63 

 

2015

 

 
134 

 

 
4 

 

 
67 

 

2016

 

 
140 

 

 
4 

 

 
71 

 

2017

 

 
146 

 

 
4 

 

 
76 

 

2018-2022

 

 
773 

 

 
20 

 

 
432 

 

 

1

CMS Energy’s and Consumers’ OPEB benefit payments are net of employee contributions and expected Medicare Part D prescription drug subsidy payments.  For CMS Energy, subsidies to be received are estimated to be $6 million for 2013, $7 million for each of 2014 and 2015, $8 million for each of 2016 and 2017, and $51 million combined for 2018 through 2022.  For Consumers, subsidies to be received are estimated to be $6 million for each of 2013 and 2014, $7 million for each of 2015 and 2016, $8 million for 2017, and $48 million combined for 2018 through 2022.

Collective Bargaining Agreements:    At December 31, 2012, unions represented 43 percent of CMS Energy’s employees and 45 percent of Consumers’ employees.  The UWUA represents Consumers’ operating, maintenance, construction, and call center employees.  The USW represents Zeeland employees.  Union contracts expire in 2015.