EX-13.3 22 f2006psnhannualreport.htm PSNH 2006 Annual Report

Exhibit 13.3


2006 Annual Report
Public Service Company of New Hampshire


Company Report


Overview

Public Service Company of New Hampshire (PSNH or the company) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northeast Utilities (NU).  NU’s other regulated electric subsidiaries include The Connecticut Light and Power Company and Western Massachusetts Electric Company.  


PSNH earned $35.3 million in 2006, compared with $41.7 million in 2005 and $46.6 million in 2004.  Included in earnings were transmission earnings of $8.3 million, $7.8 million and $6.7 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and distribution earnings of $27 million, $33.9 million and $39.9 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  


PSNH’s distribution and generation earnings were $6.9 million lower in 2006, when compared to 2005, due primarily to higher unitary state income taxes resulting from the impact of the sale of NU Enterprises' competitive generation assets.  PSNH also experienced a 1.3 percent decline in sales and increased wholesale transmission costs in 2006, offset by a temporary annual distribution rate increase of $24.5 million that was effective on July 1, 2006.  PSNH’s regulatory return on equity (ROE) for 2006 was approximately 6.4 percent, and in 2007, PSNH expects distribution and generation earnings to improve as a result of the ongoing distribution rate case and a lower effective tax rate than in 2006.


The increase in transmission earnings in 2006 is due to higher levels of investment in the transmission system.


A summary of changes in PSNH electric kilowatt-hour (KWH) sales for 2006 as compared to 2005 on an actual and weather normalized basis is as follows:


 

 



Percentage
Decrease

 

Weather
Normalized
Percentage
Increase/(Decrease)

Residential

 

(2.4)% 

 

0.5 % 

Commercial

 

-       

 

1.4 % 

Industrial

 

(1.9)% 

 

(1.1)% 

Other

 

(5.4)% 

 

(5.4)% 

Total

 

(1.3)% 

 

0.5 % 


Electric sales in 2006 declined due to lower use per customer as a result of a combination of milder summer and winter weather in 2006, compared with 2005, and customer reaction to higher energy prices.  PSNH forecasts retail sales growth for the period 2007 through 2011 to be 2.3 percent.


Liquidity

Net cash flows from operations increased by $18.5 million from $155.3 million in 2005 to $173.8 million in 2006.  The increase in operating cash flows is primarily due to an increase in customer accounts receivable collected due to increased rates offset by lower sales in 2006 compared to 2005.  Offsetting this increase are higher cash tax payments made in 2006 compared to 2005.  PSNH's operating cash flows are expected to decline in 2007 as a result of a significant reduction in approved stranded cost recovery charge (SCRC) rates to an average rate of $0.0155 per kilowatt-hour (KWH) from the current average rate of $0.0335 per KWH effective on July 1, 2006.  That decline, which amounts to approximately $170 million annually, is the result of the completion of PSNH's recovery of its Part 3 non-securitized stranded costs as of June 30, 2006.  


Cash flows from operations decreased by $47.5 million to $155.3 million in 2005 from $202.8 million in 2004.  The decrease in cash flows is primarily due to an increase in regulatory refunds, higher tax payments, payments made relating to the emissions allowance program and a decrease in accounts payable related to an intercompany billing and construction costs.  


PSNH is party to a 5-year unsecured revolving credit facility which expires on November 6, 2010.  The company can borrow up to $100 million on a short-term basis, or subject to regulatory approvals, on a long-term basis.  At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PSNH had no borrowings outstanding under this facility.

 

PSNH’s senior secured debt is rated Baa1, BBB, and BBB+ with a stable outlook, by Moody’s Investors Service, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings, respectively.  PSNH is expected to issue $70 million of long-term debt in 2007.




1


Capital expenditures described herein are cash capital expenditures and exclude cost of removal, allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) related to equity funds and the capitalized portion of pension expense.  PSNH’s capital expenditures totaled $126.7 million in 2006, compared with $158.8 million in 2005 and $153.2 million in 2004.  The decrease in PSNH's capital expenditures in 2006 was due to the completion of the Northern Wood Power Project in 2006.


Regulatory Issue

On May 30, 2006, PSNH filed a petition with the NHPUC requesting an increase in its delivery service (DS) rate by approximately $50 million, the approval of a transmission cost tracking mechanism, a decrease in its stranded cost charge and energy charge to reflect the completed recovery of certain stranded costs and changes in PSNH's actual costs to provide energy service.  On June 29, 2006, the NHPUC approved the temporary DS rate increase of $24.5 million effective on July 1, 2006 and approved the decrease in the stranded cost and energy charges.  On November 17, 2006, PSNH updated its DS rate filing, increasing the request to $60 million.  


On February 26, 2007, PSNH filed a settlement agreement it reached with the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission staff and the Office of Consumer Advocate related to its rate case filing.  The settlement agreement includes, among other things, a transmission cost tracking mechanism, effective on July 1, 2006, to be reset annually, and an allowed ROE of 9.67 percent.  The allowed generation ROE of 9.62 percent was unaffected.  The settlement provides for a $37.7 million estimated annualized increase ($26.5 million for distribution and $11.2 million estimated for transmission) beginning July 1, 2007 in addition to the $24.5 million temporary increase that was effective on July 1, 2006.  An additional delivery revenue increase of approximately $3 million would take effect on January 1, 2008, with a final estimated rate decrease of approximately $9 million scheduled for July 1, 2008.  The increased revenues will enable PSNH to fund a $10 million annual Reliability Enhancement Program and more accurately fund its Major Storm Cost Reserve.  The increased revenues also include approximately $9 million related to additional revenues for the period July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 that will be recovered over one year.  The NHPUC has scheduled hearings on the proposed settlement beginning in March 2007, with a final decision expected by late spring of 2007.




2



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


The components of significant income statement variances for the past two years are provided in the table below.  


Income Statement Variances

2006 over/(under) 2005

 

 

2005 over/(under) 2004

 

(Millions of Dollars)

Amount

 

Percent

 

 

Amount

 

Percent

 

Operating Revenues

$

12 

 

%

 

$

160 

 

16 

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel, purchased and net interchange power

 

72 

 

14 

 

 

 

101 

 

24 

 

Other operation

 

 

 

 

 

14 

 

 

Maintenance

 

 

11 

 

 

 

(1)

 

 (2)

 

Depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization

 

(92)

 

(63)

 

 

 

49 

 

52 

 

Amortization of rate reduction bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taxes other than income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

(6)

 

(1)

 

 

 

168 

 

19 

 

Operating Income

 

18 

 

19 

 

 

 

(8)

 

(8)

 

Interest expense, net

 

(1)

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Other income/(loss), net

 

 

39 

 

 

 

 

(a)

 

Income before income tax expense

 

21 

 

38 

 

 

 

(6)

 

(9)

%

Income tax expense

 

27 

 

(a)

 

 

 

(1)

 

(6)

 

Net income/(loss)

$

(6)

 

(15)

%

 

$

(5)

 

(11)

%


(a) Percent greater than 100.


Comparison of the Year 2006 to the Year 2005


Operating Revenues

Operating revenues increased $12 million primarily due to higher distribution business revenue ($8 million) and higher transmission business revenue ($4 million).  


The distribution business revenue increase of $8 million is primarily due to the distribution and transmission components of PSNH's retail rates which impact earnings ($15 million), as a result of the rate increases effective July 1, 2006, partially offset by lower retail sales.  Retail sales decreased 1.3 percent in 2006 compared to the same period of 2005.  


The components of revenues which are included in regulatory commission approved tracking mechanisms that track the recovery of certain incurred costs decreased $7 million primarily due to a decrease in the SCRC ($85 million) mainly as a result of a rate decrease effective July 1, 2006, partially offset by an increase in the default energy service (ES) rate component of retail revenues ($80 million).  The tracking mechanisms allow for rates to be changed periodically with over collections refunded to customers or under collections collected from customers in future periods.  


Transmission business revenues increased $4 million primarily due to a higher rate base and higher operating expenses which are recovered under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)-approved transmission tariffs.


Fuel, Purchased and Net Interchange Power

Fuel, purchased and net interchange power increased $72 million primarily due to the higher cost of energy as a result of higher fuel prices, which are included in regulatory commission approved tracking mechanisms.   


Maintenance

Maintenance expenses increased $7 million primarily due to higher generation costs ($4 million), mainly due to higher boiler maintenance costs as a result of the planned overhaul of a generating plant in 2006, and higher overhead line maintenance expenses ($2 million).


Depreciation

Depreciation expense increased $3 million primarily due to higher plant balances resulting from the ongoing construction program.


Amortization of Regulatory (Liabilities)/Assets, Net

Amortization of regulatory (liabilities)/assets, net decreased $92 million primarily due to PSNH completing the recovery of certain identified non-securitized stranded costs in June of 2006, partially offset by higher amortization expense, which was primarily the result of an ES deferral from February and March of 2006, where ES revenues exceeded ES costs ($23 million).


Amortization of Rate Reduction Bonds

Amortization of rate reduction bonds increased $3 million.  The higher portion of principal within the rate reduction bonds' payment results in a corresponding increase in the amortization of regulatory assets.




3



Taxes Other Than Income Taxes

Taxes other than income taxes increased $1 million primarily due to higher property taxes.


Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense decreased $1 million primarily due to lower rate reduction bond interest resulting from lower principal balances outstanding ($3 million), partially offset by higher long-term debt levels as a result of the issuance of $50 million of thirty-year first mortgage bonds in October of 2005 ($2 million).


Other Income, Net

Other income, net increased $2 million primarily due to a higher AFUDC ($3 million), as a result of increased eligible construction work in progress (CWIP) for generation, lower short-term debt, and a higher portion of CWIP being subject to the equity rate, partially offset by lower C&LM incentive income ($1 million), as a result of the 2004 incentive being recorded in 2005.


Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense increased $27 million due to higher pre-tax earnings and an increase in the effective tax rate from 22.7 percent to 52.6 percent.  The increase in the effective tax rate primarily results from the loss of a state unitary tax benefit due to the sale of competitive generation assets and the regulatory recovery of federal and state tax expense associated with nondeductible acquisition costs.  The regulatory recovery of federal and state tax expense associated with nondeductible acquisition costs caused a decrease in amortization and offsetting increase in income tax expense.  This recovery had no impact on net income but increased the effective tax rate.


Comparison of the Year 2005 to the Year 2004


Operating Revenues

Operating revenues increased $160 million in 2005, as compared to 2004, primarily due to higher distribution revenue ($154 million) and higher transmission revenue ($6 million).  


The distribution revenue increase of $154 million is primarily due to the components of revenues which are included in regulatory commission approved tracking mechanisms that track the recovery of certain incurred costs ($141 million), as a result of an increase in the transition service energy rate component of retail revenues ($122 million) due to increased fuel and purchased power costs.  The tracking mechanisms allow for rates to be changed periodically with over collections refunded to customers or under collections collected from customers in future periods.  


The distribution and transmission components of PSNH’s retail rates which impact earnings increased $13 million primarily due to the retail rate increases effective October 1, 2004 and June 1, 2005 ($8 million) and higher retail sales ($4 million).  Retail sales increased 1.9 percent in 2005 compared to the same period of 2004.


Fuel, Purchased and Net Interchange Power

Fuel, purchased and net interchange power increased $101 million in 2005 primarily due to the higher cost of energy as a result of higher fuel prices.


Other Operation

Other operation expenses increased $14 million in 2005 as a result of higher administrative expenses ($12 million).  The higher administrative expenses are primarily due to higher pension and other benefit costs ($6 million) and employee termination and benefit plan curtailment charges ($2 million).


Maintenance

Maintenance expense decreased $1 million in 2005 primarily due to lower fossil generation expenses ($2 million) and lower overhead line maintenance ($2 million), partially offset by higher substation maintenance ($1 million) and higher tree trimming expenses ($1 million).


Depreciation

Depreciation increased $1 million in 2005 primarily due to higher plant balances.


Amortization of Regulatory Assets, Net

Amortization of regulatory assets, net increased $49 million in 2005 primarily due to an acceleration in the recovery of PSNH’s non-securitized stranded costs.  The acceleration of non-securitized stranded cost recovery was due to the positive reconciliation of stranded cost revenues and stranded cost expense, which also includes net ES costs.


Amortization of Rate Reduction Bonds

Amortization of rate reduction bonds increased $3 million in 2005 as a result of the repayment of additional principal.


Taxes Other Than Income Taxes

Taxes other than income taxes increased $1 million in 2005 primarily due to higher property taxes.




4



Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense increased $1 million in 2005 primarily due to higher interest rates on the variable pollution control revenue bonds ($2 million) and the issuance of $50 million of ten-year first mortgage bonds in July 2004 ($2 million), partially offset by lower rate reduction bond interest resulting from lower principal balances outstanding ($3 million).


Other Income/(Loss), Net

Other income, net increased $3 million in 2005 primarily due to a higher earned C&LM incentive and a higher AFUDC as a result of increased eligible CWIP for generation, lower short-term debt, and a greater component of CWIP being subject to a higher equity rate.


Income Taxes

Income tax expense decreased $1 million in 2005 primarily due to lower pre-tax income and lower state unitary taxable income.




5



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Board of Directors of
Public Service Company of New Hampshire:


We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Public Service Company of New Hampshire and subsidiaries (a New Hampshire corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Northeast Utilities) (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, common stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006.  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 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 audits 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, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Public Service Company of New Hampshire and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


As discussed in Note 4, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 158, Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans.



/s/

Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

Deloitte & Touche LLP


Hartford, Connecticut

February 26, 2007



6




PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

  Cash

 

$                  31 

 

$                  27 

  Receivables, less provision for uncollectible

 

 

 

 

    accounts of $2,626 in 2006 and $2,362 in 2005

 

86,784 

 

95,599 

  Accounts receivable from affiliated companies

 

590 

 

20,348 

  Unbilled revenues

 

44,433 

 

47,705 

  Taxes receivable

 

6,671 

 

  Fuel, materials and supplies

 

84,856 

 

72,820 

  Prepayments and other

 

12,652 

 

11,987 

 

 

236,017 

 

248,486 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment:

 

 

 

 

  Electric utility

 

1,893,124 

 

1,732,716 

  Other

 

5,816 

 

5,816 

 

 

1,898,940 

 

1,738,532 

     Less: Accumulated depreciation

 

723,764 

 

698,480 

 

 

1,175,176 

 

1,040,052 

  Construction work in progress

 

67,202 

 

115,371 

 

 

1,242,378 

 

1,155,423 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Debits and Other Assets:

 

 

 

 

  Regulatory assets

 

524,536 

 

821,951 

  Other

 

68,345 

 

68,723 

 

 

592,881 

 

890,674 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Assets

 

$       2,071,276

 

$       2,294,583

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 




7




PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At December 31,

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

LIABILITIES AND CAPITALIZATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

  Notes payable to affiliated companies

 

$                  36,500 

 

$                  15,900 

  Accounts payable

 

69,948 

 

63,320 

  Accounts payable to affiliated companies

 

22,327 

 

16,738 

  Accrued taxes

 

 

5,186 

  Accrued interest

 

8,641 

 

8,202 

  Derivative liabilities - current

 

39,180 

 

  Other

 

2,362 

 

15,733 

 

 

178,958 

 

125,079 

 

 

 

 

 

Rate Reduction Bonds

 

333,831 

 

382,692 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

  Accumulated deferred income taxes

 

200,136 

 

242,590 

  Accumulated deferred investment tax credits

 

877 

 

1,230 

  Deferred contractual obligations

 

35,623 

 

48,262 

  Regulatory liabilities

 

115,731 

 

414,558 

  Accrued pension

 

150,634 

 

76,446 

  Accrued postretirement benefits

 

36,521 

 

195 

  Other

 

44,304 

 

43,941 

 

 

583,826 

 

827,222 

Capitalization:

 

 

 

 

  Long-Term Debt

 

507,099 

 

507,086 

 

 

 

 

 

  Common Stockholder's Equity:

 

 

 

 

    Common stock, $1 par value - authorized

 

 

 

 

     100,000,000 shares; 301 shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

     in 2006 and 2005

 

 

    Capital surplus, paid in

 

231,171 

 

209,788 

    Retained earnings

 

236,215 

 

242,633 

    Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

176 

 

83 

  Common Stockholder's Equity

 

467,562 

 

452,504 

Total Capitalization

 

974,661 

 

959,590 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Capitalization

 

$             2,071,276 

 

$             2,294,583 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.




8




PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenues

 

$     1,140,900 

 

$    1,128,427 

 

$     968,749 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Operation -

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Fuel, purchased and net interchange power

 

588,132 

 

515,801 

 

414,687 

     Other

 

178,577 

 

179,003 

 

164,666 

  Maintenance

 

71,400 

 

64,200 

 

65,620 

  Depreciation

 

49,740 

 

46,567 

 

45,763 

  Amortization of regulatory assets

 

53,156 

 

144,746 

 

95,436 

  Amortization of rate reduction bonds

 

49,370 

 

46,648 

 

43,764 

  Taxes other than income taxes

 

37,640 

 

36,498 

 

35,805 

    Total operating expenses

 

1,028,015 

 

1,033,463 

 

865,741 

Operating Income

 

112,885 

 

94,964 

 

103,008 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Expense:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Interest on long-term debt

 

24,100 

 

20,481 

 

17,441 

  Interest on rate reduction bonds

 

20,828 

 

24,074 

 

26,901 

  Other interest

 

829 

 

1,733 

 

1,197 

    Interest expense, net

 

45,757 

 

46,288 

 

45,539 

Other Income, Net

 

7,378 

 

5,297 

 

2,165 

Income Before Income Tax Expense

 

74,506 

 

53,973 

 

59,634 

Income Tax Expense

 

39,183 

 

12,234 

 

12,993 

Net Income

 

$          35,323 

 

$         41,739 

 

$       46,641 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

$          35,323 

 

$         41,739 

 

$       46,641 

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Unrealized gains/(losses) on securities

 

32 

 

 (39)

 

76 

  Minimum SERP liability

 

61 

 

232 

 

 (69)

     Other comprehensive income, net of tax

 

93 

 

193 

 

Comprehensive Income

 

$          35,416 

 

$         41,932 

 

$       46,648 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 



9




PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMMON STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

Capital

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surplus,

 

Retained

 

Comprehensive

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Paid In

 

 Earnings

 

(Loss)/Income

 

Total

 

 

 

 

(Thousands of Dollars, except share information)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at January 1, 2004

301 

   

$                - 

 

$      156,555 

 

$     223,822 

 

$               (117)

 

$  380,260 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income for 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

46,641 

 

 

 

46,641 

    Dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

(27,186)

 

 

 

 (27,186)

    Allocation of benefits - ESOP

 

 

 

 

(220)

 

 

 

 

 

 (220)

    Tax deduction for stock options exercised and Employee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Stock Purchase Plan disqualifying dispositions

 

 

 

 

197 

 

 

 

 

 

197 

    Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2004

301 

   

 

156,532 

 

243,277 

 

(110)

 

399,699 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income for 2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

41,739 

 

 

 

41,739 

    Dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

(42,383)

 

 

 

 (42,383)

    Allocation of benefits - ESOP

 

 

 

 

(208)

 

 

 

 

 

 (208)

    Tax deduction for stock options exercised and Employee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Stock Purchase Plan disqualifying dispositions

 

 

 

 

45 

 

 

 

 

 

45 

    Capital contribution from NU parent

 

 

 

 

53,419 

 

 

 

 

 

53,419 

    Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

193 

 

193 

Balance at December 31, 2005

301 

 

 

209,788 

 

242,633 

 

83 

 

452,504 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Net income for 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

35,323 

 

 

 

35,323 

    Dividends on common stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

(41,741)

 

 

 

 (41,741)

    Allocation of benefits - ESOP

 

 

 

 

(68)

 

 

 

 

 

 (68)

    Tax deduction for stock options exercised and Employee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       Stock Purchase Plan disqualifying dispositions

 

 

 

 

(242)

 

 

 

 

 

 (242)

    Capital contribution from NU parent

 

 

 

 

21,693 

 

 

 

 

 

21,693 

    Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

93 

 

93 

Balance at December 31, 2006

301 

 

$                - 

 

$      231,171 

 

$    236,215 

 

$                176 

 

$  467,562 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 




10




PUBLIC SERVICE COMPANY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 (Thousands of Dollars)

Operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

  Net income

$               35,323 

 

$         41,739 

 

$         46,641 

  Adjustments to reconcile to net cash flows

 

 

 

 

 

   provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

    Bad debt expense

4,208 

 

3,904 

 

2,742 

    Depreciation

49,740 

 

46,567 

 

45,763 

    Deferred income taxes

(21,929)

 

 (68,347)

 

 (24,160)

    Amortization of regulatory assets, net

53,156 

 

144,746 

 

95,436 

    Amortization of rate reduction bonds

49,370 

 

46,648 

 

43,764 

    Pension expense

15,963 

 

14,338 

 

8,994 

    Regulatory (underrecoveries)/overrecoveries

(6,850)

 

478 

 

2,219 

    Deferred contractual obligations

(12,589)

 

 (12,465)

 

 (9,654)

    Other non-cash adjustments

(5,379)

 

 (8,468)

 

5,184 

    Other sources of cash

  - 

 

342 

 

5,668 

    Other uses of cash

(11,882)

 

 (19,962)

 

 (5,615)

  Changes in current assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

    Receivables and unbilled revenues, net

27,637 

 

 (18,799)

 

 (33,867)

    Fuel, materials and supplies

(12,036)

 

 (16,300)

 

 (5,411)

    Other current assets

5,106 

 

1,170 

 

(6,248)

    Accounts payable

14,073 

 

 (9,009)

 

37,659 

    (Taxes receivable)/accrued taxes

(11,857)

 

9,684 

 

 (1,914)

    Other current liabilities

1,764 

 

 (1,013)

 

 (4,448)

Net cash flows provided by operating activities

173,818 

 

155,253 

 

202,753 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

   Investments in plant

(126,657)

 

 (158,832)

 

 (153,248)

   Net proceeds from sale of property

 

1,461 

 

   Proceeds from sales of investment securities

3,788 

 

3,227 

 

3,038 

   Purchases of investment securities

(4,059)

 

 (3,415)

 

 (3,970)

   Other investing activities

2,564 

 

 (2,767)

 

2,958 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

(124,364)

 

(160,326)

 

(151,222)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

 

 

 

 

 

   Issuance of long-term debt

 

50,000 

 

50,000 

   Retirement of rate reduction bonds

 (48,861)

 

 (46,077)

 

 (43,453)

   Decrease in short-term debt

 

 (10,000)

 

   Increase/(decrease) in NU Money Pool borrowing

20,600 

 

 (4,500)

 

 (28,500)

   Capital contributions from Northeast Utilities Parent

21,693 

 

53,419 

 

   Cash dividends on common stock

 (41,741)

 

 (42,383)

 

 (27,186)

   Other financing activities

 (1,141)

 

 (214)

 

 (274)

Net cash flows (used in)/provided by financing activities

(49,450)

 

245 

 

(49,413)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash

 

(4,828)

 

2,118 

Cash - beginning of year

27 

 

4,855 

 

2,737 

Cash - end of year

$                      31 

 

$                27 

 

$           4,855 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the year for:

 

 

 

 

 

   Interest, net of amounts capitalized

$               49,305 

 

$         48,165 

 

$         43,550 

   Income taxes

$               75,198 

 

$         72,140 

 

$         49,452 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.



11



Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements



1.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


A.

About Public Service Company of New Hampshire

Public Service Company of New Hampshire (PSNH or the company) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Northeast Utilities (NU).  PSNH is a reporting company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  Until February 8, 2006, NU was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a holding company under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA).  On February 8, 2006, PUHCA was repealed.  NU is now registered with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) as a public utility holding company under PUHCA of 2005.  Arrangements among PSNH, other NU companies, outside agencies, and other utilities covering interconnections, interchange of electric power and sales of utility property, are subject to regulation by FERC and/or the SEC.  PSNH is subject to further regulation for rates, accounting and other matters by the FERC and the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (NHPUC), as well as certain regulatory oversight by the Vermont Department of Public Service and the Maine Public Utilities Commission.  PSNH furnishes franchised retail electric service in New Hampshire.  PSNH’s results include the operations of its distribution/generation and transmission segments.


Several wholly-owned subsidiaries of NU provide support services for NU’s companies, including PSNH.  Northeast Utilities Service Company (NUSCO) provides centralized accounting, administrative, engineering, financial, information technology, legal, operational, planning, purchasing, and other services to NU’s companies.  Two other subsidiaries construct, acquire or lease some of the property and facilities used by PSNH.  


At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PSNH had a long-term receivable from NUSCO in the amount of $3.8 million that is included in other deferred debits on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets related to the funding of investments held by NUSCO.  In addition, at December 31, 2005, PSNH had a long-term asset in the amount of $1.8 million from The Rocky River Realty Company (RRR) that was included in deferred debits and other assets - other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  This amount was received by PSNH in 2006.


Included in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2006 are accounts receivable from affiliated companies and accounts payable to affiliated companies totaling $0.6 million and $22.3 million, respectively, relating to transactions between PSNH and other subsidiaries that are wholly owned by NU.  At December 31, 2005, these amounts totaled $20.3 million and $16.7 million, respectively.


B.

Presentation

The consolidated financial statements of PSNH include the accounts of its subsidiaries, PSNH Funding LLC, PSNH Funding LLC 2 and Properties, Inc.  Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.


The preparation of consolidated 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 contingent liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.


Certain reclassifications of prior period data included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been made to conform with the current years' presentation.  


In the company's consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, the classification of expense amounts relating to costs not recoverable from regulated customers and certain other cost and income items previously included in other income, net was changed to a preferable presentation to no longer reflect these costs as they would appear for rate-making purposes.  These amounts, which were reclassified to other operation expense and depreciation expense totaled $3.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2005.  Similar amounts for the year ended December 31, 2004 totaled $2.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.  These reclassifications had no impact on the companies' results of operations, cash flows, financial condition or changes in stockholder’s equity.  


C.

Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted

Uncertain Tax Positions:  On July 13, 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. (FIN) 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109."  FIN 48 addresses the methodology to be used in estimating and reporting amounts associated with uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties.  FIN 48 is required to be implemented prospectively in the first quarter of 2007 as a change in accounting principle with a cumulative effect adjustment reflected in opening retained earnings.  The company is currently evaluating the potential impact of FIN 48 on its consolidated financial statements.


Fair Value Measurements:  On September 15, 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements," which establishes a framework for identifying and measuring fair value and is required to be implemented in the first quarter of 2008.  SFAS No. 157 provides a fair value hierarchy, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets, and is expected to be applied to fair value measurements of derivative contracts that are subject to mark-to-market accounting and other assets and liabilities reported at fair value.  In most cases, SFAS No. 157 is required to be implemented prospectively with adjustments to fair value reflected as a



12



cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2008.  The company is evaluating the potential impact of SFAS No. 157 on its consolidated financial statements.  


The Fair Value Option: On February 15, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - including an amendment of FAS 115."  SFAS No. 159 allows entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value.  If a company elects the fair value option for an eligible item, changes in that item's fair value in subsequent reporting periods must be recognized in earnings.  SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, with early adoption permitted subject to specific requirements.  PSNH is evaluating the measurement options available under the new standard.


D.

Revenues

PSNH's retail revenues are based on rates approved by the NHPUC.  These regulated rates are applied to customers' use of energy to calculate a bill.  In general, rates can only be changed through formal proceedings with the NHPUC.  


Unbilled Revenues:  Unbilled revenues represent an estimate of electricity delivered to customers that has not yet been billed.  Unbilled revenues are included in revenue on the statement of income and are assets on the balance sheet that are reclassified to accounts receivable in the following month as customers are billed.  Such estimates are subject to adjustment when actual meter readings become available, when changes in estimating methodology occur and under other circumstances.


PSNH estimates unbilled revenues monthly using the daily load cycle (DLC) method.  The DLC method allocates billed sales to the current calendar month based on the daily load for each billing cycle.  The billed sales are subtracted from total calendar month sales to estimate unbilled sales.  Unbilled revenues are estimated by first allocating sales to the respective rate classes, then applying an average rate to the estimate of unbilled sales.  


Transmission Revenues - Wholesale Rates:  Wholesale transmission revenues are based on rates and formulas that are approved by the FERC.  Most of NU's wholesale transmission revenues are collected through a combination of New England Independent System Operator (ISO-NE) FERC Electric Tariff No. 3, Open Access Transmission Tariff (RNS), and Schedule 21 - NU (LNS) to that tariff.  The RNS tariff is administered by ISO-NE and is billed to all New England transmission users.  RNS recovers the revenue requirements associated with facilities that are deemed to provide a regional benefit, or pool transmission facilities.  The RNS rate is reset on June 1st of each year.  NU's LNS rate is reset on January 1st and June 1st of each year and provides for a true-up to actual costs, which ensures that PSNH's transmission business recovers its total transmission revenue requirements, including the allowed return on equity (ROE).


Transmission Revenues - Retail Rates:  A significant portion of PSNH’s transmission business revenues comes from ISO-NE charges to NU’s distribution businesses, including PSNH.  PSNH recovers these costs through the retail rates that are charged to its retail customers.  PSNH does not currently have a retail transmission rate tracking mechanism, but the company requested such a mechanism in its energy delivery 2006 rate case.  Such a mechanism was also included in the rate case settlement agreement that PSNH reached with the NHPUC staff and the Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) that was filed with the NHPUC.  


E.

Derivative Accounting

The accounting treatment for energy contracts entered into varies and depends on the intended use of the particular contract and on whether or not the contract is a derivative.  Non-derivative contracts are recorded at the time of delivery or settlement under accrual accounting.  


Certain PSNH contracts for the purchase or sale of energy or energy-related products are derivatives.  Derivative contracts that are elected as and meet the requirements of a normal purchase or sale are recognized in revenues or expenses, as applicable, when the quantity of the contract is delivered.  Election of the normal purchases and sales exception (and resulting accrual accounting) for derivatives requires the conclusions that it is probable at the inception of the contract and throughout its term that it will result in physical delivery and that the quantities will be used or sold by the business over a reasonable period in the normal course of business.  


Certain PSNH contracts that do not meet the normal purchases and sales criteria are recorded at fair value as derivative assets and liabilities with offsetting amounts recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets because the contracts are part of providing regulated electric service and because management believes that these amounts will be recovered or refunded in rates.

For further information regarding these contracts and their accounting, see Note 3, "Derivative Instruments," to the consolidated financial statements.


F.

Regulatory Accounting

The accounting policies of PSNH conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America applicable to rate-regulated enterprises and historically reflect the effects of the rate-making process in accordance with SFAS No. 71, "Accounting for the Effects of Certain Types of Regulation."


The transmission, distribution and generation businesses of PSNH continue to be cost-of-service rate regulated.  Management believes that the application of SFAS No. 71 to those businesses continues to be appropriate.  Management also believes it is probable that PSNH will recover their investments in long-lived assets, including regulatory assets.  All material net regulatory assets are earning an equity return, except for securitized regulatory assets which are not supported by equity.  Amortization and deferrals of regulatory assets are included on a net basis in amortization expense on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  



13



Regulatory Assets:  The components of PSNH's regulatory assets are as follows:


 

 

At December 31,

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

Recoverable nuclear costs

 

$

 

$

26.1 

Securitized assets

 

 

325.6 

 

 

375.0 

Income taxes, net

 

 

5.5 

 

 

35.9 

Unrecovered contractual obligations

 

 

 

 

63.2 

Recoverable energy costs

 

 

 

 

171.5 

Deferred benefit costs

 

 

90.4 

 

 

Regulatory assets offsetting derivative liabilities

 

 

39.2 

 

 

Other

 

 

63.8 

 

 

150.3 

Totals

 

$

524.5 

 

$

822.0 


Additionally, PSNH had approximately $16 thousand and $0.4 million of regulatory costs at both December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, that are included in deferred debits and other assets - other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  These amounts represent regulatory costs that have not yet been approved for recovery by the NHPUC.  Management believes these costs are recoverable in future regulated rates.


Recoverable Nuclear Costs:  PSNH recorded a regulatory asset in conjunction with the sale of its share of Millstone 3 in March of 2001 which had an unamortized balance of $26.1 million at December 31, 2005 and is included in recoverable nuclear costs.  On June 30, 2006, under the terms of the restructuring settlement agreement, PSNH fully recovered these costs.


Securitized Assets:  In April of 2001, PSNH issued rate reduction bonds in the amount of $525 million.  PSNH used the majority of the proceeds from that issuance to buydown its affiliated power contracts with North Atlantic Energy Corporation (NAEC).  The unamortized PSNH securitized asset balance is $314.7 million and $354.5 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  In January of 2002, PSNH issued an additional $50 million in rate reduction bonds and used the proceeds from that issuance to repay short-term debt that was incurred to buyout a purchased-power contract in December of 2001.  The unamortized PSNH securitized asset balance for the January of 2002 issuance is $10.9 million and $20.5 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


Securitized regulatory assets, which are not earning an equity return, are being recovered over the amortization period of their associated rate reduction bonds.  PSNH rate reduction bonds are scheduled to fully amortize by May 1, 2013.


Income Taxes, Net:  The tax effect of temporary differences (differences between the periods in which transactions affect income in the financial statements and the periods in which they affect the determination of taxable income) is accounted for in accordance with the rate-making treatment of the NHPUC and SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."  Differences in income taxes between SFAS No. 109 and the rate-making treatment of the NHPUC are recorded as regulatory assets which totaled $5.5 million and $35.9 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  For further information regarding income taxes, see Note 1G, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Income Taxes," to the consolidated financial statements.


Unrecovered Contractual Obligations:  Under the terms of contracts with the Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company (CYAPC), Yankee Atomic Electric Company (YAEC), and Maine Yankee Atomic Power Company (MYAPC) (Yankee Companies), PSNH is responsible for its proportionate share of the remaining costs of the units, including decommissioning.  PSNH recorded its share of the obligations as a regulatory asset, which had an unamortized balance of $63.2 million at December 31, 2005.  On June 30, 2006, under the terms of the settlement agreement, PSNH fully recovered these costs.  


Recoverable Energy Costs:  In conjunction with the implementation of restructuring under the restructuring settlement agreement on May 1, 2001, PSNH’s fuel and purchased power adjustment clause (FPPAC) was discontinued.  At December 31, 2005, PSNH had $127.5 million of recoverable energy costs deferred under the FPPAC.  Also included in PSNH’s recoverable energy costs were deferred costs totaling $44 million associated with certain contractual purchases from IPPs.  On June 30, 2006, under the terms of the restructuring settlement agreement, PSNH fully recovered these costs.


Deferred Benefit Costs:  At December 31, 2006, the company implemented SFAS No. 158, "Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans."  SFAS No. 158 applies to NU's Pension Plan, Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) and postretirement benefits other than pension (PBOP) Plan and requires an additional benefit liability to be recorded with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholder’s equity.  However, because PSNH is a cost-of-service rate regulated entity under SFAS No. 71, an offset was recorded as a regulatory asset totaling $90.4 million, as these amounts have been and continue to be recoverable in cost-of-service, regulated rates.  Regulatory accounting was also applied to the portions of the NUSCO costs that support PSNH, as these amounts are also recoverable.  The $90.4 million of regulatory assets are not in rate base.  These regulatory assets will be recovered over the remaining service lives of employees.  


See Note 4A, "Employee Benefits - Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," for additional information regarding the implementation of SFAS No. 158.  


Regulatory Assets Offsetting Derivative Liabilities:  PSNH has contracts that do not qualify for the normal purchases and sales exception.  These contracts are non-trading derivative liabilities with the offset recorded to regulatory assets as management believes that these costs will be recovered in rates through a deferral mechanism that tracks generation revenues and costs as the energy is



14



delivered.  At December 31, 2006, the value of the regulatory assets associated with these derivatives is $39.2 million.  See Note 3, “Derivative Instruments,” for additional information.


Other Regulatory Assets:  Included in other regulatory assets are the regulatory assets associated with the implementation of FIN 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143," totaling $15.8 million and $17.3 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  Of these amounts, $13.7 million and $15.1 million, respectively, has been approved for future recovery.  At this time, management believes that the remaining regulatory assets are probable of recovery.  


In addition, at December 31, 2006 and 2005, other regulatory assets included $11.7 million and $10.7 million, respectively, related to losses on reacquired debt, $4.4 million and $7 million, respectively, related to environmental costs and $31.9 million and $115.3 million, respectively, related to various other items.  


Regulatory Liabilities:  The components of regulatory liabilities are as follows:


 

 

At December 31,

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

Cost of removal 

 

79.2 

 

85.7 

Cumulative deferrals - SCRC 

 

 

 

 

303.3 

Deferred revenue scrubbers

 

      

10.1 

 

 

10.1 

Deferred ES revenue, net

 

    

18.3 

 

 

Other regulatory liabilities 

 

 

8.1 

 

 

15.5 

Totals 

 

$

 115.7 

 

$

414.6 


Cost of Removal:  PSNH currently recovers amounts in rates for future costs of removal of plant assets.  These amounts which totaled $79.2 million and $85.7 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, are classified as regulatory liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  This liability is included in rate base.


Cumulative Deferrals - SCRC:  The restructuring settlement agreement between PSNH and the state of New Hampshire, which was implemented in May of 2001, requires that certain identified non-securitized stranded costs be recovered from PSNH's customers prior to a recovery end date determined in accordance with the restructuring settlement agreement or be written off.  On June 30, 2006, under the terms of the restructuring settlement agreement, PSNH completed the recovery of those identified non-securitized stranded costs and offset the remaining stranded cost regulatory asset balances totaling $345.8 million against an offsetting regulatory liability, the cumulative deferral of net Stranded Cost Recovery Charge (SCRC) revenues and costs.  At December 31, 2006, PSNH had $325.6 million of Part 1 securitized stranded costs and $29.9 million of Part 2 non-securitized stranded costs, including $10.7 million of SCRC costs in excess of SCRC revenues.  The $10.7 million is expected to be recovered in the 2007 SCRC rate and is included in other regulatory assets at December 31, 2006.  


Deferred Revenue - Scrubbers:  PSNH recorded a regulatory obligation to credit ratepayers for accelerated recovery of certain Clean Air Act capital improvements previously allowed in the FPPAC.  This amount, which totaled $10.1 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, has been recorded as a regulatory liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


Deferred ES Revenue, net:  PSNH Energy Service (ES) revenues and costs are fully tracked, and the difference between ES revenues and costs are deferred.  Prior to February of 2006, this deferral was included in the SCRC deferral.  Beginning in February of 2006, ES deferrals are being collected from/refunded to customers through a charge/(credit) in the subsequent ES rate period.  The ES deferral of $18.3 million at December 31, 2006 has been recorded as a regulatory liability on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


Other Regulatory Liabilities:  At December 31, 2006 and 2005, other regulatory liabilities included $3.3 million and $4.2 million, respectively, related to the conservation and load management incentive and $4.8 million and $11.3 million, respectively, related to various other items.  




15



G.

Income Taxes

The tax effect of temporary differences (differences between the periods in which transactions affect income in the financial statements and the periods in which they affect the determination of taxable income) is accounted for in accordance with the rate-making treatment of the applicable regulatory commissions and SFAS No. 109.  Details of income tax expense are as follows:


 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Millions of Dollars)

The components of the federal and state income tax provisions are: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current income taxes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Federal

 

$

50.5 

 

$

81.6 

 

$

37.2 

  State

 

 

11.0 

 

 

(1.0)

 

 

          - 

     Total current

 

 

61.5 

 

 

80.6 

 

 

37.2 

Deferred income taxes, net:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Federal

 

 

(17.1)

 

 

(60.5)

 

 

(17.7)

  State

 

 

(4.8)

 

 

(7.5)

 

 

(6.0)

    Total deferred

 

 

(21.9)

 

 

(68.0)

 

 

(23.7)

Investment tax credits, net

 

 

(0.4)

 

 

(0.4)

 

 

(0.5)

Total income tax expense

 

$

39.2 

 

$

12.2 

 

$

13.0 


A reconciliation between income tax expense and the expected tax expense at the statutory rate is as follows:


 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

(Millions of Dollars)

Expected federal income tax expense 

 

26.1 

 

18.9 

 

20.9 

Tax effect of differences: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Depreciation 

 

 

(0.9)

 

 

0.2 

 

 

1.3 

  Amortization of regulatory assets 

 

 

13.2 

 

 

1.8 

 

 

1.8 

  Investment tax credit amortization 

 

 

(0.4)

 

 

(0.4)

 

 

(0.5)

  State income taxes, net of federal benefit 

 

 

4.0 

 

 

(5.5)

 

 

(3.9)

  Parent company loss 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.7)

  Medicare subsidy 

 

 

(1.0)

 

 

(1.1)

 

 

(0.2)

  Other, net 

 

 

(1.8)

 

 

(1.7)

 

 

(4.7)

Total income tax expense 

 

39.2 

 

12.2 

 

13.0 


NU and its subsidiaries, including PSNH, file a consolidated federal income tax return and file state income tax returns, with some filing in more than one state.  NU and its subsidiaries, including PSNH, are parties to a tax allocation agreement under which taxable subsidiaries pay no more taxes than they would have otherwise paid had they filed a standalone tax return and subsidiaries generating tax losses are paid for their losses when utilized.  


Included in 2006 amortization of regulatory assets above is $13 million associated with the restructuring settlement.  In accordance with the provisions of the restructuring settlement, pre-tax amortization of PSNH non-deductible acquisition costs increased $32 million as compared to 2005 and 2004.




16



The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the current and long-term net accumulated deferred tax obligations are as follows:


 

 

At December 31,

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

Deferred tax liabilities - current:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Property tax accruals and other

 

$

3.7 

 

$

2.8 

Deferred tax assets - current:  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Derivative liability

 

 

15.5 

 

 

  Provision for uncollectible accounts

 

 

1.0 

 

 

0.9 

Total deferred tax assets - current

 

 

16.5 

 

 

0.9 

Net deferred tax (assets)/liabilities - current

 

 

(12.8)

 

 

1.9 

Deferred tax liabilities - long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Accelerated depreciation and other plant-related differences

 

 

151.9 

 

 

148.8 

  Securitized costs

 

 

126.2 

 

 

137.0 

  Deferred fuel and other regulatory deferrals

 

 

58.1 

 

 

151.2 

  Other

 

 

4.5 

 

 

4.0 

Total deferred tax liabilities - long-term

 

 

340.7 

 

 

441.0 

Deferred tax assets - long-term:

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Regulatory deferrals

 

 

44.2 

 

 

157.1 

  Employee benefits

 

 

82.1 

 

 

33.2 

  Other

 

 

14.3 

 

 

8.1 

Total deferred tax assets - long-term

 

 

140.6 

 

 

198.4 

Net deferred tax liabilities - long-term

 

 

200.1 

 

 

242.6 

Net deferred tax liabilities

 

$

187.3 

 

$

244.5 


H.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Depreciation

The following table summarizes PSNH’s investments in utility plant at December 31, 2006 and 2005 and the average depreciable life at December 31, 2006:


 

 

 

At December 31,

 

 

Average
Depreciable Life

 



2006

 



2005

 

 

(Years)

(Millions of Dollars)

Distribution

 

 

42.8

 

$

1,077.0 

 

$

1,013.0 

Transmission

 

 

44.8

 

 

238.9 

 

 

216.7 

Generation

 

 

30.4

 

 

577.2 

 

 

503.0 

Other

 

 

47.4

 

 

5.8 

 

 

5.8 

Total property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

1,898.9 

 

 

1,738.5 

Less:  Accumulated depreciation

 

 

 

 

 

(723.7)

 

 

(698.5)

Net property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

1,175.2 

 

 

1,040.0 

Construction work in progress

 

 

 

 

 

67.2 

 

 

115.4 

Total property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

 

 

$

1,242.4 

 

$

1,155.4 


The provision for depreciation on utility assets is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated remaining useful lives of depreciable plant-in-service, adjusted for salvage value and removal costs, as approved by the NHPUC, where applicable.  Depreciation rates are applied to plant-in-service from the time it is placed in service.  When plant is retired from service, the original cost of the plant, including costs of removal less salvage, is charged to the accumulated provision for depreciation.  Cost of removal is classified as a regulatory liability.  The depreciation rates for the several classes of electric utility plant-in-service are equivalent to a composite rate of 2.8 percent in both 2006 and 2005, and 2.9 percent in 2004.


I.

Jointly Owned Electric Utility Plant

At December 31, 2006, PSNH owns common stock in three regional nuclear companies (Yankee Companies).  Each of the Yankee Companies owns a single nuclear generating plant which is being decommissioned.  PSNH’s ownership interests in the Yankee Companies at December 31, 2006, which are accounted for on the equity method, are 5 percent of CYAPC, 7 percent of the YAEC, and 5 percent of the MYAPC.  The total carrying value of PSNH's ownership interests in CYAPC, MYAPC and YAEC, which is included in deferred debits and other assets - other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the distribution reportable segment, totaled $1.5 million and $3.8 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  The decrease in the carrying value at December 31, 2006 is primarily related to the repurchase of CYAPC's stock owned by PSNH in the amount of $1.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2006.  Earnings related to these equity investments are included in other income, net on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  For further information, see Note 1M, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Other Income, Net," to the consolidated financial statements.  


For further information, see Note 5D, "Commitments and Contingencies - Deferred Contractual Obligations," to the consolidated financial statements.  



17




J.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction

The allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) is a non-cash item that is included in the cost of Utility Group utility plant and represents the cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction.  The portion of AFUDC attributable to borrowed funds is recorded as a reduction of other interest expense and the cost of equity funds is recorded as other income on the accompanying consolidated statements of income, as follows:


 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

(Millions of Dollars, except percentages)

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

Borrowed funds

 

$

2.8 

 

 

$

1.9 

 

 

$

0.3 

 

Equity funds

 

 

4.4 

 

 

 

1.6 

 

 

 

(0.1)

 

Totals

 

$

7.2 

 

 

$

3.5 

 

 

$

0.2 

 

Average AFUDC rate

 

 

7.3 

%

 

 

5.5 

%

 

 

2.9 

%


The average AFUDC rate is based on a FERC prescribed formula that develops an average rate using the cost of a company's short-term financings as well as a company's capitalization (long-term debt and common equity).  The average rate is applied to eligible construction work in progress (CWIP) amounts to calculate AFUDC.  The increase in AFUDC from borrowed and equity funds in 2006 as compared to 2005 and 2004 results from higher levels of CWIP due to PSNH's Northern Wood Power Project.  The increase in the average AFUDC rate in 2006 is primarily due to the increased CWIP being financed by permanent capital and higher short-term debt rates.


K.

Asset Retirement Obligations

PSNH implemented FIN 47 on December 31, 2005.  FIN 47 requires an entity to recognize a liability for the fair value of an asset retirement obligation (ARO) even if it is conditional on a future event and the liability’s fair value can be reasonably estimated.  FIN 47 provides that settlement dates and future costs should be reasonably estimated when sufficient information becomes available, and provides guidance on the definition and timing of sufficient information in determining expected cash flows and fair values.  Management has identified various categories of AROs, primarily certain assets containing asbestos and hazardous contamination.  A fair value calculation, reflecting expected probabilities for settlement scenarios, and a data consistency review has been performed.


Because PSNH is a cost-of-service rate regulated entity, the company utilized regulatory accounting in accordance with SFAS No. 71 and PSNH’s AROs are included in other regulatory assets at December 31, 2006 and 2005 as these amounts are recoverable in cost-of-service regulated rates.  The fair value of the AROs is included in property, plant and equipment and related accretion is recorded as a regulatory asset, with corresponding credits reflecting the ARO liabilities in deferred credits and other liabilities - other, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2006 and 2005.  Depreciation of the ARO asset is also included as a regulatory asset with an offsetting amount in accumulated depreciation.  


The following tables present the fair value of the ARO, the related accumulated depreciation, the regulatory asset, and the ARO liabilities:


 

 

At December 31, 2006



(Millions of Dollars)

 


Fair Value
of ARO Asset

 

Accumulated
Depreciation of
ARO Asset

 


Regulatory
Asset

 


ARO
Liabilities

Asbestos

 

$

1.3 

 

$

(0.7)

 

$

7.9 

 

$

(8.8)

Hazardous contamination

 

 

0.8 

 

 

 (0.4)

 

 

6.6 

 

 

(7.0)

Other AROs

 

 

0.1 

 

 

 

 

1.3 

 

 

(1.5)

   Total PSNH AROs

 

$

2.2 

 

$

(1.1)

 

$

15.8 

 

$

(17.3)


 

 

At December 31, 2005



(Millions of Dollars)

 


Fair Value
of ARO Asset

 

Accumulated
Depreciation of
ARO Asset

 


Regulatory
Asset

 


ARO
Liabilities

Asbestos

 

$

1.4 

 

$

(0.8)

 

$

8.6 

 

$

(9.2)

Hazardous contamination

 

 

0.5 

 

 

 (0.2)

 

 

1.7 

 

 

(2.0)

Other AROs

 

 

0.4 

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

7.0 

 

 

(7.2)

   Total PSNH AROs

 

$

2.3 

 

$

(1.2)

 

$

17.3 

 

$

(18.4)


A reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amounts of PSNH AROs is as follows:


 

2006

Balance at beginning of year

$

(18.4)

Liabilities incurred during the period

 

Liabilities settled during the period

 

Accretion

 

(0.3)

Change in assumptions

 

1.4 

Revisions in estimated cash flows

 

Balance at end of year

$

(17.3)



18







The ARO liabilities as of December 31, 2005, 2004 and January 1, 2004, as if FIN 47 had been applied for all periods affected, were $18.4 million, $18.2 million and $17.9 million, respectively.


L.

Fuel, Materials and Supplies

Fuel, materials and supplies include materials purchased primarily for construction, operation and maintenance (O&M) purposes.  Fuel, materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or market.


M.

Other Income, Net

The pre-tax components of PSNH’s other income/(loss) items are as follows:


 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

Other Income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Investment income

 

$

1.7 

 

$

1.0 

 

$

0.2 

  Equity in earnings of regional nuclear generating companies

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

0.2 

 

 

0.2 

  AFUDC - equity funds

 

 

4.4 

 

 

1.6 

 

 

(0.1)

  Conservation and load management incentive

 

 

1.4 

 

 

2.5 

 

 

1.8 

  Rental investment income

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1 

  Total Other Income, Net

 

$

7.4 

 

$

5.3 

 

$

2.2 


Based on developments in July of 2006, CYAPC management concluded that $10 million of CYAPC's regulatory assets were no longer probable of recovery and should be written off.  PSNH included in 2006 other income, net its 5 percent share of CYAPC's after-tax write-off.  For further information regarding CYAPC, see Note 5D, "Commitments and Contingencies - Deferred Contractual Obligations."    


N.

Provision for Uncollectible Accounts

PSNH maintains a provision for uncollectible accounts to record its receivables at an estimated net realizable value.  This provision is determined based upon a variety of factors, including applying an estimated uncollectible account percentage to each receivable aging category, historical collection and write-off experience and management’s assessment of collectibility from individual customers.  Management reviews at least quarterly the collectibility of the receivables, and if circumstances change, collectibility estimates are adjusted accordingly.  Receivable balances are written-off against the provision for uncollectible accounts when these balances are deemed to be uncollectible.    


O.

Special Deposits

PSNH had amounts on deposit related to PSNH Funding LLC and PSNH Funding LLC 2, which are special purpose entities used to facilitate the issuance of rate reduction bonds.  These amounts which totaled $27.8 million and $28.2 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, are included in deferred debits and other assets - other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


2.

Short-Term Debt


Limits:  The amount of short-term borrowings that may be incurred by PSNH is subject to periodic approval by the NHPUC and FERC.  On June 30, 2004, the SEC granted authorization for borrowing through the NU Money Pool (Pool) until June 30, 2007.  Although PUHCA was repealed on February 8, 2006, under FERC's transition rules, all of the existing orders under PUHCA relevant to FERC authority will continue to be in effect until December 31, 2007.  


PSNH is authorized by the NHPUC to incur short-term borrowings up to a maximum of $100 million.  As a result of this NHPUC authorization, PSNH is not required to obtain FERC approval for its short-term debt borrowings.


Credit Agreement:  PSNH is a party to a 5-year unsecured revolving credit facility which expires on November 6, 2010.  The company can borrow up to $100 million on a short-term basis, or subject to regulatory approvals, on a long-term basis.  At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PSNH had no borrowings outstanding under this credit facility.


Under this credit agreement, PSNH may borrow at variable rates plus an applicable margin based upon certain debt ratings, as rated by the higher of Standard and Poor’s (S&P) or Moody’s Investors Service (Moody's).  


Under this credit agreement, PSNH must comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants, including but not limited to consolidated debt ratios.  PSNH currently is and expects to remain in compliance with these covenants.


Amounts outstanding under this credit facility are classified as current liabilities as notes payable to banks on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as management anticipates that all borrowings under this credit facility will be outstanding for no more than 364 days at one time.


Pool:  PSNH is a member of the Pool.  The Pool provides a more efficient use of cash resources of NU and reduces outside short-term borrowings.  NUSCO administers the Pool as agent for the member companies.  Short-term borrowing needs of the member companies are first met with available funds of other member companies, including funds borrowed by NU Parent.  NU Parent may lend to the Pool but may not borrow.  Funds may be withdrawn from or repaid to the Pool at any time without prior notice.  Investing



19



and borrowing subsidiaries receive or pay interest based on the average daily federal funds rate.  Borrowings based on external loans by NU Parent, however, bear interest at NU Parent’s cost and must be repaid based upon the terms of NU Parent’s original borrowing.  At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PSNH had borrowings of $36.5 million and $15.9 million from the pool, respectively.  The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings from the Pool for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005 was 4.98 percent and 2.95 percent, respectively.


3.

Derivative Instruments

PSNH has a contract to purchase oil that no longer qualifies for the normal purchase and sales exception due to offsetting sales of oil in 2006.  This contract is a non-trading derivative at December 31, 2006, the fair value of which is calculated based on market prices and is recorded as a derivative liability of $10.8 million.  An offsetting regulatory asset was recorded as management believes that this cost will be recovered in rates through a deferral mechanism that tracks generation revenues and costs.


PSNH has electricity procurement contracts that management determined no longer qualify for the normal purchase and sales exception due to 2006 quantities being sold in the energy market.  These contracts are non-trading derivatives at December 31, 2006, the fair value of which is calculated based on market prices and is recorded as a derivative liability of $28.4 million.  An offsetting regulatory asset was recorded as management believes that these costs will be recovered in rates as the energy is delivered.


4.

Employee Benefits


A.

Pension Benefits and Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

On December 31, 2006, PSNH implemented SFAS No. 158, which amends SFAS No. 87, "Employers’ Accounting for Pensions," SFAS No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits," SFAS No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions," and SFAS No. 132(R), "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits."  SFAS No. 158 applies to NU’s Pension Plan, SERP, and PBOP Plan and requires PSNH to record the funded status of these plans based on the projected benefit obligation (PBO) for the Pension Plan and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO) for the PBOP plan on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2006.  Previously, the prepaid or accrued benefit obligation was recorded in accordance with SFAS No. 87 and SFAS No. 106, which allowed for the deferral of certain items and reconciliation to the funded status was provided in the footnotes to financial statements.  These deferred items included the transition obligation, prior service costs, and net actuarial loss.  


SFAS No. 158 requires the additional liability to be recorded with an offset to accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholder’s equity.  However, because PSNH is a cost-of-service rate regulated entity under SFAS No. 71, regulatory assets were recorded in the amount of $90.4 million, as these amounts in benefits expense have been and continue to be recoverable in cost-of-service, regulated rates.  Regulatory accounting was also applied to the portions of the NUSCO costs that support PSNH, as these amounts are also recoverable.  


Pension Benefits:  PSNH participates in a uniform noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan (Pension Plan) covering substantially all regular PSNH employees.  Benefits are based on years of service and the employees’ highest eligible compensation during 60 consecutive months of employment.  PSNH uses a December 31st measurement date for the Pension Plan.  Pension expense attributable to earnings is as follows:


 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

Total pension expense

 

$

20.8 

 

$

19.2 

 

$

12.4 

Amount capitalized as utility plant

 

 

(4.8)

 

 

(4.9)

 

 

(3.4)

Total pension expense, net of amounts capitalized

 

$

16.0 

 

$

14.3 

 

$

9.0 


Total pension expense above includes a pension curtailment benefit of $0.7 million and expense of $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  


Pension Curtailments and Termination Benefits:  In December of 2005, a new program was approved providing a benefit for certain employees hired on and after January 1, 2006 providing for these employees to receive retirement benefits under a new 401(k) benefit (K-Vantage Plan) rather than under the Pension Plan.  The approval of the new plan resulted in the recording of an estimated pre-capitalization, pre-tax curtailment expense of $1.1 million in 2005, as a certain number of employees hired before that date were expected to elect the new 401(k) benefit as permitted, resulting in a reduction in aggregate estimated future years of service under the Pension Plan.  Management estimated the amount of the curtailment expense associated with this change based upon actuarial calculations and certain assumptions, including the expected level of transfers to the new 401(k) benefit.  Because the predicted level of elections of the new benefit did not occur, PSNH recorded a pre-capitalization, pre-tax reduction in the curtailment expense of $0.7 million in 2006.


There were no curtailments or termination benefits in 2004 that impacted earnings.


Market-Related Value of Pension Plan Assets:   PSNH bases the actuarial determination of pension plan expense or income on a market-related valuation of assets, which reduces year-to-year volatility.  This market-related valuation calculation recognizes investment gains or losses over a four-year period from the year in which they occur.  Investment gains or losses for this purpose are the difference between the expected return calculated using the market-related value of assets and the actual return based on the fair



20



value of assets.  Since the market-related valuation calculation recognizes gains or losses over a four-year period, the future value of the market-related assets will be impacted as previously deferred gains or losses are recognized.


SERP:  NU has maintained a SERP since 1987.  The SERP provides its eligible participants, some of which are officers of PSNH, with benefits that would have been provided to them under NU's retirement plan if certain Internal Revenue Code (IRC) and other limitations were not imposed.  


Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions:  PSNH also provides certain health care benefits, primarily medical and dental, and life insurance benefits through a PBOP Plan.  These benefits are available for employees retiring from PSNH who have met specified service requirements.  For current employees and certain retirees, the total benefit is limited to two times the 1993 per retiree health care cost.  These costs are charged to expense over the estimated work life of the employee.  PSNH uses a December 31st measurement date for the PBOP Plan.


PSNH annually funds postretirement costs through external trusts with amounts that have been and will continue to be recovered in rates and that are tax deductible.  Currently, there are no pending regulatory actions regarding postretirement benefit costs.  

 

Impact of New Medicare Changes on PBOP:  On December 8, 2003, the President signed into law a bill that expands Medicare, primarily by adding a prescription drug benefit starting in 2006 for Medicare-eligible retirees as well as a federal subsidy to plan sponsors of retiree health care benefit plans who provide a prescription drug benefit at least actuarially equivalent to the new Medicare benefit.


Based on the current PBOP Plan provisions, PSNH qualifies for this federal subsidy because the actuarial value of PSNH’s PBOP Plan exceeds the threshold required for the subsidy.  The Medicare changes decreased the total PBOP benefit obligation by $5.4 million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005.  The total $5.4 million decrease is currently being amortized as a reduction to PBOP expense over approximately 13 years.  For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, this reduction in PBOP expense totaled approximately $0.7 million, including amortization of the actuarial gain of $0.4 million and a reduction in interest cost and service cost based on a lower PBOP benefit obligation of $0.3 million.  At December 31, 2006, PSNH had a receivable for the federal subsidy in the amount of $0.5 million related to benefit payments made in 2006.  This amount is expected to be funded into the PBOP Plan.


Based upon guidance from the federal government released in 2005, PSNH also qualifies for the federal subsidy relating to employees whose PBOP Plan obligation is "capped" under PSNH’s PBOP Plan.  These subsidy amounts do not reduce PSNH’s PBOP Plan benefit obligation as they will be used to offset retiree contributions.  PSNH realizes a tax benefit because the federal subsidy is tax exempt when it is collected and tax deductible as the amounts are contributed to the PBOP Plan.  These additional subsidy benefits are also being amortized over approximately 13 years beginning in 2005.  For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, the additional subsidy amounts were approximately $2.1 million.  For the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the subsidy amounts reduced expected tax expense by $1 million, $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.


PBOP Curtailments and Termination Benefits:  PSNH recorded a $0.1 million pre-tax curtailment expense at December 31, 2006 relating to its reorganization.  PSNH had no curtailments or termination benefits in 2005 or 2004.


The following table represents information on the plans’ benefit obligation, fair value of plan assets, and the respective plans’ funded status:


 

 

At December 31,

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

SERP Benefits

 

Postretirement Benefits

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

Change in benefit obligation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

 

$

(354.6)

 

$

(324.1)

 

$

(1.6)

 

$

(0.9)

 

$

(87.0)

 

$

(79.7)

Service cost

 

 

(9.6)

 

 

(8.8)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1.8)

 

 

(1.6)

Interest cost

 

 

(20.3)

 

 

(19.3)

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

(5.0)

 

 

(4.4)

Transfers

 

 

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gain/(loss)

 

 

6.3 

 

 

(24.7)

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

(0.7)

 

 

1.8 

 

 

(7.5)

Benefits paid

 

 

15.7 

 

 

15.0 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

6.5 

 

 

6.2 

Federal subsidy on benefits paid

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(0.5)

 

 

Curtailment/impact of plan changes

 

 

(7.6)

 

 

7.9 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Benefit obligation at end of year

 

$

(370.1)

 

$

(354.6)

 

$

(2.2)

 

$

(1.6)

 

$

(86.0)

 

$

(87.0)

Change in plan assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

 

$

202.3 

 

$

201.6 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

$

39.9 

 

$

34.6 

Actual return on plan assets

 

 

32.9 

 

 

15.1 

 

 

 N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

6.0 

 

 

2.1 

Employer contribution

 

 

 

 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

10.1 

 

 

9.4 

Transfers

 

 

 

 

0.6 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

 

 

Benefits paid

 

 

(15.7)

 

 

(15.0)

 

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

(6.5)

 

 

(6.2)

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

 

$

219.5 

 

$

202.3 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

$

49.5 

 

$

39.9 

Funded status at December 31st

 

$

(150.6)

 

$

(152.3)

 

$

(2.2)

 

$

(1.6)

 

$

(36.5)

 

$

(47.1)

Unrecognized transition obligation

 

 

 

 

 

1.2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17.4 

Unrecognized prior service cost

 

 

 

 

 

8.8 

 

 

 

 

 

1.0 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrecognized net loss

 

 

 

 

 

65.9 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

29.5 

Accrued benefit cost

 

 

 

 

$

(76.4)

 

 

 

 

$

(0.6)

 

 

 

 

$

(0.2)




21



The $7.9 million reduction in 2005 in the Pension Plan's obligation that is included in the curtailment/impact of plan changes related to the reduction in the future years of service expected to be rendered by plan participants.  This reduction was the result of the expected transition of employees into the new 401(k) benefit and the company's corporate reorganization.  This overall reduction in plan obligation served to reduce the previously unrecognized actuarial losses.  In 2006, $7.6 million of this curtailment was reversed because actual levels of elections of the new 401(k) benefit were much lower than expected and is reflected above as an increase to the obligation.


For the Pension Plan, the company amortizes its unrecognized transition obligation over the remaining service lives of its employees as calculated for PSNH on an individual operating company basis and amortizes the prior service cost and unrecognized net actuarial loss over the remaining service lives of its employees as calculated on an NU consolidated basis.  For the PBOP Plan, the company amortizes its unrecognized transition obligation, prior service cost and unrecognized net actuarial loss over the remaining service lives of its employees as calculated for PSNH on an individual operating company basis.


Although the SERP does not have any plan assets, benefit payments are supported by earnings on marketable securities held by NU.


The accumulated benefit obligation (ABO) for the Pension Plan was $317.8 million and $308.9 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and $1.9 million and $0.8 million for the SERP at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.


Amounts recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows:


 

 

At December 31,

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

SERP Benefits

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

Total

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

Receivables

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

0.5 

 

$

 

$

0.5 

 

$

Regulatory assets

 

 

53.3 

 

 

 

 

1.4 

 

 

 

 

35.7 

 

 

 

 

90.4 

 

 

Deferred taxes, net

 

 

39.2 

 

 

29.3 

 

 

0.3 

 

 

0.2 

 

 

2.6 

 

 

0.2 

 

 

42.1 

 

 

29.7 

Total assets

 

 

92.5 

 

 

29.3 

 

 

1.7 

 

 

0.2 

 

 

38.8 

 

 

0.2 

 

 

133.0 

 

 

29.7 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued pension

 

 

(150.6)

 

 

(76.4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(150.6)

 

 

(76.4)

Accrued postretirement benefits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(36.5)

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

(36.5)

 

 

(0.2)

Other deferred credits

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.2)

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.2)

 

 

(0.6)

Total liabilities

 

$

(150.6)

 

$

(76.4)

 

$

(2.2)

 

$

(0.6)

 

$

(36.5)

 

$

(0.2)

 

$

(189.3)

 

$

(77.2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other
   comprehensive loss

 

$


 

$


 


$


 


$


(0.1)

 

$


 

$


 

$


 


$


(0.1)


The incremental impact of implementing SFAS No. 158 on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2006 is as follows:




(Millions of Dollars)

 

Before
Adopting
SFAS No. 158

 

Adjustments
to Adopt
SFAS No. 158

 

After
Adopting
SFAS No. 158

Regulatory assets (1)

 

$

0.7 

 

$

89.7 

 

$

90.4 

Deferred taxes, net

 

 

33.5 

 

 

8.6 

 

 

42.1 

Total assets

 

 

34.2 

 

 

98.3 

 

 

132.5 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued pension

 

 

(97.3)

 

 

(53.3)

 

 

(150.6)

Accrued postretirement benefits

 

 

(0.2)

 

 

(36.3)

 

 

(36.5)

Other deferred credits

 

 

(1.9)

 

 

(0.3)

 

 

(2.2)

Total liabilities

 

$

(99.4)

 

$

(89.9)

 

$

(189.3)


(1)

The regulatory asset amount before adopting SFAS No. 158 represents the regulated portion of an additional minimum pension liability recorded for the SERP.  




22



The following is a summary of amounts recorded as regulatory assets at December 31, 2006 and the portions of those amounts expected to be recognized as portions of net periodic benefit cost in 2007, which is expected to total $20.5 million for the Pension Plan, $0.4 million for SERP and $8 million for the PBOP Plan on a pre-tax basis:


 

 

At December 31, 2006

 

Estimated Expense in 2007

(Millions of Dollars)

 

Pension

 

SERP

 

OPEB

 

Total

 

Pension

 

SERP

 

OPEB

 

Total

Transition obligation

 

$

0.9 

 

$

 

$

14.9 

 

$

15.8 

 

$

0.3 

 

$

 

$

2.5 

 

$

2.8 

Prior service cost

 

 

8.2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.2 

 

 

1.4 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.4 

Net actuarial loss

 

 

44.2 

 

 

1.4 

 

 

20.8 

 

 

66.4 

 

 

4.8 

 

 

0.2 

 

 

1.6 

 

 

6.6 

Total

 

$

53.3 

 

$

1.4 

 

$

35.7 

 

$

90.4 

 

$

6.5 

 

$

0.2 

 

$

4.1 

 

$

10.8 


The following actuarial assumptions were used in calculating the plans’ year end funded status:


 

 

At December 31,

 

 

 

Pension Benefits and SERP

 

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

Balance Sheets

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

Discount rate

 

5.90 

%

 

5.80 

%

 

5.80 

%

 

5.65 

%

Compensation/progression rate

 

4.00 

%

 

4.00 

%

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

Health care cost trend rate

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

9.00 

%

 

10.00 

%


The components of net periodic expense are as follows:


 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

SERP Benefits

 

Postretirement Benefits

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

2004

Service cost

 

$

9.6 

 

$

8.8 

 

$

7.4 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

1.8 

 

$

1.6 

 

$

1.2 

Interest cost

 

 

20.3 

 

 

19.3 

 

 

17.9 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

5.0 

 

 

4.4 

 

 

4.3 

Expected return on plan assets

 

 

(16.3)

 

 

(16.6)

 

 

(17.1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2.5)

 

 

(2.1)

 

 

(2.1)

Amortization of unrecognized net
  transition obligation

 

 


0.3 

 

 


0.3 

 

 


0.3 

 

 


 

 


 

 


 

 


2.5 

 

 


2.5 

 

 


2.5 

Amortization of prior service cost

 

 

1.4 

 

 

1.5 

 

 

1.5 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amortization of actuarial loss/(gain)

 

 

6.2 

 

 

4.8 

 

 

2.4 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

3.2 

 

 

3.0 

 

 

1.6 

Other amortization, net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net periodic expense before curtailments

 

 

21.5 

 

 

18.1 

 

 

12.4 

 

 

0.2 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

0.2 

 

 

10.0 

 

 

9.4 

 

 

7.5 

Curtailment expense

 

 

(0.7)

 

 

1.1 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

 

 

Total - net periodic expense

 

$

20.8 

 

$

19.2 

 

$

12.4 

 

$

0.2 

 

$

0.1 

 

$

0.2 

 

$

10.1 

 

$

9.4 

 

$

7.5 


Not included in the pension expense above are amounts related to certain intercompany allocations totaling $1.8 million, $2.2 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, including pension curtailments and termination benefits benefit of $0.3 million in 2006, and expense of $0.6 million and $0.1 million in 2005 and 2004, respectively.  Excluded from postretirement benefits expense are related intercompany allocations of $1.4 million, $1.5 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, including curtailments and termination benefits benefit of $0.1 million and expense of $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively.  These amounts are included in other operating expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  


The following assumptions were used to calculate pension and postretirement benefit expense and income amounts:


 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

 

Statements of Income

 

Pension Benefits

 

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

Discount rate

 

5.80 

%

 

6.00 

%

 

6.25 

%

 

5.65 

%

 

5.50 

%

 

6.25 

%

Expected long-term rate of return

 

8.75 

%

 

8.75 

%

 

8.75 

%

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

Compensation/progression rate

 

4.00 

%

 

4.00 

%

 

3.75 

%

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

Expected long-term rate of return -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Health assets, net of tax

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

N/A 

 

 

6.85 

%

 

6.85 

%

 

6.85 

%

Life assets and non-taxable
    health assets

 


N/A 

 

 


N/A 

 

 


N/A 

 

 


8.75 


%

 


8.75 


%

 


8.75 


%


The following table represents the PBOP assumed health care cost trend rate for the next year and the assumed ultimate trend rate:


 

 

Year Following December 31,

 

 

 

2006

 

 

2005

 

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

 

9.00 

%

 

10.00 

%

Rate to which health care cost trend rate is assumed
  to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

 


5.00 

%

 


5.00 

%

Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

 

2011 

 

 

2011 

 


At December 31, 2005, the health care cost trend assumption was reset for 2006 at 10 percent, decreasing one percentage point per year to an ultimate rate of 5 percent in 2011.  



23




Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans.  The effect of changing the assumed health care cost trend rate by one percentage point in each year would have the following effects:



(Millions of Dollars)

 

One Percentage
Point Increase

 

One Percentage
Point Decrease

Effect on total service and interest cost components

 

$

0.3 

 

$

(0.2)

Effect on postretirement benefit obligation

 

$

3.7 

 

$

(3.2)


NU's investment strategy for its Pension Plan and PBOP Plan is to maximize the long-term rate of return on those plans’ assets within an acceptable level of risk.  The investment strategy establishes target allocations, which are routinely reviewed and periodically rebalanced.  NU’s expected long-term rates of return on Pension Plan assets and PBOP Plan assets are based on these target asset allocation assumptions and related expected long-term rates of return.  In developing its expected long-term rate of return assumptions for the Pension Plan and the PBOP Plan, NU also evaluated input from actuaries and consultants, as well as long-term inflation assumptions and NU’s historical 20-year compounded return of approximately 11 percent.  The Pension Plan’s and PBOP Plan’s target asset allocation assumptions and expected long-term rate of return assumptions by asset category are as follows:  


 

 

At December 31,

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Postretirement Benefits

 

 

2006 and 2005

 

2006 and 2005


Asset Category

 

Target Asset
Allocation

 

Assumed Rate
of Return

 

Target Asset
Allocation

 

Assumed Rate
of Return

Equity Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  United States  

 

45% 

 

9.25% 

 

55% 

 

9.25% 

  Non-United States

 

14% 

 

9.25% 

 

11% 

 

9.25% 

  Emerging markets

 

3% 

 

10.25% 

 

2% 

 

10.25% 

  Private

 

8% 

 

14.25% 

 

-   

 

-   

Debt Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Fixed income

 

20% 

 

5.50% 

 

27% 

 

5.50% 

  High yield fixed income

 

5% 

 

7.50% 

 

5% 

 

7.50% 

Real Estate

 

5% 

 

7.50% 

 

-   

 

-   


The actual asset allocations at December 31, 2006 and 2005 approximated these target asset allocations.  The plans’ actual weighted-average asset allocations by asset category are as follows:  


 

 

At December 31,

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Postretirement Benefits

Asset Category

 

2006

 

2005

 

2006

 

2005

Equity Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  United States  

 

46% 

 

46% 

 

54% 

 

54% 

  Non-United States

 

16% 

 

16% 

 

14% 

 

14% 

  Emerging markets

 

4% 

 

4% 

 

1% 

 

1% 

  Private

 

5% 

 

5% 

 

-    

 

-    

Debt Securities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Fixed income

 

19% 

 

19% 

 

29% 

 

29% 

  High yield fixed income

 

5% 

 

5% 

 

2% 

 

2% 

Real Estate

 

5% 

 

5% 

 

-    

 

-    

Total

 

100% 

 

100% 

 

100% 

 

100% 


Estimated Future Benefit Payments:  The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid/(received) for the Pension, SERP, and PBOP Plans:


(Millions of Dollars)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Year

 

Pension
Benefits

 

SERP
Benefits

 

Postretirement
Benefits

 

Government
Benefits

2007

 

$

16.2 

 

 

7.3 

 

(0.7) 

2008

 

 

17.1 

 

 

 

 

7.5 

 

 

(0.8) 

2009

 

 

17.9 

 

 

 

 

7.8 

 

 

(0.9) 

2010

 

 

18.8 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

8.0 

 

 

(0.9) 

2011

 

 

19.9 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

8.1 

 

 

(1.0) 

2012-2016

 

 

119.3 

 

 

0.6 

 

 

41.4 

 

 

(6.0) 


The government benefits represent amounts expected to be received from the federal government for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit under the PBOP Plan related to the corresponding year's benefit payments.




24



Contributions:  Currently, PSNH's policy is to annually fund the Pension Plan in an amount at least equal to that which will satisfy the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and IRC.  For the PBOP Plan, it is currently PSNH's policy to annually fund an amount equal to the PBOP Plan's postretirement benefit cost, excluding curtailment and termination benefits.  PSNH does not expect to make any contributions to the Pension Plan in 2007 and expects to make $8 million in contributions to the PBOP Plan in 2007.  Beginning in 2007, PSNH will make an additional contribution to the PBOP Plan for the amounts received from the federal Medicare subsidy.  This amount is estimated at $0.5 million for 2007.  


B.

Defined Contribution Plans

NU maintains a 401(k) savings plan for substantially all PSNH employees.  This savings plan provides for employee contributions up to specified limits.  NU matches employee contributions up to a maximum of three percent of eligible compensation with one percent in cash and two percent in NU common shares.  The 401(k) matching contributions of cash and NU common shares made by NU to PSNH employees were $2.1 million in 2006, $2 million in 2005 and $1.9 million in 2004.


Effective on January 1, 2006, all newly hired, non-bargaining unit employees, and effective on January 1, 2007 newly hired PSNH bargaining unit employees participate in a new defined contribution savings plan called the K-Vantage Plan.  These participants are not eligible to be participants in the existing defined benefit Pension Plan.  In addition, current participants in the Pension Plan were given the opportunity to choose to become a participant in the K-Vantage Plan beginning in 2007, in which case their benefit under the Pension Plan was frozen.


C.

Share-Based Payments

NU maintains an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) and other long-term equity-based incentive plans under the Northeast Utilities Incentive Plan (Incentive Plan) in which PSNH employees and officers participate.  PSNH records compensation cost related to these plans, as applicable, for shares issued to PSNH employees and officers, as well as the allocation of costs associated with shares issued to NUSCO employees and officers that support PSNH.  In the first quarter of 2006, NU adopted SFAS No. 123(R), "Share-Based Payments," under the modified prospective method.  Adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) had a de minimis effect on PSNH's net income.


SFAS No. 123(R) requires that share-based payments be recorded using the fair value-based method based on the fair value at the date of grant and applies to share-based compensation awards granted on or after January 1, 2006 or to awards for which the requisite service period has not been completed.  For prior periods, as permitted by SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," and related guidance, NU used the intrinsic value method and disclosed the pro forma effects as if NU recorded equity-based compensation under the fair value-based method.  


Under SFAS No. 123(R), NU accounts for its various share-based plans as follows:


·

For grants of restricted shares and restricted share units (RSUs), NU continues to record compensation expense over the vesting period based upon the fair value of NU's common stock at the date of grant, but records this expense net of estimated forfeitures.  Previously, forfeitures were recorded as they occurred.  Dividend equivalents on RSUs, previously included in compensation expense, are charged to retained earnings net of estimated forfeitures.  


·

NU has not granted any stock options to PSNH employees or officers since 2002, and no compensation expense has been recorded.  All options were fully vested prior to January 1, 2006.


·

For shares granted under the ESPP, an immaterial amount of compensation expense was recorded in the first quarter of 2006, and no compensation expense was recorded in the remainder of 2006 or will be recorded in future periods as a result of a plan amendment that was effective on February 1, 2006.  


Incentive Plan:  Under the Incentive Plan in which PSNH participates, NU is authorized to grant new shares for various types of awards, including restricted shares, restricted share units, performance units, and stock options to eligible employees and board members.  The number of shares that may be utilized for grants and awards during a given calendar year may not exceed the aggregate of one percent of the total number of NU common shares outstanding as of the first day of that calendar year plus the shares not utilized in previous years.  At December 31, 2006 and 2005, NU had 570,494 and 906,154 shares of common stock, respectively, registered for issuance under the Incentive Plan.  




25



Restricted Shares and RSUs:  NU has granted restricted shares under the 2002, 2003 and 2004 incentive programs that are subject to three-year and four-year graded vesting schedules.  NU has granted RSUs under the 2004, 2005 and 2006 incentive programs that are subject to three-year and four-year graded vesting schedules.  RSUs are paid in shares plus cash sufficient to satisfy withholdings subsequent to vesting.  A summary of total NU restricted share and RSU transactions for the year ended December 31, 2006 is as follows:






Restricted Shares

 

Restricted
Shares

 

Weighted
Average
Grant - Date
Fair Value

 

Total
Grant - Date
Fair Value
(Millions)

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

 

152,901 

 

N/A 

 

 

Granted

 

 

 

 

Vested

 

(74,243)

 

$14.52 

 

$1.1 

Forfeited

 

(12,984)

 

$14.14 

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

 

65,674 

 

$15.00 

 

$1.0 


At December 31, 2006, the remaining compensation cost to be recognized by NU related to the 65,674 outstanding restricted shares was $0.2 million which will be recorded over the weighted average remaining period of 0.3 years.  The per share and total weighted average grant date fair value for restricted shares vested was $14.60 and $1.4 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2005 and $14.84 and $1.9 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2004.  


The compensation cost recognized by PSNH for its portion of the restricted shares above was approximately $90 thousand, net of taxes of approximately $60 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2006, approximately $100 thousand, net of taxes of approximately $65 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2005 and approximately $140 thousand, net of taxes of approximately $90 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2004.






RSUs

 

RSUs
(Units)

 

Weighted
Average
Grant - Date
Fair Value

 

Total
Grant - Date
Fair Value
(Millions)

Outstanding at December 31, 2005

 

521,273 

 

N/A 

 

 

Granted

 

371,134 

 

$19.87

 

 

Issued

 

(120,166)

 

$18.50

 

$  2.2 

Forfeited

 

(56,942)

 

$19.31

 

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2006

 

715,299 

 

$19.41

 

$13.9 


At December 31, 2006, the remaining compensation cost to be recognized by NU related to the 715,299 outstanding RSUs was $6.5 million which will be recorded over the weighted average remaining period of 1.8 years.  The per share and total weighted average grant date fair value for RSUs granted was $18.89 and $5.8 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2005 and $19.07 and $7.3 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2004.  The weighted average grant date fair value per share for RSUs issued was $19.06 and $18.65 for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  The total weighted average fair value of RSUs issued was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.  The total weighted average fair value of RSUs issued in 2004 was de minimis.


The compensation cost recognized by PSNH for its portion of the RSUs above was approximately $440 thousand, net of taxes of approximately $290 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2006, $230 thousand, net of taxes of approximately $150 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2005, and approximately $150 thousand, net of taxes of approximately $100 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2004.  


Stock Options:  Prior to 2003, NU granted stock options to certain PSNH employees.  These options were fully vested as of December 31, 2005 and therefore no compensation expense was recorded as a result of the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R).  The fair value of each stock option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  


D.

Severance Benefits

As a result of its corporate reorganization, in 2005 PSNH recorded severance and related expenses totaling $0.8 million relating to NUSCO intercompany allocations related to expected terminations of NUSCO employees.  In 2006, PSNH updated its prior estimates of its severance benefits based upon actual termination data and updated its estimates of expected personnel reductions.  A total increase in severance and related expenses of $0.4 million was recorded and is included in other operating expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2006, primarily due to an increase in the expected personnel reductions.  In addition, a benefit of $0.2 million was recorded due to NUSCO intercompany allocations for the year ended December 31, 2006.




26



5.

Commitments and Contingencies


A.

Regulatory Developments and Rate Matters

SCRC Reconciliation and SCRC Rates:  On an annual basis, PSNH files with the NHPUC an SCRC reconciliation filing for the preceding calendar year.  The NHPUC reviews the filing, including a prudence review of the operations within PSNH‘s generation business.  On May 1, 2006, PSNH filed its 2005 SCRC reconciliation with the NHPUC.  On October 25, 2006, PSNH, the NHPUC staff and the OCA filed a settlement agreement with the NHPUC which resolved all outstanding issues associated with the 2005 reconciliation.  After the NHPUC hearings held in October of 2006, the NHPUC issued its order affirming the settlement agreement.  The terms of the settlement agreement had virtually no impact on PSNH's financial statements.


Environmental Legislation:  In April of 2006, New Hampshire adopted legislation requiring PSNH to reduce the level of mercury emissions from its coal-fired plants by 2013 with incentives for early reductions.  To comply with the legislation, PSNH intends to install wet scrubber technology by mid-2013 at its two Merrimack coal units, which combined generate 433 megawatts.  PSNH currently anticipates the cost to comply with this law to be $250 million, but this amount has the potential to increase materially as the project is undertaken, primarily as a result of changes in commodity prices and labor costs.  PSNH expects that this project will have a positive impact on PSNH’s earnings, as state law and PSNH's restructuring settlement agreement provide for the recovery of its generation costs from its customers, including the cost to comply with state environmental regulations.


Coal Procurement Docket:  During 2006, the NHPUC opened a docket to review PSNH's coal procurement and coal transportation policies and procedures.  PSNH has responded to data requests from the NHPUC's outside consultant.  While management believes its coal procurement and transportation policies and procedures are prudent and consistent with industry practice, it is unable to determine the impact, if any, of the NHPUC's review on PSNH's earnings, financial position or cash flows.  


B.

Environmental Matters

General:  PSNH is subject to environmental laws and regulations intended to mitigate or remove the effect of past operations and improve or maintain the quality of the environment.  These laws and regulations require the removal or the remedy of the effect on the environment of the disposal or release of certain specified hazardous substances at current and former operating sites.  As such, PSNH has an active environmental auditing and training program and believes that it is substantially in compliance with all enacted laws and regulations.


Environmental reserves are accrued using a probabilistic model approach when assessments indicate that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and an amount can be reasonably estimated.  The probabilistic model approach estimates the liability based on the most likely action plan from a variety of available remediation options, including, no action is required or several different remedies ranging from establishing institutional controls to full site remediation and monitoring.


These estimates are subjective in nature as they take into consideration several different remediation options at each specific site.  The reliability and precision of these estimates can be affected by several factors including new information concerning either the level of contamination at the site, recently enacted laws and regulations or a change in cost estimates due to certain economic factors.


The amounts recorded as environmental liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets represent management’s best estimate of the liability for environmental costs and takes into consideration site assessment and remediation costs.  Based on currently available information for estimated site assessment and remediation costs at December 31, 2006 and 2005, PSNH had $5.6 million and $6.2 million, respectively, recorded as environmental reserves.  A reconciliation of the activity in these reserves at December 31, 2006 and 2005 is as follows:


 

 

For the Years Ended December 31,

(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

Balance at beginning of year

 

$

6.2 

 

$

7.3 

Additions and adjustments

 

 

 

 

0.7 

Payments and adjustments

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

(1.8)

Balance at end of year

 

$

5.6 

 

$

6.2 


Of the 16 sites included in the environmental reserve, 10 sites are in the remediation or long-term monitoring phase, 2 sites have had some level of site assessments completed and the remaining 4 sites are in the preliminary stages of site assessment.


These liabilities are estimated on an undiscounted basis and do not assume that any amounts are recoverable from insurance companies or other third parties.  The environmental reserve includes sites at different stages of discovery and remediation and does not include any unasserted claims.


At December 31, 2006, in addition to the 16 sites, there are two sites for which there are unasserted claims; however, any related remediation costs are not probable or estimable at this time.  PSNH’s environmental liability also takes into account recurring costs of managing hazardous substances and pollutants, mandated expenditures to remediate previously contaminated sites and any other infrequent and non-recurring clean up costs.


Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP) Sites:  MGP sites comprise the largest portion of PSNH’s environmental liability.  MGPs are sites that manufactured gas from coal which produced certain byproducts that may pose a risk to human health and the environment.  PSNH currently has 7 MGP sites in its environmental liability out of the 16 sites.  Of the 7 MGP sites, 5 sites are currently undergoing or have



27



undergone remediation and 2 sites are in the preliminary stages of site assessment.  At December 31, 2006 and 2005, $4.9 million and $5.3 million, respectively, represent amounts for the site assessment and remediation of MGPs.  At December 31, 2006 and 2005, PSNH's two largest MGP sites comprise approximately 91 percent and 85 percent, respectively, of the total MGP environmental liability.


Of the 16 sites that are included in the company's liability for environmental costs, for two of these sites, the information known and nature of the remediation options at those sites allow for an estimate of the range of losses to be made.  These sites primarily relate to MGP sites.  At December 31, 2006, $0.8 million of the $5.6 million total liability has been accrued as a liability for these sites, which represents management’s best estimate of the liability for environmental costs.  This amount differs from an estimated range of loss from zero to $4.3 million as management utilizes the probabilistic model approach to make its estimate of the liability for environmental costs.  For the 14 remaining MGP sites for which an estimate is based on the probabilistic model approach, determining an estimated range of loss is not possible at this time.


CERCLA Matters:  The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and its amendments or state equivalents impose joint and several strict liabilities, regardless of fault, upon generators of hazardous substances resulting in removal and remediation costs and environmental damages.  Liabilities under these laws can be material and in some instances may be imposed without regard to fault or for past acts that may have been lawful at the time they occurred.  Of the 16 sites, two are superfund sites under CERCLA for which it has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party (PRP).  For sites where there are other PRPs and PSNH is not managing the site assessment and remediation, the liability accrued represents PSNH’s estimate of what it will pay to settle its obligations with respect to the site.


It is possible that new information or future developments could require a reassessment of the potential exposure to related environmental matters.  As this information becomes available, management will continue to assess the potential exposure and adjust the reserves accordingly.  


Rate Recovery:  PSNH has a rate recovery mechanism for environmental costs.  


C.

Long-Term Contractual Arrangements

Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation (VYNPC):  Previously under the terms of its agreement, PSNH paid its ownership (or entitlement) share of costs, which included depreciation, O&M expenses, taxes, the estimated cost of decommissioning, and a return on invested capital to VYNPC and recorded these costs as purchased-power expenses.  On July 31, 2002, VYNPC consummated the sale of its nuclear generating unit to a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation for approximately $180 million.  PSNH has commitments to buy approximately 4 percent of the VYNPC plant’s output through March of 2012 at a range of fixed prices.  The total cost of purchases under contracts with VYNPC amounted to $8.1 million in 2006, $6.4 million in 2005 and $6.7 million in 2004.


Electricity Procurement Obligations:  PSNH has various arrangements which extend through 2023 for the purchase of electricity.  The total cost of purchases under these arrangements amounted to $123.6 million in 2006, $125.3 million in 2005 and $121.1 million in 2004.  These amounts relate to independent power producers (IPP) purchase obligations and do not include contractual commitments related to PSNH’s short-term power supply management.  The majority of the contracts expire in 2014.


Wood, Coal and Transportation Contracts:  PSNH has entered into various arrangements for the purchase of wood, coal and the transportation services for fuel supply to its electric generating assets in 2007 and 2008.  PSNH’s fuel costs, excluding emissions allowances, amounted to approximately $149.1 million in 2006, $193.4 million in 2005 and $183 million in 2004.


Portland Natural Gas Transmission System (PNGTS) Pipeline Commitments:  PSNH has a contract for capacity on the PNGTS pipeline which extends through 2018.  The total cost under this contract amounted to $1.4 million in 2006, $1.6 million in 2005 and $2 million in 2004.  These costs are not recovered from PSNH's retail customers.


Hydro-Quebec:  Along with other New England utilities, PSNH has entered into an agreement to support transmission and terminal facilities to import electricity from the Hydro-Quebec system in Canada.  PSNH is obligated to pay, over a 30-year period ending in 2020, its proportionate share of the annual O&M expenses and capital costs of those facilities.  The total cost of these agreements amounted to $6.4 million in 2006, $6.6 million in 2005 and $7.4 million in 2004.


Yankee Companies Billings:  PSNH has significant decommissioning and plant closure cost obligations to the Yankee Companies.  Each plant has been shut down and is undergoing decommissioning.  The Yankee Companies collect decommissioning and closure costs through wholesale, FERC-approved rates charged under power purchase agreements with several New England utilities, including PSNH.  PSNH in turn passes these costs on to its customers through NHPUC-approved retail rates.  The following table includes the estimated decommissioning and closure costs for CYAPC, MYAPC and YAEC.  See Note 5D, "Commitments and Contingencies - Deferred Contractual Obligations," to the consolidated financial statements for information regarding the collection of the Yankee Companies' decommissioning costs.




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Estimated Future Annual Costs:  The estimated future annual costs of PSNH’s significant long-term contractual arrangements are as follows:


(Millions of Dollars)

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

Thereafter

VYNPC

 

$

6.9 

 

$

7.0 

 

$

7.6 

 

$

7.3 

 

$

7.5 

 

$

1.8 

Electricity procurement obligations

 

 

73.0 

 

 

38.1 

 

 

32.2 

 

 

32.5 

 

 

32.7 

 

 

215.3 

Wood, Coal and Transportation Contracts

 

 

107.0 

 

 

66.2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PNGTS pipeline commitments

 

 

1.5 

 

 

2.0 

 

 

2.0 

 

 

2.0 

 

 

2.0 

 

 

13.9 

Hydro-Quebec

 

 

6.5 

 

 

6.5 

 

 

6.5 

 

 

6.5 

 

 

6.4 

 

 

57.9 

Yankee Companies billings

 

 

6.7 

 

 

5.7 

 

 

4.1 

 

 

4.3 

 

 

3.1 

 

 

11.8 

Totals

 

$

201.6 

 

$

125.5 

 

$

52.4 

 

$

52.6 

 

$

51.7 

 

$

300.7 


D.

Deferred Contractual Obligations

PSNH has significant decommissioning and plant closure cost obligations to the Yankee Companies.  The Yankee Companies collect decommissioning and closure costs through wholesale, FERC-approved rates charged under power purchase agreements with several New England utilities, including PSNH.  PSNH’s ownership interests in the Yankee Companies at December 31, 2006 is 5 percent of CYAPC, 7 percent of YAEC and 5 percent of MYAPC.  


CYAPC:  On July 1, 2004, CYAPC filed with the FERC seeking to increase its annual decommissioning collections from $16.7 million to $93 million for a six-year period of January 1, 2005 to January 1, 2011.  On August 30, 2004, the FERC issued an order accepting the rates, with collection by CYAPC beginning on February 1, 2005, subject to refund.


On June 10, 2004, the DPUC and the Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) filed a petition with the FERC seeking a declaratory order that CYAPC be allowed to recover all decommissioning costs from its wholesale purchasers, including PSNH, but that such purchasers may not be allowed to recover in their retail rates any costs that the FERC might determine to have been imprudently incurred.  The FERC rejected the DPUC's and OCC's petition, whereupon the DPUC filed an appeal of the FERC's decision with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals (Court of Appeals).


On August 15, 2006, CYAPC, the DPUC, the OCC and Maine state regulators filed a settlement agreement with the FERC.  The settlement agreement was approved by the FERC on November 16, 2006 and disposes of the pending litigation at the FERC and the Court of Appeals, among other issues.  


Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the parties have agreed to a revised decommissioning estimate of $642.9 million (in 2006 dollars), taking into account actual spending through 2005 and the current estimate for completing decommissioning and long-term storage of spent fuel, a gross domestic product escalator of 2.5 percent for costs incurred after 2006, and a 10 percent contingency factor for all decommissioning costs and extension of collection period by five years.  Annual collections began in January of 2007, and are reduced from the $93 million originally requested for years 2007 through 2010 to lower levels ranging from $37 million in 2007 rising to $49 million in 2015.  


The reduction to annual collections is achieved by extending the collection period by 5 years through 2015, reflecting the proceeds from a settlement agreement with Bechtel Power Corporation (Bechtel), by reducing collections in 2007, 2008 and 2009 by $5 million per year, and making other adjustments.  Additionally, the settlement agreement includes an incentive that reduces collections up to $10 million during years 2007 to 2010, but allows CYAPC to recoup up to $5 million of these collections, depending on the date that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission amends CYAPC's license permitting fuel storage-only operations.  The settlement agreement also contains various mechanisms for true-ups and adjustments related to decommissioning and allows CYAPC to resume reasonable payment of dividends to its shareholders.


The settlement agreement also required CYAPC to forego collection of a $10 million regulatory asset that was written-off in 2006.  PSNH included in 2006 earnings its 5 percent share of CYAPC's after-tax write-off.


YAEC:  In November of 2005, YAEC established an updated estimate of the cost of completing the decommissioning of its plant.  On January 31, 2006, the FERC issued an order accepting the rate increase, effective February 1, 2006, subject to refund.  


On July 31, 2006, the FERC approved a settlement agreement with the DPUC, the Massachusetts Attorney General and the Vermont Department of Public Service previously filed by YAEC.  This settlement agreement did not materially affect the level of 2006 charges.  Under the settlement agreement, YAEC agreed to revise its November 2005 decommissioning cost increase from $85 million to $79 million.  The revision includes adjustments for contingencies and projected escalation and certain decontamination and dismantlement (D&D) expenses.  Other terms of the settlement agreement include extending the collection period for charges through December 2014, reconciling and adjusting future charges based on actual D&D expenses and the decommissioning trust fund's actual investment earnings.  PSNH has recovered its $5.5 million share of these costs.  


MYAPC:  MYAPC is collecting amounts in rates that are adequate to recover the remaining cost of decommissioning its plant, and PSNH has recovered its share of these costs.


Spent Nuclear Fuel Litigation:  In 1998, CYAPC, YAEC and MYAPC filed separate complaints against the United States Department of Energy (DOE) in the Court of Federal Claims seeking monetary damages resulting from the DOE's failure to begin accepting spent nuclear fuel for disposal no later than January 31, 1998 pursuant to the terms of the 1983 spent fuel and high level waste disposal contracts between the Yankee Companies and the DOE.  In 2004, a trial was conducted in the Court of Federal Claims in which the



29



Yankee Companies initially claimed damages for incremental spent nuclear fuel storage, security, construction and other costs through 2010.


In a ruling released on October 4, 2006, the Court of Federal Claims held that the DOE was liable for damages to CYAPC for $34.2 million through 2001, YAEC for $32.9 million through 2001 and MYAPC for $75.8 million through 2002.  The Yankee Companies had claimed actual damages for the same period as follows:  CYAPC:  $37.7 million; YAEC:  $60.8 million; and MYAPC:  $78.1 million.  Most of the reduction in the claimed actual damages related to disallowed spent nuclear fuel pool operating expenses.  The Court of Federal Claims found that the Yankee Companies would have incurred the disallowed expenses notwithstanding the DOE breach given the DOE's probable rate of acceptance of spent nuclear fuel had a depository been available.  


The Court of Federal Claims, following precedent set in another case, also did not award the Yankee Companies future damages covering the period beyond the 2001/2002 damages award dates.  The Yankee Companies believe they will have the opportunity in future lawsuits to seek recovery of actual damages incurred in the years following 2001 and 2002.  


In December of 2006, the DOE appealed the ruling, and the Yankee Companies filed a cross-appeal.  The refund to PSNH of any damages that may be recovered from the DOE will be realized through the Yankee Companies' FERC-approved rate settlement agreements, subject to final determination of the FERC.  


PSNH’s share of these damages would be $7.8 million.  PSNH cannot at this time determine the timing or amount of any ultimate recovery or the credit to future storage costs that may be realized in connection with this matter.


Uranium Enrichment Litigation: In 2001, NU asserted claims against the DOE in the Court of Federal Claims for overcharges for purchases of uranium enrichment separative work units (SWUs) for CYAPC's unit and the Millstone units between 1986 and 1993 (D&D Claims).  The NU case was stayed by the Court of Federal Claims while other D&D Claims cases were being litigated.  Beginning in 2005, NU joined a number of other utilities in a consortium in an attempt to negotiate a settlement agreement with the DOE.  In late-2006, a settlement was reached between the consortium and the DOE.  The distribution of proceeds under the settlement agreement totals approximately $0.8 million for CYAPC and approximately $1.4 million for Millstone and the Millstone portion was received on January 30, 2007.  This distribution is based on the total number of SWUs purchased for CYAPC's unit and the Millstone units during the applicable period covered by the litigation.  The company believes it is likely that the net proceeds from the settlement agreement will be credited to ratepayers.  Prior to March 31, 2001, PSNH owned 2.85 percent of Millstone 3.   


E.

Guarantees

NU provides credit assurances on behalf of subsidiaries, including PSNH, in the form of guarantees and letters of credit (LOCs) in the normal course of business.  At December 31, 2006, the maximum level of exposure in accordance with FIN 45, "Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others," under guarantees by NU on behalf of PSNH totaled $3.5 million.  A majority of these guarantees do not have established expiration dates, and some guarantees have unlimited exposure to commodity price movements.  Additionally, NU had $35.5 million of LOCs issued on behalf of PSNH at December 31, 2006.  PSNH has no guarantees of the performance of third parties.  


Several underlying contracts that NU guarantees, as well as certain surety bonds, contain credit ratings triggers that would require NU to post collateral in the event that NU’s credit ratings are downgraded below investment grade.


With the repeal of PUHCA, there are no regulatory limits on NU's ability to guarantee the obligation of its subsidiaries, including PSNH.


F.

Other Litigation and Legal Proceedings

PSNH is involved in other legal, tax and regulatory proceedings regarding matters arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve management’s best estimate of probable loss as defined by SFAS No. 5, "Accounting for Contingencies."  The company records and discloses losses when these losses are probable and reasonably estimable in accordance with SFAS No. 5 and expenses legal costs related to the defense of loss contingencies as incurred.


6.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments


The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each of the following financial instruments:




30



Long-Term Debt and Rate Reduction Bonds:  The fair value of PSNH’s fixed-rate securities is based upon quoted market prices for those issues or similar issues.  Adjustable rate securities are assumed to have a fair value equal to their carrying value.  The carrying amounts of PSNH’s financial instruments and the estimated fair values are as follows:


 

 

At December 31, 2006

(Millions of Dollars)

 

Carrying Amount

 

Fair Value

Long-term debt -

 

 

 

 

 

 

   First mortgage bonds

 

$

100.0 

 

$

96.4 

   Other long-term debt

 

 

407.3 

 

 

421.7 

Rate reduction bonds

 

 

333.8 

 

 

347.9 


 

 

At December 31, 2005

(Millions of Dollars)

 

Carrying Amount

 

Fair Value

Long-term debt -

 

 

 

 

 

 

   First mortgage bonds

 

$

100.0 

 

$

100.8 

   Other long-term debt

 

 

407.3 

 

 

421.5 

Rate reduction bonds

 

 

382.7 

 

 

402.8 


Other Financial Instruments:  The carrying value of financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities approximates their fair value.  


7.

Leases


PSNH has entered into lease agreements, some of which are capital leases, for the use of data processing and office equipment, vehicles, and office space.  In addition, PSNH incurs costs associated with leases entered into by NUSCO and RRR.  These costs are included below in operating lease payments charged to expense and the capitalized portion of lease expense and are included as future operating lease payments for 2007 through 2011 and thereafter.  The provisions of these lease agreements generally provide for renewal options.  Certain lease agreements contain contingent lease payments.  The contingent lease payments are based on various factors, such as the commercial paper rate plus a credit spread or the consumer price index.


Capital lease rental payments were $0.4 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004.  Interest included in capital lease rental payments was $0.2 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004.  Capital lease asset amortization was $0.2 million in 2006, 2005 and 2004.


Operating lease rental payments charged to expense were $4.1 million in both 2006 and 2005, and $3.6 million in 2004.  The capitalized portion of operating lease payments was approximately $1.9 million, $1.8 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.  


Future minimum rental payments excluding executory costs, such as property taxes, state use taxes, insurance, and maintenance, under long-term noncancelable leases, at December 31, 2006 are as follows:


(Millions of Dollars)

 

Capital Leases

 

Operating Leases

2007

 

$

0.4 

 

$

6.2 

2008

 

 

0.4 

 

 

5.4 

2009

 

 

0.1 

 

 

4.2 

2010

 

 

0.1 

 

 

3.6 

2011

 

 

0.1 

 

 

2.7 

Thereafter

 

 

0.8 

 

 

10.5 

Future minimum lease payments

 

 

1.9 

 

$

32.6 

Less amount representing interest

 

 

(0.6)

 

 

 

Present value of future minimum lease payments

 

$

1.3 

 

 

 


8.

Dividend Restrictions


The Federal Power Act limits the payment of dividends by PSNH to its retained earnings balance and PSNH is required to reserve an additional amount under its FERC hydroelectric license conditions.  In addition, certain state statutes may impose additional limitations on PSNH.  PSNH also has a revolving credit agreement that imposes a leverage restriction.  




31



9.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)


The accumulated balance for each other comprehensive income/(loss) item is as follows:




(Millions of Dollars)

 

December 31,
2005

 

Current
Period
Change

 

December 31,
2006

Unrealized gains on securities

 

$  

0.2 

 

 

$

0.2 

Minimum SERP liability

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

0.1 

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

$

0.1 

 

0.1 

 

$

0.2 




(Millions of Dollars)

 

December 31,
2004

 

Current
Period
Change

 

December 31,
2005

Unrealized gains on securities

 

$

0.2 

 

$

 

$

0.2 

Minimum SERP liability

 

 

(0.3)

 

 

0.2 

 

 

(0.1)

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income

 

$

(0.1)

 

$

0.2 

 

$

0.1 


The changes in the components of other comprehensive (loss)/income are reported net of the following income tax effects:


(Millions of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

Unrealized gains on securities

 

$

 

$

 

$

(0.1)

Minimum SERP liability

 

 

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income

 

$

 

$

(0.1)

 

$

(0.1)


The unrealized gains on securities above relate to $3.8 million and $3.4 million of SERP securities at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, that are included in prepayments and other on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


10.

Long-Term Debt


Details of long-term debt outstanding are as follows:


 

 

At December 31,

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

 

(Millions of Dollars)

First Mortgage Bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

   5.25% Series L, due 2014

 

$

50.0 

 

$

50.0 

   5.60% Series M, due 2035

 

 

50.0 

 

 

50.0 

Total First Mortgage Bonds

 

$

100.0 

 

$

100.0 

Pollution Control Revenue Bonds:

 

 

 

 

 

 

   6.00% Tax-Exempt, Series D, due 2021

 

 

75.0 

 

 

75.0 

   6.00% Tax-Exempt, Series E, due 2021

 

 

44.8 

 

 

44.8 

   Adjustable Rate, Series A, due 2021

 

 

89.3 

 

 

89.3 

   4.75% Tax-Exempt, Series B, due 2021

 

 

89.3 

 

 

89.3 

   5.45% Tax-Exempt, Series C, due 2021

 

 

108.9 

 

 

108.9 

Total Pollution Control Revenue Bonds

 

$

            407.3 

 

$

407.3 

Less amounts due within a year

 

 

 

 

Unamortized premiums and discounts, net

 

 

              (0.2)

 

 

(0.2)

Long-term debt

 

$

507.1 

 

$

507.1 


There are no cash sinking fund requirements or debt maturities for the years 2007 through 2011.  There are annual renewal and replacement fund requirements equal to 2.25 percent of the average of net depreciable utility property owned by PSNH in 1992, plus cumulative gross property additions thereafter.  PSNH expects to meet these future fund requirements by certifying property additions.  Any deficiency would need to be satisfied by the deposit of cash or bonds.


Essentially, all utility plant of PSNH is subject to the liens of the company's first mortgage bond indenture.


PSNH entered into financing arrangements with the Business Finance Authority (BFA) of the state of New Hampshire, pursuant to which the BFA issued five series of Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (PCRBs) and loaned the proceeds to PSNH.  At both December 31, 2006 and 2005, $407.3 million of the PCRBs were outstanding.  PSNH’s obligation to repay each series of PCRBs is secured by bond insurance and by PSNH's first mortgage bonds.  Each such series of first mortgage bonds contains similar terms and provisions as the applicable series of PCRBs.  For financial reporting purposes, these first mortgage bonds would not be considered outstanding unless PSNH failed to meet its obligations under the PCRBs.




32



The weighted-average effective interest rate on PSNH's Series A variable-rate pollution control notes was 3.5 percent for 2006 and 2.51 percent for 2005.  PSNH's Series B variable-rate pollution control notes were converted to a fixed rate of 4.75 percent in June of 2006.  PSNH's long-term debt agreements provide that it must comply with certain financial and non-financial covenants as are customarily included in such agreements.  PSNH currently is and expects to remain in compliance with these covenants.


11.

Segment Information


Segment information related to the distribution (including generation) and transmission businesses for PSNH for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is as follows.  Cash flows for total investment in plant included in the segment information below are cash capital expenditures that do not include cost of removal, AFUDC related to equity funds, and the capitalized portion of pension expense or income.  


 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2006

(Millions of Dollars)

 

Distribution (1)

 

Transmission

 

Totals

Operating revenues

 

$

1,100.1 

 

$

40.8 

 

$

1,140.9 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(147.1)

 

 

(5.2)

 

 

(152.3)

Other operating expenses

 

 

(856.2)

 

 

(19.5)

 

 

(875.7)

Operating income

 

 

96.8 

 

 

16.1 

 

 

112.9 

Interest expense, net of AFUDC

 

 

(42.4)

 

 

(3.3)

 

 

(45.7)

Interest income

 

 

1.1 

 

 

 

 

1.1 

Other income, net

 

 

5.7 

 

 

0.5 

 

 

6.2 

Income tax expense

 

 

(34.2)

 

 

(5.0)

 

 

(39.2)

Net income

 

$

27.0 

 

$

8.3 

 

$

35.3 

Total assets  (2)

 

$

2,071.3 

 

 

$

2,071.3 

Cash flows for total investments in plant

 

$

92.3 

 

$

34.4 

 

$

126.7 


(1)

Includes generation activities.


(2)

Information for segmenting total assets between distribution and transmission is not available at December 31, 2006 or 2005.  The distribution and transmission assets are disclosed in the distribution columns above.  


 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2005

 

 

Distribution (1)

 

Transmission

 

Totals

Operating revenues

 

$

1,091.9 

 

$

36.5 

 

$

1,128.4 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(233.7)

 

 

(4.3)

 

 

(238.0)

Other operating expenses

 

 

(778.0)

 

 

(17.4)

 

 

(795.4)

Operating income

 

 

80.2 

 

 

14.8 

 

 

95.0 

Interest expense, net of AFUDC

 

 

(43.9)

 

 

(2.4)

 

 

(46.3)

Interest income

 

 

0.3 

 

 

0.1 

 

 

0.4 

Other income/(loss), net

 

 

5.1 

 

 

(0.3)

 

 

4.8 

Income tax expense

 

 

(7.8)

 

 

(4.4)

 

 

(12.2)

Net income

 

$

33.9 

 

$

 7.8 

 

$

41.7 

Total assets  (2)

 

$

2,294.6 

 

 

$

2,294.6 

Cash flows for total investments in plant

 

$

131.9 

 

$

26.9 

 

$

158.8 


 

 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2004

 

 

Distribution (1)

 

Transmission

 

Totals

Operating revenues

 

$

937.9 

 

$

30.8 

 

$

968.7 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

(180.6)

 

 

(4.4)

 

 

(185.0)

Other operating expenses

 

 

(665.5)

 

 

(15.2)

 

 

(680.7)

Operating income

 

 

91.8 

 

 

11.2 

 

 

103.0 

Interest expense, net of AFUDC

 

 

(43.5)

 

 

(2.0)

 

 

(45.5)

Interest income

 

 

0.3 

 

 

 

 

0.3 

Other income/(loss), net

 

 

1.9 

 

 

(0.1)

 

 

1.8 

Income tax expense

 

 

(10.6)

 

 

(2.4)

 

 

(13.0)

Net income

 

$

39.9 

 

$

6.7 

 

$

46.6 

Cash flows for total investments in plant

 

$

123.1 

 

$

30.1 

 

$

153.2 


(1)

Includes generation activities.


(2)

Information for segmenting total assets between distribution and transmission is not available at December 31, 2006 or 2005.  The distribution and transmission assets are disclosed in the distribution columns above.  



33




Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

Quarter Ended (a) (b)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

March 31,

 

June 30,

 

September 30,

 

December 31,

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenues

 

$

315,316 

 

$

294,638 

 

$

265,779 

 

 $

265,167 

Operating Income

 

 

20,001 

 

 

41,264 

 

28,066 

 

23,554 

Net Income

 

 

5,132 

 

 

14,904 

 

7,890 

 

7,397 


2005

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Revenues

 

$

268,891 

 

$

259,586 

 

$

307,305 

 

$

292,645 

Operating Income

 

 

24,306 

 

 

23,387 

 

 

25,288 

 

 

21,983 

Net Income

 

 

8,788 

 

 

9,063 

 

 

11,921 

 

 

11,967 


Selected Consolidated Financial Data (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

Operating Revenues

 

1,140,900 

 

$

1,128,427 

 

$   

968,749 

 

$   

888,186 

 

$

947,178 

Net Income

 

35,323 

 

41,739 

 

46,641 

 

45,624 

 

62,897 

Cash Dividends on Common Stock

 

41,741 

 

42,383 

 

27,186 

 

16,800 

 

45,000 

Property, Plant and Equipment, net (c)

 

1,242,378 

 

1,155,423 

 

1,031,703 

 

925,592 

 

839,716 

Total Assets

 

2,071,276 

 

2,294,583 

 

2,205,374 

 

2,171,181 

 

2,155,447 

Rate Reduction Bonds

 

333,831 

 

382,692 

 

428,769 

 

472,222 

 

510,841 

Long-Term Debt (d)

 

507,099 

 

507,086 

 

457,190 

 

407,285 

 

407,285 

Obligations Under Capital Leases (d)

 

1,356 

 

498 

 

712 

 

986 

 

1,192 


(a)

Operating revenues totaling $8.8 million and $1.3 million for the quarters ending June 30, 2006 and September 30, 2006, respectively, were reclassified to operating expenses as a result of the change in classification of certain revenues and associated expenses from a gross presentation to a net presentation.  


(b)

Quarterly operating income amounts differ from those previously reported as a result of the change in classification of certain amounts previously presented in other income, net, that have been reclassified to operating expenses.  These differences are summarized as follows (thousands of dollars):  


Quarter Ended

 

2006

 

2005

March 31,

 

(432)

 

(369)

June 30,

 

 

(303)

 

 

(89)

September 30,

 

 

(345)

 

 

(211)


(c)

Amount includes construction work in progress.

 

(d)

Includes portions due within one year.  



34




Consolidated Statistics (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2006

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

2002

Revenues:  (Thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

$

467,517  

 

$

450,230  

 

$

384,667  

 

$

351,622  

 

$

325,912  

Commercial

 

 

439,828  

 

 

423,884  

 

 

361,603  

 

 

318,081  

 

 

297,196  

Industrial

 

 

166,132  

 

 

190,299  

 

 

175,921  

 

 

159,560  

 

 

150,582  

Other Utilities

 

 

52,255  

 

 

34,688  

 

 

19,712  

 

 

38,622  

 

 

152,131  

Streetlighting and Railroads

 

 

5,729  

 

 

5,685  

 

 

5,297  

 

 

4,801  

 

 

4,820  

Miscellaneous

 

 

9,439  

 

 

23,641  

 

 

21,549  

 

 

15,500  

 

 

16,537  

Total

 

$

1,140,900  

 

$

1,128,427 

 

$

968,749  

 

$

888,186   

 

$

947,178  

Sales:  (KWH - Millions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

 

3,087  

 

 

3,162  

 

 

3,015  

 

 

2,944  

 

 

2,765  

Commercial

 

 

3,342  

 

 

3,342  

 

 

3,235  

 

 

3,100  

 

 

2,969  

Industrial

 

 

1,582  

 

 

1,612  

 

 

1,716  

 

 

1,684  

 

 

1,646  

Other Utilities

 

 

985  

 

 

501  

 

 

242  

 

 

674  

 

 

4,034  

Streetlighting and Railroads

 

 

23  

 

 

24   

 

 

25  

 

 

23  

 

 

23  

Total

 

 

9,019  

 

 

8,641  

 

 

8,233  

 

 

8,425  

 

 

11,437 

Customers:  (Average)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Residential

 

 

413,980  

 

 

408,959  

 

 

403,088  

 

 

388,133  

 

 

382,481 

Commercial

 

 

69,528  

 

 

68,232  

 

 

66,572  

 

 

63,324  

 

 

61,775 

Industrial

 

 

2,761  

 

 

2,768  

 

 

2,783  

 

 

2,758  

 

 

2,818 

Other

 

 

592  

 

 

600  

 

 

572  

 

 

554  

 

 

540 

Total

 

 

486,861  

 

 

480,559  

 

 

473,015  

 

 

454,769  

 

 

447,614 

Average Annual Use Per Residential Customer (KWH)

 

 

7,458  

 

 

7,733  

 

 

7,484  

 

 

7,584  

 

 

7,208 

Average Annual Bill Per Residential Customer

 

$

1,129.29  

 

$

1,100.95  

 

 $

954.96  

 

$

905.52  

 

$

849.10 




35