10-Q 1 so10-Q.htm !0-Q
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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

þ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from             to            

 

Commission

File Number

 

Registrant, State of Incorporation,

Address and Telephone Number

 

I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.

1-3526

 

The Southern Company

(A Delaware Corporation)

30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W.

Atlanta, Georgia 30308

(404) 506-5000

  58-0690070

1-3164

 

Alabama Power Company

(An Alabama Corporation)

600 North 18th Street

Birmingham, Alabama 35203

(205) 257-1000

  63-0004250

1-6468

 

Georgia Power Company

(A Georgia Corporation)

241 Ralph McGill Boulevard, N.E.

Atlanta, Georgia 30308

(404) 506-6526

  58-0257110

001-31737

 

Gulf Power Company

(A Florida Corporation)

One Energy Place

Pensacola, Florida 32520

(850) 444-6111

  59-0276810

001-11229

 

Mississippi Power Company

(A Mississippi Corporation)

2992 West Beach

Gulfport, Mississippi 39501

(228) 864-1211

  64-0205820

333-98553

 

Southern Power Company

(A Delaware Corporation)

30 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard, N.W.

Atlanta, Georgia 30308

(404) 506-5000

  58-2598670

 

 

 


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Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨

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

 

Registrant

   Large
Accelerated
Filer
   Accelerated
Filer
   Non-
accelerated

Filer
   Smaller
Reporting
Company

The Southern Company

   X         

Alabama Power Company

         X   

Georgia Power Company

         X   

Gulf Power Company

         X   

Mississippi Power Company

         X   

Southern Power Company

         X   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.) Yes ¨ No þ (Response applicable to all registrants.)

 

Registrant

 

Description of
Common Stock

      Shares Outstanding    
    at June 30, 2012    

The Southern Company

  Par Value $5 Per Share   874,796,883

Alabama Power Company

  Par Value $40 Per Share     30,537,500

Georgia Power Company

  Without Par Value       9,261,500

Gulf Power Company

  Without Par Value       4,542,717

Mississippi Power Company

  Without Par Value       1,121,000

Southern Power Company

  Par Value $0.01 Per Share              1,000

This combined Form 10-Q is separately filed by The Southern Company, Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, Gulf Power Company, Mississippi Power Company, and Southern Power Company. Information contained herein relating to any individual registrant is filed by such registrant on its own behalf. Each registrant makes no representation as to information relating to the other registrants.

 

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INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

June 30, 2012

 

         Page
    Number
 

DEFINITIONS

     5       

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

     7       
  PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION   

Item 1.

 

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  

Item 2.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  
 

The Southern Company and Subsidiary Companies

  
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

     10       
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

     11       
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     12       
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

     13       
 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     15       
 

Alabama Power Company

  
 

Condensed Statements of Income

     38       
 

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

     38       
 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

     39       
 

Condensed Balance Sheets

     40       
 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     42       
 

Georgia Power Company

  
 

Condensed Statements of Income

     59       
 

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

     59       
 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

     60       
 

Condensed Balance Sheets

     61       
 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     63       
 

Gulf Power Company

  
 

Condensed Statements of Income

     83       
 

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

     83       
 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

     84       
 

Condensed Balance Sheets

     85       
 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     87       
 

Mississippi Power Company

  
 

Condensed Statements of Income

     106       
 

Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income

     106       
 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

     107       
 

Condensed Balance Sheets

     108       
 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     110       
 

Southern Power Company and Subsidiary Companies

  
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income

     133       
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

     133       
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     134       
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

     135       
 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     137       
 

Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements

     150       

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     36       

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

     36       

 

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INDEX TO QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

June 30, 2012

 

         Page
                     Number
 
  PART II—OTHER INFORMATION   

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

     185   

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

     185   

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     Inapplicable   

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     Inapplicable   

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

     Inapplicable   

Item 5.

 

Other Information

     Inapplicable   

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

     186   
 

Signatures

     190   

 

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DEFINITIONS

 

Term    Meaning
  
2010 ARP    Alternate Rate Plan approved by the Georgia PSC for Georgia Power, which became effective January 1, 2011 and will continue through December 31, 2013
2011 IRP Update    Georgia Power’s 2011 Integrated Resource Plan update filed with the Georgia PSC on August 4, 2011
AFUDC    Allowance for funds used during construction
Alabama Power    Alabama Power Company
ARO    Asset retirement obligation
Clean Air Act    Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990
CPCN    Certificate of public convenience and necessity
CWIP    Construction work in progress
DOE    U.S. Department of Energy
ECO Plan    Mississippi Power’s Environmental Compliance Overview Plan
EPA    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FERC    Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Fitch    Fitch, Inc.
Form 10-K   

Combined Annual Report on Form 10-K of Southern Company,

Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power,

and Southern Power for the year ended December 31, 2011

GAAP    Generally accepted accounting principles
Georgia Power    Georgia Power Company
Gulf Power    Gulf Power Company
IIC    Intercompany Interchange Contract
Internal Revenue Code    Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
IRS    Internal Revenue Service
Kemper IGCC    Integrated coal gasification combined cycle facility under construction in Kemper County, Mississippi
KWH    Kilowatt-hour
LIBOR    London Interbank Offered Rate
Mississippi Power    Mississippi Power Company
mmBtu    Million British thermal unit
Moody’s    Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.
MW    Megawatt
MWH    Megawatt-hour
NCCR    Georgia Power’s Nuclear Construction Cost Recovery
NDR    Alabama Power’s natural disaster reserve
NRC    Nuclear Regulatory Commission
NSR    New Source Review
OCI    Other Comprehensive Income
PEP    Mississippi Power’s Performance Evaluation Plan
Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4    Two new nuclear generating units under construction at Plant Vogtle
Power Pool    The operating arrangement whereby the integrated generating resources of the traditional operating companies and Southern Power are subject to joint commitment and dispatch in order to serve their combined load obligations
PPA    Power Purchase Agreement
PSC    Public Service Commission
registrants    Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power

 

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ROE    Return on equity
SEC    Securities and Exchange Commission
SEGCO    Southern Electric Generating Company
SMEPA    South Mississippi Electric Power Association
Southern Company    The Southern Company
Southern Company system    Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, Southern Power, and other subsidiaries
Southern Nuclear    Southern Nuclear Operating Company, Inc.

Southern Power

   Southern Power Company

S&P

   Standard and Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of The McGraw Hill Companies, Inc.

traditional operating companies

   Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power

Westinghouse

   Westinghouse Electric Company LLC

wholesale revenues

   revenues generated from sales for resale

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning retail sales, retail rates, economic recovery, fuel and environmental cost recovery and other rate actions, current and proposed environmental regulations and related estimated expenditures, access to sources of capital, projections for the qualified pension plan and other postretirement benefit plan contributions, financing activities, start and completion of construction projects, plans and estimated costs for new generation resources, filings with state and federal regulatory authorities, impact of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, estimated sales and purchases under new power sale and purchase agreements, and estimated construction and other expenditures. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “predicts,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar terminology. There are various factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such indicated results will be realized. These factors include:

 

 

the impact of recent and future federal and state regulatory changes, including legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding deregulation and restructuring of the electric utility industry, implementation of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, environmental laws including regulation of water, coal combustion byproducts, and emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, carbon, soot, particulate matter, hazardous air pollutants, including mercury, and other substances, financial reform legislation, and also changes in tax and other laws and regulations to which Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject, as well as changes in application of existing laws and regulations;

 

 

current and future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings, or inquiries, including the pending EPA civil actions against certain Southern Company subsidiaries, FERC matters, and IRS and state tax audits;

 

 

the effects, extent, and timing of the entry of additional competition in the markets in which Southern Company’s subsidiaries operate;

 

 

variations in demand for electricity, including those relating to weather, the general economy and recovery from the recent recession, population and business growth (and declines), and the effects of energy conservation measures;

 

 

available sources and costs of fuels;

 

 

effects of inflation;

 

 

ability to control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development and construction of facilities;

 

 

investment performance of Southern Company’s employee benefit plans and nuclear decommissioning trust funds;

 

 

advances in technology;

 

 

state and federal rate regulations and the impact of pending and future rate cases and negotiations, including rate actions relating to fuel and other cost recovery mechanisms;

 

 

regulatory approvals and actions related to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including Georgia PSC approvals, NRC actions, and potential DOE loan guarantees;

 

 

regulatory approvals and actions related to the Kemper IGCC, including Mississippi PSC approvals, potential DOE loan guarantees, the SMEPA purchase decision, utilization of investment tax credits, and the outcome of any further proceedings regarding the Mississippi PSC’s issuance of the CPCN;

 

 

the performance of projects undertaken by the non-utility businesses and the success of efforts to invest in and develop new opportunities;

 

 

internal restructuring or other restructuring options that may be pursued;

 

 

potential business strategies, including acquisitions or dispositions of assets or businesses, which cannot be assured to be completed or beneficial to Southern Company or its subsidiaries;

 

 

the ability of counterparties of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to make payments as and when due and to perform as required;

 

 

the ability to obtain new short- and long-term contracts with wholesale customers;

 

 

the direct or indirect effect on Southern Company’s business resulting from terrorist incidents and the threat of terrorist incidents, including cyber intrusion;

 

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interest rate fluctuations and financial market conditions and the results of financing efforts, including Southern Company’s and its subsidiaries’ credit ratings;

 

 

the impacts of any potential U.S. credit rating downgrade or other sovereign financial issues, including impacts on interest rates, access to capital markets, impacts on currency exchange rates, counterparty performance, and the economy in general, as well as potential impacts on the availability or benefits of proposed DOE loan guarantees;

 

 

the ability of Southern Company and its subsidiaries to obtain additional generating capacity at competitive prices;

 

 

catastrophic events such as fires, earthquakes, explosions, floods, hurricanes, droughts, pandemic health events such as influenzas, or other similar occurrences;

 

 

the direct or indirect effects on Southern Company’s business resulting from incidents affecting the U.S. electric grid or operation of generating resources;

 

 

the effect of accounting pronouncements issued periodically by standard setting bodies; and

 

 

other factors discussed elsewhere herein and in other reports filed by the registrants from time to time with the SEC.

The registrants expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)     (in millions)  

Operating Revenues:

        

Retail revenues

   $ 3,597      $ 3,842      $ 6,689      $ 7,238   

Wholesale revenues

     415        507        764        956   

Other electric revenues

     154        154        302        303   

Other revenues

     15        18        30        36   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     4,181        4,521        7,785        8,533   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

        

Fuel

     1,290        1,673        2,354        3,149   

Purchased power

     150        145        291        245   

Other operations and maintenance

     944        910        1,911        1,854   

MC Asset Recovery insurance settlement

     (19     —          (19     —     

Depreciation and amortization

     445        430        886        848   

Taxes other than income taxes

     228        227        453        447   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     3,038        3,385        5,876        6,543   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     1,143        1,136        1,909        1,990   

Other Income and (Expense):

        

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     32        36        63        71   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     (220     (199     (431     (421

Other income (expense), net

     13        (4     11        (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and (expense)

     (175     (167     (357     (352
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     968        969        1,552        1,638   

Income taxes

     329        349        529        580   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Net Income

     639        620        1,023        1,058   

Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries

     16        16        32        32   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consolidated Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries

   $ 623      $ 604      $ 991      $ 1,026   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Stock Data:

        

Earnings per share (EPS) -

        

Basic EPS

   $ 0.71      $ 0.71      $ 1.14      $ 1.20   

Diluted EPS

   $ 0.71      $ 0.70      $ 1.13      $ 1.20   

Average number of shares of common stock outstanding (in millions)

        

Basic

     872        855        870        851   

Diluted

     880        862        879        858   

Cash dividends paid per share of common stock

   $ 0.4900      $ 0.4725      $ 0.9625      $ 0.9275   

The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Three  Months
Ended June 30,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)     (in millions)  

Consolidated Net Income

   $ 639      $ 620      $ 1,023      $ 1,058   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Qualifying hedges:

        

Changes in fair value, net of tax of $(8), $-, $(5) and $2, respectively

     (10            (7     3   

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $2, $1, $3 and $3, respectively

     2               4        3   

Marketable securities:

        

Change in fair value, net of tax of $-, $2, $- and $1, respectively

            3               2   

Pension and other post retirement benefit plans:

        

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $1, $(1), $1 and $1, respectively

     1        1        2          
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     (7     4        (1     8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries

     (16     (16     (32     (32
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   $ 616      $ 608      $ 990      $ 1,034   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     (in millions)  

Operating Activities:

    

Consolidated net income

   $ 1,023      $ 1,058   

Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided from operating activities —

    

Depreciation and amortization, total

     1,064        1,011   

Deferred income taxes

     327        427   

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     (63     (71

Pension, postretirement, and other employee benefits

     13        (38

Stock based compensation expense

     35        27   

Retail fuel cost over recovery—long-term

     44        —     

Other, net

     (17     (6

Changes in certain current assets and liabilities —

    

-Receivables

     (55     (156

-Fossil fuel stock

     (305     81   

-Other current assets

     (53     (106

-Accounts payable

     (167     58   

-Accrued taxes

     45        300   

-Accrued compensation

     (216     (193

-Retail fuel cost over recovery—short-term

     101        (6

-Other current liabilities

     (19     3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from operating activities

     1,757        2,389   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

    

Property additions

     (2,356     (2,126

Investment in restricted cash

     (230     (3

Distribution of restricted cash

     49        61   

Nuclear decommissioning trust fund purchases

     (576     (1,405

Nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales

     574        1,401   

Proceeds from property sales

     2        17   

Cost of removal, net of salvage

     (58     (68

Change in construction payables

     (134     37   

Other investing activities

     (62     22   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

     (2,791     (2,064
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

    

Decrease in notes payable, net

     (406     (440

Proceeds —

    

Long-term debt issuances

     2,487        1,950   

Interest-bearing refundable deposit related to asset sale

     150        —     

Common stock issuances

     316        482   

Redemptions —

    

Long-term debt

     (1,319     (1,504

Payment of common stock dividends

     (837     (787

Payment of dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries

     (32     (32

Other financing activities

     19        (4
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities

     378        (335
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (656     (10

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     1,315        447   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 659      $ 437   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

    

Cash paid (received) during the period for —

    

Interest (net of $41 and $35 capitalized for 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   $ 391      $ 419   

Income taxes, net

     (34     (355

Noncash transactions — accrued property additions at end of period

     488        407   

The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Assets

  At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
    (in millions)  

Current Assets:

   

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 659      $ 1,315   

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

    192        8   

Receivables —

   

Customer accounts receivable

    1,164        1,074   

Unbilled revenues

    497        376   

Under recovered regulatory clause revenues

    20        143   

Other accounts and notes receivable

    261        282   

Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts

    (23     (26

Fossil fuel stock, at average cost

    1,672        1,367   

Materials and supplies, at average cost

    919        903   

Vacation pay

    161        160   

Prepaid expenses

    577        385   

Other regulatory assets, current

    208        239   

Other current assets

    66        46   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

    6,373        6,272   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, Plant, and Equipment:

   

In service

    61,577        59,744   

Less accumulated depreciation

    21,616        21,154   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Plant in service, net of depreciation

    39,961        38,590   

Other utility plant, net

    53        55   

Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost

    807        774   

Construction work in progress

    5,745        5,591   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant, and equipment

    46,566        45,010   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Property and Investments:

   

Nuclear decommissioning trusts, at fair value

    1,235        1,207   

Leveraged leases

    660        649   

Miscellaneous property and investments

    260        262   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other property and investments

    2,155        2,118   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Charges and Other Assets:

   

Deferred charges related to income taxes

    1,390        1,365   

Unamortized debt issuance expense

    157        156   

Unamortized loss on reacquired debt

    288        285   

Deferred under recovered regulatory clause revenues

    29        48   

Other regulatory assets, deferred

    3,484        3,532   

Other deferred charges and assets

    455        481   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred charges and other assets

    5,803        5,867   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

  $ 60,897      $ 59,267   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
    (in millions)  

Current Liabilities:

   

Securities due within one year

  $ 2,075      $ 1,717   

Interest-bearing refundable deposit related to asset sale

    150          

Notes payable

    453        859   

Accounts payable

    1,253        1,553   

Customer deposits

    363        347   

Accrued taxes —

   

Accrued income taxes

    17        13   

Unrecognized tax benefits

    6        22   

Other accrued taxes

    337        425   

Accrued interest

    237        226   

Accrued vacation pay

    204        205   

Accrued compensation

    246        450   

Liabilities from risk management activities

    160        209   

Other regulatory liabilities, current

    144        125   

Other current liabilities

    443        426   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    6,088        6,577   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

    19,459        18,647   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

   

Accumulated deferred income taxes

    9,352        8,809   

Deferred credits related to income taxes

    216        224   

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits

    704        611   

Employee benefit obligations

    2,409        2,442   

Asset retirement obligations

    1,385        1,321   

Other cost of removal obligations

    1,195        1,165   

Other regulatory liabilities, deferred

    295        297   

Other deferred credits and liabilities

    588        514   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

    16,144        15,383   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

    41,691        40,607   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redeemable Preferred Stock of Subsidiaries

    375        375   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity:

   

Common Stockholders’ Equity:

   

Common stock, par value $5 per share —

   

Authorized — 1.5 billion shares

   

Issued — June 30, 2012: 875 million shares

   

— December 31, 2011: 866 million shares

   

Treasury — June 30, 2012: 0.6 million shares

   

— December 31, 2011: 0.5 million shares

   

Par value

    4,377        4,328   

Paid-in capital

    4,755        4,410   

Treasury, at cost

    (18     (17

Retained earnings

    9,122        8,968   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (112     (111
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Common Stockholders’ Equity

    18,124        17,578   

Preferred and Preference Stock of Subsidiaries

    707        707   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

    18,831        18,285   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

  $ 60,897      $ 59,267   
 

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Company are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SECOND QUARTER 2012 vs. SECOND QUARTER 2011

AND

YEAR-TO-DATE 2012 vs. YEAR-TO-DATE 2011

OVERVIEW

Southern Company is a holding company that owns all of the common stock of the traditional operating companies—Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power—and Southern Power and other direct and indirect subsidiaries. Discussion of the results of operations is focused on the Southern Company system’s primary business of electricity sales by the traditional operating companies and Southern Power. The four traditional operating companies are vertically integrated utilities providing electric service in four Southeastern states. Southern Power constructs, acquires, owns, and manages generation assets, including renewable energy projects, and sells electricity at market-based rates in the wholesale market. Southern Company’s other business activities include investments in leveraged lease projects and telecommunications. For additional information on these businesses, see BUSINESS—The Southern Company System—“Traditional Operating Companies,” “Southern Power,” and “Other Businesses” in Item 1 of the Form 10-K.

Southern Company continues to focus on several key performance indicators. These indicators include customer satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and earnings per share. For additional information on these indicators, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—OVERVIEW—“Key Performance Indicators” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Income

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011
(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$19

   3.1    $(35)    (3.4)

Southern Company’s second quarter 2012 net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries was $623 million ($0.71 per share) compared to $604 million ($0.71 per share) for the second quarter 2011. The increase for the second quarter 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011 was primarily the result of increases in revenues associated with the elimination of a tax-related adjustment under Alabama Power’s rate structure, an increase related to retail revenue rate effects at Georgia Power, an increase related to retail base revenues at Gulf Power, increases in usage and customer growth, an insurance recovery received related to the litigation settlement with MC Asset Recovery, LLC, and lower income taxes. The net income increase for the second quarter 2012 was partially offset by a decrease in revenues due to milder weather, an increase in operations and maintenance expenses, an increase in depreciation on additional plant in service related to new generation, transmission, distribution, and environmental projects, an increase in interest expense, and lower energy revenues at Southern Power.

Southern Company’s year-to-date 2012 net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries was $991 million ($1.14 per share) compared to $1.03 billion ($1.20 per share) for year-to-date 2011. The net income decrease for year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011 was primarily the result of a decrease in revenues due to milder weather, an increase in operations and maintenance expenses, an increase in depreciation on additional plant in service related to new generation, transmission, distribution, and environmental projects, an increase in interest expense, and lower energy revenues at Southern Power. The net income decrease for year-to-date 2012 was partially offset by increases in revenues associated with the elimination of a tax-related adjustment under Alabama Power’s rate structure, an increase related to retail revenue rate effects at Georgia Power, an increase related to retail base and retail interim revenues at Gulf Power, increases in usage and customer growth, and an insurance recovery received related to the litigation settlement with MC Asset Recovery, LLC.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Retail Revenues

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011
(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(245)

   (6.4)   $(549)   (7.6)

In the second quarter 2012, retail revenues were $3.60 billion compared to $3.84 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, retail revenues were $6.69 billion compared to $7.24 billion for the corresponding period in 2011.

Details of the change to retail revenues were as follows:

 

     Second Quarter
2012
     Year-to-Date
2012
 
     (in millions)         (% change)         (in millions)         (% change)   

Retail – prior year

     $3,842                 $7,238             

Estimated change in –

           

Rates and pricing

            75                2.0                    134                    1.9          

Sales growth (decline)

            23                0.6                40                    0.5          

Weather

     (84)             (2.2)               (197)               (2.7)         

Fuel and other cost recovery

     (259)             (6.8)               (526)               (7.3)         

 

 

Retail – current year

     $3,597                   (6.4)%           $  6,689               (7.6)%       

 

 

Revenues associated with changes in rates and pricing increased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 primarily due to the elimination of a tax-related adjustment under Alabama Power’s rate structure and an increase related to retail base and retail interim revenues at Gulf Power. Also contributing to the increase were increases in retail revenues at Georgia Power due to base tariff increases effective April 1, 2012 related to placing Plant McDonough-Atkinson Units 4 and 5 in service, the NCCR and demand-side management tariff increases effective January 1, 2012, as approved by the Georgia PSC, and the rate pricing effect of decreased customer usage, partially offset by lower contributions from market-driven rates from commercial and industrial customers.

Revenues attributable to changes in sales increased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011. For second quarter 2012, the increase was due to a 2.1% increase in weather-adjusted residential KWH sales and a 1.2% increase in weather-adjusted commercial KWH sales, partially offset by a 0.1% decrease in industrial KWH sales. The increases in weather-adjusted residential and commercial KWH sales for the second quarter 2012 are due to increases in usage and customer growth. The decrease in industrial KWH sales for the second quarter 2012 is primarily due to decreases in the textiles and paper sectors, largely offset by increases in the pipeline and transportation sectors. For year-to-date 2012, the increase was due to a 1.3% increase in weather-adjusted residential KWH sales and a 0.9% increase in industrial KWH sales, while weather-adjusted commercial KWH sales remained flat. The increase in weather-adjusted residential KWH sales for year-to-date 2012 is due to increases in usage and customer growth. The increase in industrial KWH sales year-to-date 2012 is primarily due to increases in the pipeline, lumber, and transportation sectors, partially offset by decreases in the textiles sector.

Revenues resulting from changes in weather decreased $84 million in the second quarter 2012 and $197 million year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 as a result of milder weather.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Fuel and other cost recovery revenues decreased $259 million in the second quarter 2012 and decreased $526 million for year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011. Electric rates for the traditional operating companies include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel costs, including the energy component of purchased power costs. Under these provisions, fuel revenues generally equal fuel expenses, including the energy component of purchased power costs, and do not affect net income.

Wholesale Revenues

 

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(92)

   (18.1)    $(192)    (20.1)

 

Wholesale revenues consist of PPAs with investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives, unit power sales contracts, and short-term opportunity sales. Wholesale revenues from PPAs and unit power sales contracts have both capacity and energy components. Capacity revenues reflect the recovery of fixed costs and a return on investment. Energy revenues will vary depending on fuel prices, the market prices of wholesale energy compared to the Southern Company system’s generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, and the availability of the Southern Company system’s generation. Increases and decreases in energy revenues that are driven by fuel prices are accompanied by an increase or decrease in fuel costs and do not have a significant impact on net income. Short-term opportunity sales are made at market-based rates that generally provide a margin above the Southern Company system’s variable cost to produce the energy.

In the second quarter 2012, wholesale revenues were $415 million compared to $507 million for the corresponding period in 2011, reflecting a $106 million decrease in energy revenues, partially offset by a $14 million increase in capacity revenues. The decrease in energy revenues was primarily related to a reduction in the average price of energy and lower energy sales mainly due to lower customer demand.

For year-to-date 2012, wholesale revenues were $764 million compared to $956 million for the corresponding period in 2011, reflecting a $213 million decrease in energy revenues, partially offset by a $21 million increase in capacity revenues. The decrease in energy revenues was primarily related to a reduction in the average price of energy and lower energy sales mainly due to lower customer demand.

Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses

 

 

    

Second Quarter 2012
vs.

Second Quarter 2011

 

Year-to-Date 2012
vs.

Year-to-Date 2011

 

     (change in millions)      (% change)   (change in millions)      (% change)

Fuel

     $(383)               (22.9)     $(795)               (25.2)

Purchased power

     5                3.4     46                18.8

 

      

 

 

    

Total fuel and purchased power expenses

     $(378)                   $(749)              

 

      

 

 

    

In the second quarter 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $1.44 billion compared to $1.82 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily the result of a $415 million decrease in the average cost of fuel and purchased power and a $133 million decrease in the volume of KWHs generated, partially offset by a $170 million increase in the volume of KWHs purchased.

For year-to-date 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $2.64 billion compared to $3.39 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily the result of a $777 million decrease in the average cost of fuel and purchased power and a $430 million decrease in the volume of KWHs generated, partially offset by a $458 million increase in the volume of KWHs purchased.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Fuel expenses at the traditional operating companies are generally offset by fuel revenues and do not have a significant effect on net income. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“PSC Matters—Retail Fuel Cost Recovery” herein for additional information. Fuel expenses incurred under Southern Power’s PPAs are generally the responsibility of the counterparties and do not significantly affect net income.

Details of the Southern Company system’s generation and purchased power were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

  

Second Quarter

2011

  

Year-to-Date

2012

  

Year-to-Date

2011

 

Total generation (billions of KWHs)

      44       48       83       94

Total purchased power (billions of KWHs)

       5        2        9        4

 

Sources of generation (percent) —

           

Coal

      41       56       38       54

Nuclear

      17       15       18       16

Gas

      41       26       41       27

Hydro

       1        3        3        3

 

Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) 

           

Coal

   4.18    4.06    4.14    4.01

Nuclear

   0.83    0.72    0.81    0.70

Gas

   2.56    4.23    2.66    4.08

 

Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH)

   2.94    3.56    2.90    3.48

Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH)(a)

   4.09    7.51    3.98    8.07

 

 

(a) Average cost of purchased power includes fuel purchased by the electric utilities for tolling agreements where power is generated by the provider.

Fuel

In the second quarter 2012, fuel expense was $1.29 billion compared to $1.67 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 39.5% decrease in the average cost of gas per KWH generated, a higher percentage of generation from lower cost natural gas-fired resources, and lower customer demand mainly due to milder weather.

For year-to-date 2012, fuel expense was $2.35 billion compared to $3.15 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 34.8% decrease in the average cost of gas per KWH generated, a higher percentage of generation from lower cost natural gas-fired resources, and lower customer demand mainly due to milder weather.

Purchased Power

In the second quarter 2012, purchased power expense was $150 million compared to $145 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a 93.3% increase in the volume of KWHs purchased as the market cost of available energy was lower than the marginal cost of generation available, partially offset by a 45.5% decrease in the average cost per KWH purchased.

For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expense was $291 million compared to $245 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a 158.9% increase in the volume of KWHs purchased as the market cost of available energy was lower than the marginal cost of generation available, partially offset by a 50.7% decrease in the average cost per KWH purchased.

Energy purchases will vary depending on demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, the market prices of wholesale energy as compared to the cost of the Southern Company system’s generation, and the availability of the Southern Company system’s generation.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses

 

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$34

   3.7    $57    3.1

 

In the second quarter 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $944 million compared to $910 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily the result of a $28 million increase in administrative and general costs primarily due to increases in pension costs and other employee benefits and a $16 million increase in transmission and distribution costs. The increase was partially offset by a $10 million decrease at Mississippi Power related to the expiration of an operating lease for Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4, as well as a $4 million decrease primarily related to scheduled outage and maintenance costs and commodity and labor costs.

For year-to-date 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $1.91 billion compared to $1.85 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily the result of a $71 million increase in administrative and general costs primarily due to increases in pension costs, outside services, and other employee benefits. Also contributing to the increase was a $15 million increase in transmission and distribution costs and a $6 million net increase in customer accounts and customer service related costs. The increase was partially offset by a $21 million decrease at Mississippi Power related to the expiration of an operating lease for Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4, as well as an $18 million decrease primarily related to scheduled outage and maintenance costs and commodity and labor costs.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY—“Purchase of the Plant Daniel Combined Cycle Generating Units” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

MC Asset Recovery Insurance Settlement

 

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(19)

   N/M    $(19)    N/M

 

N/M – Not meaningful

In the second quarter 2012, Southern Company received an insurance recovery related to the litigation settlement with MC Asset Recovery, LLC, which resulted in income of $19 million. See Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Insurance Recovery” herein for additional information.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$15

   3.5    $38    4.5

 

In the second quarter 2012, depreciation and amortization was $445 million compared to $430 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, depreciation and amortization was $886 million compared to $848 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increases were primarily the result of an increase in depreciation due to additional plant in service related to new generation at Georgia Power’s Plant McDonough-Atkinson Units 4 and 5, as well as transmission, distribution, and environmental projects.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011

   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

(change in millions)

   (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(4)

   (11.1)    $(8)    (11.3)

In the second quarter 2012, AFUDC equity was $32 million compared to $36 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, AFUDC equity was $63 million compared to $71 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases were primarily due to the completion of Georgia Power’s Plant McDonough-Atkinson Units 4 and 5 in December 2011 and April 2012, respectively, partially offset by increases in CWIP related to Mississippi Power’s Kemper IGCC.

Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011

   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

(change in millions)

   (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$21

   10.6    $10    2.4

In the second quarter 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $220 million compared to $199 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $431 million compared to $421 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increases were primarily due to a $23 million reduction in interest expense in 2011 at Georgia Power resulting from the settlement of litigation with the Georgia Department of Revenue and a net increase in interest expense related to senior notes. The increases were partially offset by a decrease related to the conclusion of certain state and federal income tax audits, a decrease in interest expense on existing variable rate pollution control revenue bonds, and an increase in capitalized interest associated with construction projects at Mississippi Power and Southern Power.

Other Income (Expense), Net

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011

   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

(change in millions)

   (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$17

   N/M    $13    N/M

N/M – Not meaningful

In the second quarter 2012, other income (expense), net was $13 million compared to $(4) million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, other income (expense), net was $11 million compared to $(2) million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increases were primarily due to the conclusion of certain federal income tax audits.

Income Taxes

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011

   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

(change in millions)

   (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(20)

   (5.7)    $(51)    (8.8)

In the second quarter 2012, income taxes were $329 million compared to $349 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, income taxes were $529 million compared to $580 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases were primarily due to lower pre-tax earnings and state income tax credits. See Note (G) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein under “Unrecognized Tax Benefits” for additional information.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL

The results of operations discussed above are not necessarily indicative of Southern Company’s future earnings potential. The level of Southern Company’s future earnings depends on numerous factors that affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Southern Company’s primary business of selling electricity. These factors include the traditional operating companies’ ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment that continues to allow for the timely recovery of prudently incurred costs during a time of increasing costs. Another major factor is the profitability of the competitive wholesale supply business. Future earnings for the electricity business in the near term will depend, in part, upon maintaining energy sales which is subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather, competition, new energy contracts with neighboring utilities and other wholesale customers, energy conservation practiced by customers, the price of electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth or decline in the service territory. In addition, the level of future earnings for the wholesale supply business also depends on numerous factors including creditworthiness of customers, total generating capacity available and related costs, future acquisitions and construction of generating facilities, and the successful remarketing of capacity as current contracts expire. Changes in economic conditions impact sales for the traditional operating companies and Southern Power, and the pace of the economic recovery remains uncertain. The timing and extent of the economic recovery will impact growth and may impact future earnings. For additional information relating to these issues, see RISK FACTORS in Item 1A and MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

Environmental Matters

Compliance costs related to federal and state environmental statutes and regulations could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may differ materially from the amounts estimated. The timing, specific requirements, and estimated costs could change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or modified. Further, higher costs that are recovered through regulated rates could contribute to reduced demand for electricity, which could negatively affect results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters” of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Environmental Matters” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

New Source Review Actions

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — New Source Review Actions” of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Environmental Matters — New Source Review Actions” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. On February 23, 2012, the EPA filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama seeking vacatur of the judgment and recusal of the judge in the case involving Alabama Power (including claims related to a unit co-owned by Mississippi Power). The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama has not ruled on the EPA’s motion seeking vacatur of the judgment. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Climate Change Litigation

Hurricane Katrina Case

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — Climate Change Litigation — Hurricane Katrina Case” of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Environmental Matters — Climate Change Litigation – Hurricane Katrina Case” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. On March 20, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Southern District of Mississippi dismissed the amended class action complaint filed in May 2011 by the plaintiffs. On April 16, 2012, the plaintiffs appealed the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Environmental Statutes and Regulations

General

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“Environmental Matters— Environmental Statutes and Regulations – General” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for information regarding the Southern Company system’s estimated base level capital expenditures to comply with existing statutes and regulations for 2012 through 2014, as well as the Southern Company system’s preliminary estimates for potential incremental environmental compliance investments associated with complying with the EPA’s final Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule (formerly referred to as the Utility Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule) and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

The Southern Company system is continuing to develop its compliance strategy and to assess the potential costs of complying with the MATS rule and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules. As part of the development of its compliance strategy for the MATS rule, the Southern Company system has entered into agreements for the construction of baghouses to control the emissions of mercury and particulates from certain generating units. While further analysis of the MATS rule is required and the ultimate costs remain uncertain, the compliance decisions made through the second quarter 2012 have allowed the Southern Company system to further develop its cost estimates for compliance with the MATS rule. As a result, estimated compliance costs for the MATS rule in the 2012 through 2014 period have been revised from up to $2.7 billion to approximately $1.8 billion as follows:

 

     2012      2013    2014  

 

 
            (in millions)       

MATS rule

   $ 150       $440    $ 1,215   

 

 

In addition, the Southern Company system has further developed its estimated capital expenditures and associated timing of these expenditures to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules, resulting in a reduction, due primarily to timing, in estimated compliance costs for 2012 through 2014. Potential incremental environmental compliance investments to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules have been revised from up to $1.5 billion to approximately $500 million over the 2012 through 2014 period based on the assumption that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule. These potential incremental environmental compliance investments are estimated as follows:

 

     2012      2013    2014  

 

 
            (in millions)       

Proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules

   $ 10       $85    $ 405   

 

 

While the Southern Company system’s ultimate costs of compliance with the MATS rule and the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules remain uncertain, the Southern Company system estimates that compliance costs through 2021 (assuming that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule) will be at the low end of the $13 billion to $18 billion range provided in the Form 10-K. Included in this amount is approximately $750 million that is also included in the 2012 through 2014 base level capital investment of the traditional operating companies described in the Form 10-K in anticipation of these rules.

 

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The Southern Company system’s ultimate compliance strategy and actual future environmental capital expenditures are dependent on a final assessment of the MATS rule and will be affected by the final requirements of new or revised environmental regulations that are promulgated; the outcome of any legal challenges to the environmental rules; the cost, availability, and existing inventory of emissions allowances; and the fuel mix of the electric utilities. Compliance costs may arise from retirement and replacement of existing units, installation of additional environmental controls, upgrades to the transmission system, and changing fuel sources for certain existing units. The Southern Company system’s preliminary analysis further indicates that the short timeframe for compliance with the MATS rule could significantly affect electric system reliability and cause an increase in costs of materials and services. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

As part of SEGCO’s environmental compliance strategy, the Board of Directors of SEGCO approved adding natural gas as the primary fuel source in 2015 for its 1,000 MWs of generating capacity and the construction of the necessary natural gas pipeline. SEGCO is jointly owned by Alabama Power and Georgia Power. The capacity of SEGCO’s units is sold to Alabama Power and Georgia Power through a PPA. The impact of SEGCO’s ultimate compliance strategy on the PPA costs cannot be determined at this time; however, if such costs cannot continue to be recovered through retail rates, they could have a material impact on Southern Company’s financial statements.

Air Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations — Air Quality” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter air quality standards and the MATS rule.

On May 1, 2012, the EPA released its final determination of nonattainment areas based on the 2008 eight-hour ozone air quality standards. The only area within the traditional operating companies’ service territory designated as a nonattainment area was a 15-county area within metropolitan Atlanta. The potential impact of the revised standard and nonattainment designation will depend on further evaluation and implementation by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and cannot be determined at this time.

On June 14, 2012, the EPA proposed a rule that would increase the stringency of the fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards. If adopted, the proposed standards could result in the designation of new nonattainment areas within the Southern Company system’s service territory. As part of a related settlement, the EPA has agreed to finalize the proposed rule by December 14, 2012. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

Numerous petitions for administrative reconsideration of the MATS rule, including a petition by Southern Company and its subsidiaries, have been filed with the EPA. Challenges to the final rule have also been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by numerous states, environmental organizations, industry groups, and others. The impact of the MATS rule will depend on the outcome of these and any other legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

 

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Water Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“Environmental Matters—Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Water Quality” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the proposed rules regarding certain cooling water intake structures. The EPA has entered into an amended settlement agreement to extend the deadline for issuing a final rule until June 27, 2013. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

Coal Combustion Byproducts

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“Environmental Matters—Environmental Statutes and Regulations—Coal Combustion Byproducts” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Environmental groups and other parties have filed lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to require the EPA to complete its rulemaking process and issue final regulations pertaining to the regulation of coal combustion byproducts. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Global Climate Issues

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“Environmental Matters—Global Climate Issues” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On April 13, 2012, the EPA published proposed regulations to establish standards of performance for greenhouse gas emissions from new fossil fuel steam electric generating units. As proposed, the standards would not apply to existing units. The EPA has delayed its plans to propose greenhouse gas emissions performance standards for modified sources and emissions guidelines for existing sources. The impact of this rulemaking will depend on the scope and specific requirements of the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

On June 26, 2012, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously rejected all challenges to four of the EPA’s actions relating to the greenhouse gas permitting programs under the Clean Air Act. These rules may impact the amount of time it takes to obtain prevention of significant deterioration permits for new generation and major modifications to existing generating units and the requirements ultimately imposed by those permits. The ultimate impact of these rules cannot be determined at this time and will depend on the outcome of any other legal challenges.

PSC Matters

Retail Fuel Cost Recovery

The traditional operating companies each have established fuel cost recovery rates approved by their respective state PSCs. The traditional operating companies have experienced lower pricing for natural gas resulting in an increase in natural gas generation and a decrease in coal generation, which is currently more costly. The lower cost of natural gas has resulted in total over recovered fuel costs at Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power included in Southern Company’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein of approximately $196 million at June 30, 2012. At June 30, 2012, Alabama Power had under recovered fuel costs included in Southern Company’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein of approximately $16 million. At December 31, 2011, total under recovered fuel costs at Alabama Power and Georgia Power included in Southern Company’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein were approximately $169 million, and Gulf Power and Mississippi Power had a total over recovered fuel balance included in Southern Company’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein of approximately $52 million. Fuel cost recovery revenues are adjusted for differences in actual

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

recoverable fuel costs and amounts billed in current regulated rates. Accordingly, changes in the billing factor will not have a significant effect on Southern Company’s revenues or net income, but will affect annual cash flow. The traditional operating companies continuously monitor their under or over recovered fuel cost balances.

On June 21, 2012, the Georgia PSC approved a decrease in Georgia Power’s fuel cost recovery rates of 19%, which reduced annual billings by $567 million effective June 1, 2012. The decrease in fuel costs resulted from lower natural gas prices as a result of increased natural gas supplies.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“PSC Matters—Fuel Cost Recovery” of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Alabama Power – Fuel Cost Recovery” and “Retail Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power – Fuel Cost Recovery” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Alabama Power

Rate CNP

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“PSC Matters—Alabama Power —Rate CNP” of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Retail Regulatory Matters—Alabama Power—Rate CNP” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Alabama Power’s recovery of retail costs through Rate Certificated New Plant Power Purchase Agreement (Rate CNP) and Rate Certificated New Plant Environmental (Rate CNP Environmental). Alabama Power’s under recovered Rate CNP balance as of June 30, 2012 was $2 million as compared to $6 million at December 31, 2011. Alabama Power’s under recovered Rate CNP Environmental balance as of June 30, 2012 was $26 million as compared to $11 million at December 31, 2011. These under recovered balances at June 30, 2012 are included in deferred under recovered regulatory clause revenues on Southern Company’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein. For Rate CNP, this classification is based on an estimate, which includes such factors as purchased power capacity and energy demand. For Rate CNP Environmental, this classification is based on an estimate, which includes such factors as costs to comply with environmental mandates and energy demand. A change in any of these factors could have a material impact on the timing of any recovery of the under recovered retail costs.

Natural Disaster Cost Recovery

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“PSC Matters—Alabama Power —Natural Disaster Reserve” of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Retail Regulatory Matters—Alabama Power—Natural Disaster Reserve” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding natural disaster cost recovery. At June 30, 2012, the NDR had an accumulated balance of $105 million, which is included in Southern Company’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein under other regulatory liabilities, deferred. The accruals are reflected as operations and maintenance expenses in Southern Company’s Condensed Statement of Income herein.

Georgia Power

2011 Integrated Resource Plan Update

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“Environmental Matters— Environmental Statutes and Regulations—Air Quality,” “—Water Quality,” and “—Coal Combustion Byproducts” of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Retail Regulatory Matters—Georgia Power— Rate Plans” and “– 2011 Integrated Resource Plan Update” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding proposed and final EPA rules and regulations, including the MATS rule for coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units, revisions to effluent guidelines for steam electric power plants,

 

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and additional regulation of coal combustion byproducts; the State of Georgia’s Multi-Pollutant Rule; Georgia Power’s analysis of the potential costs and benefits of installing the required controls on its fossil generating units in light of these regulations; the 2010 ARP; and the 2011 IRP Update.

On March 20, 2012, the Georgia PSC approved Georgia Power’s request to decertify and retire two coal-fired generation units at Plant Branch as of October 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013 and an oil-fired unit at Plant Mitchell as of March 26, 2012, which was included in Georgia Power’s 2011 IRP Update. The Georgia PSC also approved three PPAs totaling 998 MWs with Southern Power for capacity and energy that will commence in 2015 and end in 2030. The PPAs remain subject to FERC approval. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Income Tax Matters

Bonus Depreciation

In December 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (Tax Relief Act) was signed into law. Major tax incentives in the Tax Relief Act include 100% bonus depreciation for property placed in service after September 8, 2010 and through 2011 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2012) and 50% bonus depreciation for property placed in service in 2012 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2013), which will have a positive impact on the future cash flows of Southern Company through 2013. Due to the significant amount of estimated bonus depreciation for 2012, a portion of Southern Company’s tax credit utilization will be deferred. Consequently, Southern Company’s positive cash flow benefit is estimated to be between $535 million and $725 million in 2012.

Construction Program

The subsidiary companies of Southern Company are engaged in continuous construction programs to accommodate existing and estimated future loads on their respective systems. The Southern Company system intends to continue its strategy of developing and constructing new generating facilities, including natural gas, biomass, and solar units at Southern Power, natural gas units and Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 at Georgia Power, and the Kemper IGCC at Mississippi Power, as well as adding or changing fuel sources for certain existing units, adding environmental control equipment, and expanding the transmission and distribution systems. For the traditional operating companies, major generation construction projects are subject to state PSC approvals in order to be included in retail rates. While Southern Power generally constructs and acquires generation assets covered by long-term PPAs, any uncontracted capacity could negatively affect future earnings. See Note 7 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Construction Program” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for estimated construction expenditures for the next three years. In addition, see Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Retail Regulatory Matters—Georgia Power—Nuclear Construction,” “Retail Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power—Other Construction,” and “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Retail Regulatory Matters—Georgia Power—Nuclear Construction” and “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” herein for additional information.

Investments in Leveraged Leases

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“Investments in Leveraged Leases” of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Leveraged Leases” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

The recent financial and operational performance of one of Southern Company’s lessees and the associated generation assets has raised potential concerns on the part of Southern Company as to the credit quality of the lessee and the residual value of the assets. Current projections indicate significant uncertainty as to whether the lessee will be able to pay the

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

December 2012 semi-annual rent payment in full. Southern Company is currently engaged in discussions with the lessee and the holders of the project’s nonrecourse debt to restructure the debt payments and the related rental payments to allow additional capital investment in the project to be made to improve the operation of the generation assets and the financial viability of the lease transaction. Southern Company believes there is a reasonable possibility that it will be able to reach an agreement with the lessee and the debtholders to restructure the project. However, due to continued poor performance of the generation assets and the uncertainties surrounding the receipt of the December 2012 semi-annual rent payment and its ability to successfully restructure the project, Southern Company has placed the lease on nonaccrual status whereby income associated with this investment will not be recognized in the financial statements beginning in July 2012. If the attempts at restructuring the project are unsuccessful and the project is ultimately abandoned, the potential impairment loss that would be incurred is approximately $90 million on an after-tax basis. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Other Matters

Southern Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could affect future earnings. In addition, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. The business activities of Southern Company’s subsidiaries are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment, such as regulation of air emissions and water discharges. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as air quality and water standards, has increased generally throughout the U.S. In particular, personal injury and other claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials, and common law nuisance claims for injunctive relief and property damage allegedly caused by greenhouse gas and other emissions, have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against Southern Company and its subsidiaries cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported in Note (B) herein or in Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company in Item 8 of the Form 10-K, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on Southern Company’s financial statements.

See the Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for a discussion of various other contingencies, regulatory matters, and other matters being litigated which may affect future earnings potential.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“Other Matters” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011. On March 12, 2012, the NRC issued three orders and a request for information based on the NRC task force report recommendations that included, among other items, additional mitigation strategies for beyond-design-basis events, enhanced spent fuel pool instrumentation capabilities, hardened vents for certain classes of containment structures, including the one in use at Plant Hatch, site specific evaluations for seismic and flooding hazards, and various plant evaluations to ensure adequate coping capabilities during station blackout and other conditions. The staff of the NRC expects to issue additional implementation guidance by the end of August 2012. The final form and the resulting impact of any changes to safety requirements for nuclear reactors will be dependent on further review and action by the NRC and cannot be determined at this time. See RISK FACTORS of Southern Company in Item 1A of the Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risks associated with the licensing, construction, and operation of nuclear generating units, including potential impacts that could result from a major incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world. The ultimate outcome of these events cannot be determined at this time.

 

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ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Southern Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Company in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may have a material impact on Southern Company’s results of operations and related disclosures. Different assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those recorded in the financial statements. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – ACCOUNTING POLICIES – “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a complete discussion of Southern Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates related to Electric Utility Regulation, Contingent Obligations, Unbilled Revenues, and Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Overview

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY—“Overview” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Southern Company’s financial condition remained stable at June 30, 2012. Southern Company intends to continue to monitor its access to short-term and long-term capital markets as well as its bank credit arrangements to meet future capital and liquidity needs. See “Sources of Capital,” “Financing Activities,” and “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” herein for additional information.

Net cash provided from operating activities totaled $1.8 billion for the first six months of 2012, a decrease of $632 million from the corresponding period in 2011. Significant changes in operating cash flow for the first six months of 2012 compared to the corresponding period in 2011 include an increase in fossil fuel stock as a result of milder weather in the first six months of 2012 and lower natural gas prices and a decrease in accrued taxes due to the timing of tax payments. Net cash used for investing activities totaled $2.8 billion for the first six months of 2012, an increase of $727 million from the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to property additions to utility plant. Net cash provided from financing activities totaled $378 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $335 million net cash used for financing activities in the corresponding period in 2011. The change was primarily due to an increase in long-term debt issuances and the receipt of an interest bearing refundable deposit related to a pending asset sale at Mississippi Power.

Significant balance sheet changes for the first six months of 2012 include an increase of $1.6 billion in total property, plant, and equipment for the construction of generation, transmission, and distribution facilities. Other significant changes include an increase in long-term debt of $812 million due to senior note issuances.

The market price of Southern Company’s common stock at the end of the second quarter 2012 was $46.30 per share (based on the closing price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange) and the book value was $20.72 per share, representing a market-to-book ratio of 223%, compared to $40.38, $19.80, and 204%, respectively, at the end of 2011. The dividend for the second quarter 2012 was $0.49 per share compared to $0.4725 per share in the second quarter 2011.

 

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Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY—“Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a description of Southern Company’s capital requirements for the construction programs of the Southern Company system, including estimated capital expenditures to comply with existing environmental regulations, and other funding requirements associated with scheduled maturities of long-term debt, as well as the related interest, preferred and preference stock dividends, leases, trust funding requirements, other purchase commitments, unrecognized tax benefits and interest, and derivative obligations. Approximately $2.1 billion will be required through June 30, 2013 to fund maturities of long-term debt.

See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL—“Environmental Statutes and Regulations—General” herein for a description of the Southern Company system’s estimated capital expenditures to comply with the MATS rule and proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

The construction programs are subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include: changes in business conditions; changes in load projections; changes in environmental statutes and regulations; the outcome of any legal challenges to the environmental rules; changes in generating plants, including unit retirements and replacements and adding or changing fuel sources at existing units, to meet new regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations; PSC approvals; changes in legislation; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; project scope and design changes; storm impacts; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered.

Sources of Capital

Southern Company intends to meet its future capital needs through internal cash flow and external security issuances. Equity capital can be provided from any combination of Southern Company’s stock plans, private placements, or public offerings. The amount and timing of additional equity capital to be raised will be contingent on Southern Company’s investment opportunities.

Except as described below with respect to potential DOE loan guarantees, the traditional operating companies and Southern Power plan to obtain the funds required for construction and other purposes from sources similar to those used in the past, which were primarily from operating cash flows, security issuances, term loans, short-term borrowings, and equity contributions from Southern Company. However, the amount, type, and timing of any future financings, if needed, will depend upon prevailing market conditions, regulatory approval, and other factors. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY—“Sources of Capital” of Southern Company in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

In June 2010, Georgia Power reached an agreement with the DOE to accept terms for a conditional commitment for federal loan guarantees that would apply to future Georgia Power borrowings related to the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Any borrowings guaranteed by the DOE would be full recourse to Georgia Power and secured by a first priority lien on Georgia Power’s 45.7% undivided ownership interest in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Total guaranteed borrowings would not exceed the lesser of 70% of eligible project costs, or approximately $3.46 billion, and are expected to be funded by the Federal Financing Bank. Final approval and issuance of loan guarantees by the DOE are subject to negotiation of definitive agreements, completion of due diligence by the DOE, receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of other conditions. In the event that the DOE does not issue a loan guarantee or Georgia Power determines that the final terms and conditions of the loan guarantee by the DOE are not in the best interest of its customers, Georgia Power expects to finance the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 through traditional capital markets financings. There can be no assurance that the DOE will issue loan guarantees for Georgia Power.

 

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In addition, Mississippi Power has applied to the DOE for federal loan guarantees to finance a portion of the eligible construction costs of the Kemper IGCC. Mississippi Power is in advanced due diligence with the DOE. There can be no assurance that the DOE will issue federal loan guarantees for Mississippi Power. In the event that the DOE does not issue a conditional commitment or a final definitive loan guarantee, Mississippi Power intends to finance the construction of the Kemper IGCC through traditional capital markets financings. Mississippi Power also received DOE grant funds of $245 million that were used for the construction of the Kemper IGCC. An additional $25 million is expected to be received for the initial operation of the Kemper IGCC.

Southern Company’s current liabilities frequently exceed current assets because of the continued use of short-term debt as a funding source to meet scheduled maturities of long-term debt, as well as cash needs, which can fluctuate significantly due to the seasonality of the business of the Southern Company system. To meet short-term cash needs and contingencies, Southern Company has substantial cash flow from operating activities and access to capital markets, including commercial paper programs which are backed by bank credit facilities.

At June 30, 2012, Southern Company and its subsidiaries had approximately $659 million of cash and cash equivalents. Committed credit arrangements with banks at June 30, 2012, including expiration dates, were as follows:

 

     Expires             Executable Term
Loans
     Due Within One
Year(a)
 
Company    2012      2013     

2014

and
Beyond(b)

     Total      Unused      One
Year
     Two
Years
     Term
Out
     No Term
Out
 
     (in millions)      (in millions)      (in millions)      (in millions)  

Southern Company

     $—             $—             $1,000             $1,000             $1,000             $—             $—             $—             $—       

Alabama Power

     37             101             1,150             1,288             1,288             51             —             51             52       

Georgia Power

     —             —             1,750             1,750             1,745             —             —             —             —       

Gulf Power

     20             60             195             275             275             45             —             45             35       

Mississippi Power

     41             95             165             301             301             25             41             66             70       

Southern Power

     —             —             500             500             500             —             —             —             —       

Other

     —             50             —             50             50             25             —             25             —       

 

 

Total

     $98             $306             $4,760             $5,164             $5,159             $146             $41             $187             $157       

 

 

 

(a) Reflects facilities expiring on or before June 30, 2013.
(b) All remaining Gulf Power and Mississippi Power credit agreements in this column expire in 2014.

See Note 6 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Bank Credit Arrangements” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (E) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Bank Credit Arrangements” herein for additional information.

Most of these arrangements contain covenants that limit debt levels and typically contain cross default provisions that are restricted only to the indebtedness of the individual company. Southern Company and its subsidiaries are currently in compliance with all such covenants.

A portion of the unused credit with banks is allocated to provide liquidity support to the traditional operating companies’ variable rate pollution control revenue bonds and commercial paper programs. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support as of June 30, 2012 was approximately $1.8 billion.

The traditional operating companies may also meet short-term cash needs through a Southern Company subsidiary organized to issue and sell commercial paper at the request and for the benefit of each of the traditional operating companies.

 

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Details of short-term borrowings, excluding $2 million of notes payable related to other energy service contracts, were as follows:

 

     Short-term Debt at the
End of the Period
        Short-term Debt During the Period (a)
     Amount
  Outstanding  
  

    Weighted    
Average
Interest

Rate

        Average
    Outstanding    
     Weighted  
Average
Interest
Rate
   Maximum
Amount
    Outstanding    

 

     

 

     (in millions)              (in millions)         (in millions)

June 30, 2012:

                 

Commercial paper

      $445        0.4%       $477    0.4%    $735

Short-term bank debt

         —    —%         175    1.1%      300

 

     

 

  

Total

   $445    0.4%       $652    0.5%   

 

     

 

  

 

(a) Average and maximum amounts are based upon daily balances during the period.

Management believes that the need for working capital can be adequately met by utilizing commercial paper programs, lines of credit, and cash.

Credit Rating Risk

Southern Company does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change of certain subsidiaries to BBB and Baa2, or BBB- and/or Baa3 or below. These contracts are for physical electricity purchases and sales, fuel purchases, fuel transportation and storage, emissions allowances, energy price risk management, and construction of new generation. The maximum potential collateral requirements under these contracts at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

Credit Ratings   

  Maximum Potential  
Collateral

Requirements

 

     (in millions)

At BBB and Baa2

   $       9      

At BBB- and/or Baa3

   613 

Below BBB- and/or Baa3

   2,668    

 

On March 6, 2012, Mississippi Power received a $150 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA to be applied to the sale price for the pending sale of an undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. Until the acquisition is closed, the deposit bears interest at Mississippi Power’s AFUDC rate, which was 9.967% per annum as of June 30, 2012, and is refundable to SMEPA upon termination of the asset purchase agreement related to such purchase, within 60 days of a request by SMEPA for a full or partial refund, or within 15 days at SMEPA’s discretion in the event that Mississippi Power is assigned a senior unsecured credit rating of BBB+ or lower by S&P or Baa1 or lower by Moody’s or ceases to be rated by either of these rating agencies.

Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. Additionally, any credit rating downgrade could impact Southern Company’s ability to access capital markets, particularly the short-term debt market.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Market Price Risk

Southern Company is exposed to market risks, primarily commodity price risk and interest rate risk. Southern Company may also occasionally have limited exposure to foreign currency exchange rates. To manage the volatility attributable to these exposures, Southern Company nets the exposures, where possible, to take advantage of natural offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to Southern Company’s policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and risk management practices. Southern Company’s policy is that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes and mandates strict adherence to all applicable risk management policies. Derivative positions are monitored using techniques including, but not limited to, market valuation, value at risk, stress testing, and sensitivity analysis.

Due to cost-based rate regulation and other various cost recovery mechanisms, the traditional operating companies continue to have limited exposure to market volatility in interest rates, foreign currency, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. In addition, Southern Power’s exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity is limited because its long-term sales contracts shift substantially all fuel cost responsibility to the purchaser. However, Southern Power has been and may continue to be exposed to market volatility in energy-related commodity prices as a result of sales of uncontracted generating capacity. To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, the traditional operating companies enter into physical fixed-price contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity market and, to a lesser extent, financial hedge contracts for natural gas purchases. The traditional operating companies continue to manage fuel-hedging programs implemented per the guidelines of their respective state PSCs. Southern Company had no material change in market risk exposure for the second quarter 2012 when compared with the December 31, 2011 reporting period.

The changes in fair value of energy-related derivative contracts, the majority of which are composed of regulatory hedges, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

    

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

 

 
     Fair Value   

 

 
     (in millions)   

Contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period, assets (liabilities), net

     $(265)         $(231)   

Contracts realized or settled

     77         126   

Current period changes(a)

     18         (65)   

 

 

Contracts outstanding at the end of the period, assets (liabilities), net

     $(170)         $(170)   

 

 

 

(a) Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into during the period, if any.

The changes in the fair value positions of the energy-related derivative contracts, which are substantially all attributable to both the volume and the price of natural gas, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

    

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

 

 
     Fair Value   

 

 
     (in millions)   

Natural gas swaps

     $  78         $  59   

Natural gas options

       17           3   

Other energy-related derivatives

       —           (1)   

 

 

Total changes

     $  95         $61   

 

 

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The net hedge volumes of energy-related derivative contracts were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2012
   March 31,
2012
   December 31,
2011

 

     mmBtu Volume
     (in millions)

Commodity—Natural gas swaps

   141    123    123

Commodity—Natural gas options

   101      98      66

 

Total hedge volume

   242    221    189

 

The weighted average swap contract cost above market prices was approximately $0.95 per mmBtu as of June 30, 2012, $1.71 per mmBtu as of March 31, 2012, and $1.51 per mmBtu as of December 31, 2011. The change in option premiums is primarily attributable to the volatility of the market and the underlying change in the natural gas price. The majority of the natural gas hedge gains and losses are recovered through the traditional operating companies’ fuel cost recovery clauses.

The net fair value of energy-related derivative contracts by hedge designation was reflected in the financial statements as follows:

 

Asset (Liability) Derivatives    June 30,
2012
   December 31,
2011

 

     (in millions)

Regulatory hedges

   $(164)    $(221)

Cash flow hedges

         (1)         (1)

Not designated

         (5)         (9)

 

Total fair value

   $(170)    $(231)

 

Energy-related derivative contracts which are designated as regulatory hedges relate to the traditional operating companies’ fuel-hedging programs, where gains and losses are initially recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, and then are included in fuel expense as they are recovered through the fuel cost recovery clauses. Gains and losses on energy-related derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are mainly used by Southern Power to hedge anticipated purchases and sales and are initially deferred in OCI before being recognized in income in the same period as the hedged transaction. Gains and losses on energy-related derivative contracts that are not designated or fail to qualify as hedges are recognized in the statements of income as incurred.

Total net unrealized pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were $10 million and $4 million, respectively, and were not material for the corresponding periods in 2011.

Southern Company uses over-the-counter contracts that are not exchange traded but are fair valued using prices which are market observable, and thus fall into Level 2. See Note (C) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for further discussion on fair value measurements. The maturities of the energy-related derivative contracts and the level of the fair value hierarchy in which they fall at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

June 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements

 

     Total   Maturity
     Fair Value   Year 1   Years 2&3   Years 4&5

 

     (in millions)

Level 1

   $   —     $   —     $ —    $— 

Level 2

     (170)     (116)      (52)       (2)

Level 3

      —      —      —    —

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at end of period

   $(170)   $(116)   $(52)   $ (2)

 

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) enacted in July 2010 could impact the use of over-the-counter derivatives by Southern Company. Regulations to implement the Dodd-Frank Act will impose additional requirements on the use of over-the-counter derivatives for both Southern Company and its subsidiaries and their derivative counterparties, which could affect both the use and cost of over-the-counter derivatives. Although all relevant regulations have not been finalized, Southern Company does not expect the impact of these rules to be material.

For additional information, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY—“Market Price Risk” of Southern Company in Item 7 and Note 1 under “Financial Instruments” and Note 11 to the financial statements of Southern Company in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein.

Financing Activities

During the first six months of 2012, Southern Company issued approximately 9.7 million shares of common stock for $317 million through employee and director stock plans. Since mid-2011, Southern Company has issued additional equity only through its employee and director stock plans. Southern Company plans to use the proceeds received from stock option exercises during 2012 (including the $317 million received through June 30, 2012) and 2013 to repurchase shares to partially offset the incremental shares issued under its employee and director stock plans. Pursuant to board approval, Southern Company may repurchase shares through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, in accordance with applicable securities laws.

In addition, Southern Company is not currently issuing shares of common stock through the Southern Investment Plan or its employee savings plan. All sales under the Southern Investment Plan and the employee savings plan are currently being funded with shares acquired on the open market by the independent plan administrators.

The following table outlines the debt financing activities during the first six months of 2012:

 

Company    Senior Note
Issuances
   Senior Note
Redemptions
and Maturities
   Pollution
Control Bond
Issuances
   Pollution
Control Bond
Redemptions
   Other
Long-Term
Debt Issuances
   Other Long-
Term Debt
Redemptions
and Maturities

 

          (in millions)          

Southern Company

    $    —     $500     $ —     $ —     $ —     $ —

Alabama Power

        250       250        —           1        —        —

Georgia Power

     1,500        —       234         49        —      250

Gulf Power

        100        91        —         —        —        —

Mississippi Power

        400        90        —         —        —        75

Southern Power

        —        —        —         —          4        —

 

Total

   $2,250    $931     $234     $  50     $   4    $325

 

Southern Company’s subsidiaries used the proceeds of the debt issuances shown in the table above for the redemptions and maturities shown in the table above, to repay short-term indebtedness, and for general corporate purposes, including their respective continuous construction programs.

On January 17, 2012, Southern Company’s $500 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2007A 5.30% Senior Notes matured.

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

On March 6, 2012, Mississippi Power received a $150 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA to be applied to the sale price for the pending sale of an undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. Until the acquisition is closed, the deposit bears interest at Mississippi Power’s AFUDC rate, which was 9.967% per annum at June 30, 2012 and is refundable to SMEPA upon termination of the asset purchase agreement related to such purchase, within 60 days of a request by SMEPA for a full or partial refund, or within 15 days at SMEPA’s discretion in the event that Mississippi Power is assigned a senior unsecured credit rating of BBB+ or lower by S&P or Baa1 or lower by Moody’s or ceases to be rated by either of these rating agencies.

Subsequent to June 30, 2012, Georgia Power redeemed $300 million aggregate principal amount of its Series 2007D 6.375% Senior Notes due July 15, 2047.

Subsequent to June 30, 2012, $85 million aggregate principal amount of Development Authority of Burke County (Georgia) Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle Project), First Series 2005 and $100 million aggregate principal amount of Development Authority of Burke County (Georgia) Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle Project), Second Series 2005 were redeemed.

In addition to any financings that may be necessary to meet capital requirements and contractual obligations, Southern Company and its subsidiaries plan to continue, when economically feasible, a program to retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit.

 

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Table of Contents

PART I

Item 3. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS—FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY—“Market Price Risk” herein for each registrant and Note 1 to the financial statements of each registrant under “Financial Instruments,” Note 11 to the financial statements of Southern Company, Alabama Power, and Georgia Power, Note 10 to the financial statements of Gulf Power and Mississippi Power, and Note 9 to the financial statements of Southern Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. Also, see Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for information relating to derivative instruments.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

 

  (a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power conducted separate evaluations under the supervision and with the participation of each company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Sections 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Based upon these evaluations, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, in each case, concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

  (b) Changes in internal controls.

There have been no changes in Southern Company’s, Alabama Power’s, Georgia Power’s, Gulf Power’s, Mississippi Power’s, or Southern Power’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the second quarter 2012 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect Southern Company’s, Alabama Power’s, Georgia Power’s, Gulf Power’s, Mississippi Power’s, or Southern Power’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

 

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Table of Contents

ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
     Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)     (in millions)  

Operating Revenues:

        

Retail revenues

   $ 1,254      $ 1,244      $ 2,346      $ 2,370   

Wholesale revenues, non-affiliates

     70        70        131        138   

Wholesale revenues, affiliates

     6        75        20        150   

Other revenues

     47        51        96        102   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     1,377        1,440        2,593        2,760   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

        

Fuel

     343        428        649        823   

Purchased power, non-affiliates

     17        17        32        28   

Purchased power, affiliates

     66        57        106        103   

Other operations and maintenance

     316        290        637        587   

Depreciation and amortization

     160        159        317        316   

Taxes other than income taxes

     85        85        171        170   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     987        1,036        1,912        2,027   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     390        404        681        733   

Other Income and (Expense):

        

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     4        6        9        11   

Interest income

     4        5        8        9   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     (73     (77     (146     (151

Other income (expense), net

     (4     (7     (11     (13
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and (expense)

     (69     (73     (140     (144
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     321        331        541        589   

Income taxes

     126        131        210        227   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

     195        200        331        362   

Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock

     10        10        20        20   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock

   $ 185      $ 190      $ 311      $ 342   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
     Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)     (in millions)  

Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock

   $ 185      $ 190      $ 311      $ 342   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Qualifying hedges:

        

Changes in fair value, net of tax of $(7), $(1), $(4) and $1, respectively

     (11     1        (7     3   

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $-, $(1), $- and $(1), respectively

     —          (2     —          (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     (11     (1     (7     1   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   $ 174      $ 189      $ 304      $ 343   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Alabama Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     (in millions)  

Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 331      $ 362   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities —

    

Depreciation and amortization, total

     380        373   

Deferred income taxes

     85        174   

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     (9     (11

Pension, postretirement, and other employee benefits

     (8     (24

Stock based compensation expense

     6        4   

Other, net

     (24     (3

Changes in certain current assets and liabilities —

    

-Receivables

     (46     (57

-Fossil fuel stock

     (125     13   

-Materials and supplies

     (6     (5

-Other current assets

     (31     (66

-Accounts payable

     (145     (77

-Accrued taxes

     128        193   

-Accrued compensation

     (45     (52

-Other current liabilities

     (10     (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from operating activities

     481        819   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

    

Property additions

     (436     (485

Distribution of restricted cash from pollution control revenue bonds

            11   

Nuclear decommissioning trust fund purchases

     (88     (252

Nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales

     88        252   

Cost of removal, net of salvage

     (7     (47

Change in construction payables

     (12     (14

Other investing activities

     (9     (22
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

     (464     (557
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

    

Proceeds —

    

Capital contributions from parent company

     11        5   

Senior notes issuances

     250        700   

Redemptions —

    

Pollution control revenue bonds

     (1       

Senior notes

     (250     (650

Payment of preferred and preference stock dividends

     (20     (20

Payment of common stock dividends

     (270     (277

Other financing activities

     (3     (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for financing activities

     (283     (254
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (266     8   

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     344        154   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 78      $ 162   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

    

Cash paid (received) during the period for —

    

Interest (net of $3 and $5 capitalized for 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   $ 136      $ 141   

Income taxes, net

     31        (100

Noncash transactions—accrued property additions at end of period

     7        14   

The accompanying notes as they relate to Alabama Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Assets

   At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
     (in millions)   

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 78      $ 344   

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     —          1   

Receivables —

    

Customer accounts receivable

     368        332   

Unbilled revenues

     160        126   

Under recovered regulatory clause revenues

     16        —     

Other accounts and notes receivable

     34        35   

Affiliated companies

     57        79   

Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts

     (9     (10

Fossil fuel stock, at average cost

     469        344   

Materials and supplies, at average cost

     380        375   

Vacation pay

     59        59   

Prepaid expenses

     135        74   

Other regulatory assets, current

     32        44   

Other current assets

     8        11   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,787        1,814   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, Plant, and Equipment:

    

In service

     21,110        20,809   

Less accumulated provision for depreciation

     7,562        7,344   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Plant in service, net of depreciation

     13,548        13,465   

Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost

     347        330   

Construction work in progress

     390        374   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant, and equipment

     14,285        14,169   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Property and Investments:

    

Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries

     61        62   

Nuclear decommissioning trusts, at fair value

     571        540   

Miscellaneous property and investments

     73        73   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other property and investments

     705        675   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Charges and Other Assets:

    

Deferred charges related to income taxes

     529        532   

Prepaid pension costs

     74        59   

Deferred under recovered regulatory clause revenues

     29        48   

Other regulatory assets, deferred

     1,001        994   

Other deferred charges and assets

     144        186   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred charges and other assets

     1,777        1,819   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 18,554      $ 18,477   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Alabama Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

   At June  30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
     (in millions)  

Current Liabilities:

    

Securities due within one year

   $ 500      $ 500   

Accounts payable —

    

Affiliated

     176        203   

Other

     196        322   

Customer deposits

     86        85   

Accrued taxes —

    

Accrued income taxes

     99        32   

Other accrued taxes

     80        34   

Accrued interest

     65        63   

Accrued vacation pay

     48        48   

Accrued compensation

     51        95   

Liabilities from risk management activities

     54        54   

Other regulatory liabilities, current

     3        18   

Other current liabilities

     40        38   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,398        1,492   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

     5,630        5,632   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

    

Accumulated deferred income taxes

     3,319        3,257   

Deferred credits related to income taxes

     81        83   

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits

     145        149   

Employee benefit obligations

     339        343   

Asset retirement obligations

     571        553   

Other cost of removal obligations

     736        703   

Other regulatory liabilities, deferred

     165        156   

Other deferred credits and liabilities

     84        82   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

     5,440        5,326   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     12,468        12,450   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redeemable Preferred Stock

     342        342   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Preference Stock

     343        343   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Stockholder’s Equity:

    

Common stock, par value $40 per share —

    

Authorized - 40,000,000 shares

    

Outstanding - 30,537,500 shares

     1,222        1,222   

Paid-in capital

     2,207        2,182   

Retained earnings

     1,997        1,956   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (25     (18
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total common stockholder’s equity

     5,401        5,342   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

   $ 18,554      $ 18,477   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Alabama Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SECOND QUARTER 2012 vs. SECOND QUARTER 2011

AND

YEAR-TO-DATE 2012 vs. YEAR-TO-DATE 2011

OVERVIEW

Alabama Power operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electricity to retail and wholesale customers within its traditional service territory located within the State of Alabama in addition to wholesale customers in the Southeast. Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Alabama Power’s business of selling electricity. These factors include the ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment, to maintain and grow energy sales given economic conditions, and to effectively manage and secure timely recovery of costs. These costs include those related to projected long-term demand growth, increasingly stringent environmental standards, fuel, capital expenditures, and restoration following major storms. Appropriately balancing required costs and capital expenditures with customer prices will continue to challenge Alabama Power for the foreseeable future.

Alabama Power continues to focus on several key performance indicators. These indicators include customer satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock. For additional information on these indicators, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – OVERVIEW – “Key Performance Indicators” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Income

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(5)

   (2.6)   

$(31)

   (9.1)

 

Alabama Power’s net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock for the second quarter 2012 was $185 million compared to $190 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Alabama Power’s net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock for year-to-date 2012 was $311 million compared to $342 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases for the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 were related to decreases in weather-related revenues due to milder weather and increases in operations and maintenance expenses in 2012. These decreases were partially offset by increases in revenues associated with the elimination of a tax-related adjustment under Alabama Power’s rate structure and increases in energy sales due to increases in usage and customer growth. See BUSINESS – “Rate Matters – Rate Structure and Cost Recovery Plans” of Alabama Power in Item 1 and MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Retail Rate Adjustments” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for information regarding the rate structure of Alabama Power.

Retail Revenues

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$10

   0.8   

$(24)

   (1.0)

 

In the second quarter 2012, retail revenues were $1.25 billion compared to $1.24 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, retail revenues were $2.35 billion compared to $2.37 billion for the corresponding period in 2011.

 

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Details of the change to retail revenues were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

 

Year-to-Date

2012

 

   (in millions)   (% change)   (in millions)   (% change)

Retail – prior year

   $1,244     $2,370  

Estimated change in –

        

Rates and pricing

         31    2.5        56    2.4

Sales growth (decline)

         25    2.0        45    1.9

Weather

         (38)   (3.0)         (88)   (3.7)

Fuel and other cost recovery

           (8)   (0.7)         (37)   (1.6)

 

Retail – current year

   $1,254       0.8%   $2,346       (1.0)%

 

Revenues associated with changes in rates and pricing increased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 primarily due to the elimination of a tax-related adjustment under Alabama Power’s rate structure that was effective with October 2011 billings, slightly offset by decreased revenues associated with Rate Certificated New Plant Environmental (Rate CNP Environmental).

Revenues attributable to changes in sales increased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011. Weather-adjusted residential KWH energy sales increased 5.6% in the second quarter and 3.5% for year-to-date 2012 as a result of increases in usage and customer growth. Weather-adjusted commercial KWH energy sales increased 3.6% in the second quarter 2012 and 1.7% for year-to-date 2012 as a result of increases in usage. Industrial KWH energy sales increased 2.3% in the second quarter 2012 and 2.8% for year-to-date 2012 due to an increase in usage resulting from changes in production levels primarily in the primary metals, chemicals, automotive and plastics, and forest products sectors, partially offset by decreases in the stone, clay, and glass and textiles sectors.

Revenues resulting from changes in weather decreased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011. Alabama Power’s service territory experienced milder weather conditions in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in the prior year. The resulting decreases for the second quarter 2012 were 5.4% and 2.5% for residential and commercial sales revenue, respectively. The resulting decreases for year-to-date 2012 were 7.1% and 2.1% for residential and commercial sales revenue, respectively.

Fuel and other cost recovery revenues decreased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 primarily due to lower fuel costs associated with decreased KWH generation and lower average cost per KWH generated due to lower natural gas prices. Electric rates include provisions to recognize the full recovery of fuel costs, purchased power costs, PPAs certificated by the Alabama PSC, and costs associated with the NDR. Under these provisions, fuel and other cost recovery revenues generally equal fuel and other cost recovery expenses and do not affect net income.

See BUSINESS – “Rate Matters – Rate Structure and Cost Recovery Plans” of Alabama Power in Item 1, MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Retail Rate Adjustments” of Alabama Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Alabama Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

 

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Wholesale Revenues – Non-Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$—

     

$(7)

   (5.1)

 

Wholesale revenues from sales to non-affiliates will vary depending on the market prices of available wholesale energy compared to the cost of Alabama Power’s and the Southern Company system’s generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, and availability of the Southern Company system’s generation. Increases and decreases in energy revenues that are driven by fuel prices are accompanied by an increase or decrease in fuel costs and do not have a significant impact on net income.

In the second quarter 2012 and the second quarter 2011, wholesale revenues from non-affiliates were $70 million. For year-to-date 2012, wholesale revenues from non-affiliates were $131 million compared to $138 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 4.1% decrease in KWH sales and a 1.2% decrease in the price of energy.

Wholesale Revenues – Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(69)

   (92.0)   

$(130)

   (86.7)

 

Wholesale revenues from sales to affiliated companies within the Southern Company system will vary depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company. These affiliate sales are made in accordance with the IIC, as approved by the FERC. These transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings since this energy is generally sold at marginal cost and energy purchases are generally offset by energy revenues through Alabama Power’s energy cost recovery clauses.

In the second quarter 2012, wholesale revenues from affiliates were $6 million compared to $75 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 90.2% decrease in KWH sales.

For year-to-date 2012, wholesale revenues from affiliates were $20 million compared to $150 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to an 82.6% decrease in KWH sales and a 23.5% decrease in the price of energy.

Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses

 

    

Second Quarter 2012

vs.

Second Quarter 2011

 

Year-to-Date 2012

vs.

Year-to-Date 2011

 

   (change in millions)   (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

Fuel

   $(85)   (19.9)   $(174)   (21.1)

Purchased power – non-affiliates

       —       —        4    14.3

Purchased power – affiliates

       9    15.8        3     2.9

 

   

 

 

Total fuel and purchased power expenses

   $(76)     $(167)  

 

   

 

 

 

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In the second quarter 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $426 million compared to $502 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $64 million decrease related to a reduction in total KWHs generated as a result of milder weather in the second quarter 2012, a $22 million decrease in the cost of fuel, and a $46 million decrease in the average cost of purchased power, partially offset by a $55 million increase in KWHs purchased.

For year-to-date 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $787 million compared to $954 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $149 million decrease related to a reduction in total KWHs generated as a result of milder weather for year-to-date 2012, a $25 million decrease in the cost of fuel, and a $51 million decrease in the average cost of purchased power, partially offset by a $58 million increase in KWHs purchased.

Fuel and purchased power energy transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings since energy expenses are generally offset by energy revenues through Alabama Power’s Energy Cost Recovery Rate mechanism. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Retail Fuel Cost Recovery” herein for additional information.

Details of Alabama Power’s generation and purchased power were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

  

Second Quarter

2011

  

Year-to-Date

2012

  

Year-to-Date

2011

 

Total generation (billions of KWHs)

   13    17    27    33

Total purchased power (billions of KWHs)

     2      1      3      2

 

Sources of generation (percent) –

           

Coal

   53    56    48    56

Nuclear

   24    23    26    23

Gas

   21    16    20    15

Hydro

    2     5     6     6

 

Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) 

           

Coal

   3.29    3.13    3.35    3.06

Nuclear

   0.82    0.64    0.78    0.65

Gas

   2.76    4.19    2.88    4.18

 

Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH)(a)

   2.57    2.71    2.54    2.67

Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH)(b)

   3.89    6.02    4.14    5.66

 

 

(a) KWHs generated by hydro are excluded from the average cost of fuel, generated.
(b) Average cost of purchased power includes fuel purchased by Alabama Power for tolling agreements where power is generated by the provider.

Fuel

In the second quarter 2012, fuel expense was $343 million compared to $428 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The $85 million decrease was due to a 34.1% decrease in the average cost of KWHs generated by natural gas, which excludes fuel associated with tolling agreements, and a 23.5% decrease in KWHs generated by coal, slightly offset by a 6.9% increase in KWHs generated by natural gas.

For year-to-date 2012, fuel expense was $649 million compared to $823 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The $174 million decrease was due to a 31.0% decrease in the average cost of KWHs generated by natural gas, which excludes fuel associated with tolling agreements, and a 29.4% decrease in KWHs generated by coal, slightly offset by an 8.4% increase in KWHs generated by natural gas.

 

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Purchased Power – Non-Affiliates

In the second quarter 2012 and the second quarter 2011, purchased power expense from non-affiliates was $17 million. For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expense from non-affiliates was $32 million compared to $28 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was related to a 388.0% increase in the amount of energy purchased, partially offset by a 76.6% decrease in the average cost per KWH.

Energy purchases from non-affiliates will vary depending on the market prices of wholesale energy as compared to the cost of the Southern Company system’s generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, and the availability of the Southern Company system’s generation.

Purchased Power – Affiliates

In the second quarter 2012, purchased power expense from affiliates was $66 million compared to $57 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was related to a 54.4% increase in the amount of energy purchased, partially offset by a 26.2% decrease in the average cost per KWH.

For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expense from affiliates was $106 million compared to $103 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was related to a 23.2% increase in the amount of energy purchased, partially offset by a 17.0% decrease in the average cost per KWH.

Energy purchases from affiliates will vary depending on demand for energy and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company within the Southern Company system. These purchases are made in accordance with the IIC or other contractual agreements, as approved by the FERC.

Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$26

   9.0    $50    8.5

 

In the second quarter 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $316 million compared to $290 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Administrative and general expenses increased $15 million primarily due to pension and other benefit-related expenses. Distribution expenses increased $7 million primarily due to increases in vegetation management and overhead line maintenance costs. Steam production expenses increased $3 million due to environmental mandates which were partially offset by revenues associated with Rate CNP Environmental.

For year-to-date 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $637 million compared to $587 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Administrative and general expenses increased $33 million primarily due to pension and other benefit-related expenses, affiliated service company expenses, labor expenses, and property insurance expenses. Nuclear production expenses increased $5 million primarily due to the amortization of nuclear outage expenses of $13 million, partially offset by a decrease in operation costs related to decreases in labor. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Nuclear Outage Accounting Order” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Additionally, distribution and transmission expenses increased $4 million due to increases in labor expenses and vegetation management.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Income Taxes

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(5)

   (3.8)    $(17)    (7.5)

 

In the second quarter 2012, income taxes were $126 million compared to $131 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, income taxes were $210 million compared to $227 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases for the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 were primarily due to lower pre-tax earnings as a result of lower revenues due to milder weather and an increase in operations and maintenance expense.

FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL

The results of operations discussed above are not necessarily indicative of Alabama Power’s future earnings potential. The level of Alabama Power’s future earnings depends on numerous factors that affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Alabama Power’s primary business of selling electricity. These factors include Alabama Power’s ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment that continues to allow for the timely recovery of prudently incurred costs during a time of increasing costs. Future earnings in the near term will depend, in part, upon maintaining energy sales which are subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather, competition, new energy contracts with neighboring utilities, energy conservation practiced by customers, the price of electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth or decline in Alabama Power’s service territory. Changes in economic conditions impact sales for Alabama Power and the pace of the economic recovery remains uncertain. The timing and extent of the economic recovery will impact growth and may impact future earnings. For additional information relating to these issues, see RISK FACTORS in Item 1A and MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

Environmental Matters

Compliance costs related to federal and state environmental statutes and regulations could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may differ materially from the amounts estimated. The timing, specific requirements, and estimated costs could change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or modified. Further, higher costs that are recovered through regulated rates could contribute to reduced demand for electricity, which could negatively affect results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters” of Alabama Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Alabama Power under “Environmental Matters” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

New Source Review Actions

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – New Source Review Actions” of Alabama Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Alabama Power under “Environmental Matters – New Source Review Actions” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. On February 23, 2012, the EPA filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama seeking vacatur of the judgment and recusal of the judge in the case involving Alabama Power. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama has not ruled on the EPA’s motion seeking vacatur of the judgment. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Climate Change Litigation

Hurricane Katrina Case

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Climate Change Litigation – Hurricane Katrina Case” of Alabama Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Alabama Power under “Environmental Matters – Climate Change Litigation – Hurricane Katrina Case” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. On March 20, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi dismissed the amended class action complaint filed in May 2011 by the plaintiffs. On April 16, 2012, the plaintiffs appealed the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Environmental Statutes and Regulations

General

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – General” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Alabama Power’s estimated base level capital expenditures to comply with existing statutes and regulations for 2012 through 2014, as well as Alabama Power’s preliminary estimates for potential incremental environmental compliance investments associated with complying with the EPA’s final Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule (formerly referred to as the Utility Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule) and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

Alabama Power is continuing to develop its compliance strategy and to assess the potential costs of complying with the MATS rule and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules. As part of the development of its compliance strategy for the MATS rule, Alabama Power has entered into agreements for the construction of baghouses to control the emissions of mercury and particulates from generating units with an aggregate capacity of 1,901 MWs. While further analysis of the MATS rule is required and the ultimate costs remain uncertain, the compliance decisions made through the second quarter 2012 have allowed Alabama Power to further develop its cost estimates for compliance with the MATS rule. As a result, estimated compliance costs for the MATS rule in the 2012 through 2014 period have been revised from up to $1.2 billion to approximately $660 million as follows:

 

     2012      2013      2014  

 

 
     (in millions)  

MATS rule

   $ 65       $ 155       $ 440   

 

 

 

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In addition, Alabama Power has further developed its estimated capital expenditures and associated timing of these expenditures to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules, resulting in a reduction, due primarily to timing, in estimated compliance costs for 2012 through 2014. Potential incremental environmental compliance investments to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules have been revised from up to $630 million to approximately $175 million over the 2012 through 2014 period, based on the assumption that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule. These potential incremental environmental compliance investments are estimated as follows:

 

     2012      2013      2014  

 

 
     (in millions)  

Proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules

     $5         $10         $160   

 

 

While Alabama Power’s ultimate costs of compliance with the MATS rule and the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules remain uncertain, Alabama Power estimates that compliance costs through 2021 (assuming that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule) will be at the low end of the $5 billion to $7 billion range provided in the Form 10-K.

Alabama Power’s ultimate compliance strategy and actual future environmental capital expenditures are dependent on a final assessment of the MATS rule and will be affected by the final requirements of new or revised environmental regulations that are promulgated; the outcome of any legal challenges to the environmental rules; the cost, availability, and existing inventory of emissions allowances; and Alabama Power’s fuel mix. Compliance costs may arise from retirement and replacement of existing units, installation of additional environmental controls, upgrades to the transmission system, and changing fuel sources for certain existing units. Alabama Power’s preliminary analysis further indicates that the short timeframe for compliance with the MATS rule could significantly affect electric system reliability and cause an increase in costs of materials and services. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

As part of SEGCO’s environmental compliance strategy, the Board of Directors of SEGCO approved adding natural gas as the primary fuel source in 2015 for its 1,000 MWs of generating capacity and the construction of the necessary natural gas pipeline. SEGCO is jointly owned by Alabama Power and Georgia Power. The capacity of SEGCO’s units is sold to Alabama Power and Georgia Power through a PPA. See Note 4 to the financial statements of Alabama Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. The impact of SEGCO’s ultimate compliance strategy on the PPA costs cannot be determined at this time; however, if such costs cannot continue to be recovered through retail rates, they could have a material impact on Alabama Power’s financial statements.

Air Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Air Quality” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter air quality standards and the MATS rule.

On May 1, 2012, the EPA released its final determination of nonattainment areas based on the 2008 eight-hour ozone air quality standards. None of the areas within Alabama Power’s service territory were designated as nonattainment areas.

On June 14, 2012, the EPA proposed a rule that would increase the stringency of the fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards. If adopted, the proposed standards could result in the designation of new nonattainment areas within Alabama Power’s service territory. As part of a related settlement, the EPA has agreed to finalize the proposed rule by December 14, 2012. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

 

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Numerous petitions for administrative reconsideration of the MATS rule, including a petition by Southern Company and its subsidiaries, including Alabama Power, have been filed with the EPA. Challenges to the final rule have also been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by numerous states, environmental organizations, industry groups, and others. The impact of the MATS rule will depend on the outcome of these and any other legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

Water Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Water Quality” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the proposed rules regarding certain cooling water intake structures. The EPA has entered into an amended settlement agreement to extend the deadline for issuing a final rule until June 27, 2013. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

Coal Combustion Byproducts

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Coal Combustion Byproducts” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Environmental groups and other parties have filed lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to require the EPA to complete its rulemaking process and issue final regulations pertaining to the regulation of coal combustion byproducts. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Global Climate Issues

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Global Climate Issues” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On April 13, 2012, the EPA published proposed regulations to establish standards of performance for greenhouse gas emissions from new fossil fuel steam electric generating units. As proposed, the standards would not apply to existing units. The EPA has delayed its plans to propose greenhouse gas emissions performance standards for modified sources and emissions guidelines for existing sources. The impact of this rulemaking will depend on the scope and specific requirements of the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

On June 26, 2012, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously rejected all challenges to four of the EPA’s actions relating to the greenhouse gas permitting programs under the Clean Air Act. These rules may impact the amount of time it takes to obtain prevention of significant deterioration permits for new generation and major modifications to existing generating units and the requirements ultimately imposed by those permits. The ultimate impact of these rules cannot be determined at this time and will depend on the outcome of any other legal challenges.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

PSC Matters

Rate CNP

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Retail Rate Adjustments – Rate CNP” of Alabama Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Alabama Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Rate CNP” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Alabama Power’s recovery of retail costs through Rate Certificated New Plant Power Purchase Agreement (Rate CNP) and Rate CNP Environmental. Alabama Power’s under recovered Rate CNP balance as of June 30, 2012 was $2 million as compared to $6 million at December 31, 2011. Alabama Power’s under recovered Rate CNP Environmental balance as of June 30, 2012 was $26 million as compared to $11 million at December 31, 2011. These under recovered balances at June 30, 2012 are included in deferred under recovered regulatory clause revenues on Alabama Power’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein. For Rate CNP, this classification is based on an estimate, which includes such factors as purchased power capacity and energy demand. For Rate CNP Environmental, this classification is based on an estimate, which includes such factors as costs to comply with environmental mandates and energy demand. A change in any of these factors could have a material impact on the timing of any recovery of the under recovered retail costs.

Retail Fuel Cost Recovery

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery” of Alabama Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Alabama Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Alabama Power’s fuel cost recovery. Alabama Power’s under recovered fuel costs as of June 30, 2012 totaled $16 million as compared to $31 million at December 31, 2011. These under recovered fuel costs at June 30, 2012 are included in under recovered regulatory clause revenues on Alabama Power’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein. This classification is based on an estimate which includes such factors as weather, generation availability, energy demand, and the price of energy. A change in any of these factors could have a material impact on the timing of any recovery of the under recovered fuel costs.

Natural Disaster Cost Recovery

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Natural Disaster Reserve” of Alabama Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Alabama Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Natural Disaster Reserve” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding natural disaster cost recovery. At June 30, 2012, the NDR had an accumulated balance of $105 million, which is included in Alabama Power’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein under other regulatory liabilities, deferred. The accruals are reflected as operations and maintenance expenses in Alabama Power’s Condensed Statement of Income herein.

Income Tax Matters

Bonus Depreciation

In December 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (Tax Relief Act) was signed into law. Major tax incentives in the Tax Relief Act include 100% bonus depreciation for property placed in service after September 8, 2010 and through 2011 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2012) and 50% bonus depreciation for property placed in service in 2012 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2013), which will have a positive impact on the future cash flows of Alabama Power through 2013. Consequently, Alabama Power’s positive cash flow benefit is estimated to be between $85 million and $110 million in 2012.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Other Matters

Alabama Power is involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could affect future earnings. In addition, Alabama Power is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Alabama Power’s business activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment, such as regulation of air emissions and water discharges. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as air quality and water standards, has increased generally throughout the U.S. In particular, personal injury and other claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials, and common law nuisance claims for injunctive relief and property damage allegedly caused by greenhouse gas and other emissions, have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against Alabama Power cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported in Note (B) herein or in Note 3 to the financial statements of Alabama Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on Alabama Power’s financial statements.

See the Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for a discussion of various other contingencies, regulatory matters, and other matters being litigated which may affect future earnings potential.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Other Matters” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011. On March 12, 2012, the NRC issued three orders and a request for information based on the NRC task force report recommendations that included, among other items, additional mitigation strategies for beyond-design-basis events, enhanced spent fuel pool instrumentation capabilities, hardened vents for certain classes of containment structures, site specific evaluations for seismic and flooding hazards, and various plant evaluations to ensure adequate coping capabilities during station blackout and other conditions. The staff of the NRC expects to issue additional implementation guidance by the end of August 2012. The final form and the resulting impact of any changes to safety requirements for nuclear reactors will be dependent on further review and action by the NRC and cannot be determined at this time. See RISK FACTORS of Alabama Power in Item 1A of the Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risks associated with the operation of nuclear generating units, including potential impacts that could result from a major incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world. The ultimate outcome of these events cannot be determined at this time.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Alabama Power prepares its financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the financial statements of Alabama Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may have a material impact on Alabama Power’s results of operations and related disclosures. Different assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those recorded in the financial statements. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – ACCOUNTING POLICIES – “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a complete discussion of Alabama Power’s critical accounting policies and estimates related to Electric Utility Regulation, Contingent Obligations, and Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.

 

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ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Overview

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Overview” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Alabama Power’s financial condition remained stable at June 30, 2012. Alabama Power intends to continue to monitor its access to short-term and long-term capital markets as well as its bank credit arrangements to meet future capital and liquidity needs. See “Sources of Capital,” “Financing Activities,” and “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” herein for additional information.

Net cash provided from operating activities totaled $481 million for the first six months of 2012, a decrease of $338 million as compared to the first six months of 2011. The decrease in cash provided from operating activities was primarily due to an increase in fossil fuel stock, a decrease in deferred income taxes, and the timing of income tax payments and refunds associated with bonus depreciation. Net cash used for investing activities totaled $464 million for the first six months of 2012 primarily due to gross property additions related to nuclear fuel and transmission, distribution, and steam generating equipment. Net cash used for financing activities totaled $283 million for the first six months of 2012. This was primarily due to the payment of common stock dividends. Fluctuations in cash flow from financing activities vary year to year based on capital needs and the maturity or redemption of securities.

Significant balance sheet changes for the first six months of 2012 include increases of $125 million in fossil fuel stock, at average cost, $116 million in property, plant, and equipment associated with routine property additions and nuclear fuel, $67 million in accrued income taxes, and $61 million in prepaid expenses and decreases of $266 million in cash and cash equivalents and $126 million in other accounts payable.

Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a description of Alabama Power’s capital requirements for its construction program, including estimated capital expenditures to comply with existing environmental regulations, scheduled maturities of long-term debt, as well as the related interest, derivative obligations, preferred and preference stock dividends, leases, purchase commitments, and trust funding requirements. Approximately $500 million will be required through June 30, 2013 to fund maturities of long-term debt.

See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Statutes and Regulations – General” herein for a description of the Alabama Power’s estimated capital expenditures to comply with the MATS rule and proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

The construction program is subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include: changes in business conditions; changes in load projections; changes in environmental statutes and regulations; the outcome of any legal challenges to the environmental rules; changes in generating plants, including unit retirements and replacements and adding or changing fuel sources at existing units, to meet new regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations; Alabama PSC approvals; changes in legislation; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; project scope and design changes; storm impacts; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered.

 

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ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Sources of Capital

Alabama Power plans to obtain the funds required for construction and other purposes from sources similar to those utilized in the past. Alabama Power has primarily utilized funds from operating cash flows, short-term debt, security issuances, and equity contributions from Southern Company. However, the amount, type, and timing of any future financings, if needed, will depend upon regulatory approval, prevailing market conditions, and other factors. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Sources of Capital” of Alabama Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Alabama Power’s current liabilities sometimes exceed current assets because of Alabama Power’s debt due within one year and the periodic use of short-term debt as a funding source primarily to meet scheduled maturities of long-term debt, as well as cash needs, which can fluctuate significantly due to the seasonality of the business.

At June 30, 2012, Alabama Power had approximately $78 million of cash and cash equivalents. Committed credit arrangements with banks at June 30, 2012, including expiration dates, were as follows:

 

Expires           Executable Term
Loans
 

Due Within One

Year(a)

 

     

 

 

 

        2012           2013  

2014

and
    Beyond    

      Total       Unused   One
    Year    
  Two
  Years  
      Term    
Out
  No Term
Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)   (in millions)   (in millions)   (in millions)
$37   $101   $1,150   $1,288   $1,288   $51   $—     $51   $52

 

(a) Reflects facilities expiring on or before June 30, 2013.

See Note 6 to the financial statements of Alabama Power under “Bank Credit Arrangements” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (E) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Bank Credit Arrangements” herein for additional information.

Most of these arrangements contain covenants that limit debt levels and typically contain cross default provisions that are restricted only to the indebtedness of Alabama Power. Alabama Power is currently in compliance with all such covenants. Alabama Power expects to renew its credit arrangements, as needed, prior to expiration. These credit arrangements provide liquidity support to Alabama Power’s commercial paper borrowings and variable rate pollution control revenue bonds. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support as of June 30, 2012 was approximately $793 million.

Alabama Power may meet short-term cash needs through its commercial paper program. Alabama Power may also meet short-term cash needs through a Southern Company subsidiary organized to issue and sell commercial paper at the request and for the benefit of Alabama Power and the other traditional operating companies. Proceeds from such issuances for the benefit of Alabama Power are loaned directly to Alabama Power. The obligations of each traditional operating company under these arrangements are several and there is no cross affiliate credit support.

 

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ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Details of short-term borrowings were as follows:

 

     Short-term Debt at the
End of the Period
     Short-term Debt During the Period (a)  
     Amount
Outstanding
     Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate
     Average
Outstanding
     Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate
     Maximum
Amount
Outstanding
 

 

    

 

 

 
     (in millions)             (in millions)             (in millions)  

June 30, 2012:

              

Commercial paper

     $—               —  %             $22             0.2%             $57       

 

 

 

(a) Average and maximum amounts are based upon daily balances during the period.

Management believes that the need for working capital can be adequately met by utilizing commercial paper programs, lines of credit, and cash.

Credit Rating Risk

Alabama Power does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change to below BBB- and/or Baa3. These contracts are primarily for physical electricity purchases, fuel purchases, fuel transportation and storage, and energy price risk management. At June 30, 2012, the maximum potential collateral requirements under these contracts at a rating below BBB- and/or Baa3 were approximately $311 million. Included in these amounts are certain agreements that could require collateral in the event that one or more Power Pool participant has a credit rating change to below investment grade. Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. Additionally, any credit rating downgrade could impact Alabama Power’s ability to access capital markets, particularly the short-term debt market.

Market Price Risk

Alabama Power’s market risk exposure relative to interest rate changes for the second quarter 2012 has not changed materially compared to the December 31, 2011 reporting period. Since a significant portion of outstanding indebtedness remains at fixed rates, Alabama Power is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would significantly affect exposures on existing indebtedness in the near term. However, the impact on future financing costs cannot now be determined.

Due to cost-based rate regulation and other various cost recovery mechanisms, Alabama Power continues to have limited exposure to market volatility in interest rates, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, Alabama Power enters into physical fixed-price contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity market and, to a lesser extent, financial hedge contracts for natural gas purchases. Alabama Power continues to manage a retail fuel-hedging program implemented per the guidelines of the Alabama PSC. As such, Alabama Power had no material change in market risk exposure for the second quarter 2012 when compared with the December 31, 2011 reporting period.

 

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ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The changes in fair value of energy-related derivative contracts, substantially all of which are composed of regulatory hedges, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

    

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

 

 
     Fair Value  
     (in millions)  

Contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period, assets (liabilities), net

     $(53)         $(48)   

Contracts realized or settled

     16         30   

Current period changes(a)

     5         (14)   

 

 

Contracts outstanding at the end of the period, assets (liabilities), net

     $(32)         $(32)   

 

 

 

(a) Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into during the period, if any.

The changes in the fair value positions of the energy-related derivative contracts, which are substantially all attributable to both the volume and the price of natural gas, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

    

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

 

 
     Fair Value  
     (in millions)  

Natural gas swaps

     $16         $14   

Natural gas options

     5         2   

Other energy-related derivatives

     —           —     

 

 

Total changes

     $21         $16   

 

 

The net hedge volumes of energy-related derivative contracts were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2012
     March 31,
2012
     December 31,
2011
 

 

 
     mmBtu Volume  
     (in millions)  

Commodity – Natural gas swaps

     32         27         30   

Commodity – Natural gas options

     11         10         9   

 

 

Total hedge volume

     43         37         39   

 

 

The weighted average swap contract cost above market prices was approximately $0.93 per mmBtu as of June 30, 2012, $1.72 per mmBtu as of March 31, 2012, and $1.45 per mmBtu as of December 31, 2011. The change in option premiums is primarily attributable to the volatility of the market and the underlying change in the natural gas price. A majority of the natural gas hedge gains and losses is recovered through Alabama Power’s retail fuel cost recovery clause.

Regulatory hedges relate to Alabama Power’s fuel-hedging program where gains and losses are initially recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, and then are included in fuel expense as they are recovered through Alabama Power’s fuel cost recovery clause.

Unrealized pre-tax gains and losses recognized in income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 for energy-related derivative contracts that are not hedges were not material.

 

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ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Alabama Power uses over-the-counter contracts that are not exchange traded but are fair valued using prices which are market observable, and thus fall into Level 2. See Note (C) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for further discussion on fair value measurements. The maturities of the energy-related derivative contracts and the level of the fair value hierarchy in which they fall at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

June 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 
     Total
Fair Value
     Maturity  
            Year 1      Years 2&3      Years 4&5    

 

 
     (in millions)   

Level 1

     $—           $—           $—              $—           

Level 2

     (32)         (25)         (7)              —           

Level 3

     —           —           —              —           

 

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at end of period

     $(32)         $(25)         $(7)             $—           

 

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) enacted in July 2010 could impact the use of over-the-counter derivatives by Alabama Power. Regulations to implement the Dodd-Frank Act will impose additional requirements on the use of over-the-counter derivatives for both Alabama Power and its derivative counterparties, which could affect both the use and cost of over-the-counter derivatives. Although all relevant regulations have not been finalized, Alabama Power does not expect the impact of these rules to be material.

For additional information, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Market Price Risk” of Alabama Power in Item 7 and Note 1 under “Financial Instruments” and Note 11 to the financial statements of Alabama Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein.

Financing Activities

In January 2012, Alabama Power issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2012A 4.10% Senior Notes due January 15, 2042. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including Alabama Power’s continuous construction program. Alabama Power settled $100 million of interest rate swaps related to this issuance at a loss of $1 million. The loss is being amortized to interest expense, in earnings, over 10 years.

In March 2012, Alabama Power redeemed approximately $1 million aggregate principal amount of The Industrial Development Board of the Town of West Jefferson Solid Waste Disposal Revenue Bonds (Alabama Power Company Miller Plant Project), Series 2008.

In April 2012, Alabama Power redeemed $250 million aggregate principal amount of its Series 2007B 5.875% Senior Notes due April 1, 2047.

In addition to any financings that may be necessary to meet capital requirements and contractual obligations, Alabama Power plans to continue, when economically feasible, a program to retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit.

 

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GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

 

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GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
    For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in millions)     (in millions)  

Operating Revenues:

        

Retail revenues

   $ 1,857      $ 2,070      $ 3,451      $ 3,885   

Wholesale revenues, non-affiliates

     75        97        141        180   

Wholesale revenues, affiliates

     6        16        9        27   

Other revenues

     82        82        164        162   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     2,020        2,265        3,765        4,254   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

        

Fuel

     572        784        1,012        1,461   

Purchased power, non-affiliates

     94        96        187        170   

Purchased power, affiliates

     129        157        288        320   

Other operations and maintenance

     411        419        845        841   

Depreciation and amortization

     185        178        373        351   

Taxes other than income taxes

     94        94        181        181   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     1,485        1,728        2,886        3,324   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     535        537        879        930   

Other Income and (Expense):

        

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     13        22        26        47   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     (90     (71     (181     (167

Other income (expense), net

     (6     (5     (9     (6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and (expense)

     (83     (54     (164     (126
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     452        483        715        804   

Income taxes

     152        169        244        280   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

     300        314        471        524   

Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock

     5        5        9        9   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock

   $ 295      $ 309      $ 462      $ 515   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Three Months
Ended June 30,
     For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  
     (in millions)      (in millions)  

Net Income After Dividends on Preferred and Preference Stock

   $ 295       $ 309       $ 462       $ 515   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

           

Qualifying hedges:

           

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $1, $1, $1 and $1, respectively

     —           —           1         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     —           —           1         1   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   $ 295       $ 309       $ 463       $ 516   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Georgia Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     (in millions)  

Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 471      $ 524   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities —

    

Depreciation and amortization, total

     458        426   

Deferred income taxes

     128        189   

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     (26     (47

Retail fuel cost over recovery—long-term

     44        —     

Deferred expenses

     26        33   

Other, net

     (3     (73

Changes in certain current assets and liabilities —

    

-Receivables

     19        (100

-Fossil fuel stock

     (147     55   

-Prepaid income taxes

     13        77   

-Other current assets

     8        (14

-Accounts payable

     (37     60   

-Accrued taxes

     (77     (123

-Accrued compensation

     (60     (42

-Retail fuel cost over recovery—short-term

     55        —     

-Other current liabilities

     43        46   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from operating activities

     915        1,011   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

    

Property additions

     (812     (931

Investment of restricted cash

     (234     —     

Distribution of restricted cash

     49        —     

Nuclear decommissioning trust fund purchases

     (488     (1,152

Nuclear decommissioning trust fund sales

     486        1,149   

Cost of removal, net of salvage

     (34     (9

Change in construction payables, net of joint owner portion

     (161     34   

Other investing activities

     (14     (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

     (1,208     (921
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

    

Decrease in notes payable, net

     (513     (253

Proceeds —

    

Capital contributions from parent company

     18        183   

Pollution control revenue bonds issuances

     234        250   

Senior notes issuances

     1,500        550   

Other long-term debt issuances

     —          250   

Redemptions —

    

Pollution control revenue bonds

     (49     (197

Senior notes

     —          (101

Other long-term debt

     (250     (300

Payment of preferred and preference stock dividends

     (9     (9

Payment of common stock dividends

     (454     (448

Other financing activities

     (9     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities

     468        (77
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     175        13   

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     13        8   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 188      $ 21   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

    

Cash paid (received) during the period for —

    

Interest (net of $11 and $17 capitalized for 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   $ 156      $ 177   

Income taxes, net

     44        (15

Noncash transactions—accrued property additions at end of period

     234        299   

The accompanying notes as they relate to Georgia Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Assets

   At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
     (in millions)  

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 188      $ 13   

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     185          

Receivables —

    

Customer accounts receivable

     596        571   

Unbilled revenues

     244        172   

Under recovered regulatory clause revenues

            137   

Joint owner accounts receivable

     45        87   

Other accounts and notes receivable

     98        61   

Affiliated companies

     55        26   

Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts

     (12     (13

Fossil fuel stock, at average cost

     870        723   

Materials and supplies, at average cost

     391        406   

Vacation pay

     84        82   

Prepaid income taxes

     140        71   

Other regulatory assets, current

     93        108   

Other current assets

     81        106   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     3,058        2,550   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, Plant, and Equipment:

    

In service

     28,549        27,804   

Less accumulated provision for depreciation

     10,395        10,296   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Plant in service, net of depreciation

     18,154        17,508   

Other utility plant, net

     53        55   

Nuclear fuel, at amortized cost

     460        443   

Construction work in progress

     3,055        3,274   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant, and equipment

     21,722        21,280   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Property and Investments:

    

Equity investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries

     61        63   

Nuclear decommissioning trusts, at fair value

     665        667   

Miscellaneous property and investments

     44        44   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other property and investments

     770        774   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Charges and Other Assets:

    

Deferred charges related to income taxes

     757        756   

Other regulatory assets, deferred

     1,550        1,604   

Other deferred charges and assets

     221        187   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred charges and other assets

     2,528        2,547   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 28,078      $ 27,151   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Georgia Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

   At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
     (in millions)  

Current Liabilities:

    

Securities due within one year

   $ 1,340      $ 455   

Notes payable

     2        515   

Accounts payable —

    

Affiliated

     357        337   

Other

     451        686   

Customer deposits

     227        213   

Accrued taxes —

    

Accrued income taxes

     110        36   

Other accrued taxes

     175        304   

Accrued interest

     108        92   

Accrued vacation pay

     60        60   

Accrued compensation

     67        125   

Liabilities from risk management activities

     52        68   

Other regulatory liabilities, current

     79        65   

Nuclear decommissioning trust securities lending collateral

     8        32   

Other current liabilities

     197        153   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     3,233        3,141   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

     8,570        8,018   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

    

Accumulated deferred income taxes

     4,608        4,388   

Deferred credits related to income taxes

     118        122   

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits

     214        220   

Employee benefit obligations

     892        905   

Asset retirement obligations

     759        734   

Other cost of removal obligations

     97        110   

Other deferred credits and liabilities

     255        224   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

     6,943        6,703   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     18,746        17,862   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Preferred Stock

     45        45   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Preference Stock

     221        221   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Stockholder’s Equity:

    

Common stock, without par value —

    

Authorized — 20,000,000 shares

    

Outstanding — 9,261,500 shares

     398        398   

Paid-in capital

     5,557        5,522   

Retained earnings

     3,119        3,112   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (8     (9
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total common stockholder’s equity

     9,066        9,023   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

   $ 28,078      $ 27,151   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Georgia Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SECOND QUARTER 2012 vs. SECOND QUARTER 2011

AND

YEAR-TO-DATE 2012 vs. YEAR-TO-DATE 2011

OVERVIEW

Georgia Power operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electricity to retail customers within its traditional service territory located within the State of Georgia and to wholesale customers in the Southeast. Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Georgia Power’s business of selling electricity. These factors include the ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment, to maintain and grow energy sales given economic conditions, and to effectively manage and secure timely recovery of costs. These costs include those related to projected long-term demand growth, increasingly stringent environmental standards, and fuel prices. In addition, Georgia Power is currently constructing two new nuclear units and one new combined cycle generating unit. Appropriately balancing required costs and capital expenditures with customer prices will continue to challenge Georgia Power for the foreseeable future.

Georgia Power continues to focus on several key performance indicators. These indicators include customer satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock. For additional information on these indicators, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – OVERVIEW – “Key Performance Indicators” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Income

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(14)

   (4.5)    $(53)    (10.3)

 

Georgia Power’s net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock for the second quarter 2012 was $295 million compared to $309 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Georgia Power’s net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock for year-to-date 2012 was $462 million compared to $515 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases were primarily due to decreases in operating revenues primarily as a result of milder weather, higher depreciation, and lower AFUDC, partially offset by lower income taxes and an increase related to retail revenue rate effects. The decreases were also due to lower interest expense in 2011 resulting from the settlement of litigation with the Georgia Department of Revenue (DOR), partially offset by a reduction in 2012 related to the conclusion of certain state and federal income tax audits.

Retail Revenues

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(213)

   (10.3)    $(434)    (11.2)

 

In the second quarter 2012, retail revenues were $1.86 billion compared to $2.07 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, retail revenues were $3.45 billion compared to $3.89 billion for the corresponding period in 2011.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Details of the change to retail revenues were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

    

Year-to-Date

2012

 

 

 
     (in millions)      (% change)      (in millions)      (% change)  

Retail — prior year

     $    2,070            $3,885      

Estimated change in —

           

Rates and pricing

     25         1.2         48         1.2   

Sales growth (decline)

     3         0.1         (5)         (0.1)   

Weather

     (43)         (2.1)         (93)         (2.4)   

Fuel cost recovery

     (198)         (9.5)         (384)         (9.9)   

 

 

Retail — current year

     $    1,857         (10.3)%         $    3,451         (11.2)%   

 

 

Revenues associated with changes in rates and pricing increased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 due to base tariff increases effective April 1, 2012 related to placing Plant McDonough-Atkinson Units 4 and 5 in service, the NCCR and demand-side management tariff increases effective January 1, 2012, as approved by the Georgia PSC, and the rate pricing effect of decreased customer usage. These increases were partially offset by lower contributions from market-driven rates from commercial and industrial customers.

Revenues attributable to changes in sales remained flat in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011. Weather-adjusted residential KWH sales increased 0.8%, weather-adjusted commercial KWH sales increased 1.0%, and weather-adjusted industrial KWH sales decreased 1.1% in the second quarter 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011. Weather-adjusted residential KWH sales increased 0.4%, weather-adjusted commercial KWH sales decreased 0.6%, and weather-adjusted industrial KWH sales decreased 0.6% year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011. The increase in residential sales is primarily due to customer growth. The economy continues to impact commercial and industrial sales.

Revenues resulting from changes in weather decreased in the second quarter 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011 due to milder weather. Revenues resulting from changes in weather decreased year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011 as a result of milder weather in 2012 and cold weather in January 2011.

Fuel revenues and costs are allocated between retail and wholesale jurisdictions. Retail fuel cost recovery revenues decreased $198 million and $384 million in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012, respectively, when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 due to decreased KWH energy sales and lower costs primarily due to lower natural gas prices.

Electric rates include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel costs, including the energy component of purchased power costs. Under these fuel cost recovery provisions, fuel revenues generally equal fuel expenses, including the energy component of purchased power costs, and do not affect net income. Georgia Power implemented reduced fuel rates effective June 1, 2012. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery” herein for additional information.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Wholesale Revenues – Non-Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(22)

   (22.7)   $(39)   (21.7)

 

Wholesale revenues from sales to non-affiliates consist of PPAs and short-term opportunity sales. Wholesale revenues from PPAs have both capacity and energy components. Capacity revenues reflect the recovery of fixed costs and a return on investment. Wholesale revenues from sales to non-affiliates will vary depending on fuel prices, the market prices of wholesale energy compared to the cost of Georgia Power’s and the Southern Company system’s generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, and the availability of the Southern Company system’s generation. Increases and decreases in energy revenues that are driven by fuel prices are accompanied by an increase or decrease in fuel costs and do not have a significant impact on net income. Short-term opportunity sales are made at market-based rates that generally provide a margin above Georgia Power’s variable cost of energy.

In the second quarter 2012, wholesale revenues from non-affiliates were $75 million compared to $97 million in the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, wholesale revenues from non-affiliates were $141 million compared to $180 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases were primarily due to 32.5% and 36.7% decreases in KWH sales in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012, respectively, due to lower demand resulting from milder weather.

Wholesale Revenues – Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(10)

   (62.5)   $(18)   (66.7)

 

Wholesale revenues from sales to affiliated companies within the Southern Company system will vary depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company. These affiliate sales are made in accordance with the IIC, as approved by the FERC. These transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings since the energy is generally sold at marginal cost.

In the second quarter 2012, wholesale revenues from affiliates were $6 million compared to $16 million in the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, wholesale revenues from affiliates were $9 million compared to $27 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases were primarily due to 43.6% and 48.9% decreases in KWH sales in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012, respectively, due to lower demand resulting from milder weather and the availability of market energy at a lower cost than Georgia Power-owned generation.

Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses

 

    

Second Quarter 2012

vs.

Second Quarter 2011

    

Year-to-Date 2012

vs.

Year-to-Date 2011

 

 

 
     (change in millions)      (% change)      (change in millions)      (% change)  

Fuel

   $ (212)                     (27.0)            $ (449)                     (30.7)        

Purchased power — non-affiliates

     (2)                     (2.1)              17                      10.0         

Purchased power — affiliates

     (28)                     (17.8)              (32)                     (10.0)        

 

       

 

 

    

Total fuel and purchased power expenses

   $ (242)                      $ (464)                  

 

       

 

 

    

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

In the second quarter 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $795 million compared to $1.04 billion in the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $1.49 billion compared to $1.95 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases were primarily due to the lower cost of natural gas used for generation and lower demand related to milder weather in 2012.

Fuel and purchased power energy transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings since energy expenses are generally offset by energy revenues through Georgia Power’s fuel cost recovery mechanism. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters — Fuel Cost Recovery” herein for additional information.

Details of Georgia Power’s generation and purchased power were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

    

Second Quarter

2011

         

Year-to-Date

2012

    

Year-to-Date

2011

 

 

       

 

 

 

Total generation (billions of KWHs)

     16                 18                    29                 34           

Total purchased power (billions of KWHs)

     7                 6                    15                 12           

 

       

 

 

 

Sources of generation (percent) —

              

Coal

     44                 67                    43                 65           

Nuclear

     26                 20                    28                 22           

Gas

     29                 11                    28                 11           

Hydro

     1                 2                    1                 2           

 

       

 

 

 

Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) 

              

Coal

     5.00                 4.70                    4.86                 4.72           

Nuclear

     0.84                 0.80                    0.85                 0.74           

Gas

     2.71                 5.39                    2.90                 4.88           

 

       

 

 

 

Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH)

     3.25                 3.97                    3.18                 3.85           

Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH)(a)

     4.24                 5.79                    4.03                 5.68           

 

       

 

 

 

 

(a) Average cost of purchased power includes fuel purchased by Georgia Power for tolling agreements where power is generated by the provider.

Fuel

In the second quarter 2012, fuel expense was $572 million compared to $784 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to a 9.6% decrease of KWHs generated as a result of lower KWH demand and an 18.1% decrease in the average cost of fuel per KWH generated primarily due to lower natural gas prices.

For year-to-date 2012, fuel expense was $1.01 billion compared to $1.46 billion in the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 15.6% decrease of KWHs generated as a result of lower KWH demand and a 17.4% decrease in the average cost of fuel per KWH generated primarily due to lower natural gas prices.

Purchased Power – Non-Affiliates

In the second quarter 2012, purchased power expense from non-affiliates was $94 million compared to $96 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was immaterial.

For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expense from non-affiliates was $187 million compared to $170 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was due to an 84.4% increase in KWHs purchased as the market cost of available energy was lower than the additional Georgia Power-owned generation available, partially offset by a decrease of 40.8% in the average cost per KWH purchased primarily due to lower natural gas prices.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Energy purchases from non-affiliates will vary depending on the market prices of wholesale energy as compared to the cost of the Southern Company system’s generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, and the availability of the Southern Company system’s generation.

Purchased Power – Affiliates

In the second quarter 2012, purchased power expense from affiliates was $129 million compared to $157 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to a 25.3% decrease in the average cost per KWH purchased, reflecting lower natural gas prices.

For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expense from affiliates was $288 million compared to $320 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to a 28.3% decrease in the average cost per KWH purchased, reflecting lower natural gas prices, partially offset by a 12.6% increase in the volume of KWHs purchased as the cost of the available energy was lower than the Georgia Power-owned generation.

Energy purchases from affiliates will vary depending on the demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company within the Southern Company system. These purchases are made in accordance with the IIC or other contractual agreements, all as approved by the FERC.

Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)    (% change)

$(8)

   (1.9)   $4    0.5

 

In the second quarter 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $411 million compared to $419 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $9 million decrease in fossil generation expense due to a decrease in KWHs generated as a result of lower demand due to milder weather, a $5 million decrease in nuclear generation expense related to a nuclear fuel disposal settlement, and a $7 million decrease in uncollectible accounts expense, partially offset by a $10 million increase in employee pension expense and a $6 million increase in demand-side management program costs. See Note (B) under “Nuclear Fuel Disposal Cost Litigation” and Note (F) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information.

For year-to-date 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $845 million compared to $841 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $20 million increase in employee pension expense and an $11 million increase in demand-side management program costs, partially offset by a $19 million decrease in fossil generation expense due to a decrease in KWHs generated as a result of lower demand due to milder weather and a $10 million decrease in uncollectible accounts expense. The decrease in fossil generation was also due to outage timing and scope of outage work performed in the first quarter 2012. See Note (F) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$7

   3.9    $22    6.3

 

In the second quarter 2012, depreciation and amortization was $185 million compared to $178 million in the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, depreciation and amortization was $373 million compared to $351 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The increases were primarily due to increases of $14 million and $27 million in depreciation in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012, respectively, on additional plant in service related to

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

new generation at Plant McDonough-Atkinson Units 4 and 5, partially offset by $9 million in amortization of the regulatory liability for state income tax credits beginning April 1, 2012, as authorized by the Georgia PSC. See Note 3 to the financial statements of Georgia Power under “Construction — Other Construction” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(9)

   (40.9)   $(21)   (44.7)

 

In the second quarter 2012, AFUDC equity was $13 million compared to $22 million in the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, AFUDC equity was $26 million compared to $47 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases were primarily due to the completion of Plant McDonough-Atkinson Units 4 and 5 in December 2011 and April 2012, respectively.

Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$19

   26.8    $14    8.4

 

In the second quarter 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $90 million compared to $71 million in the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $181 million compared to $167 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The increases were primarily due to a $23 million reduction in interest expense in 2011 resulting from the settlement of litigation with the Georgia DOR, partially offset by a $9 million reduction in 2012 related to the conclusion of certain state and federal income tax audits.

Income Taxes

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(17)

   (10.1)   $(36)   (12.9)

 

In the second quarter 2012, income taxes were $152 million compared to $169 million in the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, income taxes were $244 million compared to $280 million in the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases were primarily due to lower pre-tax earnings and state income tax credits, partially offset by decreases in non-taxable AFUDC equity. See Note (G) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Unrecognized Tax Benefits” herein for additional information.

FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL

The results of operations discussed above are not necessarily indicative of Georgia Power’s future earnings potential. The level of Georgia Power’s future earnings depends on numerous factors that affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Georgia Power’s business of selling electricity. These factors include Georgia Power’s ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment that continues to allow for the timely recovery of prudently incurred costs during a time of increasing costs. Future earnings in the near term will depend, in part, upon maintaining energy sales which is subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather, competition, new energy contracts with neighboring utilities, energy conservation practiced by customers, the price of electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth or decline in Georgia Power’s service territory. Changes in economic conditions impact sales for Georgia Power and the pace of the economic recovery remains uncertain. The timing and extent of the economic recovery will impact growth and may impact future earnings. For additional information relating to these issues, see

 

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RISK FACTORS in Item 1A and MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

Environmental Matters

Compliance costs related to federal and state environmental statutes and regulations could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may differ materially from the amounts estimated. The timing, specific requirements, and estimated costs could change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or modified. Further, higher costs that are recovered through regulated rates could contribute to reduced demand for electricity, which could negatively affect results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters” of Georgia Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Georgia Power under “Environmental Matters” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

New Source Review Actions

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — New Source Review Actions” of Georgia Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Georgia Power under “Environmental Matters — New Source Review Actions” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Environmental Matters — New Source Review Actions” herein for additional information. The case against Georgia Power was administratively closed in 2001 and has not been reopened. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Climate Change Litigation

Hurricane Katrina Case

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — Climate Change Litigation — Hurricane Katrina Case” of Georgia Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Georgia Power under “Environmental Matters — Climate Change Litigation — Hurricane Katrina Case” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. On March 20, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi dismissed the amended class action complaint filed in May 2011 by the plaintiffs. On April 16, 2012, the plaintiffs appealed the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Environmental Statutes and Regulations

General

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — Environmental Statutes and Regulations — General” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Georgia Power’s estimated base level capital expenditures to comply with existing statutes and regulations for 2012 through 2014, as well as Georgia Power’s preliminary estimates for potential incremental environmental compliance investments associated with complying with the EPA’s final Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule (formerly referred to as the Utility Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule) and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

 

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Georgia Power is continuing to develop its compliance strategy and to assess the potential costs of complying with the MATS rule and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules. As part of the development of its compliance strategy for the MATS rule, Georgia Power has entered into agreements for the construction of baghouses to control the emissions of mercury and particulates from certain generating units. While further analysis of the MATS rule is required and the ultimate costs remain uncertain, the compliance decisions made through the second quarter 2012 have allowed Georgia Power to further develop its cost estimates for compliance with the MATS rule. As a result, estimated compliance costs for the MATS rule in the 2012 through 2014 period (in addition to $237 million included in base environmental capital disclosed in the Form 10-K) have been revised from up to $320 million to approximately $440 million as follows:

 

     2012      2013    2014  

 

 
            (in millions)       

MATS rule

   $ —         $—      $ 440   

 

 

In addition, Georgia Power has further developed its estimated capital expenditures and associated timing of these expenditures to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules, resulting in a reduction, due primarily to timing, in estimated compliance costs for 2012 through 2014. Potential incremental environmental compliance investments to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules have been revised from up to $640 million to approximately $250 million over the 2012 through 2014 period, based on the assumption that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule. These potential incremental environmental compliance investments are estimated as follows:

 

     2012      2013    2014  

 

 
            (in millions)       

Proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules

     $5       $55    $ 190   

 

 

While Georgia Power’s ultimate costs of compliance with the MATS rule and the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules remain uncertain, Georgia Power estimates that compliance costs through 2021 (assuming that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule) will be at the low end of the $5 billion to $7 billion range provided in the Form 10-K.

Georgia Power’s ultimate compliance strategy and actual future environmental capital expenditures are dependent on a final assessment of the MATS rule and will be affected by the final requirements of new or revised environmental regulations that are promulgated; the outcome of any legal challenges to the environmental rules; the cost, availability, and existing inventory of emissions allowances; and Georgia Power’s fuel mix. Compliance costs may arise from retirement and replacement of existing units, installation of additional environmental controls, upgrades to the transmission system, and changing fuel sources for certain existing units. Georgia Power’s preliminary analysis further indicates that the short timeframe for compliance with the MATS rule could significantly affect electric system reliability and cause an increase in costs of materials and services. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

As part of SEGCO’s environmental compliance strategy, the Board of Directors of SEGCO approved adding natural gas as the primary fuel source in 2015 for its 1,000 MWs of generating capacity and the construction of the necessary natural gas pipeline. SEGCO is jointly owned by Georgia Power and Alabama Power. The capacity of SEGCO’s units is sold to Georgia Power and Alabama Power through a PPA. See Note 4 to the financial statements of Georgia Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. The impact of SEGCO’s ultimate compliance strategy on the PPA costs cannot be determined at this time; however, if such costs cannot continue to be recovered through retail rates, they could have a material impact on Georgia Power’s financial statements.

 

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Air Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Air Quality” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter air quality standards and the MATS rule.

On May 1, 2012, the EPA released its final determination of nonattainment areas based on the 2008 eight-hour ozone air quality standards. The only area within Georgia Power’s service territory designated as a nonattainment area was a 15-county area within metropolitan Atlanta. The potential impact of the revised standard and nonattainment designation will depend on further evaluation and implementation by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and cannot be determined at this time.

On June 14, 2012, the EPA proposed a rule that would increase the stringency of the fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards. If adopted, the proposed standards could result in the designation of new nonattainment areas within Georgia Power’s service territory. As part of a related settlement, the EPA has agreed to finalize the proposed rule by December 14, 2012. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

Numerous petitions for administrative reconsideration of the MATS rule, including a petition by Southern Company and its subsidiaries, including Georgia Power, have been filed with the EPA. Challenges to the final rule have also been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by numerous states, environmental organizations, industry groups, and others. The impact of the MATS rule will depend on the outcome of these and any other legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

Water Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Water Quality” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the proposed rules regarding certain cooling water intake structures. The EPA has entered into an amended settlement agreement to extend the deadline for issuing a final rule until June 27, 2013. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

Coal Combustion Byproducts

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Coal Combustion Byproducts” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Environmental groups and other parties have filed lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to require the EPA to complete its rulemaking process and issue final regulations pertaining to the regulation of coal combustion byproducts. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

 

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Global Climate Issues

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Global Climate Issues” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On April 13, 2012, the EPA published proposed regulations to establish standards of performance for greenhouse gas emissions from new fossil fuel steam electric generating units. As proposed, the standards would not apply to existing units. The EPA has delayed its plans to propose greenhouse gas emissions performance standards for modified sources and emissions guidelines for existing sources. The impact of this rulemaking will depend on the scope and specific requirements of the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

On June 26, 2012, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously rejected all challenges to four of the EPA’s actions relating to the greenhouse gas permitting programs under the Clean Air Act. These rules may impact the amount of time it takes to obtain prevention of significant deterioration permits for new generation and major modifications to existing generating units and the requirements ultimately imposed by those permits. The ultimate impact of these rules cannot be determined at this time and will depend on the outcome of any other legal challenges.

PSC Matters

Fuel Cost Recovery

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery” of Georgia Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Georgia Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On June 21, 2012, the Georgia PSC approved a decrease in Georgia Power’s fuel cost recovery rates of 19%, which reduced annual billings by $567 million effective June 1, 2012. The decrease in fuel costs resulted from lower natural gas prices as a result of increased natural gas supplies.

Fuel cost recovery revenues as recorded on the financial statements are adjusted for differences in actual recoverable fuel costs and amounts billed in current regulated rates. Accordingly, any changes in the billing factor will not have a significant effect on Georgia Power’s revenues or net income, but will affect cash flow. See Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power – Fuel Cost Recovery” herein for additional information.

2011 Integrated Resource Plan Update

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Air Quality,” “ – Water Quality,” and “ – Coal Combustion Byproducts” of Georgia Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Georgia Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Rate Plans” and “ – 2011 Integrated Resource Plan Update” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding proposed and final EPA rules and regulations, including the MATS rule for coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam generating units, revisions to effluent guidelines for steam electric power plants, and additional regulation of coal combustion byproducts; the State of Georgia’s Multi-Pollutant Rule; Georgia Power’s analysis of the potential costs and benefits of installing the required controls on its fossil generating units in light of these regulations; the 2010 ARP; and the 2011 IRP Update.

 

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On March 20, 2012, the Georgia PSC approved Georgia Power’s request to decertify and retire two coal-fired generation units at Plant Branch as of October 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013 and an oil-fired unit at Plant Mitchell as of March 26, 2012, which was included in Georgia Power’s 2011 IRP Update. The Georgia PSC also approved three PPAs totaling 998 MWs with Southern Power for capacity and energy that will commence in 2015 and end in 2030. The PPAs remain subject to FERC approval. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Income Tax Matters

Bonus Depreciation

In December 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (Tax Relief Act) was signed into law. Major tax incentives in the Tax Relief Act include 100% bonus depreciation for property placed in service after September 8, 2010 and through 2011 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2012) and 50% bonus depreciation for property placed in service in 2012 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2013), which will have a positive impact on the future cash flows of Georgia Power through 2013. Consequently, Georgia Power’s positive cash flow benefit is estimated to be between $320 million and $420 million in 2012.

Construction

Nuclear

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Construction – Nuclear” of Georgia Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Georgia Power under “Construction – Nuclear” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.

On February 16, 2012, a group of petitioners who had intervened in the NRC’s combined construction and operating licenses (COLs) proceedings for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit seeking judicial review and a stay of the NRC’s issuance of the COLs. In addition, on February 16, 2012, another group of petitioners filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit seeking judicial review of the NRC’s certification of the Westinghouse Design Certification Document, as amended (DCD). On April 3, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted a motion filed by these two groups of petitioners to consolidate their challenges. On April 18, 2012, another group of petitioners filed a motion to stay the effectiveness of the order issuing the COLs for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. On July 11, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied the petitioners’ motion to stay the effectiveness of the COLs. Georgia Power has intervened in and intends to vigorously contest these petitions.

In 2009, the Georgia PSC voted to certify construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. In addition, the Georgia PSC voted to approve inclusion of the related CWIP accounts in rate base. Also in 2009, the Governor of the State of Georgia signed into law the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act that allows Georgia Power to recover financing costs for nuclear construction projects by including the related CWIP accounts in rate base during the construction period. With respect to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, this legislation allows Georgia Power to recover projected financing costs of approximately $1.7 billion during the construction period beginning in 2011, which reduces the projected in-service cost to approximately $4.4 billion. The Georgia PSC has ordered Georgia Power to report against this total certified cost of approximately $6.1 billion. In addition, in December 2010, the Georgia PSC approved Georgia Power’s NCCR tariff. The NCCR tariff became effective January 1, 2011 and adjustments are filed with the Georgia PSC on November 1 of each year to become effective on January 1 of the following year. Georgia Power is collecting and amortizing to earnings approximately $91 million of financing costs, capitalized in 2009 and 2010, over the five-year period ending December

 

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31, 2015, in addition to the ongoing financing costs. At June 30, 2012, approximately $64 million of these 2009 and 2010 costs remained in CWIP.

Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, and the City of Dalton, Georgia, an incorporated municipality in the State of Georgia acting by and through its Board of Water, Light, and Sinking Fund Commissioners (collectively, Owners) and Westinghouse and Stone & Webster, Inc. (collectively, Contractor) have established both informal and formal dispute resolution procedures in accordance with the engineering, procurement, and construction agreement to design, engineer, procure, construct, and test two AP1000 nuclear units with electric generating capacity of approximately 1,100 MWs each and related facilities, structures, and improvements at Plant Vogtle entered into by the parties (Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement) in order to resolve issues arising during the course of constructing a project of this magnitude. The Contractor and Georgia Power (on behalf of the Owners) have successfully initiated both formal and informal claims through these procedures, including ongoing claims, to resolve disputes. When matters are not resolved through these procedures, the parties may proceed to litigation. The Contractor and Georgia Power (on behalf of the Owners) are involved in litigation with respect to certain claims that have not been resolved through the formal dispute resolution process.

During the course of construction activities, issues have arisen that may impact the project budget and schedule. The most significant issues relate to costs associated with design changes to the DCD and costs associated with delays in the project schedule related to the timing of approval of the DCD and issuance of the COLs by the NRC. The Owners and the Contractor have begun negotiations regarding these issues, including the assertion by the Contractor that the Owners are responsible for these costs under the terms of the Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement. Through correspondence sent to the Owners, the Contractor has provided its proposed adjustment to the contract price and has initiated the formal dispute resolution process. The Contractor’s estimated adjustment attributable to Georgia Power (based on Georgia Power’s ownership interest regarding these issues) is approximately $425 million (in 2008 dollars) with respect to these issues. Georgia Power has not agreed with the amount of these proposed adjustments or that the Owners have responsibility for any costs related to these issues. While the formal dispute resolution process has been initiated, Georgia Power expects negotiations with the Contractor to continue over the next several months with respect to cost and schedule during which time the parties will attempt to reach a mutually acceptable compromise of their positions. Georgia Power intends to vigorously defend its positions. If these costs ultimately are imposed upon the Owners, Georgia Power would seek an amendment to the certified cost of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, if necessary. In connection with these negotiations, the Owners are evaluating whether maintaining the currently scheduled commercial operation dates of 2016 and 2017 remains in the best interest of their customers. Additional claims by the Contractor or Georgia Power (on behalf of the Owners) are expected to arise throughout the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.

In addition, there are processes in place to assure compliance with the design requirements specified in the DCD and the COLs, including rigorous inspection by Southern Nuclear and the NRC that occurs throughout construction. During a routine inspection in April 2012, the NRC identified that certain details of the rebar construction in the Plant Vogtle Unit 3 nuclear island were not consistent with the DCD. In May 2012, Southern Nuclear received an official notice of violation relating to these findings from the NRC. The design changes were determined to have minimal safety significance and, on August 1, 2012, Southern Nuclear filed a license amendment request with the NRC to clarify that the nuclear island concrete and rebar construction will conform to NRC requirements. Various inspection and other issues are expected to arise from time to time as construction proceeds, which may result in additional license amendments or require other resolution.

There are pending technical and procedural challenges to the construction and licensing of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including legal challenges to the NRC issuance of the COLs and certification of the DCD. Similar additional challenges at the state and federal level are expected as construction proceeds.

 

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See RISK FACTORS of Georgia Power in Item 1A of the Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risks associated with the licensing, construction, and operation of nuclear generating units, including potential impacts that could result from a major incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world.

The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Other Construction

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Construction – Other Construction” of Georgia Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Georgia Power under “Construction – Other Construction” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Plant McDonough Unit 1 was retired on February 29, 2012. Georgia Power placed Plant McDonough-Atkinson Unit 5 into service on April 26, 2012. Plant McDonough-Atkinson Unit 6 is scheduled to be placed into service in November 2012.

Other Matters

Georgia Power is involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could affect future earnings. In addition, Georgia Power is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Georgia Power’s business activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment, such as regulation of air emissions and water discharges. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as air quality and water standards, has increased generally throughout the U.S. In particular, personal injury and other claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials, and common law nuisance claims for injunctive relief and property damage allegedly caused by greenhouse gas and other emissions, have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against Georgia Power cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported in Note (B) herein or in Note 3 to the financial statements of Georgia Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on Georgia Power’s financial statements.

See the Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for a discussion of various other contingencies, regulatory matters, and other matters being litigated which may affect future earnings potential.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Other Matters” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011. On March 12, 2012, the NRC issued three orders and a request for information based on the NRC task force report recommendations that included, among other items, additional mitigation strategies for beyond-design-basis events, enhanced spent fuel pool instrumentation capabilities, hardened vents for certain classes of containment structures, including the one in use at Plant Hatch, site specific evaluations for seismic and flooding hazards, and various plant evaluations to ensure adequate coping capabilities during station blackout and other conditions. The staff of the NRC expects to issue additional implementation guidance by the end of August 2012. The final form and the resulting impact of any changes to safety requirements for nuclear reactors will be dependent on further review and action by the NRC and cannot be determined at this time. See RISK FACTORS of Georgia Power in Item 1A of the Form 10-K for a discussion of certain risks associated with the licensing, construction, and operation of nuclear generating units, including potential impacts that could result from a major incident at a nuclear facility anywhere in the world. The ultimate outcome of these events cannot be determined at this time.

 

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ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Georgia Power prepares its financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the financial statements of Georgia Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may have a material impact on Georgia Power’s results of operations and related disclosures. Different assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those recorded in the financial statements. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – ACCOUNTING POLICIES – “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a complete discussion of Georgia Power’s critical accounting policies and estimates related to Electric Utility Regulation, Contingent Obligations, Unbilled Revenues, and Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Overview

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Overview” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Georgia Power’s financial condition remained stable at June 30, 2012. Georgia Power intends to continue to monitor its access to short-term and long-term capital markets as well as its bank credit arrangements to meet future capital and liquidity needs. See “Sources of Capital,” “Financing Activities,” and “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” herein for additional information.

Net cash provided from operating activities totaled $915 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $1.01 billion for the corresponding period in 2011. The $96 million decrease was primarily due to lower retail operating revenues, higher fuel inventory additions in 2012, and lower deferred taxes due to the effect of bonus depreciation in 2011, partially offset by higher recovery of retail fuel costs. Net cash used for investing activities totaled $1.2 billion primarily due to gross property additions to utility plant together with a net increase in restricted cash of $185 million in the first six months of 2012. Net cash provided from financing activities totaled $468 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $77 million used for financing activities in the corresponding period in 2011. The $545 million increase is primarily due to increased debt issuances in 2012.

Significant balance sheet changes for the first six months of 2012 include increases of $442 million in total property, plant, and equipment, $147 million in fossil fuel stock, $552 million in long-term debt, and $185 million in restricted cash, as well as a $236 million change in under/over recovered fuel.

Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a description of Georgia Power’s capital requirements for its construction program, including estimated capital expenditures to comply with existing environmental regulations, scheduled maturities of long-term debt, as well as related interest, derivative obligations, preferred and preference stock dividends, leases, purchase commitments, trust funding requirements, and unrecognized tax benefits. Approximately $1.3 billion will be required through June 30, 2013 to fund maturities of long-term debt.

See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Statutes and Regulations – General” herein for a description of Georgia Power’s estimated capital expenditures to comply with the MATS rule and proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

 

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On March 20, 2012, the Georgia PSC approved three PPAs totaling 998 MWs with Southern Power for capacity and energy that will commence in 2015 and end in 2030. However, these PPAs remain subject to FERC approval. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – 2011 Integrated Resource Plan Update” herein for additional information. These PPAs will be accounted for as leases and are expected to result in additional obligations of approximately $56 million in 2015, $66 million in 2016, and a total of $973 million thereafter. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

The construction program is subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include: changes in business conditions; changes in load projections; changes in environmental statutes and regulations; the outcome of any legal challenges to the environmental rules; changes in generating plants, including unit retirements and replacements and adding or changing fuel sources at existing units, to meet new regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations; Georgia PSC approvals; changes in legislation; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; project scope and design changes; storm impacts; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered.

Sources of Capital

Except as described below with respect to potential DOE loan guarantees, Georgia Power plans to obtain the funds required for construction and other purposes from sources similar to those used in the past, which were primarily from operating cash flows, short-term debt, security issuances, term loans, and equity contributions from Southern Company. However, the amount, type, and timing of any future financings, if needed, will depend upon regulatory approval, prevailing market conditions, and other factors. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Sources of Capital” of Georgia Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

In June 2010, Georgia Power reached an agreement with the DOE to accept terms for a conditional commitment for federal loan guarantees that would apply to future borrowings by Georgia Power related to the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Any borrowings guaranteed by the DOE would be full recourse to Georgia Power and secured by a first priority lien on Georgia Power’s 45.7% undivided ownership interest in Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. Total guaranteed borrowings would not exceed the lesser of 70% of eligible project costs, or approximately $3.46 billion, and are expected to be funded by the Federal Financing Bank. Final approval and issuance of loan guarantees by the DOE are subject to negotiation of definitive agreements, completion of due diligence by the DOE, receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals, and satisfaction of other conditions. In the event that the DOE does not issue a loan guarantee or Georgia Power determines that the final terms and conditions of the loan guarantee by the DOE are not in the best interest of its customers, Georgia Power expects to finance the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 through traditional capital markets financings. There can be no assurance that the DOE will issue loan guarantees for Georgia Power. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Construction – Nuclear” herein for more information on Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.

Georgia Power’s current liabilities frequently exceed current assets because of the continued use of short-term debt as a funding source to meet scheduled maturities of long-term debt, as well as cash needs, which can fluctuate significantly due to the seasonality of the business.

 

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At June 30, 2012, Georgia Power had approximately $188 million of cash and cash equivalents. Committed credit arrangements with banks at June 30, 2012, including expiration dates, were as follows:

 

Expires

       

Executable Term Loans

  

Due Within One Year(a)

2012    2013    2014 and
Beyond
   Total    Unused    One Year    Two Years    Term Out    No Term
Out

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

(in millions)    (in millions)    (in millions)    (in millions)

$—  

   $—      $1,750    $1,750    $1,745    $—      $—      $—      $—  

 

(a) Reflects facilities expiring on or before June 30, 2013.

See Note 6 to the financial statements of Georgia Power under “Bank Credit Arrangements” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (E) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Bank Credit Arrangements” herein for additional information.

Most of these arrangements contain covenants that limit debt levels and typically contain cross default provisions that are restricted only to the indebtedness of Georgia Power. Georgia Power is currently in compliance with all such covenants. Georgia Power expects to renew its credit arrangements, as needed, prior to expiration. These credit arrangements provide liquidity support to Georgia Power’s commercial paper borrowings and variable rate pollution control revenue bonds. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support as of June 30, 2012 was approximately $868 million.

Georgia Power may also meet short-term cash needs through a Southern Company subsidiary organized to issue and sell commercial paper at the request and for the benefit of Georgia Power and the other traditional operating companies. Proceeds from such issuances for the benefit of Georgia Power are loaned directly to Georgia Power. The obligations of each traditional operating company under these arrangements are several and there is no cross affiliate credit support.

Georgia Power had no short-term debt outstanding as of June 30, 2012. Details of short-term borrowings during the period, excluding $2 million of notes payable related to other energy service contracts, were as follows:

 

     Short-term Debt During the Period (a)
     Average
Outstanding
   Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate
   Maximum
Amount
Outstanding

 

  

 

     (in millions)         (in millions)

June 30, 2012:

        

Commercial paper

   $      85    0.3%        $    312

Short-term bank debt

         175    1.1%              300

 

  

Total

   $    260    1.0%       

 

  

 

(a) Average and maximum amounts are based upon daily balances during the period.

Management believes that the need for working capital can be adequately met by utilizing commercial paper programs, lines of credit, and cash.

 

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Credit Rating Risk

Georgia Power does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change to BBB- and/or Baa3 or below. These contracts are for physical electricity purchases and sales, fuel purchases, fuel transportation and storage, energy price risk management, and construction of new generation. The maximum potential collateral requirements under these contracts at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

Credit Ratings    Maximum Potential
Collateral Requirements

 

     (in millions)

At BBB- and/or Baa3

   $      65

Below BBB- and/or Baa3

      1,316

 

Included in these amounts are certain agreements that could require collateral in the event that one or more Power Pool participant has a credit rating change to below investment grade. Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. Additionally, any credit rating downgrade could impact Georgia Power’s ability to access capital markets, particularly the short-term debt market.

Market Price Risk

Georgia Power’s market risk exposure relative to interest rate changes for the second quarter 2012 has not changed materially compared with the December 31, 2011 reporting period. Since a significant portion of outstanding indebtedness is at fixed rates, Georgia Power is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would significantly affect exposures on existing indebtedness in the near term. However, the impact on future financing costs cannot now be determined.

Due to cost-based rate regulation and other various cost recovery mechanisms, Georgia Power continues to have limited exposure to market volatility in interest rates, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, Georgia Power enters into physical fixed-price contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity market and, to a lesser extent, financial hedge contracts for natural gas purchases. Georgia Power continues to manage a fuel-hedging program implemented per the guidelines of the Georgia PSC. As such, Georgia Power had no material change in market risk exposure for the second quarter 2012 relative to fuel and electricity prices when compared with the December 31, 2011 reporting period.

The changes in fair value of energy-related derivative contracts, substantially all of which are composed of regulatory hedges, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

     Second Quarter
2012
Changes
  Year-to-Date
2012
Changes
     Fair Value
     (in millions)

Contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period, assets (liabilities), net

   $(86)   $(82)

Contracts realized or settled

   26   44

Current period changes(a)

   2   (20)

 

Contracts outstanding at the end of the period, assets (liabilities), net

   $(58)   $(58)

 

 

(a) Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into during the period, if any.

 

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The changes in the fair value positions of the energy-related derivative contracts, which are substantially all attributable to both the volume and the price of natural gas, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

    

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

 

 
     Fair Value  
     (in millions)  

Natural gas swaps

     $    22                  $    26            

Natural gas options

     6                  (2)           

Other energy—related derivatives

     —                  —            

 

 

Total changes

     $    28                  $    24            

 

 

The net hedge volumes of energy-related derivative contracts were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2012
   March 31,
2012
   December 31,
2011

 

     mmBtu Volume
     (in millions)

Commodity—Natural gas swaps

   23    25    29

Commodity—Natural gas options

   73    60    44

 

Total hedge volume

   96    85    73

 

The weighted average swap contract cost above market prices was approximately $1.37 per mmBtu as of June 30, 2012, $2.13 per mmBtu as of March 31, 2012, and $1.65 per mmBtu as of December 31, 2011. The change in option premiums is primarily attributable to the volatility of the market and the underlying change in the natural gas price. All natural gas hedge gains and losses are recovered through Georgia Power’s fuel cost recovery mechanism.

Regulatory hedges relate to Georgia Power’s fuel-hedging program where gains and losses are initially recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, and then are included in fuel expense as they are recovered through Georgia Power’s fuel cost recovery mechanism.

Unrealized pre-tax gains and losses recognized in income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 for energy-related derivative contracts that are not hedges were not material.

Georgia Power uses over-the-counter contracts that are not exchange traded but are fair valued using prices which are market observable, and thus fall into Level 2. See Note (C) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for further discussion on fair value measurements. The maturities of the energy-related derivative contracts and the level of the fair value hierarchy in which they fall at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

June 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements

 

     Total   Maturity
     Fair Value       Year 1   Years 2&3  

 

         (in millions)    

Level 1

   $ —    $ —    $ — 

Level 2

     (58)     (40)     (18)

Level 3

    —    —    —

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at end of period

   $(58)   $(40)   $(18)

 

 

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GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) enacted in July 2010 could impact the use of over-the-counter derivatives by Georgia Power. Regulations to implement the Dodd-Frank Act will impose additional requirements on the use of over-the-counter derivatives for both Georgia Power and its derivative counterparties, which could affect both the use and cost of over-the-counter derivatives. Although all relevant regulations have not been finalized, Georgia Power does not expect the impact of these rules to be material.

For additional information, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Market Price Risk” of Georgia Power in Item 7 and Note 1 under “Financial Instruments” and Note 11 to the financial statements of Georgia Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein.

Financing Activities

In January 2012, Georgia Power entered into a six-month floating rate bank loan in an aggregate amount of $100 million, bearing interest based on one-month LIBOR. The proceeds were used for general corporate purposes, including Georgia Power’s continuous construction program.

In March 2012 and May 2012, Georgia Power issued $750 million and $350 million, respectively, aggregate principal amount of Series 2012A 4.30% Senior Notes due March 15, 2042. Also in May 2012, Georgia Power issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2012B 2.85% Senior Notes due May 15, 2022. The net proceeds from the sale of the Series 2012B Senior Notes, together with the net proceeds from the sale of the Series 2012A Senior Notes, were used by Georgia Power to repay a portion of Georgia Power’s short-term debt and bank loans, for the redemption in July 2012 of $300 million aggregate principal amount of Georgia Power’s Series 2007D 6.375% Senior Notes due July 15, 2047, and for general corporate purposes, including Georgia Power’s continuous construction program.

In May 2012, the Development Authority of Monroe County issued $48.72 million aggregate principal amount of Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Georgia Power Company Plant Scherer Project), First Series 2012, for the benefit of Georgia Power. The proceeds were used to redeem in June 2012 the $48.72 million aggregate principal amount of Development Authority of Monroe County Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Georgia Power Company Plant Scherer Project), First Series 2006.

In June 2012, the Development Authority of Burke County issued $85 million aggregate principal amount of Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle Project), First Series 2012 and $100 million aggregate principal amount of Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle Project), Second Series 2012 for the benefit of Georgia Power. The proceeds were used to redeem in July 2012 the $85 million aggregate principal amount of Development Authority of Burke County (Georgia) Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle Project), First Series 2005 and the $100 million aggregate principal amount of Development Authority of Burke County (Georgia) Pollution Control Revenue Bonds (Georgia Power Company Plant Vogtle Project), Second Series 2005.

In addition to any financings that may be necessary to meet capital requirements and contractual obligations, Georgia Power plans to continue, when economically feasible, a program to retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

    

For the Three Months

Ended June 30,

   

For the Six Months

Ended June 30,

 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in thousands)     (in thousands)  

Operating Revenues:

        

Retail revenues

   $ 294,878      $ 320,474      $ 533,398      $ 595,300   

Wholesale revenues, non-affiliates

     28,729        38,874        55,847        69,893   

Wholesale revenues, affiliates

     28,702        22,857        65,066        26,992   

Other revenues

     17,899        17,060        32,142        31,688   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     370,208        399,265        686,453        723,873   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

        

Fuel

     141,220        178,686        262,308        310,468   

Purchased power, non-affiliates

     12,085        10,889        23,310        17,892   

Purchased power, affiliates

     5,210        12,549        7,723        29,167   

Other operations and maintenance

     79,779        72,583        155,009        153,092   

Depreciation and amortization

     35,173        32,304        68,480        64,060   

Taxes other than income taxes

     25,276        24,867        49,060        49,763   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     298,743        331,878        565,890        624,442   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     71,465        67,387        120,563        99,431   

Other Income and (Expense):

        

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     1,736        2,522        2,973        4,657   

Interest income

     1,809        20        1,396        34   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     (15,698     (14,423     (31,066     (28,052

Other income (expense), net

     (697     (447     (1,293     (1,010
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and (expense)

     (12,850     (12,328     (27,990     (24,371
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     58,615        55,059        92,573        75,060   

Income taxes

     22,102        20,157        33,843        26,916   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

     36,513        34,902        58,730        48,144   

Dividends on Preference Stock

     1,550        1,550        3,101        3,101   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income After Dividends on Preference Stock

   $ 34,963      $ 33,352      $ 55,629      $ 45,043   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

    

For the Three Months

Ended June 30,

    

For the Six Months

Ended June 30,

 
     2012      2011      2012      2011  
     (in thousands)      (in thousands)  

Net Income After Dividends on Preference Stock

   $ 34,963       $ 33,352       $ 55,629       $ 45,043   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

           

Qualifying hedges:

           

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $90, $90, $180 and $180, respectively

     143         144         286         287   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     143         144         286         287   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   $ 35,106       $ 33,496       $ 55,915       $ 45,330   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Gulf Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
     2012     2011  
     (in thousands)  

Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 58,730      $ 48,144   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities —

    

Depreciation and amortization, total

     71,707        67,129   

Deferred income taxes

     70,153        20,411   

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     (2,973     (4,657

Pension, postretirement, and other employee benefits

     2,383        (993

Stock based compensation expense

     1,044        789   

Other, net

     7,503        (3,496

Changes in certain current assets and liabilities —

    

-Receivables

     (18,580     (33,496

-Prepayments

     1,813        1,373   

-Fossil fuel stock

     3,982        21,458   

-Materials and supplies

     (4,100     (4,088

-Prepaid income taxes

     (3,566     35,287   

-Other current assets

            23   

-Accounts payable

     (17,481     (1,710

-Accrued taxes

     6,788        28,851   

-Accrued compensation

     (6,239     (6,132

-Over recovered regulatory clause revenues

     25,099        4,027   

-Other current liabilities

     (1,659     2,274   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from operating activities

     194,604        175,194   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

    

Property additions

     (169,462     (168,986

Cost of removal, net of salvage

     (14,817     (6,616

Change in construction payables

     3,661        (31

Payments pursuant to long-term service agreements

     (4,086     (4,162

Other investing activities

     18        222   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

     (184,686     (179,573
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

    

Increase in notes payable, net

     5,980        1,392   

Proceeds —

    

Common stock issued to parent

     40,000        50,000   

Capital contributions from parent company

     954        1,014   

Senior notes

     100,000        125,000   

Redemptions —

    

Senior notes

     (91,363     (352

Other long-term debt

            (110,000

Payment of preference stock dividends

     (3,101     (3,101

Payment of common stock dividends

     (57,900     (55,000

Other financing activities

     (653     (3,679
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities

     (6,083     5,274   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     3,835        895   

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     17,328        16,434   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 21,163      $ 17,329   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

    

Cash paid (received) during the period for —

    

Interest (net of $1,185 and $1,856 capitalized for 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   $ 30,100      $ 26,288   

Income taxes, net

     (32,848     (46,824

Noncash transactions — accrued property additions at end of period

     27,127        14,924   

The accompanying notes as they relate to Gulf Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Assets

   At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
     (in thousands)  

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 21,163      $ 17,328   

Receivables —

    

Customer accounts receivable

     83,682        72,754   

Unbilled revenues

     57,575        49,921   

Under recovered regulatory clause revenues

     4,070        5,530   

Other accounts and notes receivable

     10,819        13,350   

Affiliated companies

     15,189        14,844   

Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts

     (1,463     (1,962

Fossil fuel stock, at average cost

     143,588        147,567   

Materials and supplies, at average cost

     53,881        49,781   

Other regulatory assets, current

     35,670        35,849   

Prepaid expenses

     71,492        28,327   

Other current assets

     1,523        2,051   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     497,189        435,340   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, Plant, and Equipment:

    

In service

     4,130,575        3,846,446   

Less accumulated provision for depreciation

     1,154,842        1,124,291   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Plant in service, net of depreciation

     2,975,733        2,722,155   

Construction work in progress

     158,639        287,173   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant, and equipment

     3,134,372        3,009,328   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Property and Investments

     16,377        16,394   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Charges and Other Assets:

    

Deferred charges related to income taxes

     50,696        48,210   

Other regulatory assets, deferred

     332,325        323,116   

Other deferred charges and assets

     27,567        39,493   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred charges and other assets

     410,588        410,819   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 4,058,526      $ 3,871,881   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Gulf Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

   At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
     (in thousands)  

Current Liabilities:

    

Notes payable

   $ 116,907      $ 114,507   

Accounts payable —

    

Affiliated

     58,897        54,874   

Other

     50,348        63,265   

Customer deposits

     36,028        35,779   

Accrued taxes —

    

Accrued income taxes

     68        1,362   

Other accrued taxes

     20,147        12,114   

Accrued interest

     11,911        14,018   

Accrued compensation

     8,245        14,485   

Other regulatory liabilities, current

     56,999        35,639   

Liabilities from risk management activities

     20,485        22,786   

Other current liabilities

     23,880        22,916   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     403,915        391,745   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

     1,245,567        1,235,447   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

    

Accumulated deferred income taxes

     559,600        458,978   

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits

     6,084        6,760   

Employee benefit obligations

     109,200        109,740   

Other cost of removal obligations

     212,981        214,598   

Other regulatory liabilities, deferred

     47,229        44,843   

Other deferred credits and liabilities

     209,965        186,824   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

     1,145,059        1,021,743   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     2,794,541        2,648,935   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Preference Stock

     97,998        97,998   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Stockholder's Equity:

    

Common stock, without par value—

    

Authorized — 20,000,000 shares

    

Outstanding — June 30, 2012: 4,542,717 shares

    

— December 31, 2011: 4,142,717 shares

     393,060        353,060   

Paid-in capital

     545,733        542,709   

Retained earnings

     229,062        231,333   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,868     (2,154
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total common stockholder’s equity

     1,165,987        1,124,948   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

   $ 4,058,526      $ 3,871,881   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Gulf Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SECOND QUARTER 2012 vs. SECOND QUARTER 2011

AND

YEAR-TO-DATE 2012 vs. YEAR-TO-DATE 2011

OVERVIEW

Gulf Power operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electricity to retail customers within its traditional service territory located in northwest Florida and to wholesale customers in the Southeast. Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Gulf Power’s business of selling electricity. These factors include the ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment, to maintain and grow energy sales given economic conditions, and to effectively manage and secure timely recovery of costs. These costs include those related to projected long-term demand growth, increasingly stringent environmental standards, fuel prices, and storm restoration following major storms. Appropriately balancing required costs and capital expenditures with customer prices will continue to challenge Gulf Power for the foreseeable future.

On March 12, 2012, the Florida PSC approved a permanent increase in retail base rates and charges of $64 million effective April 11, 2012. The amount of the permanent increase includes the previously approved $38.5 million interim retail rate increase implemented in September 2011. The Florida PSC’s decision on the amount of the permanent increase also included a determination that none of the base rate revenues collected on an interim basis would be refunded. Gulf Power’s authorized retail ROE is a range of 9.25% to 11.25% with new retail base rates set at the midpoint retail ROE of 10.25%. In addition, the Florida PSC also approved a step increase to Gulf Power’s retail base rates and charges of $4 million to be effective in January 2013. On April 18, 2012, Gulf Power filed a motion to reconsider one aspect of the decision dealing with property acquired as a potential site for a future generating plant. On July 17, 2012, the Florida PSC denied Gulf Power’s motion and reaffirmed its earlier decision.

Gulf Power continues to focus on several key performance indicators. These indicators include customer satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and net income after dividends on preference stock. For additional information on these indicators, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — OVERVIEW — “Key Performance Indicators” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Income

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$1.6

   4.8    $10.6    23.5

 

Gulf Power’s net income after dividends on preference stock for the second quarter 2012 was $35.0 million compared to $33.4 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher retail base revenues resulting from the retail base rate increase effective April 11, 2012, partially offset by an increase in operations and maintenance expenses in 2012 and a decrease in retail energy sales in 2012 due to a decrease in customer usage.

Gulf Power’s net income after dividends on preference stock for year-to-date 2012 was $55.6 million compared to $45.0 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher retail base revenues resulting from the retail base rate increase effective April 11, 2012, an increase related to retail interim revenues, and higher wholesale capacity revenues from non-affiliates in 2012. These increases were partially offset by milder weather in 2012 and a decrease in retail energy sales in 2012 due to a decrease in customer usage.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Retail Revenues

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(25.6)

   (8.0)   $(61.9)   (10.4)

 

In the second quarter 2012, retail revenues were $294.9 million compared to $320.5 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, retail revenues were $533.4 million compared to $595.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011.

Details of the change to retail revenues were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

  

Year-to-Date

2012

 

     (in millions)    (% change)    (in millions)    (% change)

Retail – prior year

   $    320.5       $ 595.3   

Estimated change in –

           

Rates and pricing

           19.7      6.1          32.2     5.4

Sales growth (decline)

            (6.5)     (2.0)            (5.3)     (0.9)

Weather

             (0.3)     (0.1)            (8.6)     (1.4)

Fuel and other cost recovery

           (38.5)    (12.0)          (80.2)    (13.5)

 

Retail – current year

     $   294.9         (8.0)%      $ 533.4       (10.4)%

 

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Note 1 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Revenues” and Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Gulf Power’s retail base rate case and cost recovery clauses, including Gulf Power’s fuel cost recovery, purchased power capacity recovery, environmental cost recovery, and energy conservation cost recovery.

Revenues associated with changes in rates and pricing increased in the second quarter 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011 primarily due to higher retail base revenues resulting from the retail base rate increase effective April 11, 2012 and revenues associated with higher recoverable costs under Gulf Power’s energy conservation cost recovery clause. These increases were partially offset by revenues associated with lower recoverable costs under Gulf Power’s environmental cost recovery clause.

Revenues associated with changes in rates and pricing increased year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011 primarily due to higher retail base revenues resulting from the retail base rate increase effective April 11, 2012, an increase related to retail interim revenues, and revenues associated with higher recoverable costs under Gulf Power’s energy conservation cost recovery clause. These increases were partially offset by revenues associated with lower recoverable costs under Gulf Power’s environmental cost recovery clause.

Revenues attributable to changes in sales decreased in the second quarter 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011. Weather-adjusted KWH energy sales to residential and commercial customers decreased primarily due to lower use per customer. KWH energy sales to industrial customers decreased 9.0% primarily due to increased customer co-generation due to the lower cost of natural gas in 2012 and changes in customer production levels.

Revenues attributable to changes in sales decreased year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011. Weather-adjusted KWH energy sales to residential and commercial customers decreased 1.8% and 1.9%, respectively, due to lower use per customer. KWH energy sales to industrial customers decreased 8.0% primarily due to increased customer co-generation due to the lower cost of natural gas in 2012 and changes in customer production levels.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Revenues attributable to changes in weather decreased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 due to milder weather in 2012.

Fuel and other cost recovery revenues decreased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 primarily due to lower revenues associated with recoverable fuel cost for generation and purchased power energy costs in addition to fewer KWH energy sales. Fuel and other cost recovery provisions include fuel expenses, the energy component of purchased power costs, purchased power capacity costs, and the difference between projected and actual costs and revenues related to energy conservation and environmental compliance. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Cost Recovery Clauses – Fuel Cost Recovery” herein for additional information.

Wholesale Revenues – Non-Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(10.2)

   (26.1)   $(14.1)   (20.1)

 

Wholesale revenues from sales to non-affiliates will vary depending on fuel prices, the market prices of wholesale energy compared to the cost of Gulf Power’s and the Southern Company system’s generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, and availability of the Southern Company system’s generation. Wholesale revenues from non-affiliates include unit power sales under long-term contracts to other utilities in Florida and Georgia. Wholesale revenues from these contracts have both capacity and energy components. Capacity revenues reflect the recovery of fixed costs and a return on investment under the contracts. Energy is generally sold at variable cost.

In the second quarter 2012, wholesale revenues from non-affiliates were $28.7 million compared to $38.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to lower energy revenues related to a 53.0% decrease in KWH sales as a result of less energy scheduled by unit power customers.

For year-to-date 2012, wholesale revenues from non-affiliates were $55.8 million compared to $69.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to lower energy revenues related to a 55.5% decrease in KWH sales as a result of less energy scheduled by unit power customers, partially offset by a 14.3% increase in capacity revenues related to higher capacity rates resulting from change-in-law contract provisions that provide for recovery of costs related to the generating resource’s compliance with new environmental requirements.

Wholesale Revenues – Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$5.8

   25.6   $38.1   141.1

 

Wholesale revenues from sales to affiliated companies within the Southern Company system will vary depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company. These affiliate sales are made in accordance with the IIC, as approved by the FERC. These transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings since the fuel revenue related to energy sales and the cost of energy purchases are both included in the determination of recoverable fuel costs and are generally offset by revenues collected in Gulf Power’s fuel cost recovery clause.

In the second quarter 2012, wholesale revenues from affiliates were $28.7 million compared to $22.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher energy revenues related to a 116.2% increase in KWH energy sales resulting from the availability of Gulf Power’s lower priced natural gas resources to serve affiliate demand.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

For year-to-date 2012, wholesale revenues from affiliates were $65.1 million compared to $27.0 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher energy revenues related to a 327.0% increase in KWH energy sales resulting from the availability of Gulf Power’s lower priced natural gas resources to serve affiliate demand.

Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses

 

    

Second Quarter 2012

vs.

Second Quarter 2011

  

Year-to-Date 2012

vs.

Year-to-Date 2011

 

     (change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

Fuel

   $  (37.5)    (21.0)    $  (48.2)    (15.5)

Purchased power – non-affiliates

         1.2     11.0         5.4     30.3

Purchased power – affiliates

         (7.3)    (58.5)        (21.5)    (73.5)

 

     

 

  

Total fuel and purchased power expenses

   $  (43.6)       $  (64.3)   

 

     

 

  

In the second quarter 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $158.5 million compared to $202.1 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease in fuel and purchased power expenses was primarily due to a $47.2 million decrease in the average cost of generated and purchased power and a $28.8 million decrease related to the volume of KWHs generated, partially offset by a $32.4 million increase related to the volume of KWHs purchased.

For year-to-date 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $293.3 million compared to $357.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease in fuel and purchased power expenses was primarily due to a $109.9 million decrease in the average cost of generated and purchased power and a $53.4 million decrease related to the volume of KWHs generated, partially offset by a $99.0 million increase related to the volume of KWHs purchased.

Fuel and purchased power transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings since energy and purchased power expenses are generally offset by energy and capacity revenues through Gulf Power’s fuel cost and purchased power capacity recovery clauses. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Cost Recovery Clauses – Fuel Cost Recovery” and “– Purchased Power Capacity Recovery” herein for additional information.

Details of Gulf Power’s generation and purchased power were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

  

Second Quarter

2011

  

Year-to-Date

2012

  

Year-to-Date

2011

 

Total generation (millions of KWHs)

   2,650    3,229    4,991    6,031

Total purchased power (millions of KWHs)

   1,609      947    3,360    1,395

 

Sources of generation (percent) –

           

Coal

       66        72        60        70

Gas

       34        28        40        30

 

Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) 

           

Coal

     4.34      5.00      4.32      5.01

Gas

     4.27      4.37      3.81      4.18

 

Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH)

     4.32      4.82      4.12      4.76

Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH)(a)

     2.74      4.89      2.61      5.05

 

 

(a) Average cost of purchased power includes fuel purchased by Gulf Power for tolling agreements where power is generated by the provider.

 

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Fuel

In the second quarter 2012, fuel expense was $141.2 million compared to $178.7 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a higher utilization of lower cost natural gas-fired sources, a 2.3% decrease in the average cost of natural gas per KWH generated, and a 17.9% decrease in KWHs generated as a result of displacement of coal-fired generation by energy purchases. These decreases were partially offset by a 69.9% increase in KWHs purchased.

For year-to-date 2012, fuel expense was $262.3 million compared to $310.5 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a higher utilization of lower cost natural gas-fired sources, an 8.9% decrease in the average cost of natural gas per KWH generated, and a 17.3% decrease in KWHs generated as a result of displacement of coal-fired generation by energy purchases. These decreases were partially offset by a 140.8% increase in KWHs purchased.

In the second quarter and year-to-date 2012, the decrease in the average cost of fuel was a result of decreases in the average costs of natural gas and coal per KWH generated and a higher percentage of utilization of Gulf Power’s lower cost natural gas-fired generation sources.

Purchased Power – Non-Affiliates

In the second quarter 2012, purchased power expense from non-affiliates was $12.1 million compared to $10.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in energy costs resulting from a 119% increase in KWHs purchased as the cost through third party PPAs was lower than the cost of available Gulf Power-owned generation.

For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expense from non-affiliates was $23.3 million compared to $17.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $5.4 million increase in energy costs resulting from a 316% increase in KWHs purchased as the cost through third party PPAs was lower than the cost of available Gulf Power-owned generation.

In the second quarter 2012, the average cost of purchased power from non-affiliates was 2.5 cents per net KWH compared to 4.7 cents per net KWH for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, the average cost of purchased power from non-affiliates was 2.4 cents per net KWH compared to 5.2 cents per net KWH for the corresponding period in 2011. The decreases were primarily the result of a decrease in the average cost of natural gas.

Energy purchases from non-affiliates will vary depending on the market prices of wholesale energy as compared to the cost of the Southern Company system’s generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, and the availability of the Southern Company system’s generation.

Purchased Power – Affiliates

In the second quarter 2012, purchased power expense from affiliates was $5.2 million compared to $12.5 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 72.7% decrease in the volume of KWHs purchased.

For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expense from affiliates was $7.7 million compared to $29.2 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to an 86.1% decrease in the volume of KWHs purchased.

In the second quarter 2012, the average cost of purchased power from affiliates was 8.7 cents per net KWH compared to 5.4 cents per net KWH for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, the average cost of purchased power from affiliates was 9.9 cents per net KWH compared to 4.9 cents per net KWH for the corresponding period in 2011.

 

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The increases were primarily due to comparable total capacity costs for fewer KWHs purchased, partially offset by lower energy costs per KWHs.

Energy purchases from affiliates will vary depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company within the Southern Company system. These purchases are made in accordance with the IIC or other contractual agreements, as approved by the FERC.

Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)
$7.2    9.9    $1.9    1.3

 

In the second quarter 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $79.8 million compared to $72.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to increases of $3.3 million for labor and benefit-related expenses, $2.0 million in marketing programs, $1.1 million in routine and planned outage maintenance expense at generation facilities, and $1.1 million in other energy services projects. The increased expense from energy service projects did not have a material impact on earnings since it was offset by associated revenues.

For year-to-date 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $155.0 million compared to $153.1 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to increases of $6.7 million for labor and benefit-related expenses, $3.4 million in marketing programs, and $1.8 million in other energy services projects, partially offset by a $10.2 million decrease in routine and planned outage maintenance expense at generation facilities. The increased expense from energy service projects did not have a material impact on earnings since it was offset by associated revenues.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)
$2.9    8.9    $4.4    6.9

 

In the second quarter 2012, depreciation and amortization was $35.2 million compared to $32.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, depreciation and amortization was $68.5 million compared to $64.1 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increases were primarily due to additions of environmental control projects at generation facilities and net additions to transmission and distribution facilities.

Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)
$(0.8)    (31.2)    $(1.7)    (36.2)

 

In the second quarter 2012, AFUDC equity was $1.7 million compared to $2.5 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to an environmental control project at Plant Crist being placed into service in the second quarter 2012.

For year-to-date 2012, AFUDC equity was $3.0 million compared to $4.7 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to an adjustment related to deferred future generation carrying costs, partially offset by increases related to construction of environmental control projects at generating facilities.

 

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Interest Income

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)
$1.8    N/M    $1.4    N/M

 

N/M – Not meaningful

In the second quarter and year-to-date 2012, interest income was $1.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The amounts for the corresponding periods in 2011 were immaterial. The increases were primarily due to an IRS refund of interest claims for multiple tax years.

Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)
$1.3    8.8    $3.0    10.7

 

In the second quarter 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $15.7 million compared to $14.4 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $31.1 million compared to $28.1 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increases were primarily due to net increases in long-term debt.

Income Taxes

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)
$1.9    9.6    $6.9    25.7

 

In the second quarter 2012, income taxes were $22.1 million compared to $20.2 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher pre-tax earnings and a reduction in the tax benefits associated with a decrease in AFUDC equity, which is non-taxable.

For year-to-date 2012, income taxes were $33.8 million compared to $26.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to higher pre-tax earnings.

FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL

The results of operations discussed above are not necessarily indicative of Gulf Power’s future earnings potential. The level of Gulf Power’s future earnings depends on numerous factors that affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Gulf Power’s business of selling electricity. These factors include Gulf Power’s ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment that continues to allow for the timely recovery of prudently incurred costs during a time of increasing costs. Future earnings in the near term will depend, in part, upon maintaining energy sales which is subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather, competition, new energy contracts with neighboring utilities, energy conservation practiced by customers, the price of electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth or decline in Gulf Power’s service territory. Changes in economic conditions impact sales for Gulf Power, and the pace of the economic recovery remains uncertain. The timing and extent of the economic recovery will impact growth and may impact future earnings. For additional information relating to these issues, see RISK FACTORS in Item 1A and MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

 

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Environmental Matters

Compliance costs related to federal and state environmental statutes and regulations could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may differ materially from the amounts estimated. The timing, specific requirements, and estimated costs could change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or modified. Further, higher costs that are recovered through regulated rates could contribute to reduced demand for electricity, which could negatively affect results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Environmental Matters” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

New Source Review Actions

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – New Source Review Actions” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Environmental Matters – New Source Review Actions” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Environmental Matters – New Source Review Actions” herein for additional information. The case against Georgia Power (including claims related to the unit co-owned by Gulf Power) was administratively closed in 2001 and has not been reopened. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Climate Change Litigation

Hurricane Katrina Case

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Climate Change Litigation – Hurricane Katrina Case” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Environmental Matters – Climate Change Litigation – Hurricane Katrina Case” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. On March 20, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi dismissed the amended class action complaint filed in May 2011 by the plaintiffs. On April 16, 2012, the plaintiffs appealed the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Environmental Statutes and Regulations

General

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – General” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Gulf Power’s estimated base level capital expenditures to comply with existing statutes and regulations for 2012 through 2014, as well as Gulf Power’s preliminary estimates for potential incremental environmental compliance investments associated with complying with the EPA’s final Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule (formerly referred to as the Utility Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule) and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

 

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Gulf Power is continuing to develop its compliance strategy and to assess the potential costs of complying with the MATS rule and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules. While further analysis of the MATS rule is required and the ultimate costs remain uncertain, the compliance decisions made through the second quarter 2012 have allowed Gulf Power to further develop its cost estimates for compliance with the MATS rule. As a result, estimated compliance costs for the MATS rule in the 2012 through 2014 period have been revised from up to $375 million to up to $300 million as follows:

 

     2012      2013      2014  
   
        (in millions)      

MATS rule

     Up to $35         Up to $85         Up to $180   
   

In addition, Gulf Power has further developed its estimated capital expenditures and associated timing of these expenditures to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules, resulting in a reduction, due primarily to timing, in estimated compliance costs for 2012 through 2014. Potential incremental environmental compliance investments to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules have been revised from up to $105 million to up to $35 million over the 2012 through 2014 period, based on the assumption that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule. These potential incremental environmental compliance investments are estimated as follows:

 

     2012      2013      2014  
   
        (in millions)      

Proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules

     —           Up to $10         Up to $25   
   

While Gulf Power’s ultimate costs of compliance with the MATS rule and the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules remain uncertain, Gulf Power estimates that compliance costs through 2021 (assuming that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule) could be approximately $1.6 billion. Included in this amount is approximately $400 million that is also included in the 2012 through 2014 base level capital investment of Gulf Power described in the Form 10-K in anticipation of these rules.

Gulf Power’s ultimate compliance strategy and actual future environmental capital expenditures are dependent on a final assessment of the MATS rule and will be affected by the final requirements of new or revised environmental regulations that are promulgated; the outcome of any legal challenges to the environmental rules; the cost, availability, and existing inventory of emissions allowances; and Gulf Power’s fuel mix. Compliance costs may arise from retirement and replacement of existing units, installation of additional environmental controls, upgrades to the transmission system, and changing fuel sources for certain existing units. Gulf Power’s preliminary analysis further indicates that the short timeframe for compliance with the MATS rule could significantly affect electric system reliability and cause an increase in costs of materials and services. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Air Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Air Quality” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter air quality standards and the MATS rule.

On May 1, 2012, the EPA released its final determination of nonattainment areas based on the 2008 eight-hour ozone air quality standards. None of the areas within Gulf Power’s service territory were designated as nonattainment areas.

 

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On June 14, 2012, the EPA proposed a rule that would increase the stringency of the fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards. If adopted, the proposed standards could result in the designation of new nonattainment areas within Gulf Power’s service territory. As part of a related settlement, the EPA has agreed to finalize the proposed rule by December 14, 2012. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

Numerous petitions for administrative reconsideration of the MATS rule, including a petition by Southern Company and its subsidiaries, including Gulf Power, have been filed with the EPA. Challenges to the final rule have also been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by numerous states, environmental organizations, industry groups, and others. The impact of the MATS rule will depend on the outcome of these and any other legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

Water Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Water Quality” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the proposed rules regarding certain cooling water intake structures. The EPA has entered into an amended settlement agreement to extend the deadline for issuing a final rule until June 27, 2013. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

Coal Combustion Byproducts

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Coal Combustion Byproducts” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Environmental groups and other parties have filed lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to require the EPA to complete its rulemaking process and issue final regulations pertaining to the regulation of coal combustion byproducts. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Global Climate Issues

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Global Climate Issues” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On April 13, 2012, the EPA published proposed regulations to establish standards of performance for greenhouse gas emissions from new fossil fuel steam electric generating units. As proposed, the standards would not apply to existing units. The EPA has delayed its plans to propose greenhouse gas emissions performance standards for modified sources and emissions guidelines for existing sources. The impact of this rulemaking will depend on the scope and specific requirements of the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

On June 26, 2012, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously rejected all challenges to four of the EPA’s actions relating to the greenhouse gas permitting programs under the Clean Air Act. These rules may impact the amount of time it takes to obtain prevention of significant deterioration permits for new generation and major modifications to existing generating units and the requirements ultimately imposed by those permits. The ultimate impact of these rules cannot be determined at this time and will depend on the outcome of any other legal challenges.

 

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PSC Matters

Retail Base Rate Case

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Retail Base Rate Case” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Retail Base Rate Case” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On March 12, 2012, the Florida PSC approved a permanent increase in retail base rates and charges of $64 million effective April 11, 2012. The amount of the permanent increase includes the previously approved $38.5 million interim retail rate increase implemented in September 2011. The Florida PSC’s decision on the amount of the permanent increase also included a determination that none of the base rate revenues collected on an interim basis would be refunded. Gulf Power’s authorized retail ROE is a range of 9.25% to 11.25% with new retail base rates set at the midpoint retail ROE of 10.25%. In addition, the Florida PSC also approved a step increase to Gulf Power’s retail base rates and charges of $4 million to be effective in January 2013. On April 18, 2012, Gulf Power filed a motion to reconsider one aspect of the decision dealing with property acquired as a potential site for a future generating plant. On July 17, 2012, the Florida PSC denied Gulf Power’s motion and reaffirmed its earlier decision.

Cost Recovery Clauses

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Cost Recovery Clauses” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Cost Recovery Clauses” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Fuel Cost Recovery

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Revenues” and “Retail Regulatory Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On June 19, 2012, the Florida PSC approved a decrease in Gulf Power’s fuel rates of 7.8%, which will reduce annual billings by approximately $58.8 million effective July 2, 2012.

Over recovered fuel costs at June 30, 2012 totaled $41.6 million compared to $9.9 million at December 31, 2011. These amounts are included in other regulatory liabilities, current on Gulf Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein.

Purchased Power Capacity Recovery

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Purchased Power Capacity Recovery” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Revenues” and “Retail Regulatory Matters – Purchased Power Capacity Recovery,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Over recovered purchased power capacity costs at June 30, 2012 totaled $7.9 million compared to $8.0 million at December 31, 2011. These amounts are included in other regulatory liabilities, current on Gulf Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein.

 

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Environmental Cost Recovery

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Environmental Cost Recovery” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Environmental Cost Recovery” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On April 3, 2012, the Mississippi PSC approved Mississippi Power’s request for a CPCN to construct a flue gas desulfurization system (scrubber) on Plant Daniel Units 1 and 2. On May 3, 2012, the Sierra Club filed a notice of appeal of the order with the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi. These units are jointly owned by Mississippi Power and Gulf Power, with 50% ownership each. The estimated total cost of the project is approximately $660 million, excluding AFUDC, and it is scheduled for completion in December 2015. Gulf Power’s portion of the cost is expected to be recovered through the environmental cost recovery clause. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Over recovered environmental costs at June 30, 2012 totaled $3.6 million compared to $10.0 million at December 31, 2011. These amounts are included in other regulatory liabilities, current on Gulf Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein.

Energy Conservation Cost Recovery

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Energy Conservation Cost Recovery” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Energy Conservation Cost Recovery” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Under recovered energy conservation costs at June 30, 2012 totaled $1.6 million compared to $3.1 million at December 31, 2011. These amounts are included in under recovered regulatory clause revenues on Gulf Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein.

Income Tax Matters

Bonus Depreciation

In December 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (Tax Relief Act) was signed into law. Major tax incentives in the Tax Relief Act include 100% bonus depreciation for property placed in service after September 8, 2010 and through 2011 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2012) and 50% bonus depreciation for property placed in service in 2012 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2013), which will have a positive impact on the future cash flows of Gulf Power through 2013. Consequently, Gulf Power’s positive cash flow benefit is estimated to be between $105 million and $135 million in 2012.

Other Matters

Gulf Power is involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could affect future earnings. In addition, Gulf Power is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Gulf Power’s business activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment, such as regulation of air emissions and water discharges. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as air quality and water standards, has increased generally throughout the U.S. In

 

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particular, personal injury and other claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials, and common law nuisance claims for injunctive relief and property damage allegedly caused by greenhouse gas and other emissions, have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against Gulf Power cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported in Note (B) herein or in Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on Gulf Power’s financial statements.

See the Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for a discussion of various other contingencies, regulatory matters, and other matters being litigated which may affect future earnings potential.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Gulf Power prepares its financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the financial statements of Gulf Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may have a material impact on Gulf Power’s results of operations and related disclosures. Different assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those recorded in the financial statements. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – ACCOUNTING POLICIES – “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a complete discussion of Gulf Power’s critical accounting policies and estimates related to Electric Utility Regulation, Contingent Obligations, Unbilled Revenues, and Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Overview

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Overview” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Gulf Power’s financial condition remained stable at June 30, 2012. Gulf Power intends to continue to monitor its access to short-term and long-term capital markets as well as its bank credit arrangements to meet future capital and liquidity needs. See “Sources of Capital,” “Financing Activities,” and “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” herein for additional information.

Net cash provided from operating activities totaled $194.6 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $175.2 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The $19.4 million increase was primarily due to a $49.7 million increase in deferred income taxes related to bonus depreciation, partially offset by a $17.5 million decrease resulting from lower fuel inventory reductions in 2012 as compared to 2011.

Net cash used for investing activities totaled $184.7 million in the first six months of 2012 compared to $179.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The $5.1 million increase was primarily due to an increase in cost of removal, net of salvage.

Net cash used for financing activities totaled $6.1 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $5.3 million provided from financing activities for the corresponding period in 2011. The $11.4 million decrease was primarily due to a $25.0 million decrease in issuance of senior notes and a $10.0 million decrease in issuance of common stock, partially offset by $19.0 million fewer redemptions of senior notes and other long-term debt in 2012.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Significant balance sheet changes for the first six months of 2012 include a net increase of $125.0 million in property, plant, and equipment, primarily due to the addition of environmental control projects, an increase of $100.6 million in accumulated deferred income taxes, primarily related to bonus depreciation, a $43.2 million increase in prepaid expenses, primarily due to an increase in prepaid income taxes, and the issuance of common stock to Southern Company for $40 million.

Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a description of Gulf Power’s capital requirements for its construction program, including estimated capital expenditures to comply with existing environmental regulations, maturities of long-term debt, as well as the related interest, leases, derivative obligations, preference stock dividends, purchase commitments, and trust funding requirements. There are no requirements through June 30, 2013 to fund maturities of long-term debt.

See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Statutes and Regulations – General” herein for a description of Gulf Power’s estimated capital expenditures to comply with the MATS rule and proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

The construction program is subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include: changes in business conditions; changes in load projections; storm impacts; changes in environmental statutes and regulations; the outcome of any legal challenges to the environmental rules; changes in generating plants, including unit retirements and replacements and adding or changing fuel sources at existing units, to meet new regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations; Florida PSC approvals; changes in legislation; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; project scope and design changes; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered.

Sources of Capital

Gulf Power plans to obtain the funds required for construction and other purposes from sources similar to those used in the past, which were primarily from operating cash flows, short-term debt, security issuances, term loans, and equity contributions from Southern Company. However, the amount, type, and timing of any future financings, if needed, will depend upon regulatory approval, prevailing market conditions, and other factors. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Sources of Capital” of Gulf Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Gulf Power’s current liabilities frequently exceed current assets because of the continued use of short-term debt as a funding source to meet scheduled maturities of long-term debt, as well as cash needs, which can fluctuate significantly due to the seasonality of the business.

At June 30, 2012, Gulf Power had approximately $21.2 million of cash and cash equivalents. Committed credit arrangements with banks at June 30, 2012, including expiration dates, were as follows:

 

Expires           Executable Term
Loans
  Due Within One
Year(a)
    2012       2013   2014         Total       Unused       One
    Year
  Two    
Years    
      Term
    Out
  No Term
Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)   (in millions)   (in millions)   (in millions)
$20   $60   $195   $275   $275   $45   $—   $45   $35

 

(a) Reflects facilities expiring on or before June 30, 2013.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

See Note 6 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Bank Credit Arrangements” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (E) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Bank Credit Arrangements” herein for additional information.

Most of these arrangements contain covenants that limit debt levels and typically contain cross default provisions that are restricted only to the indebtedness of Gulf Power. Gulf Power is currently in compliance with all such covenants. Gulf Power expects to renew its credit arrangements, as needed, prior to expiration. These credit arrangements provide liquidity support to Gulf Power’s commercial paper borrowings and variable rate pollution control revenue bonds. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support as of June 30, 2012 was approximately $69 million.

Gulf Power may also meet short-term cash needs through a Southern Company subsidiary organized to issue and sell commercial paper at the request and for the benefit of Gulf Power and the other traditional operating companies. Proceeds from such issuances for the benefit of Gulf Power are loaned directly to Gulf Power. The obligations of each traditional operating company under these arrangements are several and there is no cross affiliate credit support.

Details of short-term borrowings were as follows:

 

     Short-term Debt at  the
End of the Period
  Short-term Debt During the Period(a)
     Amount
Outstanding
   Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate
  Average
Outstanding
   Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate
  Maximum
Amount
Outstanding

 

 

 

     (in millions)        (in millions)        (in millions)

June 30, 2012:

            

Commercial paper

   $114    0.3%   $68    0.3%   $116

 

 

(a) Average and maximum amounts are based upon daily balances during the period.

Management believes that the need for working capital can be adequately met by utilizing the commercial paper program, lines of credit, and cash.

Credit Rating Risk

Gulf Power does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change to BBB- and/or Baa3 or below. These contracts are for physical electricity purchases and sales, fuel transportation and storage, and energy price risk management. The maximum potential collateral requirements under these contracts at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

Credit Ratings    Maximum Potential
Collateral
Requirements

 

     (in millions)

At BBB- and/or Baa3

   $120

Below BBB- and/or Baa3

    530

 

Included in these amounts are certain agreements that could require collateral in the event that one or more Power Pool participant has a credit rating change to below investment grade. Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. Additionally, any credit rating downgrade could impact Gulf Power’s ability to access capital markets, particularly the short-term debt market.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Market Price Risk

Gulf Power’s market risk exposure relative to interest rate changes for the second quarter 2012 has not changed materially compared with the December 31, 2011 reporting period. Since a significant portion of outstanding indebtedness is at fixed rates, Gulf Power is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would significantly affect exposures on existing indebtedness in the near term. However, the impact on future financing costs cannot now be determined.

Due to cost-based rate regulation and other various cost recovery mechanisms, Gulf Power continues to have limited exposure to market volatility in interest rates, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. Gulf Power continues to manage a financial hedging program for fuel purchased to operate its electric generating fleet implemented per the guidelines of the Florida PSC. As such, Gulf Power had no material change in market risk exposure for the second quarter 2012 when compared with the December 31, 2011 reporting period.

The changes in fair value of energy-related derivative contracts, substantially all of which are composed of regulatory hedges, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

  

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

     Fair Value
     (in millions)

Contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period, assets (liabilities), net

   $(54)    $(41)

Contracts realized or settled

       12       18 

Current period changes(a)

        5      (14)

 

Contracts outstanding at the end of the period, assets (liabilities), net

   $(37)    $(37)

 

 

(a) Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into during the period, if any.

The changes in the fair value positions of the energy-related derivative contracts, which are substantially all attributable to both the volume and the price of natural gas, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

  

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

     Fair Value
     (in millions)

Natural gas swaps

   $16    $4

Natural gas options

        1    

Other energy-related derivatives

     

 

Total changes

   $17    $4

 

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The net hedge volumes of energy-related derivative contracts were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2012
   March 31,
2012
   December 31,
2011

 

     mmBtu Volume
  

 

     (in millions)

Commodity – Natural gas swaps

   50    41    35

Commodity – Natural gas options

   1    2    3

 

Total hedge volume

   51    43    38

 

The weighted average swap contract cost above market prices was approximately $0.72 per mmBtu as of June 30, 2012, $1.27 per mmBtu as of March 31, 2012, and $1.14 per mmBtu as of December 31, 2011. The change in option premiums is primarily attributable to the volatility of the market and the underlying change in the natural gas price. Natural gas settlements are recovered through Gulf Power’s fuel cost recovery clause.

Regulatory hedges relate to Gulf Power’s fuel-hedging program where gains and losses are initially recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, and then are included in fuel expense as they are recovered through Gulf Power’s fuel cost recovery clause.

Unrealized pre-tax gains and losses recognized in income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 for energy-related derivative contracts that are not hedges were not material.

Gulf Power uses over-the-counter contracts that are not exchange traded but are fair valued using prices which are market observable, and thus fall into Level 2. See Note (C) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for further discussion on fair value measurements. The maturities of the energy-related derivative contracts and the level of the fair value hierarchy in which they fall at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

June 30, 2012    

Fair Value Measurements    

 

     Total    Maturity
     

 

         Fair Value        Year 1        Years 2&3        Years 4&5

 

     (in millions)

Level 1

   $—     $—     $—     $— 

Level 2

   (37)    (20)    (16)    (1)

Level 3

   —     —     —     — 

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at end of period

   $(37)    $(20)    $(16)    $(1)

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) enacted in July 2010 could impact the use of over-the-counter derivatives by Gulf Power. Regulations to implement the Dodd-Frank Act will impose additional requirements on the use of over-the-counter derivatives for both Gulf Power and its derivative counterparties, which could affect both the use and cost of over-the-counter derivatives. Although all relevant regulations have not been finalized, Gulf Power does not expect the impact of these rules to be material.

For additional information, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Market Price Risk” of Gulf Power in Item 7 and Note 1 under “Financial Instruments” and Note 10 to the financial statements of Gulf Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein.

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Financing Activities

In January 2012, Gulf Power issued to Southern Company 400,000 shares of Gulf Power’s common stock, without par value, and realized proceeds of $40 million. The proceeds were used to repay a portion of Gulf Power’s short-term debt and for other general corporate purposes, including Gulf Power’s continuous construction program.

In May 2012, Gulf Power issued $100 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2012A 3.10% Senior Notes due May 15, 2022. The proceeds from the sale of the Series 2012A Senior Notes were used by Gulf Power for the redemption in June 2012 of all of approximately $61 million aggregate principal amount of Gulf Power’s Series F 5.60% Senior Insured Quarterly Notes due April 1, 2033 and $30 million aggregate principal amount of Gulf Power’s Series H 5.25% Senior Notes due July 15, 2033, to repay a portion of its outstanding short-term indebtedness, and for general corporate purposes, including Gulf Power’s continuous construction program.

In addition to any financings that may be necessary to meet capital requirements, contractual obligations, and storm-recovery, Gulf Power plans to continue, when economically feasible, a program to retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit.

 

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MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

 

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MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Three Months     For the Six Months  
     Ended June 30,     Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in thousands)     (in thousands)  

Operating Revenues:

        

Retail revenues

   $ 192,177      $ 207,005      $ 358,448      $ 387,479   

Wholesale revenues, non-affiliates

     64,116        67,813        118,347        137,664   

Wholesale revenues, affiliates

     5,324        6,303        9,364        15,603   

Other revenues

     4,467        4,920        8,639        8,571   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     266,084        286,041        494,798        549,317   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

        

Fuel

     105,469        123,674        194,088        244,728   

Purchased power, non-affiliates

     1,134        1,336        3,077        2,346   

Purchased power, affiliates

     10,843        19,867        19,703        28,217   

Other operations and maintenance

     60,501        64,512        115,396        134,879   

Depreciation and amortization

     22,517        20,345        44,998        40,208   

Taxes other than income taxes

     18,634        17,251        40,337        34,732   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     219,098        246,985        417,599        485,110   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     46,986        39,056        77,199        64,207   

Other Income and (Expense):

        

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     13,870        4,991        25,697        8,122   

Interest income

     380        401        500        743   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     (13,023     (5,532     (20,828     (11,545

Other income (expense), net

     (539     (613     (781     (1,016
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and (expense)

     688        (753     4,588        (3,696
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     47,674        38,303        81,787        60,511   

Income taxes

     12,214        12,587        20,639        19,745   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

     35,460        25,716        61,148        40,766   

Dividends on Preferred Stock

     433        433        866        866   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income After Dividends on Preferred Stock

   $ 35,027      $ 25,283      $ 60,282      $ 39,900   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Three Months      For the Six Months  
     Ended June 30,      Ended June 30,  
     2012      2011      2012     2011  
     (in thousands)      (in thousands)  

Net Income After Dividends on Preferred Stock

   $ 35,027       $ 25,283       $ 60,282      $ 39,900   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

          

Qualifying hedges:

          

Changes in fair value, net of tax of $-, $7, $(296) and $6, respectively

             13         (478     11   

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $132, $-, $148 and $-, respectively

     212                 238          
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     212         13         (240     11   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   $ 35,239       $ 25,296       $ 60,042      $ 39,911   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Mississippi Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

     For the Six Months  
     Ended June 30,  
     2012     2011  
     (in thousands)  

Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 61,148      $ 40,766   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities —

    

Depreciation and amortization, total

     43,955        43,032   

Deferred income taxes

     1,280        (8,136

Investment tax credits received

     13,974        29,556   

Allowance for equity funds used during construction

     (25,697     (8,122

Pension, postretirement, and other employee benefits

     3,993        1,601   

Hedge settlements

     (15,983       

Stock based compensation expense

     1,344        1,060   

Other, net

     (2,648     (5,584

Changes in certain current assets and liabilities —

    

-Receivables

     (12,424     (8,041

-Fossil fuel stock

     (32,797     (8,838

-Materials and supplies

     212        (603

-Prepaid income taxes

     11,974        17,075   

-Other current assets

     (7,281     1,021   

-Accounts payable

     3,408        17,927   

-Accrued taxes

     (16,785     (6,227

-Accrued compensation

     (7,002     (7,064

-Over recovered regulatory clause revenues

     15,871        (10,748

-Other current liabilities

     7,640        2,066   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from operating activities

     44,182        90,741   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

    

Property additions

     (763,641     (365,261

Cost of removal, net of salvage

     (1,217     (4,339

Construction payables

     57,283        31,949   

Capital grant proceeds

     6,146        91,650   

Distribution of restricted cash

            50,000   

Other investing activities

     (9,690     (2,217
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

     (711,119     (198,218
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

    

Proceeds —

    

Capital contributions from parent company

     277,633        100,878   

Senior notes issuances

     400,000          

Interest-bearing refundable deposit related to asset sale

     150,000          

Other long-term debt issuances

            75,000   

Redemptions —

    

Capital leases

     (633     (705

Other long-term debt

     (165,000     (130,000

Payment of preferred stock dividends

     (866     (866

Payment of common stock dividends

     (53,400     (37,750

Other financing activities

     998        (134)   

Net cash provided from financing activities

     608,732        6,423   

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (58,205     (101,054

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     211,585        160,779   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 153,380      $ 59,725   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

    

Cash paid (received) during the period for —

    

Interest (paid $29,433 and $12,050, net of $12,476 and $2,572 capitalized for 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   $ 16,603      $ 9,505   

Income taxes, net

     (7,756     (32,648

Noncash transactions—accrued property additions at end of period

     193,184        70,772   

The accompanying notes as they relate to Mississippi Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Assets

   At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
     (in thousands)  

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 153,380      $ 211,585   

Receivables —

    

Customer accounts receivable

     37,632        32,551   

Unbilled revenues

     36,060        27,239   

Other accounts and notes receivable

     5,072        7,080   

Affiliated companies

     25,497        23,078   

Accumulated provision for uncollectible accounts

     (306     (547

Fossil fuel stock, at average cost

     172,970        140,173   

Materials and supplies, at average cost

     30,576        30,787   

Other regulatory assets, current

     65,251        69,201   

Prepaid income taxes

     192,067        37,793   

Other current assets

     6,230        8,881   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     724,429        587,821   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property, Plant, and Equipment:

    

In service

     2,956,019        2,902,240   

Less accumulated provision for depreciation

     1,052,399        1,019,251   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Plant in service, net of depreciation

     1,903,620        1,882,989   

Construction work in progress

     1,699,239        955,135   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total property, plant, and equipment

     3,602,859        2,838,124   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Property and Investments

     5,970        6,520   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Charges and Other Assets:

    

Deferred charges related to income taxes

     47,979        25,009   

Other regulatory assets, deferred

     195,721        185,694   

Other deferred charges and assets

     37,640        28,674   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred charges and other assets

     281,340        239,377   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 4,614,598      $ 3,671,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Mississippi Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

   At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
     (in thousands)  

Current Liabilities:

    

Securities due within one year

   $ 165,000      $ 240,633   

Interest-bearing refundable deposit related to asset sale

     150,000        —     

Accounts payable —

    

Affiliated

     62,007        62,650   

Other

     228,506        168,309   

Customer deposits

     14,190        13,658   

Accrued taxes —

    

Accrued income taxes

     3,803        3,813   

Other accrued taxes

     37,327        53,825   

Accrued interest

     20,095        12,750   

Accrued compensation

     8,887        15,889   

Other regulatory liabilities, current

     5,553        5,779   

Over recovered regulatory clause liabilities

     76,373        60,502   

Liabilities from risk management activities

     26,699        54,127   

Other current liabilities

     21,913        17,533   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     820,353        709,468   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

     1,410,660        1,103,596   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

    

Accumulated deferred income taxes

     377,763        270,397   

Deferred credits related to income taxes

     10,536        11,058   

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits

     206,607        109,761   

Employee benefit obligations

     162,266        161,065   

Other cost of removal obligations

     135,540        126,424   

Other regulatory liabilities, deferred

     64,710        60,848   

Other deferred credits and liabilities

     57,181        37,228   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

     1,014,603        776,781   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     3,245,616        2,589,845   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redeemable Preferred Stock

     32,780        32,780   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Stockholder’s Equity:

    

Common stock, without par value —

    

Authorized —1,130,000 shares

    

Outstanding—1,121,000 shares

     37,691        37,691   

Paid-in capital

     975,198        694,855   

Retained earnings

     332,450        325,568   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (9,137     (8,897
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total common stockholder’s equity

     1,336,202        1,049,217   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity

   $ 4,614,598      $ 3,671,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Mississippi Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SECOND QUARTER 2012 vs. SECOND QUARTER 2011

AND

YEAR-TO-DATE 2012 vs. YEAR-TO-DATE 2011

OVERVIEW

Mississippi Power operates as a vertically integrated utility providing electricity to retail customers within its traditional service territory located within the State of Mississippi and to wholesale customers in the Southeast. Many factors affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Mississippi Power’s business of selling electricity. These factors include the ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment, to maintain and grow energy sales given economic conditions, and to effectively manage and secure timely recovery of rising costs. These costs include those related to projected long-term demand growth, increasingly stringent environmental standards, fuel prices, capital expenditures, and restoration following major storms. In addition, Mississippi Power is currently constructing the Kemper IGCC. Mississippi Power has various regulatory mechanisms that operate to address cost recovery. Appropriately balancing required costs and capital expenditures with customer prices will continue to challenge Mississippi Power for the foreseeable future.

On June 22, 2012, the Mississippi PSC denied the proposed Certificated New Plant-A (CNP-A) rate schedule and the 2012 rate recovery filings submitted by Mississippi Power, pending a final ruling from the Mississippi Supreme Court regarding the motion for stay and notice of appeal filed by the Sierra Club on April 26, 2012 relating to the Mississippi PSC’s issuance of the CPCN for the Kemper IGCC. On July 9, 2012, Mississippi Power appealed the Mississippi PSC’s June 22, 2012 decision to the Mississippi Supreme Court and requested interim rates under bond of $55.3 million. On July 31, 2012, the Mississippi Supreme Court denied Mississippi Power’s request for interim rates under bond while the Mississippi Supreme Court decides Mississippi Power’s appeal of the Mississippi PSC’s June 22, 2012 decision. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Mississippi Power continues to focus on several key performance indicators. In recognition that Mississippi Power’s long-term financial success is dependent upon how well it satisfies its customers’ needs, Mississippi Power’s retail base rate mechanism, PEP, includes performance indicators that directly tie customer service indicators to Mississippi Power’s allowed return. In addition to the PEP performance indicators, Mississippi Power focuses on other performance measures, including broader measures of customer satisfaction, plant availability, system reliability, and net income after dividends on preferred stock. For additional information on these indicators, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – OVERVIEW – “Key Performance Indicators” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Income

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$9.7

   38.5    $20.4    51.1

 

Mississippi Power’s net income after dividends on preferred stock for the second quarter 2012 was $35.0 million compared to $25.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase in net income after dividends on preferred stock for the second quarter 2012 was the result of an increase in AFUDC equity primarily related to the construction of the Kemper IGCC, a decrease in operations and maintenance expenses, and an increase in territorial base revenues primarily due to a wholesale base rate increase effective April 1, 2012, partially offset by an increase in interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.

 

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Mississippi Power’s net income after dividends on preferred stock for year-to-date 2012 was $60.3 million compared to $39.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase in net income after dividends on preferred stock for year-to-date 2012 was primarily due to an increase in AFUDC equity primarily related to the construction of the Kemper IGCC and a decrease in operations and maintenance expenses. These factors were partially offset by a decrease in territorial base revenues resulting from milder weather in 2012 and an increase in interest expense, net of amounts capitalized.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” and Note (B) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information regarding the Kemper IGCC.

Retail Revenues

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(14.8)

   (7.2)   $(29.1)   (7.5)

 

In the second quarter 2012, retail revenues were $192.2 million compared to $207.0 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, retail revenues were $358.4 million compared to $387.5 million for the corresponding period in 2011.

Details of the change to retail revenues were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

  

Year-to-Date

2012

 

     (in millions)    (% change)    (in millions)    (% change)

Retail – prior year

   $207.0       $387.5   

Estimated change in –

           

Rates and pricing

        (0.6)    (0.3)          (1.7)    (0.4)

Sales growth (decline)

         2.1    1.0          5.2    1.3

Weather

        (2.8)    (1.4)          (7.8)    (2.0)

Fuel and other cost recovery

      (13.5)    (6.5)        (24.8)    (6.4)

 

Retail – current year

   $192.2       (7.2)%    $358.4       (7.5)%

 

Revenues associated with changes in rates and pricing decreased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 due to decreases of $0.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, related to the ECO Plan rate.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Environmental Compliance Overview Plan” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K and FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters – Environmental Compliance Overview Plan” herein for additional information.

Revenues attributable to changes in sales increased in the second quarter 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011. KWH energy sales to industrial customers increased 3.3% due to increased production for several large industrial customers resulting from continued economic recovery. Weather-adjusted KWH energy sales to residential and commercial customers increased 3.6% and 1.5%, respectively, when compared to the corresponding period in 2011 due to a small increase in the number of residential customers and improving economic conditions.

Revenues attributable to changes in sales increased for year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding period in 2011 due to an increase in sales to residential, commercial, and industrial customers. KWH energy sales to industrial customers increased 3.9% due to increased production for some of the larger customers resulting from an improving economy. Weather-adjusted KWH energy sales to residential and commercial customers increased 2.3% and 1.3%,

 

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respectively, when compared to the corresponding period in 2011. The increase in residential and commercial sales was primarily due to a small increase in the number of residential customers and improving economic conditions.

Revenues attributable to changes in weather decreased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 primarily due to milder weather.

Fuel and other cost recovery revenues decreased in the second quarter and year-to-date 2012 when compared to the corresponding periods in 2011 primarily as a result of lower recoverable fuel costs, partially offset by an increase in revenues related to the retail portion of ad valorem taxes. Recoverable fuel costs include fuel and purchased power expenses reduced by the fuel portion of wholesale revenues from energy sold to customers outside Mississippi Power’s service territory. Electric rates include provisions to adjust billings for fluctuations in fuel costs, including the energy component of purchased power costs. Under these provisions, fuel revenues generally equal fuel expenses, including the energy component of purchased power costs, and do not affect net income. The retail portion of ad valorem tax expense is recoverable under Mississippi Power’s ad valorem tax cost recovery clause and, therefore, does not affect net income.

Wholesale Revenues – Non-Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(3.7)

   (5.5)   $(19.4)   (14.0)

 

Wholesale revenues from sales to non-affiliates will vary depending on fuel prices, the market prices of wholesale energy compared to the cost of Mississippi Power’s and the Southern Company system’s generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, and the availability of the Southern Company system’s generation. Increases and decreases in revenues that are driven by fuel prices are accompanied by an increase or decrease in fuel costs and do not have a significant impact on net income.

In the second quarter 2012, wholesale revenues from non-affiliates were $64.1 million compared to $67.8 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to a $10.1 million decrease in energy revenues, of which $2.1 million was associated with a decrease in KWH sales due to lower demand primarily resulting from milder weather in the second quarter 2012 compared to the corresponding period in 2011 and $8.0 million was associated with lower fuel prices, partially offset by a $6.4 million increase in revenues primarily resulting from a wholesale base rate increase effective April 1, 2012.

For year-to-date 2012, wholesale revenues from non-affiliates were $118.3 million compared to $137.7 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to a $21.0 million decrease in energy revenues, of which $7.2 million was associated with a decrease in KWH sales due to lower demand primarily resulting from milder weather in 2012 compared to the corresponding period in 2011 and $13.8 million was associated with lower fuel prices, partially offset by a $1.6 million increase in revenues primarily resulting from a wholesale base rate increase effective April 1, 2012.

Wholesale Revenues – Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

$(1.0)

   (15.5)   $(6.2)   (40.0)

 

Wholesale revenues from sales to affiliated companies within the Southern Company system will vary depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company. These affiliate sales are made in accordance with the IIC, as approved by the FERC. These transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings since the energy is generally sold at marginal cost.

 

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In the second quarter 2012, wholesale revenues from affiliates were $5.3 million compared to $6.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $0.4 million decrease in capacity revenues and a $0.6 million decrease in energy revenues, of which $4.3 million was associated with lower prices, partially offset by $3.7 million associated with an increase in KWH sales.

For year-to-date 2012, wholesale revenues from affiliates were $9.4 million compared to $15.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $0.4 million decrease in capacity revenues and a $5.8 million decrease in energy revenues, of which $6.1 million was associated with lower prices, partially offset by $0.3 million associated with an increase in KWH sales.

Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses

 

    

Second Quarter 2012

vs.

Second Quarter 2011

  

Year-to-Date 2012

vs.

Year-to-Date 2011

 

     (change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

Fuel

   $  (18.2)    (14.7)    $  (50.6)    (20.7)

Purchased power – non-affiliates

         (0.2)    (15.1)          0.8      31.2

Purchased power – affiliates

         (9.1)    (45.4)          (8.5)    (30.2)

 

     

 

  

Total fuel and purchased power expenses

   $  (27.5)       $  (58.3)   

 

     

 

  

In the second quarter 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $117.4 million compared to $144.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $27.0 million decrease in the cost of fuel and purchased power and a $0.5 million decrease in total KWHs generated and purchased.

For year-to-date 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $216.9 million compared to $275.2 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $44.8 million decrease in the cost of fuel and purchased power and a $13.5 million decrease in total KWHs generated and purchased.

Fuel and purchased power energy transactions do not have a significant impact on earnings since energy expenses are generally offset by energy revenues through Mississippi Power’s fuel cost recovery clause. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “PSC Matters” herein for additional information.

Details of Mississippi Power’s generation and purchased power were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

  

Second Quarter

2011

  

Year-to-Date

2012

  

Year-to-Date

2011

 

Total generation (millions of KWHs)

   3,359    3,226    6,341    6,590

Total purchased power (millions of KWHs)

      466       578       912       882

 

Sources of generation (percent) –

           

Coal

        29         46         25         41

Gas

        71         54         75         59

 

Cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH) 

           

Coal

      4.88       4.34       4.83       4.29

Gas

      2.72       3.98       2.77       3.84

 

Average cost of fuel, generated (cents per net KWH)

      3.39       4.16       3.34       4.04

Average cost of purchased power (cents per net KWH)

      2.57       3.67       2.50       3.47

 

 

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Fuel

In the second quarter 2012, fuel expense was $105.5 million compared to $123.7 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 31.7% decrease in the average cost of natural gas per KWH generated primarily resulting from lower gas prices, partially offset by a 4.7% increase in generation from Mississippi Power’s facilities resulting from higher energy demand in the second quarter 2012.

For year-to-date 2012, fuel expense was $194.1 million compared to $244.7 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 27.9% decrease in the average cost of natural gas per KWH generated primarily resulting from lower gas prices and a 4.2% decrease in generation from Mississippi Power’s facilities resulting from lower energy demand primarily due to milder weather in 2012.

Purchased Power – Non-Affiliates

In the second quarter 2012, purchased power expense from non-affiliates was $1.1 million compared to $1.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily the result of a 63.1% decrease in the average cost of purchased power per KWH, partially offset by a 129.8% increase in KWH volume purchased. The increase in the volume of KWHs purchased was due to a lower marginal cost of fuel compared to the cost of generation. The decrease in the average cost per KWH purchased was due to a lower marginal cost of fuel.

For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expense from non-affiliates was $3.1 million compared to $2.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily the result of a 96.7% increase in KWH volume purchased, partially offset by a 33.3% decrease in the average cost of purchased power per KWH. The increase in the volume of KWHs purchased was due to a lower marginal cost of fuel compared to the cost of generation.

Energy purchases from non-affiliates will vary depending on the market prices of wholesale energy compared to the cost of the Southern Company system’s generation, demand for energy within the Southern Company system’s service territory, and the availability of the Southern Company system’s generation.

Purchased Power – Affiliates

In the second quarter 2012, purchased power expense from affiliates was $10.8 million compared to $19.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 27.9% decrease in KWH volume purchased and a 24.3% decrease in the average cost of purchased power per KWH.

For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expense from affiliates was $19.7 million compared to $28.2 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a 6.5% decrease in KWH volume purchased and a 25.4% decrease in the average cost of purchased power per KWH.

Energy purchases from affiliates will vary depending on demand for energy and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company within the Southern Company system. These purchases are made in accordance with the IIC, as approved by the FERC.

 

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Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)
$(4.0)    (6.2)    $(19.5)    (14.4)

 

In the second quarter 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $60.5 million compared to $64.5 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $9.7 million decrease in rent expense and expenses under a long-term service agreement resulting from the expiration of an operating lease for Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 in October 2011. The decrease was partially offset by a $3.4 million increase in generation expenses primarily related to scheduled outages and a $2.0 million increase in administrative and general expenses.

For year-to-date 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $115.4 million compared to $134.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $20.5 million decrease in rent expense and expenses under a long-term service agreement resulting from the expiration of an operating lease for Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 in October 2011 and a $3.1 million decrease in generation maintenance expenses. These decreases were partially offset by a $3.3 million increase in administrative and general expenses.

See Notes 1 and 7 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Purchase of the Plant Daniel Combined Cycle Generating Units” and “Long-Term Service Agreements,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)
$2.2    10.7    $4.8    11.9

 

In the second quarter 2012, depreciation and amortization was $22.5 million compared to $20.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $3.4 million increase in depreciation on additional plant in service and a $1.9 million increase in amortization resulting from the plant acquisition adjustment related to the purchase of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4. These increases were partially offset by a $2.6 million decrease in amortization primarily resulting from a regulatory deferral associated with the purchase of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 and a $0.5 million decrease in ARO amortization resulting from the deferral of the gain on the settlement of an ARO in 2011.

For year-to-date 2012, depreciation and amortization was $45.0 million compared to $40.2 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $6.7 million increase in depreciation on additional plant in service and a $3.9 million increase in amortization resulting from the plant acquisition adjustment related to the purchase of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4. These increases were partially offset by a $5.3 million decrease in amortization primarily resulting from a regulatory deferral associated with the purchase of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 and a $0.5 million decrease in ARO amortization resulting from the deferral of the gain on the settlement of an ARO in 2011.

See Note 1 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Purchase of the Plant Daniel Combined Cycle Generating Units” and “Depreciation and Amortization” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

 

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Taxes Other Than Income Taxes

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$1.3

   8.0    $5.6    16.1

 

In the second quarter 2012, taxes other than income taxes were $18.6 million compared to $17.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $2.6 million increase in ad valorem taxes resulting from the expiration of a tax exemption related to Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4, partially offset by a $1.5 million decrease in franchise taxes.

For year-to-date 2012, taxes other than income taxes were $40.3 million compared to $34.7 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $6.6 million increase in ad valorem taxes resulting from the expiration of a tax exemption related to Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4, partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease in franchise taxes.

The retail portion of ad valorem taxes is recoverable under Mississippi Power’s ad valorem tax cost recovery clause and, therefore, does not affect net income.

Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$8.9

   177.9    $17.6    216.4

 

In the second quarter 2012, AFUDC equity was $13.9 million compared to $5.0 million for the corresponding period in 2011. For year-to-date 2012, AFUDC equity was $25.7 million compared to $8.1 million for the corresponding period in 2011. These increases were primarily due to the construction of the Kemper IGCC.

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” herein for additional information regarding the Kemper IGCC.

Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$7.5

   135.4    $9.3    80.4

 

In the second quarter 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $13.0 million compared to $5.5 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Capitalized interest primarily resulting from AFUDC debt associated with the Kemper IGCC in the second quarter 2012 was $5.9 million compared to $1.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase in interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was primarily due to an $11.4 million increase in interest expense associated with the issuances of new long-term debt in September 2011, October 2011, and March 2012 and a $3.8 million increase in interest expense resulting from the receipt of a $150 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA in March 2012 related to its pending purchase of an undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. The increase was partially offset by a $4.3 million increase in capitalized interest primarily resulting from AFUDC debt associated with the Kemper IGCC and a $1.9 million decrease in interest expense resulting from the amortization of the fair value adjustment on the assumed debt related to the purchase of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 in October 2011.

 

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For year-to-date 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $20.8 million compared to $11.5 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Capitalized interest primarily resulting from AFUDC debt associated with the Kemper IGCC for year-to-date 2012 was $12.5 million compared to $2.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase in interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was primarily due to a $19.9 million increase in interest expense associated with the issuances of new long-term debt in September 2011, October 2011, and March 2012 and a $4.8 million increase in interest expense resulting from the receipt of a $150 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA in March 2012 related to its pending purchase of an undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. The increase was partially offset by a $9.9 million increase in capitalized interest primarily resulting from AFUDC debt associated with the Kemper IGCC and a $3.8 million decrease in interest expense resulting from the amortization of the fair value adjustment on the assumed debt related to the purchase of Plant Daniel Units 3 and 4 in October 2011.

See Note 1 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Purchase of the Plant Daniel Combined Cycle Generating Units” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” herein for additional information.

Income Taxes

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011   Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)   (change in millions)    (% change)

$(0.4)

   (3.0)   $0.9    4.5

 

In the second quarter 2012, income taxes were $12.2 million compared to $12.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $3.3 million decrease resulting from higher AFUDC equity, which is non-taxable, and a $0.6 million decrease in unrecognized tax benefits, partially offset by a $3.2 million increase resulting from higher pre-tax earnings and a $0.3 million increase due to lower State of Mississippi manufacturing investment tax credits.

For year-to-date 2012, income taxes were $20.6 million compared to $19.7 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $7.8 million increase resulting from higher pre-tax earnings and a $0.6 million increase due to lower State of Mississippi manufacturing investment tax credits, partially offset by a $6.7 million decrease resulting from higher AFUDC equity, which is non-taxable, and a $0.8 million decrease in unrecognized tax benefits.

FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL

The results of operations discussed above are not necessarily indicative of Mississippi Power’s future earnings potential. The level of Mississippi Power’s future earnings depends on numerous factors that affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Mississippi Power’s business of selling electricity. These factors include Mississippi Power’s ability to maintain a constructive regulatory environment that continues to allow for the timely recovery of prudently incurred costs during a time of increasing costs. Future earnings in the near term will depend, in part, upon maintaining energy sales which is subject to a number of factors. These factors include weather, competition, new energy contracts with neighboring utilities, energy conservation practiced by customers, the price of electricity, the price elasticity of demand, and the rate of economic growth or decline in Mississippi Power’s service territory. Changes in economic conditions impact sales for Mississippi Power and the pace of the economic recovery remains uncertain. The timing and extent of the economic recovery will impact growth and may impact future earnings. For additional information relating to these issues, see RISK FACTORS in Item 1A and MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

Environmental Matters

Compliance costs related to federal and state environmental statutes and regulations could affect earnings if such costs cannot continue to be fully recovered in rates on a timely basis. Environmental compliance spending over the next several years may differ materially from the amounts estimated. The timing, specific requirements, and estimated costs could change as environmental statutes and regulations are adopted or modified. Further, higher costs that are recovered

 

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through regulated rates could contribute to reduced demand for electricity, which could negatively affect results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Environmental Matters” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

New Source Review Actions

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — New Source Review Actions” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Environmental Matters — New Source Review Actions” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. On February 23, 2012, the EPA filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama seeking vacatur of the judgment and recusal of the judge in the case involving Alabama Power (including claims related to the unit co-owned by Mississippi Power). The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama has not ruled on the EPA’s motion seeking vacatur of the judgment. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Environmental Statutes and Regulations

General

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — Environmental Statutes and Regulations – General” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Mississippi Power’s estimated base level capital expenditures to comply with existing statutes and regulations for 2012 through 2014, as well as Mississippi Power’s preliminary estimates for potential incremental environmental compliance investments associated with complying with the EPA’s final Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule (formerly referred to as the Utility Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule) and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

Mississippi Power is continuing to develop its compliance strategy and to assess the potential costs of complying with the MATS rule and the EPA’s proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules. While further analysis of the MATS rule is required and the ultimate costs remain uncertain, the compliance decisions made through the second quarter 2012 have allowed Mississippi Power to further develop its cost estimates for compliance with the MATS rule. As a result, estimated compliance costs for the MATS rule in the 2012 through 2014 period have been revised from up to $430 million to approximately $55 million as follows:

 

     2012    2013    2014

 

          (in millions)     

MATS rule

   —      $5    $50

 

In addition, Mississippi Power has further developed its estimated capital expenditures and associated timing of these expenditures to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules, resulting in a reduction, due primarily to timing, in estimated compliance costs for 2012 through 2014. Potential incremental environmental compliance investments to comply with the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules have been revised from up to $121 million to approximately $40 million over the 2012 through 2014 period, based on the assumption that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule. These potential incremental environmental compliance investments are estimated as follows:

 

     2012    2013    2014

 

          (in millions)     

Proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules

   $1    $10    $30

 

 

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While Mississippi Power’s ultimate costs of compliance with the MATS rule and the proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules remain uncertain, Mississippi Power estimates that compliance costs through 2021 (assuming that coal combustion byproducts will continue to be regulated as non-hazardous solid waste under the proposed rule) will be at the low end of the $1 billion to $2 billion range provided in the Form 10-K. Included in this amount is approximately $354 million that is also included in the 2012 through 2014 base level capital investment of Mississippi Power described herein in anticipation of these rules. See FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY — “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” herein for additional information.

Mississippi Power’s ultimate compliance strategy and actual future environmental capital expenditures are dependent on a final assessment of the MATS rule and will be affected by the final requirements of new or revised environmental regulations that are promulgated; the outcome of any legal challenges to the environmental rules; the cost, availability, and existing inventory of emissions allowances; and Mississippi Power’s fuel mix. Compliance costs may arise from retirement and replacement of existing units, installation of additional environmental controls, upgrades to the transmission system, and changing fuel sources for certain existing units. Mississippi Power’s preliminary analysis further indicates that the short timeframe for compliance with the MATS rule could significantly affect electric system reliability and cause an increase in costs of materials and services. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Air Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — Environmental Statutes and Regulations — Air Quality” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the eight-hour ozone and fine particulate matter air quality standards and the MATS rule.

On May 1, 2012, the EPA released its final determination of nonattainment areas based on the 2008 eight-hour ozone air quality standards. None of the areas within Mississippi Power’s service territory were designated as nonattainment areas.

On June 14, 2012, the EPA proposed a rule that would increase the stringency of the fine particulate matter national ambient air quality standards. If adopted, the proposed standards could result in the designation of new nonattainment areas within Mississippi Power’s service territory. As part of a related settlement, the EPA has agreed to finalize the proposed rule by December 14, 2012. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

Numerous petitions for administrative reconsideration of the MATS rule, including a petition by Southern Company and its subsidiaries, including Mississippi Power, have been filed with the EPA. Challenges to the final rule have also been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by numerous states, environmental organizations, industry groups, and others. The impact of the MATS rule will depend on the outcome of these and any other legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

Water Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — Environmental Statutes and Regulations — Water Quality” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the proposed rules regarding certain cooling water intake structures. The EPA has entered into an amended settlement agreement to extend the deadline for issuing a final rule until June 27, 2013. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

 

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Coal Combustion Byproducts

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Coal Combustion Byproducts” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Environmental groups and other parties have filed lawsuits in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking to require the EPA to complete its rulemaking process and issue final regulations pertaining to the regulation of coal combustion byproducts. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Global Climate Issues

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters — Global Climate Issues” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On April 13, 2012, the EPA published proposed regulations to establish standards of performance for greenhouse gas emissions from new fossil fuel steam electric generating units. As proposed, the standards would not apply to existing units. The EPA has delayed its plans to propose greenhouse gas emissions performance standards for modified sources and emissions guidelines for existing sources. The impact of this rulemaking will depend on the scope and specific requirements of the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

On June 26, 2012, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously rejected all challenges to four of the EPA’s actions relating to the greenhouse gas permitting programs under the Clean Air Act. These rules may impact the amount of time it takes to obtain prevention of significant deterioration permits for new generation and major modifications to existing generating units and the requirements ultimately imposed by those permits. The ultimate impact of these rules cannot be determined at this time and will depend on the outcome of any other legal challenges.

FERC Matters

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “FERC Matters” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “FERC Matters” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On January 20, 2012, Mississippi Power reached a settlement agreement with its wholesale customers, which was executed by all parties on March 9, 2012. The settlement agreement provides that base rates under the cost-based electric tariff will increase by approximately $22.6 million over a 12-month period with revised rates effective April 1, 2012. In 2012, the amount of base rate revenues to be received from the agreed upon increase will be approximately $17.0 million. On March 12, 2012, Mississippi Power filed an unopposed motion to place wholesale Municipal and Rural Associations (MRA) interim rates into effect pending approval of the settlement agreement between the parties by the FERC. On March 28, 2012, the FERC approved the motion to place interim rates into effect beginning in May 2012. Approval of the settlement agreement by the FERC has been delayed until later in 2012. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

 

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PSC Matters

Performance Evaluation Plan

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “PSC Matters — Performance Evaluation Plan” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Performance Evaluation Plan” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Mississippi Power’s base rates.

On April 2, 2012, Mississippi Power filed a motion to suspend the 2011 PEP lookback filing. Unresolved matters related to certain costs included in the 2010 PEP lookback filing also impact the 2011 PEP lookback filing, making it impractical to determine Mississippi Power’s actual retail return on investment for 2011 for purposes of the 2011 PEP lookback filing. An order granting the suspension of the 2011 PEP lookback was signed by the Mississippi PSC on May 8, 2012. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Environmental Compliance Overview Plan

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “PSC Matters — Environmental Compliance Overview Plan” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters — Environmental Compliance Overview Plan” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information on Mississippi Power’s annual environmental filing with the Mississippi PSC.

On February 14, 2012, Mississippi Power submitted its 2012 ECO Plan filing, which proposed a 0.3% increase in annual revenues for Mississippi Power. In compliance with the CPCN to construct a flue gas desulfurization system (scrubber) on Plant Daniel Units 1 and 2, Mississippi Power revised the 2012 ECO Plan filing to exclude scrubber expenditures from rate base, which resulted in a 0.16% decrease in annual revenues. On June 22, 2012, the 2012 ECO Plan filing, including the proposed rate decrease, was approved by the Mississippi PSC, effective on June 29, 2012.

On April 3, 2012, the Mississippi PSC approved Mississippi Power’s request for a CPCN to construct a scrubber on Plant Daniel Units 1 and 2. On May 3, 2012, the Sierra Club filed a notice of appeal of the order with the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi (Chancery Court). These units are jointly owned by Mississippi Power and Gulf Power, with 50% ownership each. The estimated total cost of the project is approximately $660 million, with Mississippi Power’s portion being $330 million, excluding AFUDC. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2015. Mississippi Power’s portion of the cost is expected to be recovered through the ECO Plan. As of June 30, 2012, total project expenditures were $82.0 million, with Mississippi Power’s portion being $41.0 million. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Certificated New Plant

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “PSC Matters — Certificated New Plant” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters — Certificated New Plant” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” herein for additional information.

On May 23, 2012, the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff signed a joint stipulation with Mississippi Power to establish a new rate schedule for CNP-A, a proposed cost recovery mechanism designed specifically to recover financing costs during the construction phase of the Kemper IGCC. An amended and restated stipulation was subsequently executed and filed on June 1, 2012. On June 14, 2012, Mississippi Power submitted to the Mississippi PSC a proposed supplemental compliance filing to establish the new CNP-A rate schedule and a stipulated rate increase based upon the revenue request of between $55.3 million and $58.6 million to recover financing costs over the remainder of 2012.

 

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On June 22, 2012, the Mississippi PSC denied the proposed CNP-A rate schedule and the 2012 rate recovery filings submitted by Mississippi Power, pending a final ruling from the Mississippi Supreme Court regarding the motion for stay and notice of appeal filed by the Sierra Club on April 26, 2012 relating to the Mississippi PSC’s issuance of the CPCN for the Kemper IGCC. On July 9, 2012, Mississippi Power appealed the Mississippi PSC’s June 22, 2012 decision to the Mississippi Supreme Court and requested interim rates under bond of $55.3 million. On July 31, 2012, the Mississippi Supreme Court denied Mississippi Power’s request for interim rates under bond while the Mississippi Supreme Court decides Mississippi Power’s appeal of the Mississippi PSC’s June 22, 2012 decision. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Fuel Cost Recovery

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “PSC Matters — Fuel Cost Recovery” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters — Fuel Cost Recovery” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Mississippi Power’s fuel cost recovery.

At June 30, 2012, the amount of over recovered retail fuel costs included in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein was $55.5 million compared to $42.4 million at December 31, 2011. Mississippi Power also has wholesale MRA and Market Based (MB) fuel cost recovery factors. At June 30, 2012, the amount of over recovered wholesale MRA and MB fuel costs included in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein was $17.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively, compared to $14.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011. In addition, at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the amount of over recovered MRA emissions allowance cost included in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein was $1.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Mississippi Power’s operating revenues are adjusted for differences in actual recoverable fuel cost and amounts billed in accordance with the currently approved cost recovery rate. Accordingly, any changes in the billing factors will not have a significant effect on Mississippi Power’s revenues or net income, but will affect annual cash flow.

Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Mississippi Power’s construction of the Kemper IGCC.

In May 2010, Mississippi Power filed a motion with the Mississippi PSC accepting the conditions contained in the Mississippi PSC order confirming Mississippi Power’s application for a CPCN authorizing the acquisition, construction, and operation of the Kemper IGCC. In June 2010, the Mississippi PSC issued the CPCN (2010 MPSC Order).

In June 2010, the Sierra Club filed an appeal of the Mississippi PSC’s June 2010 decision to grant the CPCN for the Kemper IGCC with the Chancery Court. Subsequently, in July 2010, the Sierra Club also filed an appeal directly with the Mississippi Supreme Court. In October 2010, the Mississippi Supreme Court dismissed the Sierra Club’s direct appeal. In February 2011, the Chancery Court issued a judgment affirming the 2010 MPSC Order and, in March 2011, the Sierra Club appealed the Chancery Court’s decision to the Mississippi Supreme Court. On March 15, 2012, the Mississippi Supreme Court reversed the Chancery Court’s decision and the 2010 MPSC Order and remanded the matter to the Mississippi PSC to correct the 2010 MPSC Order. The Mississippi Supreme Court concluded that the 2010 MPSC Order did not cite in sufficient detail substantial evidence upon which the Mississippi Supreme Court could determine the basis for the findings of the Mississippi PSC granting the CPCN.

 

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On March 30, 2012, the Mississippi PSC issued temporary authorization for the continuation of construction of the Kemper IGCC. On April 24, 2012, the Mississippi PSC issued a detailed order on remand (2012 MPSC Order) confirming the CPCN for the Kemper IGCC subject to the same conditions set forth in the 2010 MPSC Order. On April 26, 2012, the Sierra Club filed a motion for stay and a notice of appeal of the 2012 MPSC Order with the Chancery Court. On May 18, 2012, Mississippi Power’s motion to join the appeal was approved.

The certificated cost estimate of the Kemper IGCC is $2.4 billion, net of $245.3 million of grants awarded to the project by the DOE under the Clean Coal Power Initiative Round 2 (CCPI2) and excluding the cost of the lignite mine and equipment and the carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline facilities. The 2012 MPSC Order, like the 2010 MPSC Order, (1) approved a construction cost cap of up to $2.88 billion (exemptions from the cost cap include the cost of the lignite mine and equipment and the CO2 pipeline facilities and certain general exceptions, including change of law, force majeure, and beneficial capital), (2) provided for the establishment of operational cost and revenue parameters based upon assumptions in Mississippi Power’s proposal, and (3) approved financing cost recovery on CWIP balances not to exceed the certificated cost estimate, which provided for the accrual of AFUDC in 2010 and 2011 and provides for the current recovery of financing costs on 100% of CWIP in 2012, 2013, and through May 1, 2014, (provided that the amount of CWIP allowed is (i) reduced by the amount of state and federal government construction cost incentives received by Mississippi Power in excess of $296 million to the extent that such amount increases cash flow for the pertinent regulatory period and (ii) justified by a showing that such CWIP allowance will benefit customers over the life of the Kemper IGCC). The current cost estimate of the Kemper IGCC is $2.88 billion, including a $72 million contingency.

The Mississippi PSC order established periodic prudence reviews during the annual CWIP review process. Of the total costs incurred through March 2009, $46 million has been reviewed and approved by the Mississippi PSC. A decision regarding the remaining $5 million has been deferred to a later date. The timing of the review of the remaining Kemper IGCC costs has not been determined.

The Kemper IGCC, expected to begin commercial operation in May 2014, will use locally mined lignite (an abundant, lower heating value coal) from a mine adjacent to the Kemper IGCC as fuel. The mine is scheduled to be placed into service in June 2013. In conjunction with the Kemper IGCC, Mississippi Power will own the lignite mine and equipment and has acquired and will continue to acquire mineral reserves located around the Kemper IGCC site in Kemper County. The estimated capital cost of the mine is approximately $245 million, of which $99.9 million has been incurred through June 30, 2012.

In May 2010, Mississippi Power executed a 40-year management fee contract with Liberty Fuels Company, LLC, a subsidiary of The North American Coal Corporation (Liberty Fuels), which will develop, construct, and manage the mining operations. Due to the fact that Liberty Fuels conducts all of its activities on behalf of Mississippi Power, Liberty Fuels qualifies as a variable interest entity for which Mississippi Power is the primary beneficiary. The contract with Liberty Fuels is effective through the end of the mine reclamation. As the mining permit holder, Liberty Fuels has a legal obligation to perform mine reclamation and Mississippi Power has a contractual obligation to fund all reclamation activities. Consistent with the requirements of consolidation accounting, Liberty Fuels is consolidated in the financial statements of Mississippi Power and accordingly the asset retirement cost and the ARO have been recorded in Mississippi Power’s financial statements. In addition to the obligation to fund the reclamation activities, Mississippi Power currently provides working capital support to Liberty Fuels through cash advances for capital purchases, payroll, and other operating expenses.

In December 2011, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) approved the surface coal mining and the water pollution control permits for the mining operations operated by Liberty Fuels. On January 12, 2012, two individuals each filed a notice of appeal and a request for evidentiary hearing with the MDEQ regarding the surface coal mining and water pollution control permits. On March 8, 2012, the MDEQ permit board affirmed its issuance of the surface coal mining and water pollution control permits.

 

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In 2009, Mississippi Power received notification from the IRS formally certifying that the IRS allocated $133 million of Internal Revenue Code Section 48A tax credits (Phase I) to Mississippi Power. In April 2011, Mississippi Power received notification from the IRS formally certifying that the IRS allocated $279 million of Internal Revenue Code Section 48A tax credits (Phase II) to Mississippi Power. The utilization of Phase I and Phase II credits is dependent upon meeting the IRS certification requirements, including an in-service date no later than May 11, 2014 for the Phase I credits and April 19, 2016 for the Phase II credits. In order to remain eligible for the Phase II credits, Mississippi Power plans to capture and sequester (via enhanced oil recovery) at least 65% of the CO2 produced by the Kemper IGCC during operations in accordance with the recapture rules for Section 48A investment tax credits. Through June 30, 2012, Mississippi Power received or accrued tax benefits totaling $197 million for these tax credits, which will be amortized as a reduction to depreciation and amortization over the life of the Kemper IGCC. Based on current tax laws and regulations in effect, Mississippi Power expects to receive substantially all of the tax credits accrued through June 30, 2012 by June 30, 2013.

In July 2010, Mississippi Power and SMEPA entered into an asset purchase agreement whereby SMEPA agreed to purchase a 17.5% undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. In December 2010, Mississippi Power and SMEPA filed a joint petition with the Mississippi PSC requesting regulatory approval of SMEPA’s 17.5% undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. On February 28, 2012, the Mississippi PSC approved the joint petition for the sale and transfer of 17.5% of the Kemper IGCC to SMEPA. On June 29, 2012, Mississippi Power and SMEPA signed an amendment to the asset purchase agreement whereby SMEPA extended its option to purchase until December 31, 2012 and reduced its purchase commitment percentage from a 17.5% to a 15% undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC, subject to approval by the Mississippi PSC. The closing of this transaction is conditioned upon execution of a joint ownership and operating agreement, receipt of all construction permits, appropriate regulatory approvals, financing, and other conditions.

On March 6, 2012, Mississippi Power received a $150 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA to be applied to the purchase. While the expectation is that the amount will be applied to the purchase price at closing, Mississippi Power would be required to refund the deposit upon the termination of the asset purchase agreement, within 60 days of a request by SMEPA for a full or partial refund, or within 15 days at SMEPA’s discretion in the event that Mississippi Power is assigned a senior unsecured credit rating of BBB+ or lower by S&P or Baa1 or lower by Moody’s or ceases to be rated by either of these rating agencies. Given the interest-bearing nature of the deposit and SMEPA’s ability to request a refund, the deposit has been presented as a current liability in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein and as financing proceeds in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Statement of Cash Flows herein.

As of June 30, 2012, Mississippi Power had spent a total of $1.7 billion on the Kemper IGCC including the cost of the lignite mine and equipment, the CO2 pipeline facilities, and regulatory filing costs. Of this total, $1.6 billion was included in CWIP (which is net of $245.3 million of CCPI2 grant funds), $29.0 million was recorded in other regulatory assets, $2.6 million was recorded in other deferred charges and assets, and $1.0 million was previously expensed.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “PSC Matters — Certificated New Plant” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters  — Certificated New Plant” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and “PSC Matters — Certificated New Plant” herein for information on the proposed rate schedules related to the Kemper IGCC.

The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

 

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Income Tax Matters

Bonus Depreciation

In December 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (Tax Relief Act) was signed into law. Major tax incentives in the Tax Relief Act include 100% bonus depreciation for property placed in service after September 8, 2010 and through 2011 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2012) and 50% bonus depreciation for property placed in service in 2012 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2013). Due to the significant amount of estimated bonus depreciation for 2012, the utilization of a portion of Mississippi Power’s tax credits has been delayed, thereby offsetting the positive cash flow benefit of bonus depreciation for Mississippi Power in 2012. Mississippi Power expects to receive substantially all of the tax credits accrued through June 30, 2012 by June 30, 2013.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” herein for additional information.

Other Matters

Mississippi Power is involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could affect future earnings. In addition, Mississippi Power is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Mississippi Power’s business activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment, such as regulation of air emissions and water discharges. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as air quality and water standards, has increased generally throughout the U.S. In particular, personal injury and other claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials, and common law nuisance claims for injunctive relief and property damage allegedly caused by greenhouse gas and other emissions, have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against Mississippi Power cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported in Note (B) herein or in Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on Mississippi Power’s financial statements.

See the Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for a discussion of various other contingencies, regulatory matters, and other matters being litigated which may affect future earnings potential.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Mississippi Power prepares its financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may have a material impact on Mississippi Power’s results of operations and related disclosures. Different assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those recorded in the financial statements. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — ACCOUNTING POLICIES — “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a complete discussion of Mississippi Power’s critical accounting policies and estimates related to Electric Utility Regulation, Contingent Obligations, Unbilled Revenues, and Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Overview

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY — “Overview” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information. Mississippi Power’s financial condition remained stable at June 30, 2012. Mississippi Power intends to continue to monitor its access to short-term and long-term capital markets as well as its bank credit arrangements to meet future capital and liquidity needs. See “Sources of Capital,” “Financing Activities,” and “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” herein for additional information.

Net cash provided from operating activities totaled $44.2 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $90.7 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The $46.5 million decrease in cash provided from operating activities is primarily due to a $15.6 million decrease in investment tax credits received, a $16.0 million decrease in hedge settlements related to the settlement of interest rate swaps, a $24.0 million increase in fuel inventory, and a $14.5 million decrease in accounts payable primarily due to timing of cash payments. These decreases in cash provided from operating activities are partially offset by a $26.6 million increase in over recovered regulatory clause revenues primarily due to lower fuel costs.

Net cash used for investing activities totaled $711.1 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $198.2 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The $512.9 million increase in net cash used for investing activities is primarily due to an increase in property additions of $398.4 million primarily related to the Kemper IGCC, a $50.0 million decrease in restricted cash, a $25.3 million increase in construction payable, and an $85.5 million decrease in capital grant proceeds related to CCPI2 and smart grid investment grants.

Net cash provided from financing activities totaled $608.7 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $6.4 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The $602.3 million increase in net cash provided from financing activities was primarily due to the issuance of $400.0 million of senior notes in March 2012, a $176.8 million increase in capital contributions from Southern Company, a $75.0 million decrease in other long-term debt issuances, and the receipt of a $150.0 million interest-bearing refundable deposit related to a pending asset sale, partially offset by a $35.0 million increase in redemptions of long-term debt in the second quarter 2012 compared to the corresponding period in 2011.

Significant balance sheet changes for the first six months of 2012 include a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $58.2 million primarily due to $165.0 million of long-term debt redemptions and payments and increased capital spending, partially offset by the issuance of $400.0 million of senior notes and the receipt of a $150.0 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA to be applied towards its pending purchase of an undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. Prepaid income taxes increased $154.3 million primarily due to the Kemper IGCC investment tax credit. Total property, plant, and equipment increased $764.7 million primarily due to the increase in CWIP related to the Kemper IGCC. Interest-bearing refundable deposit related to an asset sale increased $150.0 million due to the receipt of the $150.0 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA. Long-term debt increased $307.1 million primarily due to the issuance of $400.0 million of senior notes, partially offset by the redemption of $90.0 million of senior notes. Paid-in capital increased $280.3 million primarily due to a $275.0 million capital contribution from Southern Company.

 

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Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY — “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a description of Mississippi Power’s capital requirements for its construction program, including estimated capital expenditures to comply with existing environmental regulations, lease obligations, purchase commitments, derivative obligations, preferred stock dividends, and trust funding requirements. Approximately $165 million will be required through June 30, 2013 to fund maturities of long-term debt.

See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Statutes and Regulations — General” herein for a description of Mississippi Power’s estimated capital expenditures to comply with the MATS rule and proposed water and coal combustion byproducts rules.

See Note 7 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information on Mississippi Power’s construction program. The construction program of Mississippi Power is currently estimated to include a base level investment of $1.8 billion, $843 million, and $418 million for 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively. Included in these estimated amounts are expenditures related to the Kemper IGCC of $1.6 billion, $603 million, and $141 million in 2012, 2013, and 2014, respectively, which include additional AFUDC due to the delay in the rate recovery and are net of SMEPA’s 15% expected ownership share of the Kemper IGCC of approximately $482 million and $14 million in 2013 and 2014, respectively. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL  — “PSC Matters — Certificated New Plant” and “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” herein for additional information.

The construction program is subject to periodic review and revision, and actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of numerous factors. These factors include: changes in business conditions; changes in load projections; storm impacts; changes in environmental statutes and regulations; the outcome of any legal challenges to environmental rules; changes in generating plants, including unit retirements and replacements and adding or changing fuel sources at existing units, to meet new regulatory requirements; changes in FERC rules and regulations; Mississippi PSC approvals; changes in legislation; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; project scope and design changes; and the cost of capital. In addition, there can be no assurance that costs related to capital expenditures will be fully recovered.

Sources of Capital

Except as described below with respect to potential DOE loan guarantees, Mississippi Power plans to obtain the funds required for construction and other purposes from sources similar to those used in the past, which were primarily funds from operating cash flows, security issuances, term loans, short-term borrowings, and equity contributions from Southern Company. However, the amount, type, and timing of any future financings, if needed, will depend upon regulatory approval, prevailing market conditions, and other factors. During the first six months of 2012, Mississippi Power received $275 million in capital contributions from Southern Company. On July 13, 2012, Mississippi Power received $150 million in additional capital contributions from Southern Company. On March 6, 2012, Mississippi Power received a $150 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA towards its pending purchase of an undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. Until the acquisition is closed, the deposit bears interest at Mississippi Power’s AFUDC rate, which was 9.967% per annum at June 30, 2012. While the expectation is that the amount will be applied to the purchase price at closing, Mississippi Power would be required to refund the deposit upon the termination of the asset purchase agreement, within 60 days of a request by SMEPA for a full or partial refund, or within 15 days at SMEPA’s discretion in the event that Mississippi Power is assigned a senior unsecured credit rating of BBB+ or lower by S&P or Baa1 or lower by Moody’s or ceases to be rated by either of these rating agencies. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY — “Sources of Capital” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Mississippi Power has applied to the DOE for federal loan guarantees to finance a portion of the eligible construction costs of the Kemper IGCC. Mississippi Power is in advanced due diligence with the DOE. There can be no assurance that the DOE will issue federal loan guarantees to Mississippi Power. In the event that the DOE does not issue a conditional commitment or a final definitive loan guarantee, Mississippi Power intends to finance the construction of the Kemper IGCC through traditional capital markets financings. Mississippi Power has received $245.3 million in DOE CCPI2 grant funds that were used for the construction of the Kemper IGCC. An additional $25 million in CCPI2 grant funds is expected to be received for the initial operation of the Kemper IGCC.

Mississippi Power’s current liabilities sometimes exceed current assets because of the continued use of short-term debt as a funding source to meet scheduled maturities of long-term debt, as well as cash needs, which can fluctuate significantly due to the seasonality of the business.

At June 30, 2012, Mississippi Power had approximately $153.4 million of cash and cash equivalents. Committed credit arrangements with banks at June 30, 2012, including expiration dates, were as follows:

 

Expires       Executable Term
Loans
  Due Within One
Year(a)
    2012       2013       2014       Total       Unused       One
    Year
  Two    
Years    
      Term
    Out
  No Term
Out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(in millions)   (in millions)   (in millions)   (in millions)
$41   $95   $165   $301   $301   $25   $41   $66   $70

 

(a) Reflects facilities expiring on or before June 30, 2013.

See Note 6 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Bank Credit Arrangements” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (E) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Bank Credit Arrangements” herein for additional information.

Most of these arrangements contain covenants that limit debt levels and typically contain cross default provisions that are restricted only to the indebtedness of Mississippi Power. Mississippi Power is currently in compliance with all such covenants. Mississippi Power expects to renew its credit arrangements, as needed, prior to expiration. These credit arrangements provide liquidity support to Mississippi Power’s commercial paper borrowings and variable rate pollution control revenue bonds. The amount of variable rate pollution control revenue bonds outstanding requiring liquidity support as of June 30, 2012 was approximately $40 million.

Mississippi Power may also meet short-term cash needs through a Southern Company subsidiary organized to issue and sell commercial paper at the request and for the benefit of Mississippi Power and the other traditional operating companies. Proceeds from such issuances for the benefit of Mississippi Power are loaned directly to Mississippi Power. The obligations of each traditional operating company under these arrangements are several and there is no cross affiliate credit support.

Mississippi Power had no commercial paper or short-term debt outstanding during the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Management believes that the need for working capital can be adequately met by utilizing commercial paper, lines of credit, and cash.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Credit Rating Risk

Mississippi Power does not have any credit arrangements with banks that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change to below BBB- and/or Baa3. These contracts are for physical electricity sales, fuel purchases, fuel transportation and storage, emissions allowances, and energy price risk management. At June 30, 2012, the maximum potential collateral requirements under these contracts at a rating below BBB- and/or Baa3 were approximately $311 million. Included in these amounts are certain agreements that could require collateral in the event that one or more Power Pool participant has a credit rating change to below investment grade. Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. Mississippi Power also has entered into an asset purchase agreement with SMEPA for the pending purchase of an undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC that could require a refund of the $150 million deposit within 15 days at SMEPA’s discretion in the event that Mississippi Power is assigned a senior unsecured credit rating of BBB+ or lower by S&P or Baa1 or lower by Moody’s or ceases to be rated by either of these rating agencies. Additionally, any credit rating downgrade could impact Mississippi Power’s ability to access capital markets, particularly the short-term debt market.

On July 3, 2012, Fitch downgraded the issuer default and unsecured long-term debt ratings of Mississippi Power to A- from A and to A from A+, respectively. Fitch also announced that it had downgraded the pollution control revenue bond ratings of Mississippi Power to A from A+ and the preferred stock ratings of Mississippi Power to BBB+ from A-. Fitch revised the ratings outlook for Mississippi Power to negative from stable.

Market Price Risk

Mississippi Power’s market risk exposure relative to interest rate changes for the second quarter 2012 has not changed materially compared with the December 31, 2011 reporting period. Since a significant portion of outstanding indebtedness is at fixed rates, Mississippi Power is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would significantly affect exposures on existing indebtedness in the near term. However, the impact on future financing costs cannot now be determined.

Due to cost-based rate regulation and other various cost recovery mechanisms, Mississippi Power continues to have limited exposure to market volatility in interest rates, foreign currency, commodity fuel prices, and prices of electricity. To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, Mississippi Power enters into physical fixed-price contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity market. Mississippi Power continues to manage retail fuel-hedging programs implemented per the guidelines of the Mississippi PSC and wholesale fuel-hedging programs under agreements with wholesale customers. As such, Mississippi Power had no material change in market risk exposure for the second quarter 2012 when compared with the December 31, 2011 reporting period.

The changes in fair value of energy-related derivative contracts, substantially all of which are composed of regulatory hedges, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

  

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

     Fair Value
     (in millions)

Contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period, assets (liabilities), net

   $(56)    $(51)

Contracts realized or settled

     15      25

Current period changes(a)

       4      (11)

 

Contracts outstanding at the end of the period, assets (liabilities), net

   $(37)    $(37)

 

 

(a) Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into during the period, if any.

 

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MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The changes in the fair value positions of the energy-related derivative contracts, which are substantially all attributable to both the volume and the price of natural gas, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

  

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

     Fair Value
  

 

     (in millions)

Natural gas swaps

   $14    $11

Natural gas options

     5      3

Other energy-related derivatives

   —     — 

 

Total changes

   $19    $14

 

The net hedge volumes of energy-related derivative contracts were as follows:

 

     June 30,
2012
   March 31,
2012
   December 31,
2011

 

     mmBtu Volume
     (in millions)

Commodity – Natural gas swaps

   29    21    22

Commodity – Natural gas options

     5      7      9

 

Total hedge volume

   34    28    31

 

The weighted average swap contract cost above market prices was approximately $1.08 per mmBtu as of June 30, 2012, $2.13 per mmBtu as of March 31, 2012, and $1.98 per mmBtu as of December 31, 2011. The change in option premiums is primarily attributable to the volatility of the market and the underlying change in the natural gas price. The majority of the costs associated with natural gas hedges are recovered through Mississippi Power’s energy cost management clause (ECM).

Regulatory hedges relate to Mississippi Power’s fuel-hedging program where gains and losses are initially recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, and then are included in fuel expense as they are recovered through Mississippi Power’s ECM.

Unrealized pre-tax gains and losses recognized in income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 for energy-related derivative contracts that are not hedges were not material.

Mississippi Power uses over-the-counter contracts that are not exchange traded but are fair valued using prices which are market observable, and thus fall into Level 2. See Note (C) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for further discussion on fair value measurements. The maturities of the energy-related derivative contracts and the level of the fair value hierarchy in which they fall at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

          June 30, 2012
Fair Value Measurements

 

     Total    Maturity
     Fair Value    Year 1    Years 2&3    Years 4&5

 

     (in millions)

Level 1

   $ —     $ —     $ —     $— 

Level 2

     (37)      (25)      (11)      (1)

Level 3

      —        —        —      —

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at end of period

   $(37)    $(25)    $(11)    $(1)

 

 

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MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) enacted in July 2010 could impact the use of over-the-counter derivatives by Mississippi Power. Regulations to implement the Dodd-Frank Act will impose additional requirements on the use of over-the-counter derivatives for both Mississippi Power and its derivative counterparties, which could affect both the use and cost of over-the-counter derivatives. Although all relevant regulations have not been finalized, Mississippi Power does not expect the impact of these rules to be material.

For additional information, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Market Price Risk” of Mississippi Power in Item 7 and Note 1 under “Financial Instruments” and Note 10 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein.

Financing Activities

In March 2012, Mississippi Power issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2012A 4.25% Senior Notes due March 15, 2042 and an additional $150 million aggregate principal amount of Series 2011A 2.35% Senior Notes due October 15, 2016. The Series 2011A Senior Notes were of the same series of notes that were originally issued in October 2011 in the aggregate principal amount of $150 million. Upon completion of this offering, the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Series 2011A Senior Notes was $300 million. The proceeds from the sales of the Series 2012A Senior Notes and the Series 2011A Senior Notes were used to repay a bank loan in an aggregate principal amount of $75 million and for general corporate purposes, including Mississippi Power’s continuous construction program.

In March 2012, $300 million in interest rate swaps were settled, of which $250 million related to the Series 2012A Senior Notes at a loss of approximately $13.3 million, which will be amortized to interest expense, in earnings, over 10 years, and $50 million related to the Series 2011A Senior Notes at a loss of approximately $2.7 million, which will be amortized to interest expense, in earnings, over 10 years.

On March 6, 2012, Mississippi Power received a $150 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA to be applied to the sale price for the pending sale of an undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. Until the acquisition is closed, the deposit bears interest at Mississippi Power’s AFUDC rate, which was 9.967% per annum at June 30, 2012, and is refundable to SMEPA upon termination of the asset purchase agreement related to such purchase, within 60 days of a request by SMEPA for a full or partial refund, or within 15 days at SMEPA’s discretion in the event that Mississippi Power is assigned a senior unsecured credit rating of BBB+ or lower by S&P or Baa1 or lower by Moody’s or ceases to be rated by either of these rating agencies.

In May 2012, Mississippi Power redeemed $90 million aggregate principal amount of Series E 5-5/8% Senior Notes due May 1, 2033.

In addition to any financings that may be necessary to meet capital requirements and contractual obligations, Mississippi Power plans to continue, when economically feasible, a program to retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit.

 

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SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY

AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

 

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SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

    

For the Three Months

Ended June 30,

   

For the Six Months

Ended June 30,

 
     2012     2011     2012     2011  
     (in thousands)     (in thousands)  

Operating Revenues:

        

Wholesale revenues, non-affiliates

   $ 177,865      $ 232,960      $ 318,422      $ 430,126   

Wholesale revenues, affiliates

     105,950        70,569        217,738        153,843   

Other revenues

     1,990        1,680        3,326        3,027   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating revenues

     285,805        305,209        539,486        586,996   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Expenses:

        

Fuel

     91,551        101,158        180,629        203,873   

Purchased power, non-affiliates

     22,514        19,664        43,164        28,606   

Purchased power, affiliates

     2,914        22,178        5,254        37,277   

Other operations and maintenance

     40,205        40,047        88,594        82,801   

Depreciation and amortization

     34,016        30,805        65,929        60,972   

Taxes other than income taxes

     4,567        4,565        9,535        9,328   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     195,767        218,417        393,105        422,857   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating Income

     90,038        86,792        146,381        164,139   

Other Income and (Expense):

        

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

     (13,949     (17,774     (27,591     (36,603

Other income (expense), net

     (194     (260     (164     (201
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income and (expense)

     (14,143     (18,034     (27,755     (36,804
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings Before Income Taxes

     75,895        68,758        118,626        127,335   

Income taxes

     29,293        24,157        42,708        44,991   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Income

   $ 46,602      $ 44,601      $ 75,918      $ 82,344   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

    

For the Three Months

Ended June 30,

   

For the Six Months

Ended June 30,

 
     2012      2011     2012     2011  
     (in thousands)     (in thousands)  

Net Income

   $ 46,602       $ 44,601      $ 75,918      $ 82,344   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

         

Qualifying hedges:

         

Changes in fair value, net of tax of $53, $(23), $(120) and $400, respectively

     88         (35     (186     608   

Reclassification adjustment for amounts included in net income, net of tax of $956, $1,084, $1,912 and $2,155, respectively

     1,529         1,631        3,039        3,261   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

     1,617         1,596        2,853        3,869   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   $ 48,219       $ 46,197      $ 78,771      $ 86,213   
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

    

For the Six Months

Ended June 30,

 
     2012     2011  
     (in thousands)  

Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 75,918      $ 82,344   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities —

    

Depreciation and amortization, total

     71,834        65,877   

Deferred income taxes

     58,921        12,315   

Convertible investment tax credits

     1,750        62,298   

Deferred revenues

     (16,431     (23,776

Mark-to-market adjustments

     (3,847     853   

Other, net

     1,927        3,590   

Changes in certain current assets and liabilities —

    

-Receivables

     (30,101     (19,276

-Fossil fuel stock

     (3,301     41   

-Materials and supplies

     (7,761     (4,431

-Prepaid income taxes

     (32,804     1,282   

-Other current assets

     (377     1,810   

-Accounts payable

     (494     3,079   

-Accrued taxes

     13,295        7,737   

-Accrued interest

     409        50   

-Other current liabilities

     (195     (497
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from operating activities

     128,743        193,296   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

    

Plant acquisition

     (86,500       

Property additions

     (67,846     (162,004

Change in construction payables

     (1,168     (14,231

Payments pursuant to long-term service agreements

     (36,316     (24,874

Other investing activities

     153        (3,212
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used for investing activities

     (191,677     (204,321
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

    

Increase (decrease) in notes payable, net

     107,147        (68,941

Proceeds — Capital contributions

     490        120,574   

                  Other long-term debt

     3,590          

Repayments — Other long-term debt

     (650     (3,116

Payment of common stock dividends

     (63,500     (45,600

Other financing activities

     2,746        146   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided from financing activities

     49,823        3,063   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (13,111     (7,962

Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period

     16,943        14,204   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 3,832      $ 6,242   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Information:

    

Cash paid (received) during the period for —

    

Interest (net of $12,941 and $8,855 capitalized for 2012 and 2011, respectively)

   $ 21,461      $ 37,413   

Income taxes, net

     13,708        (31,142

Noncash transactions — accrued property additions at end of period

     46,922        21,077   

The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Assets

   At June 30,
2012
     At December 31,
2011
 
     (in thousands)  

Current Assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,832       $ 16,943   

Receivables —

     

Customer accounts receivable

     74,413         59,360   

Other accounts receivable

     2,792         2,122   

Affiliated companies

     52,796         36,508   

Fossil fuel stock, at average cost

     16,339         13,038   

Materials and supplies, at average cost

     45,700         37,603   

Prepaid service agreements—current

     59,784         28,621   

Prepaid income taxes

     43,720         5,192   

Other prepaid expenses

     4,390         4,645   

Assets from risk management activities

     393         177   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     304,159         204,209   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Property, Plant, and Equipment:

     

In service

     3,602,377         3,167,840   

Less accumulated provision for depreciation

     710,351         652,087   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Plant in service, net of depreciation

     2,892,026         2,515,753   

Construction work in progress

     407,289         666,280   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total property, plant, and equipment

     3,299,315         3,182,033   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Property and Investments:

     

Goodwill

     1,839         1,839   

Other intangible assets, net of amortization of $1,867 and $1,476 at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively

     47,253         47,644   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other property and investments

     49,092         49,483   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred Charges and Other Assets:

     

Prepaid long-term service agreements

     100,971         115,838   

Other deferred charges and assets — affiliated

     5,259         3,029   

Other deferred charges and assets — non-affiliated

     26,637         26,385   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deferred charges and other assets

     132,867         145,252   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 3,785,433       $ 3,580,977   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

   At June 30,
2012
    At December 31,
2011
 
     (in thousands)  

Current Liabilities:

    

Securities due within one year

   $      $ 555   

Notes payable — non-affiliated

     289,241        179,520   

Accounts payable —

    

Affiliated

     60,378        63,609   

Other

     46,360        44,321   

Accrued taxes —

    

Accrued income taxes

     5,473        2,548   

Other accrued taxes

     10,526        2,158   

Accrued interest

     22,284        21,874   

Liabilities from risk management activities

     6,645        9,651   

Other current liabilities

     18,940        7,401   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     459,847        331,637   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term Debt

     1,303,691        1,302,758   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:

    

Accumulated deferred income taxes

     382,832        319,790   

Deferred convertible investment tax credits

     131,696        125,065   

Deferred capacity revenues — affiliated

     8,389        20,637   

Other deferred credits and liabilities — affiliated

     3,147        3,618   

Other deferred credits and liabilities — non-affiliated

     4,743        4,965   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deferred credits and other liabilities

     530,807        474,075   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     2,294,345        2,108,470   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest

     6,644        3,825   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common Stockholder’s Equity:

    

Common stock, par value $.01 per share —

    

Authorized — 1,000,000 shares

    

Outstanding — 1,000 shares

              

Paid-in capital

     1,028,701        1,028,210   

Retained earnings

     459,719        447,301   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (3,976     (6,829
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total common stockholder’s equity

     1,484,444        1,468,682   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity

   $ 3,785,433      $ 3,580,977   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes as they relate to Southern Power are an integral part of these condensed financial statements.

 

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SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SECOND QUARTER 2012 vs. SECOND QUARTER 2011

AND

YEAR-TO-DATE 2012 vs. YEAR-TO-DATE 2011

OVERVIEW

Southern Power and its wholly-owned subsidiaries construct, acquire, own, and manage generation assets, including renewable energy projects, and sell electricity at market-based prices in the wholesale market. Southern Power continues to execute its strategy through a combination of acquiring and constructing new power plants and by entering into PPAs primarily with investor owned utilities, independent power producers, municipalities, and electric cooperatives. In accordance with this strategy, the Nacogdoches biomass plant began commercial operation on June 22, 2012. See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Construction Projects” herein for additional information.

To evaluate operating results and to ensure Southern Power’s ability to meet its contractual commitments to customers, Southern Power focuses on several key performance indicators. These indicators include peak season equivalent forced outage rate (Peak Season EFOR), contract availability, and net income. Peak Season EFOR defines the hours during peak demand times when Southern Power’s generating units are not available due to forced outages (the lower the better). Contract availability measures the percentage of scheduled hours that a unit was available. Net income is the primary measure of Southern Power’s financial performance. For additional information on these indicators, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — OVERVIEW — “Key Performance Indicators” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Income

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$2.0

   4.5    $(6.4)    (7.8)

 

Southern Power’s net income for the second quarter 2012 was $46.6 million compared to $44.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to an increase in energy revenues from sales to affiliates under the IIC, lower fuel and purchased power expenses, and lower interest expense. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in energy revenues from non-affiliates, a decrease in capacity revenues due to a reduction in total MWs of capacity under long-term contracts, increased depreciation, and higher income taxes.

Southern Power’s net income for year-to-date 2012 was $75.9 million compared to $82.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in energy revenues from non-affiliates, a decrease in capacity revenues due to a reduction in total MWs of capacity under long-term contracts, an increase in depreciation, and an increase in other operations and maintenance expenses. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in energy revenues from sales to affiliates under the IIC, lower fuel and purchased power expenses, and lower interest expense.

 

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Wholesale Revenues — Non-Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(55.1)

   (23.6)    $(111.7)    (26.0)

 

Wholesale energy sales to non-affiliates will vary depending on the energy demand of those customers and their generation capacity, as well as the market prices of wholesale energy compared to the cost of Southern Power’s energy. Increases and decreases in revenues that are driven by fuel prices are accompanied by an increase or decrease in fuel costs and do not have a significant impact on net income.

Wholesale revenues from non-affiliates for the second quarter 2012 were $177.9 million compared to $233.0 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $60.8 million decrease in energy sales, reflecting a 40.3% decrease in the average price of energy, partially offset by a 1.8% increase in KWH sales. The decrease in revenue from energy sales was partially offset by a $5.7 million increase in capacity revenue due to an increase in the total MWs of capacity under contract with non-affiliates.

Wholesale energy sales to non-affiliates for year-to-date 2012 were $318.4 million compared to $430.1 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $121.3 million decrease in energy sales, reflecting a 41.7% decrease in the average price of energy and a 4.0% decrease in KWH sales. The decrease in revenue from energy sales was partially offset by a $9.6 million increase in capacity revenue due to an increase in the total MWs of capacity under contract with non-affiliates.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Power Sales Agreements” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Wholesale Revenues — Affiliates

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$35.4

   50.1    $63.9    41.5

 

Wholesale energy sales to affiliated companies within the Southern Company system will vary depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources at each company. Sales to affiliate companies that are not covered by PPAs are made in accordance with the IIC, as approved by the FERC.

Wholesale revenues from affiliates for the second quarter 2012 were $106.0 million compared to $70.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily the result of a $45.4 million increase in energy sales under the IIC, reflecting a 435.1% increase in KWH sales, partially offset by a 37.4% reduction in the average price of energy. The increase in revenue from energy sales was partially offset by an $8.6 million decrease in capacity revenue due to a decrease in total MWs of capacity under contract with affiliates.

Wholesale revenues from affiliates for year-to-date 2012 were $217.7 million compared to $153.8 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily the result of an $87.2 million increase in energy sales under the IIC, reflecting a 360.3% increase in KWH sales, partially offset by a 40.6% reduction in the average price of energy. The increase in revenue from energy sales was partially offset by a $20.6 million decrease in capacity revenue due to a decrease in total MWs of capacity under contract with affiliates.

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Power Sales Agreements” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

 

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Fuel and Purchased Power Expenses

 

    

Second Quarter 2012

vs.

Second Quarter 2011

 

Year-to-Date 2012

vs.

Year-to-Date 2011

 

     (change in millions)   (% change)   (change in millions)   (% change)

Fuel

   $(9.6)     (9.5)   $(23.3)     (11.4)

Purchased power — non-affiliates

     2.9   14.5   14.5   50.9

Purchased power — affiliates

   (19.3)     (86.9)   (32.0)   (85.9)

 

   

 

 

Total fuel and purchased power expenses

   $(26.0)       $(40.8)  

 

   

 

 

Southern Power PPAs generally provide that the purchasers are responsible for substantially all of the cost of fuel. Consequently, any increase or decrease in fuel costs is generally accompanied by an increase or decrease in related fuel revenues and does not have a significant impact on net income. Southern Power is responsible for the cost of fuel for generating units that are not covered under PPAs. Power from these generating units is sold into the market or sold to affiliates under the IIC.

Purchased power expenses will vary depending on demand and the availability and cost of generating resources throughout the Southern Company system and other available contract resources. Load requirements are submitted to the Power Pool on an hourly basis and are fulfilled with the lowest cost alternative, whether that is generation owned by Southern Power, affiliate-owned generation, or external purchases.

In the second quarter 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $117.0 million compared to $143.0 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Fuel and purchased power expenses decreased $83.3 million due to a 44.8% decrease in the average cost of fuel and a 26.1% decrease in the average cost of purchased power. The decrease was partially offset by a $57.3 million net increase associated with a 43.1% increase in the volume of KWHs generated and purchased.

For year-to-date 2012, total fuel and purchased power expenses were $229.0 million compared to $269.8 million for the corresponding period in 2011. Fuel and purchased power expenses decreased $146.9 million due to a 41.8% decrease in the average cost of fuel and a 25.9% decrease in the average cost of purchased power. The decrease was partially offset by a $106.2 million net increase associated with a 41.3% increase in the volume of KWHs generated and purchased.

In the second quarter 2012, fuel expense was $91.6 million compared to $101.2 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to a $74.4 million decrease associated with the cost of fuel, partially offset by a $64.8 million increase associated with the volume of KWHs generated.

For year-to-date 2012, fuel expense was $180.6 million compared to $203.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to a $130.0 million decrease associated with the cost of fuel, partially offset by a $106.8 million increase associated with the volume of KWHs generated.

In the second quarter 2012, purchased power expenses were $25.4 million compared to $41.8 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to an $8.9 million decrease associated with the cost of purchased power and a $7.5 million decrease associated with the volume of KWHs purchased.

For year-to-date 2012, purchased power expenses were $48.4 million compared to $65.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was due to a $16.9 million decrease associated with the cost of purchased power and a $0.5 million decrease associated with the volume of KWHs purchased.

 

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Other Operations and Maintenance Expenses

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$0.2

   0.4    $5.8    7.0

 

In the second quarter 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $40.2 million compared to $40.0 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was not material.

For year-to-date 2012, other operations and maintenance expenses were $88.6 million compared to $82.8 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $4.0 million increase in administrative and general expenses primarily due to increases in business development expenses and affiliate service company expense allocated based on load and fuel burn and a $1.1 million increase in transmission cost.

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$3.2

   10.4    $5.0    8.1

 

In the second quarter 2012, depreciation and amortization was $34.0 million compared to $30.8 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $1.3 million increase in depreciation resulting from an increase in plant in service, a $0.9 million increase due to higher depreciation rates from a depreciation study adopted in January 2012, and a $1.0 million increase in depreciation related to asset retirements.

For year-to-date 2012, depreciation and amortization was $65.9 million compared to $60.9 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $2.6 million increase in depreciation resulting from an increase in plant in service, a $1.7 million increase due to higher depreciation rates from a depreciation study adopted in January 2012, and a $0.6 million increase in depreciation related to asset retirements.

Interest Expense, Net of Amounts Capitalized

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$(3.9)

   (21.5)    $(9.0)    (24.6)

 

In the second quarter 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $13.9 million compared to $17.8 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $2.2 million expense reduction associated with the refinancing of $575 million in long-term debt in 2011 and a $1.8 million increase in capitalized interest associated with the construction of the Cleveland County combustion turbine generating plant and the Nacogdoches biomass plant.

For year-to-date 2012, interest expense, net of amounts capitalized was $27.6 million compared to $36.6 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $4.4 million expense reduction associated with the refinancing of $575 million in long-term debt in 2011 and a $4.1 million increase in capitalized interest associated with the construction of the Cleveland County combustion turbine generating plant and the Nacogdoches biomass plant.

See FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Construction Projects” herein for additional information.

 

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Income Taxes

 

Second Quarter 2012 vs. Second Quarter 2011    Year-to-Date 2012 vs. Year-to-Date 2011

 

(change in millions)    (% change)    (change in millions)    (% change)

$5.1

   21.3    $(2.3)    (5.1)

 

In the second quarter 2012, income taxes were $29.3 million compared to $24.2 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a $2.9 million increase associated with higher pre-tax earnings, a $1.2 million increase related to a decrease in investment tax credits (ITCs) recognized associated with the construction of the Nacogdoches biomass plant, and a $1.2 million increase in Alabama state income taxes due to a decrease in the state income tax deduction for federal income taxes paid.

For year-to-date 2012, income taxes were $42.7 million compared to $45.0 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a $3.4 million decrease associated with lower pre-tax earnings and a $2.2 million decrease due to the conclusion of prior year IRS audits, partially offset by a $2.5 million increase related to a decrease in ITCs recognized associated with the construction of the Nacogdoches biomass plant and a $1.2 million increase in Alabama state income taxes due to a decrease in the state income tax deduction for federal income taxes paid.

FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL

The results of operations discussed above are not necessarily indicative of Southern Power’s future earnings potential. The level of Southern Power’s future earnings depends on numerous factors that affect the opportunities, challenges, and risks of Southern Power’s competitive wholesale business. These factors include: Southern Power’s ability to achieve sales growth while containing costs; regulatory matters; creditworthiness of customers; total generating capacity available in Southern Power’s target market areas; the successful remarketing of capacity as current contracts expire; and Southern Power’s ability to execute its acquisition strategy and to construct generating facilities. Other factors that could influence future earnings include weather, demand, generation patterns, and operational limitations. General economic conditions have lowered demand and have negatively impacted capacity revenues under Southern Power’s PPAs where the amounts purchased are based on demand. Southern Power is unable to predict whether demand under these PPAs will return to pre-recession levels. The timing and extent of the economic recovery is uncertain and will impact future earnings. For additional information relating to these issues, see RISK FACTORS in Item 1A and MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K.

Environmental Matters

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL — “Environmental Matters” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for information on the development by federal and state environmental regulatory agencies of additional control strategies for emissions of air pollution from industrial sources, including electric generating facilities. Compliance with possible additional federal or state legislation or regulations related to global climate change, air quality, or other environmental and health concerns could also significantly affect Southern Power. While Southern Power’s PPAs generally contain provisions that permit charging the counterparty with some of the new costs incurred as a result of changes in environmental laws and regulations, the full impact of any such regulatory or legislative changes cannot be determined at this time.

 

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Climate Change Litigation

Hurricane Katrina Case

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Climate Change Litigation – Hurricane Katrina Case” of Southern Power in Item 7 and Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Power under “Climate Change Litigation – Hurricane Katrina Case” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. On March 20, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi dismissed the amended class action complaint filed in May 2011 by the plaintiffs. On April 16, 2012, the plaintiffs appealed the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Water Quality

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Environmental Statutes and Regulations – Water Quality” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information on the proposed rules regarding certain cooling water intake structures. The EPA has entered into an amended settlement agreement to extend the deadline for issuing a final rule until June 27, 2013. The ultimate outcome of this rulemaking will depend on the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and cannot be determined at this time.

Global Climate Issues

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Environmental Matters – Global Climate Issues” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On April 13, 2012, the EPA published proposed regulations to establish standards of performance for greenhouse gas emissions from new fossil fuel steam electric generating units. As proposed, the standards would not apply to existing units. The EPA has delayed its plans to propose greenhouse gas emissions performance standards for modified sources and emissions guidelines for existing sources. The impact of this rulemaking will depend on the scope and specific requirements of the final rule and the outcome of any legal challenges and, therefore, cannot be determined at this time.

On June 26, 2012, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously rejected all challenges to four of the EPA’s actions relating to the greenhouse gas permitting programs under the Clean Air Act. These rules may impact the amount of time it takes to obtain prevention of significant deterioration permits for new generation and major modifications to existing generating units and the requirements ultimately imposed by those permits. The ultimate impact of these rules cannot be determined at this time and will depend on the outcome of any other legal challenges.

Income Tax Matters

Bonus Depreciation

In December 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (Tax Relief Act) was signed into law. Major tax incentives in the Tax Relief Act include 100% bonus depreciation for property placed in service after September 8, 2010 and through 2011 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2012) and 50% bonus depreciation for property placed in service in 2012 (and for certain long-term construction projects to be placed in service in 2013), which will have a positive impact on the future cash flows of Southern Power through 2013. Consequently, Southern Power’s positive cash flow benefit is estimated to be between $145 million and $190 million in 2012.

 

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Acquisitions

Apex Nevada Solar, LLC Acquisition

On June 29, 2012, Southern Power and Turner Renewable Energy, Inc. (TRE), through a jointly-owned subsidiary owned 90% by Southern Power, acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of Apex Nevada Solar, LLC (Apex) from Sun Edison, LLC, the original developer of the project. Apex constructed and owns a 20-MW solar photovoltaic facility in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Commercial operation of the solar facility was declared by Apex on July 21, 2012. The output of the plant is contracted under a PPA with Nevada Power Company, a subsidiary of NV Energy, Inc., that began in 2012 and expires in 2037. See Note (I) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for additional information.

Construction Projects

Cleveland County Units 1-4

In 2008, Southern Power announced plans to build an electric generating plant in Cleveland County, North Carolina. The plant will consist of four combustion turbine natural gas generating units with a total generating capacity of 720 MWs. The units are expected to begin commercial operation in December 2012. Construction costs incurred through June 30, 2012 were $292.5 million. The total estimated cost of the project is expected to be between $335 million and $365 million.

Nacogdoches Biomass Plant

In 2009, Southern Power acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of Nacogdoches Power, LLC (Nacogdoches) from American Renewables LLC, the original developer of the project. Nacogdoches constructed a biomass generating plant in Sacul, Texas with an estimated capacity of 100 MWs. The generating plant is fueled from wood waste. The plant began commercial operation on June 22, 2012. Project costs incurred through June 30, 2012 were $456.5 million. The final cost of the project is expected to be between $465 million and $470 million.

Power Sales Agreements

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FUTURE EARNINGS POTENTIAL – “Power Sales Agreements” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Southern Power’s PPAs with investor-owned utilities, independent power purchasers, municipalities, and electric cooperatives.

In June 2011, Southern Power entered into three PPAs with Georgia Power subject to Georgia PSC and FERC approval. These PPAs were approved by the Georgia PSC on March 20, 2012 and are still subject to approval by the FERC. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

On June 29, 2012, a subsidiary of Southern Power assumed the PPA with Nevada Power Company in connection with the acquisition of Apex. Commercial operation was declared by Apex on July 21, 2012.

Other Matters

Southern Power is involved in various other matters being litigated and regulatory matters that could affect future earnings. In addition, Southern Power is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. Southern Power’s business activities are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment, such as regulation of air emissions and water discharges. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as air quality and water standards, has increased generally throughout the U.S. In particular, personal injury and other claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials, and common

 

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law nuisance claims for injunctive relief and property damage allegedly caused by greenhouse gas and other emissions, have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against Southern Power and its subsidiaries cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported in Note (B) herein or in Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on Southern Power’s financial statements.

See the Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for a discussion of various other contingencies and other matters being litigated which may affect future earnings potential.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Southern Power prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K. In the application of these policies, certain estimates are made that may have a material impact on Southern Power’s results of operations and related disclosures. Different assumptions and measurements could produce estimates that are significantly different from those recorded in the financial statements. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – ACCOUNTING POLICIES – “Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a complete discussion of Southern Power’s critical accounting policies and estimates related to Revenue Recognition, Impairment of Long Lived Assets and Intangibles, Acquisition Accounting, Contingent Obligations, Depreciation, and Convertible Investment Tax Credits.

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

Overview

Southern Power’s financial condition remained stable at June 30, 2012. Southern Power intends to continue to monitor its access to short-term and long-term capital markets as well as its bank credit arrangements as needed to meet future capital and liquidity needs. See “Sources of Capital” herein for additional information on lines of credit.

Net cash provided from operating activities totaled $128.7 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $193.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to cash received in 2011 for convertible ITCs. Net cash used for investing activities totaled $191.7 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $204.3 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in CWIP expenditures related to construction activities at the Cleveland County and Nacogdoches facilities, partially offset by the acquisition of Apex. Net cash provided from financing activities totaled $49.8 million for the first six months of 2012 compared to $3.1 million for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to an increase in notes payable in 2012 and the repayment of a $65.9 million affiliate loan in 2011, partially offset by lower capital contributions from Southern Company due to contributions received in 2011 to fund construction activities.

Significant asset changes in the balance sheet for the first six months of 2012 include: a $15.1 million increase in accounts receivables from non-affiliated companies and a $16.3 million increase in accounts receivables from affiliated companies primarily due to the seasonality in PPAs; a $38.5 million increase in prepaid income taxes; and a $117.3 million increase in total property, plant, and equipment primarily due to the acquisition of Apex.

Significant liability and stockholder’s equity changes in the balance sheet for the first six months of 2012 include a $109.7 million increase in notes payable non-affiliated primarily due to the acquisition of Apex and a $63.0 million increase in accumulated deferred income taxes primarily due to bonus depreciation.

 

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Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations

See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Capital Requirements and Contractual Obligations” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for a description of Southern Power’s capital requirements for its construction program, scheduled maturities of long-term debt, interest, leases, derivative obligations, purchase commitments, and long-term service agreements. There are no requirements through June 30, 2013 to fund maturities of long-term debt.

The construction program is subject to periodic review and revision; these amounts include estimates for potential plant acquisitions and new construction as well as ongoing capital improvements and work to be performed under long-term service agreements. Planned expenditures for plant acquisitions may vary due to market opportunities and Southern Power’s ability to execute its growth strategy. Actual construction costs may vary from these estimates because of changes in factors such as: business conditions; environmental statutes and regulations; FERC rules and regulations; load projections; legislation; the cost and efficiency of construction labor, equipment, and materials; project scope and design changes; and the cost of capital.

Sources of Capital

Southern Power may use operating cash flows, external funds, or equity capital or loans from Southern Company to finance any new projects, acquisitions, and ongoing capital requirements. Southern Power expects to generate external funds from the issuance of unsecured senior debt and commercial paper or utilization of credit arrangements from banks. However, the amount, type, and timing of any future financings, if needed, will depend upon prevailing market conditions, regulatory approval, and other factors. See MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS – FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY – “Sources of Capital” of Southern Power in Item 7 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Southern Power’s current liabilities frequently exceed current assets due to the use of short-term debt as a funding source, as well as cash needs which can fluctuate significantly due to the seasonality of the business. To meet liquidity and capital resource requirements, Southern Power had at June 30, 2012 cash and cash equivalents of approximately $3.8 million and a committed credit facility of $500 million (Facility) expiring in 2016. The Facility contains a covenant that limits the ratio of debt to capitalization (each as defined in the Facility) to a maximum of 65% and contains a cross default provision that is restricted only to the indebtedness of Southern Power. Southern Power is currently in compliance with all such covenants. Proceeds from this Facility may be used for working capital and general corporate purposes as well as liquidity support for Southern Power’s commercial paper program. See Note 6 to the financial statements of Southern Power under “Bank Credit Arrangements” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (E) to the Condensed Financial Statements under “Bank Credit Arrangements” herein for additional information.

Southern Power’s commercial paper program is used to finance acquisition and construction costs related to electric generating facilities and for general corporate purposes.

 

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Details of short-term borrowings were as follows:

 

     Short-term Debt at the
End of the Period
    Short-term Debt During the Period (a)  
     Amount
Outstanding
         Weighted    
Average
Interest Rate
    Average
    Outstanding    
     Weighted
Average
Interest
Rate
    Maximum
Amount
    Outstanding    
 

 

   

 

 

 
     (in millions)            (in millions)            (in millions)  

June 30, 2012:

            

Commercial paper

   $ 287         0.5   $ 205         0.5   $ 287   

 

 

 

(a) Average and maximum amounts are based upon daily balances during the period.

Management believes that the need for working capital can be adequately met by utilizing the commercial paper program, the Facility, and cash. In addition, $2.6 million in anticipated prepayment of notes payable to TRE has been reclassified as short-term debt.

Credit Rating Risk

Southern Power does not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain contracts that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a credit rating change to BBB and Baa2, or BBB- and/or Baa3 or below. These contracts are for physical electricity purchases and sales, fuel transportation and storage, and energy price risk management.

The maximum potential collateral requirements under these contracts at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

Credit Ratings   

Maximum Potential

Collateral Requirements

 

     (in millions)

At BBB and Baa2

   $       9

At BBB- and/or Baa3

        451

Below BBB- and/or Baa3

     1,307

 

Included in these amounts are certain agreements that could require collateral in the event that one or more Power Pool participant has a credit rating change to below investment grade. Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. Additionally, any credit rating downgrade could impact Southern Power’s ability to access capital markets, particularly the short-term debt market.

In addition, through the acquisition of Plant Rowan, Southern Power assumed a PPA with North Carolina Municipal Power Agency No. 1 that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of a downgrade of Southern Power’s credit. The PPA requires credit assurances without stating a specific credit rating. The amount of collateral required would depend upon actual losses, if any, resulting from a credit downgrade.

Market Price Risk

Southern Power is exposed to market risks, including changes in interest rates, certain energy-related commodity prices, and, occasionally, currency exchange rates. To manage the volatility attributable to these exposures, Southern Power takes advantage of natural offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to Southern Power’s policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and risk management practices. Southern Power’s policy is that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes and mandates strict adherence to all applicable risk

 

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management policies. Derivative positions are monitored using techniques including, but not limited to, market valuation, value at risk, stress tests, and sensitivity analysis.

Southern Power’s market risk exposure relative to interest rate changes for the second quarter 2012 has not changed materially compared with the December 31, 2011 reporting period. Since a significant portion of outstanding indebtedness bears interest at fixed rates, Southern Power is not aware of any facts or circumstances that would significantly affect exposure on existing indebtedness in the near term. However, the impact on future financing costs cannot now be determined.

Because energy from Southern Power’s facilities is primarily sold under long-term PPAs with tolling agreements and provisions shifting substantially all of the responsibility for fuel cost to the counterparties, Southern Power’s exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity is generally limited. However, Southern Power has been and may continue to be exposed to market volatility in energy-related commodity prices as a result of sales of uncontracted generating capacity.

The changes in fair value of energy-related derivative contracts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

    

Second Quarter

2012

Changes

    

Year-to-Date

2012

Changes

 

 

 
     Fair Value  
     (in millions)  

Contracts outstanding at the beginning of the period, assets (liabilities), net

   $ (16.1)       $ (9.2)   

Contracts realized or settled

     8.4          9.2    

Current period changes(a)

     2.0         (5.7)   

 

 

Contracts outstanding at the end of the period, assets (liabilities), net

   $ (5.7)       $ (5.7)   

 

 

 

(a) Current period changes also include the changes in fair value of new contracts entered into during the period, if any.

The changes in the fair value positions of the energy-related derivative contracts for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 were an increase of $10.4 million and $3.5 million, respectively, which are due to both power and natural gas positions. The changes are attributable to both the volume and prices of power and natural gas as follows:

 

    

June 30,

2012

  

March 31,

2012

  

December 31,

2011

 

Power — net purchased or (sold)

        

 

MWHs (in millions)

         —        (0.1)         0.1

Weighted average contract cost per MWH above (below) market prices (in dollars)

   $    —    $ (5.20)    $ (1.04)

 

Natural gas net purchased

        

 

Commodity — million mmBtu

      18.3      28.2         8.3

Commodity — weighted average contract cost per mmBtu above (below) market prices (in dollars)

   $0.83    $ 1.57    $ 1.18

 

 

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SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The fair value of energy-related derivative contracts by hedge designation reflected in the financial statements as assets (liabilities) consists of the following:

 

Asset (Liability) Derivatives   

June 30,

2012

    

December 31,

2011

 

 

 
     (in millions)  

Cash flow hedges

     $  (1.1)         $  (0.8)   

Not designated

     (4.6)         (8.4)   

 

 

Total fair value

     $  (5.7)         $  (9.2)   

 

 

Gains and losses on energy-related derivatives used by Southern Power to hedge anticipated purchases and sales are initially deferred in OCI before being recognized in income in the same period as the hedged transaction. Gains and losses on energy-related derivative contracts that are not designated or fail to qualify as hedges are recognized in the statements of income as incurred.

Total net unrealized pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in the statements of income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 for energy-related derivative contracts that were not hedges were $10.3 million and $3.8 million, respectively, and will continue to be marked to market until the settlement date. Included in these amounts are gains (losses) on derivative contracts payable to third parties in the amounts of $9.0 million and $3.8 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the total net unrealized pre-tax gains (losses) recognized in the statements of income for energy-related derivative contracts that were not hedges were $(0.9) million and $(0.8) million, respectively.

Southern Power uses over-the-counter contracts that are not exchange traded but are fair valued using prices which are market observable, and thus fall into Level 2. See Note (C) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for further discussion on fair value measurements. The maturities of the energy-related derivative contracts and the level of the fair value hierarchy in which they fall at June 30, 2012 were as follows:

 

           

June 30, 2012

Fair Value Measurements

 

 

 
     Total      Maturity  
     Fair Value      Year 1      Years 2&3      Years 4&5  

 

 
     (in millions)  

Level 1

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —    

Level 2

     (5.7)         (6.2)         0.1          0.4    

Level 3

     —          —          —          —    

 

 

Fair value of contracts outstanding at end of period

   $ (5.7)       $ (6.2)       $ 0.1       $ 0.4   

 

 

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (Dodd-Frank Act) enacted in July 2010 could impact the use of over-the-counter derivatives by Southern Power. Regulations to implement the Dodd-Frank Act will impose additional requirements on the use of over-the-counter derivatives for both Southern Power and its derivative counterparties, which could affect both the use and cost of over-the-counter derivatives. Although all relevant regulations have not been finalized, Southern Power does not expect the impact of these rules to be material.

For additional information, see MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS — FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY — “Market Price Risk” of Southern Power in Item 7 and Note 1 under “Financial Instruments” and Note 9 to the financial statements of Southern Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and Note (H) to the Condensed Financial Statements herein.

 

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SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Financing Activities

In June 2012, Southern Power issued a $3.6 million promissory note, due June 15, 2032, to TRE related to the financing of Apex.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, Southern Power prepaid $0.6 million of long-term debt.

In addition to any financings that may be necessary to meet capital requirements and contractual obligations, Southern Power plans to continue, when economically feasible, a program to retire higher-cost securities and replace these obligations with lower-cost capital if market conditions permit.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR

THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

GULF POWER COMPANY

MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

INDEX TO APPLICABLE NOTES TO

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BY REGISTRANT

 

Registrant    Applicable Notes
Southern Company    A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J
Alabama Power    A, B, C, E, F, G, H
Georgia Power    A, B, C, E, F, G, H
Gulf Power    A, B, C, E, F, G, H
Mississippi Power    A, B, C, E, F, G, H
Southern Power    A, B, C, E, G, H, I

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

GULF POWER COMPANY

MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

 

  (A) INTRODUCTION

The condensed quarterly financial statements of each registrant included herein have been prepared by such registrant, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The Condensed Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 have been derived from the audited financial statements of each registrant. In the opinion of each registrant’s management, the information regarding such registrant furnished herein reflects all adjustments, which, except as otherwise disclosed, are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to present fairly the results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although each registrant believes that the disclosures regarding such registrant are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosures in the Form 10-K and details which have not changed significantly in amount or composition since the filing of the Form 10-K are generally omitted from this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Therefore, these Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K. Due to the seasonal variations in the demand for energy, operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year.

Certain prior years’ data presented in the financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Investments in Leveraged Leases

See Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Leveraged Leases” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

The recent financial and operational performance of one of Southern Company’s lessees and the associated generation assets has raised potential concerns on the part of Southern Company as to the credit quality of the lessee and the residual value of the assets. Current projections indicate significant uncertainty as to whether the lessee will be able to pay the December 2012 semi-annual rent payment in full. Southern Company is currently engaged in discussions with the lessee and the holders of the project’s nonrecourse debt to restructure the debt payments and the related rental payments to allow additional capital investment in the project to be made to improve the operation of the generation assets and the financial viability of the lease transaction. Southern Company believes there is a reasonable possibility that it will be able to reach an agreement with the lessee and the debtholders to restructure the project. However, due to continued poor performance of the generation assets and the uncertainties surrounding the receipt of the December 2012 semi-annual rent payment and its ability to successfully restructure the project, Southern Company has placed the lease on nonaccrual status whereby income associated with this investment will not be recognized in the financial statements beginning in July 2012. If the attempts at restructuring the project are unsuccessful and the project is ultimately abandoned, the potential impairment loss that would be incurred is approximately $90 million on an after-tax basis. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Continued)

 

  (B) CONTINGENCIES AND REGULATORY MATTERS

See Note 3 to the financial statements of the registrants in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information relating to various lawsuits, other contingencies, and regulatory matters.

General Litigation Matters

Each registrant is subject to certain claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In addition, business activities of Southern Company’s subsidiaries are subject to extensive governmental regulation related to public health and the environment, such as regulation of air emissions and water discharges. Litigation over environmental issues and claims of various types, including property damage, personal injury, common law nuisance, and citizen enforcement of environmental requirements such as air quality and water standards, has increased generally throughout the U.S. In particular, personal injury and other claims for damages caused by alleged exposure to hazardous materials, and common law nuisance claims for injunctive relief and property damage allegedly caused by greenhouse gas and other emissions, have become more frequent. The ultimate outcome of such pending or potential litigation against each registrant and any subsidiaries cannot be predicted at this time; however, for current proceedings not specifically reported herein or in Note 3 to the financial statements of each registrant in Item 8 of the Form 10-K, management does not anticipate that the ultimate liabilities, if any, arising from such current proceedings would have a material effect on such registrant’s financial statements.

Insurance Recovery

Mirant Corporation (Mirant) was an energy company with businesses that included independent power projects and energy trading and risk management companies in the U.S. and other countries. Mirant was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company until its initial public offering in 2000. In 2001, Southern Company completed a spin-off to its stockholders of its remaining ownership, and Mirant became an independent corporate entity.

In 2003, Mirant and certain of its affiliates filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In 2005, Mirant, as a debtor in possession, and the unsecured creditors’ committee filed a complaint against Southern Company. Later in 2005, this complaint was transferred to MC Asset Recovery, LLC (MC Asset Recovery) as part of Mirant’s plan of reorganization. In 2009, Southern Company entered into a settlement agreement with MC Asset Recovery to resolve this action. The settlement included an agreement where Southern Company paid MC Asset Recovery $202 million. Southern Company filed an insurance claim in 2009 to recover a portion of this settlement and received a nontaxable $25 million payment from its insurance provider on June 14, 2012. Additionally, legal fees related to this insurance settlement totaled approximately $6 million. The net reduction to expense for this insurance settlement was approximately $19 million.

Environmental Matters

New Source Review Actions

In 1999, the EPA brought a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against certain Southern Company subsidiaries, including Alabama Power and Georgia Power, alleging that these subsidiaries had violated the NSR provisions of the Clean Air Act and related state laws at certain coal-fired generating facilities. The EPA alleged NSR violations at five coal-fired generating facilities operated by Alabama Power, including a unit co-owned by Mississippi Power, and three coal-fired generating facilities operated by Georgia Power, including a unit co-owned by Gulf Power. The civil action sought penalties and injunctive relief, including an order requiring installation of the best available control technology at the affected units. The case against Georgia Power (including claims related to the unit co-owned by Gulf Power) was administratively closed in 2001 and has not been reopened. After Alabama Power was dismissed from the original action, the EPA filed a separate action in 2001 against Alabama Power (including claims related to the unit co-owned by Mississippi Power) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

 

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In 2006, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama entered a consent decree, resolving claims relating to the alleged NSR violations at Plant Miller. In September 2010, the EPA dismissed five of its eight remaining claims against Alabama Power, leaving only three claims, including one relating to the unit co-owned by Mississippi Power. In March 2011, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama granted Alabama Power summary judgment on all remaining claims and dismissed the case with prejudice. That judgment is on appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. On February 23, 2012, the EPA filed a motion in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama seeking vacatur of the judgment and recusal of the judge in the case involving Alabama Power (including claims related to a unit co-owned by Mississippi Power). The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama has not ruled on the EPA’s motion seeking vacatur of the judgment.

Southern Company and each traditional operating company believe each such traditional operating company complied with applicable laws and regulations in effect at the time the work in question took place. The Clean Air Act authorizes maximum civil penalties of $25,000 to $37,500 per day, per violation, depending on the date of the alleged violation. An adverse outcome could require substantial capital expenditures that cannot be determined at this time and could possibly require payment of substantial penalties. Such expenditures could affect future results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition if such costs are not recovered through regulated rates. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Climate Change Litigation

Kivalina Case

In 2008, the Native Village of Kivalina and the City of Kivalina filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against several electric utilities (including Southern Company), several oil companies, and a coal company. The plaintiffs allege that the village is being destroyed by erosion allegedly caused by global warming that the plaintiffs attribute to emissions of greenhouse gases by the defendants. The plaintiffs assert claims for public and private nuisance and contend that some of the defendants (including Southern Company) acted in concert and are therefore jointly and severally liable for the plaintiffs’ damages. The suit seeks damages for lost property values and for the cost of relocating the village, which is alleged to be $95 million to $400 million. In 2009, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted the defendants’ motions to dismiss the case. The plaintiffs appealed the dismissal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Southern Company believes that these claims are without merit. While Southern Company believes the likelihood of loss is remote based on existing case law, it is not possible to predict with certainty whether Southern Company will incur any liability in connection with this matter. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Hurricane Katrina Case

In 2005, immediately following Hurricane Katrina, a lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi by Ned Comer on behalf of Mississippi residents seeking recovery for property damage and personal injuries caused by Hurricane Katrina. In 2006, the plaintiffs amended the complaint to include Southern Company and many other electric utilities, oil companies, chemical companies, and coal producers. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants contributed to climate change, which contributed to the intensity of Hurricane Katrina. In 2007, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi dismissed the case. On appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, a three-judge panel reversed the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, holding that the case could proceed, but, on rehearing, the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit dismissed the plaintiffs’ appeal, resulting in reinstatement of the decision of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi in favor of the defendants. In May 2011, the plaintiffs filed an amended version of their class action complaint, arguing that the earlier dismissal was on procedural grounds and under Mississippi law the plaintiffs have a right to re-file. The amended complaint was also filed against numerous chemical, coal, oil, and utility companies, including Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Southern Power. On March 20, 2012, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of

 

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Mississippi dismissed the plaintiffs’ amended complaint. On April 16, 2012, the plaintiffs appealed the case to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Each Southern Company entity named in the lawsuit believes that these claims are without merit. While each Southern Company entity named in the lawsuit believes the likelihood of loss is remote based on existing case law, it is not possible to predict with certainty whether any Southern Company entity named in the lawsuit will incur any liability in connection with this matter. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Environmental Remediation

The Southern Company system must comply with environmental laws and regulations that cover the handling and disposal of waste and releases of hazardous substances. Under these various laws and regulations, the Southern Company system could incur substantial costs to clean up properties. The traditional operating companies have each received authority from their respective state PSCs to recover approved environmental compliance costs through regulatory mechanisms. These rates are adjusted annually or as necessary within limits approved by the state PSCs.

Georgia Power’s environmental remediation liability as of June 30, 2012 was $20 million. Georgia Power has been designated or identified as a potentially responsible party (PRP) at sites governed by the Georgia Hazardous Site Response Act and/or by the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), including a large site in Brunswick, Georgia on the CERCLA National Priorities List (NPL). The parties have completed the removal of wastes from the Brunswick site as ordered by the EPA. Additional cleanup and claims for recovery of natural resource damages at this site or for the assessment and potential cleanup of other sites on the Georgia Hazardous Sites Inventory and the CERCLA NPL are anticipated.

In 2008, the EPA advised Georgia Power that it has been designated as a PRP at the Ward Transformer Superfund site located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Numerous other entities have also received notices regarding this site from the EPA. In September 2011, the EPA issued a unilateral administrative order (UAO) to Georgia Power and 22 other parties, ordering specific remedial action of certain areas at the Ward Transformer Superfund site. Georgia Power does not believe it is a liable party under CERCLA based on its alleged connection to the site. As a result, in November 2011, Georgia Power filed a response with the EPA indicating that Georgia Power is not willing to undertake the work set forth in the UAO because Georgia Power has sufficient cause to believe it is not a liable party. In November 2011, the EPA sent Georgia Power a letter stating that the EPA does not consider Georgia Power to be in compliance with the UAO. The EPA also stated that it is considering enforcement options against Georgia Power and other UAO recipients who are not complying with the UAO. The EPA may seek to enforce the UAO in court pursuant to its enforcement authority under CERCLA and may seek recovery of its costs in undertaking the UAO work. If the court determines that a respondent failed to comply with the UAO without sufficient cause, the EPA may also seek civil penalties of up to $37,500 per day for the violation and punitive damages of up to three times the costs incurred by the EPA as a result of the party’s failure to comply with the UAO.

In addition to the EPA’s action at the Ward Transformer Superfund site, in 2009, Georgia Power, along with many other parties, was sued by several existing PRPs for cost recovery for a removal action that is currently taking place. Georgia Power and numerous other defendants moved for a dismissal of these lawsuits. The court denied the dismissal of the lawsuits in March 2010 but granted Georgia Power’s motion regarding the dismissal of the claim pertaining to the plaintiffs’ joint and several liability.

The ultimate outcome of the Brunswick CERCLA NPL and Ward Transformer Superfund site matters will depend upon the success of defenses asserted, the ultimate number of PRPs participating in the cleanup, and numerous other factors and cannot be determined at this time; however, as a result of the regulatory treatment, it is not expected to have a material impact on Southern Company’s or Georgia Power’s financial statements.

Gulf Power’s environmental remediation liability includes estimated costs of environmental remediation projects of approximately $60 million as of June 30, 2012. These estimated costs relate to site closure criteria by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) for potential impacts to soil and groundwater from herbicide applications at Gulf Power substations. The schedule for completion of the remediation projects will be subject to FDEP approval. The projects have been approved by the Florida PSC for recovery through Gulf Power’s environmental cost recovery clause; therefore, there was no impact on net income as a result of these estimates.

 

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In 2003, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) designated Mississippi Power as a PRP at a site in Texas. The site was owned by an electric transformer company that handled Mississippi Power’s transformers as well as those of many other entities. The site owner is bankrupt and the State of Texas has entered into an agreement with Mississippi Power and several other utilities to investigate and remediate the site. The feasibility study/presumptive remedy document was originally filed with TCEQ in June 2011 and remains under consideration by the agency. Amounts expensed and accrued related to this work were not material. Hundreds of entities have received notices from the TCEQ requesting their participation in the anticipated site remediation. The final impact of this matter on Mississippi Power will depend upon further environmental assessment and the ultimate number of potentially responsible parties. The remediation expenses incurred by Mississippi Power are expected to be recovered through the ECO Plan.

The final outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time. However, based on the currently known conditions at these sites and the nature and extent of activities relating to these sites, management of Southern Company, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power does not believe that additional liabilities, if any, at these sites would be material to their respective financial statements.

Nuclear Fuel Disposal Cost Litigation

Alabama Power and Georgia Power have contracts with the U.S., acting through the DOE, that provide for the permanent disposal of spent nuclear fuel. The DOE failed to begin disposing of spent nuclear fuel in 1998 as required by the contracts, and Alabama Power and Georgia Power are pursuing legal remedies against the government for breach of contract.

In 2007, the U.S. Court of Federal Claims awarded Georgia Power approximately $30 million, based on its ownership interests, and awarded Alabama Power approximately $17 million, representing substantially all of the Southern Company system’s direct costs of the expansion of spent nuclear fuel storage facilities at Plants Farley and Hatch and Plant Vogtle Units 1 and 2 from 1998 through 2004.

In 2008, the government filed an appeal and, in March 2011, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued an order in which it affirmed the damage award to Alabama Power, but remanded the Georgia Power portion of the proceeding back to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims for reconsideration of the damages amount in light of the spent nuclear fuel acceptance rates adopted in a separate proceeding by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In July 2011, the court entered final judgment in favor of Alabama Power and awarded Alabama Power approximately $17 million. In April 2012, the award was credited to cost of service for the benefit of Alabama Power customers.

On April 5, 2012, Georgia Power and the government entered into a stipulation to conclude this litigation, which provided for judgment in favor of Georgia Power and awarded Georgia Power approximately $27 million in damages, based on its ownership interests. On April 5, 2012, the stipulation was approved by the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. The proceeds were received and credited to the Georgia Power accounts where the original costs were charged and were used to reduce rate base, fuel, and cost of service for the benefit of Georgia Power customers.

In 2008, a second claim against the government was filed for damages incurred after December 31, 2004 (the court-mandated cut-off in the original claim) due to the government’s alleged continuing breach of contract. The complaint does not contain any specific dollar amount for recovery of damages. Damages will continue to accumulate until the issue is resolved or the storage is provided. No amounts have been recognized in the financial statements as of June 30, 2012 for the second claim. The final outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Sufficient pool storage capacity for spent fuel is available at Plant Vogtle Units 1 and 2 to maintain full-core discharge capability for both units into 2014. Construction of an on-site dry storage facility at Plant Vogtle Units 1 and 2 has begun and is expected to be operational in sufficient time to maintain pool full-core discharge capability. At Plants Hatch and Farley, on-site dry spent fuel storage facilities are operational and can be expanded to accommodate spent fuel through the expected life of each plant.

 

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FERC Matters

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “FERC Matters” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Mississippi Power’s request for revised rates related to the wholesale Municipal and Rural Associations (MRA) cost-based electric tariff. See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and of Mississippi Power under “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Mississippi Power’s construction of the Kemper IGCC.

On January 20, 2012, Mississippi Power reached a settlement agreement with its wholesale customers, which was executed by all parties on March 9, 2012. The settlement agreement provides that base rates under the cost-based electric tariff will increase by approximately $22.6 million over a 12-month period with revised rates effective April 1, 2012. In 2012, the amount of base rate revenues to be received from the agreed upon increase will be approximately $17.0 million. On March 12, 2012, Mississippi Power filed an unopposed motion to place wholesale MRA interim rates into effect pending approval of the settlement agreement between the parties by the FERC. On March 28, 2012, the FERC approved the motion to place interim rates into effect beginning in May 2012. Approval of the settlement agreement by the FERC has been delayed until later in 2012. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Retail Regulatory Matters

Alabama Power

Rate CNP

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Alabama Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters  — Alabama Power — Rate CNP” and “Retail Regulatory Matters — Rate CNP,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Alabama Power’s recovery of retail costs through Rate Certificated New Plant Power Purchase Agreement (Rate CNP) and Rate Certificated New Plant Environmental (Rate CNP Environmental). Alabama Power’s under recovered Rate CNP balance as of June 30, 2012 was $2 million as compared to $6 million at December 31, 2011. Alabama Power’s under recovered Rate CNP Environmental balance as of June 30, 2012 was $26 million as compared to $11 million at December 31, 2011. These under recovered balances at June 30, 2012 are included in deferred under recovered regulatory clause revenues on Southern Company’s and Alabama Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein. For Rate CNP, this classification is based on an estimate, which includes such factors as purchased power capacity and energy demand. For Rate CNP Environmental, this classification is based on an estimate, which includes such factors as costs to comply with environmental mandates and energy demand. A change in any of these factors could have a material impact on the timing of any recovery of the under recovered retail costs.

Natural Disaster Cost Recovery

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Alabama Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters  — Alabama Power — Natural Disaster Reserve” and “Retail Regulatory Matters — Natural Disaster Reserve,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding natural disaster cost recovery. At June 30, 2012, the NDR had an accumulated balance of $105 million, which is included in Southern Company’s and Alabama Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein under other regulatory liabilities, deferred. The accruals are reflected as operations and maintenance expenses in Southern Company’s and Alabama Power’s Condensed Statements of Income herein.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Continued)

 

Georgia Power

Fuel Cost Recovery

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Georgia Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power – Fuel Cost Recovery” and “Retail Regulatory Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On June 21, 2012, the Georgia PSC approved a decrease in Georgia Power’s fuel cost recovery rates of 19%, which reduced annual billings by $567 million effective June 1, 2012. The decrease in fuel costs resulted from lower natural gas prices as a result of increased natural gas supplies.

As of June 30, 2012, Georgia Power had a total over recovered fuel cost balance of approximately $99 million compared to an under recovered balance of $137 million at December 31, 2011. The over recovered fuel costs at June 30, 2012 are included in other current liabilities and other deferred credits and liabilities on Southern Company’s and Georgia Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein. The under recovered fuel costs at December 31, 2011 are included in current assets on Southern Company’s and Georgia Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein. Fuel cost recovery revenues as recorded on the financial statements are adjusted for differences in actual recoverable fuel costs and amounts billed in current regulated rates. Accordingly, any changes in the billing factor will not have a significant effect on Southern Company’s or Georgia Power’s revenues or net income, but will affect cash flow.

2011 Integrated Resource Plan Update

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Georgia Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power – 2011 Integrated Resource Plan Update” and “Retail Regulatory Matters – 2011 Integrated Resource Plan Update,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On March 20, 2012, the Georgia PSC approved Georgia Power’s request to decertify and retire two coal-fired generation units at Plant Branch as of October 31, 2013 and December 31, 2013 and an oil-fired unit at Plant Mitchell as of March 26, 2012, which was included in Georgia Power’s 2011 IRP Update. The Georgia PSC also approved three PPAs totaling 998 MWs with Southern Power for capacity and energy that will commence in 2015 and end in 2030. The PPAs remain subject to FERC approval. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Nuclear Construction

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Georgia Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power – Nuclear Construction” and “Construction – Nuclear,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Georgia Power’s construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.

On February 16, 2012, a group of petitioners who had intervened in the NRC’s combined construction and operating licenses (COLs) proceedings for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit seeking judicial review and a stay of the NRC’s issuance of the COLs. In addition, on February 16, 2012, another group of petitioners filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit seeking judicial review of the NRC’s certification of the Westinghouse Design Certification Document, as amended (DCD). On April 3, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit granted a motion filed by these two groups of petitioners to consolidate their challenges. On April 18, 2012, another group of petitioners filed a motion to stay the effectiveness of the order issuing the COLs for Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. On July 11, 2012, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied the petitioners’ motion to stay the effectiveness of the COLs. Georgia Power has intervened in and intends to vigorously contest these petitions.

 

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In 2009, the Georgia PSC voted to certify construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4. In addition, the Georgia PSC voted to approve inclusion of the related CWIP accounts in rate base. Also in 2009, the Governor of the State of Georgia signed into law the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act that allows Georgia Power to recover financing costs for nuclear construction projects by including the related CWIP accounts in rate base during the construction period. With respect to Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, this legislation allows Georgia Power to recover projected financing costs of approximately $1.7 billion during the construction period beginning in 2011, which reduces the projected in-service cost to approximately $4.4 billion. The Georgia PSC has ordered Georgia Power to report against this total certified cost of approximately $6.1 billion. In addition, in December 2010, the Georgia PSC approved Georgia Power’s NCCR tariff. The NCCR tariff became effective January 1, 2011 and adjustments are filed with the Georgia PSC on November 1 of each year to become effective on January 1 of the following year. Georgia Power is collecting and amortizing to earnings approximately $91 million of financing costs, capitalized in 2009 and 2010, over the five-year period ending December 31, 2015, in addition to the ongoing financing costs. At June 30, 2012, approximately $64 million of these 2009 and 2010 costs remained in CWIP.

Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, the Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, and the City of Dalton, Georgia, an incorporated municipality in the State of Georgia acting by and through its Board of Water, Light, and Sinking Fund Commissioners (collectively, Owners) and Westinghouse and Stone & Webster, Inc. (collectively, Contractor) have established both informal and formal dispute resolution procedures in accordance with the engineering, procurement, and construction agreement to design, engineer, procure, construct, and test two AP1000 nuclear units with electric generating capacity of approximately 1,100 MWs each and related facilities, structures, and improvements at Plant Vogtle entered into by the parties (Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement) in order to resolve issues arising during the course of constructing a project of this magnitude. The Contractor and Georgia Power (on behalf of the Owners) have successfully initiated both formal and informal claims through these procedures, including ongoing claims, to resolve disputes. When matters are not resolved through these procedures, the parties may proceed to litigation. The Contractor and Georgia Power (on behalf of the Owners) are involved in litigation with respect to certain claims that have not been resolved through the formal dispute resolution process.

During the course of construction activities, issues have arisen that may impact the project budget and schedule. The most significant issues relate to costs associated with design changes to the DCD and costs associated with delays in the project schedule related to the timing of approval of the DCD and issuance of the COLs by the NRC. The Owners and the Contractor have begun negotiations regarding these issues, including the assertion by the Contractor that the Owners are responsible for these costs under the terms of the Vogtle 3 and 4 Agreement. Through correspondence sent to the Owners, the Contractor has provided its proposed adjustment to the contract price and has initiated the formal dispute resolution process. The Contractor’s estimated adjustment attributable to Georgia Power (based on Georgia Power’s ownership interest regarding these issues) is approximately $425 million (in 2008 dollars) with respect to these issues. Georgia Power has not agreed with the amount of these proposed adjustments or that the Owners have responsibility for any costs related to these issues. While the formal dispute resolution process has been initiated, Georgia Power expects negotiations with the Contractor to continue over the next several months with respect to cost and schedule during which time the parties will attempt to reach a mutually acceptable compromise of their positions. Georgia Power intends to vigorously defend its positions. If these costs ultimately are imposed upon the Owners, Georgia Power would seek an amendment to the certified cost of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, if necessary. In connection with these negotiations, the Owners are evaluating whether maintaining the currently scheduled commercial operation dates of 2016 and 2017 remains in the best interest of their customers. Additional claims by the Contractor or Georgia Power (on behalf of the Owners) are expected to arise throughout the construction of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4.

In addition, there are processes in place to assure compliance with the design requirements specified in the DCD and the COLs, including rigorous inspection by Southern Nuclear and the NRC that occurs throughout construction. During a routine inspection in April 2012, the NRC identified that certain details of the rebar construction in the Plant Vogtle Unit 3 nuclear island were not consistent with the DCD. In May 2012, Southern Nuclear received an official notice of violation relating to these findings from the NRC. The design changes were determined to have minimal safety significance and, on August 1, 2012, Southern Nuclear filed a license amendment request with the NRC to clarify that the nuclear island concrete and rebar construction will conform to NRC requirements. Various inspection and other issues are expected to arise from time to time as construction proceeds, which may result in additional license amendments or require other resolution.

 

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There are pending technical and procedural challenges to the construction and licensing of Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, including legal challenges to the NRC issuance of the COLs and certification of the DCD. Similar additional challenges at the state and federal level are expected as construction proceeds.

The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

Other Construction

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Georgia Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Georgia Power – Other Construction” and “Construction – Other Construction,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Plant McDonough Unit 1 was retired on February 29, 2012. Georgia Power placed Plant McDonough-Atkinson Unit 5 into service on April 26, 2012. Plant McDonough-Atkinson Unit 6 is scheduled to be placed into service in November 2012.

Gulf Power

Retail Base Rate Case

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Retail Base Rate Case” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On March 12, 2012, the Florida PSC approved a permanent increase in retail base rates and charges of $64 million effective April 11, 2012. The amount of the permanent increase includes the previously approved $38.5 million interim retail rate increase implemented in September 2011. The Florida PSC’s decision on the amount of the permanent increase also included a determination that none of the base rate revenues collected on an interim basis would be refunded. Gulf Power’s authorized retail ROE is a range of 9.25% to 11.25% with new retail base rates set at the midpoint retail ROE of 10.25%. In addition, the Florida PSC also approved a step increase to Gulf Power’s retail base rates and charges of $4 million to be effective in January 2013. On April 18, 2012, Gulf Power filed a motion to reconsider one aspect of the decision dealing with property acquired as a potential site for a future generating plant. On July 17, 2012, the Florida PSC denied Gulf Power’s motion and reaffirmed its earlier decision.

Cost Recovery Clauses

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Cost Recovery Clauses” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Fuel Cost Recovery

See Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Revenues” and “Retail Regulatory Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On June 19, 2012, the Florida PSC approved a decrease in Gulf Power’s fuel rates of 7.8%, which will reduce annual billings by approximately $58.8 million effective July 2, 2012.

Over recovered fuel costs at June 30, 2012 totaled $41.6 million compared to $9.9 million at December 31, 2011. These amounts are included in other regulatory liabilities, current on Gulf Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein.

 

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Purchased Power Capacity Recovery

See Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Revenues” and “Retail Regulatory Matters — Purchased Power Capacity Recovery,” respectively, in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Over recovered purchased power capacity costs at June 30, 2012 totaled $7.9 million compared to $8.0 million at December 31, 2011. These amounts are included in other regulatory liabilities, current on Gulf Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein.

Environmental Cost Recovery

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters — Environmental Cost Recovery” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On April 3, 2012, the Mississippi PSC approved Mississippi Power’s request for a CPCN to construct a flue gas desulfurization system (scrubber) on Plant Daniel Units 1 and 2. On May 3, 2012, the Sierra Club filed a notice of appeal of the order with the Chancery Court of Harrison County, Mississippi (Chancery Court). These units are jointly owned by Mississippi Power and Gulf Power, with 50% ownership each. The estimated total cost of the project is approximately $660 million, excluding AFUDC, and it is scheduled for completion in December 2015. Gulf Power’s portion of the cost is expected to be recovered through the environmental cost recovery clause. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Over recovered environmental costs at June 30, 2012 totaled $3.6 million compared to $10.0 million at December 31, 2011. These amounts are included in other regulatory liabilities, current on Gulf Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein.

Energy Conservation Cost Recovery

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Gulf Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters — Energy Conservation Cost Recovery” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Under recovered energy conservation costs at June 30, 2012 totaled $1.6 million compared to $3.1 million at December 31, 2011. These amounts are included in under recovered regulatory clause revenues on Gulf Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein.

Mississippi Power

Performance Evaluation Plan

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters — Performance Evaluation Plan” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information regarding Mississippi Power’s base rates.

On April 2, 2012, Mississippi Power filed a motion to suspend the 2011 PEP lookback filing. Unresolved matters related to certain costs included in the 2010 PEP lookback filing also impact the 2011 PEP lookback filing, making it impractical to determine Mississippi Power’s actual retail return on investment for 2011 for purposes of the 2011 PEP lookback filing. An order granting the suspension of the 2011 PEP lookback was signed by the Mississippi PSC on May 8, 2012. The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

 

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System Restoration Rider

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters — System Restoration Rider” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

On February 2, 2012, Mississippi Power submitted its 2012 System Restoration Rider (SRR) rate filing with the Mississippi PSC, which proposed that the 2012 SRR rate level remain at zero and Mississippi Power be allowed to accrue approximately $3.7 million to the property damage reserve in 2012. On April 3, 2012, the filing was approved by the Mississippi PSC.

Environmental Compliance Overview Plan

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters — Environmental Compliance Overview Plan” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information on Mississippi Power’s annual environmental filing with the Mississippi PSC.

On February 14, 2012, Mississippi Power submitted its 2012 ECO Plan filing, which proposed a 0.3% increase in annual revenues for Mississippi Power. In compliance with the CPCN to construct a scrubber on Plant Daniel Units 1 and 2, Mississippi Power revised the 2012 ECO Plan filing to exclude scrubber expenditures from rate base, which resulted in a 0.16% decrease in annual revenues. On June 22, 2012, the 2012 ECO Plan filing, including the proposed rate decrease, was approved by the Mississippi PSC, effective on June 29, 2012.

On April 3, 2012, the Mississippi PSC approved Mississippi Power’s request for a CPCN to construct a scrubber on Plant Daniel Units 1 and 2. On May 3, 2012, the Sierra Club filed a notice of appeal of the order with the Chancery Court. These units are jointly owned by Mississippi Power and Gulf Power, with 50% ownership each. The estimated total cost of the project is approximately $660 million, with Mississippi Power’s portion being $330 million, excluding AFUDC. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2015. Mississippi Power’s portion of the cost is expected to be recovered through the ECO Plan. As of June 30, 2012, total project expenditures were $82.0 million, with Mississippi Power’s portion being $41.0 million. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

Certificated New Plant

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters — Certificated New Plant” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” herein for additional information.

On May 23, 2012, the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff signed a joint stipulation with Mississippi Power to establish a new rate schedule for Certificated New Plant-A (CNP-A), a proposed cost recovery mechanism designed specifically to recover financing costs during the construction phase of the Kemper IGCC. An amended and restated stipulation was subsequently executed and filed on June 1, 2012. On June 14, 2012, Mississippi Power submitted to the Mississippi PSC a proposed supplemental compliance filing to establish the new CNP-A rate schedule and a stipulated rate increase based upon the revenue request of between $55.3 million and $58.6 million to recover financing costs over the remainder of 2012.

On June 22, 2012, the Mississippi PSC denied the proposed CNP-A rate schedule and the 2012 rate recovery filings submitted by Mississippi Power, pending a final ruling from the Mississippi Supreme Court regarding the motion for stay and notice of appeal filed by the Sierra Club on April 26, 2012 relating to the Mississippi PSC’s issuance of the CPCN for the Kemper IGCC. On July 9, 2012, Mississippi Power appealed the Mississippi PSC’s June 22, 2012 decision to the Mississippi Supreme Court and requested interim rates under bond of $55.3 million while the Mississippi Supreme Court decides Mississippi Power’s appeal of the Mississippi PSC’s June 22, 2012 decision. On July 31, 2012, the Mississippi Supreme Court denied Mississippi Power’s request for interim rates under bond. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

 

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Fuel Cost Recovery

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Fuel Cost Recovery” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Mississippi Power’s fuel cost recovery.

At June 30, 2012, the amount of over recovered retail fuel costs included in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein was $55.5 million compared to $42.4 million at December 31, 2011. Mississippi Power also has wholesale MRA and Market Based (MB) fuel cost recovery factors. At June 30, 2012, the amount of over recovered wholesale MRA and MB fuel costs included in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein was $17.4 million and $2.4 million, respectively, compared to $14.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively, at December 31, 2011. In addition, at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the amount of over recovered MRA emissions allowance cost included in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Balance Sheets herein was $1.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively. Mississippi Power’s operating revenues are adjusted for differences in actual recoverable fuel cost and amounts billed in accordance with the currently approved cost recovery rate. Accordingly, any changes in the billing factors will not have a significant effect on Mississippi Power’s revenues or net income, but will affect annual cash flow.

Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Mississippi Power under “Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information regarding Mississippi Power’s construction of the Kemper IGCC.

In May 2010, Mississippi Power filed a motion with the Mississippi PSC accepting the conditions contained in the Mississippi PSC order confirming Mississippi Power’s application for a CPCN authorizing the acquisition, construction, and operation of the Kemper IGCC. In June 2010, the Mississippi PSC issued the CPCN (2010 MPSC Order).

In June 2010, the Sierra Club filed an appeal of the Mississippi PSC’s June 2010 decision to grant the CPCN for the Kemper IGCC with the Chancery Court. Subsequently, in July 2010, the Sierra Club also filed an appeal directly with the Mississippi Supreme Court. In October 2010, the Mississippi Supreme Court dismissed the Sierra Club’s direct appeal. In February 2011, the Chancery Court issued a judgment affirming the 2010 MPSC Order and, in March 2011, the Sierra Club appealed the Chancery Court’s decision to the Mississippi Supreme Court. On March 15, 2012, the Mississippi Supreme Court reversed the Chancery Court’s decision and the 2010 MPSC Order and remanded the matter to the Mississippi PSC to correct the 2010 MPSC Order. The Mississippi Supreme Court concluded that the 2010 MPSC Order did not cite in sufficient detail substantial evidence upon which the Mississippi Supreme Court could determine the basis for the findings of the Mississippi PSC granting the CPCN.

On March 30, 2012, the Mississippi PSC issued temporary authorization for the continuation of construction of the Kemper IGCC. On April 24, 2012, the Mississippi PSC issued a detailed order on remand (2012 MPSC Order) confirming the CPCN for the Kemper IGCC subject to the same conditions set forth in the 2010 MPSC Order. On April 26, 2012, the Sierra Club filed a motion for stay and a notice of appeal of the 2012 MPSC Order with the Chancery Court. On May 18, 2012, Mississippi Power’s motion to join the appeal was approved.

The certificated cost estimate of the Kemper IGCC is $2.4 billion, net of $245.3 million of grants awarded to the project by the DOE under the Clean Coal Power Initiative Round 2 (CCPI2) and excluding the cost of the lignite mine and equipment and the carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline facilities. The 2012 MPSC Order, like the 2010 MPSC Order, (1) approved a construction cost cap of up to $2.88 billion (exemptions from the cost cap include the cost of the lignite mine and equipment and the CO2 pipeline facilities and certain general exceptions, including change of law, force majeure, and beneficial capital), (2) provided for the establishment of operational cost and revenue parameters based upon assumptions in Mississippi Power’s proposal, and (3) approved financing cost recovery on CWIP balances not to exceed the certificated cost estimate, which provided for the accrual of AFUDC in 2010 and 2011 and provides for the current recovery of financing costs on 100% of CWIP in 2012, 2013, and through May 1, 2014, (provided that the amount of CWIP allowed is (i) reduced by the amount of state and federal government construction cost incentives received by

 

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Mississippi Power in excess of $296 million to the extent that such amount increases cash flow for the pertinent regulatory period and (ii) justified by a showing that such CWIP allowance will benefit customers over the life of the Kemper IGCC). The current cost estimate of the Kemper IGCC is $2.88 billion, including a $72 million contingency.

The Mississippi PSC order established periodic prudence reviews during the annual CWIP review process. Of the total costs incurred through March 2009, $46 million has been reviewed and approved by the Mississippi PSC. A decision regarding the remaining $5 million has been deferred to a later date. The timing of the review of the remaining Kemper IGCC costs has not been determined.

The Kemper IGCC, expected to begin commercial operation in May 2014, will use locally mined lignite (an abundant, lower heating value coal) from a mine adjacent to the Kemper IGCC as fuel. The mine is scheduled to be placed into service in June 2013. In conjunction with the Kemper IGCC, Mississippi Power will own the lignite mine and equipment and has acquired and will continue to acquire mineral reserves located around the Kemper IGCC site in Kemper County. The estimated capital cost of the mine is approximately $245 million, of which $99.9 million has been incurred through June 30, 2012.

In May 2010, Mississippi Power executed a 40-year management fee contract with Liberty Fuels Company, LLC, a subsidiary of The North American Coal Corporation (Liberty Fuels), which will develop, construct, and manage the mining operations. Due to the fact that Liberty Fuels conducts all of its activities on behalf of Mississippi Power, Liberty Fuels qualifies as a variable interest entity for which Mississippi Power is the primary beneficiary. The contract with Liberty Fuels is effective through the end of the mine reclamation. As the mining permit holder, Liberty Fuels has a legal obligation to perform mine reclamation and Mississippi Power has a contractual obligation to fund all reclamation activities. Consistent with the requirements of consolidation accounting, Liberty Fuels is consolidated in the financial statements of Mississippi Power and accordingly the asset retirement cost and the ARO have been recorded in Mississippi Power’s financial statements. In addition to the obligation to fund the reclamation activities, Mississippi Power currently provides working capital support to Liberty Fuels through cash advances for capital purchases, payroll, and other operating expenses.

In December 2011, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) approved the surface coal mining and the water pollution control permits for the mining operations operated by Liberty Fuels. On January 12, 2012, two individuals each filed a notice of appeal and a request for evidentiary hearing with the MDEQ regarding the surface coal mining and water pollution control permits. On March 8, 2012, the MDEQ permit board affirmed its issuance of the surface coal mining and water pollution control permits.

In 2009, Mississippi Power received notification from the IRS formally certifying that the IRS allocated $133 million of Internal Revenue Code Section 48A tax credits (Phase I) to Mississippi Power. In April 2011, Mississippi Power received notification from the IRS formally certifying that the IRS allocated $279 million of Internal Revenue Code Section 48A tax credits (Phase II) to Mississippi Power. The utilization of Phase I and Phase II credits is dependent upon meeting the IRS certification requirements, including an in-service date no later than May 11, 2014 for the Phase I credits and April 19, 2016 for the Phase II credits. In order to remain eligible for the Phase II credits, Mississippi Power plans to capture and sequester (via enhanced oil recovery) at least 65% of the CO2 produced by the Kemper IGCC during operations in accordance with the recapture rules for Section 48A investment tax credits. Through June 30, 2012, Mississippi Power received or accrued tax benefits totaling $197 million for these tax credits, which will be amortized as a reduction to depreciation and amortization over the life of the Kemper IGCC. Based on current tax laws and regulations in effect, Mississippi Power expects to receive substantially all of the tax credits accrued through June 30, 2012 by June 30, 2013.

In July 2010, Mississippi Power and SMEPA entered into an asset purchase agreement whereby SMEPA agreed to purchase a 17.5% undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. In December 2010, Mississippi Power and SMEPA filed a joint petition with the Mississippi PSC requesting regulatory approval of SMEPA’s 17.5% undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC. On February 28, 2012, the Mississippi PSC approved the joint petition for the sale and transfer of 17.5% of the Kemper IGCC to SMEPA. On June 29, 2012, Mississippi Power and SMEPA signed an amendment to the asset purchase agreement whereby SMEPA extended its option to purchase until December 31, 2012 and reduced its purchase

 

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commitment percentage from a 17.5% to a 15% undivided interest in the Kemper IGCC, subject to approval by the Mississippi PSC. The closing of this transaction is conditioned upon execution of a joint ownership and operating agreement, receipt of all construction permits, appropriate regulatory approvals, financing, and other conditions.

On March 6, 2012, Mississippi Power received a $150 million interest-bearing refundable deposit from SMEPA to be applied to the purchase. While the expectation is that the amount will be applied to the purchase price at closing, Mississippi Power would be required to refund the deposit upon the termination of the asset purchase agreement, within 60 days of a request by SMEPA for a full or partial refund, or within 15 days at SMEPA’s discretion in the event that Mississippi Power is assigned a senior unsecured credit rating of BBB+ or lower by S&P or Baa1 or lower by Moody’s or ceases to be rated by either of these rating agencies. Given the interest-bearing nature of the deposit and SMEPA’s ability to request a refund, the deposit has been presented as a current liability in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein and as financing proceeds in Mississippi Power’s Condensed Statement of Cash Flows herein.

As of June 30, 2012, Mississippi Power had spent a total of $1.7 billion on the Kemper IGCC including the cost of the lignite mine and equipment, the CO2 pipeline facilities, and regulatory filing costs. Of this total, $1.6 billion was included in CWIP (which is net of $245.3 million of CCPI2 grant funds), $29.0 million was recorded in other regulatory assets, $2.6 million was recorded in other deferred charges and assets, and $1.0 million was previously expensed.

See Note 3 to the financial statements of Mississippi Power under “Retail Regulatory Matters – Certificated New Plant” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K and “Retail Regulatory Matters – Certificated New Plant” herein for information on the proposed rate schedules related to the Kemper IGCC.

The ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time.

 

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(C) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

As of June 30, 2012, assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis during the period, together with the level of the fair value hierarchy in which they fall, were as follows:

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using         
As of June 30, 2012:   

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

    

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs
(Level 2)

    

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

 

 
     (in millions)  

Southern Company

           

Assets:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 24       $ —         $ 24   

Interest rate derivatives

     —           12         —           12   

Nuclear decommissioning trusts(a)

     450         784         —           1,234   

Cash equivalents and restricted cash

     512         —           —           512   

Other investments

     1         53         15         69   

 

 

Total

   $ 963       $ 873       $ 15       $ 1,851   

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 194       $ —         $ 194   

Interest rate derivatives

     —           28         —           28   

Foreign currency derivatives

     —           2         —           2   

 

 

Total

   $ —         $ 224       $ —         $ 224   

 

 

Alabama Power

           

Assets:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 3       $ —         $ 3   

Nuclear decommissioning trusts:(b)

           

Domestic equity

     274         60         —           334   

Foreign equity(d)

     25         49         —           74   

U.S. Treasury and government agency securities

     —           23         —           23   

Corporate bonds

     —           101         —           101   

Mortgage and asset backed securities

     —           25         —           25   

Other

     —           12         —           12   

 

 

Total

   $ 299       $ 273       $ —         $ 572   

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 35       $ —         $ 35   

Interest rate derivatives

     —           28         —           28   

 

 

Total

   $ —         $ 63       $ —         $ 63   

 

 

 

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     Fair Value Measurements Using         
As of June 30, 2012:   

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

    

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs
(Level 2)

    

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

     Total  

 

 
     (in millions)  

Georgia Power

           

Assets:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 17       $ —         $ 17   

Nuclear decommissioning trusts:(b) (c)

           

Domestic equity

     151         1         —           152   

Foreign equity(d)

     —           102         —           102   

U.S. Treasury and government agency securities

     —           45         —           45   

Municipal bonds

     —           103         —           103   

Corporate bonds

     —           120         —           120   

Mortgage and asset backed securities

     —           118         —           118   

Other

     —           24         —           24   

Cash equivalents

     149         —           —           149   

 

 

Total

   $ 300       $ 530       $ —         $ 830   

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 75       $ —         $ 75   

 

 

Gulf Power

           

Assets:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 2       $ —         $ 2   

Cash equivalents

     15         —           —           15   

 

 

Total

   $ 15       $ 2       $ —         $ 17   

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 39       $ —         $ 39   

 

 

Mississippi Power

           

Assets:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 1       $ —         $ 1   

Cash equivalents

     146         —           —           146   

 

 

Total

   $ 146       $ 1       $ —         $ 147   

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 38       $ —         $ 38   

Foreign currency derivatives

     —           2         —           2   

 

 

Total

   $ —         $ 40       $ —         $ 40   

 

 

Southern Power

           

Assets:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 1       $ —         $ 1   

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Energy-related derivatives

   $ —         $ 7       $ —         $ 7   

 

 

 

(a) For additional detail, see the nuclear decommissioning trusts sections for Alabama Power and Georgia Power in this table.
(b) Excludes receivables related to investment income, pending investment sales, and payables related to pending investment purchases.
(c) Includes the investment securities pledged to creditors and cash collateral received and payables related to the securities lending program. As of June 30, 2012, approximately $38 million of the fair market value of Georgia Power’s nuclear decommissioning trust funds’ securities were on loan and pledged to creditors under the funds’ managers’ securities lending program.
(d) Level 1 securities consist of actively traded stocks, while Level 2 securities consist of pooled funds.

 

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Valuation Methodologies

The energy-related derivatives primarily consist of over-the-counter financial products for natural gas and physical power products including, from time to time, basis swaps. These are standard products used within the energy industry and are valued using the market approach. The inputs used are mainly from observable market sources, such as forward natural gas prices, power prices, implied volatility, and LIBOR interest rates. Interest rate and foreign currency derivatives are also standard over-the-counter financial products valued using the market approach. Inputs for interest rate derivatives include LIBOR interest rates, interest rate futures contracts, and occasionally implied volatility of interest rate options. Inputs for foreign currency derivatives are from observable market sources. See Note (H) herein for additional information on how these derivatives are used.

“Other investments” include investments in funds that are valued using the market approach and income approach. Securities that are traded in the open market are valued at the closing price on their principal exchange as of the measurement date. Discounts are applied in accordance with GAAP when certain trading restrictions exist. For investments that are not traded in the open market, the price paid will have been determined based on market factors including comparable multiples and the expectations regarding cash flows and business plan execution. As the investments mature or if market conditions change materially, further analysis of the fair market value of the investment is performed. This analysis is typically based on a metric, such as multiple of earnings, revenues, earnings before interest and income taxes, or earnings adjusted for certain cash changes. These multiples are based on comparable multiples for publicly traded companies or other relevant prior transactions.

For fair value measurements of investments within the nuclear decommissioning trusts and rabbi trust funds, specifically the fixed income assets using significant other observable inputs and unobservable inputs, the primary valuation technique used is the market approach. External pricing vendors are designated for each of the asset classes in the nuclear decommissioning trusts and rabbi trust funds with each security discriminately assigned a primary pricing source, based on similar characteristics.

A market price secured from the primary source vendor is then used in the valuation of the assets within the trusts. As a general approach, market pricing vendors gather market data (including indices and market research reports) and integrate relative credit information, observed market movements, and sector news into proprietary pricing models, pricing systems, and mathematical tools. Dealer quotes and other market information including live trading levels and pricing analysts’ judgment are also obtained when available.

 

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As of June 30, 2012, the fair value measurements of investments calculated at net asset value per share (or its equivalent), as well as the nature and risks of those investments, were as follows:

 

As of June 30, 2012:    Fair
Value
     Unfunded
Commitments
   Redemption
Frequency
   Redemption
Notice Period

 

     (in millions)          

Southern Company

        

Nuclear decommissioning trusts:

           

Corporate bonds — commingled funds

   $ 8       None    Daily    1 to 3 days

Other — commingled funds

     73       None    Daily/Monthly    Daily/7 days

Trust-owned life insurance

     91       None    Daily    15 days

Cash equivalents and restricted cash:

           

Money market funds

     512       None    Daily    Not applicable

 

Alabama Power

           

Nuclear decommissioning trusts:

           

Other — commingled funds

     49       None    Daily/Monthly    Daily/7 days

Trust-owned life insurance

     91       None    Daily    15 days

 

Georgia Power

           

Nuclear decommissioning trusts:

           

Corporate bonds — commingled funds

     8       None    Daily    1 to 3 days

Other — commingled funds

     24       None    Daily    Not applicable

Cash equivalents:

           

Money market funds

     149       None    Daily    Not applicable

 

Gulf Power

           

Cash equivalents:

           

Money market funds

     15       None    Daily    Not applicable

 

Mississippi Power

           

Cash equivalents:

           

Money market funds

     146       None    Daily    Not applicable

 

The NRC requires licensees of commissioned nuclear power reactors to establish a plan for providing reasonable assurance of funds for future decommissioning. Alabama Power and Georgia Power have external trust funds (the Funds) to comply with the NRC’s regulations. The commingled funds in the nuclear decommissioning trusts are invested primarily in a diversified portfolio of high grade money market instruments, including, but not limited to, commercial paper, notes, repurchase agreements, and other evidences of indebtedness with a maturity not exceeding 13 months from the date of purchase. The commingled funds will, however, maintain a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity of 90 days or less. The assets may be longer term investment grade fixed income obligations having a maximum five-year final maturity with put features or floating rates with a reset date of 13 months or less. The primary objective for the commingled funds is a high level of current income consistent with stability of principal and liquidity. The corporate bonds — commingled funds represent the investment of cash collateral received under the Funds’ managers’ securities lending program that can only be sold upon the return of the loaned securities. See Note 1 to the financial statements of Southern Company and Georgia Power under “Nuclear Decommissioning” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

Alabama Power’s nuclear decommissioning trust includes investments in Trust-Owned Life Insurance (TOLI). The taxable nuclear decommissioning trust invests in the TOLI in order to minimize the impact of taxes on the portfolio and can draw on the value of the TOLI through death proceeds, loans against the cash surrender value, and/or the cash surrender value, subject to legal restrictions. The amounts reported in the table above reflect the fair value of investments the insurer has made in relation to the TOLI agreements. The nuclear decommissioning trust does not own the underlying investments, but the fair value of the investments approximates the cash surrender value of the TOLI policies. The investments made by the insurer are in commingled funds. The commingled funds primarily

 

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include investments in domestic and international equity securities and predominantly high-quality fixed income securities. These fixed income securities may include U.S. Treasury and government agency fixed income securities, non-U.S. government and agency fixed income securities, domestic and foreign corporate fixed income securities, and, to some degree, mortgage and asset backed securities. The passively managed funds seek to replicate the performance of a related index. The actively managed funds seek to exceed the performance of a related index through security analysis and selection.

Southern Company, Alabama Power, and Georgia Power continue to elect the option to fair value investment securities held in the nuclear decommissioning trust funds. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the change in fair value of the funds, which includes reinvested interest and dividends and excludes the Funds’ expenses, is recorded in the regulatory liability and was a decrease of $22 million and an increase of $64 million, respectively, for Southern Company, a decrease of $16 million and an increase of $33 million, respectively, for Alabama Power, and a decrease of $6 million and an increase of $31 million, respectively, for Georgia Power.

The money market funds are short-term investments of excess funds in various money market mutual funds, which are portfolios of short-term debt securities. The money market funds are regulated by the SEC and typically receive the highest rating from credit rating agencies. Regulatory and rating agency requirements for money market funds include minimum credit ratings and maximum maturities for individual securities and a maximum weighted average portfolio maturity. Redemptions are available on a same day basis up to the full amount of the investment in the money market funds.

At June 30, 2012, other financial instruments for which the carrying amount did not equal fair value were as follows:

 

     Carrying Amount    Fair Value

 

     (in millions)

Long-term debt:

     

Southern Company

   $21,451     $23,477 

Alabama Power

   $  6,130     $  6,893 

Georgia Power

   $  9,856     $10,703 

Gulf Power

   $  1,246     $  1,384 

Mississippi Power

   $  1,576     $  1,690 

Southern Power

   $  1,306     $  1,416 

The fair values are primarily Level 2 and are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, and Southern Power.

(D) STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Earnings per Share

For Southern Company, the only difference in computing basic and diluted earnings per share is attributable to awards outstanding under the stock option and performance share plans. See Note 8 to the financial statements of Southern Company in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information on the stock option and performance share plans. The effects of both stock options and performance share award units were determined using the treasury stock method. Shares used to compute diluted earnings per share were as follows:

 

    

Three Months
Ended

June 30, 2012

  

Three Months
Ended

June 30, 2011

  

Six Months
Ended

June 30, 2012

  

Six Months
Ended

June 30, 2011

 

     (in millions)

As reported shares

   872    855    870    851

Effect of options and performance share award units

       8        7        9        7

 

Diluted shares

   880    862    879    858

 

 

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Stock options and performance share award units that were not included in the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were anti-dilutive were immaterial for both the three months and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

Changes in Stockholders’ Equity

The following table presents year-to-date changes in stockholders’ equity of Southern Company:

 

     Number of
Common Shares
   Common
Stockholders’
   Preferred and
Preference
Stock of
  

Total

Stockholders’

     Issued    Treasury    Equity    Subsidiaries    Equity

 

     (in thousands)         (in millions)     

Balance at December 31, 2011

   865,664    (539)    $17,578    $707    $18,285

Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock

           —      —           991        —            991

Other comprehensive income (loss)

           —      —             (1)        —              (1)

Stock issued

       9,697      —            395        —            395

Cash dividends on common stock

           —      —          (837)        —         (837)

Other

           —      (26)             (2)        —             (2)

 

Balance at June 30, 2012

   875,361    (565)    $18,124    $707    $18,831

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

   843,814    (474)    $16,202    $707    $16,909

Net income after dividends on preferred and preference stock

           —      —        1,026        —        1,026

Other comprehensive income (loss)

           —      —                8        —              8

Stock issued

     14,337      —            533        —          533

Cash dividends on common stock

           —      —          (787)        —        (787)

Other

           —      (25)              —        —            —

 

Balance at June 30, 2011

   858,151    (499)     $16,982    $707    $17,689

 

(E) FINANCING

Bank Credit Arrangements

Bank credit arrangements provide liquidity support to the registrants’ commercial paper borrowings and the traditional operating companies’ variable rate pollution control revenue bonds. See Note 6 to the financial statements of each registrant under “Bank Credit Arrangements” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

 

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The following table outlines the credit arrangements by company as of June 30, 2012, including expiration dates:

 

     Expires         Executable Term
Loans
   Due Within  One
Year(a)
Company    2012    2013   

2014

and
Beyond(b)

   Total    Unused    One
Year
   Two
Years
   Term
Out
   No Term
Out

 

     (in millions)    (in millions)    (in millions)    (in millions)

Southern Company

   $—    $ —    $1,000    $1,000    $1,000    $ —    $ —    $ —    $ —

Alabama Power

     37      101      1,150      1,288      1,288        51       —        51        52

Georgia Power

     —       —      1,750      1,750      1,745        —       —        —        —

Gulf Power

     20       60         195         275         275        45       —        45        35

Mississippi Power

     41       95         165         301         301        25        41        66        70

Southern Power

     —       —         500         500         500       —       —        —        —

Other

     —       50          —           50           50        25       —        25        —

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Total

   $98    $306    $4,760    $5,164    $5,159    $146    $  41    $187    $157

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

(a) Reflects facilities expiring on or before June 30, 2013.
(b) All remaining Gulf Power and Mississippi Power credit agreements in this column expire in 2014.

(F) RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Southern Company has a defined benefit, trusteed, pension plan covering substantially all employees. The qualified pension plan is funded in accordance with requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. No mandatory contributions to the qualified pension plan are anticipated for the year ending December 31, 2012. Southern Company also provides certain defined benefit pension plans for a selected group of management and highly compensated employees. Benefits under these non-qualified pension plans are funded on a cash basis. In addition, Southern Company provides certain medical care and life insurance benefits for retired employees through other postretirement benefit plans. The traditional operating companies fund related other postretirement trusts to the extent required by their respective regulatory commissions.

See Note 2 to the financial statements of Southern Company, Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information.

 

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Components of the net periodic benefit costs for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were as follows:

 

Pension Plans   

Southern

Company

  

Alabama

Power

  

Georgia

Power

   Gulf
Power
  

  Mississippi  

Power

 

     (in millions)

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012

              

Service cost

   $   49     $ 11     $ 15     $   3     $ 3 

Interest cost

        99        24        36          4        4 

Expected return on plan assets

     (146)      (41)      (55)        (7)      (6)

Net amortization

        31          7        11          2        1 

 

Net cost (income)

   $   33     $   1        $7     $   2     $ 2 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

              

Service cost

   $   99     $ 22     $ 30     $   5     $  5 

Interest cost

       197        47        71          8          9 

Expected return on plan assets

     (291)      (81)    (110)      (13)      (12)

Net amortization

        62        15        22          3          2 

 

Net cost (income)

   $  67     $   3     $ 13     $   3     $  4 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

              

Service cost

   $   46     $ 10     $ 15     $  2     $  2 

Interest cost

       97         24         36         5         5 

Expected return on plan assets

   (152)      (43)      (58)      (7)      (6)

Net amortization

       13          4         4       —      — 

 

Net cost (income)

   $    4     $  (5)    $ (3)    $—     $  1 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

              

Service cost

   $    92     $  21     $  29     $  4     $  4 

Interest cost

       195         48         72          9          9 

Expected return on plan assets

     (304)      (86)    (117)      (14)      (12)

Net amortization

        26           7          9          1          1 

 

Net cost (income)

   $     9     $ (10)    $  (7)    $ —     $  2 

 

 

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Postretirement Benefits   

Southern

Company

 

Alabama

Power

 

Georgia

Power

  Gulf
Power
 

Mississippi

Power

     (in millions)

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012

                    

Service cost

     $ 6       $ 2       $ 2       $ 1       $ 1  

Interest cost

       21         6         10         1         1  

Expected return on plan assets

       (15 )       (6 )       (7 )       (1 )       (1 )

Net amortization

       5         1         2         —           —    
   

Net cost (income)

     $ 17       $ 3       $ 7       $ 1       $ 1  
   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

                    

Service cost

     $ 11       $ 3       $ 3       $ 1       $ 1  

Interest cost

       42         11         19         2         2  

Expected return on plan assets

       (30 )       (12 )       (14 )       (1 )       (1 )

Net amortization

       10         3         5         —           —    
   

Net cost (income)

     $ 33       $ 5       $ 13       $ 2       $ 2  
   

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

                    

Service cost

     $ 5       $ 2       $ 2       $ 1       $ 1  

Interest cost

       23         6         10         1         1  

Expected return on plan assets

       (16 )       (7 )       (7 )       (1 )       (1 )

Net amortization

       5         1         2         —           —    
   

Net cost (income)

     $ 17       $ 2       $ 7       $ 1       $ 1  
   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

                    

Service cost

     $ 10       $ 3       $ 4       $ 1       $ 1  

Interest cost

       46         12         20         2         2  

Expected return on plan assets

       (32 )       (13 )       (15 )       (1 )       (1 )

Net amortization

       10         3         5         —           —    
   

Net cost (income)

     $ 34       $ 5       $ 14       $ 2       $ 2  
   

 

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(G) EFFECTIVE TAX RATE AND UNRECOGNIZED TAX BENEFITS

Effective Tax Rate

See Note 5 to the financial statements of each registrant in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for information on the effective income tax rate.

Southern Company

Southern Company’s effective tax rate is typically lower than the statutory rate due to its employee stock plans’ dividend deduction and non-taxable AFUDC equity.

Southern Company’s effective tax rate was 34.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 35.4% for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily related to state income tax credits. See “Unrecognized Tax Benefits” herein for additional information.

Alabama Power

Alabama Power’s effective tax rate was 38.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 38.5% for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was due to an increase in Alabama state income taxes as a result of a decrease in the state income tax deduction for federal income taxes paid.

Georgia Power

Georgia Power’s effective tax rate was 34.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 34.8% for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily related to state income tax credits, partially offset by a decrease in non-taxable AFUDC equity. See “Unrecognized Tax Benefits” herein for additional information.

Gulf Power

Gulf Power’s effective tax rate was 36.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 35.9% for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was primarily due to a decrease in non-taxable AFUDC equity.

Mississippi Power

Mississippi Power’s effective tax rate was 25.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 32.6% for the corresponding period in 2011. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in non-taxable AFUDC equity related to the Kemper IGCC construction.

Southern Power

Southern Power’s effective tax rate was 35.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 35.3% for the corresponding period in 2011. The increase was due to less tax benefits from convertible investment tax credits associated with qualifying construction activity.

 

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Unrecognized Tax Benefits

Changes during 2012 for unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:

 

     Southern
Company
   

Alabama

Power

    Georgia
Power
    Gulf
Power
   

Mississippi

Power

    Southern
Power
 
                   
     (in millions)  

Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2011

   $ 120      $ 32      $ 47      $ 3      $ 5      $ 3   

Tax positions from current periods

     4        2        2        1        —          —     

Tax positions from prior periods

     (23     (3     (19     (1     (1     (2

Reductions due to settlements

     (5     (2     (4     (1     —          1   

Reductions due to expired statute of limitations

     (3     —          (3     —          —          —     
                   

Balance as of June 30, 2012

   $ 93      $ 29      $ 23      $ 2      $ 4      $ 2   
                   

The tax positions from current periods relate primarily to state income tax credits and the tax accounting method change for repairs-generation assets. See “Tax Method of Accounting for Repairs” herein for additional information. The decreases in tax positions from prior periods primarily relate to state income tax credits. The reductions due to settlements relate to a settlement with the IRS of the calculation methodology for the production activities deduction.

The impact on the effective tax rate, if recognized, was as follows:

 

     As of June 30, 2012      As of
December 31,
2011
 

 

 
     Georgia
Power
    

Other

Registrants

     Southern
Company
     Southern
Company
 

 

 
     (in millions)  

Tax positions impacting the effective tax rate

   $ 3       $ 4       $ 38       $ 69   

Tax positions not impacting the effective tax rate

     20         33         55         51   

 

 

Balance of unrecognized tax benefits

   $ 23       $ 37       $ 93       $ 120   

 

 

The tax positions impacting the effective tax rate primarily relate to state income tax credits and a litigation settlement refund claim for Southern Company. See Note 5 to the financial statements of Southern Company under “Effective Tax Rate” in Item 8 of the Form 10-K for additional information. The tax positions not impacting the effective tax rate relate to the timing difference associated with the tax accounting method change for repairs-generation assets. See “Tax Method of Accounting for Repairs” herein for additional information. These amounts are presented on a gross basis without considering the related federal or state income tax impact.

Accrued interest for unrecognized tax benefits was as follows:

 

    

Georgia

Power

    Other
Registrants
    Southern
Company
 

 

 
     (in millions)  

Interest accrued as of December 31, 2011

   $ 6      $ 3      $ 10   

Interest reclassified due to settlements

     (6     (2     (9

Interest accrued during the period

     —          —          —     

 

 

Balance as of June 30, 2012

   $ —        $ 1      $ 1   

 

 

All of the registrants classify interest on tax uncertainties as interest expense. The interest reclassified due to settlements is primarily associated with state income tax credits and a settlement with the IRS related to the calculation methodology for the production activities deduction.

None of the registrants accrued any penalties on uncertain tax positions.

 

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It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefits associated with a majority of the registrants’ unrecognized tax positions will significantly increase or decrease within the next 12 months. The resolution of the tax accounting method change for repairs-generation assets, as well as the conclusion or settlement of federal and state audits, could also impact the balances significantly. At this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible outcomes cannot be determined.

Tax Method of Accounting for Repairs

Southern Company submitted a tax accounting method change for repair costs associated with its subsidiaries’ generation, transmission, and distribution systems with the filing of the 2009 federal income tax return in September 2010. In August 2011, the IRS issued a revenue procedure, which provides a safe harbor method of accounting that taxpayers may use to determine repair costs for transmission and distribution property. However, the IRS continues to work with the utility industry in an effort to resolve the repair costs for generation assets matter in a consistent manner for all utilities. In December 2011, the IRS published regulations on the deduction and capitalization of expenditures related to tangible property that generally apply for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2012. The utility industry anticipates more detailed guidance concerning these regulations. Due to uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of the repair costs for generation assets, an unrecognized tax position has been recorded for the tax accounting method change for repairs-generation assets. The ultimate outcome of this matter cannot be determined at this time.

(H) DERIVATIVES

Southern Company, the traditional operating companies, and Southern Power are exposed to market risks, primarily commodity price risk, interest rate risk, and occasionally foreign currency risk. To manage the volatility attributable to these exposures, each company nets its exposures, where possible, to take advantage of natural offsets and enters into various derivative transactions for the remaining exposures pursuant to each company’s policies in areas such as counterparty exposure and risk management practices. Each company’s policy is that derivatives are to be used primarily for hedging purposes and mandates strict adherence to all applicable risk management policies. Derivative positions are monitored using techniques including, but not limited to, market valuation, value at risk, stress testing, and sensitivity analysis. Derivative instruments are recognized at fair value in the balance sheets as either assets or liabilities.

Energy-Related Derivatives

The traditional operating companies and Southern Power enter into energy-related derivatives to hedge exposures to electricity, gas, and other fuel price changes. However, due to cost-based rate regulations and other various cost recovery mechanisms, the traditional operating companies have limited exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity. Each of the traditional operating companies manages fuel-hedging programs, implemented per the guidelines of their respective state PSCs, through the use of financial derivative contracts, which is expected to continue to mitigate price volatility. Southern Power has limited exposure to market volatility in commodity fuel prices and prices of electricity because its long-term sales contracts shift substantially all fuel cost responsibility to the purchaser. However, Southern Power has been and may continue to be exposed to market volatility in energy-related commodity prices as a result of sales of uncontracted generating capacity.

To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in electricity prices, the traditional operating companies and Southern Power may enter into physical fixed-price or heat rate contracts for the purchase and sale of electricity through the wholesale electricity market. To mitigate residual risks relative to movements in gas prices, the traditional operating companies and Southern Power may enter into fixed-price contracts for natural gas purchases; however, a significant portion of contracts are priced at market.

 

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Energy-related derivative contracts are accounted for in one of three methods:

 

   

Regulatory Hedges — Energy-related derivative contracts which are designated as regulatory hedges relate primarily to the traditional operating companies’ fuel hedging programs, where gains and losses are initially recorded as regulatory liabilities and assets, respectively, and then are included in fuel expense as the underlying fuel is used in operations and ultimately recovered through the respective fuel cost recovery clauses.

 

   

Cash Flow Hedges — Gains and losses on energy-related derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, which are mainly used to hedge anticipated purchases and sales and are initially deferred in OCI before being recognized in the statements of income in the same period as the hedged transactions, are reflected in earnings.

 

   

Not Designated — Gains and losses on energy-related derivative contracts that are not designated or fail to qualify as hedges are recognized in the statements of income as incurred.

Some energy-related derivative contracts require physical delivery as opposed to financial settlement, and this type of derivative is both common and prevalent within the electric industry. When an energy-related derivative contract is settled physically, any cumulative unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the contract price is recognized in the respective line item representing the actual price of the underlying goods being delivered.

At June 30, 2012, the net volume of energy-related derivative contracts for natural gas positions for the Southern Company system, together with the longest hedge date over which the respective entity is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions and the longest date for derivatives not designated as hedges, were as follows:

 

    

Net
Purchased

mmBtu

     Longest
Hedge
Date
     Longest
Non-Hedge
Date
 

 

 
     (in millions)                

Southern Company

     242         2017         2017   

Alabama Power

     43         2017           

Georgia Power

     96         2017           

Gulf Power

     51         2017           

Mississippi Power

     34         2017           

Southern Power

     18         2012         2017   

 

 

In addition to the volumes discussed in the above table, the traditional operating companies and Southern Power enter into physical natural gas supply contracts that provide the option to sell back excess gas due to operational constraints. The maximum expected volume of natural gas subject to such a feature is 8 million mmBtu for Southern Company, 1 million mmBtu for Alabama Power, 3 million mmBtu for Georgia Power, 1 million mmBtu for Gulf Power, 1 million mmBtu for Mississippi Power, and 2 million mmBtu for Southern Power.

For cash flow hedges, the amounts expected to be reclassified from OCI to revenue and fuel expense for the next 12-month period ending June 30, 2013 are immaterial for all registrants.

Interest Rate Derivatives

Southern Company and certain subsidiaries also enter into interest rate derivatives to hedge exposure to changes in interest rates. The derivatives employed as hedging instruments are structured to minimize ineffectiveness. Derivatives related to existing variable rate securities or forecasted transactions are accounted for as cash flow hedges where the effective portion of the derivatives’ fair value gains or losses is recorded in OCI and is reclassified into earnings at the same time the hedged transactions affect earnings, with any ineffectiveness recorded directly to earnings. Derivatives related to existing fixed rate securities are accounted for as fair value hedges, where the derivatives’ fair value gains or losses and hedged items’ fair value gains or losses are both recorded directly to earnings, providing an offset with any difference representing ineffectiveness.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Continued)

 

At June 30, 2012, the following interest rate derivatives were outstanding:

 

    

Notional

Amount

    

Interest Rate

Received

    

Interest Rate

Paid

    

Hedge

Maturity Date

    

Fair Value

Gain (Loss)

June 30, 2012

 

     (in millions)                           (in millions)

Cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions

              

Alabama Power

   $ 300        
 
3-month
LIBOR
  
  
     2.90%(a)         December 2022       $(28)

Fair value hedges of existing debt

              

Southern Company

     350         4.15%        
 
 
3-month
LIBOR  +
1.96%
(a)
  
  
  
     May 2014           12

 

             

 

Total

   $ 650                $(16)

 

             

 

 

  (a) Weighted Average

The following table reflects the estimated pre-tax gains (losses) that will be reclassified from OCI to interest expense for the next 12-month period ending June 30, 2013, together with the longest date that total deferred gains and losses are expected to be amortized into earnings.

 

Registrant   

Estimated Gain (Loss) to

be Reclassified for the

12 Months Ending

June 30, 2013

  

Total Deferred

Gains (Losses)
Amortized Through

    

 

     (in millions)          

Southern Company

   $(17)    2037   

Alabama Power

     (1)    2035   

Georgia Power

     (3)    2037   

Gulf Power

     (1)    2020   

Mississippi Power

     (1)    2022   

Southern Power

   (11)    2016   

 

  

Foreign Currency Derivatives

Southern Company and certain subsidiaries may enter into foreign currency derivatives to hedge exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates arising from purchases of equipment denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars. Derivatives related to a firm commitment in a foreign currency transaction are accounted for as fair value hedges where the derivatives’ fair value gains or losses and the hedged items’ fair value gains or losses are both recorded directly to earnings. Derivatives related to a forecasted transaction are accounted for as a cash flow hedge where the effective portion of the derivatives’ fair value gains or losses is recorded in OCI and is reclassified into earnings at the same time the hedged transactions affect earnings. Any ineffectiveness is typically recorded directly to earnings; however, Mississippi Power has regulatory approval allowing it to defer any ineffectiveness associated with firm commitments related to the Kemper IGCC to a regulatory asset. The derivatives employed as hedging instruments are structured to minimize ineffectiveness.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Continued)

 

At June 30, 2012, the following foreign currency derivatives were outstanding:

 

       Notional
Amount
     Forward
Rate
   Hedge
Maturity
Date
     Fair Value
Gain (Loss)
June 30, 2012

 

       (in millions)                  (in millions)

Fair value hedges of firm commitments

                 

Mississippi Power

     EUR6.3      1.3850 Dollars
per Euro
(a)
   Various

through March

2014

     $(1)

Derivatives not designated as hedges

                 

Mississippi Power

     EUR18.1      1.3186 Dollars

per Euro(a)

   N/A      (1)

 

            

 

Total

     EUR24.4              $(2)

 

            

 

 

  (a) Weighted Average

Derivative Financial Statement Presentation and Amounts

At June 30, 2012, the fair value of energy-related derivatives, interest rate derivatives, and foreign currency derivatives was reflected in the balance sheets as follows:

 

Asset Derivatives at June 30, 2012  

 

 
     Fair Value  
Derivative Category and Balance Sheet Location    Southern
Company
     Alabama
Power
     Georgia
Power
     Gulf
Power
     Mississippi
Power
     Southern  
Power
 

 

 
     (in millions)  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments for regulatory purposes

                 

Energy-related derivatives:

                 

Other current assets

   $ 14       $ 1       $ 13       $ —         $ —        

Other deferred charges and assets

     9         2         4         2         1      

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments for regulatory purposes

   $ 23       $ 3       $ 17       $ 2       $ 1         N/A   

 

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash flow and fair value hedges

                 

Interest rate derivatives:

                 

Other current assets

   $ 6       $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —     

Other deferred charges and assets

     6         —           —           —           —           —     

 

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash flow and fair value hedges

   $ 12       $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —     

 

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

                 

Energy-related derivatives:

                 

Other deferred charges and assets

   $ 1       $ —         $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 1   

 

 

Total asset derivatives

   $  36       $ 3       $ 17       $ 2       $ 1       $ 1   

 

 

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Continued)

 

Liability Derivatives at June 30, 2012

 

     Fair Value

Derivative Category and

Balance Sheet Location

     Southern
  Company
   Alabama
Power
   Georgia
Power
   Gulf
Power
   Mississippi
Power
   Southern  
Power  

 

     (in millions)

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments for regulatory purposes

                 

Energy-related derivatives:

                 

Liabilities from risk management activities

   $123    $26    $  52    $20    $25   

Other deferred credits and liabilities

       64        9        23      19      13   

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments for regulatory purposes

   $187    $35    $75    $39    $38    N/A

 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash flow and fair value hedges

                 

Energy-related derivatives:

                 

Liabilities from risk management activities

   $    1    $—    $  —    $  —    $  —    $1

Interest rate derivatives:

                 

Liabilities from risk management activities

       28      28        —      —         —

Foreign currency derivatives:

                 

Liabilities from risk management activities

         1      —        —        —        1      —

 

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments in cash flow and fair value hedges

   $  30    $28    $—      $—      $1    $1

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

                 

Energy-related derivatives:

                 

Liabilities from risk management activities

   $    6    $—    $  —    $—    $—    $6

Foreign currency derivatives:

                 

Liabilities from risk management activities

         1      —        —      —        1      —

 

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

   $    7    $—    $  —    $  —    $  1    $6

 

Total liability derivatives

   $224    $63    $75    $39    $40    $7

 

All derivative instruments are measured at fair value. See Note (C) herein for additional information.

At June 30, 2012, the pre-tax effects of unrealized derivative gains (losses) arising from energy-related derivative instruments designated as regulatory hedging instruments and deferred on the balance sheets were as follows:

 

 

Regulatory Hedge Unrealized Gain (Loss) Recognized on the Balance Sheet  

 

 
Derivative Category and Balance Sheet
Location
   Southern
Company
     Alabama
Power
     Georgia
Power
     Gulf
Power
     Mississippi
Power
 

 

 
     (in millions)  

Energy-related derivatives:

              

Other regulatory assets, current

     $(123)         $(26)         $(52)         $(20)         $(25)   

Other regulatory assets, deferred

         (64)           (9)           (23)           (19)           (13)   

Other regulatory liabilities, current

     14            1            13              —           —   

Other regulatory liabilities, deferred

            9              2           —                2                1   

Other deferred credits and liabilities(a)

         —             —              4           —           —   

 

 

Total energy-related derivative gains (losses)

     $(164)         $(32)         $(58)         $(37)         $(37)   

 

 

 

  (a) Georgia Power includes Other regulatory liabilities, deferred in Other deferred credits and liabilities.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Continued)

 

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, the pre-tax effects of interest rate derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments on Southern Company’s statements of income were immaterial.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011, the pre-tax effects of foreign currency derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments on Southern Company’s and Mississippi Power’s statements of income were immaterial and were offset with changes in the fair value of the purchase commitment related to equipment purchases; therefore, there was no impact on Southern Company’s or Mississippi Power’s statements of income.

For the three months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the pre-tax effects of interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments on the statements of income were as follows:

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow    Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI
on Derivative
  

Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective Portion)

Hedging Relationships    (Effective Portion)    Statements of Income Location    Amount

 

     2012    2011         2012    2011

 

     (in millions)         (in millions)

Southern Company

              

Interest rate derivatives

   $    (18)    $    —   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   $            (4)    $            (1)

 

Alabama Power

              

Interest rate derivatives

   $    (18)    $    —   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   $            —    $      3

 

Georgia Power

              

Interest rate derivatives

   $    —     $    —   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   $            (1)    $            (1)

 

Southern Power

              

Interest rate derivatives

   $    —     $    —   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   $            (3)    $            (3)

 

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Continued)

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, the pre-tax effects of energy-related derivatives and interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments on the statements of income were as follows:

 

 

Derivatives in Cash Flow
Hedging
   Gain (Loss)
Recognized in OCI
on Derivative
  

Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into

Income (Effective Portion)

Relationships    (Effective Portion)    Statements of Income Location    Amount

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

    

 

     2012    2011         2012      2011

 

     (in millions)         (in millions)

Southern Company

                

Energy-related derivatives

   $    —     $       1    Fuel    $            —      $            —

Interest rate derivatives

         (12)             4    Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized                  (7)                    (6)

 

Total

   $    (12)    $         5       $            (7)      $            (6)

 

Alabama Power

                

Interest rate derivatives

   $    (11)    $         4   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   $          —      $            3

 

Georgia Power

                

Interest rate derivatives

   $    —     $    —   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   $            (2)      $            (2)

 

Mississippi Power

                

Interest rate derivatives

   $    (1)    $    —   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

   $            —      $            —

 

Southern Power

                

Energy-related derivatives

   $    —     $       1    Fuel    $            —      $            —

Interest rate derivatives

       —        —   

Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized

                 (5)                    (6)

 

Total

   $    —     $       1       $            (5)      $            (6)

 

There was no material ineffectiveness recorded in earnings for any registrant for any period presented.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the net unrealized pre-tax gains from energy-related derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on Southern Company’s and Southern Power’s statements of income were $10 million and $4 million, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, the pre-tax effects of energy-related derivatives not designated as hedging instruments on the statements of income were immaterial for all registrants.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, the pre-tax effects of foreign currency derivatives not designated as hedging instruments were recorded as regulatory assets and liabilities and were immaterial for Southern Company and Mississippi Power.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Continued)

 

Contingent Features

The registrants do not have any credit arrangements that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade. There are certain derivatives that could require collateral, but not accelerated payment, in the event of various credit rating changes of certain Southern Company subsidiaries. At June 30, 2012, the fair value of derivative liabilities with contingent features, by registrant, was as follows:

 

     Southern
Company
   Alabama
Power
   Georgia
Power
   Gulf
Power
   Mississippi
Power
   Southern
Power

 

               (in millions)               

Derivative liabilities

   $27    $6    $8    $6    $5    $2

At June 30, 2012, the registrants had no collateral posted with their derivative counterparties. The maximum potential collateral requirements arising from the credit-risk-related contingent features, at a rating below BBB- and/or Baa3, were $27 million for each registrant. Generally, collateral may be provided by a Southern Company guaranty, letter of credit, or cash. For the traditional operating companies and Southern Power, included in these amounts are certain agreements that could require collateral in the event that one or more Power Pool participant has a credit rating change to below investment grade.

 

(I) ACQUISITIONS

Apex Nevada Solar, LLC Acquisition

On June 29, 2012, Southern Power and Turner Renewable Energy, Inc., through a jointly-owned subsidiary owned 90% by Southern Power, acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of Apex Nevada Solar, LLC (Apex) from Sun Edison, LLC, the original developer of the project. Apex constructed and owns a 20-MW solar photovoltaic facility in North Las Vegas, Nevada. Commercial operation of the solar facility was declared by Apex on July 21, 2012. The output of the plant is contracted under a PPA with Nevada Power Company, a subsidiary of NV Energy, Inc., that began in 2012 and expires in 2037. This PPA will be accounted for as an operating lease. The acquisition is in accordance with Southern Power’s overall growth strategy.

Southern Power’s acquisition of Apex included cash consideration of $102 million, of which $86.5 million was paid at closing. The remaining $15.5 million will be paid upon achievement of certain milestones. Due to the proximity of the closing date to June 30, 2012, there has not been sufficient time to complete the final allocation of the purchase price to individual assets. As of June 30, 2012, the entire purchase price is reflected in CWIP on Southern Power’s Condensed Balance Sheet herein.

 

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NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: (Continued)

 

  (J) SEGMENT AND RELATED INFORMATION

Southern Company’s reportable business segments are the sale of electricity in the Southeast by the four traditional operating companies and Southern Power. Revenues from sales by Southern Power to the traditional operating companies were $106 million and $218 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, and $71 million and $154 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011, respectively. The “All Other” column includes parent Southern Company, which does not allocate operating expenses to business segments. Also, this category includes segments below the quantitative threshold for separate disclosure. These segments include investments in telecommunications and leveraged lease projects. All other intersegment revenues are not material. Financial data for business segments and products and services was as follows:

 

    Electric Utilities                            
   

    Traditional    

    Operating    

    Companies    

        Southern    
    Power    
       Eliminations           Total              

  All

  Other  

      Eliminations           Consolidated      
 

 

 

 
    (in millions)  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012:

                 

Operating revenues

  $   3,989      $    286      $             (109)      $   4,166          $      35      $   (20)      $   4,181   

Segment net income (loss)(a)

           549               47                       —                 596                    27                —                 623   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012:

                 

Operating revenues

  $ 7,438      $ 539      $             (222)      $   7,755          $ 73      $ (43)      $ 7,785   

Segment net income (loss)(a)

    888        76                       —                964            28              (1)        991   

Total assets at June 30, 2012

  $ 56,726      $ 3,785      $ (126)      $ 60,385          $ 1,132      $ (620)      $ 60,897   

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011:

                 

Operating revenues

  $ 4,291      $ 305      $             (93)      $ 4,503          $ 38      $ (20)      $ 4,521   

Segment net income (loss)(a)

    559        44                       —          603                     1                —          604   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011:

                 

Operating revenues

  $ 8,101      $ 587      $             (191)      $ 8,497          $ 76      $ (40)      $ 8,533   

Segment net income (loss)(a)

    943        82                       —          1,025            2        (1)        1,026   

Total assets at December 31, 2011

  $ 54,622      $ 3,581      $ (127   $ 58,076          $ 1,592      $ (401)      $ 59,267   

 

 

(a) After dividends on preferred and preference stock of subsidiaries

Products and Services

 

     Electric Utilities’ Revenues  

Period

   Retail      Wholesale      Other      Total  
  

 

 

 
     (in millions)  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2012

   $ 3,597       $ 415       $ 154       $ 4,166   

Three Months Ended June 30, 2011

     3,842         507         154         4,503   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2012

   $ 6,689       $ 764       $ 302       $ 7,755   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2011

     7,238         956         303         8,497   

 

 

 

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

See the Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements herein for information regarding certain legal and administrative proceedings in which the registrants are involved.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

See RISK FACTORS in Item 1A of the Form 10-K for a discussion of the risk factors of the registrants. There have been no material changes to these risk factors from those previously disclosed in the Form 10-K.

 

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Item 6.    Exhibits.

(4) Instruments Describing Rights of Security Holders, Including Indentures

Georgia Power

 

(c)1  

-

   Forty-Seventh Supplemental Indenture to Senior Note Indenture dated as of May 11, 2012, providing for the issuance of the Series 2012B 2.85% Senior Notes due May 15, 2022. (Designated in Form 8-K dated May 8, 2012, File No. 1-6468, as Exhibit 4.2(b).)

Gulf Power

 

(e)1  

-

   Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture to Senior Note Indenture dated as of May 18, 2012, providing for the issuance of the Series 2012A 3.10% Senior Notes due May 15, 2022. (Designated in Form 8-K dated May 15, 2012, File No. 001-31737, as Exhibit 4.2.)

(10) Material Contracts

Southern Company

 

(a)1   -    Retention and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement by and between Southern Company and Charles D. McCrary effective May 22, 2012.

 

(a)2   -    Consulting Agreement by and with Southern Company Services, Inc. and Anthony J. Topazi effective August 1, 2012.

Alabama Power

 

(a)1   -    Retention and Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement by and between Southern Company and Charles D. McCrary effective May 22, 2012. See Exhibit 10(a)1 herein.

(24) Power of Attorney and Resolutions

Southern Company

 

(a)1   -    Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 1-3526 as Exhibit 24(a) and incorporated herein by reference.)

Alabama Power

 

(b)1   -    Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 1-3164 as Exhibit 24(b) and incorporated herein by reference.)

Georgia Power

 

(c)1   -    Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 1-6468 as Exhibit 24(c) and incorporated herein by reference.)

Gulf Power

 

(d)1   -    Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 001-31737 as Exhibit 24(d) and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

(d)2   -    Power of Attorney for S. W. Connally, Jr.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Mississippi Power

(e)1    -    Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 001-11229 as Exhibit 24(e) and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

Southern Power

(f)1    -    Power of Attorney and resolution. (Designated in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, File No. 333-98553 as Exhibit 24(f) and incorporated herein by reference.)

 

(31) Section 302 Certifications

 

Southern Company

(a)1    -    Certificate of Southern Company’s Chief Executive Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(a)2    -    Certificate of Southern Company’s Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Alabama Power

(b)1    -    Certificate of Alabama Power’s Chief Executive Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b)2    -    Certificate of Alabama Power’s Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Georgia Power

(c)1    -    Certificate of Georgia Power’s Chief Executive Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(c)2    -    Certificate of Georgia Power’s Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Gulf Power

(d)1    -    Certificate of Gulf Power’s Chief Executive Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(d)2    -    Certificate of Gulf Power’s Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Mississippi Power

(e)1    -    Certificate of Mississippi Power’s Chief Executive Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(e)2    -    Certificate of Mississippi Power’s Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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Southern Power
(f)1    -    Certificate of Southern Power’s Chief Executive Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(f)2    -    Certificate of Southern Power’s Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(32) Section 906 Certifications

 

Southern Company

(a)    -    Certificate of Southern Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Alabama Power

(b)    -    Certificate of Alabama Power’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Georgia Power

(c)    -    Certificate of Georgia Power’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Gulf Power

(d)    -    Certificate of Gulf Power’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Mississippi Power

(e)    -    Certificate of Mississippi Power’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

Southern Power

(f)    -    Certificate of Southern Power’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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(101)    XBRL — Related Documents
INS    XBRL Instance Document
SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
DEF    XBRL Definition Linkbase Document
LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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THE SOUTHERN COMPANY

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof included in such company’s report.

 

   THE SOUTHERN COMPANY

 

      By 

  

 

Thomas A. Fanning

   Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
   (Principal Executive Officer)

 

      By 

  

 

Art P. Beattie

   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer        
   (Principal Financial Officer)

 

      By 

  

 

/s/ Melissa K. Caen

   (Melissa K. Caen, Attorney-in-fact)

Date: August 6, 2012

 

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ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof included in such company’s report.

 

   ALABAMA POWER COMPANY

 

  By 

  

 

Charles D. McCrary

   President and Chief Executive Officer
   (Principal Executive Officer)

 

  By 

  

 

Philip C. Raymond

   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
   (Principal Financial Officer)

 

  By 

  

 

/s/ Melissa K. Caen

   (Melissa K. Caen, Attorney-in-fact)

Date: August 6, 2012

 

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GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof included in such company’s report.

 

   GEORGIA POWER COMPANY

 

By

  

 

W. Paul Bowers

   President and Chief Executive Officer
   (Principal Executive Officer)

 

By

  

 

Ronnie R. Labrato

   Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
   (Principal Financial Officer)

 

By

  

 

/s/ Melissa K. Caen

   (Melissa K. Caen, Attorney-in-fact)

Date: August 6, 2012

 

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GULF POWER COMPANY

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof included in such company’s report.

 

  GULF POWER COMPANY

 

      By

 

 

S. W. Connally, Jr.

  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

      By

 

 

Richard S. Teel

  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial Officer)

 

      By

 

 

/s/ Melissa K. Caen

  (Melissa K. Caen, Attorney-in-fact)

Date: August 6, 2012

 

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MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof included in such company’s report.

 

  MISSISSIPPI POWER COMPANY

 

    By 

 

 

Edward Day, VI

  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

    By 

 

 

Moses H. Feagin

  Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer    
  (Principal Financial Officer)

 

    By 

 

 

/s/ Melissa K. Caen

  (Melissa K. Caen, Attorney-in-fact)

Date: August 6, 2012

 

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SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. The signature of the undersigned company shall be deemed to relate only to matters having reference to such company and any subsidiaries thereof included in such company’s report.

 

  SOUTHERN POWER COMPANY

 

 By 

 

 

Oscar C. Harper, IV

  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 By 

 

 

Michael W. Southern

  Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
  (Principal Financial Officer)

 

 By 

 

 

/s/ Melissa K. Caen

  (Melissa K. Caen, Attorney-in-fact)

Date: August 6, 2012

 

195