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Variable Interest Entities
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Variable Interest Entities

12. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

 

The accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities” is a consolidation model that considers if a company has a controlling financial interest in a VIE. A controlling financial interest will have both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities are required to consolidate a VIE when it is determined that they have a controlling financial interest in a VIE and therefore, are the primary beneficiary of that VIE, as defined by the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities.” In determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, we consider factors such as equity at risk, the amount of the VIE's variability we absorb, guarantees of indebtedness, voting rights including kick-out rights, the power to direct the VIE, variable interests held by related parties and other factors. We believe that significant assumptions and judgments were applied consistently.

 

We are the primary beneficiary of Sabine, DCC Fuel, AEP Credit, Transition Funding and a protected cell of EIS. In addition, we have not provided material financial or other support to Sabine, DCC Fuel, AEP Credit, Transition Funding and our protected cell of EIS that was not previously contractually required. We hold a significant variable interest in DHLC and Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC West Virginia Series (West Virginia Series).

 

Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo. SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine's only customer. SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine. Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo. The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo. Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee. In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year. Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine. SWEPCo's total billings from Sabine for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $44 million and $55 million, respectively. See the tables below for the classification of Sabine's assets and liabilities on the condensed balance sheets.

 

I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel LLC, DCC Fuel II LLC, DCC Fuel III LLC, DCC Fuel IV LLC and DCC Fuel V LLC (collectively DCC Fuel). DCC Fuel was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M. DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions. Each entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt. Each is a separate legal entity from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M. Payments on the leases for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $26 million and $17 million, respectively. The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M's balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the respective lease terms, which do not exceed 54 months. Based on our control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel. The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation. See the tables below for the classification of DCC Fuel's assets and liabilities on the condensed balance sheets.

 

AEP Credit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP. AEP Credit purchases, without recourse, accounts receivable from certain utility subsidiaries of AEP to reduce working capital requirements. AEP provides a minimum of 5% equity and up to 20% of AEP Credit's short-term borrowing needs in excess of third party financings. Any third party financing of AEP Credit only has recourse to the receivables securitized for such financing. Based on our control of AEP Credit, management has concluded that we are the primary beneficiary and are required to consolidate its assets and liabilities. See the tables below for the classification of AEP Credit's assets and liabilities on the condensed balance sheets. See “Securitized Accounts Receivables – AEP Credit” section of Note 11.

 

Transition Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to Texas Restructuring Legislation. Management has concluded that TCC is the primary beneficiary of Transition Funding because TCC has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and TCC's equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, TCC is required to consolidate Transition Funding. The securitized bonds totaled $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and are included in current and long-term debt on the condensed balance sheets. Transition Funding has securitized transition assets of $2 billion and $2.1 billion as of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the condensed balance sheets. The securitized transition assets represent the right to impose and collect Texas true-up costs from customers receiving electric transmission or distribution service from TCC under recovery mechanisms approved by the PUCT. The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized transition assets. The bondholders have no recourse to TCC or any other AEP entity. TCC acts as the servicer for Transition Funding's securitized transition assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Transition Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Transition Funding's assets and liabilities on the condensed balance sheets.

 

Our subsidiaries participate in one protected cell of EIS for approximately ten lines of insurance. EIS has multiple protected cells. Neither AEP nor its subsidiaries have an equity investment in EIS. The AEP System is essentially this EIS cell's only participant, but allows certain third parties access to this insurance. Our subsidiaries and any allowed third parties share in the insurance coverage, premiums and risk of loss from claims. Based on our control and the structure of the protected cell and EIS, management concluded that we are the primary beneficiary of the protected cell and are required to consolidate its assets and liabilities. Our insurance premium expense to the protected cell for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $15 million and $15 million, respectively. See the tables below for the classification of the protected cell's assets and liabilities on the condensed balance sheets. The amount reported as equity is the protected cell's policy holders' surplus.

 

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of the VIEs that are consolidated. These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
March 31, 2013
(in millions)
                  
             TCC   
    SWEPCo I&M    Transition Protected Cell
    SabineDCC FuelAEP CreditFunding of EIS
 ASSETS               
 Current Assets $ 64 $ 128 $ 871 $ 174 $ 144
 Net Property, Plant and Equipment   167   146   -   -   -
 Other Noncurrent Assets   66   73   1   2,114(a)  5
 Total Assets $ 297 $ 347 $ 872 $ 2,288 $ 149
                  
 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY               
 Current Liabilities $ 31 $ 112 $ 827 $ 293 $ 49
 Noncurrent Liabilities    266   235   1   1,977   72
 Equity   -   -   44   18   28
 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 297 $ 347 $ 872 $ 2,288 $ 149

(a)       Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $87 million.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
December 31, 2012
(in millions)
                  
             TCC   
    SWEPCo I&M    Transition Protected Cell
    SabineDCC FuelAEP CreditFunding of EIS
  ASSETS               
  Current Assets $ 57 $ 133 $ 843 $ 250 $ 130
  Net Property, Plant and Equipment   170   176   -   -   -
  Other Noncurrent Assets   55   92   1   2,167(a)  4
  Total Assets $ 282 $ 401 $ 844 $ 2,417 $ 134
                  
  LIABILITIES AND EQUITY               
  Current Liabilities $ 32 $ 121 $ 800 $ 304 $ 43
  Noncurrent Liabilities    250   280   1   2,095   66
  Equity   -   -   43   18   25
  Total Liabilities and Equity $ 282 $ 401 $ 844 $ 2,417 $ 134

(a) Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $89 million.

 

DHLC is a mining operator that sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO. SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally. Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC's debt. SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC's annual budget. The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo. As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee. SWEPCo's total billings from DHLC for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $18 million and $14 million, respectively. We are not required to consolidate DHLC as we are not the primary beneficiary, although we hold a significant variable interest in DHLC. Our equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the condensed balance sheets.

 

Our investment in DHLC was:

   March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
   As Reported on Maximum As Reported on Maximum
   the Balance SheetExposure the Balance Sheet Exposure
   (in millions)
 Capital Contribution from SWEPCo $ 8 $ 8 $ 8 $ 8
 Retained Earnings   1   1   1   1
 SWEPCo's Guarantee of Debt   -   40   -   49
              
 Total Investment in DHLC $ 9 $ 49 $ 9 $ 58

We and FirstEnergy Corp. (FirstEnergy) have a joint venture in Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC (PATH). PATH is a series limited liability company and was created to construct, through its operating companies, a high-voltage transmission line project in the PJM region. PATH consists of the “West Virginia Series (PATH-WV),” owned equally by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and AEP, and the “Allegheny Series” which is 100% owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy. Provisions exist within the PATH-WV agreement that make it a VIE. The “Allegheny Series” is not considered a VIE. We are not required to consolidate PATH-WV as we are not the primary beneficiary, although we hold a significant variable interest in PATH-WV. Our equity investment in PATH-WV is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on our condensed balance sheets. We and FirstEnergy share the returns and losses equally in PATH-WV. Our subsidiaries and FirstEnergy's subsidiaries provide services to the PATH companies through service agreements. The entities recover costs through regulated rates.

 

In August 2012, the PJM board cancelled the PATH Project, our transmission joint venture with FirstEnergy, and removed it from the 2012 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan. In November 2012, the FERC issued an order accepting AEP's and FirstEnergy's abandonment cost recovery filing which requested authority to recover prudently-incurred costs associated with the PATH Project, subject to refund based on the outcome of hearings and settlement procedures.

 

Our investment in PATH-WV was:

  March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
  As Reported on Maximum As Reported on Maximum
  the Balance SheetExposurethe Balance SheetExposure
    (in millions)   
 Capital Contribution from AEP$ 19 $ 19 $ 19 $ 19
 Retained Earnings  12   12   12   12
             
 Total Investment in PATH-WV$ 31 $ 31 $ 31 $ 31
Appalachian Power Co [Member]
 
Variable Interest Entities

12. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities” is a consolidation model that considers if a company has a controlling financial interest in a VIE. A controlling financial interest will have both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities are required to consolidate a VIE when it is determined that they have a controlling financial interest in a VIE and therefore, are the primary beneficiary of that VIE, as defined by the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities.” In determining whether they are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, management considers for each Registrant Subsidiary factors such as equity at risk, the amount of the VIE's variability the Registrant Subsidiary absorbs, guarantees of indebtedness, voting rights including kick-out rights, the power to direct the VIE, variable interests held by related parties and other factors. Management believes that significant assumptions and judgments were applied consistently. The Registrant Subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support to any VIE that was not previously contractually required.

 

SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary of Sabine. I&M is the primary beneficiary of DCC Fuel. SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC. APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEPSC. I&M and OPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEGCo.

AEPSC provides certain managerial and professional services to AEP's subsidiaries. AEP is the sole equity owner of AEPSC. AEP management controls the activities of AEPSC. The costs of the services are based on a direct charge or on a prorated basis and billed to the AEP subsidiary companies at AEPSC's cost. AEP subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support outside of the reimbursement of costs for services rendered. AEPSC finances its operations through cost reimbursement from other AEP subsidiaries. There are no other terms or arrangements between AEPSC and any of the AEP subsidiaries that could require additional financial support from an AEP subsidiary or expose them to losses outside of the normal course of business. AEPSC and its billings are subject to regulation by the FERC. AEP subsidiaries are exposed to losses to the extent they cannot recover the costs of AEPSC through their normal business operations. AEP subsidiaries are considered to have a significant interest in AEPSC due to their activity in AEPSC's cost reimbursement structure. However, AEP subsidiaries do not have control over AEPSC. AEPSC is consolidated by AEP. In the event AEPSC would require financing or other support outside the cost reimbursement billings, this financing would be provided by AEP.

 

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:

        
   Three Months Ended March 31,
 Company 2013 2012
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 39,040 $ 38,546
 I&M   27,498   26,107
 OPCo   54,069   53,445
 PSO   18,161   17,596
 SWEPCo   27,480   26,720

The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC's accounts payable are as follows:

              
   March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
   As Reported on the Maximum As Reported on the Maximum
 Company Balance Sheet Exposure Balance Sheet Exposure
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 14,324 $ 14,324 $ 29,819 $ 29,819
 I&M   7,902   7,902   17,911   17,911
 OPCo   20,051   20,051   39,323   39,323
 PSO   6,772   6,772   13,381   13,381
 SWEPCo   9,048   9,048   19,669   19,669
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member]
 
Variable Interest Entities

12. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities” is a consolidation model that considers if a company has a controlling financial interest in a VIE. A controlling financial interest will have both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities are required to consolidate a VIE when it is determined that they have a controlling financial interest in a VIE and therefore, are the primary beneficiary of that VIE, as defined by the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities.” In determining whether they are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, management considers for each Registrant Subsidiary factors such as equity at risk, the amount of the VIE's variability the Registrant Subsidiary absorbs, guarantees of indebtedness, voting rights including kick-out rights, the power to direct the VIE, variable interests held by related parties and other factors. Management believes that significant assumptions and judgments were applied consistently. The Registrant Subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support to any VIE that was not previously contractually required.

 

SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary of Sabine. I&M is the primary beneficiary of DCC Fuel. SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC. APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEPSC. I&M and OPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEGCo.

I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel LLC, DCC Fuel II LLC, DCC Fuel III LLC, DCC Fuel IV LLC and DCC Fuel V LLC (collectively DCC Fuel). DCC Fuel was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M. DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions. Each entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt. Each is a separate legal entity from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M. Payments on the leases for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $26 million and $17 million, respectively. The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M's balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the respective lease terms, which do not exceed 54 months. Based on I&M's control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel. The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation. See the table below for the classification of DCC Fuel's assets and liabilities on I&M's condensed balance sheets.

 

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of DCC Fuel that are consolidated. These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.

 INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
 (in thousands)
   DCC Fuel
 ASSETS 2013 2012
 Current Assets $ 128,450 $ 132,886
 Net Property, Plant and Equipment   146,271   176,065
 Other Noncurrent Assets   72,589   92,473
 Total Assets $ 347,310 $ 401,424
        
 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
 Current Liabilities $ 112,209 $ 120,873
 Noncurrent Liabilities    235,101   280,551
 Equity   -   -
 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 347,310 $ 401,424

AEPSC provides certain managerial and professional services to AEP's subsidiaries. AEP is the sole equity owner of AEPSC. AEP management controls the activities of AEPSC. The costs of the services are based on a direct charge or on a prorated basis and billed to the AEP subsidiary companies at AEPSC's cost. AEP subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support outside of the reimbursement of costs for services rendered. AEPSC finances its operations through cost reimbursement from other AEP subsidiaries. There are no other terms or arrangements between AEPSC and any of the AEP subsidiaries that could require additional financial support from an AEP subsidiary or expose them to losses outside of the normal course of business. AEPSC and its billings are subject to regulation by the FERC. AEP subsidiaries are exposed to losses to the extent they cannot recover the costs of AEPSC through their normal business operations. AEP subsidiaries are considered to have a significant interest in AEPSC due to their activity in AEPSC's cost reimbursement structure. However, AEP subsidiaries do not have control over AEPSC. AEPSC is consolidated by AEP. In the event AEPSC would require financing or other support outside the cost reimbursement billings, this financing would be provided by AEP.

 

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:

        
   Three Months Ended March 31,
 Company 2013 2012
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 39,040 $ 38,546
 I&M   27,498   26,107
 OPCo   54,069   53,445
 PSO   18,161   17,596
 SWEPCo   27,480   26,720

The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC's accounts payable are as follows:

              
   March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
   As Reported on the Maximum As Reported on the Maximum
 Company Balance Sheet Exposure Balance Sheet Exposure
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 14,324 $ 14,324 $ 29,819 $ 29,819
 I&M   7,902   7,902   17,911   17,911
 OPCo   20,051   20,051   39,323   39,323
 PSO   6,772   6,772   13,381   13,381
 SWEPCo   9,048   9,048   19,669   19,669

AEGCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP, is consolidated by AEP. AEGCo owns a 50% ownership interest in Rockport Plant Unit 1, leases a 50% interest in Rockport Plant Unit 2 and owns 100% of the Lawrenceburg Generating Station. AEGCo sells all the output from the Rockport Plant to I&M and KPCo. AEGCo leases the Lawrenceburg Generating Station to OPCo. AEP guarantees all the debt obligations of AEGCo. I&M and OPCo are considered to have a significant interest in AEGCo due to these transactions. I&M and OPCo are exposed to losses to the extent they cannot recover the costs of AEGCo through their normal business operations. In the event AEGCo would require financing or other support outside the billings to I&M, OPCo and KPCo, this financing would be provided by AEP. For additional information regarding AEGCo's lease, see “Rockport Lease” section of Note 11 in the 2012 Annual Report.

 

Total billings from AEGCo were as follows:

        
   Three Months Ended March 31,
 Company 2013 2012
   (in thousands)
 I&M $ 58,535 $ 58,822
 OPCo   38,711   58,417

The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEGCo's accounts payable are as follows:

 
              
   March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
   As Reported on Maximum As Reported on Maximum
 Company the Balance Sheet Exposure the Balance Sheet Exposure
   (in thousands)
 I&M $ 18,543 $ 18,543 $ 25,498 $ 25,498
 OPCo   12,889   12,889   16,302   16,302
Ohio Power Co [Member]
 
Variable Interest Entities

12. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities” is a consolidation model that considers if a company has a controlling financial interest in a VIE. A controlling financial interest will have both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities are required to consolidate a VIE when it is determined that they have a controlling financial interest in a VIE and therefore, are the primary beneficiary of that VIE, as defined by the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities.” In determining whether they are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, management considers for each Registrant Subsidiary factors such as equity at risk, the amount of the VIE's variability the Registrant Subsidiary absorbs, guarantees of indebtedness, voting rights including kick-out rights, the power to direct the VIE, variable interests held by related parties and other factors. Management believes that significant assumptions and judgments were applied consistently. The Registrant Subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support to any VIE that was not previously contractually required.

 

SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary of Sabine. I&M is the primary beneficiary of DCC Fuel. SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC. APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEPSC. I&M and OPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEGCo.

AEPSC provides certain managerial and professional services to AEP's subsidiaries. AEP is the sole equity owner of AEPSC. AEP management controls the activities of AEPSC. The costs of the services are based on a direct charge or on a prorated basis and billed to the AEP subsidiary companies at AEPSC's cost. AEP subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support outside of the reimbursement of costs for services rendered. AEPSC finances its operations through cost reimbursement from other AEP subsidiaries. There are no other terms or arrangements between AEPSC and any of the AEP subsidiaries that could require additional financial support from an AEP subsidiary or expose them to losses outside of the normal course of business. AEPSC and its billings are subject to regulation by the FERC. AEP subsidiaries are exposed to losses to the extent they cannot recover the costs of AEPSC through their normal business operations. AEP subsidiaries are considered to have a significant interest in AEPSC due to their activity in AEPSC's cost reimbursement structure. However, AEP subsidiaries do not have control over AEPSC. AEPSC is consolidated by AEP. In the event AEPSC would require financing or other support outside the cost reimbursement billings, this financing would be provided by AEP.

 

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:

        
   Three Months Ended March 31,
 Company 2013 2012
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 39,040 $ 38,546
 I&M   27,498   26,107
 OPCo   54,069   53,445
 PSO   18,161   17,596
 SWEPCo   27,480   26,720

The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC's accounts payable are as follows:

              
   March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
   As Reported on the Maximum As Reported on the Maximum
 Company Balance Sheet Exposure Balance Sheet Exposure
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 14,324 $ 14,324 $ 29,819 $ 29,819
 I&M   7,902   7,902   17,911   17,911
 OPCo   20,051   20,051   39,323   39,323
 PSO   6,772   6,772   13,381   13,381
 SWEPCo   9,048   9,048   19,669   19,669

AEGCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP, is consolidated by AEP. AEGCo owns a 50% ownership interest in Rockport Plant Unit 1, leases a 50% interest in Rockport Plant Unit 2 and owns 100% of the Lawrenceburg Generating Station. AEGCo sells all the output from the Rockport Plant to I&M and KPCo. AEGCo leases the Lawrenceburg Generating Station to OPCo. AEP guarantees all the debt obligations of AEGCo. I&M and OPCo are considered to have a significant interest in AEGCo due to these transactions. I&M and OPCo are exposed to losses to the extent they cannot recover the costs of AEGCo through their normal business operations. In the event AEGCo would require financing or other support outside the billings to I&M, OPCo and KPCo, this financing would be provided by AEP. For additional information regarding AEGCo's lease, see “Rockport Lease” section of Note 11 in the 2012 Annual Report.

 

Total billings from AEGCo were as follows:

        
   Three Months Ended March 31,
 Company 2013 2012
   (in thousands)
 I&M $ 58,535 $ 58,822
 OPCo   38,711   58,417

The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEGCo's accounts payable are as follows:

 
              
   March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
   As Reported on Maximum As Reported on Maximum
 Company the Balance Sheet Exposure the Balance Sheet Exposure
   (in thousands)
 I&M $ 18,543 $ 18,543 $ 25,498 $ 25,498
 OPCo   12,889   12,889   16,302   16,302
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member]
 
Variable Interest Entities

12. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities” is a consolidation model that considers if a company has a controlling financial interest in a VIE. A controlling financial interest will have both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities are required to consolidate a VIE when it is determined that they have a controlling financial interest in a VIE and therefore, are the primary beneficiary of that VIE, as defined by the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities.” In determining whether they are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, management considers for each Registrant Subsidiary factors such as equity at risk, the amount of the VIE's variability the Registrant Subsidiary absorbs, guarantees of indebtedness, voting rights including kick-out rights, the power to direct the VIE, variable interests held by related parties and other factors. Management believes that significant assumptions and judgments were applied consistently. The Registrant Subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support to any VIE that was not previously contractually required.

 

SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary of Sabine. I&M is the primary beneficiary of DCC Fuel. SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC. APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEPSC. I&M and OPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEGCo.

AEPSC provides certain managerial and professional services to AEP's subsidiaries. AEP is the sole equity owner of AEPSC. AEP management controls the activities of AEPSC. The costs of the services are based on a direct charge or on a prorated basis and billed to the AEP subsidiary companies at AEPSC's cost. AEP subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support outside of the reimbursement of costs for services rendered. AEPSC finances its operations through cost reimbursement from other AEP subsidiaries. There are no other terms or arrangements between AEPSC and any of the AEP subsidiaries that could require additional financial support from an AEP subsidiary or expose them to losses outside of the normal course of business. AEPSC and its billings are subject to regulation by the FERC. AEP subsidiaries are exposed to losses to the extent they cannot recover the costs of AEPSC through their normal business operations. AEP subsidiaries are considered to have a significant interest in AEPSC due to their activity in AEPSC's cost reimbursement structure. However, AEP subsidiaries do not have control over AEPSC. AEPSC is consolidated by AEP. In the event AEPSC would require financing or other support outside the cost reimbursement billings, this financing would be provided by AEP.

 

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:

        
   Three Months Ended March 31,
 Company 2013 2012
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 39,040 $ 38,546
 I&M   27,498   26,107
 OPCo   54,069   53,445
 PSO   18,161   17,596
 SWEPCo   27,480   26,720

The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC's accounts payable are as follows:

              
   March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
   As Reported on the Maximum As Reported on the Maximum
 Company Balance Sheet Exposure Balance Sheet Exposure
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 14,324 $ 14,324 $ 29,819 $ 29,819
 I&M   7,902   7,902   17,911   17,911
 OPCo   20,051   20,051   39,323   39,323
 PSO   6,772   6,772   13,381   13,381
 SWEPCo   9,048   9,048   19,669   19,669
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member]
 
Variable Interest Entities

12. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities” is a consolidation model that considers if a company has a controlling financial interest in a VIE. A controlling financial interest will have both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (b) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Entities are required to consolidate a VIE when it is determined that they have a controlling financial interest in a VIE and therefore, are the primary beneficiary of that VIE, as defined by the accounting guidance for “Variable Interest Entities.” In determining whether they are the primary beneficiary of a VIE, management considers for each Registrant Subsidiary factors such as equity at risk, the amount of the VIE's variability the Registrant Subsidiary absorbs, guarantees of indebtedness, voting rights including kick-out rights, the power to direct the VIE, variable interests held by related parties and other factors. Management believes that significant assumptions and judgments were applied consistently. The Registrant Subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support to any VIE that was not previously contractually required.

 

SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary of Sabine. I&M is the primary beneficiary of DCC Fuel. SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC. APCo, I&M, OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEPSC. I&M and OPCo each hold a significant variable interest in AEGCo.

Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo. SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine's only customer. SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine. Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo. The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo. Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee. In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year. Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine. SWEPCo's total billings from Sabine for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $44 million and $55 million, respectively. See the tables below for the classification of Sabine's assets and liabilities on SWEPCo's condensed balance sheets.

 

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of Sabine that are consolidated. These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.

 SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY CONSOLIDATED
 VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
 (in thousands)
   Sabine
 ASSETS 2013 2012
 Current Assets $ 64,194 $ 56,535
 Net Property, Plant and Equipment   167,256   170,436
 Other Noncurrent Assets   65,847   55,076
 Total Assets $ 297,297 $ 282,047
        
 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY      
 Current Liabilities $ 30,681 $ 31,446
 Noncurrent Liabilities    266,229   250,340
 Equity   387   261
 Total Liabilities and Equity $ 297,297 $ 282,047

DHLC is a mining operator which sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO. SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally. Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC's debt. SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC's annual budget. The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo. As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee. SWEPCo's total billings from DHLC for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $18 million and $14 million, respectively. SWEPCo is not required to consolidate DHLC as it is not the primary beneficiary, although SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC. SWEPCo's equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on SWEPCo's condensed balance sheets.

 

SWEPCo's investment in DHLC was:

   March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
   As Reported on Maximum As Reported on Maximum
   the Balance SheetExposurethe Balance Sheet Exposure
   (in thousands)
 Capital Contribution from SWEPCo $ 7,643 $ 7,643 $ 7,643 $ 7,643
 Retained Earnings   912   912   946   946
 SWEPCo's Guarantee of Debt   -   39,968   -   49,564
              
 Total Investment in DHLC $ 8,555 $ 48,523 $ 8,589 $ 58,153

AEPSC provides certain managerial and professional services to AEP's subsidiaries. AEP is the sole equity owner of AEPSC. AEP management controls the activities of AEPSC. The costs of the services are based on a direct charge or on a prorated basis and billed to the AEP subsidiary companies at AEPSC's cost. AEP subsidiaries have not provided financial or other support outside of the reimbursement of costs for services rendered. AEPSC finances its operations through cost reimbursement from other AEP subsidiaries. There are no other terms or arrangements between AEPSC and any of the AEP subsidiaries that could require additional financial support from an AEP subsidiary or expose them to losses outside of the normal course of business. AEPSC and its billings are subject to regulation by the FERC. AEP subsidiaries are exposed to losses to the extent they cannot recover the costs of AEPSC through their normal business operations. AEP subsidiaries are considered to have a significant interest in AEPSC due to their activity in AEPSC's cost reimbursement structure. However, AEP subsidiaries do not have control over AEPSC. AEPSC is consolidated by AEP. In the event AEPSC would require financing or other support outside the cost reimbursement billings, this financing would be provided by AEP.

 

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:

        
   Three Months Ended March 31,
 Company 2013 2012
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 39,040 $ 38,546
 I&M   27,498   26,107
 OPCo   54,069   53,445
 PSO   18,161   17,596
 SWEPCo   27,480   26,720

The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC's accounts payable are as follows:

              
   March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012
   As Reported on the Maximum As Reported on the Maximum
 Company Balance Sheet Exposure Balance Sheet Exposure
   (in thousands)
 APCo $ 14,324 $ 14,324 $ 29,819 $ 29,819
 I&M   7,902   7,902   17,911   17,911
 OPCo   20,051   20,051   39,323   39,323
 PSO   6,772   6,772   13,381   13,381
 SWEPCo   9,048   9,048   19,669   19,669