ORGANIZATION

Our principal business is the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. The subsidiaries that conduct most of these activities are regulated by the FERC under the Federal Power Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and maintain accounts in accordance with the FERC and other regulatory guidelines. Most of these companies are subject to further regulation with regard to rates and other matters by state regulatory commissions.

We provide competitive electric supply for residential, commercial and industrial customers in Ohio, Illinois and other deregulated electricity markets and also provide energy management solutions throughout the United States, including energy efficiency services through our independent retail electric supplier.

We also engage in wholesale electricity, natural gas and other commodity marketing and risk management activities in the United States and provide various energy-related services. In addition, our operations include nonregulated wind farms and barging operations.

Principles of Consolidation

Our consolidated financial statements include our wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries and VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary. Intercompany items are eliminated in consolidation. We use the equity method of accounting for equity investments where we exercise significant influence but do not hold a controlling financial interest. Such investments are recorded as Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets; equity earnings are included in Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries on the statements of income. We have ownership interests in generating units that are jointly-owned with nonaffiliated companies. Our proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included on the statements of income and our proportionate share of the assets and liabilities are reflected on the balance sheets.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates include, but are not limited to, inventory valuation, allowance for doubtful accounts, goodwill, intangible and long-lived asset impairment, unbilled electricity revenue, valuation of long-term energy contracts, the effects of regulation, long-lived asset recovery, storm costs, the effects of contingencies and certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and postretirement benefits. The estimates and assumptions used are based upon management's evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.

Other Temporary Investments

Other Temporary Investments include funds held by trustees primarily for the payment of securitization bonds and Securities Available for Sale, including marketable securities that we intend to hold for less than one year and investments by our protected cell of EIS.

We classify our investments in marketable securities as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity in accordance with the provisions of “Investments – Debt and Equity Securities” accounting guidance. We do not have any investments classified as trading.

Available-for-sale securities reflected in Other Temporary Investments are carried at fair value with the unrealized gain or loss, net of tax, reported in AOCI. Held-to-maturity securities reflected in Other Temporary Investments are carried at amortized cost. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification or weighted average cost method.

In evaluating potential impairment of securities with unrealized losses, we considered, among other criteria, the current fair value compared to cost, the length of time the security's fair value has been below cost, our intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in value and current economic conditions. See “Fair Value Measurements of Other Temporary Investments” in Note 11.

Accounts Receivable

Customer accounts receivable primarily include receivables from wholesale and retail energy customers, receivables from energy contract counterparties related to our risk management activities and customer receivables primarily related to other revenue-generating activities.

We recognize revenue from electric power sales when we deliver power to our customers. To the extent that deliveries have occurred but a bill has not been issued, we accrue and recognize, as Accrued Unbilled Revenues on the balance sheets, an estimate of the revenues for energy delivered since the last billing.

AEP Credit factors accounts receivable on a daily basis, excluding receivables from risk management activities, for I&M, KGPCo, KPCo, OPCo, PSO, SWEPCo and a portion of APCo. Since APCo does not have regulatory authority to sell accounts receivable in its West Virginia regulatory jurisdiction, only a portion of APCo's accounts receivable are sold to AEP Credit. AEP Credit has a receivables securitization agreement with bank conduits. Under the securitization agreement, AEP Credit receives financing from the bank conduits for the interest in the billed and unbilled receivables AEP Credit acquires from affiliated utility subsidiaries.

Emission Allowances

In regulated jurisdictions, we record emission allowances at cost, including the annual SO2 and NOx emission allowance entitlements received at no cost from the Federal EPA. For our nonregulated business, we record allowances at the lower of cost or market. We follow the inventory model for these allowances. We record allowances expected to be consumed within one year in Materials and Supplies and allowances with expected consumption beyond one year in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets. We record the consumption of allowances in the production of energy in Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation on the statements of income at an average cost. We report the purchases and sales of allowances in the Operating Activities section of the statements of cash flows. We record the net margin on sales of emission allowances in Vertically Integrated Utilities Revenue on the statements of income because of its integral nature to the production process of energy and our revenue optimization strategy for our utility operations. The net margin on sales of emission allowances affects the determination of deferred fuel or deferred emission allowance costs and the amortization of regulatory assets for certain jurisdictions.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

For regulated operations, AFUDC represents the estimated cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction projects that is capitalized and recovered through depreciation over the service life of regulated electric utility plant. We record the equity component of AFUDC in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction and the debt component of AFUDC as a reduction to Interest Expense. For nonregulated operations, including certain generating assets, interest is capitalized during construction in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Capitalization of Interest.”

Deferred Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel and related emission allowances and emission control chemicals/consumables is charged to Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation expense when the fuel is burned or the allowance or consumable is utilized. The cost of fuel also includes the cost of nuclear fuel burned which is computed primarily on the units-of-production method. In regulated jurisdictions with an active FAC, fuel cost over-recoveries (the excess of fuel revenues billed to customers over applicable fuel costs incurred) are generally deferred as current regulatory liabilities and under-recoveries (the excess of applicable fuel costs incurred over fuel revenues billed to customers) are generally deferred as current regulatory assets. Fuel cost over-recovery and under-recovery balances are classified as noncurrent when there is a phase-in plan or the FAC has been suspended. These deferrals are amortized when refunded or when billed to customers in later months with the state regulatory commissions' review and approval. The amount of an over-recovery or under-recovery can also be affected by actions of the state regulatory commissions. On a routine basis, state regulatory commissions review and/or audit our fuel procurement policies and practices, the fuel cost calculations and FAC deferrals. When a FAC under-recovery is no longer probable of recovery, we adjust our FAC deferrals and record provisions for estimated refunds to recognize these probable outcomes.

Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Kentucky for KPCo, in Indiana and Michigan for I&M, in Ohio (beginning in 2012 through the ESP related to non-auction standard service offer load served) for OPCo, in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, in Oklahoma for PSO and in Virginia and West Virginia (upon securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates in a timely manner generally through the FAC. Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Ohio (beginning in 2009 through 2011) for OPCo and in West Virginia (prior to securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates through FAC phase-in plans. The FAC generally includes some sharing of off-system sales. In West Virginia for APCo, all of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC. None of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC in Ohio for OPCo. A portion of profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC and other rate mechanisms in Oklahoma for PSO, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, Kentucky for KPCo, Virginia for APCo and in Indiana and Michigan for I&M. Where the FAC or off-system sales sharing mechanism is capped, frozen or non-existent, changes in fuel costs or sharing of off-system sales impact earnings.

Levelization of Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

In accordance with regulatory orders, I&M defers incremental operation and maintenance costs associated with periodic refueling outages at its Cook Plant and amortizes the costs over the period beginning with the month following the start of each unit's refueling outage and lasting until the end of the month in which the same unit's next scheduled refueling outage begins. I&M adjusts the amortization amount as necessary to ensure full amortization of all deferred costs by the end of the refueling cycle.

Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits

We use the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, we provide deferred income taxes for all temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities which will result in a future tax consequence.

When the flow-through method of accounting for temporary differences is reflected in regulated revenues (that is, when deferred taxes are not included in the cost of service for determining regulated rates for electricity), we record deferred income taxes and establish related regulatory assets and liabilities to match the regulated revenues and tax expense.

We account for investment tax credits under the flow-through method except where regulatory commissions reflect investment tax credits in the rate-making process on a deferral basis. We amortize deferred investment tax credits over the life of the plant investment.

We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Income Taxes.” We classify interest expense or income related to uncertain tax positions as interest expense or income as appropriate and classify penalties as Other Operation expense.

AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

We, along with our subsidiaries, file a consolidated federal income tax return. The allocation of the AEP System's current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense. The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to our subsidiaries with taxable income. With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Debt

We defer gains and losses from the reacquisition of debt used to finance regulated electric utility plants and amortize the deferral over the remaining term of the reacquired debt in accordance with their rate-making treatment unless the debt is refinanced. If we refinance the reacquired debt associated with the regulated business, the reacquisition costs attributable to the portions of the business subject to cost-based regulatory accounting are generally deferred and amortized over the term of the replacement debt consistent with its recovery in rates. Operations not subject to cost-based rate regulation report gains and losses on the reacquisition of debt in Interest Expense on the statements of income upon reacquisition.

We defer debt discount or premium and debt issuance expenses and amortize generally utilizing the straight-line method over the term of the related debt. The straight-line method approximates the effective interest method and is consistent with the treatment in rates for regulated operations. We include the net amortization expense in Interest Expense on the statements of income.

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

We have several trust funds with significant investments intended to provide for future payments of pension and OPEB benefits, nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal. All of our trust funds' investments are diversified and managed in compliance with all laws and regulations. Our investment strategy for trust funds is to use a diversified portfolio of investments to achieve an acceptable rate of return while managing the interest rate sensitivity of the assets relative to the associated liabilities. To minimize investment risk, the trust funds are broadly diversified among classes of assets, investment strategies and investment managers. We regularly review the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalance the investments to targeted allocations when appropriate. Investment policies and guidelines allow investment managers in approved strategies to use financial derivatives to obtain or manage market exposures and to hedge assets and liabilities. The investments are reported at fair value under the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” accounting guidance.

Benefit Plans

All benefit plan assets are invested in accordance with each plan's investment policy. The investment policy outlines the investment objectives, strategies and target asset allocations by plan.

The investment philosophies for our benefit plans support the allocation of assets to minimize risks and optimize net returns. Strategies used include:

Maintaining a long-term investment horizon.
Diversifying assets to help control volatility of returns at acceptable levels.
Managing fees, transaction costs and tax liabilities to maximize investment earnings.
Using active management of investments where appropriate risk/return opportunities exist.
Keeping portfolio structure style-neutral to limit volatility compared to applicable benchmarks.
Using alternative asset classes such as real estate and private equity to maximize return and provide additional portfolio diversification.

The investment policy for the pension fund allocates assets based on the funded status of the pension plan. The objective of the asset allocation policy is to reduce the investment volatility of the plan over time. Generally, more of the investment mix will be allocated to fixed income investments as the plan becomes better funded. Assets will be transferred away from equity investments into fixed income investments based on the market value of plan assets compared to the plan's projected benefit obligation. The current target asset allocations are as follows:

Pension Plan Assets	Target
Equity	30.0	%
Fixed Income	55.0	%
Other Investments	15.0	%

OPEB Plans Assets	Target
Equity	66.0	%
Fixed Income	33.0	%
Cash	1.0	%

The investment policy for each benefit plan contains various investment limitations. The investment policies establish concentration limits for securities and prohibit the purchase of securities issued by AEP (with the exception of proportionate and immaterial holdings of AEP securities in passive index strategies). However, our investment policies do not preclude the benefit trust funds from receiving contributions in the form of AEP securities, provided that the AEP securities acquired by each plan may not exceed the limitations imposed by law. Each investment manager's portfolio is compared to a diversified benchmark index.

For equity investments, the limits are as follows:

No security in excess of 5% of all equities.
Cash equivalents must be less than 10% of an investment manager's equity portfolio.
No individual stock may be more than 10% of each manager's equity portfolio.
No investment in excess of 5% of an outstanding class of any company.
No securities may be bought or sold on margin or other use of leverage.

For fixed income investments, the concentration limits must not exceed:

3% in any single issuer
5% for private placements
5% for convertible securities
60% for bonds rated AA+ or lower
50% for bonds rated A+ or lower
10% for bonds rated BBB- or lower

For obligations of non-government issuers, the following limitations apply:

AAA rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 5% of the portfolio.
AA+, AA, AA- rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 3% of the portfolio.
Debt rated A+ or lower: a single issuer should account for no more than 2% of the portfolio.
No more than 10% of the portfolio may be invested in high yield and emerging market debt combined at any time.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in real estate funds to provide diversification, add return and hedge against inflation. Real estate properties are illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses external real estate investment managers to invest in commingled funds that hold real estate properties. To mitigate investment risk in the real estate portfolio, commingled real estate funds are used to ensure that holdings are diversified by region, property type and risk classification. Real estate holdings include core, value-added and development risk classifications and some investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are publicly traded real estate securities.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in private equity. Private equity investments add return and provide diversification and typically require a long-term time horizon to evaluate investment performance. Private equity is classified as an alternative investment because it is illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses limited partnerships and commingled funds to invest across the private equity investment spectrum. Our private equity holdings are with multiple general partners who help monitor the investments and provide investment selection expertise. The holdings are currently comprised of venture capital, buyout and hybrid debt and equity investment instruments. Commingled private equity funds are used to enhance the holdings' diversity.

We participate in a securities lending program with BNY Mellon to provide incremental income on idle assets and to provide income to offset custody fees and other administrative expenses. We lend securities to borrowers approved by BNY Mellon in exchange for cash collateral. All loans are collateralized by at least 102% of the loaned asset's market value and the cash collateral is invested. The difference between the rebate owed to the borrower and the cash collateral rate of return determines the earnings on the loaned security. The securities lending program's objective is providing modest incremental income with a limited increase in risk.

We hold trust owned life insurance (TOLI) underwritten by The Prudential Insurance Company in the OPEB plan trusts. The strategy for holding life insurance contracts in the taxable Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust is to minimize taxes paid on the asset growth in the trust. Earnings on plan assets are tax-deferred within the TOLI contract and can be tax-free if held until claims are paid. Life insurance proceeds remain in the trust and are used to fund future retiree medical benefit liabilities. With consideration to other investments held in the trust, the cash value of the TOLI contracts is invested in two diversified funds. A portion is invested in a commingled fund with underlying investments in stocks that are actively traded on major international equity exchanges. The other portion of the TOLI cash value is invested in a diversified, commingled fixed income fund with underlying investments in government bonds, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities.

Cash and cash equivalents are held in each trust to provide liquidity and meet short-term cash needs. Cash equivalent funds are used to provide diversification and preserve principal. The underlying holdings in the cash funds are investment grade money market instruments including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, treasury bills and other types of investment grade short-term debt securities. The cash funds are valued each business day and provide daily liquidity.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Comprehensive income (loss) has two components: net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss).

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average outstanding common shares, assuming conversion of all potentially dilutive stock options and awards.

Basis of Accounting

ORGANIZATION

The principal business conducted by the Registrant Subsidiaries is the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. These companies are subject to regulation by the FERC under the Federal Power Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and maintain accounts in accordance with the FERC and other regulatory guidelines. These companies are subject to further regulation with regard to rates and other matters by state regulatory commissions.

The Registrant Subsidiaries also engage in wholesale electricity marketing and risk management activities in the United States. I&M provides barging services to both affiliated and nonaffiliated companies. SWEPCo, through consolidated and nonconsolidated affiliates, conducts lignite mining operations to fuel certain of its generation facilities.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements for APCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for I&M include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and DCC Fuel (substantially-controlled VIEs). The consolidated financial statements for OPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for SWEPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Sabine (a substantially-controlled VIE). Intercompany items are eliminated in consolidation. The Registrant Subsidiaries use the equity method of accounting for equity investments where they exercise significant influence but do not hold a controlling financial interest. Such investments are recorded as Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets; equity earnings are included in Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries on the statements of income. OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo have ownership interests in generating units that are jointly-owned with nonaffiliated companies. The proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included in the income statements and the assets and liabilities are reflected in the balance sheets. See Note 15 − Variable Interest Entities.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates include, but are not limited to, inventory valuation, allowance for doubtful accounts, long-lived asset impairment, unbilled electricity revenue, valuation of long-term energy contracts, the effects of regulation, long-lived asset recovery, storm costs, the effects of contingencies and certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and postretirement benefits. The estimates and assumptions used are based upon management's evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.

Inventory

Fossil fuel inventories are carried at average cost. Materials and supplies inventories are carried at average cost.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Generally, AEP Credit records bad debt expense related to receivables purchased from the Registrant Subsidiaries under a sale of receivables agreement. For receivables related to APCo's West Virginia operations, the bad debt reserve is calculated based on a rolling two-year average write-off in proportion to gross accounts receivable. For customer accounts receivables relating to risk management activities, accounts receivables are reviewed for bad debt reserves at a specific counterparty level basis. For miscellaneous accounts receivable, bad debt expense is recorded for all amounts outstanding 180 days or greater at 100%, unless specifically identified. Miscellaneous accounts receivable items open less than 180 days may be reserved using specific identification for bad debt reserves.

Emission Allowances

The Registrant Subsidiaries in regulated jurisdictions record emission allowances at cost, including the annual SO2 and NOx emission allowance entitlements received at no cost from the Federal EPA. Prior to corporate separation and the distribution of all emission allowances to AGR on December 31, 2013, OPCo recorded allowances at the lower of cost or market. The Registrant Subsidiaries follow the inventory model for these allowances. Allowances expected to be consumed within one year are reported in Materials and Supplies. Allowances with expected consumption beyond one year are included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets. These allowances are consumed in the production of energy and are recorded in Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation at an average cost. The purchases and sales of allowances are reported in the Operating Activities section of the statements of cash flows. The net margin on sales of emission allowances is included in Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution Revenues for nonaffiliated transactions and in Sales to AEP Affiliates for affiliated transactions because of its integral nature to the production process of energy and the Registrant Subsidiaries' revenue optimization strategy for their operations. The net margin on sales of emission allowances affects the determination of deferred fuel or deferred emission allowance costs and the amortization of regulatory assets for certain jurisdictions.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

For regulated operations, AFUDC represents the estimated cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction projects that is capitalized and recovered through depreciation over the service life of regulated electric utility plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries record the equity component of AFUDC in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction and the debt component of AFUDC as a reduction to Interest Expense. For nonregulated operations, including certain generating assets, interest is capitalized during construction in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Capitalization of Interest.”

Deferred Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel and related emission allowances and emission control chemicals/consumables is charged to Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation expense when the fuel is burned or the allowance or consumable is utilized. The cost of fuel also includes the cost of nuclear fuel burned which is computed primarily on the units-of-production method. In regulated jurisdictions with an active FAC, fuel cost over-recoveries (the excess of fuel revenues billed to customers over applicable fuel costs incurred) are generally deferred as current regulatory liabilities and under-recoveries (the excess of applicable fuel costs incurred over fuel revenues billed to customers) are generally deferred as current regulatory assets. Fuel cost over-recovery and under-recovery balances are classified as noncurrent when there is a phase-in plan or the FAC has been suspended. These deferrals are amortized when refunded or when billed to customers in later months with the state regulatory commissions' review and approval. The amount of an over-recovery or under-recovery can also be affected by actions of the state regulatory commissions. On a routine basis, state regulatory commissions review and/or audit the Registrant Subsidiaries' fuel procurement policies and practices, the fuel cost calculations and FAC deferrals. When a FAC under-recovery is no longer probable of recovery, the Registrant Subsidiaries adjust their FAC deferrals and record provisions for estimated refunds to recognize these probable outcomes.

Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Indiana and Michigan for I&M, in Ohio (beginning in 2012 through the ESP related to non-auction standard service offer load served) for OPCo, in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, in Oklahoma for PSO and in Virginia and West Virginia (upon securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates in a timely manner generally through the FAC. Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Ohio (beginning in 2009 through 2011) for OPCo and in West Virginia (prior to securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates through FAC phase-in plans. The FAC generally includes some sharing of off-system sales. In West Virginia for APCo, all of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC. None of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC in Ohio for OPCo. A portion of profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC and other rate mechanisms in Oklahoma for PSO, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, Virginia for APCo and in Indiana and Michigan for I&M. Where the FAC or off-system sales sharing mechanism is capped, frozen or non-existent, changes in fuel costs or sharing of off-system sales impact earnings.

Maintenance

The Registrant Subsidiaries expense maintenance costs as incurred. If it becomes probable that the Registrant Subsidiaries will recover specifically-incurred costs through future rates, a regulatory asset is established to match the expensing of those maintenance costs with their recovery in cost-based regulated revenues. In certain regulatory jurisdictions, the Registrant Subsidiaries defer costs above the level included in base rates and amortize those deferrals commensurate with recovery through rate riders.

Excise Taxes

As agents for some state and local governments, the Registrant Subsidiaries collect from customers certain excise taxes levied by those state or local governments on customers. The Registrant Subsidiaries do not record these taxes as revenue or expense.

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

Pension Plan Assets	Target
Equity	30.0	%
Fixed Income	55.0	%
Other Investments	15.0	%

OPEB Plans Assets	Target
Equity	66.0	%
Fixed Income	33.0	%
Cash	1.0	%

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

AEP has several trust funds with significant investments intended to provide for future payments of pension and OPEB benefits, nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal. All of the trust funds' investments are diversified and managed in compliance with all laws and regulations. The investment strategy for trust funds is to use a diversified portfolio of investments to achieve an acceptable rate of return while managing the interest rate sensitivity of the assets relative to the associated liabilities. To minimize investment risk, the trust funds are broadly diversified among classes of assets, investment strategies and investment managers. Management regularly reviews the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalances the investments to targeted allocations when appropriate. Investment policies and guidelines allow investment managers in approved strategies to use financial derivatives to obtain or manage market exposures and to hedge assets and liabilities. The investments are reported at fair value under the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” accounting guidance.

Benefit Plans

All benefit plan assets are invested in accordance with each plan's investment policy. The investment policy outlines the investment objectives, strategies and target asset allocations by plan.

The investment philosophies for AEP's benefit plans support the allocation of assets to minimize risks and optimize net returns. Strategies used include:

Maintaining a long-term investment horizon.
Diversifying assets to help control volatility of returns at acceptable levels.
Managing fees, transaction costs and tax liabilities to maximize investment earnings.
Using active management of investments where appropriate risk/return opportunities exist.
Keeping portfolio structure style-neutral to limit volatility compared to applicable benchmarks.
Using alternative asset classes such as real estate and private equity to maximize return and provide additional portfolio diversification.

The investment policy for the pension fund allocates assets based on the funded status of the pension plan. The objective of the asset allocation policy is to reduce the investment volatility of the plan over time. Generally, more of the investment mix will be allocated to fixed income investments as the plan becomes better funded. Assets will be transferred away from equity investments into fixed income investments based on the market value of plan assets compared to the plan's projected benefit obligation. The current target asset allocations are as follows:

The investment policy for each benefit plan contains various investment limitations. The investment policies establish concentration limits for securities and prohibit the purchase of securities issued by AEP (with the exception of proportionate and immaterial holdings of AEP securities in passive index strategies). However, the investment policies do not preclude the benefit trust funds from receiving contributions in the form of AEP securities, provided that the AEP securities acquired by each plan may not exceed the limitations imposed by law. Each investment manager's portfolio is compared to a diversified benchmark index.

For equity investments, the limits are as follows:

No security in excess of 5% of all equities.
Cash equivalents must be less than 10% of an investment manager's equity portfolio.
No individual stock may be more than 10% of each manager's equity portfolio.
No investment in excess of 5% of an outstanding class of any company.
No securities may be bought or sold on margin or other use of leverage.

For fixed income investments, the concentration limits must not exceed:

3% in any single issuer
5% for private placements
5% for convertible securities
60% for bonds rated AA+ or lower
50% for bonds rated A+ or lower
10% for bonds rated BBB- or lower

For obligations of non-government issuers, the following limitations apply:

AAA rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 5% of the portfolio.
AA+, AA, AA- rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 3% of the portfolio.
Debt rated A+ or lower: a single issuer should account for no more than 2% of the portfolio.
No more than 10% of the portfolio may be invested in high yield and emerging market debt combined at any time.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in real estate funds to provide diversification, add return and hedge against inflation. Real estate properties are illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses external real estate investment managers to invest in commingled funds that hold real estate properties. To mitigate investment risk in the real estate portfolio, commingled real estate funds are used to ensure that holdings are diversified by region, property type and risk classification. Real estate holdings include core, value-added and development risk classifications and some investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are publicly traded real estate securities.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in private equity. Private equity investments add return and provide diversification and typically require a long-term time horizon to evaluate investment performance. Private equity is classified as an alternative investment because it is illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses limited partnerships and commingled funds to invest across the private equity investment spectrum. The private equity holdings are with multiple general partners who help monitor the investments and provide investment selection expertise. The holdings are currently comprised of venture capital, buyout and hybrid debt and equity investment instruments. Commingled private equity funds are used to enhance the holdings' diversity.

AEP participates in a securities lending program with BNY Mellon to provide incremental income on idle assets and to provide income to offset custody fees and other administrative expenses. AEP lends securities to borrowers approved by BNY Mellon in exchange for cash collateral. All loans are collateralized by at least 102% of the loaned asset's market value and the cash collateral is invested. The difference between the rebate owed to the borrower and the cash collateral rate of return determines the earnings on the loaned security. The securities lending program's objective is providing modest incremental income with a limited increase in risk.

Trust owned life insurance (TOLI) underwritten by The Prudential Insurance Company is held in the OPEB plan trusts. The strategy for holding life insurance contracts in the taxable Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust is to minimize taxes paid on the asset growth in the trust. Earnings on plan assets are tax-deferred within the TOLI contract and can be tax-free if held until claims are paid. Life insurance proceeds remain in the trust and are used to fund future retiree medical benefit liabilities. With consideration to other investments held in the trust, the cash value of the TOLI contracts is invested in two diversified funds. A portion is invested in a commingled fund with underlying investments in stocks that are actively traded on major international equity exchanges. The other portion of the TOLI cash value is invested in a diversified, commingled fixed income fund with underlying investments in government bonds, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities.

Cash and cash equivalents are held in each trust to provide liquidity and meet short-term cash needs. Cash equivalent funds are used to provide diversification and preserve principal. The underlying holdings in the cash funds are investment grade money market instruments including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, treasury bills and other types of investment grade short-term debt securities. The cash funds are valued each business day and provide daily liquidity.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

The Registrant Subsidiaries are wholly-owned subsidiaries of AEP. Therefore, none are required to report EPS.

Basis of Accounting

ORGANIZATION

The principal business conducted by the Registrant Subsidiaries is the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. These companies are subject to regulation by the FERC under the Federal Power Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and maintain accounts in accordance with the FERC and other regulatory guidelines. These companies are subject to further regulation with regard to rates and other matters by state regulatory commissions.

The Registrant Subsidiaries also engage in wholesale electricity marketing and risk management activities in the United States. I&M provides barging services to both affiliated and nonaffiliated companies. SWEPCo, through consolidated and nonconsolidated affiliates, conducts lignite mining operations to fuel certain of its generation facilities.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements for APCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for I&M include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and DCC Fuel (substantially-controlled VIEs). The consolidated financial statements for OPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for SWEPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Sabine (a substantially-controlled VIE). Intercompany items are eliminated in consolidation. The Registrant Subsidiaries use the equity method of accounting for equity investments where they exercise significant influence but do not hold a controlling financial interest. Such investments are recorded as Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets; equity earnings are included in Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries on the statements of income. OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo have ownership interests in generating units that are jointly-owned with nonaffiliated companies. The proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included in the income statements and the assets and liabilities are reflected in the balance sheets. See Note 15 − Variable Interest Entities.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates include, but are not limited to, inventory valuation, allowance for doubtful accounts, long-lived asset impairment, unbilled electricity revenue, valuation of long-term energy contracts, the effects of regulation, long-lived asset recovery, storm costs, the effects of contingencies and certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and postretirement benefits. The estimates and assumptions used are based upon management's evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.

Inventory

Fossil fuel inventories are carried at average cost. Materials and supplies inventories are carried at average cost.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Generally, AEP Credit records bad debt expense related to receivables purchased from the Registrant Subsidiaries under a sale of receivables agreement. For receivables related to APCo's West Virginia operations, the bad debt reserve is calculated based on a rolling two-year average write-off in proportion to gross accounts receivable. For customer accounts receivables relating to risk management activities, accounts receivables are reviewed for bad debt reserves at a specific counterparty level basis. For miscellaneous accounts receivable, bad debt expense is recorded for all amounts outstanding 180 days or greater at 100%, unless specifically identified. Miscellaneous accounts receivable items open less than 180 days may be reserved using specific identification for bad debt reserves.

Emission Allowances

The Registrant Subsidiaries in regulated jurisdictions record emission allowances at cost, including the annual SO2 and NOx emission allowance entitlements received at no cost from the Federal EPA. Prior to corporate separation and the distribution of all emission allowances to AGR on December 31, 2013, OPCo recorded allowances at the lower of cost or market. The Registrant Subsidiaries follow the inventory model for these allowances. Allowances expected to be consumed within one year are reported in Materials and Supplies. Allowances with expected consumption beyond one year are included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets. These allowances are consumed in the production of energy and are recorded in Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation at an average cost. The purchases and sales of allowances are reported in the Operating Activities section of the statements of cash flows. The net margin on sales of emission allowances is included in Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution Revenues for nonaffiliated transactions and in Sales to AEP Affiliates for affiliated transactions because of its integral nature to the production process of energy and the Registrant Subsidiaries' revenue optimization strategy for their operations. The net margin on sales of emission allowances affects the determination of deferred fuel or deferred emission allowance costs and the amortization of regulatory assets for certain jurisdictions.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

For regulated operations, AFUDC represents the estimated cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction projects that is capitalized and recovered through depreciation over the service life of regulated electric utility plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries record the equity component of AFUDC in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction and the debt component of AFUDC as a reduction to Interest Expense. For nonregulated operations, including certain generating assets, interest is capitalized during construction in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Capitalization of Interest.”

Deferred Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel and related emission allowances and emission control chemicals/consumables is charged to Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation expense when the fuel is burned or the allowance or consumable is utilized. The cost of fuel also includes the cost of nuclear fuel burned which is computed primarily on the units-of-production method. In regulated jurisdictions with an active FAC, fuel cost over-recoveries (the excess of fuel revenues billed to customers over applicable fuel costs incurred) are generally deferred as current regulatory liabilities and under-recoveries (the excess of applicable fuel costs incurred over fuel revenues billed to customers) are generally deferred as current regulatory assets. Fuel cost over-recovery and under-recovery balances are classified as noncurrent when there is a phase-in plan or the FAC has been suspended. These deferrals are amortized when refunded or when billed to customers in later months with the state regulatory commissions' review and approval. The amount of an over-recovery or under-recovery can also be affected by actions of the state regulatory commissions. On a routine basis, state regulatory commissions review and/or audit the Registrant Subsidiaries' fuel procurement policies and practices, the fuel cost calculations and FAC deferrals. When a FAC under-recovery is no longer probable of recovery, the Registrant Subsidiaries adjust their FAC deferrals and record provisions for estimated refunds to recognize these probable outcomes.

Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Indiana and Michigan for I&M, in Ohio (beginning in 2012 through the ESP related to non-auction standard service offer load served) for OPCo, in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, in Oklahoma for PSO and in Virginia and West Virginia (upon securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates in a timely manner generally through the FAC. Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Ohio (beginning in 2009 through 2011) for OPCo and in West Virginia (prior to securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates through FAC phase-in plans. The FAC generally includes some sharing of off-system sales. In West Virginia for APCo, all of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC. None of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC in Ohio for OPCo. A portion of profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC and other rate mechanisms in Oklahoma for PSO, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, Virginia for APCo and in Indiana and Michigan for I&M. Where the FAC or off-system sales sharing mechanism is capped, frozen or non-existent, changes in fuel costs or sharing of off-system sales impact earnings.

Levelization of Nuclear Refueling Outage Costs

In accordance with regulatory orders, I&M defers incremental operation and maintenance costs associated with periodic refueling outages at its Cook Plant and amortizes the costs over the period beginning with the month following the start of each unit's refueling outage and lasting until the end of the month in which the same unit's next scheduled refueling outage begins. I&M adjusts the amortization amount as necessary to ensure full amortization of all deferred costs by the end of the refueling cycle.

Income Taxes and Investment Tax Credits

The Registrant Subsidiaries use the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred income taxes are provided for all temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities which will result in a future tax consequence.

When the flow-through method of accounting for temporary differences is reflected in regulated revenues (that is, when deferred taxes are not included in the cost of service for determining regulated rates for electricity), deferred income taxes are recorded and related regulatory assets and liabilities are established to match the regulated revenues and tax expense.

Investment tax credits are accounted for under the flow-through method except where regulatory commissions have reflected investment tax credits in the rate-making process on a deferral basis. Investment tax credits that have been deferred are amortized over the life of the plant investment.

The Registrant Subsidiaries account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Income Taxes.” The Registrant Subsidiaries classify interest expense or income related to uncertain tax positions as interest expense or income as appropriate and classify penalties as Other Operation expense.

AEP System Tax Allocation Agreement

The Registrant Subsidiaries join in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return with their affiliates in the AEP System. The allocation of the AEP System's current consolidated federal income tax to the AEP System companies allocates the benefit of current tax losses to the AEP System companies giving rise to such losses in determining their current tax expense. The tax benefit of the Parent is allocated to its subsidiaries with taxable income. With the exception of the loss of the Parent, the method of allocation reflects a separate return result for each company in the consolidated group.

Debt

Gains and losses from the reacquisition of debt used to finance regulated electric utility plants are deferred and amortized over the remaining term of the reacquired debt in accordance with their rate-making treatment unless the debt is refinanced. If the reacquired debt associated with the regulated business is refinanced, the reacquisition costs attributable to the portions of the business that are subject to cost-based regulatory accounting are generally deferred and amortized over the term of the replacement debt consistent with its recovery in rates. Operations not subject to cost-based rate regulation report gains and losses on the reacquisition of debt in Interest Expense on the statements of income upon reacquisition.

Debt discount or premium and debt issuance expenses are deferred and amortized generally utilizing the straight-line method over the term of the related debt. The straight-line method approximates the effective interest method and is consistent with the treatment in rates for regulated operations. The net amortization expense is included in Interest Expense.

Nuclear Trust Funds

Nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel trust funds represent funds that regulatory commissions allow I&M to collect through rates to fund future decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal liabilities. By rules or orders, the IURC, the MPSC and the FERC established investment limitations and general risk management guidelines. In general, limitations include:

Acceptable investments (rated investment grade or above when purchased).
Maximum percentage invested in a specific type of investment.
Prohibition of investment in obligations of AEP, I&M or their affiliates.
Withdrawals permitted only for payment of decommissioning costs and trust expenses.

I&M maintains trust funds for each regulatory jurisdiction. The trust assets may not be used for another jurisdiction's liabilities. Regulatory approval is required to withdraw decommissioning funds. These funds are managed by external investment managers who must comply with the guidelines and rules of the applicable regulatory authorities. The trust assets are invested to optimize the net of tax earnings of the trust giving consideration to liquidity, risk, diversification and other prudent investment objectives.

I&M records securities held in these trust funds in Spent Nuclear Fuel and Decommissioning Trusts on its balance sheets. I&M records these securities at fair value. I&M classifies securities in the trust funds as available-for-sale due to their long-term purpose. Other-than-temporary impairments for investments in both debt and equity securities are considered realized losses as a result of securities being managed by an external investment management firm. The external investment management firm makes specific investment decisions regarding the debt and equity investments held in these trusts and generally intends to sell debt securities in an unrealized loss position as part of a tax optimization strategy. Impairments reduce the cost basis of the securities which will affect any future unrealized gain or realized gain or loss due to the adjusted cost of investment. I&M records unrealized gains and other-than-temporary impairments from securities in these trust funds as adjustments to the regulatory liability account for the nuclear decommissioning trust funds and to regulatory assets or liabilities for the SNF disposal trust funds in accordance with their treatment in rates. Consequently, changes in fair value of trust assets do not affect earnings or AOCI. See the “Nuclear Contingencies” section of Note 5 for additional discussion of nuclear matters. See “Fair Value Measurements of Trust Assets for Decommissioning and SNF Disposal” section of Note 10 for disclosure of the fair value of assets within the trusts.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

The Registrant Subsidiaries are wholly-owned subsidiaries of AEP. Therefore, none are required to report EPS.

Basis of Accounting

ORGANIZATION

The principal business conducted by the Registrant Subsidiaries is the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. These companies are subject to regulation by the FERC under the Federal Power Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and maintain accounts in accordance with the FERC and other regulatory guidelines. These companies are subject to further regulation with regard to rates and other matters by state regulatory commissions.

The Registrant Subsidiaries also engage in wholesale electricity marketing and risk management activities in the United States. I&M provides barging services to both affiliated and nonaffiliated companies. SWEPCo, through consolidated and nonconsolidated affiliates, conducts lignite mining operations to fuel certain of its generation facilities.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements for APCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for I&M include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and DCC Fuel (substantially-controlled VIEs). The consolidated financial statements for OPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for SWEPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Sabine (a substantially-controlled VIE). Intercompany items are eliminated in consolidation. The Registrant Subsidiaries use the equity method of accounting for equity investments where they exercise significant influence but do not hold a controlling financial interest. Such investments are recorded as Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets; equity earnings are included in Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries on the statements of income. OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo have ownership interests in generating units that are jointly-owned with nonaffiliated companies. The proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included in the income statements and the assets and liabilities are reflected in the balance sheets. See Note 15 − Variable Interest Entities.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates include, but are not limited to, inventory valuation, allowance for doubtful accounts, long-lived asset impairment, unbilled electricity revenue, valuation of long-term energy contracts, the effects of regulation, long-lived asset recovery, storm costs, the effects of contingencies and certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and postretirement benefits. The estimates and assumptions used are based upon management's evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.

Inventory

Fossil fuel inventories are carried at average cost. Materials and supplies inventories are carried at average cost.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Generally, AEP Credit records bad debt expense related to receivables purchased from the Registrant Subsidiaries under a sale of receivables agreement. For receivables related to APCo's West Virginia operations, the bad debt reserve is calculated based on a rolling two-year average write-off in proportion to gross accounts receivable. For customer accounts receivables relating to risk management activities, accounts receivables are reviewed for bad debt reserves at a specific counterparty level basis. For miscellaneous accounts receivable, bad debt expense is recorded for all amounts outstanding 180 days or greater at 100%, unless specifically identified. Miscellaneous accounts receivable items open less than 180 days may be reserved using specific identification for bad debt reserves.

Emission Allowances

The Registrant Subsidiaries in regulated jurisdictions record emission allowances at cost, including the annual SO2 and NOx emission allowance entitlements received at no cost from the Federal EPA. Prior to corporate separation and the distribution of all emission allowances to AGR on December 31, 2013, OPCo recorded allowances at the lower of cost or market. The Registrant Subsidiaries follow the inventory model for these allowances. Allowances expected to be consumed within one year are reported in Materials and Supplies. Allowances with expected consumption beyond one year are included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets. These allowances are consumed in the production of energy and are recorded in Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation at an average cost. The purchases and sales of allowances are reported in the Operating Activities section of the statements of cash flows. The net margin on sales of emission allowances is included in Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution Revenues for nonaffiliated transactions and in Sales to AEP Affiliates for affiliated transactions because of its integral nature to the production process of energy and the Registrant Subsidiaries' revenue optimization strategy for their operations. The net margin on sales of emission allowances affects the determination of deferred fuel or deferred emission allowance costs and the amortization of regulatory assets for certain jurisdictions.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

For regulated operations, AFUDC represents the estimated cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction projects that is capitalized and recovered through depreciation over the service life of regulated electric utility plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries record the equity component of AFUDC in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction and the debt component of AFUDC as a reduction to Interest Expense. For nonregulated operations, including certain generating assets, interest is capitalized during construction in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Capitalization of Interest.”

Deferred Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel and related emission allowances and emission control chemicals/consumables is charged to Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation expense when the fuel is burned or the allowance or consumable is utilized. The cost of fuel also includes the cost of nuclear fuel burned which is computed primarily on the units-of-production method. In regulated jurisdictions with an active FAC, fuel cost over-recoveries (the excess of fuel revenues billed to customers over applicable fuel costs incurred) are generally deferred as current regulatory liabilities and under-recoveries (the excess of applicable fuel costs incurred over fuel revenues billed to customers) are generally deferred as current regulatory assets. Fuel cost over-recovery and under-recovery balances are classified as noncurrent when there is a phase-in plan or the FAC has been suspended. These deferrals are amortized when refunded or when billed to customers in later months with the state regulatory commissions' review and approval. The amount of an over-recovery or under-recovery can also be affected by actions of the state regulatory commissions. On a routine basis, state regulatory commissions review and/or audit the Registrant Subsidiaries' fuel procurement policies and practices, the fuel cost calculations and FAC deferrals. When a FAC under-recovery is no longer probable of recovery, the Registrant Subsidiaries adjust their FAC deferrals and record provisions for estimated refunds to recognize these probable outcomes.

Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Indiana and Michigan for I&M, in Ohio (beginning in 2012 through the ESP related to non-auction standard service offer load served) for OPCo, in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, in Oklahoma for PSO and in Virginia and West Virginia (upon securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates in a timely manner generally through the FAC. Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Ohio (beginning in 2009 through 2011) for OPCo and in West Virginia (prior to securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates through FAC phase-in plans. The FAC generally includes some sharing of off-system sales. In West Virginia for APCo, all of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC. None of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC in Ohio for OPCo. A portion of profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC and other rate mechanisms in Oklahoma for PSO, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, Virginia for APCo and in Indiana and Michigan for I&M. Where the FAC or off-system sales sharing mechanism is capped, frozen or non-existent, changes in fuel costs or sharing of off-system sales impact earnings.

Maintenance

The Registrant Subsidiaries expense maintenance costs as incurred. If it becomes probable that the Registrant Subsidiaries will recover specifically-incurred costs through future rates, a regulatory asset is established to match the expensing of those maintenance costs with their recovery in cost-based regulated revenues. In certain regulatory jurisdictions, the Registrant Subsidiaries defer costs above the level included in base rates and amortize those deferrals commensurate with recovery through rate riders.

Excise Taxes

As agents for some state and local governments, the Registrant Subsidiaries collect from customers certain excise taxes levied by those state or local governments on customers. The Registrant Subsidiaries do not record these taxes as revenue or expense.

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

Pension Plan Assets	Target
Equity	30.0	%
Fixed Income	55.0	%
Other Investments	15.0	%

OPEB Plans Assets	Target
Equity	66.0	%
Fixed Income	33.0	%
Cash	1.0	%

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

AEP has several trust funds with significant investments intended to provide for future payments of pension and OPEB benefits, nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal. All of the trust funds' investments are diversified and managed in compliance with all laws and regulations. The investment strategy for trust funds is to use a diversified portfolio of investments to achieve an acceptable rate of return while managing the interest rate sensitivity of the assets relative to the associated liabilities. To minimize investment risk, the trust funds are broadly diversified among classes of assets, investment strategies and investment managers. Management regularly reviews the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalances the investments to targeted allocations when appropriate. Investment policies and guidelines allow investment managers in approved strategies to use financial derivatives to obtain or manage market exposures and to hedge assets and liabilities. The investments are reported at fair value under the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” accounting guidance.

Benefit Plans

All benefit plan assets are invested in accordance with each plan's investment policy. The investment policy outlines the investment objectives, strategies and target asset allocations by plan.

The investment philosophies for AEP's benefit plans support the allocation of assets to minimize risks and optimize net returns. Strategies used include:

Maintaining a long-term investment horizon.
Diversifying assets to help control volatility of returns at acceptable levels.
Managing fees, transaction costs and tax liabilities to maximize investment earnings.
Using active management of investments where appropriate risk/return opportunities exist.
Keeping portfolio structure style-neutral to limit volatility compared to applicable benchmarks.
Using alternative asset classes such as real estate and private equity to maximize return and provide additional portfolio diversification.

The investment policy for the pension fund allocates assets based on the funded status of the pension plan. The objective of the asset allocation policy is to reduce the investment volatility of the plan over time. Generally, more of the investment mix will be allocated to fixed income investments as the plan becomes better funded. Assets will be transferred away from equity investments into fixed income investments based on the market value of plan assets compared to the plan's projected benefit obligation. The current target asset allocations are as follows:

The investment policy for each benefit plan contains various investment limitations. The investment policies establish concentration limits for securities and prohibit the purchase of securities issued by AEP (with the exception of proportionate and immaterial holdings of AEP securities in passive index strategies). However, the investment policies do not preclude the benefit trust funds from receiving contributions in the form of AEP securities, provided that the AEP securities acquired by each plan may not exceed the limitations imposed by law. Each investment manager's portfolio is compared to a diversified benchmark index.

For equity investments, the limits are as follows:

No security in excess of 5% of all equities.
Cash equivalents must be less than 10% of an investment manager's equity portfolio.
No individual stock may be more than 10% of each manager's equity portfolio.
No investment in excess of 5% of an outstanding class of any company.
No securities may be bought or sold on margin or other use of leverage.

For fixed income investments, the concentration limits must not exceed:

3% in any single issuer
5% for private placements
5% for convertible securities
60% for bonds rated AA+ or lower
50% for bonds rated A+ or lower
10% for bonds rated BBB- or lower

For obligations of non-government issuers, the following limitations apply:

AAA rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 5% of the portfolio.
AA+, AA, AA- rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 3% of the portfolio.
Debt rated A+ or lower: a single issuer should account for no more than 2% of the portfolio.
No more than 10% of the portfolio may be invested in high yield and emerging market debt combined at any time.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in real estate funds to provide diversification, add return and hedge against inflation. Real estate properties are illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses external real estate investment managers to invest in commingled funds that hold real estate properties. To mitigate investment risk in the real estate portfolio, commingled real estate funds are used to ensure that holdings are diversified by region, property type and risk classification. Real estate holdings include core, value-added and development risk classifications and some investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are publicly traded real estate securities.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in private equity. Private equity investments add return and provide diversification and typically require a long-term time horizon to evaluate investment performance. Private equity is classified as an alternative investment because it is illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses limited partnerships and commingled funds to invest across the private equity investment spectrum. The private equity holdings are with multiple general partners who help monitor the investments and provide investment selection expertise. The holdings are currently comprised of venture capital, buyout and hybrid debt and equity investment instruments. Commingled private equity funds are used to enhance the holdings' diversity.

AEP participates in a securities lending program with BNY Mellon to provide incremental income on idle assets and to provide income to offset custody fees and other administrative expenses. AEP lends securities to borrowers approved by BNY Mellon in exchange for cash collateral. All loans are collateralized by at least 102% of the loaned asset's market value and the cash collateral is invested. The difference between the rebate owed to the borrower and the cash collateral rate of return determines the earnings on the loaned security. The securities lending program's objective is providing modest incremental income with a limited increase in risk.

Trust owned life insurance (TOLI) underwritten by The Prudential Insurance Company is held in the OPEB plan trusts. The strategy for holding life insurance contracts in the taxable Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust is to minimize taxes paid on the asset growth in the trust. Earnings on plan assets are tax-deferred within the TOLI contract and can be tax-free if held until claims are paid. Life insurance proceeds remain in the trust and are used to fund future retiree medical benefit liabilities. With consideration to other investments held in the trust, the cash value of the TOLI contracts is invested in two diversified funds. A portion is invested in a commingled fund with underlying investments in stocks that are actively traded on major international equity exchanges. The other portion of the TOLI cash value is invested in a diversified, commingled fixed income fund with underlying investments in government bonds, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities.

Cash and cash equivalents are held in each trust to provide liquidity and meet short-term cash needs. Cash equivalent funds are used to provide diversification and preserve principal. The underlying holdings in the cash funds are investment grade money market instruments including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, treasury bills and other types of investment grade short-term debt securities. The cash funds are valued each business day and provide daily liquidity.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

The Registrant Subsidiaries are wholly-owned subsidiaries of AEP. Therefore, none are required to report EPS.

Basis of Accounting

ORGANIZATION

The principal business conducted by the Registrant Subsidiaries is the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. These companies are subject to regulation by the FERC under the Federal Power Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and maintain accounts in accordance with the FERC and other regulatory guidelines. These companies are subject to further regulation with regard to rates and other matters by state regulatory commissions.

The Registrant Subsidiaries also engage in wholesale electricity marketing and risk management activities in the United States. I&M provides barging services to both affiliated and nonaffiliated companies. SWEPCo, through consolidated and nonconsolidated affiliates, conducts lignite mining operations to fuel certain of its generation facilities.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements for APCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for I&M include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and DCC Fuel (substantially-controlled VIEs). The consolidated financial statements for OPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for SWEPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Sabine (a substantially-controlled VIE). Intercompany items are eliminated in consolidation. The Registrant Subsidiaries use the equity method of accounting for equity investments where they exercise significant influence but do not hold a controlling financial interest. Such investments are recorded as Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets; equity earnings are included in Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries on the statements of income. OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo have ownership interests in generating units that are jointly-owned with nonaffiliated companies. The proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included in the income statements and the assets and liabilities are reflected in the balance sheets. See Note 15 − Variable Interest Entities.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates include, but are not limited to, inventory valuation, allowance for doubtful accounts, long-lived asset impairment, unbilled electricity revenue, valuation of long-term energy contracts, the effects of regulation, long-lived asset recovery, storm costs, the effects of contingencies and certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and postretirement benefits. The estimates and assumptions used are based upon management's evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.

Inventory

Fossil fuel inventories are carried at average cost. Materials and supplies inventories are carried at average cost.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Generally, AEP Credit records bad debt expense related to receivables purchased from the Registrant Subsidiaries under a sale of receivables agreement. For receivables related to APCo's West Virginia operations, the bad debt reserve is calculated based on a rolling two-year average write-off in proportion to gross accounts receivable. For customer accounts receivables relating to risk management activities, accounts receivables are reviewed for bad debt reserves at a specific counterparty level basis. For miscellaneous accounts receivable, bad debt expense is recorded for all amounts outstanding 180 days or greater at 100%, unless specifically identified. Miscellaneous accounts receivable items open less than 180 days may be reserved using specific identification for bad debt reserves.

Emission Allowances

The Registrant Subsidiaries in regulated jurisdictions record emission allowances at cost, including the annual SO2 and NOx emission allowance entitlements received at no cost from the Federal EPA. Prior to corporate separation and the distribution of all emission allowances to AGR on December 31, 2013, OPCo recorded allowances at the lower of cost or market. The Registrant Subsidiaries follow the inventory model for these allowances. Allowances expected to be consumed within one year are reported in Materials and Supplies. Allowances with expected consumption beyond one year are included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets. These allowances are consumed in the production of energy and are recorded in Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation at an average cost. The purchases and sales of allowances are reported in the Operating Activities section of the statements of cash flows. The net margin on sales of emission allowances is included in Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution Revenues for nonaffiliated transactions and in Sales to AEP Affiliates for affiliated transactions because of its integral nature to the production process of energy and the Registrant Subsidiaries' revenue optimization strategy for their operations. The net margin on sales of emission allowances affects the determination of deferred fuel or deferred emission allowance costs and the amortization of regulatory assets for certain jurisdictions.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

For regulated operations, AFUDC represents the estimated cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction projects that is capitalized and recovered through depreciation over the service life of regulated electric utility plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries record the equity component of AFUDC in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction and the debt component of AFUDC as a reduction to Interest Expense. For nonregulated operations, including certain generating assets, interest is capitalized during construction in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Capitalization of Interest.”

Deferred Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel and related emission allowances and emission control chemicals/consumables is charged to Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation expense when the fuel is burned or the allowance or consumable is utilized. The cost of fuel also includes the cost of nuclear fuel burned which is computed primarily on the units-of-production method. In regulated jurisdictions with an active FAC, fuel cost over-recoveries (the excess of fuel revenues billed to customers over applicable fuel costs incurred) are generally deferred as current regulatory liabilities and under-recoveries (the excess of applicable fuel costs incurred over fuel revenues billed to customers) are generally deferred as current regulatory assets. Fuel cost over-recovery and under-recovery balances are classified as noncurrent when there is a phase-in plan or the FAC has been suspended. These deferrals are amortized when refunded or when billed to customers in later months with the state regulatory commissions' review and approval. The amount of an over-recovery or under-recovery can also be affected by actions of the state regulatory commissions. On a routine basis, state regulatory commissions review and/or audit the Registrant Subsidiaries' fuel procurement policies and practices, the fuel cost calculations and FAC deferrals. When a FAC under-recovery is no longer probable of recovery, the Registrant Subsidiaries adjust their FAC deferrals and record provisions for estimated refunds to recognize these probable outcomes.

Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Indiana and Michigan for I&M, in Ohio (beginning in 2012 through the ESP related to non-auction standard service offer load served) for OPCo, in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, in Oklahoma for PSO and in Virginia and West Virginia (upon securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates in a timely manner generally through the FAC. Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Ohio (beginning in 2009 through 2011) for OPCo and in West Virginia (prior to securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates through FAC phase-in plans. The FAC generally includes some sharing of off-system sales. In West Virginia for APCo, all of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC. None of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC in Ohio for OPCo. A portion of profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC and other rate mechanisms in Oklahoma for PSO, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, Virginia for APCo and in Indiana and Michigan for I&M. Where the FAC or off-system sales sharing mechanism is capped, frozen or non-existent, changes in fuel costs or sharing of off-system sales impact earnings.

Maintenance

The Registrant Subsidiaries expense maintenance costs as incurred. If it becomes probable that the Registrant Subsidiaries will recover specifically-incurred costs through future rates, a regulatory asset is established to match the expensing of those maintenance costs with their recovery in cost-based regulated revenues. In certain regulatory jurisdictions, the Registrant Subsidiaries defer costs above the level included in base rates and amortize those deferrals commensurate with recovery through rate riders.

Excise Taxes

As agents for some state and local governments, the Registrant Subsidiaries collect from customers certain excise taxes levied by those state or local governments on customers. The Registrant Subsidiaries do not record these taxes as revenue or expense.

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

Pension Plan Assets	Target
Equity	30.0	%
Fixed Income	55.0	%
Other Investments	15.0	%

OPEB Plans Assets	Target
Equity	66.0	%
Fixed Income	33.0	%
Cash	1.0	%

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

AEP has several trust funds with significant investments intended to provide for future payments of pension and OPEB benefits, nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal. All of the trust funds' investments are diversified and managed in compliance with all laws and regulations. The investment strategy for trust funds is to use a diversified portfolio of investments to achieve an acceptable rate of return while managing the interest rate sensitivity of the assets relative to the associated liabilities. To minimize investment risk, the trust funds are broadly diversified among classes of assets, investment strategies and investment managers. Management regularly reviews the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalances the investments to targeted allocations when appropriate. Investment policies and guidelines allow investment managers in approved strategies to use financial derivatives to obtain or manage market exposures and to hedge assets and liabilities. The investments are reported at fair value under the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” accounting guidance.

Benefit Plans

All benefit plan assets are invested in accordance with each plan's investment policy. The investment policy outlines the investment objectives, strategies and target asset allocations by plan.

The investment philosophies for AEP's benefit plans support the allocation of assets to minimize risks and optimize net returns. Strategies used include:

Maintaining a long-term investment horizon.
Diversifying assets to help control volatility of returns at acceptable levels.
Managing fees, transaction costs and tax liabilities to maximize investment earnings.
Using active management of investments where appropriate risk/return opportunities exist.
Keeping portfolio structure style-neutral to limit volatility compared to applicable benchmarks.
Using alternative asset classes such as real estate and private equity to maximize return and provide additional portfolio diversification.

The investment policy for the pension fund allocates assets based on the funded status of the pension plan. The objective of the asset allocation policy is to reduce the investment volatility of the plan over time. Generally, more of the investment mix will be allocated to fixed income investments as the plan becomes better funded. Assets will be transferred away from equity investments into fixed income investments based on the market value of plan assets compared to the plan's projected benefit obligation. The current target asset allocations are as follows:

The investment policy for each benefit plan contains various investment limitations. The investment policies establish concentration limits for securities and prohibit the purchase of securities issued by AEP (with the exception of proportionate and immaterial holdings of AEP securities in passive index strategies). However, the investment policies do not preclude the benefit trust funds from receiving contributions in the form of AEP securities, provided that the AEP securities acquired by each plan may not exceed the limitations imposed by law. Each investment manager's portfolio is compared to a diversified benchmark index.

For equity investments, the limits are as follows:

No security in excess of 5% of all equities.
Cash equivalents must be less than 10% of an investment manager's equity portfolio.
No individual stock may be more than 10% of each manager's equity portfolio.
No investment in excess of 5% of an outstanding class of any company.
No securities may be bought or sold on margin or other use of leverage.

For fixed income investments, the concentration limits must not exceed:

3% in any single issuer
5% for private placements
5% for convertible securities
60% for bonds rated AA+ or lower
50% for bonds rated A+ or lower
10% for bonds rated BBB- or lower

For obligations of non-government issuers, the following limitations apply:

AAA rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 5% of the portfolio.
AA+, AA, AA- rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 3% of the portfolio.
Debt rated A+ or lower: a single issuer should account for no more than 2% of the portfolio.
No more than 10% of the portfolio may be invested in high yield and emerging market debt combined at any time.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in real estate funds to provide diversification, add return and hedge against inflation. Real estate properties are illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses external real estate investment managers to invest in commingled funds that hold real estate properties. To mitigate investment risk in the real estate portfolio, commingled real estate funds are used to ensure that holdings are diversified by region, property type and risk classification. Real estate holdings include core, value-added and development risk classifications and some investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are publicly traded real estate securities.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in private equity. Private equity investments add return and provide diversification and typically require a long-term time horizon to evaluate investment performance. Private equity is classified as an alternative investment because it is illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses limited partnerships and commingled funds to invest across the private equity investment spectrum. The private equity holdings are with multiple general partners who help monitor the investments and provide investment selection expertise. The holdings are currently comprised of venture capital, buyout and hybrid debt and equity investment instruments. Commingled private equity funds are used to enhance the holdings' diversity.

AEP participates in a securities lending program with BNY Mellon to provide incremental income on idle assets and to provide income to offset custody fees and other administrative expenses. AEP lends securities to borrowers approved by BNY Mellon in exchange for cash collateral. All loans are collateralized by at least 102% of the loaned asset's market value and the cash collateral is invested. The difference between the rebate owed to the borrower and the cash collateral rate of return determines the earnings on the loaned security. The securities lending program's objective is providing modest incremental income with a limited increase in risk.

Trust owned life insurance (TOLI) underwritten by The Prudential Insurance Company is held in the OPEB plan trusts. The strategy for holding life insurance contracts in the taxable Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust is to minimize taxes paid on the asset growth in the trust. Earnings on plan assets are tax-deferred within the TOLI contract and can be tax-free if held until claims are paid. Life insurance proceeds remain in the trust and are used to fund future retiree medical benefit liabilities. With consideration to other investments held in the trust, the cash value of the TOLI contracts is invested in two diversified funds. A portion is invested in a commingled fund with underlying investments in stocks that are actively traded on major international equity exchanges. The other portion of the TOLI cash value is invested in a diversified, commingled fixed income fund with underlying investments in government bonds, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities.

Cash and cash equivalents are held in each trust to provide liquidity and meet short-term cash needs. Cash equivalent funds are used to provide diversification and preserve principal. The underlying holdings in the cash funds are investment grade money market instruments including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, treasury bills and other types of investment grade short-term debt securities. The cash funds are valued each business day and provide daily liquidity.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

The Registrant Subsidiaries are wholly-owned subsidiaries of AEP. Therefore, none are required to report EPS.

Basis of Accounting

ORGANIZATION

The principal business conducted by the Registrant Subsidiaries is the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power. These companies are subject to regulation by the FERC under the Federal Power Act and the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and maintain accounts in accordance with the FERC and other regulatory guidelines. These companies are subject to further regulation with regard to rates and other matters by state regulatory commissions.

The Registrant Subsidiaries also engage in wholesale electricity marketing and risk management activities in the United States. I&M provides barging services to both affiliated and nonaffiliated companies. SWEPCo, through consolidated and nonconsolidated affiliates, conducts lignite mining operations to fuel certain of its generation facilities.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements for APCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for I&M include the Registrant Subsidiary, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and DCC Fuel (substantially-controlled VIEs). The consolidated financial statements for OPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding (a substantially-controlled VIE). The consolidated financial statements for SWEPCo include the Registrant Subsidiary, a wholly-owned subsidiary and Sabine (a substantially-controlled VIE). Intercompany items are eliminated in consolidation. The Registrant Subsidiaries use the equity method of accounting for equity investments where they exercise significant influence but do not hold a controlling financial interest. Such investments are recorded as Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets; equity earnings are included in Equity Earnings of Unconsolidated Subsidiaries on the statements of income. OPCo, PSO and SWEPCo have ownership interests in generating units that are jointly-owned with nonaffiliated companies. The proportionate share of the operating costs associated with such facilities is included in the income statements and the assets and liabilities are reflected in the balance sheets. See Note 15 − Variable Interest Entities.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates include, but are not limited to, inventory valuation, allowance for doubtful accounts, long-lived asset impairment, unbilled electricity revenue, valuation of long-term energy contracts, the effects of regulation, long-lived asset recovery, storm costs, the effects of contingencies and certain assumptions made in accounting for pension and postretirement benefits. The estimates and assumptions used are based upon management's evaluation of the relevant facts and circumstances as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could ultimately differ from those estimates.

Inventory

Fossil fuel inventories are carried at average cost. Materials and supplies inventories are carried at average cost.

Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts

Generally, AEP Credit records bad debt expense related to receivables purchased from the Registrant Subsidiaries under a sale of receivables agreement. For receivables related to APCo's West Virginia operations, the bad debt reserve is calculated based on a rolling two-year average write-off in proportion to gross accounts receivable. For customer accounts receivables relating to risk management activities, accounts receivables are reviewed for bad debt reserves at a specific counterparty level basis. For miscellaneous accounts receivable, bad debt expense is recorded for all amounts outstanding 180 days or greater at 100%, unless specifically identified. Miscellaneous accounts receivable items open less than 180 days may be reserved using specific identification for bad debt reserves.

Emission Allowances

The Registrant Subsidiaries in regulated jurisdictions record emission allowances at cost, including the annual SO2 and NOx emission allowance entitlements received at no cost from the Federal EPA. Prior to corporate separation and the distribution of all emission allowances to AGR on December 31, 2013, OPCo recorded allowances at the lower of cost or market. The Registrant Subsidiaries follow the inventory model for these allowances. Allowances expected to be consumed within one year are reported in Materials and Supplies. Allowances with expected consumption beyond one year are included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets. These allowances are consumed in the production of energy and are recorded in Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation at an average cost. The purchases and sales of allowances are reported in the Operating Activities section of the statements of cash flows. The net margin on sales of emission allowances is included in Electric Generation, Transmission and Distribution Revenues for nonaffiliated transactions and in Sales to AEP Affiliates for affiliated transactions because of its integral nature to the production process of energy and the Registrant Subsidiaries' revenue optimization strategy for their operations. The net margin on sales of emission allowances affects the determination of deferred fuel or deferred emission allowance costs and the amortization of regulatory assets for certain jurisdictions.

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction (AFUDC) and Interest Capitalization

For regulated operations, AFUDC represents the estimated cost of borrowed and equity funds used to finance construction projects that is capitalized and recovered through depreciation over the service life of regulated electric utility plant. The Registrant Subsidiaries record the equity component of AFUDC in Allowance for Equity Funds Used During Construction and the debt component of AFUDC as a reduction to Interest Expense. For nonregulated operations, including certain generating assets, interest is capitalized during construction in accordance with the accounting guidance for “Capitalization of Interest.”

Deferred Fuel Costs

The cost of fuel and related emission allowances and emission control chemicals/consumables is charged to Fuel and Other Consumables Used for Electric Generation expense when the fuel is burned or the allowance or consumable is utilized. The cost of fuel also includes the cost of nuclear fuel burned which is computed primarily on the units-of-production method. In regulated jurisdictions with an active FAC, fuel cost over-recoveries (the excess of fuel revenues billed to customers over applicable fuel costs incurred) are generally deferred as current regulatory liabilities and under-recoveries (the excess of applicable fuel costs incurred over fuel revenues billed to customers) are generally deferred as current regulatory assets. Fuel cost over-recovery and under-recovery balances are classified as noncurrent when there is a phase-in plan or the FAC has been suspended. These deferrals are amortized when refunded or when billed to customers in later months with the state regulatory commissions' review and approval. The amount of an over-recovery or under-recovery can also be affected by actions of the state regulatory commissions. On a routine basis, state regulatory commissions review and/or audit the Registrant Subsidiaries' fuel procurement policies and practices, the fuel cost calculations and FAC deferrals. When a FAC under-recovery is no longer probable of recovery, the Registrant Subsidiaries adjust their FAC deferrals and record provisions for estimated refunds to recognize these probable outcomes.

Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Indiana and Michigan for I&M, in Ohio (beginning in 2012 through the ESP related to non-auction standard service offer load served) for OPCo, in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, in Oklahoma for PSO and in Virginia and West Virginia (upon securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates in a timely manner generally through the FAC. Changes in fuel costs, including purchased power in Ohio (beginning in 2009 through 2011) for OPCo and in West Virginia (prior to securitization in November 2013) for APCo are reflected in rates through FAC phase-in plans. The FAC generally includes some sharing of off-system sales. In West Virginia for APCo, all of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC. None of the profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC in Ohio for OPCo. A portion of profits from off-system sales are given to customers through the FAC and other rate mechanisms in Oklahoma for PSO, Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas for SWEPCo, Virginia for APCo and in Indiana and Michigan for I&M. Where the FAC or off-system sales sharing mechanism is capped, frozen or non-existent, changes in fuel costs or sharing of off-system sales impact earnings.

Maintenance

The Registrant Subsidiaries expense maintenance costs as incurred. If it becomes probable that the Registrant Subsidiaries will recover specifically-incurred costs through future rates, a regulatory asset is established to match the expensing of those maintenance costs with their recovery in cost-based regulated revenues. In certain regulatory jurisdictions, the Registrant Subsidiaries defer costs above the level included in base rates and amortize those deferrals commensurate with recovery through rate riders.

Excise Taxes

As agents for some state and local governments, the Registrant Subsidiaries collect from customers certain excise taxes levied by those state or local governments on customers. The Registrant Subsidiaries do not record these taxes as revenue or expense.

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

Pension Plan Assets	Target
Equity	30.0	%
Fixed Income	55.0	%
Other Investments	15.0	%

OPEB Plans Assets	Target
Equity	66.0	%
Fixed Income	33.0	%
Cash	1.0	%

Investments Held in Trust for Future Liabilities

AEP has several trust funds with significant investments intended to provide for future payments of pension and OPEB benefits, nuclear decommissioning and spent nuclear fuel disposal. All of the trust funds' investments are diversified and managed in compliance with all laws and regulations. The investment strategy for trust funds is to use a diversified portfolio of investments to achieve an acceptable rate of return while managing the interest rate sensitivity of the assets relative to the associated liabilities. To minimize investment risk, the trust funds are broadly diversified among classes of assets, investment strategies and investment managers. Management regularly reviews the actual asset allocations and periodically rebalances the investments to targeted allocations when appropriate. Investment policies and guidelines allow investment managers in approved strategies to use financial derivatives to obtain or manage market exposures and to hedge assets and liabilities. The investments are reported at fair value under the “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” accounting guidance.

Benefit Plans

All benefit plan assets are invested in accordance with each plan's investment policy. The investment policy outlines the investment objectives, strategies and target asset allocations by plan.

The investment philosophies for AEP's benefit plans support the allocation of assets to minimize risks and optimize net returns. Strategies used include:

Maintaining a long-term investment horizon.
Diversifying assets to help control volatility of returns at acceptable levels.
Managing fees, transaction costs and tax liabilities to maximize investment earnings.
Using active management of investments where appropriate risk/return opportunities exist.
Keeping portfolio structure style-neutral to limit volatility compared to applicable benchmarks.
Using alternative asset classes such as real estate and private equity to maximize return and provide additional portfolio diversification.

The investment policy for the pension fund allocates assets based on the funded status of the pension plan. The objective of the asset allocation policy is to reduce the investment volatility of the plan over time. Generally, more of the investment mix will be allocated to fixed income investments as the plan becomes better funded. Assets will be transferred away from equity investments into fixed income investments based on the market value of plan assets compared to the plan's projected benefit obligation. The current target asset allocations are as follows:

The investment policy for each benefit plan contains various investment limitations. The investment policies establish concentration limits for securities and prohibit the purchase of securities issued by AEP (with the exception of proportionate and immaterial holdings of AEP securities in passive index strategies). However, the investment policies do not preclude the benefit trust funds from receiving contributions in the form of AEP securities, provided that the AEP securities acquired by each plan may not exceed the limitations imposed by law. Each investment manager's portfolio is compared to a diversified benchmark index.

For equity investments, the limits are as follows:

No security in excess of 5% of all equities.
Cash equivalents must be less than 10% of an investment manager's equity portfolio.
No individual stock may be more than 10% of each manager's equity portfolio.
No investment in excess of 5% of an outstanding class of any company.
No securities may be bought or sold on margin or other use of leverage.

For fixed income investments, the concentration limits must not exceed:

3% in any single issuer
5% for private placements
5% for convertible securities
60% for bonds rated AA+ or lower
50% for bonds rated A+ or lower
10% for bonds rated BBB- or lower

For obligations of non-government issuers, the following limitations apply:

AAA rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 5% of the portfolio.
AA+, AA, AA- rated debt: a single issuer should account for no more than 3% of the portfolio.
Debt rated A+ or lower: a single issuer should account for no more than 2% of the portfolio.
No more than 10% of the portfolio may be invested in high yield and emerging market debt combined at any time.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in real estate funds to provide diversification, add return and hedge against inflation. Real estate properties are illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses external real estate investment managers to invest in commingled funds that hold real estate properties. To mitigate investment risk in the real estate portfolio, commingled real estate funds are used to ensure that holdings are diversified by region, property type and risk classification. Real estate holdings include core, value-added and development risk classifications and some investments in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), which are publicly traded real estate securities.

A portion of the pension assets is invested in private equity. Private equity investments add return and provide diversification and typically require a long-term time horizon to evaluate investment performance. Private equity is classified as an alternative investment because it is illiquid, difficult to value and not actively traded. The pension plan uses limited partnerships and commingled funds to invest across the private equity investment spectrum. The private equity holdings are with multiple general partners who help monitor the investments and provide investment selection expertise. The holdings are currently comprised of venture capital, buyout and hybrid debt and equity investment instruments. Commingled private equity funds are used to enhance the holdings' diversity.

AEP participates in a securities lending program with BNY Mellon to provide incremental income on idle assets and to provide income to offset custody fees and other administrative expenses. AEP lends securities to borrowers approved by BNY Mellon in exchange for cash collateral. All loans are collateralized by at least 102% of the loaned asset's market value and the cash collateral is invested. The difference between the rebate owed to the borrower and the cash collateral rate of return determines the earnings on the loaned security. The securities lending program's objective is providing modest incremental income with a limited increase in risk.

Trust owned life insurance (TOLI) underwritten by The Prudential Insurance Company is held in the OPEB plan trusts. The strategy for holding life insurance contracts in the taxable Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust is to minimize taxes paid on the asset growth in the trust. Earnings on plan assets are tax-deferred within the TOLI contract and can be tax-free if held until claims are paid. Life insurance proceeds remain in the trust and are used to fund future retiree medical benefit liabilities. With consideration to other investments held in the trust, the cash value of the TOLI contracts is invested in two diversified funds. A portion is invested in a commingled fund with underlying investments in stocks that are actively traded on major international equity exchanges. The other portion of the TOLI cash value is invested in a diversified, commingled fixed income fund with underlying investments in government bonds, corporate bonds and asset-backed securities.

Cash and cash equivalents are held in each trust to provide liquidity and meet short-term cash needs. Cash equivalent funds are used to provide diversification and preserve principal. The underlying holdings in the cash funds are investment grade money market instruments including commercial paper, certificates of deposit, treasury bills and other types of investment grade short-term debt securities. The cash funds are valued each business day and provide daily liquidity.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share (EPS)

The Registrant Subsidiaries are wholly-owned subsidiaries of AEP. Therefore, none are required to report EPS.