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Variable Interest Entities
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2016
Variable Interest Entities
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

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

AEP is the primary beneficiary of Sabine, DCC Fuel, Transition Funding, Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding, Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding, AEP Credit, a protected cell of EIS and Transource Energy. In addition, AEP has not provided material financial or other support to any of these entities that was not previously contractually required. AEP holds a significant variable interest in DHLC and Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC West Virginia Series (West Virginia Series).

Consolidated Variable Interests Entities

Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo.  SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine’s only customer.  SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine.  Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo.  The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee.  In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year.  Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine.  SWEPCo’s total billings from Sabine for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $42 million and $41 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $127 million and $124 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of Sabine’s assets and liabilities on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel, which was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M.  DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions.  Each DCC Fuel entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt.  Each is a separate legal entity from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M.  Payments on the leases for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $23 million and $29 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $77 million and $86 million, respectively.  The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M’s balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the respective lease terms, which do not exceed 54 months.  Based on I&M’s control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel.  The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation. See the tables below for the classification of DCC Fuel’s assets and liabilities on I&M’s balance sheets.

Transition Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to Texas Restructuring Legislation. Management has concluded that TCC is the primary beneficiary of Transition Funding because TCC has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and TCC’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, TCC is required to consolidate Transition Funding. The securitized bonds totaled $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Transition Funding has securitized transition assets of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The securitized transition assets represent the right to impose and collect Texas true-up costs from customers receiving electric transmission or distribution service from TCC under recovery mechanisms approved by the PUCT. The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized transition assets. The bondholders have no recourse to TCC or any other AEP entity. TCC acts as the servicer for Transition Funding’s securitized transition assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Transition Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Transition Funding’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to phase-in recovery property.  Management has concluded that OPCo is the primary beneficiary of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding because OPCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and OPCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, OPCo is required to consolidate Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $140 million and $185 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets. Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding has securitized assets of $68 million and $86 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect Ohio deferred distribution charges from customers receiving electric transmission and distribution service from OPCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the PUCO. In August 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to OPCo or any other AEP entity.  OPCo acts as the servicer for Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s assets and liabilities on OPCo’s balance sheets.

Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to APCo’s under-recovered ENEC deferral balance.  Management has concluded that APCo is the primary beneficiary of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding because APCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and APCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, APCo is required to consolidate Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $319 million and $342 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding has securitized assets of $311 million and $328 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect West Virginia deferred generation charges from customers receiving electric transmission, distribution and generation service from APCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the WVPSC.  In November 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to APCo or any other AEP entity.  APCo acts as the servicer for Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s assets and liabilities on APCo’s balance sheets.

AEP Credit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. AEP Credit purchases, without recourse, accounts receivable from certain utility subsidiaries of AEP to reduce working capital requirements. AEP provides a minimum of 5% equity and up to 20% of AEP Credit’s short-term borrowing needs in excess of third party financings. Any third party financing of AEP Credit only has recourse to the receivables securitized for such financing. Based on AEP’s control of AEP Credit, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate AEP Credit. See the tables below for the classification of AEP Credit’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets. See “Sale of Receivables - AEP Credit” section of Note 12.

AEP’s subsidiaries participate in one protected cell of EIS for approximately ten lines of insurance. EIS has multiple protected cells. Neither AEP nor its subsidiaries have an equity investment in EIS. The AEP System is essentially this EIS cell’s only participant, but allows certain third parties access to this insurance. AEP’s subsidiaries and any allowed third parties share in the insurance coverage, premiums and risk of loss from claims. Based on AEP’s control and the structure of the protected cell of EIS, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary of the protected cell and is required to consolidate the protected cell of EIS. The insurance premium expense to the protected cell for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $15 million and $13 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $28 million and $27 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of the protected cell’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.  The amount reported as equity is the protected cell’s policy holders’ surplus.

Transource Energy was formed for the purpose of investing in utilities which develop, acquire, construct, own and operate transmission facilities in accordance with FERC-approved rates. AEP has equity and voting ownership of 86.5% with the other owner having 13.5% interest. Management has concluded that Transource Energy is a VIE and that AEP is the primary beneficiary because AEP has the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity and AEP’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, AEP is required to consolidate Transource Energy. In January 2014, Transource Missouri (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transource Energy) acquired transmission assets from the non-controlling owner and issued debt and received a capital contribution to fund the acquisition. The majority of Transource Energy’s activity resulted from the asset acquisition, construction projects, debt issuance and capital contribution. AEP has provided capital contributions to Transource Energy of $38 million and $47 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. AEP and the other owner of Transource Energy are required to ensure a specific equity level in Transource Missouri upon completion of projects or if a project is abandoned by the RTO. See the tables below for the classification of Transource Energy’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of the VIEs that are consolidated. These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.8

 
$
109.2

 
$
18.9

 
$
11.8

 
$
1,038.7

 
$
163.5

 
$
179.4

 
$
12.2

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
123.6

 
165.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
298.5

Other Noncurrent Assets
63.9

 
78.8

 
128.1

(a)
314.7

(b) 
10.3

 
1,210.4

(c)
1.7

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
32.0

 
$
98.2

 
$
46.9

 
$
25.0

 
$
948.2

 
$
242.6

 
$
47.7

 
$
35.4

Noncurrent Liabilities
217.0

 
255.7

 
98.8

 
300.2

 
0.6

 
1,113.2

 
91.1

 
127.2

Equity
0.3

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 
100.2

 
18.1

 
42.3

 
153.6

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $60.2 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $3.8 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $62.9 million.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.7

 
$
91.1

 
$
31.2

 
$
18.5

 
$
925.7

 
$
234.1

 
$
165.3

 
$
10.8

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
147.0

 
159.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
227.2

Other Noncurrent Assets
61.8

 
84.6

 
162.0

(a)
332.0

(b) 
6.4

 
1,365.7

(c)
1.9

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
47.7

 
$
84.8

 
$
47.3

 
$
27.1

 
$
855.1

 
$
291.7

 
$
41.8

 
$
36.6

Noncurrent Liabilities
222.3

 
250.8

 
144.6

 
321.5

 
0.3

 
1,290.0

 
83.9

 
113.0

Equity
0.5

 

 
1.3

 
1.9

 
76.7

 
18.1

 
41.5

 
93.9

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $76.1 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $4.0 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $68.2 million.

Non-Consolidated Significant Variable Interests

DHLC is a mining operator which sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO.  SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally.  Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC’s debt.  SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC’s annual budget.  The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee.  SWEPCo’s total billings from DHLC for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $15 million and $30 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $43 million and $59 million, respectively.  SWEPCo is not required to consolidate DHLC as it is not the primary beneficiary, although SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC.  SWEPCo’s equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

SWEPCo’s investment in DHLC was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from SWEPCo
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

Retained Earnings
12.7

 
12.7

 
7.7

 
7.7

SWEPCo’s Guarantee of Debt

 
92.7

 

 
82.9

Total Investment in DHLC
$
20.3

 
$
113.0

 
$
15.3

 
$
98.2



AEP and FirstEnergy Corp. (FirstEnergy) have a joint venture in Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC (PATH). PATH is a series limited liability company and was created to construct, through its operating companies, a high-voltage transmission line project in the PJM region.  PATH consists of the “West Virginia Series (PATH-WV),” owned equally by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and AEP, and the “Allegheny Series” which is 100% owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.  Provisions exist within the PATH-WV agreement that make it a VIE.  AEP has no interest or control in the “Allegheny Series”.  AEP is not required to consolidate PATH-WV as AEP is not the primary beneficiary, although AEP holds a significant variable interest in PATH-WV.  AEP’s equity investment in PATH-WV is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets.  AEP and FirstEnergy share the returns and losses equally in PATH-WV.  AEP’s subsidiaries and FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries provide services to the PATH companies through service agreements.  The entities recover costs through regulated rates.
In August 2012, the PJM board cancelled the PATH Project, the transmission project that PATH was intended to develop and removed it from the 2012 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan.  In September 2012, the PATH Project companies submitted an application to the FERC requesting authority to recover prudently-incurred costs associated with the PATH Project.  In November 2012, the FERC issued an order accepting the PATH Project’s abandonment cost recovery application, subject to settlement procedures and hearing.  The parties to the case have been unable to reach a settlement agreement and in March 2014, settlement judge procedures were terminated.  Hearings at FERC were held in March and April 2015. In April 2015, PATH filed a stipulation agreement with the FERC that agreed to a 50% debt and 50% equity capital structure and a 4.7% cost of long-term debt for the entire amortization period. In September 2015, the Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearings issued an Initial Decision, which if adopted by the FERC, would deem certain costs not recoverable. The Initial Decision has no binding effect. Additional briefing was submitted during the fourth quarter of 2015. The case is currently pending before FERC. Depending on the outcome of this proceeding, PATH-WV may be required to refund certain amounts that have been collected under its formula rate. Management believes its financial statements adequately address the potential impact of this proceeding.

AEP’s investment in PATH-WV was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from AEP
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

Retained Earnings
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

Total Investment in PATH-WV
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0



As of September 30, 2016, AEP’s $21 million investment in PATH-WV was included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheet.  If AEP cannot ultimately recover the investment related to PATH-WV, it could reduce future net income and cash flows.

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

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Company
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
55.3

 
$
63.7

 
$
165.7

 
$
164.7

I&M
 
32.7

 
37.5

 
97.7

 
102.1

OPCo
 
39.4

 
48.5

 
123.2

 
128.6

PSO
 
23.6

 
29.9

 
77.1

 
77.8

SWEPCo
 
31.4

 
39.2

 
101.2

 
102.6



The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC’s accounts payable are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Company
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
20.0

 
$
20.0

 
$
25.8

 
$
25.8

I&M
 
11.0

 
11.0

 
16.6

 
16.6

OPCo
 
13.9

 
13.9

 
23.3

 
23.3

PSO
 
7.8

 
7.8

 
12.6

 
12.6

SWEPCo
 
11.8

 
11.8

 
16.4

 
16.4



AEGCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP, is consolidated by AEP. AEGCo owns a 50% ownership interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 1, leases a 50% interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 2 and owns 100% of the Lawrenceburg Generating Station. AEGCo sells all the output from the Rockport Plant to I&M and KPCo.  AEGCo has a Unit Power Agreement associated with the Lawrenceburg Generating Station which was assigned by OPCo to AGR effective January 1, 2014.  AEP has agreed to provide AEGCo with the funds necessary to satisfy all of the debt obligations of AEGCo.  I&M is considered to have a significant interest in AEGCo due to these transactions.  I&M is exposed to losses to the extent it cannot recover the costs of AEGCo through its normal business operations.  In the event AEGCo would require financing or other support outside the billings to I&M and KPCo, this financing would be provided by AEP. Total billings to I&M from AEGCo for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $65 million and $67 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $166 million and $182 million, respectively. The carrying amount of I&M’s liabilities associated with AEGCo as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $17 million and $17 million, respectively. Management estimates the maximum exposure of loss to be equal to the amount of such liability. For additional information regarding AEGCo’s lease, see “Rockport Lease” section of Note 13 in the 2015 Annual Report
Appalachian Power Co [Member]  
Variable Interest Entities
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

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

AEP is the primary beneficiary of Sabine, DCC Fuel, Transition Funding, Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding, Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding, AEP Credit, a protected cell of EIS and Transource Energy. In addition, AEP has not provided material financial or other support to any of these entities that was not previously contractually required. AEP holds a significant variable interest in DHLC and Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC West Virginia Series (West Virginia Series).

Consolidated Variable Interests Entities

Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo.  SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine’s only customer.  SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine.  Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo.  The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee.  In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year.  Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine.  SWEPCo’s total billings from Sabine for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $42 million and $41 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $127 million and $124 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of Sabine’s assets and liabilities on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel, which was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M.  DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions.  Each DCC Fuel entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt.  Each is a separate legal entity from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M.  Payments on the leases for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $23 million and $29 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $77 million and $86 million, respectively.  The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M’s balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the respective lease terms, which do not exceed 54 months.  Based on I&M’s control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel.  The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation. See the tables below for the classification of DCC Fuel’s assets and liabilities on I&M’s balance sheets.

Transition Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to Texas Restructuring Legislation. Management has concluded that TCC is the primary beneficiary of Transition Funding because TCC has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and TCC’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, TCC is required to consolidate Transition Funding. The securitized bonds totaled $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Transition Funding has securitized transition assets of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The securitized transition assets represent the right to impose and collect Texas true-up costs from customers receiving electric transmission or distribution service from TCC under recovery mechanisms approved by the PUCT. The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized transition assets. The bondholders have no recourse to TCC or any other AEP entity. TCC acts as the servicer for Transition Funding’s securitized transition assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Transition Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Transition Funding’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to phase-in recovery property.  Management has concluded that OPCo is the primary beneficiary of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding because OPCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and OPCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, OPCo is required to consolidate Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $140 million and $185 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets. Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding has securitized assets of $68 million and $86 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect Ohio deferred distribution charges from customers receiving electric transmission and distribution service from OPCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the PUCO. In August 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to OPCo or any other AEP entity.  OPCo acts as the servicer for Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s assets and liabilities on OPCo’s balance sheets.

Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to APCo’s under-recovered ENEC deferral balance.  Management has concluded that APCo is the primary beneficiary of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding because APCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and APCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, APCo is required to consolidate Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $319 million and $342 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding has securitized assets of $311 million and $328 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect West Virginia deferred generation charges from customers receiving electric transmission, distribution and generation service from APCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the WVPSC.  In November 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to APCo or any other AEP entity.  APCo acts as the servicer for Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s assets and liabilities on APCo’s balance sheets.

AEP Credit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. AEP Credit purchases, without recourse, accounts receivable from certain utility subsidiaries of AEP to reduce working capital requirements. AEP provides a minimum of 5% equity and up to 20% of AEP Credit’s short-term borrowing needs in excess of third party financings. Any third party financing of AEP Credit only has recourse to the receivables securitized for such financing. Based on AEP’s control of AEP Credit, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate AEP Credit. See the tables below for the classification of AEP Credit’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets. See “Sale of Receivables - AEP Credit” section of Note 12.

AEP’s subsidiaries participate in one protected cell of EIS for approximately ten lines of insurance. EIS has multiple protected cells. Neither AEP nor its subsidiaries have an equity investment in EIS. The AEP System is essentially this EIS cell’s only participant, but allows certain third parties access to this insurance. AEP’s subsidiaries and any allowed third parties share in the insurance coverage, premiums and risk of loss from claims. Based on AEP’s control and the structure of the protected cell of EIS, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary of the protected cell and is required to consolidate the protected cell of EIS. The insurance premium expense to the protected cell for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $15 million and $13 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $28 million and $27 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of the protected cell’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.  The amount reported as equity is the protected cell’s policy holders’ surplus.

Transource Energy was formed for the purpose of investing in utilities which develop, acquire, construct, own and operate transmission facilities in accordance with FERC-approved rates. AEP has equity and voting ownership of 86.5% with the other owner having 13.5% interest. Management has concluded that Transource Energy is a VIE and that AEP is the primary beneficiary because AEP has the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity and AEP’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, AEP is required to consolidate Transource Energy. In January 2014, Transource Missouri (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transource Energy) acquired transmission assets from the non-controlling owner and issued debt and received a capital contribution to fund the acquisition. The majority of Transource Energy’s activity resulted from the asset acquisition, construction projects, debt issuance and capital contribution. AEP has provided capital contributions to Transource Energy of $38 million and $47 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. AEP and the other owner of Transource Energy are required to ensure a specific equity level in Transource Missouri upon completion of projects or if a project is abandoned by the RTO. See the tables below for the classification of Transource Energy’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of the VIEs that are consolidated. These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.8

 
$
109.2

 
$
18.9

 
$
11.8

 
$
1,038.7

 
$
163.5

 
$
179.4

 
$
12.2

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
123.6

 
165.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
298.5

Other Noncurrent Assets
63.9

 
78.8

 
128.1

(a)
314.7

(b) 
10.3

 
1,210.4

(c)
1.7

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
32.0

 
$
98.2

 
$
46.9

 
$
25.0

 
$
948.2

 
$
242.6

 
$
47.7

 
$
35.4

Noncurrent Liabilities
217.0

 
255.7

 
98.8

 
300.2

 
0.6

 
1,113.2

 
91.1

 
127.2

Equity
0.3

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 
100.2

 
18.1

 
42.3

 
153.6

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $60.2 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $3.8 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $62.9 million.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.7

 
$
91.1

 
$
31.2

 
$
18.5

 
$
925.7

 
$
234.1

 
$
165.3

 
$
10.8

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
147.0

 
159.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
227.2

Other Noncurrent Assets
61.8

 
84.6

 
162.0

(a)
332.0

(b) 
6.4

 
1,365.7

(c)
1.9

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
47.7

 
$
84.8

 
$
47.3

 
$
27.1

 
$
855.1

 
$
291.7

 
$
41.8

 
$
36.6

Noncurrent Liabilities
222.3

 
250.8

 
144.6

 
321.5

 
0.3

 
1,290.0

 
83.9

 
113.0

Equity
0.5

 

 
1.3

 
1.9

 
76.7

 
18.1

 
41.5

 
93.9

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $76.1 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $4.0 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $68.2 million.

Non-Consolidated Significant Variable Interests

DHLC is a mining operator which sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO.  SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally.  Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC’s debt.  SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC’s annual budget.  The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee.  SWEPCo’s total billings from DHLC for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $15 million and $30 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $43 million and $59 million, respectively.  SWEPCo is not required to consolidate DHLC as it is not the primary beneficiary, although SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC.  SWEPCo’s equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

SWEPCo’s investment in DHLC was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from SWEPCo
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

Retained Earnings
12.7

 
12.7

 
7.7

 
7.7

SWEPCo’s Guarantee of Debt

 
92.7

 

 
82.9

Total Investment in DHLC
$
20.3

 
$
113.0

 
$
15.3

 
$
98.2



AEP and FirstEnergy Corp. (FirstEnergy) have a joint venture in Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC (PATH). PATH is a series limited liability company and was created to construct, through its operating companies, a high-voltage transmission line project in the PJM region.  PATH consists of the “West Virginia Series (PATH-WV),” owned equally by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and AEP, and the “Allegheny Series” which is 100% owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.  Provisions exist within the PATH-WV agreement that make it a VIE.  AEP has no interest or control in the “Allegheny Series”.  AEP is not required to consolidate PATH-WV as AEP is not the primary beneficiary, although AEP holds a significant variable interest in PATH-WV.  AEP’s equity investment in PATH-WV is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets.  AEP and FirstEnergy share the returns and losses equally in PATH-WV.  AEP’s subsidiaries and FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries provide services to the PATH companies through service agreements.  The entities recover costs through regulated rates.
In August 2012, the PJM board cancelled the PATH Project, the transmission project that PATH was intended to develop and removed it from the 2012 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan.  In September 2012, the PATH Project companies submitted an application to the FERC requesting authority to recover prudently-incurred costs associated with the PATH Project.  In November 2012, the FERC issued an order accepting the PATH Project’s abandonment cost recovery application, subject to settlement procedures and hearing.  The parties to the case have been unable to reach a settlement agreement and in March 2014, settlement judge procedures were terminated.  Hearings at FERC were held in March and April 2015. In April 2015, PATH filed a stipulation agreement with the FERC that agreed to a 50% debt and 50% equity capital structure and a 4.7% cost of long-term debt for the entire amortization period. In September 2015, the Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearings issued an Initial Decision, which if adopted by the FERC, would deem certain costs not recoverable. The Initial Decision has no binding effect. Additional briefing was submitted during the fourth quarter of 2015. The case is currently pending before FERC. Depending on the outcome of this proceeding, PATH-WV may be required to refund certain amounts that have been collected under its formula rate. Management believes its financial statements adequately address the potential impact of this proceeding.

AEP’s investment in PATH-WV was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from AEP
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

Retained Earnings
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

Total Investment in PATH-WV
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0



As of September 30, 2016, AEP’s $21 million investment in PATH-WV was included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheet.  If AEP cannot ultimately recover the investment related to PATH-WV, it could reduce future net income and cash flows.

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

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Company
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
55.3

 
$
63.7

 
$
165.7

 
$
164.7

I&M
 
32.7

 
37.5

 
97.7

 
102.1

OPCo
 
39.4

 
48.5

 
123.2

 
128.6

PSO
 
23.6

 
29.9

 
77.1

 
77.8

SWEPCo
 
31.4

 
39.2

 
101.2

 
102.6



The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC’s accounts payable are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Company
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
20.0

 
$
20.0

 
$
25.8

 
$
25.8

I&M
 
11.0

 
11.0

 
16.6

 
16.6

OPCo
 
13.9

 
13.9

 
23.3

 
23.3

PSO
 
7.8

 
7.8

 
12.6

 
12.6

SWEPCo
 
11.8

 
11.8

 
16.4

 
16.4



AEGCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP, is consolidated by AEP. AEGCo owns a 50% ownership interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 1, leases a 50% interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 2 and owns 100% of the Lawrenceburg Generating Station. AEGCo sells all the output from the Rockport Plant to I&M and KPCo.  AEGCo has a Unit Power Agreement associated with the Lawrenceburg Generating Station which was assigned by OPCo to AGR effective January 1, 2014.  AEP has agreed to provide AEGCo with the funds necessary to satisfy all of the debt obligations of AEGCo.  I&M is considered to have a significant interest in AEGCo due to these transactions.  I&M is exposed to losses to the extent it cannot recover the costs of AEGCo through its normal business operations.  In the event AEGCo would require financing or other support outside the billings to I&M and KPCo, this financing would be provided by AEP. Total billings to I&M from AEGCo for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $65 million and $67 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $166 million and $182 million, respectively. The carrying amount of I&M’s liabilities associated with AEGCo as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $17 million and $17 million, respectively. Management estimates the maximum exposure of loss to be equal to the amount of such liability. For additional information regarding AEGCo’s lease, see “Rockport Lease” section of Note 13 in the 2015 Annual Report. The assets and liabilities of AEGCo’s Lawrenceburg Plant have been recorded as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Held for Sale, respectively, on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2016. See “Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale” section of Note 6 for additional information.
Indiana Michigan Power Co [Member]  
Variable Interest Entities
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

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

AEP is the primary beneficiary of Sabine, DCC Fuel, Transition Funding, Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding, Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding, AEP Credit, a protected cell of EIS and Transource Energy. In addition, AEP has not provided material financial or other support to any of these entities that was not previously contractually required. AEP holds a significant variable interest in DHLC and Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC West Virginia Series (West Virginia Series).

Consolidated Variable Interests Entities

Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo.  SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine’s only customer.  SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine.  Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo.  The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee.  In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year.  Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine.  SWEPCo’s total billings from Sabine for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $42 million and $41 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $127 million and $124 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of Sabine’s assets and liabilities on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel, which was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M.  DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions.  Each DCC Fuel entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt.  Each is a separate legal entity from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M.  Payments on the leases for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $23 million and $29 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $77 million and $86 million, respectively.  The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M’s balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the respective lease terms, which do not exceed 54 months.  Based on I&M’s control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel.  The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation. See the tables below for the classification of DCC Fuel’s assets and liabilities on I&M’s balance sheets.

Transition Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to Texas Restructuring Legislation. Management has concluded that TCC is the primary beneficiary of Transition Funding because TCC has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and TCC’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, TCC is required to consolidate Transition Funding. The securitized bonds totaled $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Transition Funding has securitized transition assets of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The securitized transition assets represent the right to impose and collect Texas true-up costs from customers receiving electric transmission or distribution service from TCC under recovery mechanisms approved by the PUCT. The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized transition assets. The bondholders have no recourse to TCC or any other AEP entity. TCC acts as the servicer for Transition Funding’s securitized transition assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Transition Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Transition Funding’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to phase-in recovery property.  Management has concluded that OPCo is the primary beneficiary of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding because OPCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and OPCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, OPCo is required to consolidate Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $140 million and $185 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets. Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding has securitized assets of $68 million and $86 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect Ohio deferred distribution charges from customers receiving electric transmission and distribution service from OPCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the PUCO. In August 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to OPCo or any other AEP entity.  OPCo acts as the servicer for Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s assets and liabilities on OPCo’s balance sheets.

Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to APCo’s under-recovered ENEC deferral balance.  Management has concluded that APCo is the primary beneficiary of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding because APCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and APCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, APCo is required to consolidate Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $319 million and $342 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding has securitized assets of $311 million and $328 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect West Virginia deferred generation charges from customers receiving electric transmission, distribution and generation service from APCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the WVPSC.  In November 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to APCo or any other AEP entity.  APCo acts as the servicer for Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s assets and liabilities on APCo’s balance sheets.

AEP Credit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. AEP Credit purchases, without recourse, accounts receivable from certain utility subsidiaries of AEP to reduce working capital requirements. AEP provides a minimum of 5% equity and up to 20% of AEP Credit’s short-term borrowing needs in excess of third party financings. Any third party financing of AEP Credit only has recourse to the receivables securitized for such financing. Based on AEP’s control of AEP Credit, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate AEP Credit. See the tables below for the classification of AEP Credit’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets. See “Sale of Receivables - AEP Credit” section of Note 12.

AEP’s subsidiaries participate in one protected cell of EIS for approximately ten lines of insurance. EIS has multiple protected cells. Neither AEP nor its subsidiaries have an equity investment in EIS. The AEP System is essentially this EIS cell’s only participant, but allows certain third parties access to this insurance. AEP’s subsidiaries and any allowed third parties share in the insurance coverage, premiums and risk of loss from claims. Based on AEP’s control and the structure of the protected cell of EIS, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary of the protected cell and is required to consolidate the protected cell of EIS. The insurance premium expense to the protected cell for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $15 million and $13 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $28 million and $27 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of the protected cell’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.  The amount reported as equity is the protected cell’s policy holders’ surplus.

Transource Energy was formed for the purpose of investing in utilities which develop, acquire, construct, own and operate transmission facilities in accordance with FERC-approved rates. AEP has equity and voting ownership of 86.5% with the other owner having 13.5% interest. Management has concluded that Transource Energy is a VIE and that AEP is the primary beneficiary because AEP has the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity and AEP’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, AEP is required to consolidate Transource Energy. In January 2014, Transource Missouri (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transource Energy) acquired transmission assets from the non-controlling owner and issued debt and received a capital contribution to fund the acquisition. The majority of Transource Energy’s activity resulted from the asset acquisition, construction projects, debt issuance and capital contribution. AEP has provided capital contributions to Transource Energy of $38 million and $47 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. AEP and the other owner of Transource Energy are required to ensure a specific equity level in Transource Missouri upon completion of projects or if a project is abandoned by the RTO. See the tables below for the classification of Transource Energy’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of the VIEs that are consolidated. These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.8

 
$
109.2

 
$
18.9

 
$
11.8

 
$
1,038.7

 
$
163.5

 
$
179.4

 
$
12.2

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
123.6

 
165.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
298.5

Other Noncurrent Assets
63.9

 
78.8

 
128.1

(a)
314.7

(b) 
10.3

 
1,210.4

(c)
1.7

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
32.0

 
$
98.2

 
$
46.9

 
$
25.0

 
$
948.2

 
$
242.6

 
$
47.7

 
$
35.4

Noncurrent Liabilities
217.0

 
255.7

 
98.8

 
300.2

 
0.6

 
1,113.2

 
91.1

 
127.2

Equity
0.3

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 
100.2

 
18.1

 
42.3

 
153.6

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $60.2 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $3.8 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $62.9 million.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.7

 
$
91.1

 
$
31.2

 
$
18.5

 
$
925.7

 
$
234.1

 
$
165.3

 
$
10.8

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
147.0

 
159.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
227.2

Other Noncurrent Assets
61.8

 
84.6

 
162.0

(a)
332.0

(b) 
6.4

 
1,365.7

(c)
1.9

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
47.7

 
$
84.8

 
$
47.3

 
$
27.1

 
$
855.1

 
$
291.7

 
$
41.8

 
$
36.6

Noncurrent Liabilities
222.3

 
250.8

 
144.6

 
321.5

 
0.3

 
1,290.0

 
83.9

 
113.0

Equity
0.5

 

 
1.3

 
1.9

 
76.7

 
18.1

 
41.5

 
93.9

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $76.1 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $4.0 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $68.2 million.

Non-Consolidated Significant Variable Interests

DHLC is a mining operator which sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO.  SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally.  Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC’s debt.  SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC’s annual budget.  The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee.  SWEPCo’s total billings from DHLC for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $15 million and $30 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $43 million and $59 million, respectively.  SWEPCo is not required to consolidate DHLC as it is not the primary beneficiary, although SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC.  SWEPCo’s equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

SWEPCo’s investment in DHLC was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from SWEPCo
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

Retained Earnings
12.7

 
12.7

 
7.7

 
7.7

SWEPCo’s Guarantee of Debt

 
92.7

 

 
82.9

Total Investment in DHLC
$
20.3

 
$
113.0

 
$
15.3

 
$
98.2



AEP and FirstEnergy Corp. (FirstEnergy) have a joint venture in Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC (PATH). PATH is a series limited liability company and was created to construct, through its operating companies, a high-voltage transmission line project in the PJM region.  PATH consists of the “West Virginia Series (PATH-WV),” owned equally by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and AEP, and the “Allegheny Series” which is 100% owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.  Provisions exist within the PATH-WV agreement that make it a VIE.  AEP has no interest or control in the “Allegheny Series”.  AEP is not required to consolidate PATH-WV as AEP is not the primary beneficiary, although AEP holds a significant variable interest in PATH-WV.  AEP’s equity investment in PATH-WV is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets.  AEP and FirstEnergy share the returns and losses equally in PATH-WV.  AEP’s subsidiaries and FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries provide services to the PATH companies through service agreements.  The entities recover costs through regulated rates.
In August 2012, the PJM board cancelled the PATH Project, the transmission project that PATH was intended to develop and removed it from the 2012 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan.  In September 2012, the PATH Project companies submitted an application to the FERC requesting authority to recover prudently-incurred costs associated with the PATH Project.  In November 2012, the FERC issued an order accepting the PATH Project’s abandonment cost recovery application, subject to settlement procedures and hearing.  The parties to the case have been unable to reach a settlement agreement and in March 2014, settlement judge procedures were terminated.  Hearings at FERC were held in March and April 2015. In April 2015, PATH filed a stipulation agreement with the FERC that agreed to a 50% debt and 50% equity capital structure and a 4.7% cost of long-term debt for the entire amortization period. In September 2015, the Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearings issued an Initial Decision, which if adopted by the FERC, would deem certain costs not recoverable. The Initial Decision has no binding effect. Additional briefing was submitted during the fourth quarter of 2015. The case is currently pending before FERC. Depending on the outcome of this proceeding, PATH-WV may be required to refund certain amounts that have been collected under its formula rate. Management believes its financial statements adequately address the potential impact of this proceeding.

AEP’s investment in PATH-WV was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from AEP
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

Retained Earnings
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

Total Investment in PATH-WV
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0



As of September 30, 2016, AEP’s $21 million investment in PATH-WV was included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheet.  If AEP cannot ultimately recover the investment related to PATH-WV, it could reduce future net income and cash flows.

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

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Company
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
55.3

 
$
63.7

 
$
165.7

 
$
164.7

I&M
 
32.7

 
37.5

 
97.7

 
102.1

OPCo
 
39.4

 
48.5

 
123.2

 
128.6

PSO
 
23.6

 
29.9

 
77.1

 
77.8

SWEPCo
 
31.4

 
39.2

 
101.2

 
102.6



The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC’s accounts payable are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Company
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
20.0

 
$
20.0

 
$
25.8

 
$
25.8

I&M
 
11.0

 
11.0

 
16.6

 
16.6

OPCo
 
13.9

 
13.9

 
23.3

 
23.3

PSO
 
7.8

 
7.8

 
12.6

 
12.6

SWEPCo
 
11.8

 
11.8

 
16.4

 
16.4



AEGCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP, is consolidated by AEP. AEGCo owns a 50% ownership interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 1, leases a 50% interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 2 and owns 100% of the Lawrenceburg Generating Station. AEGCo sells all the output from the Rockport Plant to I&M and KPCo.  AEGCo has a Unit Power Agreement associated with the Lawrenceburg Generating Station which was assigned by OPCo to AGR effective January 1, 2014.  AEP has agreed to provide AEGCo with the funds necessary to satisfy all of the debt obligations of AEGCo.  I&M is considered to have a significant interest in AEGCo due to these transactions.  I&M is exposed to losses to the extent it cannot recover the costs of AEGCo through its normal business operations.  In the event AEGCo would require financing or other support outside the billings to I&M and KPCo, this financing would be provided by AEP. Total billings to I&M from AEGCo for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $65 million and $67 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $166 million and $182 million, respectively. The carrying amount of I&M’s liabilities associated with AEGCo as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $17 million and $17 million, respectively. Management estimates the maximum exposure of loss to be equal to the amount of such liability. For additional information regarding AEGCo’s lease, see “Rockport Lease” section of Note 13 in the 2015 Annual Report. The assets and liabilities of AEGCo’s Lawrenceburg Plant have been recorded as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Held for Sale, respectively, on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2016. See “Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale” section of Note 6 for additional information.
Ohio Power Co [Member]  
Variable Interest Entities
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

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

AEP is the primary beneficiary of Sabine, DCC Fuel, Transition Funding, Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding, Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding, AEP Credit, a protected cell of EIS and Transource Energy. In addition, AEP has not provided material financial or other support to any of these entities that was not previously contractually required. AEP holds a significant variable interest in DHLC and Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC West Virginia Series (West Virginia Series).

Consolidated Variable Interests Entities

Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo.  SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine’s only customer.  SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine.  Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo.  The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee.  In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year.  Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine.  SWEPCo’s total billings from Sabine for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $42 million and $41 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $127 million and $124 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of Sabine’s assets and liabilities on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel, which was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M.  DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions.  Each DCC Fuel entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt.  Each is a separate legal entity from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M.  Payments on the leases for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $23 million and $29 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $77 million and $86 million, respectively.  The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M’s balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the respective lease terms, which do not exceed 54 months.  Based on I&M’s control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel.  The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation. See the tables below for the classification of DCC Fuel’s assets and liabilities on I&M’s balance sheets.

Transition Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to Texas Restructuring Legislation. Management has concluded that TCC is the primary beneficiary of Transition Funding because TCC has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and TCC’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, TCC is required to consolidate Transition Funding. The securitized bonds totaled $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Transition Funding has securitized transition assets of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The securitized transition assets represent the right to impose and collect Texas true-up costs from customers receiving electric transmission or distribution service from TCC under recovery mechanisms approved by the PUCT. The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized transition assets. The bondholders have no recourse to TCC or any other AEP entity. TCC acts as the servicer for Transition Funding’s securitized transition assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Transition Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Transition Funding’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to phase-in recovery property.  Management has concluded that OPCo is the primary beneficiary of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding because OPCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and OPCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, OPCo is required to consolidate Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $140 million and $185 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets. Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding has securitized assets of $68 million and $86 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect Ohio deferred distribution charges from customers receiving electric transmission and distribution service from OPCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the PUCO. In August 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to OPCo or any other AEP entity.  OPCo acts as the servicer for Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s assets and liabilities on OPCo’s balance sheets.

Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to APCo’s under-recovered ENEC deferral balance.  Management has concluded that APCo is the primary beneficiary of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding because APCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and APCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, APCo is required to consolidate Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $319 million and $342 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding has securitized assets of $311 million and $328 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect West Virginia deferred generation charges from customers receiving electric transmission, distribution and generation service from APCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the WVPSC.  In November 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to APCo or any other AEP entity.  APCo acts as the servicer for Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s assets and liabilities on APCo’s balance sheets.

AEP Credit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. AEP Credit purchases, without recourse, accounts receivable from certain utility subsidiaries of AEP to reduce working capital requirements. AEP provides a minimum of 5% equity and up to 20% of AEP Credit’s short-term borrowing needs in excess of third party financings. Any third party financing of AEP Credit only has recourse to the receivables securitized for such financing. Based on AEP’s control of AEP Credit, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate AEP Credit. See the tables below for the classification of AEP Credit’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets. See “Sale of Receivables - AEP Credit” section of Note 12.

AEP’s subsidiaries participate in one protected cell of EIS for approximately ten lines of insurance. EIS has multiple protected cells. Neither AEP nor its subsidiaries have an equity investment in EIS. The AEP System is essentially this EIS cell’s only participant, but allows certain third parties access to this insurance. AEP’s subsidiaries and any allowed third parties share in the insurance coverage, premiums and risk of loss from claims. Based on AEP’s control and the structure of the protected cell of EIS, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary of the protected cell and is required to consolidate the protected cell of EIS. The insurance premium expense to the protected cell for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $15 million and $13 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $28 million and $27 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of the protected cell’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.  The amount reported as equity is the protected cell’s policy holders’ surplus.

Transource Energy was formed for the purpose of investing in utilities which develop, acquire, construct, own and operate transmission facilities in accordance with FERC-approved rates. AEP has equity and voting ownership of 86.5% with the other owner having 13.5% interest. Management has concluded that Transource Energy is a VIE and that AEP is the primary beneficiary because AEP has the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity and AEP’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, AEP is required to consolidate Transource Energy. In January 2014, Transource Missouri (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transource Energy) acquired transmission assets from the non-controlling owner and issued debt and received a capital contribution to fund the acquisition. The majority of Transource Energy’s activity resulted from the asset acquisition, construction projects, debt issuance and capital contribution. AEP has provided capital contributions to Transource Energy of $38 million and $47 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. AEP and the other owner of Transource Energy are required to ensure a specific equity level in Transource Missouri upon completion of projects or if a project is abandoned by the RTO. See the tables below for the classification of Transource Energy’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of the VIEs that are consolidated. These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.8

 
$
109.2

 
$
18.9

 
$
11.8

 
$
1,038.7

 
$
163.5

 
$
179.4

 
$
12.2

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
123.6

 
165.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
298.5

Other Noncurrent Assets
63.9

 
78.8

 
128.1

(a)
314.7

(b) 
10.3

 
1,210.4

(c)
1.7

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
32.0

 
$
98.2

 
$
46.9

 
$
25.0

 
$
948.2

 
$
242.6

 
$
47.7

 
$
35.4

Noncurrent Liabilities
217.0

 
255.7

 
98.8

 
300.2

 
0.6

 
1,113.2

 
91.1

 
127.2

Equity
0.3

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 
100.2

 
18.1

 
42.3

 
153.6

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $60.2 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $3.8 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $62.9 million.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.7

 
$
91.1

 
$
31.2

 
$
18.5

 
$
925.7

 
$
234.1

 
$
165.3

 
$
10.8

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
147.0

 
159.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
227.2

Other Noncurrent Assets
61.8

 
84.6

 
162.0

(a)
332.0

(b) 
6.4

 
1,365.7

(c)
1.9

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
47.7

 
$
84.8

 
$
47.3

 
$
27.1

 
$
855.1

 
$
291.7

 
$
41.8

 
$
36.6

Noncurrent Liabilities
222.3

 
250.8

 
144.6

 
321.5

 
0.3

 
1,290.0

 
83.9

 
113.0

Equity
0.5

 

 
1.3

 
1.9

 
76.7

 
18.1

 
41.5

 
93.9

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $76.1 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $4.0 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $68.2 million.

Non-Consolidated Significant Variable Interests

DHLC is a mining operator which sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO.  SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally.  Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC’s debt.  SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC’s annual budget.  The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee.  SWEPCo’s total billings from DHLC for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $15 million and $30 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $43 million and $59 million, respectively.  SWEPCo is not required to consolidate DHLC as it is not the primary beneficiary, although SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC.  SWEPCo’s equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

SWEPCo’s investment in DHLC was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from SWEPCo
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

Retained Earnings
12.7

 
12.7

 
7.7

 
7.7

SWEPCo’s Guarantee of Debt

 
92.7

 

 
82.9

Total Investment in DHLC
$
20.3

 
$
113.0

 
$
15.3

 
$
98.2



AEP and FirstEnergy Corp. (FirstEnergy) have a joint venture in Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC (PATH). PATH is a series limited liability company and was created to construct, through its operating companies, a high-voltage transmission line project in the PJM region.  PATH consists of the “West Virginia Series (PATH-WV),” owned equally by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and AEP, and the “Allegheny Series” which is 100% owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.  Provisions exist within the PATH-WV agreement that make it a VIE.  AEP has no interest or control in the “Allegheny Series”.  AEP is not required to consolidate PATH-WV as AEP is not the primary beneficiary, although AEP holds a significant variable interest in PATH-WV.  AEP’s equity investment in PATH-WV is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets.  AEP and FirstEnergy share the returns and losses equally in PATH-WV.  AEP’s subsidiaries and FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries provide services to the PATH companies through service agreements.  The entities recover costs through regulated rates.
In August 2012, the PJM board cancelled the PATH Project, the transmission project that PATH was intended to develop and removed it from the 2012 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan.  In September 2012, the PATH Project companies submitted an application to the FERC requesting authority to recover prudently-incurred costs associated with the PATH Project.  In November 2012, the FERC issued an order accepting the PATH Project’s abandonment cost recovery application, subject to settlement procedures and hearing.  The parties to the case have been unable to reach a settlement agreement and in March 2014, settlement judge procedures were terminated.  Hearings at FERC were held in March and April 2015. In April 2015, PATH filed a stipulation agreement with the FERC that agreed to a 50% debt and 50% equity capital structure and a 4.7% cost of long-term debt for the entire amortization period. In September 2015, the Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearings issued an Initial Decision, which if adopted by the FERC, would deem certain costs not recoverable. The Initial Decision has no binding effect. Additional briefing was submitted during the fourth quarter of 2015. The case is currently pending before FERC. Depending on the outcome of this proceeding, PATH-WV may be required to refund certain amounts that have been collected under its formula rate. Management believes its financial statements adequately address the potential impact of this proceeding.

AEP’s investment in PATH-WV was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from AEP
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

Retained Earnings
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

Total Investment in PATH-WV
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0



As of September 30, 2016, AEP’s $21 million investment in PATH-WV was included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheet.  If AEP cannot ultimately recover the investment related to PATH-WV, it could reduce future net income and cash flows.

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

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Company
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
55.3

 
$
63.7

 
$
165.7

 
$
164.7

I&M
 
32.7

 
37.5

 
97.7

 
102.1

OPCo
 
39.4

 
48.5

 
123.2

 
128.6

PSO
 
23.6

 
29.9

 
77.1

 
77.8

SWEPCo
 
31.4

 
39.2

 
101.2

 
102.6



The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC’s accounts payable are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Company
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
20.0

 
$
20.0

 
$
25.8

 
$
25.8

I&M
 
11.0

 
11.0

 
16.6

 
16.6

OPCo
 
13.9

 
13.9

 
23.3

 
23.3

PSO
 
7.8

 
7.8

 
12.6

 
12.6

SWEPCo
 
11.8

 
11.8

 
16.4

 
16.4



AEGCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP, is consolidated by AEP. AEGCo owns a 50% ownership interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 1, leases a 50% interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 2 and owns 100% of the Lawrenceburg Generating Station. AEGCo sells all the output from the Rockport Plant to I&M and KPCo.  AEGCo has a Unit Power Agreement associated with the Lawrenceburg Generating Station which was assigned by OPCo to AGR effective January 1, 2014.  AEP has agreed to provide AEGCo with the funds necessary to satisfy all of the debt obligations of AEGCo.  I&M is considered to have a significant interest in AEGCo due to these transactions.  I&M is exposed to losses to the extent it cannot recover the costs of AEGCo through its normal business operations.  In the event AEGCo would require financing or other support outside the billings to I&M and KPCo, this financing would be provided by AEP. Total billings to I&M from AEGCo for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $65 million and $67 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $166 million and $182 million, respectively. The carrying amount of I&M’s liabilities associated with AEGCo as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $17 million and $17 million, respectively. Management estimates the maximum exposure of loss to be equal to the amount of such liability. For additional information regarding AEGCo’s lease, see “Rockport Lease” section of Note 13 in the 2015 Annual Report. The assets and liabilities of AEGCo’s Lawrenceburg Plant have been recorded as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Held for Sale, respectively, on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2016. See “Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale” section of Note 6 for additional information.
Public Service Co Of Oklahoma [Member]  
Variable Interest Entities
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

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

AEP is the primary beneficiary of Sabine, DCC Fuel, Transition Funding, Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding, Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding, AEP Credit, a protected cell of EIS and Transource Energy. In addition, AEP has not provided material financial or other support to any of these entities that was not previously contractually required. AEP holds a significant variable interest in DHLC and Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC West Virginia Series (West Virginia Series).

Consolidated Variable Interests Entities

Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo.  SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine’s only customer.  SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine.  Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo.  The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee.  In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year.  Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine.  SWEPCo’s total billings from Sabine for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $42 million and $41 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $127 million and $124 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of Sabine’s assets and liabilities on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel, which was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M.  DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions.  Each DCC Fuel entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt.  Each is a separate legal entity from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M.  Payments on the leases for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $23 million and $29 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $77 million and $86 million, respectively.  The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M’s balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the respective lease terms, which do not exceed 54 months.  Based on I&M’s control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel.  The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation. See the tables below for the classification of DCC Fuel’s assets and liabilities on I&M’s balance sheets.

Transition Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to Texas Restructuring Legislation. Management has concluded that TCC is the primary beneficiary of Transition Funding because TCC has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and TCC’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, TCC is required to consolidate Transition Funding. The securitized bonds totaled $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Transition Funding has securitized transition assets of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The securitized transition assets represent the right to impose and collect Texas true-up costs from customers receiving electric transmission or distribution service from TCC under recovery mechanisms approved by the PUCT. The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized transition assets. The bondholders have no recourse to TCC or any other AEP entity. TCC acts as the servicer for Transition Funding’s securitized transition assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Transition Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Transition Funding’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to phase-in recovery property.  Management has concluded that OPCo is the primary beneficiary of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding because OPCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and OPCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, OPCo is required to consolidate Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $140 million and $185 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets. Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding has securitized assets of $68 million and $86 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect Ohio deferred distribution charges from customers receiving electric transmission and distribution service from OPCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the PUCO. In August 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to OPCo or any other AEP entity.  OPCo acts as the servicer for Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s assets and liabilities on OPCo’s balance sheets.

Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to APCo’s under-recovered ENEC deferral balance.  Management has concluded that APCo is the primary beneficiary of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding because APCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and APCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, APCo is required to consolidate Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $319 million and $342 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding has securitized assets of $311 million and $328 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect West Virginia deferred generation charges from customers receiving electric transmission, distribution and generation service from APCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the WVPSC.  In November 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to APCo or any other AEP entity.  APCo acts as the servicer for Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s assets and liabilities on APCo’s balance sheets.

AEP Credit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. AEP Credit purchases, without recourse, accounts receivable from certain utility subsidiaries of AEP to reduce working capital requirements. AEP provides a minimum of 5% equity and up to 20% of AEP Credit’s short-term borrowing needs in excess of third party financings. Any third party financing of AEP Credit only has recourse to the receivables securitized for such financing. Based on AEP’s control of AEP Credit, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate AEP Credit. See the tables below for the classification of AEP Credit’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets. See “Sale of Receivables - AEP Credit” section of Note 12.

AEP’s subsidiaries participate in one protected cell of EIS for approximately ten lines of insurance. EIS has multiple protected cells. Neither AEP nor its subsidiaries have an equity investment in EIS. The AEP System is essentially this EIS cell’s only participant, but allows certain third parties access to this insurance. AEP’s subsidiaries and any allowed third parties share in the insurance coverage, premiums and risk of loss from claims. Based on AEP’s control and the structure of the protected cell of EIS, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary of the protected cell and is required to consolidate the protected cell of EIS. The insurance premium expense to the protected cell for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $15 million and $13 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $28 million and $27 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of the protected cell’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.  The amount reported as equity is the protected cell’s policy holders’ surplus.

Transource Energy was formed for the purpose of investing in utilities which develop, acquire, construct, own and operate transmission facilities in accordance with FERC-approved rates. AEP has equity and voting ownership of 86.5% with the other owner having 13.5% interest. Management has concluded that Transource Energy is a VIE and that AEP is the primary beneficiary because AEP has the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity and AEP’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, AEP is required to consolidate Transource Energy. In January 2014, Transource Missouri (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transource Energy) acquired transmission assets from the non-controlling owner and issued debt and received a capital contribution to fund the acquisition. The majority of Transource Energy’s activity resulted from the asset acquisition, construction projects, debt issuance and capital contribution. AEP has provided capital contributions to Transource Energy of $38 million and $47 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. AEP and the other owner of Transource Energy are required to ensure a specific equity level in Transource Missouri upon completion of projects or if a project is abandoned by the RTO. See the tables below for the classification of Transource Energy’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of the VIEs that are consolidated. These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.8

 
$
109.2

 
$
18.9

 
$
11.8

 
$
1,038.7

 
$
163.5

 
$
179.4

 
$
12.2

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
123.6

 
165.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
298.5

Other Noncurrent Assets
63.9

 
78.8

 
128.1

(a)
314.7

(b) 
10.3

 
1,210.4

(c)
1.7

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
32.0

 
$
98.2

 
$
46.9

 
$
25.0

 
$
948.2

 
$
242.6

 
$
47.7

 
$
35.4

Noncurrent Liabilities
217.0

 
255.7

 
98.8

 
300.2

 
0.6

 
1,113.2

 
91.1

 
127.2

Equity
0.3

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 
100.2

 
18.1

 
42.3

 
153.6

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $60.2 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $3.8 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $62.9 million.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.7

 
$
91.1

 
$
31.2

 
$
18.5

 
$
925.7

 
$
234.1

 
$
165.3

 
$
10.8

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
147.0

 
159.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
227.2

Other Noncurrent Assets
61.8

 
84.6

 
162.0

(a)
332.0

(b) 
6.4

 
1,365.7

(c)
1.9

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
47.7

 
$
84.8

 
$
47.3

 
$
27.1

 
$
855.1

 
$
291.7

 
$
41.8

 
$
36.6

Noncurrent Liabilities
222.3

 
250.8

 
144.6

 
321.5

 
0.3

 
1,290.0

 
83.9

 
113.0

Equity
0.5

 

 
1.3

 
1.9

 
76.7

 
18.1

 
41.5

 
93.9

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $76.1 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $4.0 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $68.2 million.

Non-Consolidated Significant Variable Interests

DHLC is a mining operator which sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO.  SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally.  Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC’s debt.  SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC’s annual budget.  The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee.  SWEPCo’s total billings from DHLC for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $15 million and $30 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $43 million and $59 million, respectively.  SWEPCo is not required to consolidate DHLC as it is not the primary beneficiary, although SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC.  SWEPCo’s equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

SWEPCo’s investment in DHLC was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from SWEPCo
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

Retained Earnings
12.7

 
12.7

 
7.7

 
7.7

SWEPCo’s Guarantee of Debt

 
92.7

 

 
82.9

Total Investment in DHLC
$
20.3

 
$
113.0

 
$
15.3

 
$
98.2



AEP and FirstEnergy Corp. (FirstEnergy) have a joint venture in Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC (PATH). PATH is a series limited liability company and was created to construct, through its operating companies, a high-voltage transmission line project in the PJM region.  PATH consists of the “West Virginia Series (PATH-WV),” owned equally by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and AEP, and the “Allegheny Series” which is 100% owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.  Provisions exist within the PATH-WV agreement that make it a VIE.  AEP has no interest or control in the “Allegheny Series”.  AEP is not required to consolidate PATH-WV as AEP is not the primary beneficiary, although AEP holds a significant variable interest in PATH-WV.  AEP’s equity investment in PATH-WV is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets.  AEP and FirstEnergy share the returns and losses equally in PATH-WV.  AEP’s subsidiaries and FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries provide services to the PATH companies through service agreements.  The entities recover costs through regulated rates.
In August 2012, the PJM board cancelled the PATH Project, the transmission project that PATH was intended to develop and removed it from the 2012 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan.  In September 2012, the PATH Project companies submitted an application to the FERC requesting authority to recover prudently-incurred costs associated with the PATH Project.  In November 2012, the FERC issued an order accepting the PATH Project’s abandonment cost recovery application, subject to settlement procedures and hearing.  The parties to the case have been unable to reach a settlement agreement and in March 2014, settlement judge procedures were terminated.  Hearings at FERC were held in March and April 2015. In April 2015, PATH filed a stipulation agreement with the FERC that agreed to a 50% debt and 50% equity capital structure and a 4.7% cost of long-term debt for the entire amortization period. In September 2015, the Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearings issued an Initial Decision, which if adopted by the FERC, would deem certain costs not recoverable. The Initial Decision has no binding effect. Additional briefing was submitted during the fourth quarter of 2015. The case is currently pending before FERC. Depending on the outcome of this proceeding, PATH-WV may be required to refund certain amounts that have been collected under its formula rate. Management believes its financial statements adequately address the potential impact of this proceeding.

AEP’s investment in PATH-WV was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from AEP
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

Retained Earnings
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

Total Investment in PATH-WV
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0



As of September 30, 2016, AEP’s $21 million investment in PATH-WV was included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheet.  If AEP cannot ultimately recover the investment related to PATH-WV, it could reduce future net income and cash flows.

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

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Company
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
55.3

 
$
63.7

 
$
165.7

 
$
164.7

I&M
 
32.7

 
37.5

 
97.7

 
102.1

OPCo
 
39.4

 
48.5

 
123.2

 
128.6

PSO
 
23.6

 
29.9

 
77.1

 
77.8

SWEPCo
 
31.4

 
39.2

 
101.2

 
102.6



The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC’s accounts payable are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Company
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
20.0

 
$
20.0

 
$
25.8

 
$
25.8

I&M
 
11.0

 
11.0

 
16.6

 
16.6

OPCo
 
13.9

 
13.9

 
23.3

 
23.3

PSO
 
7.8

 
7.8

 
12.6

 
12.6

SWEPCo
 
11.8

 
11.8

 
16.4

 
16.4



AEGCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP, is consolidated by AEP. AEGCo owns a 50% ownership interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 1, leases a 50% interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 2 and owns 100% of the Lawrenceburg Generating Station. AEGCo sells all the output from the Rockport Plant to I&M and KPCo.  AEGCo has a Unit Power Agreement associated with the Lawrenceburg Generating Station which was assigned by OPCo to AGR effective January 1, 2014.  AEP has agreed to provide AEGCo with the funds necessary to satisfy all of the debt obligations of AEGCo.  I&M is considered to have a significant interest in AEGCo due to these transactions.  I&M is exposed to losses to the extent it cannot recover the costs of AEGCo through its normal business operations.  In the event AEGCo would require financing or other support outside the billings to I&M and KPCo, this financing would be provided by AEP. Total billings to I&M from AEGCo for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $65 million and $67 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $166 million and $182 million, respectively. The carrying amount of I&M’s liabilities associated with AEGCo as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $17 million and $17 million, respectively. Management estimates the maximum exposure of loss to be equal to the amount of such liability. For additional information regarding AEGCo’s lease, see “Rockport Lease” section of Note 13 in the 2015 Annual Report. The assets and liabilities of AEGCo’s Lawrenceburg Plant have been recorded as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Held for Sale, respectively, on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2016. See “Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale” section of Note 6 for additional information.
Southwestern Electric Power Co [Member]  
Variable Interest Entities
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The disclosures in this note apply to all Registrants unless indicated otherwise.

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

AEP is the primary beneficiary of Sabine, DCC Fuel, Transition Funding, Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding, Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding, AEP Credit, a protected cell of EIS and Transource Energy. In addition, AEP has not provided material financial or other support to any of these entities that was not previously contractually required. AEP holds a significant variable interest in DHLC and Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC West Virginia Series (West Virginia Series).

Consolidated Variable Interests Entities

Sabine is a mining operator providing mining services to SWEPCo.  SWEPCo has no equity investment in Sabine but is Sabine’s only customer.  SWEPCo guarantees the debt obligations and lease obligations of Sabine.  Under the terms of the note agreements, substantially all assets are pledged and all rights under the lignite mining agreement are assigned to SWEPCo.  The creditors of Sabine have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  Under the provisions of the mining agreement, SWEPCo is required to pay, as a part of the cost of lignite delivered, an amount equal to mining costs plus a management fee.  In addition, SWEPCo determines how much coal will be mined each year.  Based on these facts, management concluded that SWEPCo is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate Sabine.  SWEPCo’s total billings from Sabine for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $42 million and $41 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $127 million and $124 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of Sabine’s assets and liabilities on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

I&M has nuclear fuel lease agreements with DCC Fuel, which was formed for the purpose of acquiring, owning and leasing nuclear fuel to I&M.  DCC Fuel purchased the nuclear fuel from I&M with funds received from the issuance of notes to financial institutions.  Each DCC Fuel entity is a single-lessee leasing arrangement with only one asset and is capitalized with all debt.  Each is a separate legal entity from I&M, the assets of which are not available to satisfy the debts of I&M.  Payments on the leases for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $23 million and $29 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $77 million and $86 million, respectively.  The leases were recorded as capital leases on I&M’s balance sheet as title to the nuclear fuel transfers to I&M at the end of the respective lease terms, which do not exceed 54 months.  Based on I&M’s control of DCC Fuel, management concluded that I&M is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate DCC Fuel.  The capital leases are eliminated upon consolidation. See the tables below for the classification of DCC Fuel’s assets and liabilities on I&M’s balance sheets.

Transition Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to Texas Restructuring Legislation. Management has concluded that TCC is the primary beneficiary of Transition Funding because TCC has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and TCC’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, TCC is required to consolidate Transition Funding. The securitized bonds totaled $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Transition Funding has securitized transition assets of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The securitized transition assets represent the right to impose and collect Texas true-up costs from customers receiving electric transmission or distribution service from TCC under recovery mechanisms approved by the PUCT. The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized transition assets. The bondholders have no recourse to TCC or any other AEP entity. TCC acts as the servicer for Transition Funding’s securitized transition assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Transition Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Transition Funding’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to phase-in recovery property.  Management has concluded that OPCo is the primary beneficiary of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding because OPCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and OPCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, OPCo is required to consolidate Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $140 million and $185 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets. Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding has securitized assets of $68 million and $86 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect Ohio deferred distribution charges from customers receiving electric transmission and distribution service from OPCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the PUCO. In August 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to OPCo or any other AEP entity.  OPCo acts as the servicer for Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Ohio Phase-in-Recovery Funding’s assets and liabilities on OPCo’s balance sheets.

Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding was formed for the sole purpose of issuing and servicing securitization bonds related to APCo’s under-recovered ENEC deferral balance.  Management has concluded that APCo is the primary beneficiary of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding because APCo has the power to direct the most significant activities of the VIE and APCo’s equity interest could potentially be significant.  Therefore, APCo is required to consolidate Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding.  The securitized bonds totaled $319 million and $342 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, and are included in Long-term Debt Due Within One Year - Nonaffiliated and Long-term Debt - Nonaffiliated on the balance sheets.  Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding has securitized assets of $311 million and $328 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, which are presented separately on the face of the balance sheets. The phase-in recovery property represents the right to impose and collect West Virginia deferred generation charges from customers receiving electric transmission, distribution and generation service from APCo under a recovery mechanism approved by the WVPSC.  In November 2013, securitization bonds were issued.  The securitization bonds are payable only from and secured by the securitized assets.  The bondholders have no recourse to APCo or any other AEP entity.  APCo acts as the servicer for Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s securitized assets and remits all related amounts collected from customers to Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding for interest and principal payments on the securitization bonds and related costs. See the tables below for the classification of Appalachian Consumer Rate Relief Funding’s assets and liabilities on APCo’s balance sheets.

AEP Credit is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. AEP Credit purchases, without recourse, accounts receivable from certain utility subsidiaries of AEP to reduce working capital requirements. AEP provides a minimum of 5% equity and up to 20% of AEP Credit’s short-term borrowing needs in excess of third party financings. Any third party financing of AEP Credit only has recourse to the receivables securitized for such financing. Based on AEP’s control of AEP Credit, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary and is required to consolidate AEP Credit. See the tables below for the classification of AEP Credit’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets. See “Sale of Receivables - AEP Credit” section of Note 12.

AEP’s subsidiaries participate in one protected cell of EIS for approximately ten lines of insurance. EIS has multiple protected cells. Neither AEP nor its subsidiaries have an equity investment in EIS. The AEP System is essentially this EIS cell’s only participant, but allows certain third parties access to this insurance. AEP’s subsidiaries and any allowed third parties share in the insurance coverage, premiums and risk of loss from claims. Based on AEP’s control and the structure of the protected cell of EIS, management concluded that AEP is the primary beneficiary of the protected cell and is required to consolidate the protected cell of EIS. The insurance premium expense to the protected cell for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $15 million and $13 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 was $28 million and $27 million, respectively.  See the tables below for the classification of the protected cell’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.  The amount reported as equity is the protected cell’s policy holders’ surplus.

Transource Energy was formed for the purpose of investing in utilities which develop, acquire, construct, own and operate transmission facilities in accordance with FERC-approved rates. AEP has equity and voting ownership of 86.5% with the other owner having 13.5% interest. Management has concluded that Transource Energy is a VIE and that AEP is the primary beneficiary because AEP has the power to direct the most significant activities of the entity and AEP’s equity interest could potentially be significant. Therefore, AEP is required to consolidate Transource Energy. In January 2014, Transource Missouri (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Transource Energy) acquired transmission assets from the non-controlling owner and issued debt and received a capital contribution to fund the acquisition. The majority of Transource Energy’s activity resulted from the asset acquisition, construction projects, debt issuance and capital contribution. AEP has provided capital contributions to Transource Energy of $38 million and $47 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively. AEP and the other owner of Transource Energy are required to ensure a specific equity level in Transource Missouri upon completion of projects or if a project is abandoned by the RTO. See the tables below for the classification of Transource Energy’s assets and liabilities on the balance sheets.

The balances below represent the assets and liabilities of the VIEs that are consolidated. These balances include intercompany transactions that are eliminated upon consolidation.
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
September 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.8

 
$
109.2

 
$
18.9

 
$
11.8

 
$
1,038.7

 
$
163.5

 
$
179.4

 
$
12.2

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
123.6

 
165.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
298.5

Other Noncurrent Assets
63.9

 
78.8

 
128.1

(a)
314.7

(b) 
10.3

 
1,210.4

(c)
1.7

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
32.0

 
$
98.2

 
$
46.9

 
$
25.0

 
$
948.2

 
$
242.6

 
$
47.7

 
$
35.4

Noncurrent Liabilities
217.0

 
255.7

 
98.8

 
300.2

 
0.6

 
1,113.2

 
91.1

 
127.2

Equity
0.3

 

 
1.3

 
1.3

 
100.2

 
18.1

 
42.3

 
153.6

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
249.3

 
$
353.9

 
$
147.0

 
$
326.5

 
$
1,049.0

 
$
1,373.9

 
$
181.1

 
$
316.2


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $60.2 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $3.8 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $62.9 million.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Registrant Subsidiaries
 
Other Consolidated VIEs
 
SWEPCo
Sabine
 
I&M
DCC Fuel
 
OPCo
Ohio
Phase-in-
Recovery
Funding
 
APCo
Appalachian
Consumer
Rate Relief
Funding
 
AEP Credit
 
TCC Transition Funding
 
Protected
Cell
of EIS
 
Transource
Energy
 
(in millions)
ASSETS
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Assets
$
61.7

 
$
91.1

 
$
31.2

 
$
18.5

 
$
925.7

 
$
234.1

 
$
165.3

 
$
10.8

Net Property, Plant and Equipment
147.0

 
159.9

 

 

 

 

 

 
227.2

Other Noncurrent Assets
61.8

 
84.6

 
162.0

(a)
332.0

(b) 
6.4

 
1,365.7

(c)
1.9

 
5.5

Total Assets
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
Current Liabilities
$
47.7

 
$
84.8

 
$
47.3

 
$
27.1

 
$
855.1

 
$
291.7

 
$
41.8

 
$
36.6

Noncurrent Liabilities
222.3

 
250.8

 
144.6

 
321.5

 
0.3

 
1,290.0

 
83.9

 
113.0

Equity
0.5

 

 
1.3

 
1.9

 
76.7

 
18.1

 
41.5

 
93.9

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
270.5

 
$
335.6

 
$
193.2

 
$
350.5

 
$
932.1

 
$
1,599.8

 
$
167.2

 
$
243.5


(a)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $76.1 million.
(b)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $4.0 million.
(c)
Includes an intercompany item eliminated in consolidation of $68.2 million.

Non-Consolidated Significant Variable Interests

DHLC is a mining operator which sells 50% of the lignite produced to SWEPCo and 50% to CLECO.  SWEPCo and CLECO share the executive board seats and voting rights equally.  Each entity guarantees 50% of DHLC’s debt.  SWEPCo and CLECO equally approve DHLC’s annual budget.  The creditors of DHLC have no recourse to any AEP entity other than SWEPCo.  As SWEPCo is the sole equity owner of DHLC, it receives 100% of the management fee.  SWEPCo’s total billings from DHLC for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $15 million and $30 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $43 million and $59 million, respectively.  SWEPCo is not required to consolidate DHLC as it is not the primary beneficiary, although SWEPCo holds a significant variable interest in DHLC.  SWEPCo’s equity investment in DHLC is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on SWEPCo’s balance sheets.

SWEPCo’s investment in DHLC was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from SWEPCo
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

 
$
7.6

Retained Earnings
12.7

 
12.7

 
7.7

 
7.7

SWEPCo’s Guarantee of Debt

 
92.7

 

 
82.9

Total Investment in DHLC
$
20.3

 
$
113.0

 
$
15.3

 
$
98.2



AEP and FirstEnergy Corp. (FirstEnergy) have a joint venture in Potomac-Appalachian Transmission Highline, LLC (PATH). PATH is a series limited liability company and was created to construct, through its operating companies, a high-voltage transmission line project in the PJM region.  PATH consists of the “West Virginia Series (PATH-WV),” owned equally by subsidiaries of FirstEnergy and AEP, and the “Allegheny Series” which is 100% owned by a subsidiary of FirstEnergy.  Provisions exist within the PATH-WV agreement that make it a VIE.  AEP has no interest or control in the “Allegheny Series”.  AEP is not required to consolidate PATH-WV as AEP is not the primary beneficiary, although AEP holds a significant variable interest in PATH-WV.  AEP’s equity investment in PATH-WV is included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheets.  AEP and FirstEnergy share the returns and losses equally in PATH-WV.  AEP’s subsidiaries and FirstEnergy’s subsidiaries provide services to the PATH companies through service agreements.  The entities recover costs through regulated rates.
In August 2012, the PJM board cancelled the PATH Project, the transmission project that PATH was intended to develop and removed it from the 2012 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan.  In September 2012, the PATH Project companies submitted an application to the FERC requesting authority to recover prudently-incurred costs associated with the PATH Project.  In November 2012, the FERC issued an order accepting the PATH Project’s abandonment cost recovery application, subject to settlement procedures and hearing.  The parties to the case have been unable to reach a settlement agreement and in March 2014, settlement judge procedures were terminated.  Hearings at FERC were held in March and April 2015. In April 2015, PATH filed a stipulation agreement with the FERC that agreed to a 50% debt and 50% equity capital structure and a 4.7% cost of long-term debt for the entire amortization period. In September 2015, the Administrative Law Judge who conducted the hearings issued an Initial Decision, which if adopted by the FERC, would deem certain costs not recoverable. The Initial Decision has no binding effect. Additional briefing was submitted during the fourth quarter of 2015. The case is currently pending before FERC. Depending on the outcome of this proceeding, PATH-WV may be required to refund certain amounts that have been collected under its formula rate. Management believes its financial statements adequately address the potential impact of this proceeding.

AEP’s investment in PATH-WV was:
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on
the Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
(in millions)
Capital Contribution from AEP
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

 
$
18.8

Retained Earnings
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

 
2.2

Total Investment in PATH-WV
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0

 
$
21.0



As of September 30, 2016, AEP’s $21 million investment in PATH-WV was included in Deferred Charges and Other Noncurrent Assets on the balance sheet.  If AEP cannot ultimately recover the investment related to PATH-WV, it could reduce future net income and cash flows.

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

Total AEPSC billings to the Registrant Subsidiaries were as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Company
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
55.3

 
$
63.7

 
$
165.7

 
$
164.7

I&M
 
32.7

 
37.5

 
97.7

 
102.1

OPCo
 
39.4

 
48.5

 
123.2

 
128.6

PSO
 
23.6

 
29.9

 
77.1

 
77.8

SWEPCo
 
31.4

 
39.2

 
101.2

 
102.6



The carrying amount and classification of variable interest in AEPSC’s accounts payable are as follows:
 
 
September 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Company
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
As Reported on the
Balance Sheet
 
Maximum
Exposure
 
 
(in millions)
APCo
 
$
20.0

 
$
20.0

 
$
25.8

 
$
25.8

I&M
 
11.0

 
11.0

 
16.6

 
16.6

OPCo
 
13.9

 
13.9

 
23.3

 
23.3

PSO
 
7.8

 
7.8

 
12.6

 
12.6

SWEPCo
 
11.8

 
11.8

 
16.4

 
16.4



AEGCo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AEP, is consolidated by AEP. AEGCo owns a 50% ownership interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 1, leases a 50% interest in Rockport Plant, Unit 2 and owns 100% of the Lawrenceburg Generating Station. AEGCo sells all the output from the Rockport Plant to I&M and KPCo.  AEGCo has a Unit Power Agreement associated with the Lawrenceburg Generating Station which was assigned by OPCo to AGR effective January 1, 2014.  AEP has agreed to provide AEGCo with the funds necessary to satisfy all of the debt obligations of AEGCo.  I&M is considered to have a significant interest in AEGCo due to these transactions.  I&M is exposed to losses to the extent it cannot recover the costs of AEGCo through its normal business operations.  In the event AEGCo would require financing or other support outside the billings to I&M and KPCo, this financing would be provided by AEP. Total billings to I&M from AEGCo for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $65 million and $67 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were $166 million and $182 million, respectively. The carrying amount of I&M’s liabilities associated with AEGCo as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $17 million and $17 million, respectively. Management estimates the maximum exposure of loss to be equal to the amount of such liability. For additional information regarding AEGCo’s lease, see “Rockport Lease” section of Note 13 in the 2015 Annual Report. The assets and liabilities of AEGCo’s Lawrenceburg Plant have been recorded as Assets Held for Sale and Liabilities Held for Sale, respectively, on the balance sheet as of September 30, 2016. See “Assets and Liabilities Held For Sale” section of Note 6 for additional information.