Common Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Common Shareholders' Equity

12. COMMON SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Great Plains Energy has an effective shelf registration statement for the sale of unspecified amounts of securities with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that was filed and became effective in March 2012.

Great Plains Energy has 6.0 million shares of common stock registered with the SEC for its Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan. The plan allows for the purchase of common shares by reinvesting dividends or making optional cash payments. Great Plains Energy can issue new shares or purchase shares on the open market for the plan. At December 31, 2012, 1.5 million shares remained available for future issuances.

Great Plains Energy has 14.3 million shares of common stock registered with the SEC for a defined contribution savings plan. Shares issued under the plan may be either newly issued shares or shares purchased in the open market. At December 31, 2012, 2.0 million shares remained available for future issuances.

Treasury shares are held for future distribution upon issuance of shares in conjunction with the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Great Plains Energy's articles of incorporation restrict the payment of common stock dividends in the event common equity is 25% or less of total capitalization. In addition, if preferred stock dividends are not declared and paid when scheduled, Great Plains Energy could not declare or pay common stock dividends or purchase any common shares. If the unpaid preferred stock dividends equal four or more full quarterly dividends, the preferred shareholders, voting as a single class, could elect the smallest number of directors necessary to constitute a majority of the full Board.Certain conditions in the MPSC and KCC orders authorizing the holding company structure require Great Plains Energy and KCP&L to maintain consolidated common equity of at least 30% and 35%, respectively, of total capitalization (including only the amount of short-term debt in excess of the amount of construction work in progress). Under the Federal Power Act, KCP&L and GMO generally can pay dividends only out of retained earnings.The revolving credit agreements of Great Plains Energy, KCP&L and GMO contain a covenant requiring each company to maintain a consolidated indebtedness to consolidated total capitalization ratio of not more than 0.65 to 1.00.

As of December 31, 2012, all of Great Plains Energy's and KCP&L's retained earnings and net income were free of restrictions. As a result of the above restrictions, Great Plains Energy's subsidiaries had restricted net assets of approximately $2.8 billion as of December 31, 2012. The restrictions are not expected to affect the Companies' ability to pay dividends at the current level in the foreseeable future.